The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE

m APRIL/MAY 2021

The St. Jude’s Academy

DIFFERENCE Your Monthly Whole-School Newsletter Celebrating Student Successes and Events

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 5 Report Cards

(Quad 3, Grades 9 – 12)

May 7 Grade 6 Exhibition

May 20 House Game

May 21 PD Day

(No School for Students)

May 24 Victoria Day (No School)

May 26 Casual Day

PYP, MYP & Grade 12 Grad

Photos (Tentative)

May 27 Parent-Teacher Conferences

(Quad 4, Grades 9 – 12)

Spelling Bee (JK – Grade 2)

May 28 Spelling Bee (Grades 3 – 6)

Educating your children is our passion …we appreciate your support as we continue on this journey together! SJA has had an eventful March and April! Our students have prevailed, despite the challenges of lockdowns in Peel Region: in March and April, students showed their school pride on Spirit Days, enjoyed much needed March/April Breaks, advocated for people with disabilities on Ability Awareness Day and celebrated Earth Day. We extend a sincere thank you to parents who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences and the Grade 6 Exhibition Info Session. Also, we are so grateful to all of our students and parents who have helped us to support you during sudden transitions to online or blended learning.

This month, our one-of-a-kind and dedicated Head of School, Ms. Melissa Chin, returned to SJA! She is very excited to be back and to connect with new and returning families, both getting to know you and catching up with you!

In May, we are looking forward to seeing our brilliant Grade 6 students’ work at the Grade 6 IB Exhibition, preparing our JK to Grade 8 students for their Arts Nights in June, anticipating the June 1 launch of Imaginarium (JK to 12 ), participating in daily assemblies and weekly House competitions, showing our SJA school spirit at the May House Game, hosting more Parent-Teacher Conferences and having our JK to Grade 6 Spelling Bees.

We are dedicated to constantly improving your SJA experience, especially during challenging times like these. We encourage parents to reach out with their feedback -connect with our teachers, staff and Ms. Chin. Here’s to a new month of exciting possibilities together!

The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE MAY 2021

ACADEMICS How the World Works Grade 6 students worked on their fourth Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works. Students explored the properties of air through numerous experiments and extended these to understanding how air pressure differences around an airfoil produce lift in heavier-than-air flying devices. The students built and tested a variety of paper planes, using their learning to construct a paper plane to enter in the air show. For art, they built a model of a lighter-than-air flying device – a hot air balloon. Initially, this project was not planned for this year due to our hybrid model. Students expressed their disappointment and agency, helping to motivate their teachers into making this happen. The long project involved Papier-mâché to construct the envelope, painting to decorate the envelope, and the most challenging part of the project according to students – the weaving of 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 various modifications could change the distance their planes could fly (i.e. changing the style, length, weight, weight distribution, etc.). Inter-Class winners: Kareena A., Rayne O., Anthony P.


March 2021 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 Mylene L JK Anelie D SK Stephanie D SK Ndeye F Grade 1 Judy G Grade 1 Inaya R Grade 2 Noorah S Grade 2 Martinae C Grade 3 Sierra B Grade 3 Marloe P Grade 3 Arya G Grade 4 Keeshavini S Grade 4 Abeer G Grade 5 Arya N Grade 5 Reyansh M Grade 6 Hayden C Grade 6 Eric C and Enam A Grade 7 Aanika S Grade 8 Rhea B Grade 9 Maram I Grade 10 Saibya K Grade 11 Yutong (Bonnie) C Grade 12 Mingbo M PYP Music Satpreet K and Karmi S PYP Physical Education Emerson M, Arya N and Marloe P PYP French Aaryan S and Marloe P MYP Music Lynne S MYP Physical Education Laurie G MYP French Fatmata Binta B and Daniel K MYP Design Oluwateniola (Teni) K and Huanxing (Sherry) C ESL Chia Chi (Doris) Y


April 2021 Balanced Awards We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives -- intellectual, physical, and emotional -- to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. JK Tessa S JK Maadhav M SK Tegveer R SK Jacob B Grade 1 Ava V Grade 1 Olivia F Grade 2 Neel V Grade 2 Rohan M Grade 2 Myra A Grade 3 Nandan N Grade 3 Rithika T Grade 4 Julia D Grade 4 Saveer K Grade 5 Julia S Grade 5 Satpreet K Grade 6 Amber M Grade 6 Kaitlyn C Grade 7 Ronit M Grade 8 Manasvi N Grade 9 Rishaan S Grade 10 John J Grade 11 Sarah S Grade 12 Hao (Hawk) L PYP Music Joshua A and Syra I PYP Physical Education Zaina K and Saraya J PYP French Aidan J and Charlotte L MYP Music Surkhab M MYP Physical Education Leah D MYP French Divyansh T and Jasleen B MYP Design Akashdeep B and Krina R ESL Yingxi (Crystal) M


Dragon Dance Unit of Inquiry: Learning about Cultural Traditions Grade 2 students learned how to perform the Dragon Dance for Chinese New Year. In addition to learning why this dance is important to Chinese culture, they participated in the dragon dance with their peers. They learned that the Dragon represents wisdom, power, wealth and that it scares away the evil spirits. During the dance, approximately a dozen people hold the dragon up on poles. They raise and lower the dragon making him “dance”. Dragons can be different colours. The main body of the serpent could be green (for great harvest), or yellow (empire), golden & silver (prosperity) and red (excitement/good fortune).

Lion Dance Grade 1 students performed an individual Lion Dance with lion masks they created. In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom and superiority. People perform the Lion Dance at Chinese festivals or big occasions to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year and chase away evil spirits. This dance helps create a festive atmosphere and bring happiness.


World Religions

Who We Are – World Religions Grade 4 students explored their understanding of religion in their most recent Unit of Inquiry, World Religions. During this unit the students learned about Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism. They had the opportunity to design their very own Mandala from the Buddhist faith. Their task was to create a Mandala that represents all the things they are working towards in their universe. For their summatives, students compared the similarities and differences between two religions to further their understanding in order to see how people are more similar than they think, but the ways in which they practice their faith is what makes them unique.

IN THE NEWS – Inspired by what he was learning in school of various artists and their work, student wins city-wide contest Amogh (Grade 1) won the Easter egg decorating contest conducted by the City of Brampton with his Ted Harrison art inspired eggs. The Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, visited Amogh to deliver the prize.


Inventors & Inventions Grade 1 students learned about significant inventors and the inventions that have shaped the world today. Students learned about Henry Ford and the introduction of the automobile and assembly line. Students were given the opportunity to become their own Henry Ford inventor by designing and creating their own car out of recycled materials. Students will continue learning about events that lead to the creation of important inventions and analyze how inventions have developed and changed over time.


Action Stars Kara (Grade 3) During the Plants and Soil Unit, Kara went exploring outside for different kinds of plants and taught the class that a dandelion is a dicot by showing the taproot of this plant and the branched pattern on the leaves. Pawan (Grade 2) Learning about monocot and dicot plants during the Unit of Inquiry on Plants and Soil, Pawan got a daffodil and challenged the class to deduce whether this plant was a dicot or a monocot. The class was able to determine it was a monocot plant from the petals which were in groups of three and its thin leaves! Noah (Grade 3) Noah's curiosity was sparked as the class learned about monocot and dicot plants. He did research and then educated the class about the differences, such as how a monocot plant has fibrous roots and a dicot plant has taproots. He also taught the class about flowers that were monocots and dicots. He explained to the class that a cactus and a rose are dicots and that lilies and tulips are monocots. Diyanka (Grade 3) made a fractions poster for the math unit. Esha, JD, Veer and Rayna (Grade 5) brought in food for our SJA food drive supporting the Knight’s Table. Leah A (Grade 4) started her own Instagram business called "Leah's Bracelets and Thingz" and 50% of the profits are donated directly to The Sick Kids Foundation! We love seeing our PYP community give back and make a difference. Arya (Grade 5) shared her dream catcher with the class as we worked to create our own. She also wrote a story that was entered into a competition. She won and her story was published in a book called 10 Imaginative Short Stories by Junior Authors! JD (Grade 5) shared a video that related to our current Unit of Inquiry, Biodiversity. The video tied in with the concept how humans affect biodiversity; climate change and nuclear energy.

STRUCTURES The Grade 2 students have been learning all about structures for their Unit of inquiry! They explored different kinds of structures (natural and human-made) and what materials and fasteners are used to ensure a structure is strong and stable. The students have been busy building various structures such as bridges, towers and chairs, with recyclable items to test how strong they can be!


Guest Speaker Guides Students Through a Discussion about Race, Respect and Change Mrs. Jean Samuel met with the Grade 4 classes in April to help them jumpstart a discussion about some of the tough issues in their new novel study, Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything In It by Sundee T. Frazier. Brendan Buckley’s Universe is about a biracial boy named Brendan who encounters his estranged grandfather; the reason they have never met...race! Mrs. Jean Samuel guided the Grade 4s through a discussion about race, respect and being the change we want to see in the world!


Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, My Garden

The Grade 3 students have been learning about soil and plants. The unit began with the exploration of the different types of soil and their textures. The students were excited to share their discoveries from the soil experiment that allowed them to see the different types of soil they learned about. They learned about different roles soil plays, such as how it can affect birds, worms, construction workers and plants. Students explored the characteristics of plants and the function of their parts and discussed how we can protect plant and soil habitats, along with how to care for plants. With Earth Day occurring during this Unit of Inquiry, students were also able to discuss how composting can help our environment. Students will begin to explore plant adaptations and will have the opportunity to CREATE their very own unique plant!

Earth Day at SJA The SJA Community celebrated Earth Day on April 22. Plant Growing Competition launched on Earth Day, but the contest continues until May 20 https://vimeo.com/539459901/049d162f3e

https://vimeo.com/539459901/049d162f3e


Taking Physical Education Outside As part of the Physical Education curriculum, Grade 7 students took a trip to Bronte Creek Provincial Park to take part in disc golf, which is an adaptation of golf using Frisbees. Groups practiced throwing Frisbees and then made their way through part of the 18-hole course. They made adjustments to combat the heavy winds and many learned a new sport! Students also had time to hike and explore the outdoors.


SJA Student Council President – Zachary B Vice-President – Avneet S COO – Sofia M CFO – Neu-Anne B International Representative – Bill W Online Representative – Angelina Z 11/12 Representative – Sarah S 9/10 Representative – Akash B 7/8 Representative – Suravi K Kappa House Captain – Jas S Theta House Captain – Saibya K Zeta House Captain – Maram I

STUDENT LIFE

2021UPDATEThe

The SJA student council recently introduced a few new clubs including a Public Speaking Workshop, for both MYP and DP students. The Public Speaking Workshop, run by Zachary B and Mr. Neal, has an aim to help students learn more about tips, tricks and techniques to perfect public speaking. It helps one form connections, influence decisions and motivate change. Students will be able to attend the club meeting by contacting either Zachary B or Mr. Neal by email to receive a Zoom link to join on Tuesdays at 4 pm. Along with new clubs, present clubs are continuing to run and Zoom links can be found on ManageBac messages and a few through joining groups on ManageBac. The Student Council has recently run two virtual Escape Room events. Students played together in their classes to solve the questions and break out of the Escape Room! Along with a few Escape Room events, Student Council also held a Video Game event. The Student Council continues to plan and construct future events regarding theme days and for the enjoyment of MYP students in the month of May.

March & April Videos: Earth Day Competition: https://vimeo.com/539459901/049d162f3e World Book Day at SJA: https://vimeo.com/539970118/9e8e6cce5c Easter Egg Decorating Competition: https://vimeo.com/534444009 Password: SJA2021! Spirit Days: https://vimeo.com/534906326 Password: SJA2021! Hula Hoop Fever: https://vimeo.com/534908697 Password: SJA2021! https://vimeo.com/531899007 Password: SJA2021! Twin Day: https://vimeo.com/522867007 Password: SJA2021! Superhero & Movie Character Day: https://vimeo.com/522866956 Password: SJA2021! St. Patrick’s Day: https://vimeo.com/522866916 Password: SJA2021!

The SJA Food Drive in March helped gather non-perishable food items for Knights Table. Knights Table has served the needs of people dealing with issues of poverty and homelessness in the Peel Region for over 29 years

https://vimeo.com/539459901/049d162f3e

https://vimeo.com/539970118/9e8e6cce5c

https://vimeo.com/534444009








1,356,700 1,290,900 1,281,900

House Points Update

Community Workers

Super Hero Day

Twin Day

St. Patrick’s Day


Congratulations to our Graduates…A total of 47 graduates of St. Jude’s Academy receiving the Ontario Secondary School Diploma this year have been accepted to the following Canadian and International Universities and Programs:

CANADA University of Toronto

Computer Science (Mississauga Campus) Mathematics and Statistics (Mississauga Campus) Co-op Management (Scarborough Campus) Humanities - History and Art (St. George Campus) Social Sciences (St. George Campus & Mississauga Campus) Visual Studies (Mississauga Campus) Physical and Environmental Sciences (Scarborough Campus) Chemical and Physical Sciences (St. George Campus) Life Sciences (St. George & Scarborough Campus)

McMaster University Mathematics and Statistics Business Social Sciences Chemical and Physical Sciences Economics Engineering

Queen's University Bachelor of Arts

Western University Health Science Science Social Sciences

University of Guelph Engineering Criminal Justice and Public Policy

Ontario Tech University Computer Science

Brock University Economics History

Lakehead University Computer Science

Simon Fraser University (British Columbia) Engineering Science Engineering Science

University of British Columbia Science Bachelor of Management

Thompson Rivers University (British Columbia)

Business (Finance) University of Calgary (Alberta)

Faculty of Arts Business

University of Waterloo Honours Biotechnology/Chartered

Professional Accountancy, Co-op Honours Environment and Business Nanotechnology Engineering Life Sciences Accounting and Financial

Management (Co-op) King’s University College @ Western University

Science (Finance and Wealth Management)

Carleton University • Bachelor of International Business • Bachelor of Commerce

Wilfrid Laurier University • Kinesiology • Biochemistry and Biotechnology

University of Ottawa Human Kinetics Financial Math Economics Statistics Science in Statistics Art History Communications Science Computer Science Mathematics Commerce Health Sciences Chemical Engineering Biochemistry


CANADA York University

Commerce Business Administration (Schulich School of Business) Engineering Financial Business Economics Public Administration Applied Mathematics Health Studies Economics Film and Visual Art Kinesiology

Ryerson University Business Management Criminology Politics and Governance

USA Arizona State University General Arts

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) General Studies (Undeclared)

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Business Arts and Science

University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Social Sciences

UNITED KINGDOM University of Manchester

International Business, Finance and Economics University of Exeter

Business and Management with Industrial Experience Durham University

Business and Management University of Leeds

Business Economics University of Bristol

Finance Cardiff University

Media and Communications

AUSTRALIA Monash University

Engineering The University of Melbourne

Commerce Business Economics

UNSW Sydney Commerce Law Engineering

The University of Sydney Commerce Commerce Law Electrical Engineering

For A Complete List Visit: https://stjudesacademy.com/our-graduates/

https://stjudesacademy.com/our-graduates/




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ARTS

Back by popular demand, SJA will be hosting our 2nd Annual Imaginarium on June 1, 2021! This specially designed website is created to showcase the talent and skill of our St. Jude’s Academy community, from JK to Grade 12. A celebration of our students’ work this year, all in one easily accessible place.

IMAGINARIUM

ARTS NIGHT We are still moving ahead with both our JK- Grade 2 and our Grades 3-8 Arts Nights! Performances will be streamed to homes on June 1 (JK- Grade 2) and June 10 (Grades 3-8).

Coming June 1, 2021

COMMUNITY

We are all in this together!

Grade 7 Hiking Trip

New this year!

All Yearbook Business Sponsor website and contact info will be added to the new SJA

Community Partner tab on the SJA website.

Become a Yearbook Sponsor! More info:

https://stjudesacademy.com/yearbook-sponsorship/

Contact us directly:

[email protected]

LUNCH PROGRAM This is a reminder that the site is open to order hot lunch for the month of MAY and the deadline to order is TODAY, April 30. If you have forgotten your password/email, contact [email protected]

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS! To place an order please click here. Go to my account on the left-hand side of the screen. Create an account or update current account preferences. Browse and shop! Enter Class Code: RC161291. All online orders using this class code gives SJA 20% back to use towards classroom resources. Orders over $40 ship free directly to your home! If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM It is a per term commitment with flexible options

(Before School Care: 7:30-8:30 am and/or After School Care: 3:45-6:00 pm).

We will continue to have small cohorts (limited to 15 students) for students' health and safety.

Students in the After School Care Program will continue to have supervised homework help and activities.

Advanced Registration is required as any drop-ins are not acceptable. Click here for more details or contact [email protected]



mailto:[email protected]

http://mydigitalmailroom.com/sja/


https://classroomessentials.scholastic.ca/


http://stjudesacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Before-After-School-Care-12042020.pdf


HEAD OF SCHOOL: Melissa Chin FOUNDER: Aaron Sawatsky

EDITOR: Ann Harvey Send Your Comments, Questions & Address Updates to [email protected]

EDITORIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE A. Harvey, H. Hocevar, M. Filion, R. Leang

The St. Jude’s Academy Difference is a monthly communication created and distributed

electronically to members of the SJA Family of Schools Community during the academic year. © St. Jude’s Academy 2021

03/05/2021


The St. Jude’s Academy DIFFERENCE

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