Our school is in The Festival of Trees which runs until January 5, 2022, so there's still plenty of time to vote for our tree by making a donation: text "TREE088" to 45678 or you can click the link below. All proceeds go directly to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and any donation over $20 can be a tax credit. And since we're making it a fun completion between classrooms, please email your donation confirmation code to Mrs Piper at isabelle@gaglardiacademy.ca, remembering to include your child's name and classroom teacher. This will help us track numbers so we'll be able to know who gets the pizza party. Stay tuned in January for the results!

Please save your bottles over the holidays! Grade 12 students are having a Bottle Drive for Tanzania when school reopens from January 4-7! They are accepting bottles and other beverage containers to raise money for their missions trip to Tanzania. Thanks for your support!

If you have a child entering Kindergarten in September 2022 (or you have friends and family who do!), this is a perfect opportunity for you and your child to see what Kindergarten at PJGA is all about. There are two 45-minute afternoon sessions which are free of charge and include various educational activities, a snack for the participant, plus a Get-Ready-for-Kindergarten kit to take home. All you need to do is register by clicking the link below!

Okay, Christmas carol fans, the waiting is over. If you took the Christmas Carol Challenge in the last two days and are wondering what some of the carols are, wonder no more. Click the link below so you can check your answers. How many did you get right?

This Christmas, I'm reading "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom. If you've never heard of it, it's a book about Corrie and her family who hid Jews in Haarlem, the Netherlands, during World War II. Although the book is not part of the usual Christmas readings, I'm finding that it is quite relevant for this season. 

Corrie's dilemma was how to overcome fear in difficult times and act in love instead. How to respond with compassion to those who don't share the same beliefs or who differ in opinions.

Love is the answer. The Bible says, "Perfect love casts out fear," (1 John 4:18) and that we are to "Do everything with love." (1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV) In The Message translation, Colossians 3:14 reads, "Regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

At this time of year, I find it beneficial - though not always easy - to reflect on what type of "garment" I've worn throughout the year. Have I worn love and expressed it in my words and actions or have I worn fear instead? When I find it difficult to love, it helps to know how much Christ loves me. Corrie found this true as well. In a heartbreaking time, her father spoke these words: "Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us his perfect way."...

The website calendar is the easiest way to find out about school events and activities. And since it's always being updated, be sure to check it often. Bookmark the page for even easier access or subscribe!