Thunder News Flash – February 21st, 2026

February 20, 2026
  • What is Lent?

    Lent is a special season in the Catholic Church when we prepare our hearts for Easter. It lasts for 40 days and begins on Ash Wednesday. During this time, we remember how Jesus Christ spent 40 days in the desert praying and getting ready for His mission of love and sacrifice.

    What Do Catholics Do During Lent?

    Lent is often described with three simple words:

    1. Prayer – We spend more time talking and listening to God. This might mean praying together as a family, attending Mass, or quietly thanking God each day.

    2. Fasting – We give up something we enjoy to help us practice self-control and remember those who have less. For children, this might mean limiting treats or screen time.

    3. Almsgiving – We share what we have with others. This could be donating to those in need, helping a neighbor, or performing small acts of kindness.

    A Time to Begin Again

    Lent is not meant to make us feel sad—it is meant to help us grow. It is a time to say “I’m sorry” for our sins and to remember that God always forgives us. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience God’s mercy in a special way.

    Walking Together as a School Family

    In our Catholic school community, Lent is a time when we pray together, learn about Jesus’ love, and practice kindness and forgiveness. As families, you can support this journey by praying at home, talking about ways to help others, and encouraging one another in small sacrifices.  May this Lenten season be a time of growth, love, and renewal for all our families.

    Click the links to download a family friendly Lenten Calendar full of ideas, prayers and actvities, as well as a Lenten Planning Sheet:  lent-calendarPlanning for Lent

  • Hospital Mass

    Students and families of the St. James and St. Ann’s School community are invited to the Hospital Mass at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on Sunday, February 22, at 4pm.  It will take place in the Sacred Space on the main floor.  This is a great opportunity for grade 7 students as they begin their service hours for Confirmation.  Mass at the hospital takes place every month on the 4th Sunday.  Hospital Masses have been scheduled for Mar. 22, April 19 and May 24.  Please mark your calendars!  

    Meet Mrs. Wakely @ 3:45 at the Sacred Space to see how you can help!

  • First Reconciliation

    As our Grade 2 students prepare to celebrate their First Reconciliation on Tuesday, February 24, we hold them in our prayers in a special way. This beautiful sacrament of healing and forgiveness is an important step in their faith journey, as they encounter God’s mercy and love in a personal and meaningful way. May this day be filled with peace, joy, and a deep awareness of how much they are loved by God. We are grateful to our families and teachers for guiding our students toward this sacred milestone, and we look forward to celebrating this special moment together as a faith-filled school community.

  • Pink Shirt Day

    💗 Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 25

    On Wednesday, February 25, our school community will come together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day—a special day dedicated to kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying.

    Pink Shirt Day began in Canada as a simple but powerful act of solidarity when students wore pink to support a peer who was being bullied. Today, it is a national movement reminding us that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

    This year, we are especially excited that our Kindergarten class will be leading our school assembly at 11am! Through a special presentation, our youngest students will help guide us in reflecting on how we can show love, compassion, and respect to everyone we meet.  Parents are most welcome to attend!

    As a Catholic school community, Pink Shirt Day connects beautifully with our faith. Jesus calls us to:

    • ✝️ Love one another as He loves us

    • 💬 Speak with kindness and encouragement

    • 🤝 Include others and stand up for what is right

    • 💗 Treat every person with dignity and respect

    We invite all students and staff to wear pink on Wednesday, February 25, as a visible sign of our commitment to kindness.

    Let us work together to create a school where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved.  Remember: Be kind to others—not just on Pink Shirt Day, but every day.  Clink the link to download a “Be Kind Bingo” to practice kindness at home!  Be Kind Bingo

  • School AGM

    Reminder: The AGM is Wednesday February 25 at 7:00 pm in the gym. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Your tax documents will be available to you at the end of the meeting. If you cannot make it, you will need to stop by the office to pick up your tax document, as we will not be sending them home with the students. Please see the agenda for topics that will be covered.  
     
    AGM 2025-2026 Agenda
    • Welcome and Opening Prayer
    • Education Committee Introductions
    • Finances
    • Fundraising
    • Parent Participation
    • Community Relations
    • Maintenance
    • Principals Report
    • Q & A
    • Tax document pick up
    We hope to see you there!
  • School Re-Registration for 2026-27

    Important Reminder:  Re-registration is due on Friday the 27th. Forms must be handed in by this date to secure your child’s spot for next year. 

  • Movie Night!

    Friday, February 27 – Movie Night! 

    We will be presenting the classic Iron Giant this upcoming Movie Night! It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy a movie night with our amazing school community.

    • Date: Friday, February 27
    • Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
    • Location: School Gymnasium
    • Cost: $5 per person | $25 per family (5 or more)
    • Refreshed Concession Menu: Offering popcorn, hot dogs, candy and soda

    Sponsors: Want to Sponsor our event and be advertised? Email Jasmin at 8617jcl@gmail.com

  • Outdoor Adventure Club

    Attention all adventurers! 

    Come join us for our third hike of the school year on March 6. This time, we’re heading to Aldergrove Regional Park to explore a trail. 
    As usual, we’ll need a few parent drivers & participants, so if your child is coming and you are looking for a way to get your steps in, please join the fun. 
     
    Students can listen for an announcement to pick up a permission form this week. 
  • Alert - Traffic Changes

    Traffic Alert – Lane Closure 
     
    As early as March 2, 2026, traffic on the Mt. Lehman structure will be reduced from three lanes to two, with one lane operating in each direction.  
    This lane reduction is needed for construction on the Mt. Lehman structure. Lane reductions are anticipated to be in place until the end of 2026. At construction completion, the Mt Lehman structure will be widened to five lanes from the existing three. 
     
    Access 
    Access to area businesses will be maintained as usual. However, road users can expect increased traffic and delays when traveling on Mt. Lehman Road, especially over the Mt. Lehman structure.  Pedestrian, cycling, and transit access across the Mt Lehman structure will be maintained throughout construction. We are asking that users follow posted signage and use designated paths for their safety.    
     
    We appreciate your patience during construction.   Learn more about the Fraser Valley Highway Corridor Improvement Program: website
     
  • Zajac Ranch Summer Camp

    Summer at Zajac Ranch is more than just camp, it’s a place where everyone belongs.

    From first-timers to returning campers, children to young adults, our summer programs are thoughtfully designed to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering experience for individuals of all abilities.

    Our goal is to ensure that all children with special medical needs in British Columbia and across Canada can participate in a camp experience. Mindful that many families with children or young adults with medical conditions are burdened by significant expenses for specialized care, treatment, and education for their child, we established the Zajac Camper Allowance to help families in need of support. This Allowance offsets the cost of registration and is made available to all campers. Our long-term goal is to someday be able to offer a camp experience to any child, regardless of medical condition or financial situation, free of charge.

    Whether it’s our ASD Camp, Mixed Medical Camp, or Young Adult Camp, participants get to enjoy classic camp adventures like horseback riding, canoeing, ropes courses, climbing, and swimming, all within a supportive, sensory-aware, and fully accessible environment. With experienced, compassionate staff and programs adapted to individual needs, campers build confidence, independence, and genuine connections while being celebrated for who they are.

    Ready to create a summer filled with joy, fun and friendship!  Registration is now open and space fills up quickly!  Register Roday!

    Follow this link for more information or to register: APPLY TODAY!  Or go to our Website:  https://zajacranch.com/camps/schedule/ 

  • Royal Soccer Club Summer Day Camps

    The Royal Soccer Club, a registered non-profit organization that has been delivering high-quality summer soccer day camps for children across Canada since 1993. Today, we are proud to be the largest grassroots summer soccer camp program in the country.

    We are preparing for our upcoming summer day camps for children ages 5 to 13, running at a nearby location throughout the summer. Our programs focus on skill development, teamwork, confidence-building, and fun in a positive, supportive environment.

    A brief overview of our program:

    If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at info@royalsoccer.com or 1-800-427-0536.

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  • Parent Participation Program

    Thank you for your support!