During the month of November, we are focusing on the Virtue of Conscience.

Conscience is the voice of God within us. As you develop your conscience, you will learn to make decisions that will make sure you will always have love in your life. Our conscience reminds us how to act towards other people and how to be a good friend. Sometimes it is hard for us to do the right thing, but we must always remember that the right thing is not always the easy thing to do.

A person of conscience...

† chooses to do the right thing, even when it is hard

† takes time to think and pray before making decisions

† makes decisions according to gospel values

† knows that their actions and decisions affect all those around them

† thinks of others before themselves

† accepts accountability for one’s own actions

Let us pray for the grace and strength to be people of conscience, who know the good and decent way to act and then choose to act that way. Amen.

Starting November 1st, students are asked to wear their WINTER UNIFORM

https://www.stmichaelschool.ca/school-uniform/

GIRLS

White school golf shirt*

Tunic (K – Gr. 3)

Tunic OR skirt (Gr. 4 – 7)

Navy blue school cardigan

Navy blue school vest (optional)

Navy blue knee-high socks OR leotards

All-black shoes (either all black runners or all black dress shoes)

BOYS

White school golf shirt

Navy blue dress pants

Navy blue school sweater

Navy blue school vest (optional)

Navy blue socks

All-black shoes (either all black runners or all black dress shoes)

Students may continue to wear their school tracksuit to school on their class gym days.

On Friday, November 1st, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints at our school Friday Mass. Since All Souls Day falls on a Saturday, there will be no school Mass for this feast day. The Parish will have two Masses on Saturday at 7:15 AM and 9 AM. All families are welcome and encouraged to join.

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to return to local standard time. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep and more light in the mornings!

We will once again be collecting Halloween candy in support of our Catholic Ministries in Vancouver. We send and distribute these candy gifts to remind the residents of the Downtown Eastside that they are cared for and loved. The candy bags made up from these donations are a means to engage in conversation with those most vulnerable in our city and allow the opportunity for volunteers to offer words of hope, prayer, and guidance.

Boxes will be placed below the stairs outside the office and students are encouraged to bring in some of their Halloween treats to share with others.

Our Grade 5 class will lead the school in an Assembly in honour of Remembrance Day. Please join us as we gather together in prayer on Friday, November 8th at 11 AM in the school gym.

Our Grade 7 school and CCD students have the opportunity to attend Spirit Day on Saturday, November 16th with hundreds of other young Catholics around the Archdiocese. We pray they enjoy their time and return with a renewed sense of faith and commitment to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep our candidates for Confirmation in your prayers this year.

The school administration team will be hosting a question and answer session and open evening for new families on Tuesday, November 19th from 6:30 - 8 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit our school and meet the principal, as well as ask any questions you may have about our community.

There will also be an open house on Monday, November 25th from 9 AM - 11 AM to allow interested families to tour the school while we are in session.

Hot Lunch

The PA is looking for more volunteers to join our Hot Lunch team. As we attempt to introduce more in-house prepped meals, we need more hands on deck. Volunteer shifts are 2-4 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kitchen volunteering is a very rewarding personal experience that promotes a stronger school community. By offering delicious and healthy lunches to students, volunteers help create happy memories for our children, while working together contributes to a strong team spirit among parents. Nothing unites people like food and working together! Come and be a part of team Hot Lunch! Email us at pa@smeschool.ca if you are interested.

Gala

The most elegant event of the year (The SME Gala-Casino Royal) invites you to volunteer as an in-class basket coordinator. Volunteers are also needed for gala ticket sales (after weekend Mass) decoration, setup and take down, and TUPS volunteers for the evening of March 1st, from 6 PM-10 PM. TUPS tickets will be available for sale at $20.00 each.

For more information please contact:

Rupa Marcus

Gala Chairperson

Email: rupa.marcus@gmail.com

Tel:604-306-4190

We are so thankful to have a culture of support and participation from our Parent Participation Program. Kindly note that it is your responsibility to find a suitable replacement for any shifts you will miss. The school relies on the support of our parent volunteers.

Nov 1st: All Saints Day Mass 9 AM; Winter Uniform

Nov 2nd: All Souls Day

Nov 3rd: Gr. 2 enrolment Mass and Family Mass with school choir 8:30 AM

Nov 4th: Fire Drill #3

Nov 5th: Confession Grade 5

Nov 8th: School Mass 9 AM; Remembrance Day Assembly 11 AM

Nov 11th: No School Remembrance Day

Nov 12th: No School Non-instructional day

Nov 14th: Gr. 6 Field Trip

Nov 15th: School Mass 9 AM

Nov 16th: Gr. 7 Spirit Day

Nov 19th: Confession Grade 4; SME Q & A evening 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Nov 22nd: CISVA Networking Day. No School.