Welcome to February!
February is Black Heritage Month. Throughout this month we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians both past and present. We recognize the courage of those forced to fight for freedom and equality. May their example inspire us to build a community of justice in our school, community, and throughout the world.
God of every people, race and culture,
we rejoice in the wonderful diversity of our human family,
each person made in your own image.
As we observe Black Heritage Month, help us to honour
and learn from the history of Black communities across Canada,
to stand in solidarity with them in their quest for justice and respect,
and to work together toward a future where every person
is cherished, where everyone’s dignity is upheld.
Where racism and discrimination still linger,
change our hearts and show us how to love like you.
We praise you, Father, through Jesus your Son,
in the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
As part of Black Heritage Month, staff will engage students in learning about the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of Black Canadians.
Carnaval Week
St. Mark CES is thrilled to be celebrating Carnaval from February 7th to 13th! Please see our theme days calendar below.
We look forward to our skating and tobogganing events (weather permitting):
Wednesday, February 7th, 12:30pm – Primary students (Grades 1-3): Skating at Stouffville Arena
Thursday, February 8th, 12:30pm – Junior students (Grades 3/4-6):
Skating at Stouffville Arena
Friday, February 9th, 9:30am – Kindergarten students:
Tobogganing at Rupert Park
A reminder to parents and guardians who have not yet registered their child(ren) for the appropriate event, please visit www.school-day.com.
Students not participating in these events will remain at school and be supervised by one or more teachers.
We thank parent volunteers for their willingness to supervise and assist students at our events.
Please note that students will not be able to purchase food and drinks at the arena.
We look forward to these fun-filled events. Vive le Carnaval!
Shrove Tuesday
A reminder that on Shrove Tuesday, February 13th, our Catholic School Council is sponsoring pancakes (or waffles for those who require gluten/egg/dairy-free) for all students, for our first morning snack.
Please visit School-Day, https://school-day.app/#!/forms/2743432 to complete an order for each child. There is no fee. The deadline is Thursday, February 8th, 2024.
Report Cards
A reminder that Term 1 report cards will be delivered electronically on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, after 4:00pm via the Parent Portal.
Visit our school’s website, https://smk.ycdsb.ca/, to access this portal. 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!
We look forward to Winter Walk Day (WWD) on Wednesday, February 7th, 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!
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…
Monday, February 5th:
– PLAY (Peer Leadership Active Youth) Program Training for participating Grades 5&6 students, lunchtime
Wednesday, February 7th:
– Winter Walk Day!
– PLAY (Peer Leadership Active Youth) Program Training for participating Grades 5&6 students, lunchtime
– Skating at Stouffville Arena – Primary (Grades 1-3) Students; departure at 12:00pm
Thursday, February 8th:
– Mass at St. Mark Parish, 10:00am
– Skating at Stouffville Arena – Junior (Grades 3/4-6) Students; departure at 12:10pm
Friday, February 9th:
– Tobogganing at Rupert Park – Kindergarten Students; 9:30-11:00am
Upcoming Activities and Events
Tuesday, February 13th: Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Tuesday, February 13th: Term 1 Report Cards available via Parent Portal
Wednesday, February 14th: Winter Walk Day!
Wednesday, February 14th: Ash Wednesday Service, 10:15am
Wednesday, February 21st: Winter Walk Day!
Wednesday, February 21st: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
Wednesday, February 21st: CSC Meeting, 6:30pm
Thursday, February 22nd: Hearing Clinic
February 26th to March 1st: Anti-Bullying Week
Wednesday, February 28th: Pink Shirt Day
Wednesday, February 28th: Winter Walk Day!
Closing Prayer
Throughout the month of February we will close with the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal