Thunder News Flash – May 28, 2022

As we move from Public Health Orders to being “Health Aware”, here are some important reminders:

• complete a daily health check with your child – please click here to see the most up-to-date information regarding this
• monitor your children regularly for symptoms of illness – if they are sick, they should stay home.  Please click here for information about testing for COVID-19
• follow all of the provincial restrictions that are currently in place – please click here for the latest information
• follow all of the travel guidelines put in place federally – please click here for the latest information
• if you would like your child to wear a mask at school, please ensure they bring at least one mask with them to school each day
• seek reputable sources of information about COVID-19, such as the BCCDC, including how to protect yourself, your family and your community, and what to do if you suspect you have the virus by clicking here

We are excited to let you know that we will be celebrating the Confirmation Mass for the Grade 7 students on Monday, May 30th with Archbishop Miller, Fr. Ashley and Fr. Richard.  The Mass will take place at 7:00pm at St. James Church.  Thank you to all of the parents who have worked so hard throughout the years to help get their children ready for this special Sacrament, and to Mr. Sorley for preparing the students so well this school year.  We are very grateful that this year we are able to have extended family members and friends attend the Mass, and wish our Grade 7 students all of God’s blessings on this very special day.

This is the most amazing time of the year for the Kindergarten students to be able to observe the wonder and awe of God’s creations out in the forest.  Unfortunately, many of the parents who have signed up as supervisors for Outdoor Kindergarten through our Parent Participation Program have now completed their 20 hours, and without additional supervisors the Kindergarten class is unable to go off of our school property.  If you are in need of additional Parent Participation hours, OR if you enjoy the outdoors and want to see the world through the curious eyes of a 5 year old OR if you have another family member, such as a grandparent, who would like to volunteer their time, here is what we require:

• you must have a valid Criminal Record Check on file with the school
• you must be available from 8:45 – 10:00am on school days

If this sounds like something that you or another family member would love to do, or if you would like further information, please contact Mrs. Di Palma by email by clicking here. 

Once again our Lost and Found container is overflowing with items such as water bottles, jackets, Thunderwear, uniform pieces, etc.  These items will be placed outside the doors of the school, if the weather is nice, or inside the foyer of the school on May 30th and 31st for parents to look at.  Any items not claimed by June 1st will be donated.

While we had a very successful re-registration of our existing students, and will be welcoming many new students to the school in September, there are still some spaces available for the 2022-2023 school year.  If you know of any families who are considering sending their children to St. James & St. Ann’s School, we have a few spaces available in Kindergarten and Grades 5 and 6, and limited space in Grades 2 and 7.  The Application Package can be found on our school’s website or by clicking here. 

Do you have school uniform pieces that your children have outgrown, and you don’t know what to do with them?  Please consider donating them to the school to go into our consignment cupboard.  We will be having a huge sale of used uniform pieces on June 23rd and 24th – some items will be marked down to very affordable prices, and other items will be for sale by donation.  As you do your spring cleaning, we will happily take uniform pieces that are clean and in good condition.  You can simply drop them off at the school office and we will take care of the rest!

On Wednesday, June 1st, the Grade 3 and 6 classes, as well as a few helpers from Grades 5 and 7, will be leading the school in praying the Rosary to honour Mary, our Mother.  Please consider joining us in praying the Rosary in the Gym at 9:00am.  There is so much chaos and hardship right now, that the world needs our prayers.

There are two positions available on our Regional Education Committee (REC) for parishioners from Sts. Joachim & Ann Parish, as well as one position available for parishioners from St. Joseph’s Parish, Mission.  These positions are for two year terms, and fulfill your Parent Participation hours.  If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the REC, please contact our Chairperson, Tasha Mijinke, by clicking here.  

Our next early dismissal day for our monthly staff meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 8th.  As always, the students should bring a snack and lunch to school that day, and they will be dismissed at 12:55pm.

Our final fundraising program for the 2021-22 school year will launch this coming week:  The Shopfunds Gift Card Fundraiser.

• You pay face value for the gift cards!
• Many different participating retailers:  grocery stores, entertainment options, gas stations and so many more!
• For each gift card purchased, retailers offer a 3-10% kickback to our school!
• Many ways you can use gift cards:  purchase them to use at your favourite grocery store, purchase them for the retailers you plan to buy from or use them as gifts!

Look out for more information and order form coming this week and help support our school!