Thunder News Flash – May 2nd, 2026

On May 6, 2026, our school community will gather to celebrate the Crowning of Mary Mass, led by our Kindergarten class. Students are invited, if they are able, to bring fresh-cut flowers from their gardens to place before the statue of Mary at the Church. On the morning of May 6, students can leave their flowers in vases set up on tables in front of the office. During the Mass, these flowers will be presented to Mary as a beautiful sign of love and devotion. Parents are warmly welcome to join us for this special celebration as we come together to honor Mary. Thank you for helping make this occasion special!

Loving Mary, our Holy Mother, on this special day of your crowning, we come before you with joyful hearts and flowers in our hands.

As we place these flowers before you, we offer you our love, our prayers, and our thanks. You are our gentle Mother, full of grace, who always leads us closer to your Son, Jesus.

Teach us to be kind and loving, to listen to God as you did, and to say “yes” with courage and trust. Bless our families, our school, and our community. Wrap us in your care and guide us each day.

Mary, Queen of May, we crown you with flowers and with our hearts. Pray for us, now and always.
Amen.

May 7th – Inviting all Mothers and Grandmothers!  

We would like to invite all mothers and grandmothers to a Mother’s Day tea and a special assembly on Thursday, May 7th!   We will have special prayers, presentations, songs, and treats for our moms.  The doors will open at 12:30 for coffee, tea and snacks.  The students will then be performing from 1-2pm.  We are looking forward to celebrating all Moms and Grandmothers of the school.  We cannot wait to celebrate YOU and thank you for all you do!

There is one last chance to RSVP!  Please email the the school office no later than Monday, May 4th if you would like to attend – office@stjameselementary.ca.  This will help us prepare seating, flowers and treats.  

The May Work Bee will take place at the school next Saturday, May 9th, from 9am-2pm.  You may want to bring gloves for outside work. It would also be greatly appreciated if you could bring any small gardening tools, particularly a rake.  Please also bring a lunch for the mid-day break.  Thank you once again for all of your hard work to keep our school well maintained and beautiful!  

All remaining Work Bee dates for this year have been uploaded to the School Calendar. 

Get outside and play!

Physical activity is a necessary requirement for optimal health. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence helps to develop cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, supports positive social connections and improves mental well-being.  

There are many benefits to unstructured play. These benefits are even greater when engaging in physical activity outdoors. When children and youth spend time outside, they: 

1. Sit less, move more and play longer – key to cardiovascular health and fitness. 
2. Have healthier eyes – spending more time outside reduces nearsightedness risks. 
3. Sleep better – sunlight helps regulate sleep hormones and sleep patterns. 
4. Enjoy improved mood – physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
5. Feel more connected to nature – appreciation of the environment and being in nature can support healthy and balanced emotions.

Planning active outings doesn’t have to be challenging or costly. Here are some fun ideas you can try: 

• Try a new activity – check out geocaching or attend a local explorer day with NatureKidsBC. 
• Unplug and connect – ideas to decrease recreational screen time. 
• Go for a scavenger hunt – try this nature scavenger hunt. 
• Go for a walk or hike – try these 10 hikes to take your kids on this summer. 
• Play in a forest or park – try a new regional park every day for a week.  
• Explore a local stream – check these beautiful watershed walks in the region. Learn about water safety for children. 
• Swim at the pool, waterpark or beach – check beach safety conditions first or stay cool at a local spray park. 
• Ride a bike or scooter – explore the Hope Bike Park or check out these rides along Boundary Bay, Pitt Meadows or Vedder Greenway. Learn more about cycling safety on Fraser Health’s website. 
• Visit farms, fish hatcheries and bird sanctuaries – try this local family fun guide for unique ideas.  

Find more ideas to keep your kids active through the year on Fraser Health’s Keeping children active page.