SPOTLIGHT
November 28
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
Celebrating Our Seawolves
On Wednesday, we came together for a special student recognition ceremony. It was a powerful moment for our community. Every student on stage was nominated by a peer or a teacher who noticed something special in them. We shared exactly who nominated them and the specific reasons why.
Each recognized student received a certificate and a sticker for their water bottle or laptop. These represent our three core Seawolf traits: the Leader, the Explorer, and the Pack.
We also drew one name from all the winners to be "Head of School for a Day." Congratulations to Anna F. in Grade 12. She will soon take over my role for one day and choose from a list of executive decisions. Her options include working with Chef Ron to design the lunch menu, taking a behind-the-scenes campus tour, granting extra recess, or declaring a non-uniform day for her grade.
Your Feedback Matters
Student report cards are going out today. When you receive your child’s progress report, we also need to hear from you.
We have included a survey link in the newsletter email to parents. It takes only five minutes to complete. We aim for a 100% response rate because your input drives our continuous improvement plan. Students and teachers will complete their own surveys next week as well. This feedback is anonymous, though you may leave your name if you wish. Please help us improve the school experience for every family.
Looking Ahead
I look forward to seeing many of you at parent-teacher conferences next week. If you have not booked a slot, please do so quickly as spaces fill up. Remember that our teachers are open to talking outside of these formal days. Reach out whenever you have a question or concern.
Enjoy your weekend.
Josh Hart
Head of School
Honouring the Seawolf Spirit
Honouring the Seawolf Spirit
We took time on Wednesday to celebrate our first term athletic teams and recognize students who regularly exhibit the qualities of a Seawolf. Below is a description of the criteria for each award category.
The Leader
Leader award celebrates excellence and integrity. This recognition is for students who demonstrate the courage to shape our community, whether by planning events, speaking up, or taking risks to make things better. Leadership is not just about a title; it is about the willingness to step forward, inspire confidence in the group, and drive us toward excellence. The students we recognize today have shown us what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.
The Explorer
The Explorer award honors risk taking and courage. Like the Seawolf who ranges across coastlines and forests, these students approach the world with curiosity and adaptability. They are problem-solvers who see the unknown not as a barrier, but as an opportunity. Whether in the classroom or the outdoors, they constantly learn from their environment and grow stronger through discovery and resilience.
The Pack
The Pack award represents community and caring. Seawolves thrive in community; their survival depends on trust, loyalty, and cooperation. This award recognizes students who understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They are the ones who protect and support others, ensuring that every member belongs. They embody our core motto: Stronger together.
Youth Remembrance Contest
Youth Remembrance Contest
Our school partnered with our local Legion Branch 134 this year to take part in the national Youth Remembrance Contest. Students from grades four through eight created thoughtful black and white and coloured posters that explored the theme of sharing Remembrance through visual art. Their drawings, paintings, and illustrations showed sincerity, reflection, and a strong sense of honour. We are proud to share that our school had five winners, and I am deeply grateful to all students who participated and put such care into their designs.
Ms. Martha
For more information visit >>>LINK<<<
Grade 12 Chemistry
Grade 12 Chemistry
Grade 12 Chemistry students worked hard this week on their Internal Assessment—an independent experimental investigation based on chemistry concepts learned throughout the DP program. Their research topics varied widely, including how changing the concentration of a reactant or the temperature of a system affects reaction rate, the energy released during chemical reactions, and how the pH of a solution influences equilibrium.
To collect data, students used gas pressure sensors to monitor gases produced during reactions, spectrophotometers to track colour changes, and temperature or pH probes for thermal and acidity measurements. Each student will now analyze their results and produce a full laboratory report explaining their methodology, findings, and conclusions.
Grade 8 Shoe Design
Grade 8 Shoe Design
Our Grade 9 students are currently working on the Shoe Skin Design project, a creative challenge where they design a shoe skin that represents one of their personal life goals. The task is to show how they are walking their path toward their dreams, using visual elements, symbols, colour, and thoughtful design choices to reflect both the goal and the journey.
Students are now in the development stage, sketching ideas, refining concepts, and bringing their stories to life through meaningful design.
Stay tuned to see their finalized creations. The project will finish with a school-wide vote, and the winning designs will be produced into real wearable shoes! 👟✨
Ms. Maite
Wilderness Wednesday
Wilderness Wednesday
Wilderness Wednesday is a highlight in our Grade 4/5 class. This week, students spent time exploring the forest, where they played, created, and learned together. In the photos, you can see them building forts, collaborating on shared ideas, and practicing teamwork. Along with free play in the forest, the class also goes on walks and small hikes and takes part in outdoor lessons. These outdoor experiences help students connect with nature, build problem-solving and collaboration skills, and enjoy learning in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Ms. Ashley
Hello from SJA Boarding
Hello from SJA Boarding
Last weekend, boarding was full of small-but-mighty adventures! On Saturday, we took a relaxed trip to Mayfair Mall and H-Mart, and even though it was a smaller group, the energy was fantastic. Students enjoyed browsing the shops, picking up treats, and spending time together off campus.
Sunday brought back our “Mr. Josh” series with: “Find Mr. Josh”—a campus-wide game of hide and seek. And once again, Mr. Josh remained undefeated! Even so, he still rewarded the participants with a fun outing to Mill Bay for a participation prize, keeping the spirit light and full of laughs.
Since last Friday, our student kitchens were busy as many students took to cooking and baking. We also celebrated two birthdays, complete with hot pot for one celebration and cake for another. It was wonderful to see students gathering to prepare food together and make their friends feel special. Students have even begun talking and planning on how to celebrate the Lunar New Year in February with cooking and food!
Much of this week has also been spent preparing for our big overnight trip to Vancouver and Richmond! By the time you’re reading this, the dorms will already be on the road—or across the water—heading to the big city. Be sure to check back next week to hear all about what we got up to!
Coming up…
December 5th: Holiday Fun Night in the Den
December 6th: Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights
December 7th: Ice Skating outdoors in Langford
Ice Skating Night!
Join the boarding program on Sunday, December 7th from 6:30-7:45 PM for an evening of ice skating! We have rented out the Langford City Centre Park outdoor Skating rink for the evening of holiday fun, and are happy to extend the invitation to students (grades 7–12) and all staff, with free admission! The rink facility has skates available to rent for a small fee (under $5/person), and a menu of toast drinks to keep you warm by the fire.
Bring warm socks, cozy layers, and your best skating energy as we enjoy a great night with friends — we can’t wait to see you there!
Please note:
Day students (grades 7 - 12) are more than welcome to join, but we kindly ask that they bring a parent chaperone for the evening. Please email the dorms (dorm.admin@sjasl.ca) to sign up before Friday, December 5th :)
-DP- IMPORTANT DATES
-DP- IMPORTANT DATES
Grade 12s
December 1 - French: 2nd IO Practice
December 5 - Visual Arts: Process & Project #8 Due
December 12 - ToK: Final Essay Due
December 12 - Chemistry: IA Draft Due
Grade 11s
December 5 - Economics: Commentary #1 Due
December 12 - Visual Arts: Inquiry & Artwork #3 Due
December 12 - Extended Essay: Research & Outline (RPF #1)
Donate $2 to support people experiencing homelessness
Donate $2 to support people experiencing homelessness
December 3rd
Students are encouraged to donate $2 to dress in any free-wear that includes:
RED, BLUE, PURPLE to show advocacy for people experiencing homelessness.
In B.C., thousands of people are currently experiencing homelessness, with numbers continuing to rise each year. All proceeds will go to Warmland Shelter, which provides meals, emergency beds, and essential support services to individuals in need.
Please hand your donation to your advisor before the end of Wednesday.
Student-run initiative
Parent Committee Invitation
Parent Committee Invitation
You can help shape our school’s next steps. We are forming a parent committee to support the final phase of our strategic plan. The group will meet a few times over the year to give focused input on priorities that matter to your family, including teaching and learning, wellbeing, and community expectations.
If you want to join, email the main office by November 30 at info@sjasl.ca. Please include your name, your child’s grade, and the areas you want to discuss. We aim for a balanced group across grades and programs.
Your feedback will guide clear goals for the next five years and help us finalize our plan.
Donation: Creating a Calm Space for Students
Donation: Creating a Calm Space for Students
We are building a room where students can pause, settle their thoughts, and manage stress in a healthy way. Many students benefit from a short break in a quiet setting, and this space will support them so they can return to class ready to learn. To get us started and set it up properly, we are asking families to donate items that you may have around your house (or new!) that help create comfort, calm, and promote student wellbeing.
Comfort items
Pillows and beanbag chairs
Cozy blankets, including weighted blankets
Large, soft headphones
Disposable earplugs
Warm white lights that can be switched on or off
Visuals
Simple nature posters
String lighting
Soothing movement and sensory items
Lava lamp
Bubble light machine
Theraputty
Stress balls
Fidgets
Puzzles
Smooth tactile stones with short messages
You can drop items at the main office. If you want to confirm suitability before donating, email us at info@sjasl.ca and we can advise.
PCEG NEWS!
PCEG NEWS!
Purdy's fundraiser deadline is due.
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
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: Creamy Tortellini Pasta, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Assorted Salads
Tuesday: Beef Dips, Assorted Fries, Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Burger
Wednesday: Mexican Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Chips, Tortilla Soup, Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Quesadilla
Thursday: Perogies, Bratwurst Sausage w/ Fried Cabbage & Caramelized Onions, Corned Beef Soup & Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Perogies, Fried Cabbage & Onions, Cabbage Soup
Friday: Boneless Buffalo Wings, Veggies & Dip, Assorted Salads | Vegetarian Option - Cauliflower Wings
Page updated
Report abuse