No. 14                                                                                            December 2017
President's Message
Dear Friends,
 
2017 St. Bon's Christmas Card featuring 
artwork by Charlie Bennett '22
This year, eighth grader Charlie Bennett '22 did a splendid job of designing our school Christmas card.  This card is a beautiful depiction of the three wise men following the Star of Bethlehem in search of the Christ child.  This iconic image reminds me of the importance of keeping in mind the true meaning of this time of the year.  The birth of Jesus is a time to rejoice and give thanks and at St. Bon's we are mindful of this.
 
It has always been a calling of Jesuit institutions around the world to serve the disadvantaged and marginalized.  This is an important value we instill in each student and we give witness to this in our deeds, not just our words.  Christmas is a time of giving and receiving, and, as members of a community that gives generously and receives gratefully, this time of year allows us to reflect on this kindness. 
 
During Christmas, I hope that you will take time to celebrate the accomplishments, traditions and commitments we share.  Thank you for your prayers and your financial support. 
 
May these holy days, and every day, be filled with peace and joy for you and your loved ones.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at St. Bon's to you and yours. 
 
God Bless,

 
Tom McGrath
President


10 Alumni Under 35 To Watch
We have just released our second issue of MAGIS  Magazine. This issue focuses on our Alumni and the great things that they are doing since graduating from St. Bon's. Copies of the 10 Alumni To Watch Under 35 issue have been sent home with the youngest in the family. You can also read about Daniel, Lesley, Maura, Sharee, Maria, Sister Julia, Kieran, Michael, Jeff & Patrick online by clicking the link here. This is an issue that we hope to continue in the future.
Annual Giving Appeal
As Christmas is a time of giving, we are hoping that you will consider making a donation to our Annual Giving Appeal. There are four different areas you can support: Greatest Need, the Bursary Endowment Fund, the Facilities & Campus Fund or the Alumni Scholarship. To learn more about our Annual Giving Appeal you can download the brochure here.  You can make a donation online by clicking the button below. Donations received on or before December 31st will receipt a tax receipt for the 2017 tax year. 

To those that have already donated, please know how grateful we are that you are helping to support our mission of forming Men And Women For and With Others.
2016-2017 Report of Appreciation
St. Bonaventure's College has been blessed to have a generous community of donors that support our mission of forming Men and Women For and With Others. Without these donors we would not be able to offer a Bursary Program, make necessary facilities and campus improvements or enhance our academic programs.

In November, we released our Report of Appreciation which acknowledges the donors that have made a donation (and received a tax receipt) to our school between August 1st, 2016 to July 31st, 2017. To view our 2016-2017 Report of Appreciation please click here.
Another Successful Fall Gala
On November 4 we held our annual Fall Gala - A Night In Italy at the beautifully decorated Glendenning Golf. Guests were treated to a fun filled evening with a champagne reception, an Italian themed music performance by St. Bon's students, a delicious Italian meal and Dessert Auction, an entertaining thank you video from our students, and enticing raffles and auction. 

This year's Gala will net approximately $63,000. The money raised will help complete the following projects*:
  • Renovate cafeteria in Holland Hall
  • Complete classroom repairs in Holland Hall
  • Continue replacement of school fencing
  • Renovate entrance to Mullock Hall
  • Upgrade lighting/PA in school gym/stage
  • Repair roofs in Holland and Mullock Hall
  • Chapel Restoration Work
  • Purchase Educational Apps for Holland Hall
  • Purchase Classroom Resources for Mullock Hall
* (These are subject to other health and life safety projects that may manifest considering the age of these buildings)

This event would not have been a success without the generous support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees. A special thank you to the members of our organizing committee for their tireless work to make this event such a resounding success. Thank you!
Holland Hall Students Spreading 
Christmas Cheer
Holland Hall students bring Christmas Cheer 
to various groups in our community
An annual tradition for the students in Holland Hall is to visit various groups throughout the city to perform Christmas Carols.

Some of the groups our students performed for include:
  • St. Clare's Hospital Tree Lighting
  • Presentation Covent
  • The Miller Centre
  • The Rooms
  • Sheraton Hotel
  • Delta Hotel
  • St. Patrick's Mercy Home
  • Sobeys on Merrymeeting Road
  • Veteran's Pavilion 
Being men and women for and with others extends beyond just financial support. Our students were able to spread Christmas joy throughout our community with their splendid performances. A special thank you to Ms. Brenda Gatherall for organizing and leading these performances
St. Bon's Students Give Back At Christmas
Co-Director of Campus Ministries Mr.  Raj  Vijaykumar, SJ, Rochelle Pope-Newman of the Pope Foundaiton and Claire Newman '22 brought St. Bon's donations to
 The Gathering Place earlier this month.
Each Christmas, during the hustle and bustle of this busy season, we encourage our students to take time to help those in our community that may need extra support during the Holiday season.

This year, in conjunction with The Pope Foundation, all of our K-12 students collected and supplied items to donate to The Gathering Place for Christmas Hampers - toiletries, socks and more. 

Grade 5 Students present Cheque to Fr. Schuck, SJ & Brother Joe, SJ on behalf of CJI
Our Grade 5 students also held their annual Social Justice Movie Day for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Students were asked to bring in a donation (up to $5) and the Grade 5 students also held a popcorn sale in the morning so the students had a snack to enjoy with the movie. The money raised  will  go to  Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), who are promoting the Go For Dollo Campaign in support of the Jesuit Refugee Service and their skills training centre in Dollo Ado, Ethiopia. We are happy to report that our students raised $1000 for this project, and a cheque was presented to Brother Joe and Father Schuck on behalf of CJI.

We are so proud of our young men and women for others!