Thunder News Flash – June 20th, 2026

Step Up Day – Wednesday, June 24th:

We are excited to let you know that Step-Up Day will take place on June 24. During a 45-minute block, students will visit the next grade level, meet their new teacher, and spend time in their classroom for the upcoming school year. Students will participate in a few fun activities, get to know their new learning environment, and enjoy spending time with their future classmates. We look forward to this exciting opportunity to help students feel comfortable and confident about the year ahead.

Rag & Bag Day – Wednesday, June 24th:

Each student is asked to come to school on June 24th with a rag and a sturdy bag.  They will use the rag to wash down their desk and chair, and help to clean up their classroom.  The bag will be used to pack up and bring home all of their belongings, as the school year comes to a close the next day.

Last Day of School – Thursday, June 25th:

Thursday, June 25th is the last day of school.  We will attend Mass as a school, and we invite parents to join us for this special celebration where we send off our Grade 7 students, ask our Grade 6 students to take over the leadership role at the school, and say goodbye to a number of staff members and families who are leaving the school.  After Mass we will go back to the school to watch our yearend slide show, and then the students return to their classrooms to collect their final Progress Reports.  It is always a bittersweet day at school, but we look forward to the many adventures that are to come!  Dismissal will be at 11:30.

As we approach the summer holidays and the weather becomes warmer and sunnier, students are welcome to wear their school gym strip instead of the regular school uniform on days when temperatures exceed 25°C. We also encourage families to ensure that children bring a water bottle to school each day and consider applying sunscreen before arriving at school. We want all students to enjoy the final week of the school year while staying safe, comfortable, and hydrated during the warm weather ahead!

Thank you to everyone who purchased freezies over the past few weeks.  The grade 7’s will be having one more freezie sale after school on Tuesday June 23rd.  Freezies are $1 each and all proceeds will be going to Families in need in Mexico.  Thank you for your support!  Freezie sale poster.jpg

Introducing Happy Hearts Summer Music Camp: a small-group experience where music, friendship, Introducing Happy Hearts Summer Music Camp: a small-group experience where music, friendship, healthy food, and summer fun all come together!

I’m Danielle MacKenzie, an educator, piano teacher, and lifelong musician based in Abbotsford, British Columbia ~ and the creator of these music camps.  Each day, children will step into a music-based, uplifting adventure that unfolds across the week, leading to a short performance at the end that will showcase highlights. A theme of In the Waves: Everything Summer will weave throughout.

During the week, we’ll explore:
• Rhythm & music-making through games, instruments, and movement
• Singing, dancing, and storytelling as part of musical collaboration
• Creative expression through arts and crafts as we make instruments, props, and more
• Outdoor musical water games to cool us down, build connection, and enjoy summer fun
• Snacks: healthy whole foods we’ll prep together as another creative form (and fuel) of happy hearts

The small group size (up to 8) is meant to ensure that each child feels seen, supported, and included.  If this feels like something your child ~ or a child you know ~ might enjoy, I’d be happy to share more info and full details for registration. Just email danimackenzie.music@gmail.com ~ or text: 604-309-8409.  See the attached Flyer for more information:  Camp Info for Happy Hearts Camp (St. James and St. Ann’s)

Bakerview Music Academy (BMA) is a nonprofit after-school music program in Abbotsford (Registered Charity No. 819795139RR0001) that’s been providing fully funded professional music lessons to students grades 2-12 from underserved communities for over 13 years. 

Many of our alumni include students from St. James and St. Ann’s School and students who attend St. Ann’s Church or St. James Church but attend public school. 

BMA is part of the Sistema Canada Network, which connects member organizations across the country that believe music can transform lives and communities — just like sports teams do, with the added bonus of the academic and emotional benefits music education provides.

We’ve been honoured with awards for their work in the community, including the SD34 Community Matters Award and the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Award. 

BMA is currently running a fundraising campaign to keep its full program operating this upcoming school year. Times are tough and donations are down. 

If we can fill 60 spots for our paid summer program, this will kickstart funding for the beginning of our 2026-2027 season. The summer camp is $250 for July 6-10 and includes snacks and lunch.

Why music matters:

• Playing in an orchestra builds discipline, collaboration, and confidence
• Music theory and percussion improve focus and problem-solving skills
• Choir participation strengthens emotional wellbeing and empathy

Would you consider sharing our poster and application form with your families? 

This summer program is open to children grades 2 and older. Our program director, Heidi Epp, creates groups by age so that we have juniors, intermediates, and teens. It’s always a lot of fun. This year, we have Heidi Kettner as the choir teaching artist and special guest teaching artist Boris Sichon, as well as several other talented teaching artists from our nonprofit team. 

You can learn more about our program on our Instagram account @bakerviewmusic .  Ancient Rock’N Roll_BMA 2026 Summer Program

Encourage kids to join Summer Reading Club!

Make reading fun this summer! Dive Under the Sea and join Summer Reading Club (SRC) at your Fraser Valley Regional Library.  SRC is a free program that encourages kids to track their reading every day. Kids who read over the summer perform better at school. You can read anything — novels, picture books, information books, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks, ebooks, websites — it all counts!

This year’s theme is Under the Sea. Registration for in-person and online SRC officially begins June 21. For information about SRC, click the links: Summer Reading Club and SRC 2026 Letter to Parents. To register, visit http://www.fvrl.ca

Here are the exciting activities your children can enjoy when they participate in SRC:
• Enter contests to win prizes.
• See amazing performers.
• Participate in fun activities online.
• Earn a medal!

It’s not just for kids! Did you know that SRC is open for teens and adults too? Families can participate together to support each other’s reading and set a positive example. The library has something for everyone this summer – and it’s absolutely free!  

Visit your nearest library to get started!
Abbotsford Community Library: 33355 Bevan Ave, 604-853-1753
Clearbrook Library: 32320 George Ferguson Way, 604-859-7814
Mount Lehman Library: 5875 Mt. Lehman Road, 604-856-5988