Student Life
A Typical Day at School
Morning bell rings at 8:30 am. Students head to their classroom and are warmly greeted by their teacher. Attendance is taken and morning prayer begins the day. Each teacher has a daily schedule. Typically, academics such as Math, Science and Language Arts are taught in the morning when students minds are ready to absorb challenging information. Our curriculum is guided by the BC Ministry of Education and our Religious Education is outlined by the Catholic Independent Schools Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). Along with our teachers, Educational Assistants are always prepared to help any student with diverse learning abilities. Recess breaks the morning at 10:05. Outside play occurs unless the weather is very inclement. We are blessed to have large playing fields as well as play structures that meet current safety standards for both our primary and intermediate students. Recess ends at 10:20 at which time students engage in further studies such as Christian Education, French, Music, and Physical Education. Our lunch period begins with the Angelus Prayer, followed by eating a healthy home packed lunch with a water bottle and then more outside play. At any time throughout the day, students may refill their water bottles at one of our water fountain bottle filling stations. Twice a month we have Hot Lunch which is executed by parents involved in the Hot Lunch task group. Classes resume at 12:30 with further lessons in Social Studies, Visual Arts and Applied Design and Technology. Dispersed throughout the whole school day are also 10-minute fitness breaks. Classes end with a final prayer and dismissal at 2:45 pm.
A Typical Week at School
Our weekly routines engage students in a wide variety of co-curricular activities as well as spiritual formation through our Friday school Masses. One of our priests says school Mass in our gymnasium, which is prepared the evening before. We have a portable altar and vestments for both our priests and students. All students are encouraged to join our altar serving team. Classes take turns to host Mass, which requires students to prepare for the readings and intentions. If time permits, you might even catch our priests enjoying a soccer match with students after Mass.
Our co-curricular activities provide students with both physical and fine art opportunities. All students are encouraged to join any activity regardless of ability. There is something for everyone!
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Band
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Choir
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Christmas Concert
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Hand Chimes
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Garden Club
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Crosswalk Patrol
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Kindergarten Duty
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Readers are Leaders
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Public Speaking
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Altar Servers
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Cross Country Running
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Running Club
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Soccer
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Volleyball
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Basketball
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Track & Field
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Score Keepers Club
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A Typical Year at School
During our school year we engage in many school wide activities. We follow the liturgical year with all its seasons. The Christmas Concert is a highlight for many students while Shrove Tuesday brings us together sharing a pancake breakfast. Our school is always in session during Holy Week at the request of our local bishop, so that our students may learn all about the joy of Christ's resurrection. Following Easter, we have our Grade 2 students celebrating their First Holy Communion and our Grade 7 students receiving their Confirmation. All students from Grade 2 and up have opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on site throughout the year. The school year passes quickly with the hub of activity.
Dress up days are another highlight. We have one day per month where students dress up according to the themes set out by our Grade 7 students. Students are asked to bring a twoonie on these days to assist the Grade 7's in collecting funds for a charity. Learning social justice practices are a way for our students to be aware of the needs of others and to take action. Dress up days are a perfect way to facilitate this service.
Parental involvement is encouraged and supported as we know that parents are the primary educators of their children. Having student led-conferences twice per year provides students with the opportunity to showcase their work to parents. During the school day, parents are often seen through their work in the Parent Participation program. Our students are always excited to see parents on site.
