Saints eNews
Senior School Updates — November 29, 2024
2024 Hamper Drive
The cornerstone of our St. George’s School community lies in the power of collaboration. Few events embody this spirit more vividly than our annual Hamper Drive, a tradition that amplifies our sense of unity and shared purpose.
My connection to the Hamper Drive began long before I joined St. George’s School. Growing up in the school’s neighbourhood, I first participated in Grade 4 as a volunteer at my local elementary school. My family helped deliver care packages to families across Vancouver, and each trip through the School’s bustling driveway was a vivid display of teamwork and compassion. This sense of belonging left such a deep impression on me that it became one of the reasons I joined the St. George’s community in Grade 8.
Over the years, my involvement with the Hamper Drive evolved, especially through my role in Student Government. As I took on more responsibility, I came to understand its deeper significance. The Hamper Drive is more than a logistical feat or a festive tradition — it is a tangible expression of our collective values, the same spirit of unity that inspired me eight years ago.
While many of us celebrate the winter season with joy and abundance, the reality for families just miles from our campus can be starkly different. Food insecurity peaks during the holidays as school meal programs and other support systems pause. Recognizing this, we at St. George’s School have a responsibility not just to act, but to lead. The Hamper Drive reminds us that our resources and empathy can — and must —extend beyond our walls to create meaningful change.
This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. It challenges us to embrace giving not just as a seasonal act, but as an enduring commitment to building a stronger and more compassionate community.
To donate to the Hamper Drive, please click here.
~ Cameron L. ‘25
Important Information Regarding Provincial Numeracy & Literacy Assessments
For Grade 10–12 Parents & Students
Attention Parents and Guardians of Grade 10, 11 and 12 Students:
Please note the dates for the upcoming Provincial Numeracy and Literacy Assessments. These assessments are required for graduation. Grade 11 students who missed writing their Grade 10 Literacy/Numeracy Assessments will be contacted individually and will complete the assessment with the Grade 10s.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
1. All Grade 10 students (Numeracy 10): 12:15–3:30 pm (Arrive at 12:00 pm)
Thursday, January 23, 2025
1. All Grade 12 students (Literacy 12): 8:45–11:45 am (Arrive at 8:30 am)
2. All Grade 10 students (Literacy 10): 12:15–3:15 pm (Arrive at 12:00 pm)
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (if needed)
Rewrite opportunity for Grade 12 students (Literacy 12): 8:45 am–12:00 pm
Note: Grade 12 students who did not write the Literacy 12 Assessment or have requested to rewrite the assessment)
Additionally, we ask that you kindly fill out the Google Form linked within the letter to confirm your child's participation and provide any necessary details. The form must be completed by Friday, December 6, 2024.
Take Your Child To Work Day Information
For Grade 9 Parents
We are excited to announce that we will be participating in Take Your Child to Work Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore potential career paths and experience the workplace environment first-hand.
Grade 9 Parents and Guardians, please take a moment to read the attached letter detailing all the important information about this special day, including guidelines and how your child can get involved.
Additionally, we ask that you kindly fill out the Google Form linked within the letter to confirm your child's participation and provide any necessary details. The form must be completed by Friday, December 6, 2024.
Your support in making this day a success is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Career Life Education Team via email at: careerlife@stgeorges.bc.ca.
Thank you for your participation!
~ The Career Life Education Team
You're Invited To Attend An
Oxbridge Programs Information Reception On December 5
Oxbridge Academic Programs would like to invite you to attend an Information Reception on December 5, 2024 from 6:30–8:30 pm in The Chairman Room at The Westin Bayshore. This is an opportunity to learn more about their Academic Programs, meet their staff, and find out about faculty, courses, day-to-day life, and much more.
Rhapsody In Blue
St. George's Senior School Winter Concert
— December 10 —
Join us for a night of exceptional music at St. George's Senior School’s Annual Winter Concert, Rhapsody in Blue on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm. The concert will feature performances by our talented Jazz Ensembles and Concert Bands, showcasing their talent and hard work this term.
A highlight of the concert will be a piano solo by renowned pianist Mr. Ian Parker, performing George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue — a stunning work that blends classical and jazz elements in a breathtaking display of musical mastery. We are thrilled to share this collaboration in the centenary year of Gershwin’s masterpiece.
The concert will be held in the Auditorium on Tuesday, December 10th at 7:00 pm. Admission is by cash donation in support of the Hamper Drive, channelling our efforts to provide holiday cheer to those in need. Your generous contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others during this festive season.
Come share in the joy of live music, community, and giving back. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable evening!
About Ian Parker
Magnetic, easy-going, and delightfully articulate, Canadian pianist/conductor Ian Parker captivates audiences wherever he goes. As a pianist, he has appeared with top Canadian orchestras, including the symphonies of Toronto, Quebec, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Orchestre Métropolitain, and the Calgary Philharmonic. In the US, orchestral highlights include the San Francisco, Cincinnati, National, Santa Barbara, Richmond, and Honolulu Symphonies as well as the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, to name just a few.
First Prize winner at the 2001 CBC National Radio Competition, Ian Parker has also won the Grand Prize at the Canadian National Music Festival, the Corpus Christie International Competition and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition. At The Juilliard School, he received the 2002 William Petschek Piano Debut Award and, on two occasions, was the winner of the Gina Bachauer Piano Scholarship Competition. Heard regularly on CBC Radio, he has also performed live on WQXR (hosted by Robert Sherman) in New York.
Born in Vancouver to a family of pianists, Mr. Parker began his piano studies at age three with Edward Parker, his father. He holds both the Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from The Juilliard School, where he was a student of Yoheved Kaplinsky. While at Juilliard, he was awarded the Sylva Gelber Career Grant by the Canada Council for the Arts, presented annually to the “most talented Canadian artist.”
Athletics Updates
The Winter Season got off to a great start this past week, with most of the program already in action! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the U18 Prep Team last weekend at the Teddy Bear Toss game. It was a huge success and came in a fantastic 4-1 Win for the U18 Prep Team. Here is a look at what is coming up next week in Saints Athletics.
Basketball
Varsity
The Varsity Team is competing in the Cowichan Tournament in Duncan, BC this weekend. The team got started against Belmont last evening, check out the Saints Athletics Instagram for updates and results as the tournament progresses. Next week, they will be in the draw at the Tsumura Basketball Invitational at the Langley Events Centre. The tournament tips off on Wednesday, December 4th, with an opening-round matchup against Heritage Woods.
2nd Varsity
The 2nd Varsity boys have been representing Saints at the CAIS National Tournament this week at Ridley College in St. Catharine’s, Ontario. Playoff rounds begin Friday afternoon, and you can follow the action on Livestream via this link: Fan Hudl Live Streaming. The tournament details and schedule should be updated on the tournament website 2024 CAIS Senior Boys Basketball Championship. Good luck, Boys!
Junior Varsity
The Junior Varsity Team heads to Mulgrave next weekend for the Junior Boys ISA Tournament. In round-robin play, they will tip off against St. John’s at 10:45 am on Friday, December 6th and will then take on Southpointe at 5:45 pm. Good luck, Boys!
Juvenile
The Grade 9 boys are headed to the Semiahmoo Tournament next weekend for their first tournament of the season. They will get started against Burnaby South on Friday, December 6th at 1:30 pm.
Grade 8A
The Grade 8A Team will co-host the Saints Invitational with the 8B Team next weekend on Friday, December 6th and Saturday, December 7th. The 8A boys will play Richmond in the opening round on Friday at 6:00 pm.
Grade 8B
The Grade 8B boys are co-hosting the Saints Invitational next weekend with the 8As. The B Team will kick off the tournament when they play Van Tech Friday, December 6th at 3:00 pm.
CSSHL Hockey
U15 AAA
The U15 AAA Team plays next on Friday, December 6th when they host Rink Kelowna at Father Bauer Arena at 1:30 pm.
U15 Prep
The U15 Prep Team will play Shawnigan at Home at Protrans Arena on Friday, November 29th at 8:30 pm. On Saturday, November 30th the boys will face off against PCHA at Father Bauer at 5:15 pm. Then on Sunday, December 1st, they will host OHA at Thunderbird Arena at 10:45 am. Finally, on Sunday, December 8th, the team will travel to take on Yale at the Summit Centre at 1:00 pm.
U17 Prep
The U17 Prep Team has a couple of weeks free of game action until they play host to BWC Academy on Saturday, December 14th at Father Bauer Arena at 5:15 pm.
U18 Prep
The U18 Prep Team will travel to the Summit Centre on Saturday, November 30th to take on Yale at 5:00 pm. Next week, on Wednesday, December 4th, they will travel to Shawnigan for a 6:30 pm matchup at Charles Purdey Arena. They will host Rink Kelowna at Father Bauer Arena on Saturday, December 7th at 5:15 pm, and then Yale at Thunderbird Arena on Sunday, December 8th at 10:45 am.
CSSHL League schedules are available HERE.
Curling
The Curling Team began their tryout process this past week on Wednesday. Keep an eye out for details on their upcoming competition schedule in next week's issue.
Rowing
Rowers will remain in training throughout the Winter Term, with their next event being the indoor ‘Beat the Beast’ Erg Competition, taking place January 31st-February 1st. Please reach out to Coach Duncan at: bduncan@stgeorges.bc.ca or Coach Davis at: jdavis@stgeorges.bc.ca if you have any questions.
Keep an eye on the Saints Rowing Instagram for updates
Sport Climbing
The Sport Climbing Team will jump right into competition after their recent tryouts at the Richmond Oval Climbing Centre on December 5th for their season-opening meet. Good luck, Climbers!
Ski and Snowboard
Competitive Ski and Snowboard Tryouts are currently set to take place on December 12th at Whistler/Blackcomb. Please reach out to Mr. Wohlgemuth if you are interested and have not already done so. If you are interested and have not already done so, please reach out to Mr. Wohlgemuth via email at: hwohlgemuth@stgeorges.bc.ca.
Table Tennis
The Table Tennis Team is set for another excellent season. They will be practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Lower Great Hall.
Have A Great Weekend!
Junior School
Senior School
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.
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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