During our Advent Mass on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Father Meisl, the readings, and our Prayers of the Faithful, reminded all who gathered that Advent is not merely a season to observe, but a posture to adopt—a time of waiting marked by purpose, intention, and hope.

In a world urging us to rush toward Christmas, Advent calls us to slow our pace, embrace stillness, and prepare. Waiting is not passive; it is an active and faithful openness of heart that makes room for what God is preparing to reveal. Both, what we await and how we wait, truly matter.

This season invites us not only to quieter schedules, but also to quieter hearts. Amid the noise, expectations, and busyness—even the good and joyful kinds—Advent gently reminds us of our need for silence. As Amy Grant reflects in her song I Need a Silent Night, sometimes our hearts simply long for a moment of stillness in which God can be heard. In that silence, we are given space to breathe, reflect, and listen more closely for God’s presence.

Throughout these weeks, the light of the Advent candles guides us. Each flame reminds us that light continues to grow, even when darkness remains. Hope often begins quietly, in simple acts of patience, kindness, and compassion. Each of us is called to carry that light beyond this sacred space and into our daily lives, especially to those who may feel weary, burdened, uncertain, or unseen.

The hope we celebrate during Advent is not fragile or fleeting. It is rooted in trust and born in humility. Christ entered the world not with grandeur or noise, but with gentleness and simplicity, reminding us that God so often comes quietly, in the ordinary and unexpected moments of our lives. This hope does not deny the challenges we face; rather, it transforms how we meet them.

Advent also invites us to prepare room within our hearts. True preparation is not found in schedules or decorations, but in reflection. It calls us to consider what we may need to set aside—our distractions, impatience, or fears—so that we might create the interior space where Christ can dwell more fully within us.

Today, we give thanks for our community—students, staff, families, alumni, and their loved ones—who journey together through this season of preparation. Advent is not meant to be lived alone. It is strengthened when we support one another, serve generously, and walk together in faith.

As we journey beyond the busyness of Christmas, may the spirit of Advent remain with us. May we carry its quiet hope into our classrooms, homes, workplaces, and relationships. Let us go forward as people of hope—attentive, compassionate, and ready to welcome Christ, not only at Christmas, but in one another.

May God’s peace be with you all and may we all truly live Jesus in our hearts… forever!

Catholic Social Teaching Focus

Our St. Thomas More Collegiate community is currently wrapping up our second focus on Catholic Social Teaching, centered on the theme of Peace. Earlier this year, we began our journey by reflecting on and living out the CST of Care for Creation, engaging students through classroom learning, school liturgies, and a variety of community-based activities.

Earlier this month, we marked this focus by celebrating Peace Week, with each day highlighting ways to recognize, build, and celebrate peace within our school and wider community. One meaningful activity was the creation of a Peace Intention Tree, where students were invited to write and share their personal prayers and intentions for peace.

When we return, our school will turn its attention to the CST of Preferential Option for the Poor, inviting students and staff to deepen their awareness of those most in need and to respond with compassion, justice, and action.

This focus will continue to be woven intentionally into classroom learning, school liturgies, and community initiatives, as we strive to live out our call to faith in action.

STMC Students Serve at the Annual Mass for Life

On Saturday, December 13, members of the St. Thomas More Collegiate Reverence for Life team attended and served at the annual Mass for Life held at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Richard Smith. Students assisted as greeters and support for the service and reception.

Following the Mass, students were invited to attend a reception. During this gathering, Isabella Comuzzi (Grade 11) was selected to share a student reflection on Reverence for all Life.

We are proud of our students for their leadership, service, and commitment to upholding the dignity of life in our community. This team is currently helping to organize a student Expo for Life that will take place on Friday March 6th at St Nicholas Parish in Langley. More details coming soon.

Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Visit

On Wednesday, December 17, our Grade 9 Religion students took part in a special spiritual experience at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in New Westminster as part of their ongoing exploration of faith, community, and the global Catholic Church. This parish also happens to be Mr. Adams parish.

The Cathedral graciously welcomed our students to participate in the Jubilee of Hope — a sacred time of renewal, grace, and encounter within the Church. Through this visit, students were introduced to the richness of the Eastern Catholic tradition, experiencing faith expressed through beauty, prayer, and hospitality.

The program included a guide through the Cathedral, sacred Byzantine music and the opportunity to participate in a Divine Liturgy. Following the service the students had a q and a with Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych and a deeper understanding of the different churches of Catholicism. This meaningful experience helped students deepen their understanding of the diversity and unity of the Catholic Church while reflecting on how faith is lived and celebrated across cultures.

Holiday Hampers

STMC Knights staff and students were pleased to support several local families with Holiday Hampers through the Lower Mainland Purpose Society. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and look forward to continuing to support our neighbourhood through meaningful initiatives like this in the future.

Christmas Decorating

A day of Christmas-themed activities filled Advisory on December 17! From gingerbread house building and festive relays to musical chairs and decorating the hallways, our Knights brought the school to life with plenty of Christmas spirit.

LRC Work Opportunity

Students from the LRC are looking for work experience opportunities within the community. A staff member will be with them the whole time. If anyone has a company or knows of opportunities for us to explore, please reach out to STMC.

Sleep-Out for Homelessness

On Sunday, Dec. 7th approximately 25 grade 11 and 12 students participated in our second annual Sleepout for Homelessness campaign.

These students stayed at the school from 7:00pm until 7:00am to make themselves more aware of issues surrounding homelessness. The night started with a moving talk from Brother O’Neill, connecting the Advent season with the importance of treating all people with dignity. We then enjoyed a community meal graciously made by Mr. Carl Polych. This was the last food the students would have for the rest of the night. Through the connection of Trudy Martin (2020), we had a presentation from NaloxHome, a group of volunteers from SFU that advocated for awareness of naloxone and reducing the stigma of drug overdose. This was a very impactful and informative session.

To include some service to the night the students then packed candy bags for the Good Shephard Ministry and attempted (some even succeeded) to make scarves that would be donated to a the same charity. The night concluded with the students, along with Mr. Adams and Mr. McCormick, attempting to sleep on the gym floor with only a sleeping bag, trying to imagine the lack of comfort some people face on a nightly basis. This was a powerful experience in raising awareness for those in our community dealing with homelessness.

Christmas Toy Drive

A heartfelt thank you to the St. Thomas More Collegiate community for your incredible generosity and support of this year’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Once again, STMC families, students, and staff came together to bring joy to children and families in need throughout our local community.

A special thank you to STMC parents Dai Martin and Michelle Sales, along with alumnus parent Shannon Kaustinin, who began preparing pancakes before 6:00 a.m. to help create a warm and welcoming start to the morning. Members of the Blessed Edmund Rice Team (BERT) played a key role in organizing, promoting, and serving at the event, helping to collect hundreds of toys for both the Salvation Army and several local Burnaby elementary schools.

The morning was filled with festive spirit, highlighted by our STMC band playing Christmas music in the foyer, a special visit from Santa, and a joyful pancake breakfast for those who donated.

Following the Toy Drive, members of the BERT team delivered toys and hampers to Glenwood Elementary, 12th Avenue Elementary, Clinton Elementary, and Nelson Elementary, as well as to families throughout South Burnaby.

Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to serving others. Your support helped make this Christmas brighter for so many.

Thank you for Supporting our Clothing and Toiletries Drive

A heartfelt thank you to the St. Thomas More Collegiate community for your generous support of our Clothing and Toiletries Drive, which took place in late October as part of our focus on Care for Creation.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of students, staff, and families, a large number of donations were collected and delivered to the Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter at St. Paul’s Hospital, where they will support individuals in need during the colder months.

This past week, the GM of the Men’s Shelter, Justin Milad, visited STMC, met with students, and presented the school with a certificate of appreciation signed by Archbishop Richard Smith. The certificate reads:

“The Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter would like to thank you for your outstanding donation of clothing and toiletries. Your contribution will help to keep many people warm, dry, and clean for the upcoming months.”

A special thank you to the Blessed Edmund Rice Team (BERT) for their leadership and commitment in organizing and leading this meaningful initiative. Your efforts continue to make a real difference in our wider community.

Record-Breaking Candy Drive for the Good Shepherd Ministry

A special thank you to our St. Thomas More Collegiate community for your incredible generosity during this year’s Candy Drive, with all donations supporting the Good Shepherd Ministry. This year marked the largest candy collection in STMC history, a true testament to the spirit of service within our school.

House totals were as follows:

Limerick – 30.6 lbs
Oxford – 28 lbs
London – 20.8 lbs
Waterford – 20.6 lbs
Canterbury – 19.6 lbs
Dublin – 13.8 lbs

Following the drive on November 21, members of the Junior Blessed Edmund Rice Team took on the important task of sorting, packing, and writing cards to accompany the candy bags. These bags have been, and will continue to be, distributed by members of our Senior BERT team as they walk the streets of the Downtown Eastside on Monday evenings, offering kindness, conversation, and support to those they encounter.

Thank you to all who contributed to this meaningful outreach and helped spread compassion and hope in our community.

Food & Friends Club Supports Union Gospel Mission

Members of the STMC Food and Friends Club recently prepared sandwiches and handwritten cards for the Union Gospel Mission, helping to support a local meal program serving those in need in New Westminster.

Thank you to our dedicated students for their compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others in our community.

Music

Pep Band at Chancellor Tournament

The Pep Band enjoyed supporting our Varsity Girls Basketball team at the Chancellor Tournament!

Spreading Musical Christmas Cheer

Jazz A and Chamber Choir have been busy Christmas carolling around town. We visited BC Children’s Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital, George Derby Centre, Kiwanis Care Centre, St. Mary’s Elementary, St. Jude’s Elementary, Holy Cross Elementary, and Our Lady of Mercy School.

Jazz A also performed for the STMC Toy Drive.

Junior Band Retreat

Junior Band retreat to Camp Stillwood will be taking place from January 9-10.

STMC Meets Damien Memorial

Our Varsity Girls’ team took a trip down to Honolulu this winter break to soak up some sun and play some basketball. While they were there, they spent a day with fellow Christian Brother school, Damien Memorial School. They attended their advent liturgy, had lunch with students and staff, took part in some classes and then played a game against their varsity girls’ basketball team!

Highlights from the visit included taking part in Hawaiian language class and hula class with Dr. Pua Higa, their principal!

We are so blessed to have our Christian Brothers network and are grateful to our Hawaiian hosts.

Go Knights and go Monarchs!

Varsity Girls Chancellor Tournament

The Varsity Girls Chancellor Tournament took place from December 4-6. Our Varsity Girls capped off the Chancellor Finals with a dominant 75–58 win over the Southridge Storm!

Shoutout to our award winners:
Demicah Arnaldo — 1st Team All-Star
Mia Beliveau — Finals Player of the Game
Kyla Limon — MVP

Demicah Arnaldo

Mia Beliveau

Kyla Limon

27th Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament

The 27th Annual STMC Alumni Basketball Tournament returns January 30–31, 2026 at the StanJean Athletic Centre.

Join fellow alumni for a full weekend of hoops with divisions for a wide range of skill levels. Tip off the weekend with a Friday night social, then bring the whole family on Saturday for basketball action and kid-friendly activities!

Alumni & Friends Pickleball Tournament

Last year’s Community Pickleball Tournament was a smashing success, with a strong turnout from Knights young and old. We kicked off the day with a fun and engaging beginners’ workshop in the morning, giving first-timers a chance to learn the game and feel confident on the court. Competition heated up as we moved into the tournament, where alumni and friends rallied together for a day of friendly matches and community spirit.

We’re excited to build on that momentum this year! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up a paddle for the first time, join us for another day of fun, connection, and Knight pride!