SPOTLIGHT
November 6, 2026
Head’s Message
The Seawolf community spirit was in full force this week, and we are so proud of our students and staff for their support and enthusiasm.
The week started off with a visit from 106 students and their teachers from our partner school in Tokyo, Japan, Kichijo Girls’ School. Student Council, the Band and the Grade 9 & 10 students acted as hosts by welcoming our guests at an assembly, where our band began with a spirited rendition of ‘O Canada’ and our guests treated us to a choral performance of the theme song from Studio Ghibli movie ‘Ponyo’ followed by their beautiful school song. During the remainder of the visit, Grade 9 & 10 students hosted school tours, engaged in games and shared a cultural exchange crafting origami shapes and totem poles. Coincidentally, November 3rd is a Japanese national holiday, Bunka no Hi, to promote arts, cultural awareness, and academic endeavour.
The week continued with an exchange of cultural knowledge, and our gratitude extends to our Guatemalan students who set up a booth to showcase wonderful parts of their culture with our community. We also said goodbye to Francois, our exchange student from Bordeaux, France and look forward to welcoming his sister, Constance, in a week!
Finally, we celebrate our Girls’ Volleyball Team, who delivered a fantastic showcase of skill, heart, and teamwork in their recent matches - culminating in a thrilling, nail-biting finish on Salt Spring Island this Thursday!
Go Seawolves!
Megan Hedderick
Acting Head of School
Haunted House
Last friday, I had the opportunity to organize and run our school's third annual haunted house. The theme was horror movies and there were rooms based on Scream, The Shining, The Blair Witch Project, IT, Friday The Thirteenth, Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. There was a lot of planning involved, from DIY props to budget costume searching. On Thursday we held a short dress rehearsal so volunteers could get a sense of what the haunted house would be like, and on the friday student council and student volunteers setting up the different rooms, decorating, and getting into character. We used coloured lights, realistic weapons, and elaborate costumes to create an extra frightening environment. We also had a photobooth for guests to get their picture taken after the event. This is where we got a lot of positive feedback which was very rewarding. Overall the haunted house was an enjoyable and frightening experience for students and guests alike.
Elsie, Gr. 12
Grade 9 Design Project
Our Grade 9 Design students have started Fashion for Change, exploring how fashion can communicate a message and raise awareness about social or environmental issues. Students will transform second-hand clothing and materials into original outfits that express their ideas.
This week, we visited a thrift store near the school to find materials and get their projects underway. They have amazing ideas, and we’re excited to see them come to life! Don’t miss their fashion show as part of the Talent Show in February!
Gr. 12 English Debate
Today, for our work with “The Odyssey” 12 English class, the students engaged in a mock trial. Three students defended Odysseus and his actions in the cave, while three students defended Polyphemus, the Cyclops. The “lawyers” examined Book 9, and then argued why the other party was actually more guilty. This task required a close reading of the incident and a thorough examination of Homer’s lines from his epic poem. Thank you to our three volunteer jurors. In the end, they found Odysseus guilty, and he was forced to repay the food he and his men stole and to help the newly blinded Cyclops with his future farming duties.
Comfort Crew
One of the Comfort Crew’s goals this year was to build stronger connections with our younger students so they feel comfortable reaching out for social or emotional support.
To support this goal, the Comfort Crew designed and delivered a lesson called “What’s on Your Plate?” to our Grade 4 and 5 students. The activity aimed to normalize stress and worry while introducing positive strategies for managing difficult emotions.
Students first reflected on common uncomfortable experiences, such as getting an answer wrong in class or not being chosen for a team. They then wrote their worries on paper plates before tearing them up and adding them to a shared pile, symbolizing the idea that everyone carries worries and that we can learn to let go of them.
To finish, students created personal 'Emotional Bandaid Boxes,' filling them with positive affirmations and happy memories written on paper bandaids. These served as reminders they could turn to whenever they felt overwhelmed or discouraged.
By participating alongside the students, Comfort Crew members helped reinforce that experiencing stress and worry is a normal part of life. The activity was warmly received, and students left with practical strategies to add to their personal wellbeing toolboxes.
Ms. Burkie & the Comfort Crew
Boarding Update
Our boarding students continue to make the most of all that SJASL has to offer!
Pack Partners Program
Share a home. Make a friend. Strengthen the pack.
Through this program, day students in Grades 7-12 and their families will have the opportunity to welcome a boarding student into their home for a meal, family activity, or overnight visit. In return, day students can experience boarding life firsthand by spending a night in the dorms and taking part in boarding activities.
These shared experiences are about more than a visit. They’re an opportunity to make new friends, share family traditions, and build a stronger sense of belonging across our school community.
With parent or guardian consent, appropriate supervision, and school approval in place, Pack Partners aims to create lasting friendships and help every student feel welcomed, valued, and included.
Together, we can strengthen the connections that make St. John’s Academy feel like home. More information is coming soon!
If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Folkes, Dorm Coordinator.
Athletics Updates
The volleyball season is now complete. Thank-you to Burkie and Carson for all the hours of coaching and investing in the lives of our Seawolves Athletes this fall!
Basketball tryouts will begin next week! The first boys' tryout will be Tuesday (4:10-5:15) with Mr. Rob, and the first girls ' tryout will be Wednesday (4:10-5:15) with Mr. Travis.
PCEG News
We have multiple ongoing fundraisers, please see details below. If you have questions or would like to get involved, you are welcome to email us anytime at sjaparentgroupshawnigan@gmail.com and please join our Facebook group!
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This is a great way to avoid losing your uniforms and to identify the odd pieces that come home with your student To order, go to, mabelslabels.ca, choose Fundraising, support a fundraiser, search for your school (St Johns Academy Shawnigan Lake -PCEG) and shop now.
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Please save and drop off your Country Grocer receipts to the office.
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Located on Fisher Road across from the main depot. Please remember to specify you are donating to St John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake
Important Dates
Please note school will be closed on November 11 for Remembrance day, and there is a Pro-D day on November 27.
Health Update
Keeping Our SJA Community Healthy this Cold & Flu Season With the cold and flu season upon us, we would like to remind families of the importance of keeping students home when they are unwell. Allowing children time to rest and recover helps them feel better sooner and reduces the spread of illness throughout our school community.
Thank you for helping us keep our SJA students, staff and families healthy this season. We appreciate your cooperation and support!
Eileen de Guzman, RN, BSN
School Nurse
St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake
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Please keep your child home if they are experiencing:
Fever (38°C or higher).
A new or worsening cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms.Significant fatigue or feeling too unwell to participate in a regular school day.
Vomiting or diarrhea.
Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving.
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As a general guideline, students may return when:
They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol or Advil).
Their respiratory symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours.
They have been free of vomiting and diarrhea for at least 48 hours.
They are feeling well enough to participate fully in their regular school activities, including classes, physical education and other daily activities.
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We can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses by encouraging frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sharing food, drinks or personal items.
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Perogies, Fried Cabbage with Sausages & Onions, Assorted Salad Options
Vegetarian Option - Perogies with Fried Cabbage
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Beef Dips, Wedge Fries, Assorted Salad Options
Vegetarian Option - Veggie Burger
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(No School)
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Char Siu Chicken, Stir Fried Vegetables, Chow Mein, Spring Rolls, Assorted Salad Options
Vegetarian Option - Marinated Tofu
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Molé Chicken, Mexi Rice, Tater Tots, Assorted Salad Options
Vegetarian Option - Veggie Skewers
Next Week’s Menu
Donations Needed
Ms. Parsons and the Great SJA Bake Off are looking for the following items to stock their cupboards for all their CCA baking needs. They can be dropped off at the front office with a label attached to MS. PARSONS.
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Mixing bowls in different sizes
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Kitchen scales
Measuring jugs
Sieves
Whisks
Wooden spoons
Silicone spatulas
Dough scrapers
Muffin tins
Loaf tins
Cake tins
Baking trays / cookie sheets
Rolling pins
Cookie cutters
Cooling racks
Pastry brushes
Silicone baking mats
Other Reminders
A reminder that Free Fridays should always be SJA clothing. Non-SJA sweatpants, hoodies, and shirts will not be permitted and students will be asked to change or visit the front office to borrow SJA clothes. Remember that the P.E. kit is to be worn only during P.E class! Please visit the uniform reference page to see our visual guide, which includes examples of acceptable footwear.