The week of November 5-11 is Treaties Recognition Week. During this week we reflect on the importance of treaties (binding agreements, or promises), and increase awareness of the treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Ontario. We recognize Treaty Week as part of an ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation walked together by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As we continue this journey together, we gratefully acknowledge that our York Catholic schools rest on traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat.
We celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development of Canada. Indigenous peoples were the first stewards of the land, waters and resources.
Let us prayer the Treaty Week Prayer:
Let us remember that Indigenous peoples gently walked this land,
Let us remember that Treaties are promises.
Let us respect those promises.
Let us remember all of the promises in our lives.
Let us remember to be kind to everyone.
Let us remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Let us remember to love our neighbours.
Amen.
Scholastic Book Fair
Primary Christmas Concert
Mark your calendars for St. Mark CES’ Primary (JK to Grade 3) Christmas concert that will take place on Friday, December 15th at 12:20pm in the school gymnasium! Parents and guardians are invited to join us for this special event. More information will follow in upcoming weekly updates.
Elementary Progress Reports Distribution
St. Mark CES will be delivering progress reports electronically on Tuesday, November 14th, after 4:00pm via the Parent Portal.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to sign-on to the Parent Portal in advance of November 14th, to ensure that their username and password will allow access.
To access this portal, please visit our school’s website, https://smk.ycdsb.ca/ , and click on the Parents link on the top navigation bar.
From the Parents page, you will find a link to the Parent Portal ConnectEd on the right hand side navigation bar..
For detailed instructions on registering, using the portal, and to seek support, please visit: https://sites.google.com/ycdsb.ca/ycdsbparentportal
If you are not able to retrieve your child’s electronic progress report before a scheduled parent-teacher interview, please contact the school.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
St. Mark CES’ parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, November 16th (after school and evening) and Friday, November 17th (morning). School-Day will be used to book interviews. Parents and guardians are encouraged to create a School-Day account if they do not already have one.
Need assistance? Please visit the School-Day’s Support Centre at: https://support.school-day.com/en/articles/#parents .
Please note that a separate email will follow by Wednesday, November 8th to inform parents and guardians that interview scheduling is open for bookings.
Canada Dental Benefit
The interim Canada Dental Benefit is intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 annually. Parents and guardians may be eligible if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old who does not have access to a private dental insurance plan. Watch the Canada Dental Benefit Video or review the Canada Dental Benefit Fact Sheet for more information.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, November 7th:
– Indigenous Board-Wide Grade 6 Virtual Treaty Presentation
Wednesday, November 8th:
– Catholic School Council Meeting, 6:30pm in the Library; all parents/guardians are welcome to attend
Friday, November 10th:
– Remembrance Day Service at 8:45am in the gymnasium; all parents/guardians are welcome to attend
Upcoming Activities and Events
November 13th to 17th: Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, November 13th: World Kindness Day
Tuesday, November 14th: Progress Reports available via Parent Portal
Wednesday, November 15th: Picture Retake Day
November 16th & 17th: Parent-Teacher Interviews
Friday, December 15th: Primary (JK to Grade 3) Christmas Concert at 12:20pm
Closing Prayer
Saturday, November 11th is Remembrance Day. It is a day to say “thank you” and to remember all those who have served and are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. During the first half of the 20th century, 1.5 million Canadians were called upon to defend peace and freedom. We are truly grateful to those who sacrificed their lives to make Canada a safe, peaceful and free country.
God of love and justice,
Today we remember all men and women who died
in defense of our country and its freedom.
Help us to honour their sacrifice
through our prayers and actions for peace in our world.
Send your Spirit to help us to let go of misunderstandings,
hatred and prejudice so that we may grow together as one family.
Guide our steps in the way of peace
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal