Weekly Memo #4 - 2026

• Principal: David Baldwin
• Vice-Principal: Robert Leaman
• Vice-Principal: Kim Michelau-Jones
  

• On Tuesday, September 29th, students and staff at St. Peter’s Junior High observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the day, we learned about the history of the residential school system and its ongoing impacts, as well as the origins of Orange Shirt Day. We were able to visit displays featuring NL indigenous cultures. we reflected on the stories of Phyllis Webstad and Chanie Wenjack, and the school paused for a moment of silence to honor and remember the children who never returned home.
  
  
• St. Peter’s Junior High is proud to announce that we are officially a Legacy School. We are committed to fostering reconciliation throughout the entire school year and look forward to participating in the Walk for Wenjack in the spring of 2027.
  
  
• To mark our commitment, students and staff contributed to a school-wide display demonstrating our shared dedication to reconciliation. Centered around the quote, “They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds,” the finished display is pictured below.
  
  
• A special thank you to Ms. Noseworthy for sharing her artistic talents in creating the tree, and to Ms. Torraville, Ms. Strang, Ms. Moffatt, Mr. Martin, Mr. Payne and Ms. Murphy for their help arranging the leaves. Finally, thank you to all students and staff who participated in making this meaningful event possible and for standing together in reconciliation.

• Our first school closeout will be on Thursday, October 8th, 2026.
  
  

• Teachers will be involved in a "Professional Learning Day" and school will be closed for all students.

• Tryouts for various sports teams have already started, and in some cases, teams have been picked. For future tryouts scheduled, please click on the link HERE which will be updated by our Athletics' Director (Mr. Christopher). Mr. Christopher also posts tryout information on the main gymnasium doors and on morning announcements.
  
  
• Please note that Grade 7 tryout times have not been scheduled yet. They will be communicated as soon as the coaches select the times.
  
  
• All athletes must bring their parent/guardian’s email address to the tryouts so coaches can communicate with them.

• Mr. Leaman looks after key cards and keys for team access to the school/gymnasium. He will not be distributing them until Mr. Christopher advises of the specific identified coach of the team. Please give him at least two days' notice to pick them up and sign the agreement form. Only 1 key card and key will be issued per team (Lead Coach Only).

Upstream NL is a program which aims to provide access to supports for students that allow youth to increase their school engagement and provide connections in the community. One of the ways to identify students who could use support to prevent school disengagement is through a survey called the Student Needs Assessment (SNA).

• Upstream Canada and York University have partnered with NL Schools to deliver and study the success of the Upstream NL initiative. This research has received ethics review and approval by the Human Participants Review Sub-Committee, York University’s Ethics Review Board and conforms to the standards of the Canadian Tri-Council Research Ethics guidelines.
  
  
• On Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, SPJH Grade 7 students are voluntarily invited to participate in the first stage of the program, the “Student Needs Assessment (SNA)”, which is a short survey designed to identify students who may benefit from the Upstream Program.
  
  
• Please read the information letter by clicking HERE. It contains all of the specific details pertaining to the Student Needs Assessment (SNA)
  
  
• Since the survey is voluntary, if you do not wish for your child to participate, you can withdraw him/her by:
  
  

1. Completing the Google Form HERE.
   
   
2. If you do not have a computer or internet access, you can contact the Upstream NL Program Coordinator (Leslie Strickland) at 709-691-9577 by October 21st, 2026.
   
   
3. Complete the paper copy in the document HERE (Page 3). The paper copy must be returned to our SPJH main office.
   
   

Contacts:

• If you have any questions about the Student Needs Assessment or the Program in general you may Contact:

Kim Michelau-Jones (SPJH Vice Principal)

kimmichelaujones@nlschools.ca

709-368-0189

Leslie Strickland

Upstream NL Coordinator

lstrickland@choicesforyouth.ca

709-691-9577

• Our Chromebooks have still not arrived for our grade 7 students.
  
  
• Note: This year's order for Grade 7 Chromebooks is currently being processed by the vendor. As shipment timelines are confirmed, we will provide additional details.

