Students rise to the challenge
By Lucas Baldassare and Michael Rybka

From the intermediate division, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 22 of our intermediate students presented their speeches that they have been working feverishly on since before the holidays. They were extremely well done and some of the topics were: My Life as a Cartoon, Dyslexia, and Why I Don't Like Doing Speeches. The entire gym was bursting with laughter as students presented their hilarious speeches. Unfortunately only two students competed Jan. 21 in the Catholic Women's League event - Nicole E. and Anthony G.

Mrs. Hassberger's Grade 7 class is raising funds for Ryan's Well a charity founded by a grade 2 student who decided to build a well in Africa for the less fortunate. They have had many fun fund-raising activities such as a people auction, a hat day, and a special pasta lunch. The class wants to raise $500 and they have almost exceeded this target already. Way to go!

From the sport's desk, Jan. 20, Pope John Paul II had a miniature basketballfree throw competition to qualify for the Knights of Columbus championships. The winner for Pope John Paul II was Michael Oatway. For each age group we placed 2nd overall. Quite impressive! Great job to Anthony Torroni, Melissa Bidzios, Joshua D'Eri, Jessica Inchima, Andrew Zunic, Jillian Ladoucer, Michael Oatway, Holly Jeffcock, Matthew Koster and David Massaro.

Team Black played a hockey game against St. John the Baptist school and won with a convincing 6-0 score. Go Panthers go!

Team Red has been practicing for a tourney in February.

From the primary and junior divisions, the school had a PJ day/spirit day Jan. 26. Students were encouraged to wear their pajamas to school to show school spirit. If we could only go to school in our pajamas every day! They are warm and comfortable.

Amanda Wildfang, a grade 5 student in Mrs. Jobb's class, donated 10 inches of her hair to an organization called Angel Hair for Kids that makes wigs for children with cancer. We are so proud of you!

The senior kindergarten students celebrated White Day Friday, Jan. 26 along with their reading buddies. Due to the extreme cold temperatures, the students took part in a mini winter Olympics set up in the gym. A special thank you to Mr. D'Agostino's grade 4 class and Mrs. DeCaria's grade 6 class for organizing and running this special event! Students came to school dressed in white and got to enjoy white snacks such as popcorn and marshmallows. Yummy! What a great way to end a unit on winter!

Next month we will report on how love was in the air at PJPII School! From candy grams to soap!

The Youth Ambassadors will be visiting the Canadian Food for Children (Dr. Simone) warehouse Feb. 19 and March 19, where they will help pack containers being shipped to developing countries. PJPII is the place to be!

Riddle of the month: What is it the more you take, the more you leave behind? Look for the answer in next month's column. Bye for now!