SPOTLIGHT
November 07
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
This week has been full of experiences that remind us why learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. From the Grade 4/5 swimming lessons to the volleyball teams competing for the Island Championships, our students are learning through action, movement, and connection.
Mr. Alex’s classes have been busy exploring all kinds of environments, by testing chemical reactions in the lab (where sparks literally flew), visiting the salmon run ladder to study ecosystems in action, and hiking the forest trails as part of Outdoor Education CCA. These experiences help students see the connections between theory and the real world, and they build curiosity that lasts beyond the lesson. Thanks to Mr. Alex for his enthusiasm to get kids engaged in meaningful activities.
Through our Seawolf pillar as Explorers, students also extended their learning in the arts and social studies this week. Mr. Clausen took the Wind Ensemble to Oak Bay for a live orchestra performance, giving students a firsthand understanding of musicianship and collaboration. Mr. Jeff’s Grade 10s visited the Esquimalt Naval Base, connecting history, service, and citizenship.
As Explorers, our teaching team believes students learn best when they experience learning for themselves. Field trips, performances, labs, and outdoor challenges make knowledge meaningful, spark questions, and build the skills that prepare our students for life outside of school.
Josh Hart
Head of School
Interesting Links!
Interesting Links!
We will be adding links that staff and students feel other people from the community will benefit from! Another face from the kaleidoscope that is our school.
Check them out!
Eco Club CCA: Successful Bake Sale!
Eco Club CCA: Successful Bake Sale!
A big congratulations to the Eco Club on their successful Bake sale, which raised $279 for the BC Conservation Foundation! Thank you so much to everyone who came out and showed their support.
Journalism CCA: Meet the Student!
Journalism CCA: Meet the Student!
Richard comes from Xuzhou, China, and his favourite subject is Physics. Around school, you’ll often see him spending time with his friends — Anna, Yueyue, Windy, Reyna, Ben, Alen, and Ms. Keller, who is his favorite teacher. When he’s not studying or hanging out with friends, Richard enjoys catching up on some sleep during his free time. His drink of choice? A refreshing caffeine-free Coke!
Write-up by: Anna, Grade 12
Grade 4/5:
Grade 4/5:
Social Studies/Science
Social Studies/Science
The Grade 4/5 class has been learning about Canada’s natural resources through hands-on activities and learning stations. Students explored how resources are used across the country and participated in a fun “cookie mining” activity, where they experienced first-hand how mining can impact the environment.
Outdoor Ed. CCA
Outdoor Ed. CCA
Students in the Outdoor Education CCA set out on an adventure to Mount Baldy, hiking halfway up the mountain and taking in stunning views along the way. The trip offered a chance for students to practice essential hiking and navigation skills, develop teamwork, and build confidence in outdoor settings. These experiences will serve them well as they prepare for a longer expedition planned for later this spring.
Grade 11: Salmon Conservation Ladder
Grade 11: Salmon Conservation Ladder
Students in ESS this week visited the Mill Bay Conservation salmon ladder, the MOST successful conservation project of its kind in Canada. This project helps return thousands of coho salmon to various fresh water locations around the Cowichan valley, where they can safely spawn. Through assisting with the salmon ladder process and fish transfer, students saw first hand how these powerful human efforts can help repair damaged ecosystems through restoring keystone species populations like the Coho.
November Parent Workshop
November Parent Workshop
On November 4th, we hosted a parent workshop presentation with families about the MYP assessment and report card practices of an IB school and the structure of the DP program within our high school experience at SJA.
Here is a link to the full video of the workshop.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxRaNLNZgAF-yrz4RuJMaqKtV7ZMCNw0/view?usp=sharing
Mr. Bradley's presentation is also shared below.
Mr. Venables also talked about our high school program and dispelled some of the myths and misunderstandings about what we offer. The DP program is a big part of SJA, but there are options for those who do not want to do the full program. Our goal is to make high school accessible to all students, regardless of their goals after graduation. Mr. V's presentation will be shared on November 19th in Advisory with the Grade 9s and 10s so that they see the options that exist for them at SJA with our academic offerings.
Please reach out to Mr. Venables at eric.venables@sjasl.ca or Mr. Bradley at bradley.myrholm@sjasl.ca to get more information about these topics if you missed them.
X-Country Provincial Championship
X-Country Provincial Championship
On Saturday 01 November, Olivia Colaco represented the SJASL XC running team by competing in the Provincial Championships at Arbutus Meadows, Nanoose Bay. It was another wet and windy day and the course was MUDDY! Approximately 1000 athletes attended this meet from all over the province, and some stellar performances were put down by all involved.
Olivia raced in the 1A Senior Girls Category and placed 26th overall. She ran the 5km course in a time of 0:24:26, which equates to a speedy pace of 4:53/km! Congratulations to Olivia on this awesome achievement!
Ms. Parsons
Hello from SJA Boarding
Hello from SJA Boarding
Last weekend was filled with fun and relaxation! On Friday, we enjoyed watching Halloween movies, indulging in some candy, working on puzzles, and trying out a few other activities in the den—spooky and cozy all at once.
Saturday brought sunny and windy weather, and our students had a great time exploring downtown Victoria, taking in the sights and enjoying the fresh air. That evening, we kicked back with leftover candy, finished our puzzle, and watched the Blue Jays game in the den—perfect way to unwind and have some team fun.
Sunday was all about rest and renewal. The students took some time to relax and give their dorm rooms a good, fresh clean, getting ready for the week ahead!
Coming up…
Friday November 14th: Games Night in the Den with Day Students
November 15th: UVic Vikes Basketball Night at University of Victoria!
November 22nd: Mayfair and H-Mart
November 28-29: Vancouver/Richmond overnight trip
Games Night in the Den!
Join the boarding program on Friday, November 14th from 6:00–8:30 pm in The Den for a Games Night! The Boarding Program is hosting a fun evening on campus and inviting local students (grades 7-12) to join us for games including table tennis, card games, mahjong, puzzles, and other fun activities!
Feel free to bring your favorite game from home (and an enthusiasm to teach your friends) with a readiness to enjoy a fun night with friends — we can’t wait to see you there!
Please email the dorms (dorm.admin@sjasl.ca) to sign up before Monday November 10th :)
PCEG NEWS!
PCEG NEWS!
The popular Purdy’s fundraiser has started! Please see below on how to order
Other ongoing fundraising opportunities are, Country Grocer receipts, please save your receipts and put in the envelope at the office. You can 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).
Our next meeting is Tuesday November 18, 2025, 6-7pm in the boardroom or online (typically meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month). Everyone is welcome.
If you would like to reach out with any ideas, please contact us at sjaparentgroupshawnigan@gmail.com
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.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
November 10 Remembrance day Assembly
November 11 Remembrance day (School closed)
November 18 PCEG meeting
November 21 Last day of Term #1 - Nov.24 Term #2 begins
November 28 PD day (No classes)
Next Week's Menu
Next Week's Menu
Monday Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Assorted French Fries, Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Halloumi Sandwich
Tuesday Rememberance day (School closed)
Wednesday Gyros, Greek Rice, Greek Salad | Vegetarian Option - Falafel
Thursday Assorted Pizzas, Caesar Salad | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Pizza & Cheese Pizza
Friday Maui Chicken, Coconut Rice, Roasted Squash Medley, Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Maui Tofu
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