St. Michael's News
November 17th, 2023
This week was an exciting one at St. Michael’s. The students participated in a celebratory assembly recognizing the incredible efforts and talents of our school community. Congratulations again to our chocolate sale winners, walkathon supporters, our soccer and volleyball teams, our reading club, and newly appointed Peer Helpers and Peer Tutors, as well as to our book fair prize winners. We are so proud of you all!
A special congratulations to our Grade 7 Girls volleyball team who made it to the finals for the CISVA league on Tuesday and finished 5th overall. Well done!
A special thank you to you, the parents, as you support and encourage your children to take risks, share their talents, and work to be effective contributors to the St. Michael’s Parish community.
Mrs. Grant
A Message from Fraser Health
Respiratory illnesses tend to increase as we spend more time indoors. Common colds, the flu and COVID-19 spread through tiny droplets as people who are sick breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. When other people touch these droplets and then their eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands they may become sick.
There are a handful of steps both children and adults can take to protect themselves and limit the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. If you have symptoms, stay home and stay away from people at higher risk of serious illness.
We kindly remind parents to please keep children at home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Students should stay home for 24 hours following a fever or vomiting.
Upcoming Events and Activities
Dance Unit with DANCEPL3Y
In P.E. this week the students will be working on their dance and performance skills with DANCEPL3Y. Over the week, the students will take part in 5 instructional classes and will have the opportunity to show what they have learned through a performance on Thursday, November 23rd at 2 pm.
This coincides with our non-uniform day next week, where students are encouraged to wear their best "fine arts attire". Parents are welcome to join in the fun at the final performance on Thursday at 2 pm.
Scholastic Book Orders
Reminder Scholastic Orders are now completed online!
Paper flyers have been distributed for the month.
Remember orders can be completed at any time in the month.
Quick summary to order Scholastics:
Go to scholastic.ca/clubshop
Create an account or log in to existing account; place order.
Enter school code (RC249384)
Orders will ship direct to your home to reduce handling.
Shipping is free when you spend over $40 and enter the school code!
Thanks for your support of this school program
Book Fair
Thank you to all of our families who supported the Scholastic Book Fair. The raffle brought in just over $700 for our library and we sold over $4000 worth of books giving the school $2000 to spend in rewards. Thank you so much for your support!
A special thank you to Mrs. Koh and her team of volunteer librarians who helped set up, take down, and run the book fair.
St. Michael's Open House for New Families
The school administration team will be hosting a question and answer session and open evening for new families on Tuesday, November 21st from 6:30 - 8pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit our school and meet the principal, as well as ask any questions you may have about our community.
There will also be an open house on Monday, November 27th from 9am - 11am to allow interested families to tour the school while we are in session.
Open House: Q & A
Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023, 06:30 PM
St. Michael's School Library
Christmas Concert
This year's Christmas concert is titled, Away In A Mango!
A festive holiday cruise to Christmas Island aboard the luxurious Yuletide turns perilous for nine passengers on a day shopping excursion when their boat, the SS Mango, is caught in an unexpected storm and washed ashore on a deserted island. Deserted, that is, except for the island's lone inhabitant, Johnny Coconut, marooned there years before. Will they be found in time for the ship's big Christmas Concert? What's Johnny's story? All aboard for a totally fresh, totally fun Christmas adventure for kids as they join the intrepid castaways of the SS Mango. After all, the story of the birth of Jesus is the story of lost people, unable to save themselves, being rescued by the long-awaited Savior!
All students will be performing a musical number for the concert, and we are asking that they come in a tropical-style costume for the performance. The easiest option is for your child to wear an 'Hawaiian' shirt, with jeans and tropical accessories. If you do not have a 'Hawaiian' shirt, another option is for your child to wear his/her 'Away In A Mango' t-shirt (if you ordered one) with jeans and tropical accessories. Remember, the key is to accessorize!
PEC News
Hot Lunch Ordering Open!
December & January - ordering has now opened and will be available until Friday, Nov. 24.
Please order early so you don't forget and miss the cut-off. We cannot accept orders once ordering closes. Credit card is accepted anytime online.
Craft Night
It is that time of year again when we invite all families to enjoy a night of making holiday crafts while sharing time with family and friends.
Please join us on Monday, November 27th at 6:30 pm for an evening of fun! Tickets are on sale online (https://sme.hotlunches.net/), at the office and some days after school. We look forward to seeing you!
Parent Participation Opportunities
We need help in the following areas and would encourage you to contact the school office or our Parent Participation Coordinator at your earliest convenience if you can help.
Auction Committee
Parish Groups
Stage Set up / Christmas musical costume and make up team
Purdy's Christmas Chocolate Orders
St. Michael's School is excited to announce a Christmas chocolate fundraiser through Purdys Chocolatier!
Whether you are purchasing gifts for your loved ones, children, grandchildren, friends and/or employees, Purdys has something for everyone, at any budget. Options include big, or small, gift boxes, stocking stuffers and/or chocolate bars.
If you’d like to support St. Michael’s School by purchasing some very sweet, and tasty, Christmas gifts, please click the link below: https://fundraising.purdys.com/841136-109565.
After you’ve signed in, you can place your order and invite others (friends, family, etc) to join and support St. Michael’s Fundraising Campaign. Alternatively, you can send your family and friends an email, asking if they would like to support our fundraiser by placing an order, using the above link.
The CUT-OFF date to order is November 27, 2023. The PICK-UP DAY is scheduled for December 13, 2023.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact fundraising@smeschool.ca.
Community News
Flowers of the Holy Knight - Poinsettia sale by Knights of Columbus
Our Knights of Columbus are selling beautiful plants. They are perfect for your family's Christmas celebrations, office decor, gifts for Grandma, teachers, neighbours and more!
Pre-order forms are available at each November Mass or you can contact Alan Wardle (604-525-8081) for more info.
Each order receives entry into a draw for a beautiful hard-copy edition of Toe de Paola's, "Legend of the Poinsettia".
Pick up your poinsettias at the St. Nicholas Pancake Breakfast on December 10th.
Thank you for supporting the activities in our parish sponsored by Our Knights of Columbus!
Auction News
Planning for our 2024 Parish Auction is well underway.
The team is currently looking for parents to help with Auction planning this year. The next Auction meeting will be held next week, on November 23rd at 7 pm in the meeting room of the old rectory.
The team will also be starting to collect donation items including bottles of wine and gift cards to help them get a head start. Watch this space for upcoming Auction news. Any help is appreciated!
Nov 21st: Confession for Gr. 7; Open House Q & A for new families 6:30 pm.
Nov 23rd: Non-uniform Day; PE Class - Student Dance Performance 2 pm.
Nov 24th: Professional Development Day No school.
Nov 27th: Open House for new families 9 - 11 am; PA Craft Night
Nov 28th: Confession for Gr. 6; PEC meeting after 7:30 pm Mass
Nov 29th: Gr. 7 Advent Assembly
Dec 1st: School Mass 9 am - Blessing of the Advent Wreaths; Used uniform Store 3 - 3:30 pm
Dec 3rd: First Sunday in Advent
Dec 5th: Confession for Gr. 5
Dec 8th: School Mass 9 am: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Dec 10th: Sunday School Mass 8:30 am; St. Nicholas Pancake Breakfast
Defend your Church, O Lord, by the protection of the holy Apostles, that, as she received from them the beginnings of her knowledge of things divine, so through them she may receive, even to the end of the world, an increase in heavenly grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever