Knightly Weekly | Dec 1-7

Christmas Toy Drive

– Tuesday, December 16th
7:00–8:30 AM • STMC Front Foyer

As we enter this season of giving, we invite our entire St. Thomas More Collegiate community to come together in support of our Annual Christmas Toy Drive on Tuesday, December 16th. This special tradition was started years ago by STMC alumnus Miguel Ramos, who, while only in Grade 10, felt called to make a meaningful difference for children in our local community. His initiative continues today as one of our most impactful acts of service.

On the morning of December 16th, we ask each member of our STMC family to consider donating a new, unwrapped toy. In appreciation, students who donate will receive a pancake breakfast and contribute valuable House Team points—all while helping spread Christmas joy to children who need it most. This will be a festive morning with the band playing in the foyer, fun activities, games, pictures with Santa and a Christmas movie in the Cafeteria.

All donated toys will support the Salvation Army and also delivered by STMC students to local families in need in Burnaby. Your generosity will directly brighten the Christmas season for many children across our community.

If you are able, we encourage you to consider donating items below but not limited to:

Every donation—small or large—makes a difference. Together, let us continue the tradition: sharing hope, joy, and the spirit of Christmas with those who need it most.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
We look forward to seeing you on the Tuesday morning!

School-Wide Confessions

As we continue our Advent journey, St. Thomas More Collegiate will be holding school-wide confessions at Our Lady of Mercy Parish on:

Tuesday, December 2nd: Grade 8 – C Block, Grade 9 – D Block
Wednesday, December 3rd: Grade 10 – G Block, Grade 11 – H Block

Grade 12s will attend confession during their religion block over the two days

All students will attend during their scheduled block times.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to prepare their hearts for Christmas through reflection, prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Blessed Edmund Rice Peace Week

This month, our STMC community will be focusing on the Catholic Social Teaching of Peace, one of the core values that shaped the life and mission of Blessed Edmund Rice. As we enter this special week, we are invited to reflect on how we can become instruments of peace—in our school, our homes, and our wider community.

Throughout the week, students and staff will participate in a variety of simple but meaningful activities designed to help us practice peace daily. These include our Peace Intention Tree in the front foyer, school-wide reconciliation at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, student rosary in the chapel, a fun and encouraging Peace/Kindness Bingo challenge, and Friday’s Peace Stations, where students create cards for prison ministry, Good Shepherd Ministry, and other community outreach programs.

We encourage all students to take part and to look for small opportunities each day to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. Together, may we continue to build a community where the spirit of peace—rooted in Christ and inspired by Blessed Edmund Rice—can flourish.

Volunteers Needed: Open House

Volunteer opportunities for “Open House Tour Guide (Dec 9, 2025)” are still open.

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn’t work) to go to the signup sheet:

volunteersignup.org/9HBJ8

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.

Thank you for volunteering!

Post-Secondary Info Evening

On Monday December 1st, from 6:55pm to 8:30pm, STMC will be holding our annual Post-Secondary Evening. Join us for a chance to hear directly from representatives from various post-secondary institutions.

The evening will include presentations and a mini-fair for students and families to explore multiple institutions.

Read bulletin for more details: PSIBC Bulletin 2025

Education Technology Librarian Visit (Douglas College)

Mrs. DeWith, the Teacher-Librarian, has arranged for A. Arding (Education Technology Librarian, Douglas College) to present to English 12 students on Dec. 2 and 3 about academic writing, research and academic integrity at the college level.

Ms. Arding offers valuable information and tips on how to access resources at postsecondary institutions and how to academically survive the first year!