From our Guidance

• If your child has a medical condition that may impact them at school, please reach out to our School Counsellor, Deanna Miles (deannamiles@nlschools.ca), if you have not already done so.
  
  
• It is vital that the school is aware of students with conditions such as Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, Epilepsy, or Asthma, as well as those who carry medication during the school day (e.g., EpiPens, inhalers). Having the proper documentation on file ensures we can provide the best possible care for your child daily and in the event of an emergency.
  
  
• Depending on your child's specific situation, please complete and submit the applicable form(s) below to deannamiles@nlesd.ca ASAP.
  
  
• Administration of Medication Form (Including those students who carry and
  self-administer medication)
  
  
• Diabetes Management Plan
  
  
• Anaphylaxis Management Plan
  
  
• School Medical Plan
  

(ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MS. DEANNA MILES)

• St. Peter’s Junior High is once again hoping to welcome the Roots of Empathy Program to our school community again this year. The experience last year was incredible for our grade 7 students as the baby and family became part of our whole school community.
  
  

• We are presently looking for a family to be a part of this wonderful program with a child between 2-4 months of age. "Change the world, child by child" by becoming a Volunteer Family. If you are interested, please contact Deanna Miles at: deannamiles@nlesd.ca
  
  

• The Program is centered around you and your baby's loving relationship, with a Roots of Empathy Instructor guiding a discussion with children, encouraging them to read your baby's emotional cues and take your baby's perspective.
  
  
• Your baby is the "Tiny Teacher". The children learn to identify and name your baby’s feelings, reflect on and understand their own feelings, then bridge to understand the feelings of others. The development of emotional literacy helps children understand how their behaviour or words can hurt others, and enables children to make friends and build positive relationships.
  
  

• This award-winning program supports children’s positive mental health and well-being by building empathy, kindness, and emotional understanding.
  
  

• Throughout the school year, a Roots of Empathy Instructor will introduce students to the baby and family from our school community. Through nine monthly classroom visits, students will have the opportunity to watch the baby grow and cheer on each developmental milestone of the first year — from rolling over and sitting up to waving, clapping, crawling, and more.
  
  

• The Instructor will support students in observing and recognizing the baby’s emotional cues, using these moments to spark meaningful conversations about feelings, relationships, and understanding others. The heart of the program lies in the loving connection between a baby and caregiver — the foundation from which empathy begins.
  
  

• We would certainly love to bring this enriching program to SPJH and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our school community as the baby and family becomes a special part of our school family this year.
  
  

• For more information on the “Roots of Empathy Program”, please click HERE

• Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 is picture Day at SPJH.
  
  
• When student "picture proofs" are provided back to the school, the proofs will be sent home with your child/children and the information to order pictures will be included. There is no obligation to purchase a picture package!
  
  
• There will also be a re-take day, but the date has not been provided as of yet.

• Please click Here for our poster and details on this initiative.
  
  
• Basically, we are asking parents/guardians/former students willing to donate any SPJH SWAG that is no longer useful and can be provided to SPJH students that would like to have it. This includes gently used hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc.
  
  
• This initiative will run from Monday, October 5th - Friday, October 9th and items can be brought to the main office. ANY DONATION COUNTS!

• Our Media Consent and Technology Forms are available on Rycor for completion. If you have yet to do so for your child/children, can you please do this ASAP please?
  
  
• Parents of students in Grade 7-12 can access their Rycor account through their PowerSchool
  Parent Portal account. The document HERE will help you with instructions on how to complete forms and fees through your PowerSchool Parent Portal.

• Your child will bring home a catalogue on Friday, September 25th, 2026. The catalogue contains great items to purchase for your family, friends, and neighbors and could make fantastic Christmas gifts.
  

Why We Fundraise:

• Your support directly impacts our students' daily learning experience. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward upgrading our classroom technology resources and enriching our educational programs. Every order helps us reach our goal!
  

Important Dates:

• Kickoff Date: September 25th, 2026

• Order Deadline: October 16th, 2026
  
  

How to Order:

• Please return all order forms and total payments to your child's classroom teacher by October 16th. Orders will arrive approximately 3 to 4 weeks after our master order is submitted and we will distribute them to students shortly after.
  
  

• You can order online following the instructions in the catalogue. These orders can be shipped directly to your home.
  
  

• Please make all cheques payable to St. Peter’s Junior High.
  
  

If you have any questions, please reach out to Beth Hubley at: bethhubley@nlesd.ca

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to enhancing our school community!

Sincerely,
SPJH Fundraising Committee

• From Monday, October 5th to Friday, October 9th, we will be collecting food for local food banks.
  
  
• Students are asked to participate by bringing in food items each day. For every item brought in, the class will get one point and each day there will be a bonus item that will earn double points. All items should be brought to to your child's homeroom in the morning.
  

• For more information on this initiative, click HERE
  
  
• If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Greg Williams at: gregorywilliams@nlesd.ca

Etcetera Production

• Our school has been invited to attend the Etcetera production of “Seussical” at the Arts and Culture Centre on Thursday, November 5th, 2026. On that day, students will be leaving the school on by bus at 8:50 AM and should arrive back at the school no later than 12:30 PM. We are very excited to attend this show as some of our current and former SPJH students will be performing in this production.

• Unfortunately we have a limit of only 200 student seats, therefore, available tickets are on a ‘first-come-first serve’ basis. Tickets will be available to Grade 9 AND 8 students starting on October 5th and then grade 7 students on October 12th.
  
  
• In order to move forward with this event, students who are interested in going must complete the permission form and pay the money on Rycor no later than Friday, October, 16th. The total cost for this event (plus transportation) is $16.00.
  
  

Audition Announcement: "Mean Girls Jr."

• It’s time to take the stage! Auditions for our spring musical production of Mean Girls Jr. are right around the corner. Everyone who wants to be in the show (lead role, chorus, or dancer) must complete an audition.
  
  
• Audition Date: Thursday, October 15th
• Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Music Room
• Sign-Up: A sign-up sheet is posted outside the Music Room door. Be sure to pick a time slot!
  

How to Prepare

A. Interested in a Lead Role?

• Prepare a short song of your choice (you can sing acapella, bring an instrument, or use an instrumental backing track).
  
  
• Scripts for scene work are available outside the Music Room door to practice beforehand.
  
  

• You may audition in a small group.
  
  
• Prepare a simple song of your choice (e.g., O Canada, Happy Birthday, or another song you enjoy).
  
  

• Everyone participating will also complete a separate Dance Audition. The date for this will be announced soon!
  
  

D. Can't make October 15th?

• If you are unable to attend the audition in person, please speak with Ms. Dawe-Ledwell, Ms. Grant, or Ms. Mercer as soon as possible. Video/recorded auditions will be accepted!

The O'Donel High School Easter 2028 Tour:

• FOR GRADE 9 PARENTS ONLY (your child will be in Grade 10 on this tour).
  
  
• Big News! The O'Donel High School Easter 2028 tour has been released. Come on an unforgettable EF tour to The Ancient Mediterranean (Italy & Greece)!
  
  
• From the ancient streets of Rome to the sparkling shores of Capri, with journeys through the ruins of Pompeii and the historic heart of Athens, this Easter adventure has it all—breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, delicious food, vibrant culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.
  
  
• Bring your friends, pack your sense of adventure, and discover the world with the peace of mind of an EF-guided tour and the support of your teachers every step of the way.

Spots will be limited—don’t miss out:

• Important: A parent meeting at O'Donel High School will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, at 7:00 PM to discuss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
  
  
• Please RSVP with this link:
  https://rsvp.eftours.ca/pyxrd2h
  
  

Any further questions, please email sandiporter@nlschools.ca

St. Peter’s Junior High is excited to announce our participation in the "Kids Eat Smart Province-Wide Walk for Breakfast" in support of our school’s breakfast program.

• On Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, students and staff will come together for a fun and energetic walk around our school community to raise awareness about the importance of starting the day with a healthy meal.
  
  
• The Breakfast Club provides students with nutritious food to help them focus, learn, and thrive. To keep this valuable program running, we are asking families to consider supporting us through donations of money or food items.
  

Items we are especially in need of include:

• Nut-free cereal bars

• Fruit cups

• Other healthy, non-perishable breakfast snacks
  
  

Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and will go directly toward purchasing breakfast items for students.

Together, we can ensure that every student has access to a healthy start each day. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our Breakfast Club!

Sincerely,
Anthony Flannigan
Breakfast Club Coordinator
St. Peter’s Junior High

• Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2026. This year’s campaign, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
  
  
• Our School will be completing a Fire Drill with the fire department on October 7th at 11:30am.
  
  
• Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.
  
  
• Use Your Charging Superpowers
  
  
• Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
  
  
• Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor.
  
  
• Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug your device when it is fully charged.
  
  
• For tools and rides, charge outside. Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.
  
  
• Feels hot? Stop using it. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.
  
  
• On a flight? Keep it in sight. When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on the plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device.

• To ensure your child receives their meals, please submit your order by 11:59p.m. on Wednesday, October 7. Unfortunately, late orders cannot be accepted, so please be sure to place your order before the deadline.
  

Thank you for participating in the School Food Program!

Chartwells

Here is a list of school closeouts for 2026-2027, scheduled and to be decided (TBD). School will be closed for students on these full or half days.

• October 8th, 2026: Teacher PL Day - NL Schools Closeout (full day)
• November 27th, 2026: Teacher PL Day - Grading/Reporting and School Development (full day)
• December 7th, 2026: Teacher PL Day - NL Schools Closeout (full day)
• December 10th, 2026: Family Conferences - Students dismissed after period 4
• March 12th, 2027: Teacher PL Day - Grading/Reporting and School Development (full day)
• March 24th: Family Conferences - Students dismissed after period 4

• May 14th, 2027: Teacher PL Day: Mental Health and Wellness

• June 18th, 2027: Teacher PL Day - Grading and Reporting (full day)
• 1 More Closeout: To Be Decided (TBD):
  

English Edition (Awaiting email from the RCMP)

French Edition (Awaiting email from the RCMP)

• Sunday October 4th - Saturday, October 10th: Fire Prevention Week
• Monday, October 5th: Tickets will be available to Grade 9 AND 8 students starting on October 5th and then grade 7 students on October 12th ( Etcetera production of “Seussical” )
• Monday, October 5th - Friday, October 9th: Donation of Swag Items
• Monday, October 5th-Friday, October 9th: Food Drive Frenzy
• Tuesday, October 6th, 2026: Picture Day
• Wednesday, October 7th: Province-Wide Walk for Breakfast
• Wednesday, October 7th: The OD High School Easter 2028 Tour Meeting at OD (7:00 PM) - Grade 9 parents only
• Wednesday, October 7th: Fire Prevention Fire drill at 11:30 am with the SJRFD.
• Thursday, October 8th: Teacher PL Day - NL Schools Closeout (School closed for students)
• Friday, October 16th: Dieleman Fundraiser Orders are Due
• Friday, October 16th: Permission form and payment for the music “Seussical” deadline through Rycor
• Thursday, October 22nd: Grade 7 Student Needs Assessment (SNA)
• Thursday, November 5th: Musical “Seussical” at the Arts and Culture Centre
• Friday, November 27th: School Development-Report Card Writing Day (School closed for Students)
• Friday December 4th: Term 1 Report Cards Released
• Thursday, December 10th: Term 1 Family Teacher Conferences (1/2 day closure for students)
• Monday, December 7th: District Close Out 2 (School closed for Students)
• Friday, March 12th: School Development-Report Card Writing Day (School closed for Students)
• Friday, March 19th: Term 2 Report Cards Released.
• Wednesday, March 24th: Term 2 Family Teacher Conferences (1/2 day closure for students)\
• Friday, May 14th: Staff Ministerial Day(School closed for Students)
• Friday, June 19th: Final Report Card Writing Day (School closed for Students)
• Thursday, June 2th4: Final Report Cards Released (School Closed for Summer Holidays)
• Friday, June 25th: Final Admin Day