Today is the 5th Sunday of Easter. In the Gospel reading, Jesus says that he is the vine and we are the branches. This is meant to help us understand that Jesus is the source of love and life, that we are connected to him and to one another, and that whenever we act with love and kindness, he is with us.
Loving Jesus,
You said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
Help us each day to see you more clearly,
follow you more nearly, and love you more dearly,
that we may bear you good fruit,
for the transformation and healing of the world.
Amen.
Class Placements
At St. Mark CES, staff and administration work together to ensure that students are placed in a class where they will be challenged and supported in a faith-filled, Christ-centred learning environment.
When creating class lists, staff draw on their professional judgement to address individual and collective needs, as well as the spiritual, educational and social needs of students.
Recognizing that class placements is a complex task, all staff who work with students confer with one another regarding observations and experiences over the year.
Class placements involve many considerations, including student learning styles, academic abilities, social groupings, student language needs, special education needs, balance of males and females, and previous placements in a combined grade class.
We trust that you understand and appreciate that creating the best class groupings to optimize the potential for learning for all students, is not an easy task. Therefore, requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. However, parents and guardians may wish to share any learning and/or social-emotional needs with their child’s teacher.
Thank you for your understanding.
Catholic School Council (CSC)
Our TerraCotta Cookie fundraiser is quickly coming to an end!
Don’t forget to have family, colleagues, friends and neighbours place their orders by Tuesday, April 30th, 2024!
One draw ticket will be provided for each frozen cookie dough drop box or baked shortbread cookie gift box purchased by your family, friends and neighbours.
The class selling the most frozen cookie dough drop boxes and baked shortbread cookie gift boxes will win a pizza party!
Details regarding draw prize tickets, prize draws, as well as pick up of Terra Cotta frozen cookie dough drops and shortbread cookie box orders on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at St. Mark CES will follow in our upcoming weekly updates.
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week takes place during the week of May 6th to 10th. This year’s theme is, “We are Called to Love.”
During this week, teachers will facilitate a variety of classroom activities. In addition, a number of special events will take place at St. Mark CES.
Monday, May 6th:
> Deacons Gordon and Wayne from St. Mark’s Parish will present a special talk for students in Grades 4-6
Tuesday, May 7th:
> Kindergarten and Primary (Grades 1-3) classes will participate in a special book read aloud in the library.
Wednesday, May 8th:
> St. Mark CES will participate in the Catholic Education Week province-wide virtual Mass at 12:30pm.
Thursday, May 9th:
> Junior (Grades 3/4 to 6) classes will each perform a special music performance, beginning at 12:30pm, and a special dance performance, beginning at 1:55pm; all parents and guardians are welcome to join us!
Friday, May 10th:
> Primary (Grades 1-3) classes will each perform a special dance performance, beginning at 12:30pm; all parents and guardians are welcome to join us!
We look forward to celebrating Catholic Education Week at St. Mark CES!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Monday, April 29th:
– Grade 2 STREAM Centre Visit (Mrs. Lee) at All Saints CES, all day
Tuesday, April 30th:
– Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
– Last day to purchase Terra Cotta frozen cookie dough drop or baked shortbread cookie gift boxes
Thursday, May 2nd:
– Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
Friday, April 3rd:
– Markham School of Dance Program Workshop, Grades 3/4-6 classes
Upcoming Activities and Events
May 6th-10th: Catholic Education Week – “We are Called to Love”
May 7th: Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
May 7th: Junior Boys Basketball Tournament at St. Brendan CES
May 8th: Junior Girls Basketball Tournament at (NEW) St. Brendan CES
May 9th: Junior (Grades 3/4-6) Music Concert, 12:30pm and Junior (Grades 3/4-6) Dance Performance (Markham School of Dance), 1:55pm; parents and guardians are invited to attend!
May 10th: Primary (Grades 1-3) Final Dance Performance (Travelling Stage), 12:30pm; parents and guardians are invited to attend!
May 13th: FDK Mother’s Day Celebration
May 15th: Rosary Apostolate
May 15th: Catholic School Council Meeting, 6:30pm
May 22nd: Rosary Apostolate May Celebration
Closing Prayer
Let us close by praying:
Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal