Thunder News Flash – October 16, 2021

This week the students learned about another very important person who helped to build the mosaic that was Jesus’ life – his mother, Mary.  Jesus is often referred to as the head of the Church, and as Mary is his mother, she is often called the mother of the Church.  Mary embodied the characteristics of a loving mother by being humble, living a simple life, and being charitable and generous.  Today it is more challenging to live out all of these qualities in this fast paced world, but Mary can still be an inspiration to all of us and someone who we can try to imitate.  At our virtual assembly, the students were asked to think about their own mothers, and other people in their lives who exhibit the qualities of Mary.  We also prayed the rosary together, even though we were apart, to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On Monday, October 18th your child will be bringing home their Interim Progress Report.  This Progress Report focuses on learning behaviours, which certainly can have an impact on academic success in the classroom.  Many children, especially those in the younger grades, are still learning how to be students in a classroom, and in a new grade.  They may have some check marks in the “still working on” column and this is to be expected, especially this early in the school year.  If these learning behaviours continue to be inconsistent, this may help to form some of the goals that will be developed and discussed at the Parent/Teacher Interviews in November.

We have also added a new section to the end of the Interim Progress Report, which will be found on each Progress Report this year.  This is the “Communicating Student Learning Schedule”.  Student self-reflections on the Core Competencies will be coming home three times during the school year, rather than all of them being sent home in June.  This schedule helps parents know where we are in the assessment process throughout the school year.

Are you a member of St. Joseph’s Parish?  The Regional Education Committee (REC) is looking for one more member to represent St. Joseph’s Parish at our monthly meetings,  Please contact Tasha for more information by clicking here. 

Just a reminder that if you are using the drop off lane in the morning, parents should remain in their vehicles.  Students should be able to remove their seatbelt, open and close the vehicle door, and get their backpack all on their own.   Parents using the drop off lane are often in a hurry to get to work, so the line needs to move quickly.  If your children still need assistance, please park in the parent parking lot where there is no need to rush.

Nominations are being accepted until January 7, 2022, for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education.  Bestowed annually, these awards recognize education professionals who have made exceptional contributions to benefit their school, students and communities.  Please visit the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Education by clicking here or read the news release for more information by clicking here to learn how you can nominate deserving candidates.

Just a reminder that there will be no school on Friday, October 22nd for the Provincial Pro-D Day.

If you received a YL Navy Blue Dry Fit Short Sleeve Shirt in your order by mistake, please return it to the office ASAP, as it is missing from a family’s order.  Thank you!

A new fundraiser will start next week!  You can buy Panago Pizza gift certificates for $12/each.  This certificate buys you 1 medium Panago pizza from their Menu or Create your Own and includes Gluten Smart Pizzas!  Multiple certificates can be used in one order and are accepted at any Panago location.  More info to come next week.  The school earns $4/certificate sold!

Please complete a Daily Health Check with your child each day before they come to school.  The easiest way to do this is to go to the BC K-12 Health Check website by clicking here.  Please also remember that adults and children in Kindergarten – Grade 7 are required to wear masks in indoor spaces.  These proactive steps will help us all remain safe and healthy.