Thunder News Flash – May 18, 2019

This weekend we celebrate the fifth Sunday of the Easter season, and in the Gospel from John we hear what Jesus wants all of us to do.  “A new command I give to you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Everyone has the ability to love others, from a baby to the elderly.  Love is not a talent that is reserved for a few, or a skill that must be developed before it can be shared with others.  But if this is true, and if this is what God asks of us, why is it that every day the news is full of acts of hate and violence in every corner of the world?  Through small acts of charity and kindness we can begin to make loving acts a habit that will be an example to others.  This weekend and always let us remember to act like disciples, spreading Jesus’ love to others, and giving us a taste of perfect love in the life to come.

Please note these important dates in May:

• Monday, May 20th – Victoria Day – No School
• Wednesday, May 29th – Confirmation Mass at St. James Parish
• Thursday, May 30th – Thunderwear Thursday

Many of our school families enjoy the practice of attending morning Mass together, and we certainly support this.  Please note that when the school students attend morning Mass, and they arrive in class after the 8:30 bell, they are not considered late.  They are asked to come to the office to check in, as the attendance bins have often already been sent to the office, and they are given a “late slip” which is simply the way that their classroom teacher knows that they have checked in.  However, they are not marked as “late” in our attendance records.

Fraser Health is continuing to hold mass clinics to catch up children who are not immunized against the measles.  If your child is behind in their vaccinations you will have received a letter from Fraser Health in the last few weeks.  For information about these mass clinics, please click here. 

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.

A revised copy of the Parent Handbook will be available on the school’s website next week.  Please pay particular attention to revisions and additions regarding screen time, learning resources, student use of school-based technology, school functions, and the uniform policy.  However, please note that changes that were made and shared with parents at our Annual General Meeting through the Re-Registration Package are for the 2019-2020 school year and will be updated in the Parent Handbook in August.

On June 1st Advokate will be sponsoring the 30th annual Walk for Life at Mill Lake Park.  Money raised from this fun, family activity will go to support several Advokate initiatives including the Hope for Women Pregnancy Services.  Brochures with more information will be going home with the oldest child in each family next week.

St. John Brebeuf will be having an additional early dismissal day on May 22nd at 12:00pm.  The school busses will be leaving shortly after that and there will be no busses in the afternoon for our students who are dismissed at 2:30pm as usual.  We hope that parents will be able to make alternate pick up arrangements for their children, or take advantage of the Thunder Club, instead of having their children go home early that day.

The monthly Hospital Mass will take place on Sunday, May 26th at 4:00pm at the Sacred Space in the Abbotsford Hospital.  Any students wishing to read, please meet Mrs. Wakely at 3:45 at the Sacred Space.  This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our students and their families.