Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting in which we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. During this season we are invited to slow down and take time to reflect on what the birth of Jesus means to us.
During this first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. This is the “hope” candle. The light of this candle reminds us of the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of our world, who brings us hope.
All-powerful God,
Increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Active School Travel
December is a great time to begin to enjoy the snow and cooler weather while wearing warm and cozy winter gear!
Want to know more about the benefits of being outdoors in the winter and ideas for active school travel? Read YCDSB’s December 2024 Active School Travel newsletter for more information!
December AST Communication
Let’s bundle up, get outside and be active!
Book Fair
Thank you to parents and guardians for supporting our school’s book fair! We are pleased to report a fundraising total of $2770.25 which will be used to purchase resources for our school library. We are very grateful for your generosity.
Dressing for the Weather
With the colder weather upon us, students are reminded to dress for the weather. Winter jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants, will keep children warm during recesses. Parents and guardians are encouraged to send an extra set of clothes to school for their child(ren) in the event that clothing becomes wet.
Candy Grams
Candy Grams are back!
St. Mark CES will sell Candy Grams from December 3-12, 2024!
Parents and guardians are invited to place their orders for Candy Grams. Students may wish to order for siblings, friends and/or classmates, and can include a short and thoughtful message. Candy Grams will be delivered on December 19th. Please see Candy Gram prices below.
Peppermint Candy Cane, $1.25/each
Fruit-Flavoured Candy Cane, $1.50/each
Hershey Kisses (bag with 4), $2.00/each
Product information will be made available via School-Day.
Orders can be placed beginning on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!
All monies raised will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you for giving generously in support of our Christmas charity fundraiser!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Thursday, December 5th:
– Advent Mass at St. Mark’s Parish, 10:00am; all parents/guardians are invited to attend
Upcoming Activities and Events
December 11th: Confessions at St. Mark Parish, Grades 3-6
December 16th-20th: Christmas Spirit Week!
December 17th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
December 18th: Primary Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal (students only), 10:10am
December 18th: Primary Christmas Concert (no students), 12:30pm
December 23rd – January 3rd: Christmas Break
January 6th: Back to School
Closing Prayer
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Saviour.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal