Saints eNews

Senior School Updates — September 13, 2024




Meet The Teacher Night Reminder

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Meet the Teacher Evening on Wednesday, September 18th at 6:00 pm. During the evening, parents follow their child’s schedule for a full day, meeting all their teachers. For Grade 8 families, the evening ends with an opportunity to meet your son’s Advisor. For Grade 10 families, the evening ends with a brief Parent Meeting in the Auditorium. Don’t worry about getting lost; even the faculty occasionally get lost! There will be teachers and students in the hallways to help guide you. 
 
Personalized “Meet The Teacher” schedules are posted as of next Tuesday, September 17th at 3:00 pm to each family’s School Portal. After logging in to the School Portal, click on your son's name (displayed at the top left). You will then see the schedule in the list of files. 

During Meet The Teacher Night, experiential trip offerings will be showcased in the Lower Great Hall, featuring unique learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and around the globe. Attendees can explore upcoming trips designed to enhance students’ personal growth, cultural awareness, and hands-on learning experiences. We look forward to seeing you then!

Please review and save your child’s schedule before arriving on campus. If you need technical support, please contact the Communications Team at communications@stgeorges.bc.ca. 





Senior School Photo Day — September 18

Individual photos have been arranged for all students for Photo Day, which will take place on Wednesday, September 18th. All students are reminded to wear their full #1 School Uniform (white dress shirt, tie, blazer).






Senior School School Locks and Lockers

School lockers are intended to provide students with a space to store their school-related belongings throughout the academic year. We are now ready to begin taking inventory of all occupied lockers, as our Senior School students have all been issued a school locker.

Starting Wednesday, September 18th at 3:30 pm, the School Maintenance and Security Team will remove all non-school-issued locks on lockers. These locks will then be replaced with a red painted school lock. Lockers that do not have a lock on it, whether occupied or not, will also be claimed by the school and replaced with a red lock, deeming it unassigned. Students are asked to see their Head of Grade or Mr. Lee in the event that they would like to open or claim their assigned locker.
 
The Following Are The Conditions Of Use For Student Lockers:
  • All lockers at the Senior campus are the property of St. George's School and are on loan for a given academic school year. 
  • Students are responsible for their assigned school lockers, and it should not be used by anyone else. 
  • Only authorized school locks, purchased through the school store, should be used on lockers at the Senior School campus. 
  • It is expected that school lockers are not defaced or misused in any manner. This includes keeping the lockers clean and ensuring that food does not stay in the locker for a sustained period of time. 
  • The School reserves the right to revoke locker privileges in situations where expected conditions are not met. 
  • Any vandalism to lockers will be dealt with by reimbursement for damages and/or other school discipline measures.
  • School administration or other authorized individuals may search student lockers at any point and without prior notification, should there be concerns around a breach of the Student Code of Conduct or school safety concerns.
As a School, duty of care and ensuring the safety of our students remains our number one concern. We expect that each member of our school community makes every effort to keep our campus safe for everyone at all times. This includes reporting to police authorities or the school administration, anything that may pose a threat to the safety of others.
 


Canadian Universities Fair On Thursday, September 19


The University Counselling Department is delighted to host the Canadian Universities Fair on Thursday, September 19th from 9:00–11:00 am in Dixon Gym of the Senior School. 
 
This event will feature nearly 50 university representatives from across Canada from the finest post-secondary institutions. Our Grade 10–12 students will be visiting the fair as part of our Flex Day programming. We would also like to invite any Grade 10–12 parents or guardians who are interested, to attend the event from 10:00–11:00 am.

Please review the post above to view the list of participating post-secondary institutions. 
 
Please enter through the side door by the Auditorium. No RSVP is necessary. Please consider carpooling as parking is very limited. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Lara Sleath via email at: lsleath@stgeorges.bc.ca. 




