President's Message
As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, I am mindful of the many blessings which have been bestowed on our school and our community.  I am thankful for you, our students, our staff, our parents, our alumni and our benefactors.  There is a great spirit of excitement and enthusiasm in the school this year.  Students and teachers are delightfully upbeat about the school year and enthused about the opportunities to come.  Change is good and our school community has fully embraced it with joy and thanks.  We are off to an amazing start with successes in sports, a fun walk-a-thon, a sold-out alumni event, moving liturgies and stellar academic enrichment activities.
 
As we spend time this weekend with family and friends, take time to give God thanks for the many blessings we have.  I pray that your families continue to be filled with Grace and that each of us continue to receive God's abundant Blessings.
 
Happy Thanksgiving.
 
Tom McGrath
President
Join Us for the 2017 Fall Gala - 
A Night In Italy
Parent's were sent an invitation to the Fall Gala featuring this photo of President McGrath & Principal Mallay. 
Mamma Mia!   It's time for the Annual Fall Gala.  

This exciting event will be held November 4th at Glendenning Golf  (click here  f or map)  in Southlands beginning at 6:30pm with a fun reception.   This year our theme will be A Night in Italy .   The evening will feature a delicious Italian meal, Italian themed music by our students, live and silent auction, raffles and dessert auction.   It's going to be a great evening of fun and friendship.

How can you support our event?
  • Arrange a table - tickets are $125 each and can be purchased at the President's Office. We are able to accommodate tables of 8 or 10
  • Donate a Raffle, Silent or Live Auction Item - items can be dropped off at the President's Office to Ms. Krista Cardwell.
  • Create a Dessert - desserts are needed for our Dessert Auction. For more information on our dessert auction please click here or contact Laura Martin-Cahill at lmartincahill@gmail.com
  • Become a Sponsor - for information on sponsorship opportunities please click here or contact Ms. Krista Cardwell at 726-0024 ext. 200 or kcardwell@stbons.ca
This annual event helps to fund general improvements and upgrades needed to maintain the historic properties and campus surroundings of St. Bonaventure's College.  
"What I Am Thankful For" by Cullen Miller '18
Cullen addresses the student body
 at the annual Harvest Service
At today's Harvest Service, Cullen Miller '18 shared with the student body what he is thankful for this Thanksgiving. His message is below:

"This Thanksgiving, I would like to bring to mind all the things in my life that I am thankful for.
 
First of all, I am thankful for my family. They are always there for me, whether I deserve it or not, and they help me through the struggles that I encounter in life. They are always there to talk when I need them, and life would definitely not be the same without them.
 
I am also very thankful for this St. Bonaventure's College school community, and for all the faculty, staff, and students at this school. I am especially thankful for the welcoming atmosphere at the school. When I came into school as a new student, I didn't know anyone, but everyone welcomed me with open arms into the St. Bonaventure's College family. I also am thankful for the presence of Christianity and opportunities to grow in faith at school.
 
I am extremely thankful for the opportunity through St. Bon's to serve my community through serving the homeless and hungry at the Gathering Place. It is amazing to get to know these people and to see the joy on their faces when they are being served. It moves me to see their positive attitudes and outlooks on life despite their difficult situations. The Gathering Place is a joy to experience, and I am extremely thankful for this opportunity.
 
I am also thankful for the opportunity to live in the beautiful province of Newfoundland. I moved here from Texas, and when I came here I was absolutely amazed by the beauty of the landscape. Texas is extremely flat, but here in Newfoundland the hilly landscape along a rugged coastline is truly unique. I have also had the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Newfoundland, and the different phrases, music and fishing culture continue to intrigue me.
 
Most of all, I am thankful for God and his presence in my life. He guides me in all things, and sets me straight during difficult times. He is always there for me, and is there to talk to when no one else is. I am especially thankful for His sacrifice for us on the Cross, and His unending love for each and every one of us.
 
All of these things I am thankful for, and I challenge all of us, this Thanksgiving to truly appreciate and be thankful for all the gifts we have been given."


Mr. Jim Haley's Retirement
We are at once delighted and disheartened to announce that Mr. Jim Haley is retiring at the end of the month.

Mr. Haley has been St. Bon's Director of Facilities since the school opened as an independent Jesuit, Catholic school in 1999. Mr. Haley has been a tremendous employee, and his knowledge of the buildings and campus are second to none. During his year's at St. Bon's he has overseen many facilities projects that have helped enhance the learning environment for our students.

Mr. Haley's retirement is our loss, but a well-deserved respite for him. The entire St. Bon's community extends our heartful thanks to Mr. Haley for all he has done for our school and wish him the best a s he enters this new chapter of his life.


Building & Campus Work
The following projects have been completed on our buildings and campus:

Holland Hall
-    Upgraded smoke and fire alarm systems
-    Replaced classroom windows
-    Installed final phase of glass blocks in          Holland Hall
-    Extended interior walls enclosing glass         blocks
 
Mullock Hall
-    Roof Repairs
-    Installed emergency door near cafeteria
-    Administrative office renovations
 
Campus
-    Exterior/peripheral lighting                            improvements
-    Continued to replace portions of                    exterior  fencing


Roles of the President's Office &  Principal's  Office
As part of our Strategic Plan, we have completed a realignment of the functions of the President's and Principal's Office operation.  This brings our school leadership team in line with other Jesuit schools throughout Canada and the United States.  Below you will find a delineation of roles and responsibilities of these offices.  This is a draft document which is being piloted this year with plans to evaluate at the conclusion of the academic year.
Back Row (l-r): Jessica Whalen, Tom McGrath,  Allison Anderson Front row (l-r): Krista Cardwell,  Kim Stagg  Missing from photo: Melissa Follett, Bro. Joe Frechette, S.J., Jim Haley
President
(School Board)
Reports to Board of Governors
  • Apostolic & institutional leadership
  • CEO
  • Strategic planning
  • Human Resources (Salaries, Contracts)
  • Facilities (Capital Improvements)
  • Finance / Budgets
  • Bursary Program
  • Fundraising
  • Communication
  • Advancement
  • Alumni Affairs
  • Stakeholder Engagement (KofC, CWL, etc.)
  • Board of Governors
  • Liaison with Jesuits, Archbishop, JSN, ISN, PASE, Jesuit schools in Canada & US, etc.
Direct Reports: Principal, Director of Advancement, Finance Officer, Executive Assistant, Dean (Strategic Initiatives)

Back row (l-r): Milan Parab, Carol Noseworthy, David Martino Front Row (l-r): Joanne Morgan, Annette Mallay, Jaline Rowsell Missing from photo: Brad Glynn, Ryan Hayward, Raj Vijayakumar, S.J.
Principal
(School)
Reports to President
  • Apostolic & institutional leadership
  • COO
  • Academic staff (PD, Formation, Evaluation, Discipline)
  • Academic Program (all subjects)
  • Professional Development (All PD)
  • Teacher/classroom assignment
  • Teacher resources
  • Athletics
  • Admissions
  • Extracurricular
  • Student Council
  • Student travel
  • Ceremonies & celebrations
  • Discipline
  • Dress Code / Uniform Shop
  • Counselling / Guidance
  • Campus Ministry
  • Liaison with Department of Education, JSN, Jesuit schools in Canada & US, etc.
  • Maintenance (Daily)
  • OH&S
Direct Reports: Assistant Principals, Dean (Admissions); Administrative Assistant, Campus Ministry, Maintenance, Technology.


STUDENTS HEADING TO SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
For the fourth consecutive year, twelve Grade 12 students and two teachers will travel to Washington, D.C. for the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice.  This is the largest social justice conference held in the United States on an annual basis.   During the trip from November 3-7, 2017, students will participate in leadership sessions on social justice issues and participate with fellow Jesuit high schools and universities in Canada and the United States.  Students will partner with U.S. high schools to visit the U.S. Congress and lobby members of the House of Representatives and Senators on social justice issues of racism, mass incarceration and immigration reform.

During their time in Washington, students will have time to visit some of the historic landmarks and participate in cultural activities.


2018 SERVICE TRIP TO 
EL SALVADOR

As part of the our desire to prepare students to be global citizens and in keeping with current practices in other Jesuit schools in Canada and the United States, we have been examining international service opportunities for our students.

I am pleased to advise you we are launching our very first Service Trip to El Salvador for six high school students and a teacher.  We are partnering in this service opportunity with our brother Jesuit school, St. Paul's High School located in Winnipeg. 

The St. Paul's team have considerable experience with service travel in El Salvador.  Mrs. Gabrielle Martin will accompany our students.  The objectives of the El Salvador Service Trip are: (1)  to experience life among the poor in a developing country (2)  to interact with groups and individuals working and living in a developing country (3)  to assist in a construction project chosen by the community, and (4)  to be open to what the people and the experience can teach us. Please click here for further details on this travel opportunity and a forthcoming information session for interested parents and students.


Parent's Auxiliary AGM
October 10 @ 7:30pm
St. Bon's
Alumni Dinner & Awards
October 19 @ 6:00pm
St. Bon's

Toonies for Tuition
October 13
Jeans Day - Bring your Toonie
Fall Gala
November 4 @ 6:30pm
Glendenning Golf