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Mark Your Calendars
Important Upcoming Dates
Mar 13-24 Ireland Spring Break Trip
Mar 31 Jeans Day
Apr 04 Staff Meeting (Late Start)
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Upcoming Sporting Dates
Mar 08-11 | Sr. Boys AAA Provincials
Mar 29 | Inter-squad Meet at STMC
Mar 02-04| Provincial Championships
Check the
online calendar
for more details and times. Come and support our student-athletes! #rednation
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Spotlight on: STMC Drama
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| Emma Ciprian & Ron Sagarbarria |
As our drama students get closer and closer to the opening night of
High School Musical!, our intrepid Communications Assistant,
Bianca Te, managed to snag an exclusive interview with one of the stars of the show,
Emma Ciprian:
BT:
How long have you been involved in theatre?
EC: I have been involved in local theatre and theatre programs since I was about 9 or 10, but it has always been a driving factor in my life. I've always felt that it's really important to support theatre and the arts and doing so with my family as a kid definitely influenced my love of performing.
BT:
Why should people come and watch this year's musical?
EC: People should come see
High School Musical! because the production team, crew and cast have put so much into such a childhood classic. We know that people of all ages will love it and relate to it. As long as we are having fun on stage, I know the audience will have just as much fun watching, if not more!
Tickets are selling fast, make sure to buy yours during lunchtime in the school foyer or at tickets.shadboltcentre.com
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Snowy Days
We've had quite a lot of snowfall this past month, and some of our students took advantage to take some wintry wonderland glamour shots:
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Student Hi
ghlights
Communications Assistant
Bianca Te (see second photo above) has been doubling up this month on interviews, and was able to chat with two students who volunteered to have their hair cut for
Nobody Fights Alone. Here are their stories:
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Jocelle Refol (l) and Jocelle Refol 2.0 (r)
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BT:
Most girls want to have long hair for Grad. What made you want to cut your hair, despite graduation in June?
Jocelle Refol: Once I heard about the opportunity, I knew it was immediately something I wanted to do, but my hair for Grad was one cost I kept in mind. But it came down to what I valued more: giving back to others or one of the key events of my graduating year. And for myself, it was helping those who needed something more than me.
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Anthony Prpic: hairy (top), dashing (bottom)
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BT:
What inspired you to be a part of this?
Anthony Prpic: I shaved my head in support of the teachers in the school suffering from cancer. I felt as if the students around the school needed to show support and stand together with those affected.
If your son or daughter has any news worth sharing in the monthly newsletter, please contact Communications Manager
Mark Bradshaw at
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FRIEND, FOLLOW, VIEW, LIKE!
If you're interested in receiving instant STMC news and updates, as well as seeing silly pictures and/or special Bouwman-themed reminders, all you have to do is like us, view us, friend us or follow us (or all of the above).
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As we begin the 1st week of Lent let us be mindful of the significance of the season and our commitment to the Gospel values of: Almsgiving; Prayer; and Fasting. May our Lenten sacrifice strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ as we move toward Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
As we conclude our time before Spring Break, the school remains a very busy place and there is much to be appreciated and acknowledge:
- Congratulations to the many students in Gr. 8 -12 who achieved Honor Roll status during Term 1. Our hope is that they continue to provide their best effort in all that they do.
- Good luck to Ms. Webber and the entire cast and crew of our musical production: "High School Musical" at the Shadbolt Theatre on March 9-11. I would ask that you please support our students by attending the show.
- Congratulations to all of our winter athletic teams and their coaches. Our Wrestling and Field Lacrosse teams compete in Provincials this week under the guidance of Head Coaches Doug Corbett and Rich Peterson. Our Sr. boys basketball team under the direction of Coach Aaron Mitchell will be competing in Provincials next week. We are very proud of our accomplishments and wish all the best to our coaches and athletes.
- Please pray for all the teachers and students involved with our overnight Gr. 11/12 retreats which take place in the first week of April.
- Re-Registration for students currently in Gr. 8 - 11 is underway. This is a big job for our front office staff and your prompt response is essential in our planning for the 2017-18 school year. If you should have any concerns or questions please contact our main office. I plan to make myself available ( by appointment) over Spring Break if you need to speak with me.
Have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing Spring Break. God bless you.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever.
Mr. Michel DesLauriers
Principal
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Lent, Prayer & the Cause for Sainthood for Blessed Edmund Rice
Message from the President - Mrs. Neysa Finnie
I know the Cause for Sainthood for Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers who in turn founded St. Thomas More Collegiate, may seem, at first glance, like an unusual topic for a Family Bulletin. As we begin the Lenten season this year, we are reminded that the three pillars of Lent are prayer, almsgiving and fasting. This Lent, I am going to focus on prayer - and miracles.
Blessed Edmund Rice was beatified on October 6, 1996 after the Church investigated and recognized a medical miracle that was the result of people praying to the founder of the Christian Brothers for his intercession with God. The miracle was a recovery from a terminal medical condition that the patient's doctors could not explain. With beatification, Edmund Rice was declared a "blessed" member of the Church. This allows a limited form of veneration. Another miracle is needed between beatification and canonization, at which time a candidate would be declared a saint. (Source:
www.ercbna.org)
From a health perspective, we are in a bit of a desert. As you have read in prior announcements, several of our staff are experiencing serious health concerns. We know as faith-filled people that prayers are answered and miracles happen. We could use some miracles. Wouldn't it be incredible for a medical miracle to occur because we were all praying to Blessed Edmund Rice for his intercession with God for just such a miracle?
Please use this time of Lent to pray fervently and with childlike faith for a miracle. All things are possible with God.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts ... forever.
Mrs. Neysa Finnie
President
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Nobody Fights Alone
February 20-24, 2017
Last Friday, February 24th, our school concluded a week-long fundraiser called "Nobody Fights Alone" lead by our ACTION team. It started on Monday with posters put up around the school and the sale of red wristbands that read "Nobody Fights Alone". This is the first time that STMC has done this and it's centered on the health problems our staff have been facing, but we wanted it to be something more than that.
Nobody fights alone is for anyone and everyone faced with bullying, health problems, problems at home, problems with anything at all. This week was to emphasize that no one is alone and that STMC is a community that supports one another no matter what hardships they're faced with. On Wednesday we had our annual Pink Shirt Day for anti-bullying and on Friday we had a very special assembly. We had about 25 student volunteers, around 12 girls cutting their hair and 13 boys shaving their heads in support of our afflicted staff members. The girls' hair also got donated to an organization called "Wigs For Kids" who help make wigs for kids with cancer. In addition to the students, we had Mr. John Spanjers shave his head as well. In total we raised about $1,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Ricardo Desjardins, Grade 11
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| Ricardo Desjardins, Before and After |
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STMC International Winter Program
February 4 - 15, 2017
For the first two weeks in February, STMC welcomed 30 students and 2 teachers from Harbin, China, providing them with an 11-day introduction to school and Canadian life. Campus Minister Mr. David Mattiazzo, Communications Manager Mr. Mark Bradshaw, and Grad of '08 and former staff member Ms. Tiff Hill coordinated the program, with support from a dozen STMC student volunteers and 16 STMC homestay families.
For homestay parents, students and staff alike, the experience was highly memorable. We saw our visitors grow in confidence and English ability as the program went on, as charades and miming turned into sentences and conversations, and more than a few tears were shed as we waved goodbye.
Harbin students experienced Canadian life for the first time at home with their homestay families, as well as having a typical BC high school experience by integrating into a mix of classes with their STMC buddies. For students who are used to attending classes from 6:30am - 8:30pm, Monday to Saturday, it must have been quite the holiday!
We also visited the best of the Lower Mainland, taking trips to Science World, the Aquarium, Granville Island and Gastown, among others, as well as a fabulous day trip to Victoria and the Royal BC Museum. Needless to say, though, the real highlight was curling. Ok, that's a bit of a lie...Metrotown and the Richmond outlets were definitely the high points!
Our own STMC students were an integral part of the program, acting as both host brothers and sisters as well as volunteer buddies at school and on excursions. Friendships were made as everyone realized that we have far commonalities than differences. Although the differences were the source of much amusement too, of course!
The Winter Program is also an excellent source of fundraising for the school, and we are pleased to have contributed so much to the STMC community.
Thank you again to all who made the program such a success.
Next up, the Summer Program in July!
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Principal Search
Ongoing
The period for applications has now passed, and we are currently in the interview process. We anticipate that we will announce the hiring of our new leader in June 2017. The successful candidate will become our STMC Principal on August 1, 2017.
The search committee:
Neysa Finnie, STMC President, Search Committee Chair
Brother Ted Bassett, Christian Brothers
Natasha Chinnapen, STMC Math Department Head
Brent Christensen, Alumnus '89
Darrell Hall, STMC Faculty and former Principal
Caterina Kennedy, St. Michael School Principal
Nalini McIntosh, Parents Association
Ben Johnston, STMC Faculty and Alumnus '95
Julia Webber, STMC Vice Principal
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Hot Lunch
March
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| Click for March Schedule |
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After many years and countless hours of dedicated volunteer service to the STMC hot lunch program, the current hot lunch coordinator, Chris Rickaby, will be stepping down effective June 9, 2017.
