The cooler weather is approaching and fall is now upon us! A reminder to dress students for the weather, including warm pants, jackets, and appropriate outdoor footwear for rainy days!
As we continue to focus this month on the virtue of courage, let us reflect on this prayer entitled “Open Eyes and Hearts”.
May God bless us with strength to seek justice,
May God bless us with the courage to ask for forgiveness.
May God bless us with wisdom to care for our earth.
May God bless us with love to bring forth new life.
In the name of God, the maker of the whole world,
of Jesus, our new covenant, and
of the Holy Spirit who opens eyes and hearts.
Amen.
Catholic School Council
There is still time to submit a nomination to be a voting member of St. Mark’s Catholic School Council!
Please pick up a nomination form from the main office or download the form using the link below.
SMK_CSC Nomination Form_2023-24
The deadline for submission of nomination forms to the main office is Tuesday, September 26th, 2023.
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Safety Week
A reminder that September 25-29, 2023 is Safety Awareness Week. As part of our safety initiative, St. Mark CES will practise a variety of safety procedures with students and staff during this week. We will continue to hold practice drills throughout the year to acquaint students with various emergency protocols. Teachers will review these procedures with students in class prior to our practice drills.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
This week, from September 25th to 29th, St. Mark CES will host a Thanksgiving food drive to assist families in need. All food donations will support the Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank. Families are invited to donate non-perishable food items. In particular, the most needed items are pasta, pasta sauce, jam, rice, canned fish, canned meat, cereal, canned beans, baked beans, and peanut-free snacks for children. We hope to collect 750 items! Thank you for giving generously to support our neighbours in need.
Rowan’s Law Day
Rowan’s Law Day is Wednesday, September 27th. This week, students will engage in activities that increase awareness about concussions. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to learn more by referring to the Parent’s Pathway for Child and Youth Concussions attached.
Concussion+Parent+Pathway
Orange Shirt Day
On Friday, September 29th, we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Students and staff are invited to wear orange as a way to show solidarity with residential school survivors and their families. Students will engage in age appropriate activities with thoughtful reflection to commemorate this day.
St. Mark Spirit Wear
A reminder that our web campaign for St. Mark spirit wear will be open until Friday, September 29th, 2023. Orders placed by this date will be delivered at no charge to the school, by November 6th, 2023.
Please use the dedicated e-store link to place orders: https://varsitycanada.com/schools/SMK/
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the sizing chart which is part of the site. All purchases are to be made online.
We look forward to seeing everyone in their St. Mark spirit wear on Spirit Wear Fridays!
Cross Country
Our cross country team members are training diligently, under the direction of our staff coaches, in preparation for their meet that will take place on Thursday, October 5th at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to their training. Go Lions!!
Altar Servers Needed
St. Mark’s Parish is inviting all students in Grades 3 to 6 who have made their First Communion to become an altar server! Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the parts of the mass, and become a role model for other children. Please see the registration form attached. Completed forms should be emailed to Lisa Baker at lbaker@archtoronto.ca or may be dropped off at the church office. Training will be provided in late October and early November. Thank you for considering this opportunity!
St. Mark Parish_Altar Server Recruit Form 2023
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, September 26th:
– Last day for CSC Nominations to be submitted to the main office
Wednesday, September 27th:
– Rowan’s Law Day; students are invited to wear a purple shirt
Thursday, September 28th:
– Markham Fair trip, Grades 1-6
– CSC Elections, 6:30-7:30pm, in the school library
Friday, September 29th:
– Orange Shirt Day; students are invited to wear an orange shirt
Upcoming Activities and Events
Friday, October 6th: Thanksgiving Liturgy at 12:30pm at St. Mark CES
Monday, October 9th: Thanksgiving (no school)
Friday, October 20th: PA Day (no school)
Wednesday, October 25th: Picture Day (JK to Grade 3)
Thursday, October 26th: Picture Day (Grades 4 to 6)
Closing Prayer
Let us pray using the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal