The St. Jude’s Academy Difference Magazine - JAN/FEB 2023 Issue

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, K. Padovan, M. Lopes, V. Chang, Abby Sawatsky, V. Tabak, Saibya K., D. Aziz, S. Neal, R. Naddeh, B. Foster, D. Bancud, S. Di Mascio, E. Chiappetta

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

What

Our St. Jude’s Academy community sets us apart from other schools. Our students, parents and staff contribute to its strength. Parents, students, and faculty continue to help each other to nurture the success we have today. Together, we have focused on the students and ensuring they find joy while learning. The past few month have been filled with events to create new and lasting memories of their educational experience. Events have included the Christmas Concerts , and the new year included the MYP Personal Project Showcase, Year Ahead Day, Black History Month, SJA and Interschool Oral Competitions, 100th Day of School, Pink Shirt Day, numerous fun-filled Spirit Days, Caribou Math Contest, Parent / Teacher Interviews, Grad Picture Day, Student Council events and many Lower and Upper School Clubs. In addition, Lower and Upper School students had enriching educational trips, ski trips and our senior students experienced the spectacular international trip to Buenos Aries, Argentina. We would like to thank those in our community who continue to support us and invite others to join SJA. We have welcomed many eager new families interested in joining the St. Jude’s Academy community next year! Finally, we congratulate our teachers, leadership team and our Head of Schools, Ms. Melissa Chin, as we plan for the next few months of exciting activities and events to for our students and families.

UPCOMING DATES

March 1

Oral Competition – SJA vs. TMA

March 6-10

Spirit Week

March 9

Semi Formal – Upper School

March 13-24

March Break (no school for students)

March 13-24

SJA March Break Adventure Camp

March 28

Term 3 Begins (Lower School)

March 29

Casual Day

Grade 6 Exhibition Info Session for Grade 6 Parents

Lower School Report Cards

March 30

Dragonz Den

sets us apart from other schools is the rare sense of family within our community

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - PANEL

IB Personal Project Showcase

The Grade 10, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Year 5 students presented their completed Personal Projects. Students worked since September to create their own goals in an area of personal interest. They were responsible for creating their own success criteria, planning documents and finally, a product that showcased their learning.

Families were invited to support students showcasing their hard work in both afternoon and evening presentations.

In the Unit on Organization, Grade 1 students learned all about how people use organization and why they use it. Students took action inside and outside the school. They organized the classroom and labelled different items, organized books by level and organized something at home. Students brought in different food items and organized them to create a grocery store.

The Properties of Air & The Forces of Flight

Grade 6 students have been focusing on how the world works in relation to flight. Students completed science experiments to learn about the properties of air and the four forces of flight: drag, thrust, lift and gravity.

January IB Communicator Winners

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

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 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 Brolly R

Grade 8 Enam A

Grade 9 Muhammad Abdullah F

Grade 10 Yuhao (Andy) W

Grade 11 Enno W

Grade 12 Giovanni H

MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 7/8 Joshua A

MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 9/10 Sofia A

MYP Art & Design (Music) Grades 7/8 Andreas S

MYP Art & Design Grades 9/10 Christaan S

MYP French Grades 7/8 Eashan D

MYP French Grades 9/10 Dolapo K

French Grades 11/12 Navya B

ESL Jia (Gene) 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.

February IB Risk Taker Winners

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

JK Ari C

JK Edward R

SK Ashmayu G

SK Sofie T

Grade 1 Maadhav M

Grade 1 Ayana R

Grade 2 Angelina Y

Grade 2 Saakshi S

Grade 3 Turab R

Grade 3 Aaraiz M

Grade 4 Sahib R

Grade 4 Liana T

Grade 4 Ethan H

Grade 5 Omar Q

Grade 5 Alexys R

Grade 6 Sami K

Grade 6 Allen L

PYP French Izhaan A

PYP French Malia G

PYP Phys. Ed. Yousef Q

PYP Phys. Ed. Summer R

PYP Art Riaan P

PYP Music David A

Grade 7 Emily M

Grade 8 Mannat V

Grade 9 Shengmai (Jessie) G

Grade 10 Faiz M

Grade 11 Evangeline S

Grade 12 Giorgi (George) B

MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 7/8 Jacob G

MYP Phys. Ed. Grades 9/10 Mathew (Matt) L

MYP Art & Design (Music) Grades 7/8 Alexa W

MYP Art & Design Grades 9/10 Ella K

MYP French Grades 7/8 Sara O

MYP French Grades 9/10 Jonathan K

French Grades 11/12 Arya J

ESL Sophie (Yuxin) B

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.

Grade 12 University Offers 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

Unit of Inquiry: How We Express Ourselves

Senior Kindergarten students explored the signs of this season using their senses. The students shared their feelings about their favourite winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and skating. This was a good opportunity to learn about the gears used and the safe execution of each sport. The students also enjoyed playing in the snow and making snow angels, snowmen and igloos. Students were able to use the knowledge they gained this month about winter to add to their four-season scrapbook.

Who We Are:

How the human body collaborates with other systems to accomplish functions necessary to sustain life.

Grade 5 students learned about the structure and functions of the human body, the relationship between organs within each system and factors that contribute to good health. During this inquiry of learning, students use that they gained to create a brochure about a disease discussed in class or of their choice and then share their findings in a presentation.

Religions Around the World

Healthy Living

Junior Kindergarten students finished their Healthy Living Unit. The students enjoyed learning about healthy habits such as proper hand washing, oral hygiene and personal hygiene. Students welcomed a special guest, a Dentist who demonstrated how to take care of their teeth properly. The students were engaged with hands-on activities and new songs that helped them follow through with healthy habits. At the end of the unit, each student had the opportunity to present their summative about healthy habits.

Grade 4 students explored the different religions that people believe in all around the world. They learned about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. Students made connections between different religions, and how stories of the origin, God and celebrations all relate to one another despite being a part of different religions. Students were the decision-makers in the learning process of this unit. Students chose creative ways to display their learning as a whole and then demonstrated what they learned about a religion of their choice in either PowerPoint presentations, booklets or poster-boards!

First Days of School! Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, St. Jude's Academy celebrated Black History Month (BHM) in both the Lower and Upper School. I n the Lower School, BHM commenced with a tribute to Canada’s Black athletes. The Grade 4 students observed the contributions of Harry Jerome with a Lower School assembly presentation. Grade 5 students celebrated the life of the famed poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, by performing a rendition of one of her famous poems, “Yet still I rise", along with a video tribute. The month-long celebration concluded with a video tribute to Martin Luther King by the Junior and

Senior Kindergarten students. In our Upper School, various tributes included those for Maya Angelou and Ray Charles, whose music has influenced many of today’s artists. A highlight of this month was the discussion panel held in the Upper School. This event brought together a panel of respected members from our community. The panel members covered a broad range of topics related to why we celebrate Black History Month and answered student questions, providing a thoughtful perspective that will help the students succeed in overall life. The event was well-attended and students were engaged in the conversation. The collaboration of our teachers and students in both the Lower Schools and Upper School made our BHM events a success shedding light on the importance of BHM and why we celebrate it.

BHM PANEL: Chef La-Toya Fagon- Chef Ms. Janelle Forbes- Engineer (STEM) Constable Remone Whitley-Police Officer

Ms. Ann Pennicooke- Civil Servant Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA)

Mr. Gavin Holder- Lawyer

Where we are in place and time

During our Where We Are In Place and Time Unit, the Grade 6 students have learned about early exploration and how it has impacted our lives. Our focus for this unit has been on the First Peoples, their interactions with the environment and learning about the various explorers who discovered different lands. We created a class timeline to outline the different discoveries from these multiple explorers. The students’ summative task for this unit is an RSA animation on an explorer of their choice.

HISTORY CLASS

Students in the Grade 8 History class were tasked with creating a unique “artifact” from the war of 1812. These artifacts are artistic representations of the culture, history and events that occurred in Canada and the United States during that time period.

Pattern Day

Junior Kindergarten students learned about patterns for math, completed their summative presentation and then celebrated the end of the unit with Pattern Day dress-up!

The Solar System

Senior Kindergarten students have been learning about space, planets and where we belong in this universe. The students learned about the solar system and the characteristics of each planet, what constellations are, the jobs and purpose of astronauts and why Earth is the only planet that life can thrive on. Students first constructed the solar system based on what they thought it was, and then later again based on what they had learned. They also created what they would look like if they were astronauts travelling to outer space. The students’ Space Summative was all about a planet of their choice. They had the opportunity to discuss what they learned through writing and creating their chosen planet.

PreK

First: Raya I.

Second: Nora A.

Third: Zana H. JK

First: Anika K.

Second: Ari C.

Third: Harliv D. SK

First: Leyla K.

Second: Alice H.

Third: Adah G.

Grade 1

First: Yasma A.

Second: Ayana R.

Guidance Student Services

Third: Aiden K.

Grade 2

First: Kiana G.

Second: Savya S.

Third: Saakshi S.

Grade 3

First: Zaina K.

Second: Amogh M.

Third: Aaraiz M.

SJA Oral Competition Ceremonies 2023

Grade 4

First: Callum L.

Second: Emilia G.

Third: Yaathra M

Grade 5

First: Rithika T.

Second: Syra I.

Third: Karmi S.

Grade 6

First: Sami K.

Second: Victoria P.

Third: Deo R.

Grade 7

First: Sadie S.

Second: Arya N.

Third: Aydan O.

Grade 8

First: Benus R.

Second: Andreas S.

Third: Jordan L.

WATERLOO Mathematics Competitions

Waterloo mathematics contests are problem - solving with a focus on computational and logical thinking. Questions are inspired by topics and concepts found in mathematics curricul um common to all provinces. Students benefit from the experience of preparing for and writing these mathematics contests. Top performing students are recognized by the University of Waterloo.

 Every participant scoring in the top 25% of all students receiv e s a Certificate of Distinction

 Each School Ch ampion receives a Contest Medal

The following students performed exceptionally well and are awarded the Certificate of Distinction for participating Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC) :

 Edward G (Grade 10)

 Yas hnoor S (Grade 10)

 Muhammad Abdullah F (Grade 9)

 Avantika S (Grade 8)

 Eashan D (Grade 7)

 Brendan A (Grade 6)

Ruiqi (Ryan) Z (Grade 12) received a medal for participating in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC) .

Elements & Principles of Design “FORM”

Grade 4 students wrapped up the "FORM" unit, which is an element and principle of design. We try to find projects that give the students a chance to learn about the different elements and principles of design. We found this project on the Tate Kids website in London!

The artist, Sculptor Dame Phyllida Barlow, uses lots of everyday materials for her sculptures. She uses items found around the house like wood and carpet, as well as things you might use to DIY, such as foam, concrete and polystyrene. She often takes her sculptures apart and reuses the pieces to make something new. Our students have taken inspiration from her work, untitled: upturnedhouse2 for our cardboard box sculpture.

DRAWING WITH SCISSORS

Our inspiration comes from a style that was popularized by Henri Matisse. He was in his early 80s and failing in ill health. Instead of painting entirely he cut out pieces of paper and had his assistants arrange them for him. He called this period of great creativity, "Drawing with Scissors".

PIZZA & PLAY MORE CARDS DAY

SJA Students attend Provincials

DECA is an international business competition. This year, we had 19 students registered for DECA Regionals, with many qualifying for DECA Provincials. At St. Jude’s we not only embrace a good challenge, we pursue it with passion. Our students engaged with this in a big way when 12 of them set-off to the Sheraton in downtown Toronto this February to compete against 6,500 other students in the DECA Provincials competition. Students competed in a variety of business arenas, including Finance, Marketing, Administration, Entrepreneurship and Travel & Tourism. We are proud of all our students as they represented SJA well, including several who came home with top-20 placements. Congratulations to Leah, Melia and Edward for their top-20 placements in Marketing, and to Sania for her top-10 placement in Entrepreneurship. This is just the beginning! We have already started preparing for next year! Forming new clusters, welcoming new students, and getting ready to show the world what happens when St. Jude’s students focus their minds and creativity on a goal.

STUDENT COUNCIL

2023 UPDATE

2022-2023 Student Council

President: Saibya K

Vice-President: Akash B

CFO: Serena F

COO: Kaaya D

Marketing: Leah D

International Representative: Harveer S

Student Council initiatives

 Valentine's Day Candy Grams

 Started a Student Council TikTok

 Krispy Kreme Bake Sale

 Easter Scavenger Hunt

 Dodgeball Tournament

 Prom

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

ATHLETICS

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6

SKI TRIPS 2023

Throughout the months of January and February, Grade 5-8 students attended Horseshoe Resort in Barrie for two days of skiing and snowboarding. As a part of their Physical Education program, they attended lessons with ski instructor staff, took skill assessments, and demonstrated their abilities to safely enjoy a day on the slopes. They demonstrated resilience in some challenging winter weather and perseverance in learning and developing their own skills.

The U14 Basketball team went out to Richmond Hill to take on RHMS on February 15. They went down early, but were able to overcome a 9-point deficit in the 4th quarter to win 31-30. Our leading scorers on the day were Rayne O with 13 points, and Anthony P with 10 points. The boys look forward to finding out who their quarterfinals matchup is against in the first round of the playoffs!

Recently the U16 team travelled to play in a 6a-side tournament at The Hangar in Toronto. The team consisted of many of our future stars , with Grade 7 and 8 students competing alongside and agains t teams made up of Grade 10 students . The team played great football and were disappointed to narrowly miss out on the final , but will come back stronger as they are already training for their next matches.

U20 Soccer Tournament

Our varsity team travelled to Toronto l to take on other school teams in an indoor 6aside soccer tournament. After going unbeaten in the group stages, they continued their winning streak to make it to the finals. They took the lead and battled fiercely to close the game, but unfortunately conceded two late goals and saw victory slip from their hands. Although they were disappointed, they gave a great account of themselves and proudly represented the school and will no doubt be eager to keep going with their season and look to go one step further next time.

Basketball St. Jude’s Academy

Jr. Boys Basketball Games

Sr. Boys Games Results

SJA Student Played Key Role in Leading Soccer Team to win the 2023 Boys U13 Indoor Ontario Cup

Jacob G. (Grade 7) scored the tying goal and his team won against Toronto United with a final score of 2-1. This win was not only exciting to watch, but won the team the 2023 Boys U13 Indoor Ontario Cup.

Congratulations Jacob!

Photo Credit: Ontario Soccer

International Trip to Argentina 2023

St. Jude’s Academy Upper School students are given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to take trips around the world for educational purposes. Students learn about other cultures and their history while seeing breathtaking sights, and in doing so, gain a deeper appreciation for global engagement and international-mindedness. These past years some trips for our Upper Schools students have included embarking on a trip to Prague, and this year, our students had a blast visiting the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

HEAD OF SCHOOL: Melissa Chin

FOUNDER: Aaron Sawatsky

EDITOR: Ann Harvey