SPOTLIGHT
October 31
Embedded Files
Head's Message
Head's Message
This week's Halloween festivities were a treat. The haunted house, organized by students and Ms. Burkie, was a frightful success with lots of screams, plenty of laughs, and maybe a few adults who jumped more than they’d like to admit. As I write this, students are still trick-or-treating at the front office. My apologies in advance for any sugar-fueled car rides home after school.
We value every student’s experience at SJA and want families to fully understand how the IB supports their success. On Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. in The Den, we’ll host Success at SJA: Navigating the IB, a session designed to clear up myths about the IB Diploma Programme and explain how to read upcoming report cards. It’s strongly encouraged for new families to attend from all grades and especially those with students in Grades 8–11 to hear the DP presentation. It will save you time later (and a few emails too). Details below.
We’re also asking for your feedback as part of our school improvement plan. Short student and parent surveys will be shared in the coming weeks and take under five minutes to complete. As we provide feedback to students, we also want to hear from you as our partners in this learning journey.
Happy Halloween!
Josh Hart
Head of School
Alice in Wonderland at SJA
Success at SJA: Navigating the IB
Success at SJA: Navigating the IB
Dear Parents and Guardians,
You are invited to our upcoming event Success at SJA: Navigating the IB on Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30pm in the Den (and online via Google Meet: meet.google.com/mdv-kgdm-kvp).
This session will help you better understand how grading works in the IB program before report cards are released.
Our DP Coordinator, Mr. Eric Venables, will also lead a presentation on how the Diploma Programme (DP) is accessible for all students. He will address common myths and misunderstandings about the IB, and explain how our approach supports every learner’s success.
We strongly encourage all Grade 8–11 parents to attend, as this session is particularly relevant for students preparing for the DP years. Parents of all grades are also welcome and encouraged to join, especially if you are new to SJA.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 4
Time: 6:30pm
Location: The Den or online via Google Meet (meet.google.com/mdv-kgdm-kvp)
We look forward to seeing you in-person or online.
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!
Haunted House Video
Haunted House Video
Back by popular demand, our Student Council organized the 2nd Haunted House here at SJASL this Wednesday and it was a major success. This year, we’ve upscaled the event to the whole academic building. Although we had an unexpected start with the fog machine triggering the fire alarm; but how is it SJA if a fire alarm doesn’t go off? Hundreds of students and visitors came to experience the haunted house throughout the evening. The Student Council hopes everyone who attended had a thrilling and memorable time. Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and the housekeeping team who made this event possible, as well as to Country Grocer for generously sponsoring the pumpkins.
Write-up by Ryan, Grade 12
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
In this week’s highlight, we explore one of our more physical CCAs: kickboxing. This CCA is run by Ms. Amy. On Thursdays, kids learn different kickboxing skills like various combinations of punches, kicks, and fundamentals such as the jab, cross, and roundhouse kicks! This CCA allows kids from grades (7–8) to use different parts of their body, learn self-defence, and, of course, have a great time being physically active!
This week, we had the opportunity to interview a student from the kickboxing club. Asher, in grade (7), said that kickboxing has really helped him learn new skills. He also enjoys kickboxing with other students, including those in different grade levels. Kickboxing allows students to check out one of the many physical CCAs we offer at SJA. Kickboxing not only builds strength, it also builds confidence, focus, and, of course, it’s fun!
Photography and write-up by:
Elsie, Madeline, and Makena.
Spotlight CCA: Kickboxing
Spotlight CCA: Kickboxing
Journalism CCA: Meet the Staff!
Journalism CCA: Meet the Staff!
Wyatt, whose real name is Jeff, has been at SJA for five years. He works on campus as the lunch lead and is in charge of running the lunch line every day. Even though he’s in one of the school houses, he doesn’t actually know which one, which is kind of funny. He goes by his middle name, Wyatt, because some of the girls in high school started calling him “Jeffy,” and he didn’t like it. So instead of going by Jeff, he decided to use Wyatt, and now that’s what everyone calls him. He likes being part of the SJA community and says his favourite part of the job is getting to make people laugh. He’s always joking around with students and helping keep things organized during lunch. A lot of people enjoy talking to him because he’s friendly and easy to get along with. Wyatt helps make lunchtime at SJA a better and more fun experience for everyone.
Photography and Write-up by: Mason, Jackson and Quentin, Grade 9
Grade 11 ESS. Terrestrial Mesocosms
Grade 11 ESS. Terrestrial Mesocosms
Environmental Systems and Societies students recently built their own sealed terrestrial mesocosms; miniature ecosystems designed to model a closed system like Earth! Using jars, soil, sand, pebbles, activated carbon, and plants such as moss and ferns, students recreated self-contained systems that rely on sunlight, nutrient recycling, and waste breakdown to remain balanced. Over the coming weeks, they will observe how biotic and abiotic factors interact, monitor stability, and evaluate sustainability indicators.
Forage & Formulate CCA
Forage & Formulate CCA
On Tuesday, the Forage and Formulate CCA made jelly out of the Oregon grape berries that we picked earlier in the season. We had cleaned and froze the berries to save them for a later date to process into jelly. We added some blackberries too, as we didn’t quite have enough Oregon grapes for a full recipe. The result was delicious!
Grade 10 I&S and L&L trip!
Grade 10 I&S and L&L trip!
This week, the grade 10 students had the opportunity to deepen their connection to and enrich their understanding of the local history and heritage. In a combined I&S-English field trip, students went on a totem pole tour of Duncan and dipped their toes into research methods at the public library.
Some highlights include eating bannock at a local cafe and discovering Duncan’s hidden China Town. We were blessed with unseasonably nice late-October weather—perfect for wandering and exploration! With Truth and Conciliation Day only a few weeks past and Remembrance Day just over a week out, learning more about the Cowichan culture through its art and peering deeper in the history of WWI proved to be the perfect way to spend a Wednesday morning.
Lunch Break at SJA
Lunch Break at SJA
What a privilege it is to spend our lunch breaks surrounded by the calm of the lake — and even enjoy a bit of fishing! Students continue to make the most of this beautiful setting, connecting with nature and each other between classes. The weather is getting colder, but the golden leaves and peaceful views make autumn at Shawnigan truly special. 🍂
Hello from SJA Boarding
Hello from SJA Boarding
This week, our talented students showcased their jack-o-lantern masterpieces in the den and the student council haunted house, adding a festive and spooky touch for our whole community to adore! We wanted to give a huge shout-out to our student council members and all the hard work they put in this week to make Wednesday night such a success! All the dorm staff still revel in admiration for the heart our students put into their greater community (did you know - the majority of student council this year is made up of dorm students?!)
Last Friday night, we welcomed a few day students to join us for a spooky movie night in the den, where everyone enjoyed watching Ghostbusters—a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween spirit! We will be hosting another Friday Night activity, with the invite extended to day students (grades 7-12), please see below for more details!
Last Sunday, some of our Dorm students visited Galey Farms’ “Festival of Fear” and Pumpkinfest. They explored the Corn Maze of Horror, rode the Crazy Train, and admired the beautiful pumpkins. It was a spooky and fun way to enjoy the fall season together!
It’s been a week filled with creativity, courage, and festive fun—looking forward to more spooky adventures ahead!
Coming up…
November 8th: Woodgrove Mall and Movies, Nanaimo
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 (everyone's coming, nobody left on campus! Separate email coming soon!)
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
Eco Club Bake Sale!
Eco Club Bake Sale!
Dear Community,
Join us for the Eco Club’s Bake Sale this Friday, November 7th, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.!
All proceeds will support animals at risk, with donations going to the BC Conservation Foundation. Come enjoy delicious treats and help make a difference for local wildlife! 🐾🧁
Thank you for your support!
Eco Club
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.22 Term #2 begins
Next Week's Menu
Next Week's Menu
Monday Creamy Tortellini Pasta with Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Bread & Assorted Salads
Tuesday Hunter's Chicken, Broccoli & Carrots, Mashed Potatoes & Croissants | Vegetarian Option - Cauliflower Fritters
Wednesday Braised Chicken Sandwich, Chips, Tortilla Soup | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Quesadilla
Thursday Beef Stir Fry w/ Udon Noodles, Vermicelli Salad, Egg Drop Soup | Vegetarian Option - Marinated Tofu Stir Fry
Friday Jambalaya, Potato Salad, Cornbread, Veggies & Dip | Vegetarian Option - Vegetarian Jambalaya
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