Thunder News Flash – May 3, 2019

This week the Kindergarten class led us in our school Mass as we celebrated the crowning of Mary.  Non-Catholics are often confused about our relationship with Mary, and wonder why we worship her.  The simple answer is that we don’t “worship” her, but instead we honour her and pray “through” her in her role as a mediator for us.  In his encyclical Mense Maio Blessed Pope Paul VI wrote that “Since Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise.”  May is a month which is typically warm and bursting forth with the beauty of nature.  It is a month of hope and brings much more sunlight, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.  It is therefore fitting that we honour Mary during May, as she reflects the light of Christ.

Please note these important dates in May:

• Sunday, May 5th – First Communion Mass at St. James Parish
• Wednesday, May 8th – Early dismissal at 12:55pm
• Friday, May 17th – No School
• Monday, May 20th – Victoria Day – No School
• Wednesday, May 29th – Confirmation Mass at St. James Parish

We had originally planned our June early dismissal day for Wednesday, June 5th.   However, due to their Graduation Mass, SJB needed to change this early dismissal day to Tuesday, June 4th.  In order to be aligned with their calendar as much as possible, we have decided that we will also change our early dismissal day in June to Tuesday, June 4th.  Please mark this change on your calendars.

On April 26th a devastating house fire meant that a family whose children attend St. Bernadette’s School lost most of their possessions. Thankfully nobody was hurt in the fire, but as you can imagine the family is still in shock and greatly in need.  They are currently living with their extended family, but will need much support.  A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help, so if you can provide this family with some financial assistance, please click here.  Any donation, large or small, would be greatly appreciated.

Why not celebrate the Easter season by joining the Parent Prayer Group in praying the rosary for our school community at 8:30am on Thursday mornings.  Please note that they meet each week in the school Library.  Small children and babies are welcome.

The next Work Bee will take place at the school on Saturday, May 11th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.  After this there will only be one more Work Bee in June for parents to earn their Parent Participation hours for the 2018-2019 school year.  If you still need to make up several hours for this year, please make every effort to attend these last two Work Bees.

The school will be hosting Community Coffee on Tuesday, May 7th at 8:30am in the school Library.  This is a wonderful opportunity for community members from both the school and the parish to join together for some coffee, treats and great conversation.  Bring your toddlers as well as there will be toys and colouring pages set out for those children who are not yet in school.  We hope to see you there!