Family Bulletin | April 2017
 
Do not be afraid! I know you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said. (Matt. 28:5-6)
 
These words from Matthew's Gospel highlight a significant reminder for us during our Lenten journey - to not live in fear for God is with us always. My hope and prayer for all those in our STMC faith and learning community that this Easter season be one of renewal in our relationship with God. I hope all of you have a wonderful and blessed Easter holiday.
Please continue reading 
To Become a Saint   
I had the blessing of attending a retreat given by Bishop Emeritus David Munroe. The theme of the retreat was "Project: To become a saint".

Becoming a saint seems like an impossible project!
When caught up in the daily challenges and chaos of life, how could I carve out time to work on this formidable project? The answer could be in the mission preached by Fr. Wade Menezes CPM who says, in part, we work out our salvation by being "faithful to our daily duty" - whatever that daily duty is. And then taken together with the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux who tells us that it is in "little ways" that we respond to God's call to us. "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love."
Please continue reading
 
Redesigned Newsletter

Based on feedback from our general communications survey earlier this year, we are test-driving a new, mobile-friendly newsletter. A cleaner presentation, a more modern look, yet all the same great content we look forward to every month!

Feel free to email Mark Bradshaw, Communications Manager, with suggestions!

Mark Your Calendars
Important Upcoming Dates
STMC Athletics Round-up

For all team schedules, please consult the calendar.



The Golf team's season tees off this month with battles against Vancouver College, St. George's, West Point Grey and St. John's at Riverway, Fraserview, Langara and McCleery courses. Please see the calendar for dates.



________________________________

After a weather-shortened beginning to the season (including dealing with snow on the track till the start of Spring Break), the Track team has its first meet of the season in Coquitlam on Thursday, April 6. The highlight of the month occurs over Easter, as the team makes its annual trek down to Oregon. Please see the calendar for more deets on meets.

________________________________



The Junior and Senior Girls Soccer teams start competing this month in their league play. Please see the calendar for game dates and locations.



________________________________

 

The Junior and Senior Ultimate teams, led by Coach Muise, also begin league play this month. Please see the calendar for game dates and locations.



________________________________



The Tennis team begins its season this month with several games against Catholic rivals VC and ND at the STMC courts. Please see the calendar for game dates.



Volunteer Knight
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | 6:30-8:00pm

A night to celebrate all the wonderful volunteers whose hard work and dedication help make STMC such a successful and welcoming Christian community.

For everyone who has taken the time to give back to our school, thank you, and please save the date - a formal invitation is coming to your inbox soon!
Girls Basketball Banquet
Monday, April 24 at 6:00pm

All girls STMC basketball players and their families are invited to the year-end banquet, taking place on Monday, April 24, at 6:00pm in the cafeteria.

If interested, players are requested to please contact Mr. Thierman or their own basketball coach for more information. Tickets are $20.

Student Highlights
Action U15 Volleyball
STMC students win gold in Nanaimo

The Action U15 team featuring 5 STMC students ( Arianna Figueroa,
Maxine King, Mia Lopes, Eunice Tamayo and Alex Tarazi) as well as STMC alum Stephanie Tarazi ('15) as Assistant Coach, won gold in the "A" Nanaimo Super Series this past weekend.

Congratulations girls!

Milena Kalisch
Silver and bronze medalist at American National Indoor Track & Field Championships

During Spring Break our own Grade 8, Milena Kalisch, travelled to Landover, MD to compete in the United States AAU National Indoor Track & Field Championships. Milena competed in two events for 14 year old women, winning a silver medal in the 3000m and bronze medal in the 1500m. STMC is incredibly proud of her achievements!

Check out our interview with Milena.


If your son or daughter has any news worth sharing in the monthly newsletter, please contact Communications Manager, Mark Bradshaw, at mark.bradshaw@stmc.bc.ca

Spotlight On...
With Communications Assistant
Bianca Te
Blessed Edmund Rice's room, Waterford
Ireland Spring
Break Trip

The annual Spring Break trip this year focused on Ireland, home of the Christian Brothers, and the Emerald Isle proved to be quite the destination. Our intrepid Communications Assistant Bianca Te spoke with Elizabeth Bilaway (Grade 11) and Caileen Corbett (Grade 12) to get a student's perspective:

BT: What was your favourite part of the trip?

Elizabeth: I really liked the Giant's Causeway [Northern Ireland]. It was really cool learning about the folktale of Finn McCool, then seeing the pathway he and the other giant created. The rock formation was really interesting!

Caileen: My favourite part of the Ireland trip was also going to the Giant's Causeway. The day we went was freezing but the views were totally worth it. Also the fact that I got to meet new people on this trip and experience so many amazing things will always be something I cherish forever and never forget.

The crew at the birthplace of Blessed Edmund Rice
(Caileen: front left, Elizabeth: back right)


Check out our Facebook page for more photos on the trail of Blessed Edmund Rice Like us on Facebook

Workshops
Counselling Workshop Series:
Girls Issues
Wednesday, April 19 at STMC

This workshop will explore common issues faced by teen girls today and how, as parents, we can help our young women navigate these fun yet challenging years.

Check out our website for more information
Archdiocesan Parenting Workshops and Events

Take the time to check out the various workshops on offer through the Archdiocese of Vancouver, including Couples Connect, Raising Children in a Digital Age, and Learn How to Parent Teens, among others.
Women's Personal Safety Workshop
Thursday, April 20 at STMC

Come to a dynamic workshop taught by the VPD Women's Personal Safety Team to learn how to feel confident and prepared if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation. This free 2 hour class will teach you how to be more aware of your surroundings, potentially prevent violent behaviour from an attacker, and how to effectively fight back. Check out our website for more information

Parents Association
Grade 11 Parents Needed -
Dry Grad
June 24-25, 11pm-6:00am | 8-Rinks, Burnaby

We know it's late and a long night but you get to mee
t your fellow Grade 11 parents (which is big because you will be going through this next year!), enjoy watching our grad students at the party of the year and get a bird's-eye view into what your future grad will be enjoying next year.  The kids are excited and happy and it's always a great night! Please continue reading for more information. 
 
If you would like to volunteer, or just have any questions, please contact Dry Grad Captain Mona Winters at: mona@sourcewest.ca.
Knight Club Sale
Thursday, April 6 | 2:30-4:00pm

Rugby shirts have arrived!

If you've been waiting (patiently) for the rugby shirt shipment to arrive, please come to the April sale to pick yours up!

Check out the Knight Club and Dress Code page for more information about uniforms.
Hot Lunch

Another mouth-watering selection of hot lunches is available this month in the cafeteria. Please be aware that there will be no hot lunch on Friday, April 7, due to the shortened school day. For more information about hot lunches, please see our website.

A Look Back at March Events
Jazz Choir at the Frank DeMiero Jazz Festival
March 2 - 4, Edmonds, Washington, USA

 
From March 2-4 the school Jazz Choir had the opportunity of going to Edmonds Washington to perform at the prestigious Frank DeMiero Jazz Festival. The overall trip was extraordinary, we made so many unforgettable memories and got a lot closer as a group or, to us, a family.

Performance day was exhilarating we performed alongside extremely talented schools ranging from elementary to high schools, colleges to community choirs and we also got the opportunity to be adjudicated by a world class clinician. One of my favourite moments of the trip was the concert, it showcased talented musicians who were masters at the craft of jazz music and because this is my first and last year in the group I was blown away by the sheer talent that all the performers possessed. After coming back from the trip I found myself listening to more jazz music and really appreciating the craft because, trust me when I say this, jazz music is hard! But nevertheless I love it and wouldn't change it and the memories I made because of it for the world.


Christian Evangelio (Grade 12)

Drama Production: High School Musical
High School Musical, with performances at the Shadbolt Theatre from March 9th to 11th, was a resounding success. With 3 sellouts and a nearly full matinee, the STMC community came out in droves to support our incredible drama production team.

From the professional-level singing and acting, to the accompanying school band and the gorgeous set design, audiences were treated to a musical that wouldn't have looked out of place on Broadway. A hearty congratulations to all the players (especially our two charismatic leads, Ron Sagarbarria and Emma Ciprian), musicians, dancers, backstage crew, and especially Mrs. Webber, Mrs. Chinnapen, Mr. Lui and Mr. Shoemaker for bringing out the potential in our students. This is Jack Scott, signing out!


 
 
St. Thomas More Collegiate | 604-521-1801 | info@stmc.bc.ca | www.stmc.bc.ca 
FRIEND, FOLLOW, VIEW, LIKE US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For up-to-date news and photos