SPOTLIGHT

When I introduced the idea of the E.C.O. camps in 2022, the goal was to give students meaningful outdoor experiences, connect them with the environment, and most importantly, strengthen our school community through new friendships and shared challenges.

This week at Camp Pringle with our Grade 4–8 students, I saw those goals in action. Grade 8 students invited Grade 4s to join a Frisbee game. Circles of students gathered to pass a volleyball. Campers stepped out of their comfort zones to perform cheers and skits on stage. Others jumped in to serve food, clean the dining hall, or stack chairs without being asked.

Our school theme this year is gratitude, and after two days surrounded by natural beauty and full of activity, it was easy to feel grateful for the E.C.O. camp experience. But behind the fun is a great deal of work. I want to recognize the teachers and staff who made it possible. From organizing transportation so the Thetis Island group caught their ferry, to planning meals and accommodating dietary needs, to loading luggage, packing paddleboards and lifejackets, running swim tests, washing dishes, organizing art supplies, and managing sports equipment, countless details had to come together.

The days were full and the nights short. Staff were often up helping anxious campers, running late-night bathroom trips, then back on duty at dawn with energy and smiles for another full day of activities.

To all the SJA adults who made these camps a success, thank you! Your commitment to putting students first, and doing it with such enthusiasm, is what makes our Seawolf pack strong.

Josh Hart

Head of School

Swimming Test
SJASL has a beautiful lakefront,
and we make the most of it!
Our students enjoy this amazing space safely throughout the year, with guidance from Mr. Travis, Ms. Serema, and Mr. Rob, who teach them the lake basics so they can experience Shawnigan Lake to the fullest!

Library Visit

This week marked the first of many weekly library visits for our Grade 4/5 students! During their time in the library, they practiced their typing skills and enjoyed some independent reading. These visits will continue each week, helping students strengthen their digital literacy while also building a love of reading.

E.C.O. Camp "Thetis Island" Gr. 9-12

We began by crossing a short stretch of the Salish Sea to Thetis Island, where our convoy arrived at Camp Pioneer Pacific, a spectacular site perched on an outcrop facing Valdes and Gabriola Islands. After settling into cabins, students joined teacher-led activities that ranged from swimming and volleyball to archery, axe throwing, kayaking, and canoeing. They connected with the landscape, encountered local wildlife, and shared new experiences together.

In the evening, a campfire with ukulele music and impromptu cookies brought everyone together. Watching students collaborate, build friendships, and interact beyond the campus was a privilege for staff. On the way home, a few were even lucky enough to glimpse an orca pod in the distance.

E.C.O. Camp "Camp Pringle" Gr. 4-8

The two days at Camp Pringle were full of art activities, sports, and team-building. Even though the camp sits just across the lake from our school, the time there felt far removed from our usual routines.

On Thursday, we were fortunate to have guest presenters. The Shawnigan Basin Society led workshops on the lake’s natural areas, focusing on riparian zones, the impact of human activity, and how drones and other technology help protect the watershed for future generations. Fred Roland, a First Nations Cowichan elder and educator, guided students in crafting roses from cedar strips using traditional folding techniques.

Students spent their days playing volleyball, paddling and swimming in the lake, performing skits, and building new friendships. We celebrated birthdays, cared for our environment, made S’mores around the fire, and took risks by trying new things.

We’re already excited for next year’s camp.

Support One of Our Own!

Paige Macfarlane (Gr. 7) has been selected as one of the quarter finalists for the “Youth Athlete of the Year” award with Sports Illustrated. She is looking for votes to help her move on in the competition as well as to support a worthy cause - Victory Against Cancer Foundation. All monetary donations for extra votes are donated directly to the foundation.

You can also cast ONE FREE VOTE A DAY. Here is the link to cast a free vote every day to help Paige win:

https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/paige-96a7

Paige is also hosting a bake sale fundraiser at the school (see right) to raise more funds for this worthy cause. Come on out and support one of our very own Seawolves!

SJASL Community Volleyball Game

Any staff and students (in Grades 8-12) who enjoy playing volleyball are invited to come to a fun, friendly community volleyball game this Sunday, September 14th, from 3:00-4:30 in the gym. Both local and dorm students welcome!

This is a great way to build our community and bring together our local and international students through friendly competition!

If you are ever interested in hosting an international student for a day trip, weekend activity, or family dinner, please reach out to dorm.coordinator@sjasl.ca. We hope to make our international students feel welcome in our community by fostering great local connections.

Hello from SJA Boarding!

After an early Thursday morning start, anticipations rose during the sunny ferry ride to E.C.O. camp.

After settling into their cabins, students were straight into action. They chose from a variety of options such as soccer, volleyball, orienteering, shelter building and paddle sports.

A number of brave students ventured out on canoe for the first time, managed to rely on team work and determination in order to successfully navigate the ocean... A local seal even popped up to pay a few of them a visit.

After a few rotations of organized activities, the campers were able to have some free time until dinner where some chose to play cards, some played basketball, some combed the beach in search of crabs, and others chose to read in the sunshine in front of the dining hall.

Regardless of what the campers chose, everyone was outside and enjoying the sunshine in one way or another. It was beautiful to see the inclusivity and collaboration between old friends and new ones. We hope that this experience will kick the year off on a positive note and serve as a reminder to continue to step out of our comfort zones and to be open and intentional about making new friends and sharing new experiences.

A big thanks to all of our helpers and volunteers who were kind enough to lend a hand to clean the beautiful spaces that we were fortunate enough to enjoy.

Sport Announcements

Term 1 - Volleyball Tryouts started this week. Here are the next two weeks' dates and times:

This is a list of sports that have been offered at some point over the past few years. The number of interested students will determine if there will be enough to offer each team this year. Below is the list. Please add your grade to all the sports that you are interested in playing (remember, these are competitive teams)

Open this link to be directed to the Google Form >>>LINK<<<<

Grade 4-7 Athletic Jamboree information will be sent to parents and communicated to students in early September.

Information Night for Prospective Families

On September 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm, SJA will host our first Information Night for prospective families of this year. If you have any friends, neighbours, or teammates who might be interested in discovering more about our school, please invite them to attend this evening.

Referral Prize: If you refer a family who attends the Info Night, you get entered into the draw for a $20 gift card to Drifters Creamery!

We are also looking for a handful of student and parent ambassadors who would like to attend to help answer questions and share their experience. If you are interested in supporting our school in this way, please email info@sjasl.ca to RSVP as a volunteer.

(DP) Diploma Programme Important Dates

YEAR 1 - 2027 GRADS
SEPTEMBER 02 > DP & CAS Orientation

SEPTEMBER 11 > CAS Interview #1 - Getting Started (informal)

SEPTEMBER 12 > SCIENCES - Group 4 Project

SEPTEMBER 29 > Finalize DP Courses & Options

YEAR 2 - 2026 GRADS

SEPTEMBER 10 > EXTENDED ESSAY - Check in with Supervisor

SEPTEMBER 19 > ECONOMICS - Draft & Commentary #2 Due |
VISUAL ARTS - Process and Projects 5 & 6 (summer work) Due
SEPTEMBER 12 > SCIENCES - Group 4 Project

SEPTEMBER 26 > HISTORY - IA Draft Due

SEPTEMBER 29 > EXTENDED ESSAY - First Draft Due for Feedback

Explore Quebec & Montreal!

May 24–30, 2026!

For Grade 8 & 9 Students

Looking for a unique opportunity for your child
to practice French and explore

Francophone culture?
Join our 6-day adventure to Quebec and Montreal!

What’s included?

Transport, accommodation, meals,
activities like graffiti workshops, Cirque du Soleil, and more!

New Payment Plan Available:

7 monthly installments of $500 (Oct 2025–Mar 2026)

We already have 10 students confirmed and would love a few more! Questions? Contact Mme Sandrine Leopold.

Community Invitation:
Move for Mental Health

A special community event will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 1–3 PM at Bright Angel Park.
This family-friendly gathering is open to all ages and will include:

Inspirational speakers
Live music
Full-body fitness session and warm-up
Yoga and meditation to close

There will also be door prizes focused on mental health and wellness, and the Koksilah River will be ready to welcome anyone interested in a refreshing dip after the event.

Bonus Giveaway
The first 40 people to register will be entered to win a Spa Day for Two at Setri Nordic Spa in Cobble Hill.
Learn more about the spa here: Setri Nordic Spa

Supporting Mental Health
All proceeds from registration will go directly to NEED2 to support suicide prevention and mental health services in the Cowichan Valley.

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 1–3 PM
Location: Bright Angel Park

Here are the details, which are also being shared on Facebook and Instagram: Eventbrite Registration Link

This event is organized by SJA parent Tonya Kilmer!

Seawolves and SJA Gear Order

Keep an eye on your email early next week for the link to order new items from our school store. Hoodies, track pants, jackets, and more will be available to order until September 26th. Orders will then take about 4 weeks to process and ship.

This is a great opportunity to add to your "Free Friday" clothing options!

Google Consent

Please remember to submit your permission through this Google Form to allow your child to access our Google for Education Workspace accounts.

Sign here!

Parent Group Meeting, Welcome Back BBQ & Meet the Advisor Night

Please join us on Wednesday, September 17th at 5:30 pm for the first PCEG meeting of the year, followed by a BBQ at 6:00 pm, and an opportunity to meet your child's advisor to learn about how they will support their learning and school experience this year.

We hope to see all families at this opening event of the year!

Used Uniform Sale (Sept. 17)

Families are invited to take part in the upcoming Used Uniform Sale at the Back to School BBQ (Sept. 17).
The Used Clothing Form is attached for those who wish to sell items. Intake will run next week, Monday to Friday.

Clothing dropped off without a form will be gratefully accepted as donations! >>>>FORM LINK<<<

School Uniform

The posters below (created by our own talented Ms. Maite) provide an overview of the expectations on the each of the uniform days. Any colour shoes are acceptable on Monday, but sandals, Crocs, Uggs, and other slip-ons are not. Black formal shoes are required on Wednesdays. Grade 4/5s have different formal days.

Please remember to LABEL all your uniform items. We already have a growing collection of lost and found clothes with no names.

New Seawolves Hats

Only 9 remaining!

To purchase, bring $30 cash to the front office.

Upcoming Events

September 17 PCEG Meeting (5:30 pm) and Welcome Back BBQ/Meet the Advisors (6:00 pm)

September 22 Picture Day (formal uniform)

Info Night for prospective families (6:30 pm)

September 29 Truth and Reconciliation Assembly

September 30 Truth and Reconciliation Day (School closed)

Next Week's Menu

Monday Chilaquiles & Assorted Salad

Tuesday Beef & Broccoli, Udon Noodles, Spring Rolls, Green Salad | Vegetarian Option - Marinated Tofu

Wednesday Shawarma Chicken, Naan, Greek Rice, Greek Salad | Vegetarian Option - Falafel

Thursday Assorted Pizzas & Salad

Friday Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Assorted Fries, & Salad | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Burger or Halloumi Sandwich

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