St. Michael’s School Newsletter
9387 Holmes Street, Burnaby, BC V3N 4C3
Telephone (604) 526-9768 Fax (604) 540-9799
Website: www.stmichaelschool.ca
May 25, 2017
Number 35
Check out our Twitter account for up to date news: @StMichaelsBby
Our Virtue Focus for the month of June - FAIRNESS
During this month we will celebrate the virtue of fairness.
Fairness…is the ability to be open-minded and act in a just and fair way. Fairness allows us to treat others with mercy
and compassion -- to feel and act with and for another person. God makes us to live together as a family in creation,
to share and to help each other. Being Christian is all about living together in community-ideally, one big happy
family. Jesus spent a major part of his time on earth showing us how to care for people in need. He spent a lot of
time showing us how to follow God's rules. Everyone needs a FAIR chance to succeed-to overcome their
disadvantages and disabilities. A fair team player makes sure the rules of the game give everyone an even chance to
participate. Not everyone has to win. Everyone deserves a chance to be in the game.
“Fair doesn't mean giving every child the same thing, it means giving every child what they need.”
~Rick Lavoie
A FAIR person…
† takes turns, and shares
† listens to both sides of the story
† plays by the rules
† takes only his or her portion
† treats others equally
† treats others as they would like to be treated
† asks themselves: W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do)?
† works to bring about peaceful solutions to problems.
† cheers on the successes of others.
OUR DAILY PRAYER FOR JUNE
Let us pray ...for the virtue of fairness, the desire to live by the rules of God's kingdom everyday of our lives. AMEN
LiD (LEARNING IN DEPTH)
How is your topic useful in the world?
In your LiD journal, write down your topic.
Write or draw all the ways your topic is useful to the world.
If possible, bring an artifact that represents how your topic is useful.
Remember: Knowledge only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it
away to others.
THANK YOU
We want to thank Gabe Savage of Knights Painting for his painting services and Tony Balazs of PPG
Architectural Coatings & Dulux Paints who donated the paint to paint the shipping container in our outdoor
learning area..
Thank you, as well, to Scott Burton of Scott’s Mini Excavation who gave us a great deal on the
excavation.
WARM-UP SUITS
The online shop to order a St. Michael’s School warm up suit is currently open. You can order a
warm up suit by visiting the following link:
http://www.kukrisports.ca/teamshop/stmichaelselementaryonlineshop
th
Orders will be taken until June 29 and delivery of items will be in September. These warm-up
suits are NOT a mandatory uniform requirement, but can be worn over the gym strip and at school
sporting events.
FIRST COMMUNION
th
This is a reminder that there will be a rehearsal on Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 am for all students
preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. All first communicants must be in attendance. Please
th
meet in the school gym. First Communion will be held on Sunday, May 28 at the 12:00 noon Mass.
Please keep all our first communicants in your prayers.
CROWNING OF MARY
th
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend our “Crowning of Mary” celebration on Monday, May 29 at
7:00 pm. This celebration is not only for our First Communicants and our Confirmandi, but for ALL our
families. If you are able, please bring flowers. We also need two more people to help carry the Statue of
Mary for the procession. Please contact Mrs. Kennedy if you are able to help.
nd
2 ANNUAL DAD’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Back by popular demand - 2nd Annual Dad's Soccer Tournament. Saturday June 17th at Queen’s Park
Turf. Kick off at 5:00 pm. To register as a player please purchase a ticket for $10 at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-dads-soccer-tickets34448601695?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_eve
nt_email&utm_term=eventurl_text
FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT
Cheer on the ‘Caps and enjoy an evening of soccer, salvation, and worship.
Includes a post-match worship session and a message of faith delivered by Whitecaps FC forward Fredy
Montero.
Attendees will also have the chance to win a special Whitecaps FC prize pack by using the promo code
“FAITH NIGHT” when purchasing their tickets.
Saturday, June 3
2:30 p.m. at BC Place
$27 All In
To purchase tickets visit whitecapsfc.com/faithnight or contact Kurtis Briggs at 604-669-9283 ext. 2288
or [email protected]
PEC ELECTIONS
PEC Elections will be held this weekend after each Mass. If you are a registered member of the Parish,
you are eligible to vote. There are two positions up for election.
Jenny Finnegan
Jenny Finnegan and her family have been a part of the St. Michael's Parish community since 2010. She
and her husband Peter have two children who attend St. Michael's School, and they are presently in
grades 1 and 2. During their past 3 years with the school they have been involved with the organization of
the annual Parish Auction (Donation Committee) and as a school yard supervisor on a weekly basis.
Jenny would like to continue to support our parish and school by being a member of the Parish Education
Committee. She looks forward to working as part of the PEC to build our faith community.
Rommel Garcia
Before moving to New Westminster in 2012, Rommel Garcia was a parishioner at Saint Andrew’s Parish
in Vancouver for 15 years. During this time, his eldest daughter attended Saint Andrew’s school where he
became a member of Parish Education Committee acting as Vice Chairman from 2008-2011.
In 2014, his family found their new community at Saint Michael’s Parish and School where his second
daughter started kindergarten. With focus on volunteer opportunities, he coordinated installation of new
school playground in 2015. He assisted in building the school outdoor learning centre in 2016 and he is
currently acting as Category Manager in gardening. His goal is to continue to be an active volunteer in
providing our children with the best possible education resources and system.
Padraig Harrington
Padraig is a married, father of a 3 year old boy. He became a Parishioner of St. Michael's last July after
relocating from Vancouver where he was an active member of St. Mary's Parish Vancouver both in the
Youth Ministry and the Men's Group. Padraig would like to contribute his talents in a similar fashion in St.
Michael's Parish. Padraig is a practicing civil engineer and has experience designing and managing
construction projects of various sizes. He hopes to send his son to St. Michael's school when he reaches
school age and is eager to share his experience working in project management and team environments
to continue to build and grow St. Michael's school on the foundations of its strong reputation and current
successes.
FUN DAY
th
The students will be participating in our annual Fun Day on Thursday, June 8 . The PA will be
serving a complimentary lunch at 11:30 am and the students will be dismissed at 1:00 pm. Parents are
welcome to join us on this day. Fun Day will take place rain or shine.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
th
On Friday, June 9 the staff will be using the full day for professional development; therefore, the
school will be closed.
JUNE CALENDAR
Please find the June calendar posted on the school’s website. It can be downloaded from “Upcoming
Events.”
ST. MICHAEL’S STAFF CHANGES 2017-2018
WE SAY GOODBYE
This June, after over 30 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver
Archdiocese (CISVA), Mrs. Gail Freire, our Learning Resource Coordinator, is setting her sights on a welldeserved retirement and joining her husband, Carlos, who retired last year, as well, from many years of
teaching. All of us here will miss Mrs. Freire, and will never forget her committed and faithful service to
Catholic education.
We also say good-bye to Ms. Heather Todd, who will be transferring to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
in September. Ms. Todd has been a part of St. Michael’s School for many years and, although we are sad
to see her leave, we are happy that she is broadening her teaching experiences and sharing her talents
with another community.
We say good-bye to Ms. Andrea Cheung, who will be heading to Simon Fraser University where she will
be working on her Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Special Education. We are very grateful for her two
years of service and we also congratulate Ms. Cheung on her engagement!
We say good-bye to Ms. Brittany Belliveau who has been teaching French and Grade 5 for the past year.
Ms. Belliveau replaced Mrs. Wendy Tantongco who will be returning from maternity leave. We thank Ms.
Belliveau for her dedicated service to the school and we wish her all the best and we congratulate Ms.
Belliveau on her engagement as well!
Mrs. Andrea Finch will be going on maternity leave in September as she and her husband are expecting
their second child!
STAFF CHANGES
Mr. Paul Roder will take on the role of Athletic Director and will be teaching Physical and Health Education
to students from Kindergarten to Grade 7.
Mr. Rino Cavaliere will be teaching Grade 5 full time.
Mrs. Wendy Tantongco will be teaching 80% next year and she will be our French teacher and Teacher
Librarian focusing on inquiry based learning and core competencies.
Mr. Andrew Da Silva will be our Computer and Technology Specialist and Head Teacher.
We ask for your prayers and support during this time of transition.
WE WELCOME
Please join me in welcoming the following staff members:
We have hired Mr. Nicola Salvino as our Grade 7 teacher. Mr. Salvino is trained in the International
Baccalaureate Middle School Years and is eager and thrilled to be part of our St. Michael’s family. His
expertise with the International Baccalaureate Program will complement and enhance the re-designed
curriculum.
Ms. Marina Alberti will be our new Grade 6 teacher. She has a certificate in Acting for Stage and Screen
and a concentration in Environmental Education. Ms. Alberti (Yes, she is related to our other Alberti)
brings with her an enthusiastic and genuine joy to teaching and is excited in joining our St. Michael’s
community.
We welcome back two former educators to our school who will lead our Learning Resource Department.
Mrs. Lisa Benes will take over for Ms. Cheung and will be our Primary Learning Resource Teacher. Mrs.
Benes is delighted to share the experiences she has gained in special education over the last year with
our school.
We also welcome back Mrs. Kirstin Roche who has been teaching in Ottawa for the last three years. Mrs.
Roche is overjoyed to be returning to St. Michael’s and will be taking on the role of Learning Resource
Coordinator. Mrs. Roche has been gaining much experience in the area of special education and we are
happy to have her back to share her knowledge and expertise with us.
We will let you know when we have confirmed a Grade 3 teacher.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
BURNABY PUBLIC LIBRARY READING PROGRAM
Help your child succeed in school… Join the Summer Reading Club at Burnaby Public Library.
Registration starts Friday, June 16th and continues until the middle of July. Children who read over
the summer do better in school, and libraries across BC are here to help. When kids sign up, they will
receive a reading calendar, a reading record, a book mark, and stickers. After reading or being read to for
fifteen minutes a day for fifty days, readers will be rewarded with the highly coveted Summer Reading
Club medal.
During the summer, the library offers fun and creative programs, extended loans for travelers, and book
recommendations.
FAQs: Can my child enter if we’re not here in the summer? Not a problem. Registration materials can
be picked up at the beginning of the summer and used anywhere throughout July and August. Medals for
children who have completed the program will be available until the end of September.
What if my child isn’t reading yet? Children of all ages and reading levels are welcome. Younger
children can listen to stories, and we have books and suggestions to help beginners too. We love
matching kids with books!
Walk on the Wild Side with us this summer!
Find our more at: www.bpl.bc.ca/kids
PARENT WORKSHOPS
Introduction to Executive Function
June 5th, 6:30-9:00 PM
Executive dysfunction is a term most parents of children with complex neurodevelopmental
differences including autism are hearing.
This introductory workshop presents on three areas of interest:
• What is Executive Functioning?
• What and how do we assesses executive function or know it is a problem?
• What can we do to improve executive function?
After attending you should have a better understanding about what your child may be
experiencing that is causing educators and you concerns. You will also learn some initial
directions for what you can do about executive dysfunction and your child.
When Should you Tell your Child He/She has ASD?
June 19th, 6:30-9:00
Parents are often unsure when or if to tell their child they have been diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder. This introductory workshop presents three considerations:
• Why you tell your child
• When to tell your child
• What to tell your child
Time will be allocated for sharing concerns or ideas regarding the wisdom of telling the child
considering the unique qualities of each child. After attending you should have an
understanding of the importance of including your child in understanding the diagnosis of
ASD and have direction about the appropriate time and way to begin the discussion.
To register contact:
Joseph at [email protected] 604-232-4122
Workshops are being held at the Pacific Autism Family Centre – 3688 Cessna Drive Richmond
Cost: $25.00 for each workshop
HELP NEEDED – PARTICIPATION
Our 2017 Walkathon is fast approaching!! We are looking for a chair or co-chairs for this event. Consider
volunteering or finding another parent to share the duties with. We have an experienced team and
previous chair persons to help you along with the preparation. For any inquiries, call Maria from our fund
raising committee at [email protected] or 604-996-2683.
SUMMER CAMPS
STMC Basketball Summer Camp
Who: Boys and girls currently in grades 4-9
What: 5-day camp designed to introduce players to the fundamentals of the game in a fun and
competitive atmosphere.
When: July 31 - August 4, 2017 from 9am-12pm
Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate Gym
STMC Volleyball Summer Camp
Who: Boys and girls currently in grades 5-7
What: 5-day camp designed to introduce players to the fundamentals of the game in a fun and
competitive atmosphere.
When: August 29-September 2 at 9am-12pm
Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate Gym
Please visit the following link for registration information:
http://stthomasmorecollegiate.ca/department/sports/seasonal-sports-camps
BCIT – BROADCASTING & MEDIA SUMMER CAMP
This July, BCIT will be offering a Broadcast & Media Summer Camp for children aged 8-12 at the Burnaby
campus. The day camps will be 5 days long where kids will be able to get hands on experience in the
Broadcast Centre with activities such as reporting stories and producing a news show. This also provides
them a different type of program to take part in during their summer break and will be a fun filled week
where they can learn about Broadcasting and Media.
All 2017 summer camps take place from 8:30am to 3:30pm. After camp care is also available.
 Camp A: July 10 - 14
 Camp B: July 17 - 21
 Camp C: July 24 - 28
Further information can be found at the following website: get.bcit.ca/camps.
Thought of the week…
“G od’s f ac e is the f ac e of a m er c if ul f ather who is al wa ys p atie nt. H ave you t hou ght
about G od ’s pat ienc e, the pat ienc e h e has wi th eac h on e of us ? T hat is his m erc y. He
al wa ys has pat ienc e, p atienc e with us ; h e un ders tands us , he wa its f or us , he does not
tire of f or giving us if we ar e ab le to ret urn to him with a c o ntrite h ea rt.”
~Po pe Franc is