Thunder News Flash – November 10, 2018

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  Then Jesus went on to explain that the second commandment was to “Love your neighbour as yourself”.  In light of Remembrance Day, and this year’s school theme, we should take some time over this long weekend to reflect on these two commandments.  Are we following these commandments the best that we can?  Who exactly is our neighbour?  When we watch the news and see all the things that are happening in our world, has the world lost sight of these commandments, and is there anything that we can do to change things?  Sometimes it seems like things are hopeless, but we need to remember that hope shines brightest in the darkest moments.  With a focus on God, and kindness in our words and actions, we can make a change in this world.

The Abbotsford Judo Club will be holding their after school program in the gym at St. James & St. Ann’s School for students in Grades 1 – 3.  The program will take place on Fridays beginning on November 16th from 2:30 – 3:30pm, and has 16 spots available.  Please see the Judo School Schedule by clicking here.  If you are interested in having your child participate in this Judo program, please click here to get the Sign Up Sheet – print the sheet, fill it out, and either email it to the address provided, or take it directly to the Abbotsford Judo Club.  You will also need to complete the Individual Membership Registration Form, which you can get by clicking here.  The cost of the program is $150 and your payment can either be taken with the forms to the Abbotsford Judo Club, or brought to the first class.  Please remember that there are only 16 spots available, and these will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  A poster regarding the program is available by clicking here.

Just a reminder that the Shopfunds gift card orders are due back to the school with payment on Tuesday, November 13th.  Gift cards make wonderful Christmas gifts, treats for yourself, or your regular grocery shopping easier.  Happy shopping!

We are noticing that there are a number of children who are remaining inside the school hallways in the morning, and would like your help with encouraging your children to go outside when they arrive at school before the 8:25 warning bell.  This is such an important time for them to socialize with their friends, get some fresh air and be active before they start their school day.  Students who engage in regular outdoor activities are much more ready to learn when they come inside, as their physical and social needs are taken care of.  So, let’s work together to ensure your children have an optimal learning experience once that school bell rings!

Thank you very much to everyone who bought in their extra Halloween candy to donate to NightShift.  If you still have candy to donate, please bring it directly to the school office.  Your donations are very much appreciated and will definitely help those in need.  

As a staff we regularly review our procedures and protocols in order to ensure that things are running smoothly at the school, and in light of this we are making a change to how students are dismissed after sports practices/games and club meetings.  Parents or caregivers will now be required to park their vehicles and come into the school to pick up their children when extra-curricular activities end.  Students will not be allowed to walk to the parking lot, or the SJB parking lot, on their own.  Please note that this change is being made in an effort to ensure the safety of all children, as that is always our primary concern.

The next Work Bee will take place on Saturday, November 17th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.  While we can never be sure what the weather will be like, there is quite a bit of outside work that we would like to accomplish if possible.  If you are scheduled to attend this Work Bee, or are planning to come to make up for a Work Bee that you have missed, we would appreciate it if parents could bring rakes or clippers/trimmers with them.

This is just a reminder that the school will be closed on the following days in November, and there will be no staff at school on any of these dates:

• November 12th – this is a day off in lieu of Remembrance Day
• November 23rd – this is a Professional Development Day

Due to the priests being away next week for their study week, our November school Mass will be changed to Wednesday, November 21st at 9:00am at St. James Church.  The Grade 4 class will still be in charge of this Mass, and we hope that you will be able to join us.

The Grade 5 class is collecting items for the Prison Ministry that will be used to create Christmas bags for the inmates.  If you are able to bring in any of the following items it would be greatly appreciated:

• candy canes
• notebooks
• pencils
• pens (without springs)

These items can be dropped off at the school office from November 13th – 16th.