Thunder News Flash – January 20th, 2018

Last week I wrote about the importance of listening to God in prayer. This Sunday, the Gospel tells of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James and John. In “Jesus: A Pilgrimage” by James Martin, SJ, he reflects on this particular part of the Gospel, “God calls us in another way: to be the people we were meant to be. God creates us as unique individuals with our own gifts. And so we are already the people God made us to be. At the same time, God continually invites us to greater and greater freedom, asking us to drop the nets that entangle us in our old ways of doing things, ways that no longer are healthy for us, ways that keep us from being more loving.” Perhaps then, we need to hear the voice of Jesus telling us to follow his example as told to us in the Gospels. In doing that, we become a people that can live out our theme of caring for everyone. 

This week is also the week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Let us pray then for all of our Christian brothers and sisters that we may be united in a single purpose of bringing the love of Christ to our homes and communities. 

Our recent Open House was a successful event! We had a good turnout of new families who came to check out our school. The feedback we received was absolutely positive. Our student tour ambassadors were AWESOME! Thank you to Mrs. Dos Santos who worked with our Tour Ambassadors! It was so great to see our students involved in all facets of the open house and new families certainly took notice. So a big thank you goes out to our students and their parents who gave up their evening to support our Open House!

Our teachers were also wonderful. They helped to run the stations and they helped to create the displays in the hallways and in their classrooms. The French Cafe was a big hit – well done Mrs. Stobbe and the students who helped make that a fun atmosphere. Mrs. Dlugan deserves a special shout out for coming that night to answer questions relating to the Application Package. I want to thank the Gr. 7 Boys Basketball coaches, Mrs. Charbonneau and Mr. Khym, who came out to run a basketball practice for the Open House. I also want to thank the Education Committee Members who came out in support as well. St. John Brebeuf Secondary also helped us out with some of our displays and marketing! It truly was a community event. Thank you so much to everyone for making this a success. 

As a result of our Open House and word of mouth, we do not have many remaining spots left in Kindergarten. If you know of families that may be considering Kindergarten for 2018 please encourage them to come to the office quickly to get an Application package. We also now have waiting lists in most classes! St. James and St. Ann’s Elementary School is definitely a place where you want to be!

Save the Date! Friday February 2nd is Movie Night!

This year we will be viewing Cars 3! 

Here at St. James’, we try our hardest to have events that our children thoroughly enjoy, and one of their favourites is ‘Movie Night’. Handouts will be coming home with your oldest child this week. So, don’t forget to pen it in your calendar, we’ll see you all in just two short weeks.
And of course, don’t forget your blankets and pillows!

ALPHA: Registration starts this week (Saturdays Jan 27 to April 21).

St. Ann’s Alpha for Everyone will be run from Saturday Jan 27 to April 2018. There will be Alpha for Adults; Alpha for Youth; and babysitting for children (grades 4 and below).

We will be gathering Saturdays after the evening Mass (we’ll start around 6 pm — with supper). We will meet Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 9 & 10 (weekend), 24 and then finish April 7, 14, 21.

The Alpha Weekend will be March 9 (Fri evening) and March 10 (Saturday — all day).

Please make plans to be with us that weekend as it is the HIGHLIGHT! In the past, people were disappointed if they missed it so book your time accordingly.

Sign up to reserve your spot today!

To signup just click here and fill the form.

For more information, email: alpha@stannsabbotsford.ca
or call Jody at St Ann’s: 604-852-5602, ex. 7

There will be a hospital mass on January 28. Students are always welcome to attend. Please contact Mrs. Wakely for more information.