As such, the Parents Association is
still looking for a dedicated volunteer to take on this dynamic position. If you are an experienced hot lunch veteran, or a newcomer to the tradition, or even just from the "Italian grandmother" school of thinking - good food is a joy best shared (especially with growing boys and girls!) - please consider volunteering. Chris will be available throughout the rest of the school year to provide mentorship and job shadowing, ensuring a more seamless transition into the position.
The kids of STMC LOVE hot lunch and it has grown to be a very popular offering! We are hoping to maintain this tradition for years to come, and you will be the key to maintaining and building the program. With your help, we can avoid having to reduce the number of hot lunch days, or even outsourcing to a third-party hot lunch company - options that may need to be put in place if a new coordinator cannot be found.
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Chris at
crickaby@me.com
Thanks,
The Parents Association
Please see the hot lunch page on the website for more information on hot lunches.
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Dance Team
The STMC dance team has started their competition season. The competition team members are Jocelle Refol (12), Lauryn Leung (12), Kristine Panganiban (9), Eunice Tamayo (9), Russell Anico (8) and Chayze Deza (8). The dance team placed 6th at Footloose Competition on Feb. 17th and placed 4th at Shamrock Competition on Feb. 25th. The dancers choreographed their own routine and put in countless hours preparing for the competitions. Congratulations to the dancers on a job well done!
Come and support the team at Dancity Competition at Windermere Secondary on May 12th!
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VPD Women's Personal Safety Workshop
April 20, 2017
Personal Safety, Be Prepared!
Come to a dynamic workshop taught by the
VPD Women's Personal Safety Team to learn how to feel confident and prepared if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation. This 2 hour class will teach you how to be more aware of your surroundings, potentially prevent violent behaviour from an attacker and how to effectively fight back.
 Participants need to wear comfortable clothing as the session is very active and hands-on practicing of offensive moves.
There is no cost to the workshop and it is open to all girls 16 and older and female staff.There are a limited number of spots so reserve now by contacting Audrey Suttorp at
audrey@suttorp.ca or
604-220-6995.
Please see our
website for more information and waiver forms.
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Counselling Workshop Series
Helping Your Child Through Loss and Grief Monday, March 6, 7-9PM
Presented by: Joanna Boyd (Class of '04), M.C.P, R.C.C with special guest Denis Boyd, M.A., R.Psych
Date & Time: Monday, March 6, 7-9PM
Location: School Cafeteria
Workshop Information: This presentation will address grief related to the death of a loved one or other major losses. Topics that will be addressed are: healthy (and unhealthy) grief reactions in children and adolescents (and adults), how to support your child through grief, what can be done to manage your own grief, factors that influence grief, and myths and inaccurate messages about grief.
Cost: $15/person or $25/couple
To Register: Contact us at Denis Boyd & Associates by phone: 604-931-7211 or by email at
info@denisboyd.com
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Boys Basketball Season: In Review
Sr. Boys - Provincials Bound!
The senior boys basketball team has qualified for the Provincial Championships again. This marks the 6th appearance in 7 years, which is a remarkable run! The Championships are
March 8-11 at the
Langley Events Centre. You can follow
this link for all the information, we hope that you can come and support the boys (while wearing a sweater or a hat from our
Fan Gear selection. Make sure you swing by and see
Alice Roder before you go cheer on STMC!!!)
Jr. Boys - Constant Improvement
Our Gr. 9 Boys Basketball team was an absolute pleasure to coach. The boys competed and played hard every practice and every game, developing their skills as players and maturing as people. Throughout the season, every single member contributed to the success of the team, highlighted by a first place finish at the Sutherland Sabres Classic. It was an honour and a privilege to coach these boys, coming full circle as a former player of this team many years ago. The team did everything we asked them and they should be proud to call themselves Knights. A special thank you to Coach Soares and Coach Harder for all their help and support throughout the year. The journey doesn't end here, and I hope to see them succeeding 'together' in the years to come.
