Thunder News Flash – March 9, 2024

A Lenten Adoration Night to bring your burdens to the Lord and get filled up. 

You are invited to an evening of Candle-lit Adoration here at St. James Parish on Saturday, March 23rd from 7 pm – 9 pm. 

Come, spend some quiet time before the Lord and prepare your heart for Holy Week so you can fully receive Jesus when Easter arrives. 

Stay for as little or as long as you like. Throughout the two hours, there will be times of gentle song and times of reverent silence, accompanied by the beautiful ambiance of candlelight. You will also have an opportunity to light a candle and bring it before Jesus.

Event and music will be facilitated by Jean-Paul and Mary-Rie de Fleuriot (faithroom.ca). We invite you to clear your calendar, invite your loved ones and come find rest in the Lord.  Please click on the link below to see the poster.

Lenten Adoration (3)

We wish all families a happy and fun-filled Spring Break, with many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in our community, or wherever you may travel to.  We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday, March 25th.  Due to Spring Break, the next Thundernews Newsflash will be on Saturday, March 30th.

Zumbathon – April 26, 2024:  

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, Zumbathon 2024, is coming up on Friday, April 26, 2024!  Information packages, including pledge sheets and envelopes were sent home to each family this past week.  This year will be the start of a 3 year initiative to raise money for new playground equipment for our school.  A large portion of the money we raise each year will go towards new playground equipment for our school. 

We will have some great prizes that can be won.  Students will earn 1 raffle ticket for every $10 that they personally raise in pledges.  The students can use these raffle tickets to put into the prize raffle of their choice.  If you or your business would like to donate a prize, please contact Brandy Harris at catsyte@hotmail.com.  Thank you for your consideration! 

 Together we can raise $25,000!

Wake & Shake

For mental health / dancing.  Dates / times Mondays & Wednesdays – 8:10 – 8:25

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new initiative at our school that we believe will bring joy and positive energy to the start of every school day.

🌟 Introducing “Wake and Shake” 🌟

Starting Monday, April 8th, we will be hosting a Before School Dance Program led by Mrs. Lavrikova, called “Wake and Shake,” every Monday and Wednesday from 8:10 to 8:25 in the gym. This short and energetic session is designed to kickstart the day on a positive note, fostering not just physical well-being but also promoting mental health benefits such as stress reduction and increased positivity.  Students, staff and parents are invited!

Here’s a sneak peek into what “Wake and Shake” has in store:

💃 Fun-filled dance routines

🎶 Energizing music to uplift spirits

😊 Stress-busting and mood-boosting activities

🤝 Building a sense of community and camaraderie  

⏰ Conveniently scheduled before school starts

We believe that a positive start can set the tone for the entire day, and “Wake and Shake” aims to do just that! We encourage all students to join in on the excitement and experience the numerous benefits that this program has to offer.

Let’s make mornings memorable and full of positive vibes with “Wake and Shake”!

If you are planning to drive for a field trip we must have your current ICBC insurance documents on file with the school, a current copy of the Driver Authorization form on file, and a Criminal Record Check (CRC) Form  The Driver Authorization form is on the School Website under forms.

If you are unsure if your CRC is up to date, please contact the office after Spring Break.

Dear St. James Community, we have 2 staffing updates to bring to you at this time:

1 – It is with mixed emotions that I share with you today the news of Mrs. Di Palma’s departure from our school, at the end of this school year. After more than a decade of dedicated service as our beloved Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Di Palma has made the difficult decision to pursue a new opportunity closer to her home. She has accepted a position for September at St. Matthew’s.  While we are happy for her as she embarks on this new chapter in her life, it is indeed bittersweet to bid farewell to a cherished member of our school family.

For over ten years, Mrs. Di Palma has been the heart and soul of our Kindergarten program, touching the lives of countless children and families with her love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Catholic education. Her warmth, patience, and nurturing spirit have created a safe and loving environment where our youngest learners have flourished and grown in faith.

As we reflect on the countless memories shared and the profound impact Mrs. Di Palma has had on our school community, we are filled with gratitude for her years of service and commitment. Her passion for teaching, genuine care for each child, and an unwavering faith have left a lasting mark on our hearts and minds.

While we will miss Mrs. Di Palma dearly, we take comfort in knowing that the seeds of love and knowledge she has planted will continue to bloom and flourish in the hearts and minds of our students for years to come. As she embarks on this new journey closer to home, let us extend our heartfelt wishes for success, happiness, and fulfillment in all her future endeavours.

To Mrs. Di Palma, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ten years of dedicated service, your unwavering commitment to our school, and the love and care you have shown to each and every child who has had the privilege of being in your classroom. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy will live on in the countless lives you have touched and the hearts you have enriched.

May God bless you abundantly on your journey ahead, Mrs. Di Palma, and may His love and grace guide you every step of the way.

2 – Message from the Principal:

Dear St. James & St. Ann’s Catholic School Community,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from our beloved school. It has been an honour to serve as a part of this warm and welcoming community, and I will cherish the memories we’ve created together.  I have been appointed the new Principal at St. Bernadette’s Catholic School starting September 1st, 2024.  

While it’s bittersweet to leave, I firmly believe that sometimes God has a plan for us, guiding us to new opportunities and challenges. Rest assured, I am fully committed to working hard for the remainder of the year, ensuring the continued success of our students and the realization of our shared goals and projects.

As I embark on this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned and the bonds forged here at St. James. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have made a difference in the lives of our students, and I am immensely grateful for the privilege to have been a part of this journey.

With warm regards,

Julianne Lee

When we return from Spring Break, it will be Holy Week.  We have special Holy Thursday stations for all of the students led by the Gr 7’s in the morning and then the Gr 6 class will lead us in the Stations of the Cross at 12:10 at St. James Church.  Everyone welcome.  12:55pm Dismissal.