Farewell to the Graduating Class of 2025

My heartfelt desire is that each of our young graduates leaving us is equipped to Think Differently, Act Boldly, and Inspire Greatly. In speaking of a vision, I focus heavily on hopes – both present hopes and future hopes.

Over most of last month, and likely for much of the next two, there has (and will be) opportunities for you to be fully feted and celebrated by family and friends. There has likely already been (and will be) chances for introspection and self-reflection on the culmination of your life’s journey to this point. No doubt… you have likely also had (and will have) the opportunity to think about and share with others your future plans. No matter how much you likely cringe when person after person asks you “So, what are your plans?”

Rather than die a silent death inside each time yet another person puts you on the spot and asks you that very same question… I challenge ALL of you to embrace it! Think about it, is there any more exciting place to be?

Up to this point, much of your life has been regimented and planned out for you by others; those that love you most; your family; your teachers; your coaches; and to a certain degree, even your friends and peers.

ALL of that changes today.

Mia Beliveau
Caitlin Cahill
James Canil
Cristian Coletta
Dario Dekovic
Remo Giovinazzo
Camila Lozano Ibarra

Angela Malette
Carlo Pinske
Lauren Warick
Riley Coletta
Isabella Comuzzi
Kyla Limon
Bree Lu

Jaden Piamonte
Kristina Prtenjaca
Ariana Wang
Lauren Wong
Rohin Badesha
Alisha Barts
Laura Brant-Franquiera

Jordan Jouhal
Charlotte Orser
Sevilla Rivas
Jadelyn Bibera
Adriana Garcia
Khloe Reyes
Trinity Wu

Ethan Anagnostou
Elyza Castro
Olivia Casumpang
Nicholas Fok
Vilson Lai

Stefanie Mocnik
Ieve Reilly
Sophia Spraggs
Devyn Tabernero
Bernice To

Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

June is traditionally observed in the Catholic Church as the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a time to reflect on Christ’s profound love and compassion, symbolized by his heart. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, celebrated on June 27th in 2025, falls on the Friday after the second Sunday following Pentecost. Throughout the month, we are encouraged to engage in devotions such as praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart, meditating on Gospel passages from Luke, and deepening their relationship with Jesus. It is also a time to offer acts of reparation for sins committed against his Sacred Heart.

As part of the school theme “Live Jesus in our Hearts”, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is featured as part of our poster series on the second floor hallways. The Sacred Heart consists of the heart, wound, crown of thorns, flame, and cross, each with it’s own symbolic meaning. Each poster helps to show and explain each of these symbols.

Good Shepherd Walk

On June 9, students and staff participated in the annual Good Shepherd Walk through Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The walk was a powerful opportunity to step into the community, connect with those experiencing hardship, and offer small acts of kindness.

Participants handed out essential items and snacks, sharing compassion, dignity, and hope with every interaction. The experience fostered a deeper understanding of social issues and encouraged students to embody empathy and service. Through this act of outreach, our community lived out the values of the Good Shepherd—bringing care and presence to those often overlooked.

Vancouver Model UN

In 1999, while serving as the Secretary-General to the United Nations, Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan stated, “More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.”

This year, the Model UN club has reflected on current events, and, in embracing Kofi Annan’s words, they have actively considered their own roles, as well as the role of the UN in facing the future. Club sessions aimed to mirror the workings of the UN committees; including formal debates, lobbying, and resolution papers on topics such as, refugee housing and nuclear policies.

Additionally, 20 students from the group had the privilege of participating in the Vancouver Model UN Conference; one of the largest of it’s kind in the world. From UNICEF and WHO, to the European Parliament, and our own ‘mock’ House of Commons, it was a pleasure to observe students participate in the democratic process of world politics. Special mention goes to Aidan Madamba, who was awarded the gavel for his powers of persuasion in the European Parliament, and to Declan Williams, who stood alone in the House of Commons against a mock US invasion.

I want to thank the leaders or “Dais” of the club for their hard work and unwavering commitment to finding diplomatic solutions to world issues. If you continue to work together, the future is truly promising.

Night of Knights

On June 9, STMC held its annual Night of Knights awards ceremony, a celebration that honoured the hard work, dedication, and spirit of STMC’s outstanding students. These award recipients had been nominated and voted for by both their peers and staff, reflecting the true values of what it means to be a Knight. A heartfelt thank-you was extended to the many individuals who made the event possible, especially the Media Arts students, the Parents Association, and Mr. Borthistle for his dedication and organization.

Artists of the Year

Olivia Wall
Chelsea Yao
Andrew Yang
Jessie Wang
Daniel Endriga
Julian Diaz
Caileigh Wong
Caroline Wise
Sheldon Endriga
Joaquin Imperial
Elise Harmer

Advocate of the Year

Chloe Le
Glenalyn Ventura
Laura Brant Franqueira
Charlotte Orser
Mairi Lister
Elena Garcia
Ariana Ogilvie
Ethan Panaligan
Caleb Wong
Jasmine Rai

Academic of the Year

Lana MacCharles
Nico Marconato
Isla Bosa
Aiden Tang
Alina Somani
Olivia Lee
Charyz Acosta
Raphael Romulo
Angelo Lee
Eric Wang

Athlete of the Year

Evan Woo
Emma Macri
Rohin Badesha
Nicola Rogalski
Liam Golding
Kyla Limon
Milano Peloso
Mia Beliveau
Nico Pallares
Olivia Casumpang

Spirit Award

Leo Piccolo
Jordan Jouhal
Brienne Lu
Carlo Pinske
Bernice To

Knight of the Year

Nico Marconato
Alisha Barts
Kristina Prtenjaca
Mia Beliveau
Caitlin Cahill
Ieve Reilly

Larry Johnston Memorial Citizenship Awards

Ethan Anagnostou
Sophia Spraggs

Valedictorian

Ieve Reilly

Telescopes Coming Soon!

For the first time in quite a while, the telescopes will be out at STM! Plans are coming together for an observing night in early July, depending on weather. This will be welcome to all members of the STM community (students, parents, alumni, etc.). Status updates on timing will be posted on Instagram (@stmcscience) and via the Extra-curricular Science Google classroom (available to current students – classroom code: xtyotzj). More details to follow!

Check out the photo below that Mr. Muise took through one of our telescopes!

Music

Jazz Performances
Jazz Knight was held on May 26 at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, where our jazz students delivered a fantastic show. Earlier that week, Jazz A also performed at the VSO Day of Music at Christ Church Cathedral—an exciting opportunity to be part of a city-wide celebration of local musicians.

Chan Centre Performance
Our Senior Band, Senior Choir, and Chamber Choir gave a stunning performance at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, joined by over 50 alumni as part of the Alumni Band and Choir. The concert was a powerful moment of music and community.

California Music Trip
Senior Band and Choir students traveled to California for a memorable trip that included visits to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Christ Cathedral. Highlights included participating in Disney Imagination Campus and working with professional composers and clinicians.

Junior Music Knight & Mentorship
Our Grade 8, Junior, and Elementary Ensembles presented Junior Music Knight this spring. We are especially proud of our students who served as mentors for our Elementary Band this year. We also bid farewell to our student teacher, Ms. Goetz, who will be the band director at Archbishop Carney next year.

School Outreach & Performances
Our Grade 8 Band recently performed at Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School. We loved seeing all of our Elementary Band friends and sharing the great things that the STMC Music program has to offer. Our Senior Band also visited OLM primary grades to talk about instruments and even help the students try them out!

Music Showcase
Our Music Department Showcase featured many of our talented students. Showcase raised money for our Music Council with partial proceeds donated to the Coalition for Music Education in Canada.

Music Banquet
Our Music Department Banquet celebrated our hard-working music students and a successful year. Congratulations to all!

Summer Opportunity
Ms. MacLellan will be leading a 1-day band camp—the VSO Summer Band Extravaganza—on July 11 at the VSO School of Music. Registration is now open at vsoschoolofmusic.ca.

Jazz Festival Highlight
A major highlight: Jazz A was one of only 10 BC high school jazz bands invited to perform at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

They gave an outstanding performance on June 21 at Robson Square’s Sounds of Youth Stage.

STMC Chamber Singers & Gr.8 Concert Choir
STMC Chamber Singers & Grade 8 Concert Choir won the provincial arts festival for the grade 12 and under category and grade 8 and under category and will move on and represent at the Canada West Festival happening in August.

Demicah Arnaldo
Ava Butzelaar
Tia Butzelaar
Caitlin Cahill
Cristian Coletta

Mairi Lister
Cristiano Loyie-Silva
Bree Lu
Luca Luongo
Elena Lupsiou

Max Manolo
Annika Montagano
Isaac Pham
Declan Williams
Caroline Wise

Track & Field

Congratulations to our STMC Knights Track & Field Team on an outstanding performance at the BC High School Championships in Langley this past June!
Our Grade 8 athletes stood out as one of the top teams in the province. A special highlight goes to Jada Waite, who had a phenomenal meet—winning the 100m, setting a new BC High School Provincial Record, placing 2nd in the 200m, and anchoring the gold medal 4x100m relay team alongside Allison Lee, Betty Golding, and Dunoti Olabode.

• Narayan Dhir also had a strong showing, earning silver in the pentathlon, bronze in javelin, and finishing 4th in the 200m finals.
• Evan Woo captured bronze in shot put
• Betty Golding earned bronze in the 200m hurdles.
• Liam Golding placed 4th in the 200m finals
• Nikola Rogalski finished 7th in long jump
• Jonah Johal placed 5th in shot put.

In the junior girls division, Lola Beliveau, Evelyn Ashford Livingston, Wincy Lee, and Nikola Rogalski set a new 4x100m record in the heats and placed 4th in the finals.

Several of our athletes will continue to compete with their clubs throughout the summer—we wish them the best of luck! Go Knights!

STMC Summer Sports Camps

We are excited to share that we are offering a series of sports camps hosted here at St. Thomas More Collegiate this summer. These camps are open to STMC families as well as students from our local communities. The camps are designed for elementary-aged students and will be led by experienced coaches, student-athletes, and staff. It’s a great opportunity for younger students to get to know STMC student-athletes, to learn new skills, and stay active during the summer break. We invite you all to share this information with family, friends and community members!

STMC Summer Basketball Camp
The STMC Summer Basketball Camp is a 5-day camp designed to introduce players to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and competitive atmosphere. It is open to boys and girls entering grades 3-8.

When: August 11th to 15th 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

STMC Girls Volleyball Camp
The STMC Girls’ Volleyball Camp is a 5-day camp designed to introduce girls to the sport of volleyball. It is open to girls entering Grades 5-8 and will be coached by Mrs. Dawn Borthistle.

Date: Aug 11-15
Time: 1-4 pm

STMC Girls Basketball Camp
Little Knights will focus on the FUNdamentals of basketball through skill-building games, movement drills, and team challenges. We emphasize coordination, teamwork, and a love of the game—while making sure every camper leaves with a big smile. Open to girls 6-9 years old.

Date: Aug 25-29
Time: 9-11 am

STMC Girls Basketball Camp: Junior Knights
Junior Knights will build on foundational skills with more advanced drills, gameplay strategies, and scrimmages. Expect a mix of high-energy drills, shooting and ball-handling practice, and leadership development led by experienced coaches and high school athletes. For girls 10-13 years old

Date: Aug 25-29
Time: 12-2 pm

Please see the link to more information about our sports camps HERE. For more information about specific camps, please feel free to contact the coaches directly. Contact details for each camp can be found in the registration information.

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Congrats Mr. Hall!

Darrell Hall is pleased to share that he has been accepted as a speaker with two outstanding organizations that connect speakers with audiences across North America.

He is now officially listed with the Speakers Bureau of Canada, a respected platform that features diverse voices from across the country. Darrell is honoured to be included among such a dynamic group of speakers.

In addition, he has been invited to join the Catholic Speakers Organization, based in Austin, Texas. This organization does meaningful work connecting Catholic speakers with parishes, schools, and events across the U.S. and beyond. Darrell is grateful to be part of their growing network.

It’s a humbling experience to stand alongside so many passionate and gifted individuals. Darrell looks forward to the opportunities ahead to speak, teach, and share a message of faith, reason, and hope—wherever the journey may lead. Sincere thanks for all the continued support.

Guest Speaker Cam Adair

Are you a video gamer? Or a parent of a video gamer? Has this hobby become more than a hobby and turned into an addiction? How do you know when the line has crossed between hobby and addiction?

On September 17, Cam Adair will speak to the grades 10-12 Career Life Education class and then later that day at the Meet the Teacher evening. Cam Adair is the founder of Game Quitters, the world’s largest support community for video game addiction, serving members in 95 countries. He speaks regularly around the world at high schools, universities, parent education nights, and addiction conferences. Cam combines deep and meaningful personal insights with lessons on addiction recovery, leadership, social entrepreneurship, and psychology.

Cam Adair’s website Gamequitters.com contains a wealth of information, helpful resources and inspiring testimonial stories from game addicts.

Be sure to save the date.