Pope Pulse
Fun-filled year at Pope John Paul II School
By Michael Rybka & Lucas Baldassare

Several students participated by singing, dancing and playing various instruments on stage for the primary artist in the school presentation.

Pope John Paul II School proudly welcomed back staff, students and parents to another fun-filled year of learning with a BBQ and open house Sept. 14. There was a great turnout! Administrators Mr.Amaral and Mr. Matos cooked hotdogs for everyone!

"Another exciting year for Pope John Paul. Our school is off to a great start!" Principal Amaral said. "I'm looking forward to a lot of exciting activities and learning at PJP II this year."

There is definitely a spirit of giving in the air at Pope John Paul II School this fall. The grade 7 and 8 classes have chosen to participate in the "Adopt-a-Family" program this year. Each intermediate class will adopt their own family and donate goods to them. We will play Santa and fill a Christmas list from them stating all of their Christmas wishes.

To purchase, the classes will donate money or get together to buy a certain gift on the list. This program is optional and not all students have to participate. However, we hope to have many participate. Our goal is to help seven families in need to have a wonderful Christmas. The gifts will be sent to the parents and they will wrap the goodies for their children. The Adopt-a- Family is a tradition that we carry on with pride. Knowing that children less fortunate can still have a merry Christmas delights us.

The two new Pope Pulse reporters are Lucas Baldassare and Michael Rybka, both in grade 7 in Mrs DeAngelis's class.

Continuing our tradition of helping the needy, every family in Pope John Paul II School has had the opportunity to take part in Operation Christmas Child. The purpose of Operation Christmas Child is to share the joy of Christmas and the love of Jesus Christ with needy children around the world. During this month each family was asked to fill a shoebox with goods such as toys, school supplies etc. for children 2 to 14 years old. The boxes will be delivered to the less fortunate on Christmas Day. This is the third year we have participated in this wonderful program with the help of the organization Samaritan's Purse. We collected an outstanding 423 boxes this year!

From the sports desk, many school teams were active in November at PJPII including the intermediate boys and girls' basketball teams, volleyball teams, and an ice hockey team. Because of all the talented hockey players at PJPII, the coaches have decided to create two teams, a red team and a black team. They will be representing PJPII at upcoming tournaments. Go Pope Panthers Go!

The intermediate girls' team finished in second place at a family of schools tournament held at Holy Family School in Bolton. Congratulations girls! The junior boys and girls volleyball teams participated in a family of schools tournament right here at PJPII Nov. 21. The junior girls and boys volleyball teams came in an impressive second place following in the intermediates' footsteps. Way to go! Great play and team spirit were displayed by all!

On the arts front, students enjoyed their first Artist in the School performances. The intermediates were wowed by Juno nominees Cadence, a musical group made of four members - Kevin Fox, Dylan Bell, Carl Berjer, and Ross Lynde - who had all met in high school. The primary classes enjoyed the Maderaz Latin Music Fiesta and Carnival. Several students participated by playing instruments and dancing on stage along with the performers.

November 23 we were visited by Mr. Michael Bator, the director of education for the board, as well as colleagues Ralph Borrelli and John Kostoff. They had heard about all the great things happening here at PJPII and wanted to have a look for themselves. They spent the morning at our school and enjoyed lunch with staff.

The month ended with the senior kindergarten students celebrating their Teddy Bear Picnic and contest. This year, in response to the students' invitations, Baby Bear, Goldilocks and Papa Bear came to visit! The kindergarteners had lots of questions and hugs for them.

Riddle of the month - If a red house is made of red bricks and a blue house is made of blue bricks, what is a green house made of?

Bye for now, look for our year-end article as we feature all the special Christmas activities at PJPII and the answer to the above riddle!

Thanks to photographers Illana, Simona and Jordy.