SPOTLIGHT
March 06
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
About a month ago, we welcomed The White Hatter for a online parent session focused on digital literacy. A central theme of that evening was the importance of open communication and establishing clear expectations with our students regarding their digital lives.
However, we recognize a hard truth: messages from parents and teachers don't always resonate with young people in the way we hope. Sometimes, hearing about the digital world requires a perspective from the front lines, one that is eye-opening, honest, and grounded in the realities of our local community.
On Wednesday morning next week, during our advisory block, we will hold a special assembly for students in Grades 6–12.
We are fortunate to welcome Corporal Megan Kowalewich of the Shawnigan Lake RCMP. Corporal Kowalewich brings an extensive background in investigations involving young people. Her message to our students is simple but vital: online safety is a choice and must be a priority.
Corporal Kowalewich’s presentation will be direct. It is designed to bridge the gap between "scare tactics" and the actual legal and personal consequences of digital choices. Key areas of focus include:
General Online Safety: Practical guidelines for staying secure.
App Vulnerabilities: How common platforms are used nefariously by strangers.
Common Offenses: Recent legal trends involving both young people and adults on the Island.
Reporting: How and where to seek help if something concerning occurs.
We want to provide parents with a "heads up" regarding the weight of this session. Some of the topics are harsh realities, including online trafficking, the sharing of intimate images, and digital coercion. While these topics can feel daunting, they are based on real cases occurring right here on Vancouver Island. With technology access starting at younger ages (and cases involving children as young as 10 becoming more frequent) we believe it is better for our students to be informed and protected than unaware.
Our goal is to start a necessary conversation at school that we hope you will continue at home. This assembly is rooted in our deep concern for student safety and our commitment to proactive education.
This assembly is for our Grades 6–12 cohort, but we are currently exploring additional more tailored, age-appropriate presentations for Grades 4–7 and more in-depth sessions specifically for Grades 8–12.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the content of this presentation, please email me at josh.hart@sjasl.ca. Parents are also welcome to attend the assembly; however, please note that it may be standing room only. If you plan to join us, please send me a quick email to let me know.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe, both on and off the screen.
Josh Hart
Head of School
SJA FUSION
SJA FUSION
Last night’s performances at SJA FUSION were a wonderful reminder of how much courage it takes to step onto a stage and share something personal with an audience. In the language of the IB Learner Profile, our performers truly embodied the trait of being risk-takers: they approached uncertainty with confidence, embraced challenge, and expressed themselves boldly in front of their community.
Talent Show
Talent Show
The talent portion of the show began with Lily K. '26 performing La valse d’Amélie by Yann Tiersen. Her playing captured the lilting waltz feel of the piece, shaping the melody with warmth and allowing it to sing above the gently pulsing accompaniment.. As this was Lily’s final opportunity to perform in SJA's March talent show, it was a poignant and memorable moment.
Marc S. '26 and Tee V. '27 followed with a high-energy performance of Metallica’s Creeping Death, featuring Marc on guitar and Tee on drums. The intensity of the performance was matched only by the determination required to keep the drum set in place as the kick pedal tried to send it travelling across the stage. It was an admirable and spirited performance, which marked their first appearance on our stage without the Wind Ensemble.
The night also featured a standout performance by Polaris F. ('31), who effortlessly embodied Elton John's hit Your Song while accompanying himself on piano. Polaris delivered a confident and expressive performance that truly made the song his own—an impressive display of musicianship and stage presence, especially from one of our younger students.
Each of these performers demonstrated the creativity, courage, and willingness to take risks that make events like SJA FUSION such a vibrant celebration of student talent. We are grateful to them for sharing their artistry with our community.
Mr. Clausen
Photography by: Kareem Gr. 6
Photography by: Kareem Gr. 6
Grade 12 Art Exhibition
Grade 12 Art Exhibition
The IB Diploma Visual Arts Exhibition opened with a wonderful evening where students, families, and guests had the opportunity to view the diverse and thought-provoking artwork created by our graduating IB Visual Arts students. Visitors also enjoyed speaking with the artists about their creative processes, inspirations, and the ideas behind their work.
This exhibition represents the culmination of the two-year IB Visual Arts course and is a significant milestone for the students. The exhibition accounts for 40% of their final grade and is both internally assessed and externally moderated as part of the IB Diploma Programme.
The work on display reflects a meaningful journey of growth, exploration, and refinement. I am incredibly proud of the creativity, dedication, and thoughtful inquiry each student brought to their exhibition. Congratulations to our graduating IB Visual Arts students!
Ms. Beth
Photography by: Kareem Gr. 6
Grade 9 Fashion Show
Grade 9 Fashion Show
Over the past few months, Design students have been working on a wearable art project where they created fashion pieces inspired by an issue or theme that matters to them. Through symbolism, colour, materials, and form, students designed outfits that communicate a message and encourage the audience to reflect on important ideas.
The project culminated in an amazing Fashion Show where students presented their work on stage. It takes courage to share something so creative and personal in front of an audience, and I am incredibly proud of them. The show was a powerful celebration of creativity, expression, and thoughtful design. 👏
Photography by: Kareem Gr. 6
Grade 6 Teaching Grade 4/5
Grade 6 Teaching Grade 4/5
The Grade 6 Individuals and Societies class is studying Natural Disasters, and each class member chose a different natural disaster to study. The students created a tri-fold "Emergency Preparedness Pamphlet" to teach the community how to respond to their specific disaster. The students gave information about the disaster, how it is formed, the effects, how to prepare, and what to prepare. Students gave thought to everything from emergency kits to recovery tools and machines.
Ms. Ellison and the Grade 4/5 class were a wonderful audience for the students, and where very inquisitive moving from station-to-station asking questions about the different natural disasters. The Grade 6 students really enjoyed sharing their learning with the Grade 4/5 class, who were fantastic hosts. A thank you to Ms. Ellison, Ms. Sheri and Ms. Maite for supporting the learning experience.
Short Photo Challenge
Short Photo Challenge
I just thought it would be nice to share Polaris and Kareem’s little colour photo challenge.
They went around the school trying to find different objects that matched the same colour. It turns out we are a pretty colourful school!
Updates from Boarding
Updates from Boarding
This past weekend in boarding brought plenty of laughter and community fun! One of the highlights was our Chicken Pajama Night, which had students showing up in their coziest clothing to eat chicken and play games together! The energy quickly picked up with a series of very lively games of musical chairs—complete with dramatic dives for seats and lots of cheering from the sidelines. It was one of those simple, joy-filled nights that everyone will remember.
We wrapped up the weekend and took advantage of the warm, spring weather with a sunny Sunday BBQ hosted by Ms. J and Mr. Stephen. Students gathered outside to enjoy great food, warm weather, and easy conversation. Between the sizzling grill and the relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect way to wind down the weekend and spend time together as a dorm community.
Another week full of connection, laughter, and great memories in boarding, while we begin to wind down to our Spring Break. This will be our last full weekend in dorms before students start leaving campus for the 2 week holiday!
PCEG NEWS
PCEG NEWS
Please be aware, PCEG's used uniform sales have changed 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.
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 weekend.
DP Important Dates
DP Important Dates
Grade 11s. No updates
Grade 12s. No updates
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
March 09 Term 3 begins
March 11 RCMP internet safety presentation
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
Girls Soccer Gr 7-12 - Practice 3-4:15 (Mon - March 9th)
Badminton Gr. 8-12 Tryouts 4-5:15 (Wed - March 11)
Badminton Gr. 8-12 Tryouts 4-5:15 (Thurs - March 12)
Track & Field Practices will start after spring break - Make sure to do some volume training over the break!
Track and Field Gr. 7-12. If you missed the first meeting and still want to sign up for one or more of the following, please let Mr. Travis know.
Events options:
If you're fast (100m, 200m)
If you have a great middle-distance pace (400m, 800m)
If you have endurance (800m, 1500m, 3000m)
If you jump well (Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump)
If you throw well (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin)Grade 7’s - will have a chance to train with the grade 8’s in preparation for the two grade 4-7 Track Meets in late May
Mr. Travis
Next Week's Menu
Next Week's Menu
Monday:
Perogies, Fried Cabbage & Sausage, Assorted Salads
Tuesday:
Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Assorted Salads
Wednesday:
Beef Burrito, Tater Tots, Tortilla Soup, Assorted Salads
Vegetarian Option - Roasted Vegetable Burrito
Thursday:
Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausages, Hash Browns, Diced Fruit
Friday:
Beef Dips, Wedge Fries, Assorted Salads
Vegetarian Option - Veggie Burger
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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