Wednesday, January 24th is Let’s Talk Day, a day dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada. On this day we are invited to build awareness and promote actions that encourage others to open up and talk honestly about mental illness. Important ideas shared on this day include the fact that it is okay not to be okay and that it is important to ask for help when we need it.
Let us be reminded of the great love that God has for each one of us. Our faith can be a great source of comfort and strength in times of worry or challenge.
Loving God,
You walk with us each day.
You are there as we work, learn and play.
You are with us when we are sad and when we are anxious.
God of our Journey, we thank you for staying with us.
We thank you for your guidance and trust that you will continue
to watch over us wherever we are.
Remind us that we are not alone.
Guide us to support one another so that
we can talk openly and honestly about our feelings.
Remind us to ask for help when we need it.
May we continue to be blessed in all that we say and all that we do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hearing Clinic
St. Mark CES’ Hearing Screening Clinic will take place on Thursday, February 22nd. Please review the attached information notice and permission form attached. If you wish to have your child(ren)’s hearing screened, please complete and return the permission form with respective fees for each child.
SMK Hearing Only Parent Information Letter_Feb2024FORM - 2022-2023 Hearing Only fillable Permission 2022-2023
Junior Triple Ball Teams – Correction
Please see the revised dates for our junior girls and boys triple ball tournaments:
– January 23rd (boys)
– January 24th (girls)
We wish both teams the best of luck! Go Lions!!
Report Cards
Term 1 report cards will be delivered electronically on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, after 4:00pm via the Parent Portal.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign-on to the Parent Portal in advance to ensure that your username and password will allow access. Please note that the Multimedia area of the Parent Portal is not visible until report cards are available electronically (i.e., on February 13th).
To access this portal, please visit our school’s website, https://smk.ycdsb.ca/, and click on the parents link in the top banner. From the Parents page, you will find a link to “Maplewood 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 have difficulty registering or signing in to the parent portal, please visit https://help.ycdsb.ca/vle/ to submit the issue. The help desk will follow up to assist you.
Let’s Walk!
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 is Winter Walk Day (WWD), an annual celebration of winter walking! Each Wednesday during the month of February, St. Mark CES students and their families are encouraged to walk to and from school so dress for the weather, be ready to catch snowflakes, get active and have some fun!
Winter Walk Day Benefits:
– Time outside is important for mental health, exercise, and social well-being – in all seasons! Gather your family and friends to take on the journey to school for #WinterWalkDay.
– Physical activity is essential! It improves our moods, health, and even focus in class and academic performance. Get active by walking to school this #WinterWalkDay! You’ll be glad you did!
We hope you will join us in celebrating winter by participating in our February winter walk days on Wednesdays. Let’s get walking St. Mark Lions!!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, January 23rd:
– Junior Boys Triple Ball Tournament at St. Brigid CES
Wednesday, January 24th:
– Junior Girls Triple Ball Tournament at École catholique Pape-François
– Grade 4 (Sanchez) STREAM Centre Visit at All Saints CES, all day
Friday, January 26th:
– Kindergarten Ontario Park In-Class Workshop, 8:30am
Upcoming Activities and Events
Friday, February 2nd: PA Day (no school)
February 7th to 13th: Carnaval Week
Thursday, February 8th: School Mass at St. Mark’s Parish at 10:00am
Tuesday, February 13th: Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday Celebrations
Tuesday, February 13th: Term 1 Report Cards available via Parent Portal
February 14th: Ash Wednesday Service at 10:15am
Closing Prayer
During the month of January, let us conclude with our prayer for unity.
God of harmony and unity,
You want us all to work together to build Your kingdom.
May our ears hear Your voice clearly
May our eyes see Your beauty in all
May our understanding break down walls of fear and prejudice.
May we make our school and community
a place of friendship, a place of belonging,
a place of welcome,
where everyone feels safe.
where everyone has a place
where all are united in You, dear God.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal