Thunder News Flash – February 10, 2018

Preparing our children for Lent is an important task for the Catholic parent and teacher alike. In a world that often promotes a mindset of instant gratification and short term happiness attained through materialistic possession, Lent becomes the perfect antidote. In Lent we are called upon to reflect and pray. In Lent we are called upon to sacrifice for self improvement. In Lent we are called upon to give to others. In his talk on preparing for Lent, Pope Francis encourages us to “take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting and prayer.” I encourage all of our families to think and pray about how this Lenten season can become an opportunity to renew our faith and our commitment to living the Gospel. 

This year Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day. As a result, we are moving any activities associated with Valentines Day to February 13. We will have a dress down day on the 13th. We are encouraging students to wear Valentines Day colours (red, pink, purple, white) and to bring in a loonie or toonie as a donation to Chalice. If your child is planning to distribute Valentines Cards that day please be aware of our policy that a Valentine Card must be given to each student in the classroom. Messages must be appropriate and friendly. Given that Lent begins the next day, I do encourage families to approach Valentines with a spirit of simplicity. 

Please be aware that on Tuesday, February 13, we will be serving pancakes and sausages as a part of our Shrove Tuesday tradition. If your child does not wish to eat pancakes and sausages then they should bring their own lunch to school that day.  

We have noticed that a growing number of families are filling out the Hot Lunch forms incorrectly and this is causing problems when trying to place orders. On our next Hot Lunch order form we will be attaching a sample Hot Lunch form that will show how to fill out the forms as a way to reduce confusion and problems. This month’s Hot Lunch Form is due February 13th and we ask for your cooperation in completing the form accurately and clearly. Thank you.

When your child is absent from school, you are invited to go onto the Saint James and Saint Ann’s website https://www.stjameselementary.ca and under the Parents tab there is an Absentee Note link.  After clicking on the link you will be directed to the online Absentee Note. Once you have completed this page you click “Send Message” and an email will be sent to the school and this will be sufficient to alert the school of your child’s absence from school and qualify for government funding.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

Tax receipts are available for pick up from the school office. Please try to pick up the tax receipts by the end of next week. Thank you.

Please look through the Lost and Found. Items still in the Lost and Found by February 16, will be donated to charity.