Tuesday Update: June 28, 2022

(Col 3:15)

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEC

It felt like only a few weeks ago that I sat down to watch the first of the 10th anniversary videos, but it’s now June.  The school year is at an end and we’ve just said goodbye to the sixth Grade 7 class in our history.  It’s hard to believe that 11 or so years ago, where our school stands today, there was essentially just an empty field.  By the grace of God and the hard work and dedication of our founders, we now have St. Matthew’s Elementary School.  For all this we owe our deepest thanks to God and to the amazing people who worked so hard to give us our beautifully modern building and the amazing school community to which we all belong.

Today I have the privilege of serving as the second ever chairperson for the PEC and I believe we owe our school’s founders not just our thanks, but our firm commitment to continue building upon their achievement.  We owe it to our parishioners, teachers, parents and students past, present and future, so that they can look back to us in this moment and know that we did not let them down.  Let’s continue to elevate our school’s legacy and our parish community to ever greater heights.  But I can’t do this alone; nor can the PEC, a team of seven, do this for us.  It isn’t up to the school’s staff to do this, as they already dedicate countless hours to our children.

So this is my appeal for help to you, the parents of our school community.  I’m appealing to the next generation of leaders among you to come forward to help me continue to fulfill the vision for our school, which is not only to be the best school possible for our children, but just as importantly to be an essential element to the life of our parish.

As you know, SMES either hosts or are a part of many parish events such as the pancake breakfast, the international brunch and the golf open.  On top of that we have numerous fundraisers and major school events such as the Walk-a-thon and hot lunch programs.  We have always had dedicated committees that ensure these events are successfully executed, bringing in important funds for the school.  To all these parents, you have my heartfelt thanks.

What may not be apparent are the hours of planning and decision making in the weeks and months leading up to the fundraisers and events.  This is truly where our school needs additional help; not only to continue the great work that has been done, but to also proactively set our school up to continue to thrive as it matures.  Without new leaders raising their hands in our school community we simply won’t have the bandwidth to continue all these tremendous efforts.

Specific areas where we are looking for a dedicated group of leaders include our pancake breakfast, our fundraising sales teams, liaising and planning for parish sponsored events, and passionate organizers to support behind the scenes planning for a new sponsored event for 2022/23.  If you are inspired to take on a leadership position in service to our school (with partnership, support and guidance from our Events and Fundraising lead), please get in touch with me at PEC@stmatthewselementary.ca.  We would love to leverage your talents and create a sustainable approach to fundraising that will serve our school well into the future.  We’ll also have a lot of fun in the process!

As I’ve said, we owe it to God, our founders and the entire parish to continue building.  We’ve heard time and again that we are one of the most, if not the most, vibrant community in the archdiocese and we know this to be true because we’ve all lived it.  Let’s now put that into action; I know I can count on our amazing community to help me continue this important work.

St. Matthew’s, it is an honour and a privilege for me to serve on the PEC.  Congratulations on an amazing first 10 years and I know that together we can make the next 10 even better!  I pray for everyone to have a safe and fun summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone again in September!

Thank you,
Peter Tang, PEC Chairperson

BONUS 10th YEAR ANNIVERSARY VIDEO

Click on the image below to enjoy the last video commemorating our 10th year anniversary!

SMES GUARDIANS VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM

The school has an opportunity this year to enhance and supplement their existing volleyball program – – allowing for greater exposure to the sport.  We all know the positive impact athletics has on youths in all aspects of life – physically, mentally and socially.  A notice has been sent home with details to girls going into Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 in September.  The volleyball sessions are for beginner to intermediate athletes, where they will develop and grow in a fun and challenging learning environment.  This program is focussed on helping prepare and give athletes tools they need for school and club volleyball, while growing their passion for the game.  It all starts with a spark of interest, and an understanding of the sport for the love of the game to come to surface – – providing opportunities of growth in discipline, comraderie, ownership & pride in oneself.  Please take this opportunity to review the inforamtion sent home.  Click HERE for the handout.   Many thanks in advance!