— Dec 2021 —
For one day, STMC's courtyard was a winter wonderland!
Message from the President
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus… and reflect on new beginnings with hope and joy.

“By being born to poor parents, in an environment of extreme poverty, Jesus is telling us where He dwells - not in places of majesty and glamor but among the poor and the down-trodden, the sick and dying, the hungry, the oppressed and in those we love and even in those we hate. In short, He is among the masses.

Amidst our celebrations this Christmas, let us pause a while to look around us to recognize that Jesus who was born into the world two thousand years ago. He is among us in every person and in every trial and tribulation we encounter in our lives. Let us take a moment to look around to recognize Him in those who do not have joy and peace in their lives.

Let us do the little within our means to alleviate the pain and misery in their lives. Let us do whatever we can to give them the hope that triumph will one day wipe out the sadness in the hearts.”
- Chris Anthony, Director JLC Consultancy
My wish is that each of you, as members of the STMC community enjoy the Christmas Season and experience peace, happiness and time with loved ones. We have so much to be grateful for!

Please reach out to others less fortunate: neighbors, or those in our province, country or international community who are vulnerable because of the impact of climate change, injustice, poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges and addictions.

I look forward to 2022 with excitement and optimism. I am confident that together as a community STMC will ensure our Knights “Optimize their potential, serve others and create a just and caring world.”

Together we will LEARN, LEAD and SERVE.

Wishing you and those you love a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.

Live Jesus in our Hearts... Forever!

Dianne Doyle
President, STMC
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
January
4: School Reopens
5-8: Sr. Boys Chancellor Tournament
11: Open House
13-15: Jr. Girls Chancellor Tournament
21-22: Gr. 8 Chancellor Tournament
28: Jeans Day
ACADEMIC ROUNDUP
MATHEMATICS

Over 130 students from grade 8 and 9 participated in the Beaver Computing Challenge in November. We had 23 students earn Certificates of Distinction, meaning that their scores were among the top 25% of all participants across the country. Special shout-outs go to Steven Ge who earned a perfect score on the Grade 9/10 contest, and to our top Grade 8/9 finishers Damon Chan, Luca Luongo, and Genevieve Murdocco.

Congratulations to all who participated!
Luca Luongo
Damon Chan
Genevieve Murdocco
ATHLETIC ROUND UP
JV FOOTBALL

The JV Football team shocked the football community by defeating the heavily favoured Vancouver College Fighting Irish 7-3 to win the Lower Mainland Coastal Championship on Saturday December 4th 2021 at B.C. Place. The Irish were undefeated up to that point and had scored an average of 36 points per game during the regular season and playoffs.

Early in the year Vancouver College had defeated the Knights 36-12 in an exhibition game. The second meeting was all STMC as their defence stood strong all game and only allowed the Irish a single field goal. Matthew Custodio scored on a 38 yard scamper for the Knights and that was all they needed to secure the championship.
Running Back Matthew Custodio was selected game MVP and Defensive Tackle. Sebastian Gorrie was selected as the top Defensive player. In addition the Knights were the Central Division Triple A Champions and finished the season with a record of 7-2. This was Coach Dave Ruzycki's last game as the JV bench boss before he moves on from his 20 year career at STMC and he was thrilled to go out with a championship and even more thrilled to have been part of team with such great young men and outstanding assistant coaches.

"When You Believe You Are Family There is nothing You Can't Accomplish!"
GO KNIGHTS!
SR. GIRLS CHANCELLOR

Congratulations goes out to our Varsity Girls' Basketball Team who won our Chancellor tournament over the weekend! They won a close opening game against Charles Best, faced Lambrick Park in the semi, and then beat Burnaby North in the final. All the games were exciting and fun to watch and the energy from the crowd fed the team as the tournament continued.
 
A special shout out goes out to Kyra Anagnostou and Chelsea Yang for picking up individual award during the tournament and to Sophia Wong who was the MVP.
BASKETBALL CAMP

We still have a few spots left in our two-day Holiday Basketball Camp on December 28th and 29th from 9am until Noon at STMC. See link for brochure and registration details. Contact d.zimmermann@stmc.bc.ca if you have any questions. 

FINE ARTS ROUND UP
JAZZ BAND

Our Jazz Bands played some exciting tunes in the foyer before school on the last two days before Christmas break.  Jazz B's 6 pieces included "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Ye Jazzy Gentlemen" on Wednesday, and Jazz A's 8 selections included "Greensleeves" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on Thursday!
MUSIC KNIGHT
 
Music Knight took place from Dec 3 - Dec 4, with the choir and band taking the stage for each night, respectively. Both were wonderful evenings as it just felt right that Music Knight can finally resume during the pandemic.
EXTRACURRICULAR ROUND UP
TEXTILES CLUB

The Textiles Club incorporated two new divisions this year! Students are now able to learn beginner’s skills in loom knitting and crocheting as well as continue to sew. Our sewers have completed projects including hand warmers, snack bags, tote bags, as well as Christmas ornaments. Crocheters have been spending their time learning the basics in stitches, patterns, and shapes. Loom knitters have been busy learning different stitches and patterns in order to create toques and scarves.
Our club students are very generous with their time, as often many of the projects they complete are donated to those in need. This Christmas, sewers are donating fabric reusable masks while loom knitters are donating toques they completed. These items will be included in hampers that Mrs. Sproviero is organizing to donate to the Good Shepherd Ministry. We are so grateful for the collaborative effort made by all involved!

If you wish to assist in our efforts, we are always in need of donations including yarn, (gauges 4, 5, or 6), thread, fabric, and any other sewing notions. We thank you for any contributions and wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Counsellor's Corner

Behold Vancouver is hosting a Zoom talk on Thursday, December 16 titled “Christmas Blues” as part of the Healthy Relationships Series. “Why do some people find the Christmas season difficult in spite of wanting to feel otherwise? Past Christmas experiences, loneliness and recent losses among other things contribute to the “Blues.” We will explore some symptoms of this condition and what can be done to manage or even transform them!” This is a presentation by Denis Boyd.  
SAVE THE DATE: STMC Parent Online Discussion Group

Have questions about how to support your adolescent Knight? You are not alone! Please join us for a parent discussion group. Get to meet other STMC parents and discuss current parenting topics. Our next meeting will be January 18 at 1 pm ONLINE.  

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Patricia De Lazzari at patricia.delazzari@stmc.bc.ca or 604-521-1801 (Ext. 2114).
We'd love to hear about all the wonderful and exciting things in which our Knights are engaged! If you have something you would like to share on our social media feeds or in the monthly newsletter send an email to communications@stmc.bc.ca
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