DECEMBER 2025
St. Augustine School
Newsletter
Principal's Message
HAPPY ADVENT, St. Augustine families!
Waiting. It’s something none of us particularly enjoy. Whether it’s in traffic, in line, or at an appointment, waiting can test our patience. Our world often encourages us to rush, to multitask, to find the quickest solution. We’ve grown accustomed to instant everything (fast service, fast answers, fast results). With so much on our plates, waiting can feel like lost time.
But what do we do when God invites us to wait?
In our faith, God’s waiting is not passive. It’s a gentle call to pause, to do what is ours to do, and to leave the rest in His hands. Active waiting reminds us not to force outcomes or carry burdens that are not meant for us. It asks us to slow down, to listen, and to trust. This Advent, may we embrace this kind of waiting: letting go of the pressure for immediate results, whether that’s a grade, an award, a recognition, or a promotion. Advent is a season of anticipation. Let it also be a season of purposeful, hope-filled waiting.
As Catholics, we are an Advent people. Our school theme, PROCLAIMING OUR FAITH, encourages us to honour, celebrate, and proclaim our Catholic traditions. During this final month of the year, I invite all of us to gently guide our families toward hope, reflection, and preparation for the coming of Jesus. His arrival is preceded by prayer, attentiveness, and a willingness to wait with open hearts. In a world that measures worth by productivity, Advent reminds us that waiting can be holy. It gives meaning to the moment when joy finally arrives.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of these times, let us hold close not only the well-being of our children and families, but also the spirit of Advent that helps us prepare for Christ’s birth and His presence in our lives. May you and your families experience a safe and blessed Advent. May Christ’s peace, hope, and grace fill your homes throughout this season.
Wishing each of you a joyful and holy Christmas, St. Augustine's! Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring safety, happiness, health, and renewed hope to all.
Mr.Yaptinchay
ADVENT EVENING OF SONG AND PRAYER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 AT 7:00PM
This year’s Advent Evening of Prayer will be
at the church on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm. It will also be broadcast live on the Parish YouTube Channel.
It will be a combination of narration and songs presented by your children.
We are asking all families to join us in-person or to tune in for an hour of prayer during this special time of year as we prepare for Christmas.
PLEASE NOTE:
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Because of challenges accommodating entire families in the church, we will also be live-streaming the evening so it can be accessed from home, and we ask that a maximum of 2 to 4 people from each family attend. Please, also share the Parish YouTube link with anyone who would like to join us online from anywhere in the world.
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Students are asked to be dropped off AT SCHOOL (not the church) between 6:20pm and 6:30pm.
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The courtyard will be open as of 6:15 for parking. Park in the neighbourhood and walk in if the courtyard is full.
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The church doors will open to parents at 6:40pm.
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Students are asked to wear either PURPLE or PINK, which are the colours of Advent.
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The evening will begin with a welcome and prayer at 7:00pm
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Pick-up will be at the school at 8:10pm. Please, go to your child's classroom to collect your child and to sign him/her out with your teacher AFTER the entire presentation ends.
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As per tradition, if you wish to make a donation to the Oblate Missions in Kenya, please, bring the envelope that will be sent home with your child next week or simply place a contribution into the collection basket at the designated time during the Advent Evening.
MOVEMBER AT SAS Thank you to all who participated in our annual MOvember Day the last week of November. It was a fun day for an important cause. Thank you, SAS! Enjoy our story and photos here: MOvember 2025
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Our Christmas Market will take place this year on December 6. Thank you to all who donated things for the students to purchase for the special adults/ family members in their lives. Proceeds from the Christmas Market this year will go to Parish Refugee Program. Complete details can be found here: SAS Christmas Market 2025
ADVENT GIVING INITIATIVES: SANCTA MARIA HOUSE AND CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Sadly, there are children right here in the Lower Mainland who struggle to get their basic needs met. Again, this year, we would like to help some of these children who are experiencing very difficult circumstances in their lives. We want them to have a special Christmas, too.
Our donations will be their Christmas gifts and will continue until Dec. 18. Complete details of our Advent Giving initiatives will be sent home the first week of December.
RED AND GREEN DAY Students are asked to wear green and/or red (no uniform) on Friday, December 19.
LAST SCHOOL MASS BEFORE CHRISTMAS FRIDAY, DEC. 19 AT 9:15AM
Please, join us in-person on the last day of school to celebrate mass as a faith community on Dec. 19.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Friday, Dec. 19 is the last day of school before Christmas Break. It is also a 12:00pm dismissal with the first stagger beginning at noon.
CHILDREN'S MASS (9am Sunday, December 21)
Though school will be closed, you are all invited to our December Children's Mass at 9am Sunday, December 21.
Non-Uniform Day (Pajama Day!)
Friday, December 12
