Thunder News Flash – November 2, 2024

“All you holy men and women pray for us!”

We are all called to be saints. We are all called to live the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ daily in our lives. We are also called to recognize the holiness in others.

All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) is an opportunity to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history. Remembering and celebrating our saints has been a Christian tradition since the fourth century.

All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) commemorates all of the faithful departed — our friends, relatives, parishioners and community members. We remember and pray for the souls of the people in purgatory, and we also pray that we may one day join Christ and all of the saints in heaven. 

Let us pray for all those in our St. James and St. Ann’s community who have died in faith.

There will be no school this Friday, November 8th  – this is an in lieu day.  There will also be no school on Monday, November 11th for the Remembrance Day holiday.  Please note that Thursday, November 21st we will be having our Parent/Teacher Interviews, and there will be no school for the students.  The sign up link for these interviews will be sent home by email soon.  Friday, November 22nd is a Professional Day for the staff.

Please remember that this Wednesday, November 6th is an early dismissal day.

“Lest We Forget.”

Veterans want Canadians to understand the price of freedom. They are passing the torch to the people of Canada, so the memory of their sacrifices will continue, and the values they fought for will live on in all of us.  On November 11th, please take a moment with your family to remember and pray for all those who serve to keep us safe. 

The Grade 7 Class will be leading a very special assembly on Thursday, November 7th at 11:00am to help our students learn about more about Remembrance Day.  They have invited some veterans in our community to attend as special guest speakers. 

We invite and welcome parents to attend the special Remembrance Day assembly  –  Thursday, November 7th at 11:00am.

📅 Thursday, Nov 7 – Movie Night!

Join us for a fantastic evening as we gather to watch INSIDE OUT 2 on our big 16 x 9 screen! Expect plenty of snacks, popcorn, and fun. It’s the perfect chance to relax and enjoy a fun-filled movie night with our wonderful school community.  Movie night will be held on Thursday, Nov 7, 2024, at 6pm as there is no school on Friday, Nov 8th.  Tickets are $5 per person or $25 per family!  A great cost savings!  Doors open at 5:30pm.

Follow this link for more details  –    Movie POSTER (Print 11×7 Color) – Inside Out 2

This is a great opportunity to support the school and have a fun family night!  Please join us!

School uniforms can  promote a sense of school unity and school spirit. Like members of a sports team, students who wear uniforms feel like they are part of one group and therefore tend to perform better and care more about their school.  It is important that students come to school dressed in their proper school uniform each day.  This includes gym strip for Grades 2-7.  Students should have gym strip and running shoes at school in a gym bag and be ready to change for gym classes. 

Throughout the coming months, school staff will be paying particular attention to school uniforms.  We will be checking student uniforms, and sending home a note to inform parents if students are not wearing the proper uniform.  Please help your children wear their proper uniform with pride for our school.  Thank you!

Our school uniform policy is outlined in the St. James and St. Ann’s parent handbook.  2024-25 School Uniform Policy  

The safety of our students at St. James and St. Ann’s School is our highest priority.  Once again, we would like to remind parents to follow the pickup/drop off procedures as outlined in the Parent Handbook. 

If you are dropping off your children in the morning, please ensure that they are able to get out of the car independently, so that cars can move smoothly and efficiently through this area. If your children need assistance getting out of the car, please park in the parent parking lot.

When picking up students at the end of the day, please remind your child that you will be using the pick up lane and that they need to keep watch for your car. Students will be dismissed at 2:30 and students who are being picked up in the Pick Up Lane will be instructed to wait in the designated area. If your child is not in the waiting area when you pull up to the front of the line in the designated pick up area, parents will be asked to continue to drive through the lane and to either park in the parking lot or to drive around the block to re-enter the pickup lane. Please do not stop and/or leave your car in the pick up lane. We have had a number of issues with this and have had to direct cars around – this is a safety risk for both drivers and our students.  If your children need assistance getting in or out of the car, please park in the parent parking lot.   If there is a delay in the pick up / drop off lane – please remember there is to be absolutely no passing vehicles in the pick up / drop off lane (unless directed by a staff supervisor).

We would like traffic in this lane to move efficiently in the for the benefit of everyone.  We need to work together to ensure that procedures are followed and all our children are safe!

Good home-school communication is important to our school staff.  We want to be able to share your child’s joys and successes and to discuss any concerns and recommendations.  We want to answer any questions parents might have.  However, it is also important to have a good work – life balance.  Our teachers need to prioritise family time after hours and on weekends.  We thank parents for their understanding in respecting teachers’ stated email hours.  If you do need to email a teacher on a weekend – please note that they may not answer until Monday.   They too are spending family time at home.  Thank You!

St. James and St. Ann’s school offers a variety of fun sports and events. Please check the Newsflash each week for the most recent posts/ updates regarding the schedule of sports practices, games and events.  The dates of upcoming practices include:

VolleyBall

• • • • Monday, November 4th – 7:45-8:20am – Grade 6/7 Girls
      • Monday, November 4th – 2:40-3:30pm – Grade 5
      • Tuesday, November 5th – 7:45-8:20am – Grade 6/7 Boys
      • Tuesday, November 5th – 2:40-3:30pm – Grade 5
      • Wednesday, October 30 – 2:40-4:00pm – Grade 6/7 Boys and Girls  – Game @ Cornerstone

Just a gentle reminder that the Hot Lunch order for this month closes Sunday, November 3rd.

St. Ann’s Parish  Christmas Market on November 15th & 16th – Save the date!

St. Ann’s Parish will be holding a Christmas Market on November 15 & 16, 2024.  There will be vendors, pies, raffles, baskets, baking and a 50/50 draw.  On November 16, breakfast and lunch will be served by the Knights of Columbus.  It will be a Merry Place for all.  

Follow the link for more information – Christmas Market Poster 2024