Terry Fox Run — September 19

On Thursday, September 19th, as a part of our first Flex Day, all Senior School students will be participating in the Terry Fox Run to celebrate our national hero and raise money for cancer research. During his Marathon of Hope almost 45 years ago, Fox embodied resilience and unfailing courage at such a young age. Today, he continues to inspire Canadians and people around the world and is celebrated for his bravery, strength of character, and unwavering dedication to inform Canadians about the importance of finding a cure for cancer. To date, over $850 million has been raised for cancer research in Terry’s name.
 
The Wing with the greatest number of student donations will win wing points. Participation is key, not the amount given!

Students will be able to donate by cash or card on the day of the run. If they donate before The Terry Fox Run day (via the link), they can bring their receipts in to show at their Wing Donation Station on the day to take part in the competition. Donations can be made online by clicking here.

Click on “Donate” → Click “Donate to the school” → Click Classroom: “Senior School”
 
If you are interested in learning more about Terry Fox, consider watching this powerful message as a family: Terry Fox, Anything is Possible.
 
On the day of the run, please follow @saintsbc to see highlights of our spirit in action!

“I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.”

~ Terry Fox




Pre-Order Your Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt For Pick Up On September 26 & 27

Do you need an orange shirt for Orange Shirt Day? The Community Engagement Student Government Portfolio is organizing a fundraiser for the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) in support of Orange Shirt Day, which we will acknowledge on Friday, September 27th. 
 
UNYA is a Vancouver-based centre dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through advocacy, educational programs, and support services.
 
Students and colleagues are invited to wear orange shirts to school for the entire day. If you do not have a shirt and would like to support our student-led fundraiser, you can order below with a 5% discount code. The deadline for t-shirt orders is midnight on Sunday, September 22nd. Parents, alumni, and friends, you are welcome to order your own shirts here too. Pickup locations are listed below. 
 
Buy your shirt here. Use discount code SineTimoreAutFavore2024. 

Our student team will collect all the shirts that have been ordered and distribute them in the Senior School Great Hall at the following times:
  • Thursday, September 26: 
    • Junior and Senior Lunch periods
    • After school: 3:15-3:45 pm
  • Friday, September 27:
    • Before school: 8:00-8:25 am 
    • Junior and Senior Lunch periods 




Lead A Senior School Interest Club!

Students are encouraged to lead an Interest Club at lunchtime or during the Connection Block period. While the school encourages and fully supports interest clubs, it is important to note that they do not meet student Co-Curricular commitments and expectations. Interest Clubs typically run during lunch and require a lesser commitment than our Co-Curricular Clubs Program.

In order to lead an Interest Club, students must submit an Interest Club Proposal Form, located on the Student Life Canvas page. This year, we are also inviting club leaders to take part in creating the Interest Clubs Handbook, a more visually engaging format for  the promotion of Interest Clubs.

Please see the following Interest Clubs dates and timelines:






A Warm Welcome To Our New Staff & Faculty Members

We want to extend a warm welcome to several new faculty and staff members to the Senior School. St. George’s School attracts many exceptional people, and this year, we have been fortunate to add the following faculty and staff members to our community:






Helping Grade 8s Stay Organized

Coming from elementary or middle school to high school is a big jump for many. One of the chief challenges is staying organized. This coming Flex Day on September 19th starts a period of six weeks where executive functioning is a central focus for Grade 8s. In the afternoon, students will have a workshop on different tools to keep them organized. For Grade 8s, in order to get the most out of their first year of high school, our hope for families is to ask their child every school evening what homework they have, what assignments are upcoming, and how they are keeping track of it. Each Grade 8 student was issued a planner, so that may be a good conversation opener. Thanks for your support!




Flex Day

At St. George’s School, our Flex Days are designed to provide your child with an enriching and immersive learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom education. On Flex Days, students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, experiential learning that helps them understand complex concepts more deeply and develop essential problem-solving skills in a dynamic, real-world context. Through practical activities and real-world engagement, students explore new ideas, enhance their creativity, and apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.
 
One of the key components of Flex Days is our Career Education curriculum, which supports students in planning their journey through life. From Grades 8–12, students participate in activities and reflective exercises that help them develop skills and identify their personal preferences, strengths, and goals. Career-Life Education (Grade 10) and Career-Life Connections (Grades 11 & 12) are all graduation requirement courses, ensuring that students are not just planning for the short term, but preparing for a lifetime of growth and development. By exploring future educational, work, and personal life paths, they develop important skills such as goal setting, employability, financial literacy, and personal wellness, culminating in the Capstone Project during their Senior years.
 
Community engagement is another vital aspect of Flex Days. Students get involved in their communities through volunteer work and service projects. This hands-on experience fosters leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of empathy as students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and meaningfully contribute to the world around them. 
 
To help students navigate their academic futures, our University Counselling Program (Grades 10-12) provides personalized guidance, helping students make informed decisions about higher education and career paths. 
 
Through Personal Counselling, students learn important life skills such as social engagement, and coping strategies. These workshops help prepare them for success in their careers, relationships, and overall well-being, ensuring they are equipped to thrive both at St. George’s School and life beyond. 
 
With its blend of experiential education, career exploration, community involvement, and personal growth, Flex Day offers your child a well-rounded and exciting opportunity to prepare for a successful and fulfilling future.



Saints Players Theatre Company
Kicks Off First Full Week Of Rehearsals 

Saints Players Theatre Company has just completed their first full week of rehearsals for their production of Big Fish, bringing together a talented cast alongside a dedicated creative team, including their choreographer, vocal coach, director, and producer. The show, which was cast last spring, is now entering an exciting phase of preparation as students dive into choreography, vocal performances, and character development. Throughout the summer, the cast has been hard at work developing their roles and honing their singing abilities, and now with the full team in place, the production is gaining momentum.

Synopsis
The story follows two parallel timelines. In the present day, Edward Bloom, now sixty, who confronts his mortality while his son Will prepares for fatherhood. In the storybook past, we see Edward as a young man, meeting extraordinary figures such as a Witch, a Giant, a Mermaid, and Sandra, the love of his life. As the storylines converge, Will uncovers a hidden truth about his father that has never been revealed.
The team’s efforts this week mark the beginning of what is sure to be a memorable production, showcasing the passion and talent of the entire company.







2024 New Parents Dinner: 
Student Volunteer Sign Up

We are seeking 65 Grade 8 volunteers to serve at the New Parents Dinner and four Grade 11 and 12 volunteers to act as Table Captains on September 23rd at the Junior School in Devenish Gym. For more information, please read the details below: 
 
Grade 8 Dinner Serving Volunteering Info:
  • Arrive at the Junior School Dining Hall at 4:30 pm to check in with the Volunteer Supervisor. This will ensure you earn your service hours! We will have pizzas and pops for you before you start working, and will provide a steak dinner and dessert again around 8:20 pm after you finish serving. You can leave your bags/belongings in the music practice rooms. 
  • Please wear your #1 School Uniform with nice shoes. No blazer is needed as you will be wearing an apron. If you have games after school, please make sure that you shower and dress properly before you come.
  • Proceed to the Devenish Gym to get group serving instructions at 5:00 pm and then start helping with the prep jobs for the dinner.
  • Dinner should finish around 8:30 pm and all boys then help clean up tables. It usually takes 30-45 minutes. 
  • Arrange someone to pick you up from Junior School around 9:15 pm.
  • Grade 8 boys can sign up here.
Hours volunteered will count towards the completion of the service booklet. (Five hours in total from 4:30–9:30 pm)

For more please contact Mr. Fuss at: jfuss@stgeorges.bc.ca.




Athletics Updates 

The fall season of Athletics is now in full swing at Saints. With the majority of our competitive teams having completed tryouts this past week, league and exhibition fixtures are beginning across the program. Here’s a look at what is coming up next week!
 
CSSHL Hockey
U15 AAA
The U15 AAA boys will open up their season on Saturday, September 21st when they travel to Seattle for a 3:00 pm puck drop against Star Academy at the Kent Valley Ice Centre. They will rematch against the same team the following morning at 10:00 am. Good luck, boys!
 
U15 Prep
The U15 Prep Team’s Home Opener is on Saturday, September 14th at Father Bauer Arena where they will be taking on Yale at 5:15 pm. The boys will be back in action the following Saturday on the road for a rematch against Yale at 1:00 pm at the Summit Centre. 
 
U17 Prep
The U17 Prep Team starts their season on the road, taking on Yale at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 14th at Summit Centre. They will get their Home Opener the next day, Sunday, September 15th, when they play Delta at Thunderbird Arena at 10:45 am. Next weekend they will host North Shore Hockey Academy on Saturday, September 21st at 5:15 pm at Father Bauer Arena, and Delta once again on Sunday, September 22nd at Thunderbird Arena at 10:45 am. 
 
U18 Prep
The U18 Prep boys get their season underway on Friday, September 20th, when they travel to the North Shore Winter Club to take on North Shore Hockey Academy at 12:30 pm. They will also take the Ferry to Shawnigan Lake School on Sunday, September 22nd for a 4:00 pm puck drop.
 
Full League schedules are available here.
 
Cross Country Running
With tryouts complete, the Cross Country Team looks forward to their first League Meet of the season which will take place on Tuesday, September 24th at Quilchena Park. Good luck, racers!
 
Rowing
The Rowing Team has been hard at work already preparing for their first competition of the year which will be the Head of the Nicomekl Regatta on September 21st. If you are still interested in Novice Rowing, Grades 9-12 students, please sign up via this form. Please reach out to Coach Duncan at: bduncan@stgeorges.bc.ca or Coach Jess at: jdavis@stgeorges.bc.ca if you have any questions.
 
Rugby — Grade 8 & 9
Training will continue on-field for the Grade 8s and 9s on Tuesday, September 17th. On Thursday, September 19th, the Grade 8 boys will take on Rockridge on the road for their first game action of the season. The Grade 9s will be on Garcia Field once again on that Thursday. If you have any questions, please email Coach Stiles at: mstiles@stgeorges.bc.ca.
 
Soccer
The 1st XI Team will host Vancouver College for an exhibition match on Wednesday, September 18th at 3:45 pm before they travel to SMUS for the ISA Tournament from Friday, September 20th–21st. 
 
The 2nd XI Team will host King David at 4:00 pm on Monday, September 16th. 
 
The Grade 10 Team will head to École Des Pionniers for a 4:00 pm matchup on Thursday, September 19th. 
 
Good luck to our three teams as they jump into the meat of their seasons. Please email Coach Tweedle at: stweedle@stgeoregs.bc.ca if you have any questions.
 
Swimming
Try-outs began for all Grades on Thursday, September 5th. If you missed the tryouts and remain interested, please email Coach Jones at: njones@stgeorges.bc.ca. The program looks forward to their first meet of the season, which will be just under a month away on Thursday, October 10th, when Saints play at the ISA Championships out of Watermania in Richmond. Follow @saintsaquatics on Instagram for more team updates.
 
Volleyball
 
Seniors
The Senior boys will kick off their season on Friday, September 13th, when they compete in the Douglas College Tournament. The team will be back in action the following Friday, September 20th for the UBC Tournament. 
 
Juniors
The Junior boys will kick off their season at the UBC Tournament as well on September 20th. 

Follow @saintsathletics_ on Instagram! 


Lifesaving Courses At Kerr Pool!

The Vancouver Lifeguards Association will offer lifesaving courses at Kerr Pool on the Senior School campus this fall. Please visit their website here to learn more about their programs, schedule, and registration.
 
Please ensure you are aware of any prerequisites before you register. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Vancouver Lifeguards Association at info@vancouverlifeguards.com.
 
Please note that these courses are not exclusive to St. George’s School students. They are open to the public, so ensure you register early!


Highlights From The Senior School


Have A Great Weekend! 

Phone: 604-224-1304
Email: info@stgeorges.bc.ca

Junior School

3851 West 29th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6S 1T6

Senior School

4175 West 29th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6S 1V1
St. George’s School acknowledges that we are situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam First Nation.

Contributions to St. George's School Foundation are eligible for tax receipts as prescribed by Canadian law. St. George's School Foundation's Charitable Registration Number is: 11917-5511 RR0001.


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