SPOTLIGHT

September 26

Head's Message

This week marked an important moment for our House program with the elections for our Junior and Senior Co-leaders. Each candidate prepared and delivered a speech to their peers, outlining why they would make strong leaders. The ideas and arguments shared were impressive, and the process highlighted the strength of student leadership at SJASL.

The House system plays a central role in developing Seawolf LEADERS. It gives students the chance to shape our community by planning and running events and competitions throughout the year. But leadership is about more than ideas. Standing in front of dozens of peers to speak persuasively requires courage and risk-taking. This connects closely to our second school pillar, the Seawolf EXPLORER.

Seawolves, a subspecies of grey wolf unique to Vancouver Island, are known for their ability to swim between islands in search of food. This willingness to take risks and explore new challenges mirrors what our students show when they step out of their comfort zones to run for House Co-leader. Not every candidate was elected, but every speech reflected courage, trust, and commitment. The depth of leadership we saw this week shows the strength of our community.

I also want to share an update on a new initiative this year. Based on feedback from students and parents, we have introduced a Flex/Tutorial block on Wednesdays (better name still in progress!). After Advisory, students have an hour dedicated to:

Managing their workload and working on upcoming assignments
Meeting with teachers for extra support on a unit or skill
Participating in small-group instruction if requested by a teacher
Catching up on outstanding assignments
Reading quietly or working on typing skills

Early feedback has been very positive. Students value the extra time during the school day to focus, get support, and manage their responsibilities. Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas that helped bring this initiative to life.

Josh Hart
Head of School

Upcoming Foundational Skills Assessments (FSA) for Grades 4 & 7 Students

St. John’s Academy will administer the BC Foundation Skills Assessments (FSA) for all Grades 4 & 7 students on Monday, October 6th (print) and on Monday, October 20th (online). The assessment will include both paper-based and online components, and the school will handle all logistics and administration.

The FSA provides valuable information about each student's literacy and numeracy skills development, benefiting the school, parents, and students. The results of this assessment will be shared with families when they are released and they will be used to inform our school improvement plans. However, it is important to note that the primary source of information on your child’s academic progress is always their classroom teachers. Please feel free to reach out to inquire about your child’s progress at any time.

For additional information about the FSA, refer to the information sheet for parents and caregivers provided by the BC Ministry of Education: Foundation Skills Assessment Support for Parents and Caregivers (EN) (gov.bc.ca)

For further details, please contact:

Ms. Megan Blackey, Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher (megan.blackey@sjasl.ca)
Mr. Rick Dennie, Grade 7 English Teacher (rick.dennie@sjasl.ca)
Mr. Mike Arscott, Grade 7 Math Teacher (mike.arscott@sjasl.ca)

We look forward to learning more about our students through these assessments.

Bradley Myrholm

Director of Teaching & Learning, Middle Years

University Fair

Another school year means another round of University presentations, tours, applications and finally offers!

The Canadian University Event (CUE) is a collaborative gathering of many universities and colleges across Canada, who travel around to speak with schools and students about their universities and application processes. Every year we encourage all our grade 10 -12 students to attend the CUE fair to get exposure to different universities, programs and seek out specific information that pertains to their post-secondary goals and plans.

Meeting with universities and learning about their programs is only a small part of the guidance counselling and university planning that we provide for our students. If you have any questions about course planning, universities, or seeking support on future planning, please reach out to serena.myrholm@sjasl.ca

Ms. Serena

Guidance Counselor

SJA Information Night

Photography by: Rei. gr 12

On Monday, September 22, 2025, our Admissions team hosted an Information Night for prospective families considering enrolment for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.

We were delighted to welcome approximately 13 families to campus, including one very forward-thinking family who brought along their 1-year-old, already eager to secure a Grade 4 spot in 2034!

Among the families who attended:

Most interest was expressed in Grades 4, 5, and 8
1 family has submitted an enquiry
2 families have already submitted applications
1 family is currently waitlisted, hoping to join Grade 5 next year

The evening began with an overview of our Early Years, MYP, and DP programs, followed by engaging student-led tours.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers, enthusiastic student ambassadors, members of our Parent Community Engagement Group (PECG), and kitchen staff for helping make the evening a warm and successful event.

House Leader Elections!

The House system at SJASL was introduced in the school's second year and has become a huge part of our identity and culture. Completely led and run by elected student leaders from any grade, the House gives students the opportunity to practice their collaboration, organization and communication skills. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching House leaders and Co-leaders grow in these skills as well as in their confidence.

This past Wednesday, we hosted our annual House Co-leader elections and had the largest candidate turnout to date! It was exciting to see both returning and new students step outside their comfort zones and run for the positions of Junior (Gr. 4-7) and Senior (Gr. 8-12) Co-leader for each House. The competition was fierce, but the winning candidates are as follows:

ARBUTUS - Zach Colaco & Paige Macfarlane

DELTA - Mila Ross & Amalia Lawson

GRIBBELL - Chase Kilmer & Olivia Colaco

TZOUHALEM - Jaden Carere & Stephanie Zhang

Congratulations to our newest House Co-leaders and to all the students who had the courage to run!

It's going to be a great year! Let's go, Arbutus!!! (and Gribbell, and Tzouhalem, and Delta!)

Ms. Burkie

Director of Student Life

Let's go DELTA!!!!!!!
Ms Maite

Grade 12 TOK Exhibition Showcase

On Wednesday, our Grade 12 students presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) exhibitions in an exciting one-hour showcase. The event highlighted their ability to connect real-world objects and personal experiences to TOK’s central questions about knowledge, its production, and its value. All staff and students were invited to attend, and were impressed by the thoughtful insights, creative displays, and the confident way students articulated their ideas. The showcase provided an excellent opportunity for the school community to see critical thinking in action and to celebrate the work of the Grade 12 students!

Grade 8 Music class

This week, our music classes are in full swing! If you’ll pardon the pun. Many of our students in the Grade 8 music class are returning to their instruments for their second or third year while others are brand new this month. Along with learning our first notes, we’re also learning how to decipher the symbols of music notation so that we can read written music. We’ve begun taking some steps towards coming up with our own melodies and rhythms to guide us in our first improvisations.

Mr. Clausen

Volleyball Game

The volleyball team played an amazing game against QMS on Thursday. They were outstanding in the second set, showing incredible effort and determination even though they didn’t win the match. Their attitude was impeccable, their teamwork was inspiring, and they never gave up. Seawolves never quit, so proud of all of them!

Photography by: Akira. gr 10

Fishing and
Canoing Club CCA

The Fishing and Canoeing Club (CCA) was able to get onto the water after learning the safety procedures, the j-stroke, side-stroke and back-stroke.

We had one fisher in each canoe, practicing their trolling skills. Next up, learning how to tie lots of knots.

A special thanks to Ewan for sharing his fishing and canoeing knowledge!

Forage & Formulate CCA

This year we’re excited to launch a new CCA: Forage and Formulate! Students are learning to identify local plants and gather them responsibly to create edible treats and natural skincare.

On Tuesday we explored just behind the school, where Lily showed us how snowberry pops underfoot even though it’s inedible. We harvested and froze Oregon grape berries for future jelly, collected nettle seeds to dry for a cracker recipe, and used fresh plantain to soothe nettle stings for instant relief. Next time we plan to gather more plantain to make a healing salve for bites and stings.

Gr. 8 Math Class

"Fraction Mastery in Action"

Grade 8 students worked in small groups at the whiteboards this week, practicing adding and subtracting fractions. Since this skill is essential for success in high school math, we emphasize supporting one another and striving for mastery to build lasting confidence. It was wonderful to see students collaborating, exchanging strategies, and celebrating their progress together.

Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the Lapaires, who won the Info Night
raffle for their referral of a new family who attended Monday's event.

Enjoy your Drifters ice cream gift card!

Hello from SJA Boarding!

This week in boarding, we’ve really started to find our rhythm as students settled into their daily routines, with a focus on healthy sleep hygiene and “lights out”. Life in the dorms is starting to feel busy, structured, and full of opportunities—from early morning wake-ups and tidy rooms, to evening study hall, social time, and night lunch in the Den, we are striving for a healthy schedule that balances schoolwork, wellness, and community living.

As with any new school year, getting into fresh routines can feel like a lot at first, especially for students who have set very high standards for themselves. A few shared with dorm staff that they were feeling discouraged, but we reminded them that these little bumps are a normal part of adjusting, and they’re doing so well! We actually believe this is one of our best Septembers yet in dorms! To support everyone, we dedicated our weekly dorm meeting on Wednesday to spreading encouragement to all our students. The theme was words of affirmation, and it was wonderful to hear staff sharing kind messages and focusing on the positives with our kiddos. It was a heartwarming reminder of what makes the SJA boarding program so special: the caring, supportive community we’re building together.

We’ve also been enjoying some memorable outings. On Friday after school, students took in the incredible views at the Malahat Skywalk, and this Saturday we’re especially excited for our whale watching adventure. Even better, this weekend marks the first time all of our boarding students will be staying on campus together, making it a truly special one.

Of course, as routines settle in, so does cold and flu season. A few brave students have been pushing through the sniffles while still staying on top of their classes and activities. With the help of Nurse Heather, we’ve seen some great resilience from students and we’re encouraging everyone to rest, hydrate, and take care of themselves.

All in all, it has been a full and positive week in boarding—structured, supportive, and sprinkled with some adventure. Make sure to check back next week to see some of our photos from whale watching!

Best wishes, Ms Rachel

We are so excited for Ms. Rachel as she begins her maternity leave! She is an amazing teacher whose kindness and bright spirit light up our school every day. Her students adore her, and we will all miss her sunshine while she’s away. We can’t wait to welcome her back to the PACK soon with a new baby Seawolf!

Laptop Donations

If you have a used, but functioning, laptop at home, please consider donating it to the school for students to use. Contact info@sjasl.ca or drop it off at the front office if possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Message from PCEG

Join us either in person in the board room or online for the next PCEG meeting, Tuesday, Oct 21 at 6pm where we plan to discuss the upcoming Purdy's fundraiser; as well as, sensory room supplies, and details for an outdoor classroom space. As always, more ideas are welcome.

Don't forget to save and bring in your Country Grocer Receipts, there is an envelope in the office to drop these off in.

You can donate 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).

Hope to see many of you at the next PCEG meeting!

(DP) Diploma Programme Important Dates

YEAR 1 - grade 11

SEPTEMBER 29 > Finalize DP Courses & Options
OCTOBER 03 > DP - Last Day for Course Changes

OCTOBER 03 > EXTENDED ESSAY - Introduction & Planning

OCTOBER 10 > VISUAL ARTS - Inquiry & Artwork 1

OCTOBER 31 > EXTENDED ESSAY - Meeting with Supervisor (informal)

YEAR 2 - Grade 12

SEPTEMBER 29 > EXTENDED ESSAY - First Draft Due for Feedback
OCTOBER 03 > VISUAL ARTS (HL) - Comparative Study Due (Final Feedback)

OCTOBER 23 > ESS/PHYSICS - IA Draft Due

VISUAL ARTS (SL/HL) - Comparative Study Due (Final)

OCTOBER 31 > EXTENDED ESSAY - Final Essay Due

VISUAL ARTS - Process & Project 7 Due

Seawolves and SJA Gear Order
(Last weekend to order!)

We are excited to share that our online store is now live!

https://st-johns-academy-2025-students-2.itemorder.com/

*PLEASE NOTE* Last year, we had some issues with sizing! This was due to a discrepancy in the size chart sizing vs the actual item sizing. This year, I have asked them to include size charts for each of the brands available to purchase (Champion, Russell, Gildan and Macron). This year, please see the size chart options at the top of the page in the online store.

PLEASE select your size carefully, as these orders are fulfilled by Team Sales in Victoria, not the school. If there is an issue with your size, or your order in general, you will have to reach out to Team Sales for further assistance.

The last day to place your order will be Sunday, September 28th at midnight, and orders will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after the store closes.

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

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.

Warmland Youth Choir

This month, performers and educators from the Cowichan Vocal Collective and the Cowichan Musical Society have founded the Warmland Youth Choirs for school-aged kids and teens. There are separate Junior and Senior Choirs and rehearsals take place on Mondays at Quw’utsun Secondary School in Duncan.

This is the first opportunity for young singers since the Cowichan Valley Youth Choir closed its doors during the pandemic.

Monday rehearsals

Junior Choir: 3:45 - 5:00

Senior Choir: 5:00 - 6:30

More information can be found at >>> warmlandyouthchoir.com

Mr. Clausen

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 7 remaining!

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

Upcoming Events

September 29 Truth and Reconciliation Assembly

September 30 Truth and Reconciliation Day (School closed)

October 03 Last Day for DP Course Changes

October 13 Thanksgiving (School closed)

October 20 PCEG meeting (6:00 pm)

October 20-23 Foundational Skills Assessments Grades 4 & 7

Next Week's Menu

Monday Veggie Burger, Yam Fries, Veggies & Dip, Assorted Salad

Tuesday (School closed)

Wednesday Butter Chicken, Naan, Basmati Rice, Assorted Salad | Vegetarian Option - Chick Pea & Halloumi Curry

Thursday Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Garlic & Parmesan Fries, Salads |
Vegetarian Option - Cheesy Chick Pea & Zucchini Fritters

Friday Hot Dogs, Pasta Salad, Chips, Assorted Green Salad | Vegetarian Option - Veggie Hot Dogs

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