Robotics at St. Thomas Aquinas High School: Empowering Future Innovators

Image curtosey of St. Thomas Aquinas High School

St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s robotics program, led by the RoboSaints 1307 team, exemplifies how STEM education can inspire students to solve real-world challenges. Founded in 2004, the program engages students from grades 9-12 in designing, building, and programming robots under the mentorship of teachers and parents. This initiative not only fosters technical skills but also emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and innovation.

The RoboSaints Team: A Collaborative Effort

The RoboSaints team operates as a multidisciplinary group with three core areas of focus:

• Engineering Design: Responsible for electrical, mechanical, and CAD tasks.

• Programming: Handles robot control functions and autonomous programming.

• Business: Develops strategy, manages budgets, and oversees fundraising efforts.

This structure allows students to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges while preparing them for future careers in science and technology.

FIRST Robotics Competitions

The team participates in FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competitions. These events challenge students to build a robot within a six-week period that can perform sport-like tasks. The competitions emphasize both creativity and problem-solving, encouraging students to integrate programming with mechanical design. FIRST’s mission aligns closely with the program’s goal of preparing students for STEM careers through hands-on learning.

The Role of Robotics in CISVA Schools

Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA) prioritizes holistic education that integrates faith with academic excellence. Robotics programs like those at St. Thomas Aquinas align with CISVA’s strategic goals by fostering innovation while nurturing the spiritual and intellectual growth of students. These initiatives prepare learners not only for technical careers but also for leadership roles rooted in Catholic values.

Why Robotics Matters

Robotics education equips students with essential 21st-century skills:

• Critical Thinking: Solving complex engineering problems.

• Collaboration: Working in teams to achieve common goals.

• Creativity: Designing innovative solutions.

• Resilience: Learning through trial and error.

As automation becomes increasingly prevalent in society, programs like those at St. Thomas Aquinas ensure that students are ready to thrive in a technology-driven world while staying grounded in their faith-based values.

By investing in robotics education, schools like St. Thomas Aquinas empower their students to become the innovators of tomorrow—leaders who will shape industries and communities alike.

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Missio Monday: Advent - a time of calm

Advent is a period of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christmas in Christian traditions. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian denominations, such as Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant traditions. Advent typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts for four weeks, ending on Christmas Eve.The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." During this time, Christians reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ, both His birth in Bethlehem (the focus of Christmas) and His second coming (as part of Christian eschatology).In our world of Christian education, Advent is an opportunity for us teachers to share the calm and quietude of the season before the joy and merriment of Christmas. It gives us and our students a chance to take the next few weeks of the busyness of Christmas concerts, class parties and gift exchanges and give it a good thought - a thought for other's needs and their desires for a better world that the coming of Christ brings.We pray that you do Advent right so that Christmas will be special! :)

This issue:

• ADVENT - a time of calm PAGE 01

• The history of Advent PAGE 03

• PHOTO GALLERY! Our Lady of Fatima and their celebration of Faith PAGE 04

• CGS Schedule and resources for Advent PAGE 04

The history of Advent and its celebrations

The celebration of Advent originated in the early centuries of the Christian Church, though it was not initially a fixed season like we know it today. The history of Advent can be traced back to the 4th or 5th century, and it has evolved over time. Here's a brief overview of its development:

Early Beginnings (4th-5th Century):

Origins in Gaul and Spain: The earliest mention of Advent-like practices can be found in Gaul (modern-day France) and Spain in the 4th century. However, in its early form, Advent was more like a preparation for the feast of Epiphany (celebrated on January 6), rather than for Christmas.Initial Duration: Early Advent observances were focused on a time of fasting and penance. The season was initially seen as a preparation for the Second Coming of Christ (the "advent" of Christ's return), rather than exclusively celebrating His first coming at Christmas. In some areas, the season lasted for 40 days, similar to Lent, to symbolize a time of spiritual preparation and repentance.

Development in the 6th Century:

Formalization by Pope Gregory the Great: By the 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great (590-604 AD) is often credited with formalizing the structure of Advent. During his papacy, the liturgical calendar began to reflect a more structured celebration, with Advent as a distinct period of time before Christmas, focusing on both preparation for Christ's birth and reflection on His second coming.

The Advent Wreath (16th Century):

Symbol of Advent: The tradition of the Advent wreath, which involves lighting candles over the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was likely developed by Lutheran families as a way to mark the passage of the season in a more tangible, home-based way.

19th and 20th Centuries:

Wider Adoption and Formalization: By the 19th and 20th centuries, Advent became more widely recognized in Christian communities, and its observance became more consistent, especially in liturgical traditions like Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Protestant denominations. Advent calendars and the widespread use of Advent wreaths also became popular in the 19th century.

Key Features Today:

Today, Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day). The focus is on spiritual preparation for Christmas, with traditions such as the Advent wreath, Advent calendars, and special church services growing in importance.Thus, Advent's development from a period of fasting and anticipation of Christ's second coming evolved into the season of joyful preparation for the celebration of Christ's first coming at Christmas.

CGS Schedule

Murita Chua, coordinator for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) of the RCAV, would like to let you know about this year's schedule:CGS Level 1-8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

• 1A - November 16-17, 2024

• 1B - February 15-17, 2025

• 1C - March 24-29, 2025

CGS Level 2-8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

• 2A - November 9-11, 2024

• 2B - March 17-22, 2025

• 2C - July 21-26, 2025

Please register for this wonderful opportunity to learn about the way to teach the faith the CGS way. Please contact Murita Chua at mchua@rcav.org or at 604-683-0281 ext. 210

Resources for Advent for Kids and Families

• https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/calendars/childrens-adventcalendar/

• https://amazingcatechists.com/2024/11/catholic-advent-activities/

• https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/advent/family-advent-activities.html

• https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/childrens-resources-advent-christmas

• https://twentythirdpublications.com/collections/advent-resources-2023

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Making every class Catholic!

Making a class Catholic can involve several key elements, depending on the context and the goals of the class.

Integrating Catholic doctrines and teachings into the curriculum, consistent prayer and worship, celebrating sacraments and the liturgy, and other methods pave the way for discussion and dialogue within a classroom. When students are engaged in discussions about the Catholic faith, they become interested in Catholic social teaching, moral theology, and how these principles apply to current events and personal choices. As extension lessons, service projects encourage students participation in community service as a way to live out the Catholic faith. This can help students understand the importance of charity and service to others.

When we are able to connect lessons to faith by discussing how subjects like history, literature, and science intersect with Catholic beliefs and values, it creates an atmosphere of learning that is holistic and meaningful.

It's an intriguing question. We wrestled with the question this past year at The Cardinal Newman Society, while developing proposed Catholic curriculum standards for Catholic education. It's easy to understand that Jesus is the Master Teacher. "Rabbi," His disciples called Him. A Catholic teacher should emulate Christ and should lead young people to Him.

But saying there's a Catholic approach to mathematics evokes a vision of Jesus writing in the sand at the Sea of Galilee, attempting to teach pre-calculus to a school of fishermen. Oh, if only Catholics did have a divinely simple method of advanced mathematics! It's not, at least, in my translation of the Bible.

The truth is, there is indeed something very special in Catholic education about how and what a student learns. That's in every subject - not just religion. It doesn't mean rejecting knowledge that is truthful and worthy of a secular education. But Catholic education has priorities that are uniquely suited to human development and to the needs of the soul, and so our expectations for student learning are always and substantially different ... and better!

A Catholic education is evangelical; it is one of the Church's chief means of teaching the faith and bringing people to Christ. We find God in all things, inside and outside religion class.

A Catholic education is formational; it strives not only to teach useful knowledge and skills, but to prepare the whole person body, mind and soul - for service to man and God. We want our students to be saints.

A Catholic education is empowering; it teaches students the knowledge and ability to think critically about the world and about human culture, so that our graduates can go forth and help transform family, society, business, government and Church in accord with the Holy Spirit.

There's so much more to a Catholic education - indeed as much as completes the perfection of man, which of course is limitless. But unless Catholic families and educators seek answers to the question - What is unique and essential to Catholic education? - we will surely fail to prepare our young people according to the vision of the Church.

After considering all that should be present in Catholic education, the Catholic school or homeschool becomes more exciting and inviting than ever before. If the Church wants a renaissance in Catholic education, faithful Catholic standards are a great starting point.

For the full article, please visit

https://cardinalnewmansociety.org/thing-catholic-math/

Therefore, we expect students to come away from mathematics with something more than a means of engineering and astronomy. By studying math, we want our students to:

- "Demonstrate the mental habits of precise, determined, careful and accurate questioning, inquiry and reasoning."

- "Respond to the beauty, harmony, proportion, radiance and wholeness present in mathematics."

- "Recognize how mathematical arguments and processes can be extrapolated to other areas of study, including theology and philosophy."

- "Propose how mathematical objects or proofs (such as the golden mean, the Fibonacci numbers, the musical scale and geometric proofs) suggest divine origin."

Featured: The Augustinians

Augustinians are members of several religious orders that follow the Rule of Saint Augustine, written in about 400 AD by Augustine of Hippo.

The largest and most familiar is the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), founded in 1244 and originally known as the Hermits of Saint Augustine (OESA). They are commonly known as the Austin Friars in England.

The Augustinians currently reside at their monastery in Ladner, BC within the Sacred Heart Parish compound. Fr, Francis Galvan, OSA is its pastor.

Saint Augustine is always portrayed in paintings holding a flaming heart, a book and an arrow. The open book is the symbol of St. Augustine's own conversion to Christianity and the Scriptures. It also represents the quest for wisdom.

The flaming heart symbolizes Augustine's love for God and his fellow human beings.

The arrow represents the Spirit of God piercing our hearts, calling us to continued growth, in faith, hope and love.

For more information. please visit:

https://www.augustinianorder.org/

RESOURCES!

THE CATHOLIC KID

https://www.thecatholickid.com/

Integrating Math and the Saints? Why not?

We never think of Math and Christian Education as something that go together - like oil and water, but why not look at possibilities instead of impossibilities? Putting a picture of a saint on a Math worksheet can open other learning possibilities:

- an opportunity to go into inquiry-based learning - to learn more about the saint on the page

- when the work is done, the student can learn about colour combinations by colouring the page

- shakes off boredom and engages creativity Here are some sample Math sheets from The Catholic Kid as examples.

MINISTRY TO CHILDREN

https://ministry-to-children.com/

Ministry-to-Children.com is a free online resource for children's ministry, founded by Tony Kummer in 2007. Download Bible-based materials specifically designed for pastors, churches, Sunday School teachers, homeschool parents, and Christian school teachers. Resources include children's church lessons, craft activities, and coloring pages that provide Christian education to children. Help kids grow in character and experience the love of God through structured learning and creative activities.

2 ONLINE PROGRAMS

We are inviting you to join us on two programs this year that will run on Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM for all teachers. The first is called Genesis to Jesus, and it is a program on Scripture with Dr. Scott Hahn and Matthew Leonard of the Saint Paul Biblical Institute. The second is TOB 101- Christian Anthropology by the Theology of the Body Institute with Dr. Christopher West and other speakers. Both programs will run for 12 weeks and will be a combination of video and discussion. Both sessions are timely and relevant to us as teachers of the faith, and is a good foundation of the teachings of the Church that have been constant for centuries - a stability we need in these times of confusion.

Registration is free and these programs are brought to you by the CISVA Evangelization and Catechesis.

Please register by September 30 as the program will begin in October.... See you then! :)

The Church in the Storms

"The history of the Church is, in every period, one of persecutions and rebirth, of apostasy and conversion, of defeat and triumph."

The tempests that threaten the barque of Peter today are in plain sight, and not much different than before.

Prolific historian Roberto de Mattei unfurls the sail to help you navigate in tumultuous times through the stormy waters of worldly events, intellectual movements, apostasies, moral decay, divisions, and persecutions.

In these reflections, de Mattei steers you on a voyage from the earliest centuries to the French Revolution, charting the course with fascinating historical details and true stories about key political figures and saints, masterfully relating them to our situation now.

Despite the changing tides and pounding waves, you will discover ways the Church weathered storms with Scripture and Tradition as her compass.

You will behold how, in moments of gloom, when all seemed lost, the valor of Catholic heroes restored calm and announced the morning dawn.

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-church-in-the-storms

To those who do not know Mathematics it is difficult to get across a real feeling as to the beauty, the deepest beauty of nature.... If you want to learn about nature, to appreciate nature, it is necessary to understand the language that she speaks in.

Richard Feynman. 1918-1988.

American physicist.

The Character of Physical Law

Mathematics is the language in which God has written the Universe.

Citations:

[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/36469817/a9e708ed-9552-495e-8c3c-cb953d4d3ca3/MMonday-4.pdf

We celebrate who we are as Catholics!

If you ask a Catholic how we celebrate our faith, we begin of course with the Liturgy, and then the Sacraments and a whole list of the things we do to let people know we are followers of Christ. A few things that makes us who we are includes our acts of service, whether as members of the clergy, consecrated or laity. We also include fellowship activities in what we do. All of these combined with our desire for connecting with Jesus comes through retreats and pilgrimages. There is something about us as Catholics that draws us to a journey - and the number of Catholic pilgrimage sites and retreat centres all over the world is a testament to our search for God in the midst of our lives. We add to this a deep desire to form ourselves in the way Jesus leads us, thus, we also seek formation for ourselves in the quiet moments of the day.

In this issue, we take a look at two of these centres available to us as a group and as individuals, perhaps a shirt field trip with our students or with our families. We also feature Franciscan at Home Formation programs for our spiritual journeys. Whatever the objective is, it will led us closer to God and our desire for Him.

Pilgrimage and Field Trips to the Sto. Nino Shrine

The Shrine of Sto. Niño was built as a gift to the Archdiocese of Vancouver to create a permanent commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021. Fr. Dennis Flores, pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church says that he welcomes all pilgrims to the shrine, especially the children, since it is dedicated to the Senor Sto. Nino or the Infant Jesus. The shrine sees about 200 visitors/pilgrims every week ever since it opened, as this is the only pilgrimage site in British Columbia. Most of its visitors are Filipinos from all over Canada and the US.

"Filipinos have quite a devotion to the Sto. Nino, and this is why we are a pro-life people. We value life and we consider children as a welcome blessing to us ," Fr. Dennis adds.

The shrine was completed in 2021 and it was blessed and the altar dedicated by Archbishop Michael Miller.

For staff retreats and pilgrimages, as well as field trips to the shrine, please contact Fr. Dennis or Beccie at St. Anthony of Padua at stoninoagassiz@shaw.ca or at 604-796-9181.

RETREATS: CARMEL HILL LITTLE FLOWER MONASTERY

For staff and student retreats, Carmel Hill Little Flower Monastery in Deroche, BC, has rooms and amenities that can accommodate staff and students for their retreats. The centre also has a chapel for Masses as well as a hall for activities. It also has an easy hike that takes retreatants through the Stations of the Cross.

The retreat centre is run by the Discalced Carmelite Order (OCD). It is available for Christian team-building, church groups, ministries & spiritual retreats.

For booking, please contact Fr. Mario Fernandes at (604) 820-2400or email him at carmelhillocd@gmail.com

Celebrating off to a great start at St. Mary's Chilliwack

We are always excited to get pictures from our teachers and schools, showing us their projects and beautiful work. Mrs. Caroline Winship at St. Mary's Chilliwack has gifted us with her annual stained glass work with her Grade 3s using our theme artwork for the year. These are beautiful! Thanks Mrs. Winship and to her Grade 3 class at St. Mary's Chilliwack! YAY! :)

We are looking forward to seeing everyone's work this year here on the Missio.

Feature:

The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist (FSE)

Our charism emboldens us to face prayerfully the following issues as our particular focus in our mission of rebuilding the Church: The mystery of the human person, relationship with created matter, authority, and the Eucharist (The Real Presence).

Our mission is to restore a sense of the sacred, especially the sacredness of human life, in a world that knows the rupture between the sacred and the secular.

We are proud to say that many wonderful and talented young women have found new life in entering and becoming vital members of the community.

https://fsecommunity.org/

Resources!

There's lot to celebrate about when your lessons are coming together and making sense for all your students. Here are some resources that we know you'd like to use in class!

THE RELIGION TEACHER

- Comparing the Nicene and Apostles' Creed Worksheet https://www.thereligionteacher.com/nicene-creed-lesson-plan-activities/

- Confirmation Activities

https://www.thereligionteacher.com/confirmation-activities/? utm_source=The+Religion+Teacher+Newsletter+List&utm_campaign=46ef844efe-TRT%3A+Weekly+Newsletter+9-22-24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a52a2eb0e6-46ef844efe-326794773&mc_cid=46ef844efe&mc_eid=db7a4dfd47

THE UNSHAKEABLE SAINTS

https://stpaulcenter.com/product/unshakable-saints-around-the-world/

- Saint Josephine Bakhita

- Saint John Colobus

- Saint Leopold Mandić

- Saint Mary MacKillop

- Saint Oscar Romero

- Blessed Ana of the Angels Monteagudo

- Saint Margaret of Castello

- Blessed Peter Donders

- Saint Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès

- Saint Monica

- Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung

- Saint Columba of Iona

- Saint Katharine Drexel

- Saint Serapion the Sindonite

- Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Recommended for ages 4-8.

2 ONLINE PROGRAMS

We are inviting you to join us on two programs this year that will run on Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM for all teachers. The first is called Genesis to Jesus, and it is a program on Scripture with Dr. Scott Hahn and Matthew Leonard of the Saint Paul Biblical Institute. The second is TOB 101- Christian Anthropology by the Theology of the Body Institute with Dr. Christopher West and other speakers. Both programs will run for 12 weeks and will be a combination of video and discussion. Both sessions are timely and relevant to us as teachers of the faith, and is a good foundation of the teachings of the Church that have been constant for centuries - a stability we need in these times of confusion.

Registration is free and these programs are brought to you by the CISVA Evangelization and Catechesis.

Please register by September 30 as the program will begin in October.

See you then! :)

Franciscanat Home

Online leaining at your cowrenience

Personal Formation: Franciscan at Home... The Catechetical Institute (CI) is a large-scale international outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville for ministry formation. CI was formally organized in 2015 and publicly launched in 2017 to serve Christ and his Church by forming those entrusted with the formation of others in any situation and ministry role - priests, deacons, religious, parents, parish and school leaders, teachers, catechists, and teams, whether professional or volunteer, from homes to diocesan hierarchies.

The relationship with Franciscan's world-renowned Catechetics faculty is key to CI's stability and charism. The importance and strength of the academic and practical dimensions coming together is fostered through CI being rooted both in the Franciscan Center for Evangelization and Renewal and the Catechetics/Theology academic programs at Franciscan University in various ways.

Through our conferences, online ministry tracks and workshops, webinars, catechetical journal, local events, Guild small group circles and discussion forums, personal mentorship, and wealth of resources, we seek to support all those involved in the care of souls to grow in pastoral gentleness, faithful creativity, and bold confidence as they reach out to evangelize, accompany, and pass on the Catholic faith to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

CISVA has partnered with the Catechetical Institute to make available Franciscan at Home to all its teachers. Please sign up for free and avail of the 300+ workshops and seminars that can enrich your life and accompany you on your journey of faith!

https://franciscanathome.com/

Franciscan at Home:

Forming those who form others

Citations:

[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/36469817/11262251-e29f-4ba5-8a19-060ad9c3f2c7/MMonday-3.pdf

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