Thunder News Flash – April 21, 2018

The success of our Beauty and the Beast Musical is a testament to the power of a community that buys into a singular goal and vision. Our school is very blessed to have such talented, dedicated, and service orientated staff members that believe in the mission of a Catholic school. We are also very blessed to have parents who give of their time and talents to ensure that such a major undertaking can be a success. It also helps that God has bestowed so much talent upon so many of our students and that our students showed commitment and perseverance in training for the musical.

In our multiple conversations, Mrs. Gaudet, Mrs. Dos Santos, and I would often discuss how we hoped that the Musical could be a symbol of community and that perhaps we could draw upon the lessons from the musical to inform our faith. Here then are the lessons we hope everyone will take with them:

1. We all played a role in the musical of varying degrees according to our time and talents. Each role was important and necessary. This is like our church. We are all part of the same Church and are united in Christ. We all play a role in the work of building the Kingdom of God because we are all a part of God’s divine plan. This is what St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta meant when she said, “I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things!”
2. Great things happen when we believe in each other. When we believe in each other, confidence rises and we then set our minds to accomplishing great things. When we believe in each other we give each other hope. This believe then gives rise to trust. Relating this to faith, when we believe in the love of God, we then begin to trust in God’s divine providence.
3. “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming” John Wooden. The quote by the famous college basketball coach fits nicely with the musical and our faith. Success in life really does boil down to us striving towards becoming our best self. 

It is our hope that parents will take the opportunity to draw out these lessons with their children as they are important lessons for our time.

One Week Away!!!

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is just one week away!  I know that together as a school community we can raise our goal of $25,000 for a ‘St. James’ and St. Ann’s Legacy Fund.’ Don’t forget…..this Tuesday, April 24th, is the Early Bird deadline. Get those pledges in to get your Early Bird prize!!

A reminder to parents, this year, please send a pocket sized snack with your child, but keep in mind, we’ll provide them with water for their journey. Please turn in the permission forms asap. Click here for a copy. 

Thank you all for your generosity and we look forward to seeing you for our Walkathon. We most certainly can’t do it without you!

Please click here for the 2018 Walkathon Pledge Sheet.

Online pledges can be made through Chimp on our school website.

This Sunday there will be a Hospital Mass at Abbotsford Hospital at 4pm. 

The grade four students and parents are pleased to invite you to join them for a Starbucks Coffee Morning this Monday, April 23 at 8:30-10:00 ish. Coffee and treats will be available by donation. All funds raised will go to Matthew’s House. We thank you for your support.

The Quiznos Hot Lunch for children going to the track meet on Tuesday will be delivered fresh on Wednesday. Thank you

May 5th at 7:00 pm – St. Ann’s Parish

St. Ann’s Family Group invites you to a special parenting presentation. How do we grow in the face of caring for our children? Is there a reset button? Best-selling author and counsellor Deborah MacNamara, PhD, is here to answer these questions and more. Deborah teaches on the relational-developmental approach of Dr. Gordon Neufeld. Last year’s presentation was very popular – mark your calendars! 

Admission is by donation ($5 recommended) and childminding is available for children ages 3 and up. Please RSVP if you require childcare to stannsfamilygroup@gmail.com.