The Patrioteer – October 4, 2024

Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian saint who lived during the 12th century.

St. Francis is known for his love of animals and there are many stories of him taming wild animals and preaching the word of God to them. In one such story St. Francis tames a wolf that had been terrorizing a small city. By invoking the sign of the cross and the name of Jesus, St. Francis brokers peace between the townspeople and the once-ravenous wolf. From that day forward the wolf was fed by the townspeople and in turn he protected and guarded their town. This story shows us that through God we can put aside our differences and work together. How often do we forget to ask for God’s help when a problem arises? St. Francis urges us to put our faith in God as even nature bends to God’s will. 

The popular Prayer of St. Francis is a favourite one of mine. It is a good reminder to seek to be a channel of God’s peace and not put yourself before others. 

St. Francis and St. Jude, pray for us! 

Care Days are the last Fridays of the month and are days when students are reminded to care for others. These are dress down days following a monthly theme and have a 12pm dismissal. Students may wear a shirt following the Care Day theme or they may come to school in Patriot wear as is permitted every Friday or they may wear their uniform.

As we did last year, we have done an EFT of $18.00 for all 9 of our Care Days. The money collected has been used to support various local charities. The EFT is scheduled for October 18, 2024. If you choose to not participate, please email bookkeeper@stjude.ca. 

Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up on Thursday, October 24th. The purpose of Parent Teacher Interviews is for the teacher and the parent/guardian(s) to discuss the child’s behaviour, habits, attitude, and performance. The conversations are to focus on goals for the child and the strategies to implement at home and at school so that greater learning can happen. It is also an opportunity to raise and address concerns. It is not an opportunity to discuss other children or other teachers.

There will be no school on this day, and we do not recommend that children attend the interview.

To book your time slot, please visit this link: https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/bmrrc

Alternatively, you can go to: www.schoolinterviews.ca
Event code: bmrrc

If none of the posted times work, please email your child’s teacher to set up an alternate time to meet.

This week our students participated in the 2024 CISVA Cross Country Meet. They had a blast experiencing the joys of running with friends from other CISVA schools and the weather was lovely too! 

Thank you to Mr. C and Mr. Mow for helping organize and Mrs. Nguyen for supporting in the stands! 

The Grade Seven girls showed awesome school spirit and Patriot pride at the St. Andrews Volleyball tournament this week. Go Patriots! 

Thank you to Mr. Velasquez for coaching and Mrs. Chao for being their teacher sponsor!

On October 16 we will be celebrating the baptisms of 6 of our students at our weekly mass.

Edmund in Gr 7, Sherlyn in Gr 6, Leo in Gr 5, Sherwin in Gr 3 and Elsa in Gr 2. 

Please pray for these children as they begin their lives in Christ. 

With Halloween fast approaching, St. Jude School will allow students to dress in costumes on Thursday, October 31, 2023.

Please ensure that your child’s costume is appropriate and suitable for our Catholic school community. Those who dress as Saints or Biblical Characters will receive special prizes!

Students are not permitted to wear the following:
● Any costume that covers the face. Staff members must be able to identify
students.
● Costumes that are provocative, revealing, sexual in nature, or employ questionable props, including fake weapons.
● Costumes that depict violence, alcohol, or drugs.
● Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, age, sexual orientation or religion.
● Costumes that mimic or imitate another person or group of people in our community.

Students who choose to not be in costume are to be in their school uniform.

The start of October means that pumpkin patches in the lower mainland have been opening up for visits. If you are looking for a fun fall family activity check out these patches:

Southlands farm in Vancouver, Richmond County Farms in Richmond, Westham Island Herb Farm in Delta, Rondriso Farms in Surrey. 

Monday – Saturday: 9 am morning Masses
Novena Mass on Wednesdays: 7:30 pm
Saturday anticipated Mass: 5 pm
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm