The St. Jude’s Academy Difference A Whole-School Magazine Celebrating Student Success and Events April 2023
HEAD OF SCHOOLS: Melissa Chin
FOUNDER: Aaron Sawatsky
EDITOR: Ann Harvey
Send Your Comments, Questions & Address Updates to editor@stjudesacademy.com
EDITORIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
A. Harvey, B Hughes, M. Filion, A. Sawatsky
CONTRIBUTORS:
S. Gandy, B. Hughes, B. Milburn, J. Halstead
H. Vasir, K. Kaur, R. Zerafa, R. Hamieh, L. Russell, M. Haag, M. Lopes, V. Chang, Abby Sawatsky, Saibya K, S. Neal, S. Di Mascio, E. Chiappetta, T. Valentino, D. Bancud
The St. Jude’s Academy Difference is a communication created and distributed electronically to members of the SJA Family of Schools Community during the academic year. © St. Jude’s Academy 2023
Earth Day 2023
Educating your children is our passion. We appreciate your support as we continue on this journey together!
SJA students and staff have been busy and productive during March and April! In the past months, students showed their school pride on Spirit Days, enjoyed a much-needed March Break, advocated for people with autism on Red Instead Day and participated in the Silent Dance. Students celebrated Earth Day, participated in the Interschool Oral Competitions, Mathematic Competitions, DECA and other club events. Grade 11 and 12 students even travelled to New York City! Students have been preparing for the Grade 6 Exhibition, Spelling Bees and much anticipated Arts Nights and IMAGINARIUM. In May and June, we look forward all these events, more planned trips, Model UN, DECA Competitions, Student Council Elections, Tack & Field and the Book Fair. We extend a sincere thank you to parents who supported and attended Parent-Teacher Interviews/ Conferences, the Grade 6 Exhibition Info Session and the SJA Dynami Event. We remain grateful to all of our students and parents who continue to create an environment that is welcoming and inspiring. This month we hosted the IB University Fair. Our students were able to meet with admission teams from the top universities. As leaders in IB, we are dedicated to constantly improving your SJA experience. We encourage parents to reach out with their feedback -connect with our teachers, staff and Ms. Chin. Here is to continuing the journey and experiencing this new month of exciting possibilities together!
Dates to Remember:
April 27- May 19
IB Exams
May 2
Dynami Parent/Teacher Social Eventt
May 4
Grade 6 Exhibition
May 8
Spelling Bee (JK – Grade 2)
May 9
Spelling Bee (Grades 3 - 6)
May 9-12
Quebec Trip (Grades 7 - 8)
May 18
Arts Night (JK – 2)
May 19
PD Day (No School for Students)
May 22
Victoria Day (School is Closed)
May 25
Interschool Spelling Bee (Grades 1-6)
May 31
Casual Day
June 1
Arts Night (Grades 3-6)
ACADEMICS
IB Grade 6 Exhibition
French Component
The Grade 6 students practice their Exhibition Project to demonstrate their knowledge and fluency in this language.
St. Jude’s Academy & The Maples Academy
Interschool
2023 Oral Competition Results
Grade1-3 Division
1 - Zaina K (SJA)
2 - Kiana G (SJA)
3. Sydney H (Maples)
Grade 4 -6 Division
1 - Rithika T (SJA)
2 – Sami K (SJA)
3 - Callum L (SJA)
Grade 7 -8 Division
1 - Sarch W (Maples)
2 - Benus R (SJA)
3 - Sadie S (SJA) & Aoife K (Maples)
March IB Caring Winners
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
JK Charles C
JK Henry D
SK Leyla K
SK Suhaani K
Grade 1 Noora S
Grade 1 Aiyah T
Grade 2 Kiana G
Grade 2 Savya S
Grade 3 Nihal S
Grade 3 Olivia F
Grade 4 Abha G
Grade 4 Reejh S
Grade 4 Emilia G
Grade 5 Isley G
Grade 5 Ahaan P
Grade 6 Daniel (Deo) R
Grade 6 Mya A
French Neima H
French Krish A
Phys Ed Om P
Phys Ed Nitya M
Art Maya T
Music Krish A
Grade 7 Tashvi A
Grade 8 Jordan L
Grade 9 Summer S
Grade 10 Lucas L
Grade 11 Jiayi (Jessica) G
Grade 12 Wenzhi Y
MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 7/8 Sadie S
MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 9/10 Harshvir B
MYP Art & Design (Music) Grades 7/8 Rayen W
MYP Art & Design Grades 9/10 Reva S
MYP French Grades 7/8 Kaitlyn C
MYP French Grades 9/10 Haris Y
French Grades 11/12 Chiamaka (Chia) O
ESL Shuangmao (Double) L
The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
April IB Open-Mindedness Winners
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
JK Ivanna G
JK Alp H
SK Chara O
SK Ayleen H
Grade 1 Era H
Grade 1 Kavya A
Grade 2 Maya S
Grade 2 Karina G
Grade 3 Shan B
Grade 3 Yashvi P
Grade 4 Grayson C
Grade 4 Agamvir L
Grade 4 Emerson M
Grade 5 Aarna M
Grade 5 Om P
Grade 6 Keeshavini S
Grade 6 Sara A
PYP French Ahaana K
PYP French Keshav J
PYP Phys. Ed. Ashter R
PYP Phys. Ed. Mylene L
PYP Art Yasma A
PYP Music Syra I
Grade 7 Maia C
Grade 8 Vansh B
Grade 9 Riya A
Grade 10 Christiaan S
Grade 11 Serena F
Grade 12 Avneet S
MYP PE Grades 7/8 Yixin (Doris) X
MYP PE Grades 9/10 Dhyani S
MYP Art & Design (Music) Grades 7/8 Raiyan M
MYP Art & Design Grades 9/10 Aayan (AJ) A
MYP French Grades 7/8 Alexander D
MYP French Grades 9/10 Paula B
French Grades 11/12 Mehar G
ESL Hang (Hanna) Z
The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
Congratulations to our Graduates!
Our St. Jude’s Academy 2023 graduates have been accepted to numerous Canadian and International Universities and Programs. Acceptances keep rolling in…
University of Birmingham (UK)
Law w/Business
University of Exeter (UK)
Law w/Business
University of York (UK)
Law
University of Ottawa
Health Sciences
University of Guelph-Humber
Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies
Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology & Diploma in General Arts and Science
Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media & Communication Studies and Diploma in Media Communications
York University
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Bachelor of Arts (Financial and Business Economics)
Health Studies
Kinesiology and Health Science (BA & BSc)
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Biomedical Science)
Ontario Tech University
Bachelor of Science & Co-op (Honours) Computer Science
University of Guelph
Honours Major Biological Science
University of Guelph-Humber
Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies
Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology & Diploma in General Arts and Science
Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media & Communication Studies and Diploma in Media Communications
University of Ottawa
Health Sciences
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University)
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering)
Wilfred Laurier University (Waterloo Campus)
Business Administration (BBA) & Computer Science (BSc) Double Degree
BSc in Biology
St. Jude’s Academy, Leaders in IB Education, Host Annual IBSO
University Fair
St. Jude’s Academy leads in providing opportunities for our students to meet, ask questions and get more information from the top universities.
This year, SJA hosted the Annual IBSO University Fair. Over 25 universities attended the university fair held in the SJA Dome. Students in Grades 10 and 11 appreciated the chance to have all the university admissions personnel visit SJA.
In recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, the Mississauga Mayor’s Office hosted its 7th annual IWD Young Women’s Empowerment Breakfast. Students and teachers attended to represent their respective schools. Selected students met, asked questions and were inspired by some of the female leaders in Mississauga – from elected officials to senior corporate professionals. This event included keynote speaker, Lesley Hampton, an Anishinaabe breakthrough fashion designer and Brianna Olson-Pitawanakwat, a jingle dress dancer, and member of Wiikwemkoong unceded First Nation.
Magnetic, Muscular, Electrostatic & Gravitational Forces
Grade 3 students explored the different forces all around us. They learned about magnetic, muscular, electrostatic and gravitational forces. Students made connections between forces and the real world by conducting a series of experiments in the classroom, including magnets, balloons and more! Students were the decision-makers in the learning process of this unit by including their ideas of the methods, result and conclusions of each experiment. Students have chosen creative ways to display their learning as they created videos of themselves using a force to conduct a game of their choice. We cannot wait to see the outcome and play the games in teams as we continue to explore phenomenal forces in Grade 3!
exploring poetry & art
In the unit of How We Express Ourselves, the Grade 4 students have enjoyed exploring poetry and art. The students have learned about different types of poems. They have been expressing their creativity, ideas and feelings. They have also been reflecting through various types of poems. Some of the poems they have written include the limerick, haiku, acrostic, autobiography, cinquain, triplet, alliteration and quatrain. Students have learned to use various rhyming patterns, rhythms and formulas to write their poems. They have had fun expressing themselves through their poems and creative art!
First Days of School! How We Express Ourselves
Model UN
In April, several of our Upper School students attended their first in-person Model UN Conference at Appleby College. While students participated in numerous online conferences last year and held their own internal debate as well, this was an exciting opportunity to go face-to-face with students from schools all over Southern Ontario.
Model UN is a miniature version of the United Nations. Students join a particular topic conference and are then assigned a country to represent. They don't get to choose their country or position, which pushes students to think from a multitude of perspectives, often taking a position they would not naturally hold. Students learn to debate following parliamentary procedures; they learn to work together with "countries" that have similar, but not equal, views; and they learn to hold their position against the opposing views held by other countries. Model UN not only embodies the IB philosophy of thinking from global perspectives, but also engaging with ideas and people who hold views they would never embrace themselves.
It's exciting to see this club grow at SJA. The Southern Ontario Model United Nations (SOMA) Model UN at the University of Toronto was held on April 24-26. Students experienced their first multi-day Model UN. Sarah S and Ilias F helped prepare the team this year. This was the 50th “iteration” of the SOMA.
SOMA attracts over 750 delegates across North America yearly, is one of the oldest and largest Model United Nations Assemblies in Canada and “fosters a constructive forum for discussion on complex global issues.”
Simple Machines
Grade 2 students have been learning about Simple Machines and how these help humans make difficult work easier. Students discovered that machines don't need to have a motor to be considered a machine. Students learned about six simple machines: the screw, the pulley, the lever, the inclined plane, the wheel and axle, and the wedge. Students have had much fun creating cars with recycled materials and trying them on different surfaces and inclined planes. They had the opportunity to build a catapult and launch marshmallows to see if they could catch them with their mouths! At the end of the unit, the students discovered that there was a sneaky leprechaun in school and that they had to create a trap using their simple machines.
Where We Are in Place & Time Unit of Inquiry Medieval Times
In the unit Where We Are in Place and Time, the Grade 4 students explored the major historical occurrence of Medieval Times! The students learned about the daily life of the people in the Middle Ages including kings, queens, lords, ladies, knights and peasants. They are learning about the feudal system, castles, knights and craftsmen, famous people and events of the era. The students were able to make connections with the knowledge learned in class by attending a dinner and tournament at the Medieval Times in Toronto.
Factory
Drawing fashion workshop
Grade 4 students spent the last several weeks working on a fashion workshop. The students sketched and completed what is known as a "Factory Drawing". In “Factory Drawing”, students learned how to coordinate the drawings. They did this by sketching, choosing a colour palette and then coordinating their drawings just as they do in fashion school.
ALIEN DAY
up for Work Day STAR WARS DAY RED INSTEAD DAY
Dress
MEDLIFE CLUB
SJA Students Volunteer at the Mississauga Food Bank
I n April, the students in Grades 11 and 12 went to the Mississauga Food Bank. They gathered to hear about the needs of the community and the value the food bank provides. After learning more about the food bank, the students helped prepare food parcels for those in need. This is one of the MedLife Club local volunteering activities.
2023 UPDATE Student Council
President: Saibya K
Vice-President: Akash B
CFO: Serena F
COO: Kaaya D
Marketing: Leah D
International Representative: Harveer S
7/8 Representative: Zak F
9/10 Representative: Suravi K
11/12 Representative: Melia R
Theta Co-Captains: Shubh J and Ayaana E
Kappa Captain: Gavin B
Zeta Co-Captains: Sania S and Judy N
Student Council Elections for 2023 - 2024 on May 24, 2023
ATHLETICS GRADE 6 EXHIBITION
Silent Dance 2023
Listening Centres Purchased Using Bale Sale Funds!
The Silent Dance promotes Autism Acceptance Month
Expressing Creativity, Ideas and Feelings Through Words
POETRY COMPETITION 2023
1st Place $200 cash – Siya S, Grade 11
2nd Place $100 Indigo gift card - Dhruv R, Grade 9
3rd Place $50 Indigo gift card – Isatu B, Grade 10
Timber Zone - Dhruv Rawat
By Dhruv R, Grade 9
Time spent among trees is never time wasted, For in their shade, my mind is always rested. Away from screens and endless distractions, I find peace in nature's simple attractions. The rustling leaves and chirping birds, Their songs are like soothing words. They speak to me in a language pure, And show me a world that's kind and sure. In their branches, I see a world above, Where creatures fly and live and love. I imagine stories and tales untold, In the stories that their leaves unfold. Time spent among trees is never dull, For in their presence, I feel whole. The world is vast, but here I find, A place to rest and ease my mind. So, let me spend my time among trees, And find my joy and my peace.
By Siya S, Grade 11
By Isatu B, Grade 10
U20 Badminton Team
St. Jude’s Academy entered two teams into Elementary and U20 badminton qualifiers. We had a mixture of students from Grades 7 through 11 representing St. Jude’s in Boys Singles, Girls Singles, Boys Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The standard was very high. We won a lot of our matches. Stay tuned as we are waiting to see which members qualified for the championship.
ATHLETICS
Elementary Ball Hockey
Recently our hockey players have trained and prepared for the tournament in May 2023. Every Tuesday after school there is an incredible amount of energy flowing in the Lower School Gymnasium and the players are beginning to form into a very cohesive unit.
ACRO Gymnastics
SJA Student Competes at the ACRO Gymnastics Competition
in Valencia , Spain
Judy G. (Grade 3) competed at the international ACRO gymnastics competition in Valencia, Spain. She is the youngest member of Oakville Gymnastics Club (at 8 years of age). Judy started competitive ACRO back in 2019 but was only eligible to compete last year when she was turning 8 years old. Judy’s parents have noted that throughout the 3 years that Judy has been a student, SJA has been exceptional in providing the support Judy needs every time she needs to take some time off for a competition abroad. Her teachers have provided extra help after returning to help her catch up on work missed. At times, they provided work to finish while travelling. Most importantly, staff and teachers all work collectively to make sure Judy can leave a little early two days a week (and sometimes more) when she has had to make it to her practice sessions. The teachers continue to ensure she is ready for to be picked up and important lesson plans are taught earlier in the day. The Admin staff, Ms. Filion in particular, plays an integral role in making sure early pickup runs smoothly so Judy can make it to Oakville in time for her practice sessions.
ACRO Gymnastics (Valencia, Spain) writes, “the youngest contestant in the competition was the only one to place on the podium with her partner among fellow Canadians competing in her category! She placed 2nd overall with a qualifying performance first and then an even better one in the final round to come home with a silver medal!”
DYNAMI Event
Held on May 2, at the Crooked Cu, the Parent/Teacher Social was eagerly anticipated and well attended. Our parent community came together to listen to future plans an, to talk to our teachers and staff and to socialize with other parents
SJA IN THE COMMUNITY
Trip to New York City
In April, students from grades 9-12 travelled to New York City to explore all it has to offer as a dynamic and diverse city. After an exciting ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty from Staten Island to Manhattan, students were treated to a walking tour to see major landmarks such as the Empire State Building, World Trade Centres and 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Wall Street. They enjoyed roasting marshmallows in Central Park and saw the dinosaurs at the American Natural History Museum before enjoying a delicious four-course meal at Patsy’s Italian Restaurant.
Prestigious Award from IVEY Business School at Western University
IVEY BUSINESS SCHOOL NEWS
Earlier this month, Orlando Scarlett, an HBA/Economics ’23 candidate, was awarded the Hazelview HBA Award, a new scholarship for undergraduate students pursuing sustainability within their field of study. Learn more about what this scholarship means to him.
Since moving from Jamaica to Canada at the beginning of high school, Orlando Scarlett has made it his purpose to be a changemaker. After being excited about the idea of environmental systems in his grade 10 biology class, Scarlett began having conversations with teachers about the role of business in minimizing climate change. These teachers introduced him to the book, Doughnut Economics, by Kate Raworth.
Ideas from this book and an interest in public policy and developing economies inspired Scarlett to pursue an economics degree at Western University. Partway through the program, he wanted more. Scarlett wanted a deeper focus on sustainability than he was learning about in his conventional economics courses. So, he decided to apply to Ivey.
HBA Sustainability Certificate fuels passion After being accepted, Scarlett enrolled in the Sustainability Certificate and has taken courses, such as Social Enterprises (BUS 4553 ), that have fueled his passion. Through internships at BlackRock and RBC, Scarlett has expanded his knowledge and skill in sustainable finance, working with teams closely involved in large sustainable investments.
Read more about Orland in article IVEY BUSINESS SCHOOL (Western University)
https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/sustainability/news/2022/12/hba-award-winner-is-inspired-to-make-the-changes-the-world-requires/
To learn more about award - https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/sustainability/news/2022/09/hazelview -launches-new -hba-sustainabilityscholarship-and-support-for-ivey-s-centre-for-building-sustainable-value/
Family Ties SJA YEARBOOK 2023 Electronic yearbook coming soon!
Alumnus
SJA
Receives
HEAD OF SCHOOL: Melissa Chin
FOUNDER: Aaron Sawatsky
EDITOR: Ann Harvey Send
Your Comments, Questions & Address Updates to editor@stjudesacademy.com The St. Jude’s Academy Difference is a communication created and distributed electronically to members of the SJA Family of Schools Community during the academic year. © St. Jude’s Academy 202355 SJA 05/05/2023 AH
