SPOTLIGHT
November 14
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
This week’s Remembrance Day assembly highlighted a clear message. Major Ray Wiss, MD reminded us that conflict is not only something from history. Canadians still serve overseas in situations shaped by competing ideas, not necessarily territorial disputes. He spoke about Afghanistan and how the central struggle focused on equal treatment and the right of every person to participate in society.
His strongest point was simple. Education is the primary tool in these conflicts. Groups that fear equality limit schooling, especially for women, because informed communities weaken extremist positions. Learning about past injustices and present issues helps us think critically, compare viewpoints, and make informed choices.
This links directly to our work as a school.
We aim to build a community where everyone belongs and has a fair chance to succeed.
Our IB program places issues in global contexts, helping us see how actions in one place shape lives in another.
We study the past so you avoid repeating mistakes.
We treat each member of the pack with respect.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to a thoughtful ceremony.
I look forward to seeing many parents at the PCEG meeting on Tuesday.
Josh Hart
Head of School
Spotlight CCA!
Spotlight CCA!
In this week’s highlight, we will look into what our own CCA is doing, Spotlight club! This club is run by Ms Maite on Thursdays. We have 4 groups working on different spotlight projects around our school. The first group is Paige and Kaya and they have been working for the past 4 weeks on a virtual tour, this entails, visual representation of school, and posting it on YouTube to allow students, staff, and others to show off our school. Paige and Kaya chose to do this project, to showcase the school in a broader way, rather than just snippets, it could also help the school entice people to join our pack! Ryan, and Rei both generate content for the student leadership Instagram account, and sometimes for the official SJASL social media. Rei is more focused on photographs and videos, and Ryan is more focused on write ups, and informational content. Both are an important aspect of our school's creative content. Lastly, Makena, Madeline, and Elsie, we work on doing these! We focus on showcasing our schools' CCAs and interviewing students to learn about how different CCAs may be helping them in academics, and being physically active. If you love working digitally, and in groups to help advertise our school, and put people in the spotlight. The spotlight is waiting for you!
Photography and write-up by:
Makena, Elsie and Madeline.
Journalism CCA: Meet the Teacher!
Journalism CCA: Meet the Teacher!
Ms. Beth, a Visual Arts teacher at St. Johns Academy, brings her passion for creativity into the classroom by focusing on printmaking techniques, her favourite area of instruction. Outside of school, she continues to explore her love for art through acrylic painting, especially seascapes and abstract works. She chose to become a teacher to make a difference in young people’s lives while staying connected to art every day. For her, the greatest reward of teaching at our school is being part of a close-knit community. Looking ahead, Ms. Beth plans to pursue a Master’s degree in art education to further enrich her teaching practice.
Check her art! >> www.bethpartridge.com
Write-up by: Anna, Grade 12
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
As a community, we reflected on the courage and sacrifice of those who served for peace. For many, remembrance is personal. For others, especially those new to Canada, it’s about listening and learning so that we can understand and honour their stories.
Thank you to our students, staff, and Major Ray Wiss for helping make our ceremony thoughtful and meaningful. May we carry forward the lessons of empathy, respect, and courage in how we live each day.
Lest we forget.
Frankestain Movie Trip
Frankestain Movie Trip
This fall, Grade 11 Language and Literature students have been studying Mary Shelley’s gothic novel “Frankenstein.” Last week, Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro’s movie adaptation of the classic tale hit the theatres. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for the students to see how the novel and the movie differed, to examine the rich themes of the Romantic era narrative, and to spend some quality time together off campus eating popcorn! On the bus ride home, there were some heated (and light-hearted) conversations about what the director “got wrong” and how he “stayed true.” Thank you to all of the day student parents who picked up their children a little later than usual. The trip was a great success!
Mr. T-Coy
UVic Grade 11 Trip
UVic Grade 11 Trip
On November 12th the Grade 11 class went on a trip in the morning to the University of Victoria. While there, we got to do a building based scavenger hunt, which gave us a great opportunity to explore all of the campus. We also got some time to explore independently, and take a look at faculties that interest us. This trip allowed us to be more aware of university possibilities and aspirations.
Write-up by: Elsie, Madeline and Makena
Hello from SJA Boarding
Hello from SJA Boarding
We have had a fantastic week in Dorms!
Last Saturday, our students headed to Woodgrove Mall and the movie theater in Nanaimo for a fun day of shopping and films. It was even extra special, as some of our dorm students invited a few of their day-student friends, making it a great opportunity for everyone to hang out and enjoy some time outside the classroom.
Sunday kicked off our first (of hopefully many) “Beat Mr. Josh” competitions! This week’s challenge was ping pong, where Mr. Josh proved to be undefeated. As a participation reward, Mr. Josh kindly drove the bus to Mill Bay for a grocery treat run!
After our special Remembrance Day Assembly on Monday, Tuesday was the holiday giving our dorm students a day off from school. They used the break for a trip back to Mill Bay and enjoyed a tasty McDonald's run—a perfect way to relax and unwind.
Our gym has been buzzing with activity lately, especially over the past weekend, as students are making the most of the space for fun energy, fitness, and friendly competition.
It’s been a busy and exciting week, and we’re looking forward to more adventures and good times ahead, including our games night tonight in the Den… Bring your favorite board or card game, and we’ll supply the snacks (between 6pm and 8:30pm for Grades 7-12).
Coming up…
November 22nd: Mayfair and H-Mart
November 28-29: Vancouver/Richmond overnight trip (everyone's coming, nobody left on campus! Separate email sent out!)
December 6th: Butchard Gardens Christmas Lights
December 7th: Ice Skating outdoors in Langford
PCEG NEWS!
PCEG NEWS!
Purdy's fundraiser deadline is quickly approaching!
Please see information below to get in on this sweet deal!
Here is the link to SJA Holiday Fundraiser purchase site, please feel free to share with family and friends: https://fundraising.purdys.com/2182846-132644 (Please use this new link. The old one is outdated)
Once on the site, enter your email address and click join a group. If you are asked for the Customer Number, type in 83099 and click Join This Group for SJA Holiday Fundraiser.
From here you will see your dashboard where you can click Shop Online on the top of the page.
Select your view preference, I prefer the Marketplace view so I can see pictures of the items…drool!
Next, choose your items and add them to your cart.
The last step is to pay for your goodies.
Dates to keep in mind:
November 16th: Final Day to order (This Sunday)
December 5th: Official pick-up day (although it may arrive a day or two earlier)
Pickup will be at the St. John’s Academy office.
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, hope to see you there!
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 18 PCEG meeting
November 21 Last day of Term #1 - Nov.24 Term #2 begins
November 28 PD day (No classes)
November 21 Report Card (Term 2)
December 2-4 Parent-Teacher Conferences
December 12 Last Day of Classes Before WINTER BREAK
December 13 Travel Day for Boarding Students
December 15-2 Winter Break (no classes, boarding closed)
December 17-1 Office Closed
Next Week's Menu
Next Week's Menu
Monday Tofu Fried Rice, Stir Fried Vegetables, Spring Rolls, Assorted Salad Options
Tuesday Beef Burgers, Assorted Fries, Assorted Salad Options | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Burger
Wednesday Chicken Souvlaki, Naan, Spanakopita, Rice, Assorted Salad Options | Vegetarian Option - Fried Chick Peas w/ Spinach & Zucchini
Thursday Pork Tacos & Fish Tacos, Roasted Yams, Assorted Salad Options | Vegetarian Option - Halloumi Taco
Friday Roasted Chicken, Poutine, Assorted Salad Options | Vegetarian Option - Veggie 'Chicken' Nuggets
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