- Coach Corbin (A special thanks to Coach Corbin from the school for all his hard work and dedication to the team, coming back as an alumnus despite being busy with university and other commitments)
Gr. 8 Boys - Hustle, Hardworking, All-Heart Brothers
The Grade 8 boys basketball team had a great season demonstrating tremendous individual and team growth. This year's team was comprised of a wonderful group of student athletes who generated the following core covenants for their season: Hustle, Hardworking, All-Heart and Brothers. These covenants infused our practices, our games, our attitudes, and our behaviours. This team battled hard all season long in the always competitive Lower Mainland Independent league and they made their way to the finals of two tournaments. They were also victorious over Notre Dame in all three season match-ups including an elimination playoff game. In their playoff semi-final game, they defeated the #1 seed St. George's with their best game of the year. A talented, hard-working, and respectful group of grade 8 basketball players have joined our school and we look forward to watching them continue to grow and develop as student athletes. Thank you for a great season!
-Coach Ben Johnston
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STMC Fan Gear
Show your support for STMC and look good in the process!
New to STMC this year is a selection of clothing and accessories tailored to adult supporters of our STMC Knights. The collection ranges from beautiful vintage-style sweaters and hoodies to sporty polos and baseball caps, with European-soccer-inspired scarves rounding out the collection.
Please check out our
Fan Gear page for more information, including the online catalogue and order form.
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Grad Pub Night | Thank You Donors!
Saturday, February 25
The entire Pub Knight committee would like to thank the STMC Class of 2017 parents, relatives, friends, neighbours, STMC staff and alumni for their great outpouring of support last Saturday.
From all accounts, everyone had a great time. There were plenty of items to bid on with over 140 items being donated for the Silent Auction. There was such great support, we believe nobody went home empty handed!
With huge STMC balloons, table cloths and centre pieces our Pub Knight certainly was a sight to behold. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to making this fundraiser such an enjoyable and successful event!
A special thanks to Gwen Harder and Dave Walker for organizing and leading everyone to a most successful evening.
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Japanese Visitation
February 17, 2017
On February 17, 2017, STMC
grade 9-11 students
hosted 60
students
from Hosho Jr High School in Japan. This event is a cultural highlight for our
students
and a fundraising highlight for our bursary program. This is the first year that Hosho Jr visited STMC. They chose to visit our school based on the wonderful experiences other
Japanese
schools have had visiting STMC.
The day began with a welcoming ceremony and cultural presentation. Karina Kramer, Elizabeth Liu and Angela Lu learned and performed the Japanese national anthem for our guests. Legacy Bartel Oca gave a speech welcoming our guests in both English and Japanese. The STMC Chamber Singers and the STMC dance team performed as part of our cultural presentation. Hosho Jr presented traditional Japanese activities and a traditional song. We then created buddy pairs, one Hosho Jr student with one STMC student. Our students introduced their buddy to the school through a school tour and they then attended class together. During lunch,
students
shared cultural artifacts, stories and many laughs.
The end of the day always comes too soon and it is clear that new friendships were formed. At the goodbye ceremony, we presented our new
Japanese
friends with a certificate honouring them as members of our community. We hope that Hosho Jr will visit STMC again next year.
Special thanks to Ms. Natasha Chinnapen for organizing this successful visitation.
 Check out our facebook page for more photos from the event!
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STMC Career Knight 2017
Thursday, March 30th 7:00pm - 9:00pm
SAVE THE DATE!
Come One! Come All!!
The Career Knight returns to STMC after a one year break. We will have over 25 speakers, most of whom will be alumni, representing a broad range of career possibilities. Students and parents will be able to hear 3 different 25 minute presentations during the evening. The presentations will take place in various locations in the school. The evening ends with a social in the cafeteria where attendees can mingle with the speakers in a more informal setting.
AGENDA FOR THE NIGHT!
Presentation 1: 7:00pm to 7:25pm
Presentation 2: 7:30pm to 7:55pm
Presentation 3: 8:00pm to 8:25pm
Social in the cafeteria: 8:25pm to 9:00pm
The event allows students to hear about career-related facts and make connections that can lead to potential mentorships that can last a lifetime. We can honestly say that this event has actually led to students finding future employment opportunities. How good is that?
We thank our speakers in advance for giving up their valuable time to attend this event. We hope that our students show their appreciation by attending the evening and taking
advantage of this unique opportunity. Interested alumni are also invited to attend. Our students can also invite their non-STMC friends too. This this is a great event, and we want to share it with our extended STMC community!
A list of actual career represented at the event will be made at a later date. If you have any questions, contact one of the people listed below!
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April Knight Club Sale
Just a reminder that we hold Knight Club uniform sales the first Thursday of every month, except September and June.
Our next sale of the year will take place
Thursday, April 6, from 2:30-4:00 pm.
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| St. Thomas More Collegiate |
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