MAY 2022
The St. Jude’s Academy
DIFFERENCE
Your Monthly Whole-School Newsletter Celebrating Student Successes and Events
DATES TO REMEMBER May 6 Interschool Spelling Bee (Grades 1- 6) May 6 Upper School Study Hall
Educating your children is our passion. We have had an eventful March and April! SJA on BMO Field Our students have shown their resilience over the past few years, despite the challenges we have all faced. Together, we can now come together again, show our school pride and enjoy themed student life days and assemblies. We kicked off March Break with an appearance on the BMO Field. SJA students and St. Jude’s FC players were asked to carry the Canadian flag onto the field during the Toronto FC opening ceremony. We were all thrilled to attend and represent SJA! After some much-needed March Break, students wore red on Ability Awareness Day and then wore green/blue and celebrated Earth Day. We extend a sincere thank you to parents who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences and Interviews and the Grade 6 Exhibition Info Session. Returning to more inschool events, we were excited to have the Spelling Bee Competitions and Grade 6 IB Exhibition in school. We are excited to come together once again as a community as we host our DYNAMI Parent/Staff social event on May 10, 2022. We are so grateful to all of our students and parents who have supported us as we transitioned back to in-school learning – the excitement of being together this month was palpable. Many Student Life events are planned for May and we are looking forward to watching our JK to Grade 8 students as they dance, sing and perform during their live Arts Nights in May. In addition, our 2022 SJA Arts Showcase website, Imaginarium (JK to Grade12), will launch on May 16 and run until the end of school. We can’t wait to see you at the upcoming planned events in May and June!
May 10 DYNAMI Event Parent/Teacher Social May 17 Arts Night (JK – Grade 2) May 20 P.D. Day (No School for Students) May 23 Victoria Day (School Closed) May 25 Casual Day May 31 Arts Night (Grades 3 – 8)
ACADEMICS
How the World Works
The Grade 6 students worked on their Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works. Students explored the properties of air through numerous experiments and then extended these to understanding how air pressure differences around an airfoil produce lift in heavier-than-air flying devices. The students were able to build and test a variety of paper planes, using their learning to construct a paper plane. For art, they built a model of a lighter-than-air flying device – a hot air balloon. The project involved papiermâché to construct the envelope, painting the envelope and weaving the basket.
Annual Air Show The Grade 6 students participated in the annual Air Show. The challenge: to build a flying device that can fly the farthest. Each student posed a different question about how modifications could change the distance their planes could fly. Some modifications included changing the style, length, weight, and weight distribution.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Elements of Dance Students in Grade 3 had fun exploring the elements of dance as well as learning about different dance forms from around the world. The students participated in dance videos and then created their own dance by using body language (open and closed) to express their ideas. The students learned that a variety of art engages the performer in different forms of expression and that drama and dance are connected to cultures and creativity. The students ended their unit by completing a dance summative where they had to research a specific dance and present their findings.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Simple Machines Students in Grade 2 have been learning about simple machines and how they make work easier. The focus of this Unit was learning about human ingenuity that led to the discovery and use of simple machines and how they function to make many of our daily tasks easier, from eating a meal to building towers! Students learned about six simple machines: lever and fulcrum, pulley, wheel and axle, the screw, the inclined plane and the wedge. The students explored the different uses of each simple machine and created some of them. As a summative task, students built a Leprechaun trap by using a simple machine of their choice. Students designed and created their simple machine using recycled materials!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Toronto FC Opening Ceremony St. Jude’s students and St. Jude’s FC players were invited to take part in the Toronto FC Opening Ceremony. Our students were able to work together, carry the Canadian flag and take part in the Toronto FC tradition. This was another amazing opportunity to celebrate how SJA students and staff can finally enjoy in-person events. This new experience really was a real team effort and a lot of fun!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
SJA 2022 Spelling Bee Competition Results Pre-K to Grade 6 April 20 & 21 Pre-Kindergarten 1. Harliv D. 2. Weston L. 3. Ivanna G.
Grade 3 1. Abha G. 2. Rohan M. 3. Pawan A.
Junior Kindergarten 1. Nishka V. 2. Jude B. 3. Suhaani K.
Grade 4 1. Ezzah M. 2. Tarun D. 3. Rithika T.
Senior Kindergarten 1. Orion R. 2. Aarav T. 3 Maadhav M.
Grade 5 1. Amanda L. 2. Bhavini M. 3. Fatema P.
Grade 1 1. Kiana G. 2. Riaan P. 3. Preet K.
Grade 6 1. Aashrith A. 2. Joshua G. 3. Arya N.
Grade 2 1. Inaya R. 2. Rhishaan R. 3. Julia N.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
March 2022 IB Learner Profile Caring Awards
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 Samar D JK Mylene L SK Zayd S SK Anelie D Grade 1 Jacob B Grade 1 Alina H Grade 2 William M Grade 3 Emerson M Grade 3 Abha G Grade 3 Sahana G Grade 4 Ezzah M Grade 4 Aarna M Grade 5 Mya A Grade 5 Gurbani B Grade 6 Satpreet K Grade 6 Khaliya S Grade 7 Kareena A Grade 8 Willem S Grade 9 Lynne S Grade 10 Angelina Z Grade 11 Ares H Grade 12 Yutong (Bonnie) C Grade 11/12 French Avneet S PYP ART William P PYP Music Kirpa B PYP Physical Education Aiyah T, Sahib S PYP French Ahaan C, Raahi S MYP Physical Education Jorvin G, David S MYP French Avantika S, Taran B MYP Art & Design Divyansh T, Serena F ESL Han D
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
April 2022 Learner Profile Open-Minded
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 Shanaya S JK Evan P SK Aria J SK Maadhav M Grade 1 Tavneet R Grade 1 Sahib A Grade 2 Judy G Grade 2 Ria B Grade 3 Alina C Grade 3 Emilia G Grade 4 Mason P Grade 4 Karmi S Grade 5 David A Grade 5 Shanmukh G Grade 6 Julia S Grade 6 Rayen W Grade 7 Anthony P Grade 8 Ronit M Grade 9 Jas S Grade 10 Nicole W Grade 11 Chuankang (Marcos) Z Grade 12 Gurshan S Grade 11/12 French Neu-Anne B PYP Music Isabella P PYP Physical Education Amar A, Khaliya S PYP French Lara S, Khaliya S PYP Art Ayana R MYP Physical Education Avantika S, Megan F MYP French Eva G, Alex M ESL Kaiyuan (Jasen) J
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Congratulations to our Graduates! University offers are rolling in…
Our St. Jude’s Academy 2022 graduates have been accepted to numerous Canadian and International Universities and Programs.
Over the next few months, we will continue to highlight some acceptance offers from Canadian and global universities and the various programs offered to our 2022 Graduates.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
The IB PYP Exhibition
Encouraging in-depth, collaborative inquiry
Our Grade 6 students presented their exhibition projects in person! They have worked diligently and were prepared and ready to share their learning. Students in their final year of the PYP (Grade 6) carry out an extended, in-depth, collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. This involves students working collaboratively to conduct an in-depth inquiry into real-life issues or problems. Students collectively synthesize all of the essential elements of the PYP in ways that can be shared with the whole school community. It also provides teachers with a powerful and authentic process for assessing student understanding. The exhibition represents a unique and significant opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the IB learner profile developed throughout their engagement with the PYP. It also provides schools and students with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the transition of learners to the next phase of their education. IBO.org/programmes/primary
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Cocktail recepti
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Enjoying Libraries Again!
Congratulations to all our students who have participated! Kiana G (K- Grade 1) was ranked #1 in the School, School Board, Province, Country and World. This student answered all the questions correctly. Edward G (Grade 9) was ranked #1 in the School and in the School Board. The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
The Caribou Math Contest is a global online math competition organized in Canada. The competition does not focus on difficult questions but rather stimulates students’ interest in mathematics through interesting and interactive math problems and games, which help strengthen students’ problem-solving skills.
STRUCTURES The Grade 2/3 students have been learning all about materials, fasteners and structures for their Unit of inquiry! They have learned what makes a structure strong and stable and how various structures are made. Students have learned about human-made and natural structures and researched famous structures for each. For Earth Day, students listened to the story of The Water Princess and were challenged to create a water filter using different provided materials. Students also took a nature walk to create natural structures for animals to shelter inside. Students participated in a virtual workshop, learned about and created Inukshuks and formed a strong bridge out of paper. Students’ summative assessments will focus on making a strong and stable contraption that will protect an egg once thrown off the roof of SJA!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Gravity, Magnetism & The Grade 3 students have been inquiring about forces causing movement. The students identified the forces of gravity, magnetism, electrostatic force, friction and muscular force. They have been exploring the different forces through various experiments done around the classroom and the school. The students used magnets around the school to record magnetic and non-magnetic items. They put the magnets close to various items to test to see if the items attract/stick to the magnets -- if so, it's magnetic!
Working on Important Cognitive Skills Sorting and grouping things together is an important cognitive skill. It teaches students to notice similarities and differences and to categorize, which helps students develop early literacy and numeracy skills. SK students enjoy this activity!
The IB Exhibition Behind the Scenes
Students have been working hard on their exhibition projects with their mentors. So many components make up their final presentations; however, the main ingredient is creativity!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
IB DP Biology St. Jude’s students in Grade 11 participated in the dissection of a squid for the Diversity of Living Things Unit.
“…dissection gives students first-hand experience in seeing the subject matter. This unique hands-on learning environment can impart an appreciation and understanding of anatomy, unparalleled by second-hand teaching techniques.” https://edulab.com
SCIENCE IS FUN!
Students in Grade 8 enjoyed experimenting and learning about the flow rate, viscosity and density of different fluids.
DESIGN The Grade 7 students in Design class participated in a class critique. The students were currently discussing Madeleine's Superhero Comic and Character Design.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Learning All About Our First Responders, Paramedics and the Ambulance
In this Unit of Inquiry, the Junior Kindergarten (JK) students are learning about transportation and the first response vehicle, the ambulance. Senior Kindergarten (SK) students are learning about community helpers. JK and SK students enjoyed a special visit from the Peel Regional Paramedic Services!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Celtic Fair JK TO GRADE 6 CELTIC FUN!
Students experienced a fun-filled Celtic Fair with Celtic games of yore – Caber (noodle) Toss, the Hammer (hula-hoop) Throw, the Charmed Luck competition and Luck o’ the Toss! It was a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, end the week and have some House Fun!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
SJA Student Council 2021-2022
President: Sarah S Vice-President: Audrey C Finance & Marketing Coordinators: Leah D & Neu-Anne B Events Coordinator: Saibya K International Representative: Ilias F Online Representative: Alex B 11/12 Representative: Avneet S 9/10 Representative: Suravi S 7/8 Representative: Divyansh T Theta House Captain: Shubh J Zeta House Captain: Manasvi N Kappa House Captain: Gurjas K
Student Council members were thanked for their fundraising efforts. St. Jude’s Academy students, with the leadership and fundraising efforts of the Student Council, were able to make a generous donation of $350 to United Way British Columbia in support of the United for BC Flood Response efforts. Student Council has focussed on the following initiatives: the food drive, Red Carpet Day, Candy Grams etc. One future initiative is to help make Prom a special event.
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
Student Success Basketball season is well underway… Undefeated the SJA Boys
Basketball Team continues to dominate the court!
The St. Jude's High School Boys Basketball teams remain undefeated for the past 4 weeks as they've competed against Philopateer Christian College and Khalsa Community School. Team A's most impressive win to date was against Khalsa where they won 105-53. Our top scorers so far are Dylan K. (Gr. 10), Aidan S. (Gr. 10) and Samuel K. (Gr. 11). Team A
April 6 vs. PCC: 36-34 April 11 vs. Khalsa: 77-34 April 12 vs. PCC: 38-27 April 20 vs. Khalsa: 105-53
Team B
April 7 vs. PCC: 15 - 15 April 14 vs. PCC: 44-14 April 19 vs. Khalsa: 27-25 April 25 vs. Khalsa: 35-35 April 28 vs. PCC - 62 - 29
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
SJA Champions!
U14 Boys FH Tournament Congratulations to our U14 Boys Soccer Team!
Celebrating Student Success in the International Community Judy G. trained 16 hours a week at a gymnastics club to earn a spot in the Vegas International Acro Cup. She participates in acrobatic gymnastics, which is a division of gymnastics that involves partner and group routines while executing high-level skills. Judy qualified by placing first with her trio in the Ontario Acro Cup (March 2022). Although nervous, and the youngest in her group, Judy and her partners worked hard, performing on a new stage in Las Vegas and gave it their all! They won first place among international competitors from Canada, Germany, the USA, Great Britain, Puerto Rico and Mexico. They were also awarded the highest score award among all age groups in their level! Judy was happy to share her experience and achievements with her favourite teachers, friends and staff at SJA! She is forever grateful for all the support! Congratulations, Judy!
The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE May 2022
STUDENT LIFE
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Unicorn Day
Easter Spirit Day
Celtic Fair Alien Day
Science Club! Model UN
LOWER SCHOOL CLUBS
READING CLUB GRADE 3 – THURSDAYS 2:00-2:20 pm MS. BANCUD DRAWING CLUB GRADE 5 – THURSDAYS @ lunch recess MS. SAMUEL
UPPER SCHOOL CLUBS
ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN & ALL CLUBS ARE IN-PERSON MONDAYS: ART CLUB @ 12:20 pm in Room 57 / YEARBOOK CLUB @ 12:20 pm in Room 9 TUESDAYS: ANIME CLUB @ 12:20 in Room 56 /MODEL UN @ 12:20 pm in Room 57/VOLLEYBALL @ Wynn. Pick up @ Wynn at 5 pm WEDNESDAYS: STUDENT COUNCIL @ 12:20 pm Room 56 THURSDAYS: DECA @ 12:20 pm in Rooms 55, 56 and 57/VOLLEYBALL @ Wynn. Pick up @ Wynn at 5 pm FRIDAYS: ANIME CLUB @ 12:20 in Room 56 /SCIENCE CLUB @ 12:20 pm in Science Lab
COMMUNITY Thank you to our students and families… Students Volunteer at the Mississauga Marathon
SJA students volunteered at the 16KM aid station at the Mississauga Marathon, supplying water and Gatorade to runners.
Showing Our Support for Ukraine!
SJA collected and deliver items to the Ukraine that were donated by our generous SJA families.
We just wanted to send a special thank you for St. Jude's participation in the Red Instead fundraiser and Autism Acceptance Day. Our families and staff were grateful to have SJA participate in a cause that's meaningful to our community. It was appreciated how engaged and respectful the SJA community was during Ms. Mazzaferro's talk on autism acceptance. The fundraiser brought in close to $750! We will be donating a portion to Jake's House and then using some funds to purchase much-needed sensory equipment! Thank you again and we look forward to having even more collaboration and joint events now that restrictions have lifted!
Wear
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Oakwood Academy
HEAD OF SCHOOL: 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, V. Lopez Contributors: Avneet S., C. Orenczuk, M. Jajou, J. Bannon, R. Zerafa, R. Hamieh, B. Hughes, H. Vasir, K. Kaur, M Haag, A. Sawatsky, S. Neal, G. Illangasinghe, H. Salman 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 2022