On Monday, May 4, the school came together to celebrate SJS Day with a whole school assembly to recognize our amazing parents, volunteers and long-standing faculty and staff for the many ways they make SJS an incredible place to be a part of.
Recognizing Our Volunteers
This day was all about acknowledging and thanking those who make SJS special, and so of course, we started by thanking our wonderful parent volunteers. Emma Lee, Grade 11, created a video featuring students from across the school thanking the parents for their favourite events throughout the year.
Harry Whyte, Grade 11 and MC for the assembly, led the thanks for the long-standing volunteers on the Board of Governors, the volunteer leads, and the Parent Association Executive for their dedication and work throughout the year. This was followed by a special thank you speech from the Grade 5 Leadership Club on behalf of the Junior School, appreciating our parents for everything they do at the school.
Ciara Cullimore, Grade 12 and Lifer of SJS, gave a special speech for the class parents, in particular her mom, Jaqueline Cullimore, who has served as a class parent since Ciara was in Grade 1. Ciara thanked Jacqueline, along with Eva’s dad Jeff Huang who became a Class Parent back in Grade 9, for making each year extra special for their cohort.
Thank you to all our parent volunteers for what you’ve done this year and will continue to bring to SJS in the future. Please visit the volunteer wall to read the names and see the many ways parents show up for our school and community.
The assembly also featured some special student performances. The Grade 3s, accompanied by Mr. Florenicio on guitar and conducted by teacher candidate Ms. Graham, sang their rendition of Imagine by John Lennon. Finally, the assembly concluded with a performance from Music 8 and 9, conducted by teacher candidate Ms. Coulson. They performed Eagles Song by Bob Baker, Squamish Nation Cultural Adviser and performer, who generously agreed to share a piece of his oral tradition in the form of a song he received many years ago that was later expanded by Robert Buckley with permission into a piece for concert band.
Long-Standing Faculty
Along with our parent volunteers we had a number of long-standing staff to celebrate at the assembly.
Ms. Little and Ms. Chee congratulated the staff who have worked at SJS for 10 and 15 years: Ms. Bereti (15 years), Ms. Carpenter (15 years), Ms. Hall (15 years) Mr. Ferguson (10 years), Ms. Miklitz (15 years), Ms. Qiang (15 years) and Ms. Zhu (15 years). Not forgetting Mr. Addley of course, who is celebrating 10 years as Head of School.
Our longest serving staff were acknowledged with special words from their colleagues. Mr. Florencio spoke about Mr. Deans and his 20 years at SJS, accompanied by some incredible archive photos and acknowledging not only Mr. Dean’s talent but also the joy he brings to the classroom, both as a teacher and a colleague.
Ms. Carpenter spoke about Ms. Ko’s 20 years at SJS, highlighting her caring nature and how she makes all students feel included no matter how they show up to learn, leading with kindness in everything she does.
Finally, Mr Ilkiw spoke about Mr. Kinman, affectionately known as “Coach” by most, who has spent an incredible 25 years at SJS. When he first started SJS had one small gym, and he taught Grades 1 through to 12. His 25 years of passion and dedication has helped shape SJS into what it is today, most notably for his influence over the athletics program and starting the now annual Bamfield trip for Grade 10 students.
Thank you to all the staff who have given over a decade of their time, dedication and passion to their students at SJS!
To get to know our faculty and staff, check out our series of Five Minutes With… articles.
