The Christmas Spirit is alive and well within the walls of STMC! |
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Message from the President |
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The importance of community and connection with family and friends has been reinforced during this pandemic year. Many of us and our loved ones have experienced fear, loneliness, uncertainty, illness and loss. In addition to these social, emotional and economic challenges, our students, families and staff have needed to adapt and seek new ways to create a safe, healthy environment in which to learn, lead and serve.
As has been stated by so many others, the pandemic has reminded us of what is important, in particular the importance of connection with family and friends; and the importance of reaching out to those in need. How appropriate that STMC was already focused on Essential Elements that call us to look after the needs of others less fortunate. (Essential Element #3 calls us to stand in solidarity with those marginalized by poverty and injustice) We are so proud of our students, staff and families who have put this into action by providing support to those negatively impacted economically, physically and psychologically by COVID-19. We are also indebted to our health care providers and all essential workers and to our civic and community leaders for their efforts in keeping us safe.
The season of ADVENT is a time to focus on HOPE, PEACE, LOVE and JOY:
HOPE: I look for the many ways the good I seek is already mine.
PEACE: I affirm the peace of God as my welcomed companion.
LOVE: I receive love graciously and reflect it to the whole world.
JOY: I relax, release, and enjoy the wonder of the present moment.
- By Rev. Ken Daigle
Now is a time to look back on the challenges and achievements of the past calendar year. Please see our 2019/20 Annual Report. I am grateful to the STMC community for the many contributions to the success of STMC. It is also I time to look ahead. I am confident that 2021 will bring many more blessings. My areas of focus as President are posted via the links below. In addition watch for the launch of the 2021-25 Strategic Plan in Jan to see what we envision for the next 5 years. Thanks to everyone who provided input.
As the students and staff prepare for a much needed and anticipated Christmas break, I urge all of you to remain committed to health and safety by continuing to follow all the COVID-19 protocols identified by our health officials. Although our traditional Christmas celebrations will not be possible my hope is that you and your loved ones will have a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year filled with HOPE, PEACE , LOVE AND JOY.
Please contact me at any time if you have questions or advice.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever
Dianne Doyle
President, STMC
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December
18: Christmas Break - School Closed until January 5
January
4: Professional Development Day - No Classes
5: School resumes
11: PA meeting
12: Open House
21: "More" Family Jeans Day
22: "Rice" Family Jeans Day
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Walkway of Angels plaque in recognition of the generous gift from the Kully Family, in memory of Coach Kully |
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Dear STMC Community,
As challenging as this year has been, I can only feel gratitude for this community that I have been so warmly welcomed back into this year. I thank you all for your love and support and feel optimistic and hopeful for 2021.
I hope everyone has had COVID Silver Linings over the last nine months. What started as a real challenge for the Development Department, with cancelled events and other opportunities has allowed us to re-envision our 60th Birthday Gala, being held virtually on May 15, 2021. The initial goal was to hold a physical gala in our gym with a maximum of 300 attendees. Our virtual gala will be a very special evening, with a number of members of our community being represented and a proper honouring of our Hall of Fame inductees. We will be making the event accessible and inclusive, a real silver lining.
We will also be launching a major fundraising campaign, starting on Jan 11th. This will be a campaign that everyone will want to get behind as it will provide significant enhancements for our school in how we teach and learn. We’ll save the details of the campaign... and the gala... until the New Year. Stay tuned!
Thank you STMC Community, once again, for all your support.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts... forever.
Brent Christensen | Class of ‘89
Director of Development and Community Relations
brent.christensen@stmc.bc.ca
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*Anyone interested in staying up to date on extra-curricular science opportunities should join the Google Classroom where announcements are posted. The code is: xtyotzj
Discovery Day in Health Sciences
On November 17th, several of our students had the opportunity to attend the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute's Discovery Day in Health Science. Grade 11 students Sophia Wong and Jenna Bevaqua had the following report on their virtual experience:
On Tuesday, November 17 we both participated in the Discovery Day at BCCHRI hosted by BC Children's Hospital Research Institute. Through the event, we had the amazing opportunity to hear from many different health professionals from numerous different fields of health. In particular, we chose to attend the occupational and physiotherapy zoom meeting, where we heard from both an occupational therapist and physiotherapist. We both have a strong passion for pursuing a career in this path of study and thanks to them, we now have a clearer understanding on the steps to become a physiotherapist and what that career will involve.
World Wide Data Day
Modern Physics Club members, Hongzip K. (‘21), Chayce H. (‘21), and Matt M. (‘21), represented the school at World Wide Data Day. For the third year in a row, STMC was the only Canadian school taking park in this event organized by Quarknet and CERN.
Prior to the conference, the students had to analyze tracks of the ATLAS detector, and brainstorm a possible explanation for the histogram graph. The team then discussed their results with high school students from the US, and Barcelona via Zoom while physics professors from the University of Notre Dame and CERN explained the reason of the histogram curves, answer student’s questions, and helped everyone understand more about physics! This program is set up to get students exposure to particle physics at an earlier stage of their education, with a hope of inspiring them to future studies.
CanSat:
Our school CanSat team has been accepted into the first every Canadian competition, hosted by the Canadian Satellite Design Management Society. The team had their project stalled when the pandemic hit in the spring, but are back to working on it, with a goal of winning the Canadian competition and then representing Canada again at the ESA competition in the summer.
Students on the Beamlines:
Our Students on the Beamline team has been working hard to prepare for their beamtime in February 2021. Their project focuses on examining the crystaline structure of beeswax. We are hoping to take part again in 2022 - interested students should contact Mr. Muise to find out more details on how to take part.
Beamline for Schools:
The Beamline for Schools competition gives students the chance to win research time at CERN in Switzerland doing experimental particle physics. We will begin work on this project in mid January, so interested students should get in touch with Mr. Muise.
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The Heart of Teaching
Mr. Dave Ruzycki is currently working on a series of podcasts called "The Heart of Teaching" with STMC grade 11 student Nathan Rivers. The episodes deal with topical issues related to teaching, current events , career guidance, mental health, substance abuse as well as interviews with staff and other professionals. In one the latest episode, "The Teacher and Psychiatrist", some great advice, resources and coping strategies are given to support families during the Pandemic. The episodes can be found on Spotify or Google Podcast.
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Cards for Health Care Workers
The grade 8s wrote cards to show their support for front line workers in three healthcare facilities: Eagle Ridge, Burnaby General, and Royal Columbian. These cards were delivered directly to the hospital by Mr. Ruzycki who helped bring the grade 8s onto this project. However, it was grade 12 student Cristian Pugliese who was the mastermind behind this wonderful idea and the source of inspiration for this entire project as he was already doing this on his own with some helpers of his own.
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Shine Bright: Virtual Sing-along
Elizabeth Irving, grade 12, was featured on the Shine Bright New West event, singing everyone's holiday favourites online for the virtual sing-along. Hosted by the City of New Westminster, the Shine Bright New West event is a new holiday campaign that encourages Christmas celebration while respecting the current Public Health Orders. The video was made available on Sunday, December 13. Check it out below!
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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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