SPOTLIGHT
February 13
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
As we transition into this long weekend, I find myself reflecting on a week that was both vibrant and deeply poignant. While our calendar marked this as a week of awareness for mental health, the reality of that focus felt particularly meaningful as our hearts turned toward the community of Tumbler Ridge. In times of tragedy, the importance of community, resilience, and looking out for one another becomes more significant.
One of the traditions of the week was watching our students embrace discomfort in the pursuit of wellness. From the cold dips in the lake to the refreshing heat of the sauna, there was a sense of accomplishment on campus. These activities reminded us that "doing hard things" and succeeding is a powerful step for both physical health and mental confidence.
A special thank you goes to Nurse Heather for arranging the sauna. It was a clear favourite; in fact, many students have already shared their hopes for a permanent installation. If anyone in our community has a passion for such a project or would like to help us make a permanent sauna a reality, I would welcome the conversation!
Thursday evening shifted the energy as we hosted the Junior Dance. It was a joy to see the students let loose, fueled by a fair amount of sugar and the occasional sound of popping balloons. These moments of fun are essential. They provide the necessary break from routine that allows us to recharge and connect in ways that the classroom doesn't always permit.
My sincere thanks go to Ms. Burkie and the Student Council for their thoughtful planning throughout the week. Their efforts ensured we had the space to step back, breathe, and enjoy one another’s company.
As we head into this long weekend, I hope our students take time to truly rest. I suspect there were quite a few tired faces this morning after the excitement of the dance!
Finally, while we celebrate the spirit of our school, we remain mindful that events in the wider world can weigh heavily on us. Please remember that support services and counselling remain available for any students who may be feeling the impact of recent events.
Wishing you all a restful and restorative long weekend.
Josh Hart
Head of School
You are invited to SJA Fusion!!!
You are invited to SJA Fusion!!!
🎉 You’re invited to SJA Fusion! 🎉
Join us for a creative evening celebrating student talent and expression.
Enjoy our DP 2 Art Exhibition, the Grade 9 Fashion Show, and a Talent Show open to everyone who would like to sign up and perform!
📅 March 4
⏰ 6:30 PM start
📍 The Den
Come support our students and experience the amazing creativity of our school community. We can’t wait to see you there!
WELLNESS WEEK!
WELLNESS WEEK!
At SJASL, we place great importance on our mental well-being. To support this, the Peer Support Team organized a wide range of activities varying from school-wide conga line challenge to mandala drawing and stack attack in the past week. And back by popular demand, we hosted our second sundae bar where students and faculty customized their own sundae on the last day of the school week—a small reward to recognize everyone’s hard work. We would like to take a moment to appreciate everyone's participation and the faculty's contribution to make everything possible. As Peer Support Team officially launches next week, remember: you are not alone, support is always available.
-Your Peer Support Team
Tuesday and Thursday morning, students chose from Sunrise Walk, Mandalas & Mocha, Collaborative/ Physical games in the gym or Collaborative/Mental games in the library.
On Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, students chose from Cognitive/Mindful Activities or Physical Activies outside around campus.
Wednesday’s Spirit Day was full of fun and energy. Students joined the Zoom Meeting Dress-Up challenge with creative outfits that brought plenty of smiles.
Throughout the day, the Rock, Paper, Scissors competition kept the excitement going, with friendly rivalry and lots of laughter across campus.
Jr. Valentine's Dance
Jr. Valentine's Dance
Our Junior Valentine’s Day Dance was a wonderful success! The evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and even a few fun dance competitions that brought great energy to the floor.
Here are just a few photos from the event to enjoy. Many more will be shared by Mr. Josh and Ms. Burkie through a separate platform, so keep an eye out for those.
Enjoy!
Gr. 10 Design Films
Gr. 10 Design Films
Over the past several weeks, our Grade 10 Design students took on an exciting creative challenge. In groups, they produced original music videos or SJA short films, developing storyboards, planning shoots, managing timelines, and refining their editing skills.
Throughout the process, students demonstrated collaboration, leadership, storytelling, creativity, and strong time management.
At the end of the project, they presented their work in true “Dragon’s Den style,” pitching their films in character to a panel of staff investors who also embraced their roles. The result was a wonderful mix of professionalism, thoughtful questioning, and plenty of laughter.
I am incredibly proud of their confidence, growth, and dedication. 🎥✨
Zero Hunger Advisory Challenge
Zero Hunger Advisory Challenge
Our Grade 7 students are taking action! As part of an advisory challenge led by Mr. Bradley, one group has created the Instagram account @sjasl.zerohunger to raise awareness about food waste and how we can move closer to a world with Zero Hunger.
Riel, Paige M, Nina, Bluebell, and Peyton have just posted their very first video, and more creative content is on the way. They are encouraging our community to think about how small changes can reduce food waste and help make a real difference.
Check out their first post and stay tuned for more!
Updates from Boarding
Updates from Boarding
This week in boarding has been filled with sunshine and smiles as we’ve been spending lots of time outside enjoying the beautiful sunny weather. Whether it’s relaxing on campus, walking into town, or simply soaking up some fresh air between classes, the warm days have brought great energy and a cheerful mood to dorm life.
On Sunday, we also celebrated Soma’s birthday outside with a campfire and a small group of friends. It was a lovely, low-key celebration full of laughter, treats, and good company—just the kind of moment that makes boarding feel like home.
We’re now gearing up for one of the biggest highlights of the year: our upcoming trip to Whistler! Excitement is high as students pack their winter gear and prepare for a weekend of snow and mountain fun—so wish us some good weather for the slopes!
And when we return, the celebrations continue with Lunar New Year on Monday Night. We’ll be marking the occasion with hot pot and games in the Den, bringing students together to share food, culture, and festive spirit. It’s shaping up to be an exciting and memorable weekend in boarding!
School Store Now Open!
School Store Now Open!
Our online school store is officially open for orders! 🛍️
The store will be open from today until:
Friday, February 20 at midnight. Don’t miss out!
Shop school gear using the link below.
>>LINK<<
Push-Up Challenge for Mental Health
Push-Up Challenge for Mental Health
Join the SJA Push-up Team!
From the 5th - 27th of February there will be a daily push-up target; these daily targets will add up to 2000 push-ups! This is in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Mental Health Week. We are raising funds and starting the conversation around mental health! If push-ups are not your thing, then you can do sit-ups instead. If you go to the link below, you can create an account and join the SJA push-up team. The SJA push-up team will come together once or twice a day to support each other in doing a batch of push-ups or sit-ups, either in the den or in the gym. We have a fundraising target, but if that isn't your thing, then you can join just to be physically active and support others. Students, staff and parents are welcome.
Join the SJA Push-up Team >>LINK<<
Pink Shirt Day - Anti-Bullying Awareness
Pink Shirt Day - Anti-Bullying Awareness
📅 Wednesday, February 25
Pink Shirt Day is an important opportunity for our school community to come together and stand up against bullying. By wearing pink, we show our commitment to kindness, inclusion, and respect for one another.
Our Pink Shirt Day School Store is open for those who would like to participate by ordering a printed pink shirt to wear on the day. All orders will be delivered to the school before the event.
PCEG NEWS
PCEG NEWS
Happy Family Day Weekend!
We hope everyone was able to access the White Hatter presentation and found this an important and informative event, thank you for attending.
Please be aware, PCEG's used uniform sales will be changing in some areas, effective March 1, 2026.
Uniforms will remain priced at roughly 50% of new, and all proceeds retained by the PCEG will continue to directly support extracurricular programming and student led initiatives.
If families have items on consignment, the portion of sales retained by the PCEG will increase to 50% of the total sale. This is more in line with other private school policies, and will ensure fair pricing and sustainability. We also greatly appreciate any donated items to sell. In the case of donations the PCEG will retain 100% of proceeds to directly benefit the student body as noted above. Thank you for your understanding. We are also looking for a volunteer or volunteers who would be willing to learn the system and help or lead this important project. Please reach out to us at sjaparentgroupshawnigan@gmail.com or through our Facebook group, SJA PARENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GROUP.
Our next meeting will be held in the boardroom or online Tuesday, Feb 17 at 6pm, we'd love to see some new faces! Everyone is welcome.
Ongoing fundraising opportunities include Country Grocer Receipts. This is an easy way to contribute to our fundraising efforts, just bring in your Country Grocer receipts and place them in the envelope in the office. Did you know we have an Island Return it account? Just drop your bottles to Island Return It on Fisher Road across from the main Depot (remember to specify you are donating to St John's Academy Shawnigan Lake).
We welcome any new ideas at our monthly meetings; however, you are also invited to email us anytime at sjaparentgroupshawnigan@gmail.com.
Have a great long weekend.
DP Important Dates
DP Important Dates
Grade 11s
FEBRUARY 27
EXTENDED ESSAY - First Draft Due (RPF #2)
Grade 12s
FEBRUARY 18-27
Mock Exams (No Grade 12 Classes)
FEBRUARY 27
VISUAL ARTS - Process Portfolio Due (Final)
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
February 16 Family Day (school closed)
February 17 PCEG meeting
February 19 Info Night in Langford!
Feb. 18-27 DP Mock Exams for Grade 12s
March 09 Term 3 begins
March 13 Last day of class before Spring Break
March 14 & 29 Travel days for boarding students
March 16-27 Spring Break (no classes, boarding closed)
March 30 Classes Resume
Seawolves Athletic calendar
Seawolves Athletic calendar
Congratulations to all teams on finishing a wonderful basketball season! 🏀
We are proud of your effort, growth, and commitment throughout the season.
Please remember to return your basketball uniforms next week.
Junior Athletics:
Our Swimming Jamboree is coming up on February 23rd. Be ready to go! More students still need to sign up, so don’t wait.
Let’s finish the season strong, Seawolves! 🐺💙
Mr. Travis
Next Week's Menu
Next Week's Menu
Monday: (No school)
Tuesday:
Buddha's Delight w/ Shaved Beef, Assorted Chicken & Pork Spring Rolls, Pork & Shrimp Wonton, Steamed Rice, Rice Cake Soup
Wednesday:
Chicken Shawarma, Roasted Potatoes, Curried Lamb Soup, Assorted Salads
Vegetarian Option - Falafel
Thursday:
Perogies, Fried Bratwurst & Cabbage, Creamy Cabbage & Bacon Soup, Assorted Salads
Vegetarian Option - Perogies, Fried Cabbage & Onions, Creamy Cabbage Soup
Friday:
Maui Braised Chicken, Coconut Rice, Roasted Vegetables, Assorted Salads
Vegetarian Option - Maui Braised Tofu
School Uniform
School Uniform
A reminder that Free Fridays should always be SJA clothing. Non-SJA sweatpants, hoodies, and shirts will not be permitted and students will be asked to change or visit the front office to borrow SJA clothes.
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