What a fantastic first week back to school! Students were excited to see their friends, meet their teachers, and settle into classroom and school routines. A big thank you to staff and parents/guardians for their significant efforts to support students’ transition back to school.
Thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers who are parking their vehicle in the church parking lot so that they can accompany their child(ren) to school. Now that our first week is complete, please walk your child(ren) to the threshold of the Kindergarten pen / school yard. We ask that all parents, guardians and caregivers refrain from entering the school yard and Kindergarten pen. Please do not bring pets on the school property. These efforts will support the safety of our students as well as their independence. A reminder that staff supervision in the Kindergarten pen and school yard begins at 8:00am.
Thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers for using the Kiss and Ride loop appropriately. As this is a fire route, we appreciate that vehicles are not parked along this route, in particular during morning drop off and after school pick up. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Terry Fox Walk
Terry Fox dreamed about making a difference for families affected by cancer. This year, St. Mark CES is proud to take part in the annual Terry Fox School Run to continue Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.
Our school’s Terry Fox Run will take place on Tuesday, September 19th.
This week, students are invited to bring in a Toonie for Terry. Families may also wish to make a donation on our school’s fundraising page: https://schools.terryfox.ca/StMarkSchoolStouffville. Our fundraising goal is $1000. Thank you for your generosity.
Opening Mass
On Thursday, September 21st, our opening mass will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Mark’s Parish. Families are invited to join us. We look forward to gathering as a community of faith.
Curriculum Night
Mark your calendars for Curriculum Night which will take place on Thursday, September 21st from 6:30-7:30pm. Details regarding the format will be shared in next week’s weekly update.
St. Mark Parish Youth Ministry
Did you hear? St. Mark’s Parish is running EDGE, a youth ministry program for youth in Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. EDGE sessions take place every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6-8pm at St. Mark’s Parish, starting on Friday, October 13th, 2023.
EDGE sessions feature a game or opening activity, a talk, group discussion, and a spiritual component that revolves around the EDGE theme for the year.
For more information about the EDGE program, including registration, please visit:
https://stmarksst.archtoronto.org/en/parish-life/ministries/edge-ministry-gr.-5-8/
Completed registration forms, with $10 fee, can be dropped off at St. Mark’s Parish office by Saturday, September 30th.
Catholic School Council
Are you interested in being a member of St. Mark’s Catholic School Council? As a parent/guardian of a child at our school, you are eligible to self-nominate or nominate another parent/guardian of a child at our school to be a voting member of the Catholic School Council. A separate email will follow this week with information regarding the nomination process as well as elections. Please consider this wonderful opportunity!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Thursday, September 14th:
– Welcome Back / Terry Fox Assembly at 8:45am
Closing Prayer
This month, we celebrate the virtue of courage. We pray that students will stand up for what is right and just, face challenges, fears and difficulties with fortitude, and take responsibility for reaching their potential. Let us close with the following prayer.
God of wisdom,
The work of our school calls us to continue
to have the courage to be in service to each other.
May we be a school that always tries to improve
under the guidance of your love and wisdom.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal