As we begin this Catholic Schools Week, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for choosing to bring your children to a Catholic school - and specifically, to St. Mary's.  Our school was established to serve the families of St. Mary's Parish, and we are glad to assist you in your role as educators of your children. It is beautiful to see the connection between parish and school. We are equally glad to welcome families of other faiths who share many of our values, and appreciate your contributions to our school.  May our school continue to grow and thrive many years into the future!

THANK YOU

• to all who were able to attend our school-led Mass today.  It is always a joy to look down from the choir loft and see our students there!  A special thanks to the choir and lectors and those who prepared them.

INFORMATION

• Two members of our community, Paula DeWit and Bevin van Liempt, have started a children’s sacred choir, called Vox luventutis (Latin for “the voice of youth”).  They hold weekly rehearsals in Chilliwack. We have some posters and informational brochures at the school for anyone interested.

• We are looking for 6 parents, who are not afraid of heights,  to help us to hang a large banner above the stage for the upcoming musical. We would also need tall ladders.   If you might be able to help with this on a late afternoon or early evening, please contact Mrs. Prost:  aprost@saintmarysschool.ca

REMINDERS

• There are many Parent Service Hour opportunities going unfilled right now. Many spots still needed to be filled for Bingo Night!  Sign Up  for this and other opportunities at https://signup.com/Group/9569924495136860111/

• Last few days to buy Bingo Night tickets!  You can purchase your tickets at https://saintmarysschool.ca/bingo for $25/person. Please note: this is a 19+ event, no minors are allowed. 

• Last chance to get Big Raffle tickets! The draw is this Saturday. Make sure you turn your sold books in, so you or your friends have a chance to win the prize!

MONDAY

• Pajama Day - please make sure your little ones are able to handle fastenings, etc. on their own when they're in the bathroom.  Don't forget to have outside shoes at school, and to bring jackets/wet weather clothes!

• Grade 7/Staff Volleyball Game

TUESDAY

• Valentine's Day- please do not bring treats without checking with your child's teacher first!

• Red/White/Pink Colour Day

• Valentine Cupcakes sold by the Kids Who Can (price to be announced tomorrow)

• Grade 7 Field Trip to Surrey Museum

• Daughters of St. Paul Book Fair in the library

• Gr. 6/7 Girls Basketball Tournament at Cornerstone Christian, 3:00 - 4:45 p.m. 

WEDNESDAY

• Class Spirit Colour Day

• Hot lunch: pizza

• Mass for Grades 2 - 7 - all welcome!

• Grades 1, 2, 4/5 and 7 to Valley Haven to sing for seniors

• PEC Meeting - 6:30 p.m. 

THURSDAY

• Teachers attend Catholic Educators Conference in Vancouver - NO SCHOOL for Students

FRIDAY

• Teachers attend Catholic Educators Conference in Vancouver - NO SCHOOL for Students

SATURDAY

• Bingo Night - see above

LOOKING AHEAD

• Monday, February 20 is the Family Day holiday in BC - NO SCHOOL for anyone

• Tuesday, February 21: Shrove Tuesday - pancake breakfast provided for all; First Holy Communion Meeting #3, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 22:  Ash Wednesday, Lent begins (School Mass at 9:00); will also be Pink Shirt Day

Have a wonderful week, and I especially wish you a happy day with your family next Monday!