John 16:33

As we begin this beautiful day at Saint John Paul II Academy, we are reminded of these powerful words spoken by Jesus Christ.

This scripture speaks directly to the virtues that Saint John Paul II embodied throughout his life: courage, perseverance, hard work, resilience, faith, and love.

Saint John Paul II faced many hardships and challenges throughout his life. He lived through war, oppression, suffering, and uncertainty, yet he never lost hope because he knew that Christ had already won the victory. His life teaches us that greatness is achieved through perseverance, faithfulness, sacrifice, and trust in God.

As students, staff, families, volunteers, benefactors, and supporters of Saint John Paul II Academy, we are called to follow that same example.

There will be challenges.

There will be obstacles.

There will be moments when things seem difficult.

Yet with Christ at the center of our lives, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is always beside us.

Today we have the tremendous blessing of beginning our day with Holy Mass in the Chapel.

Thank you to Father Augustine and Father Edwin for celebrating Mass and for the tremendous love, friendship, guidance, and spiritual support that you provide to the Academy community.

What a privilege it is to begin our day with Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

Recently we reflected on a beautiful message regarding the Eucharist:

“The Eucharist is the true, real and substantial presence of the Savior, who transforms bread into Himself in order to transform us into Himself.”

The most important thing any of us can do in life is to keep Jesus Christ at the center of everything.

Saint John Paul II often reminded young people that they were not made for comfort but for greatness. That greatness is found in living a life rooted in truth, courage, service, faith, and love.

When we place Jesus at the center of our lives, we discover our true purpose and become the people God created us to be.

May we continue to seek Him, trust Him, and follow Him in all that we do.

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Fine Arts Program

Foundation Chair Troy Van Vliet shared that the evening was a tremendous success and a beautiful celebration of the gifts, talents, creativity, and hard work of the students of Saint John Paul II Academy.

The evening showcased the gifts, talents, creativity, dedication, and hard work of the students of Saint John Paul II Academy. It was a beautiful reflection of the growth that has taken place throughout the school year and highlighted the confidence, discipline, perseverance, and artistic expression that students have developed through their commitment to the Fine Arts.

A very special word of congratulations goes to Mrs. Jessica Kelly.

The success of the Fine Arts program is the result of countless hours of preparation, encouragement, mentorship, and leadership. Throughout the school year, Mrs. Kelly has generously shared her gifts, enthusiasm, energy, creativity, and passion with students.

Many members of the Academy community have commented on her ability to inspire students to discover their talents, embrace creativity, build confidence, and strive for excellence.

Her beautiful voice, joyful spirit, and unwavering commitment to students have had a profound impact on the Fine Arts program and on the lives of many young people.

The outstanding art displays reflected imagination, dedication, creativity, and attention to detail.

The musical performances demonstrated discipline, practice, courage, and teamwork.

The dramatic presentations showcased confidence, artistic expression, and a willingness to share God given gifts with the broader community.

Most importantly, the evening reflected the beauty of Catholic education where students are encouraged to use their talents to glorify God and inspire others.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jessica Kelly, the Fine Arts team, and every student who participated. The Academy community is proud of your accomplishments and grateful for the gifts you shared.

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HVAC Training

A friendly reminder that HVAC training will be taking place in the Boardroom today beginning at 9:00 and continuing for most of the day.

We welcome the training team to campus and thank everyone involved as we continue to care for and steward the Academy facilities.

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Foundation Board Meeting

A reminder that the Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation Board meeting will take place today at 5:00.

For those requiring a Zoom link, please reach out.

Thank you to the Foundation Board members for their continued leadership, stewardship, generosity, prayer, expertise, and commitment to Catholic education.

The Academy continues to be blessed by faithful individuals who generously share their time and talents in support of the mission entrusted to Saint John Paul II Academy.

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Catholic Initiative Podcast Interviews

The Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation continues to be blessed through the Catholic Initiative Podcast, where we have the opportunity to share inspiring stories of faith, leadership, perseverance, service, and hope.

This week we are especially excited to welcome 2 outstanding guests whose lives and work have touched countless people.

Lisa Canning

We are honored to welcome Lisa Canning to the Catholic Initiative Podcast.

Lisa is a Catholic speaker, author, coach, and former interior designer who has become a well known voice encouraging women and families to live with greater peace, purpose, faith, and intentionality.

As the founder of The Possibility Mom, Lisa has inspired countless families through her reflections on Catholic motherhood, vocation, entrepreneurship, family culture, and living faithfully in today’s world.

Lisa and her husband are raising 11 children, and her witness to faith filled family life continues to inspire audiences throughout North America. Through her speaking, writing, coaching, and media appearances, she reminds families that holiness is found in the daily commitment to love God, serve others, and faithfully live one’s vocation.

Her message of surrender, trust in God’s providence, perseverance through challenges, and joyful discipleship resonates deeply with Catholic families seeking to live intentionally and faithfully.

We look forward to an inspiring conversation about faith, family life, leadership, motherhood, purpose, and trusting God’s plan.

John Banovich

We are also pleased to welcome John Banovich.

John is an award winning filmmaker, photographer, author, and storyteller whose career spans more than 30 years across feature films, television, documentaries, publishing, and visual media.

Beginning his professional journey as an actor and later developing his craft as a cinematographer and filmmaker, John has created an impressive body of work that has been featured on major networks and screened at international film festivals.

For more than 50 years, John has proudly called Surrey home and has witnessed firsthand the growth and transformation of the community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John has dedicated a significant portion of his life to educating young people. Over the years, he has spoken to tens of thousands of high school and post secondary students about the dangers of impaired driving, helping young people make safer choices and better decisions through powerful storytelling and personal experience.

John is currently seeking election as a School Trustee and is passionate about ensuring that every child throughout Surrey receives the best possible educational opportunities.

His vision is rooted in common sense leadership, student success, safe schools, strong support for teachers, responsible stewardship of resources, and a commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision.

We look forward to a thoughtful conversation about education, leadership, community engagement, storytelling, public service, and the future of young people in Surrey.

These conversations continue to strengthen the mission of the Catholic Initiative by sharing stories that inspire faith, encourage leadership, promote service, and remind us that God continues to work through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

If you know of a Catholic leader, educator, entrepreneur, ministry, apostolate, charitable organization, or community advocate whose story deserves to be shared, please reach out.

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Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation Finance Committee

The Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation is pleased to announce the formation of a Finance Committee and is currently seeking qualified Chartered Professional Accountants and experienced financial professionals to serve.

As the Academy continues to grow and expand, strong financial stewardship remains essential to ensuring long term sustainability, responsible governance, transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship of the resources entrusted to the Foundation.

This volunteer leadership opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about Catholic education and who wish to contribute their professional expertise in support of one of British Columbia’s newest Catholic independent schools.

Finance Committee members will work collaboratively with the Foundation Board, Society leadership, administration, accountants, auditors, and financial advisors to provide strategic financial oversight and guidance.

Individuals interested in serving are invited to submit a brief expression of interest and professional background.

Expressions of interest and professional inquiries may be submitted to:

Luke 12:48

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As we conclude, let us once again reflect upon the words of Christ:

John 16:33

May we continue to persevere through challenges.

May we work diligently in all that we do.

May we encourage one another with kindness and love.

May we use our gifts in service to God and others.

May we always place Jesus Christ at the center of our lives.

And through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may God continue to bless the students, families, faculty, staff, volunteers, benefactors, and friends of Saint John Paul II Academy.

Have a blessed week.

Saint John Paul II Academy Foundation

Totus Tuus