Weekly Update: September 15-19, 2025

This month, we continue to focus on the virtue of courage.

Let us pray:
Loving God,
Give us all the courage we need
to go the way you shepherd us,
that when you call we may go without fear.
If you ask us to come to you across the waters,
may we not be frightened as we go.
And if you bid us climb the hill,
may we not notice that it is a struggle,
aware only of the happiness of your company.
You made us for yourself, that we should travel with you
and see you at last in your unveiled beauty
where you are light and happiness, and endless home.
Amen.

 

Morning and After School Routines

A sincere thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers who are parking their vehicle in the church parking lot so that they can accompany their child(ren) to school. Please continue to walk your child(ren) to the threshold of the Kindergarten pen / school yard. Please continue to refrain from entering the school yard and Kindergarten pen, and do not bring pets on the school property. These efforts will continue to support the safety of our students as well as develop their independence.

We are grateful to all parents, guardians and caregivers for using the Kiss and Ride loop appropriately. As this is a fire route, we appreciate that vehicles are not parked along this route, in particular during morning drop off and after school pick up. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!

 

Catholic School Council

As communicated earlier this evening in a separate email, the nomination process for St. Mark’s Catholic School Council will begin tomorrow, Monday, September 15th.

If you would like to put your name forward, please call the school office at 905-640-2915 for a declaration package. It may be sent home with your child, or you may choose to pick up a package in the main office.

The deadline for submission of nomination forms is Monday, September 29th, 2025.

Thank you for considering this opportunity!

 

Terry Fox Run

A reminder that our school’s Terry Fox Run will take place on Thursday, September 25th. Parents and guardians are invited to run with their child. Please see the parent letter below for more information.

Students are invited to bring in a toonie for Terry. Families are encouraged to make a donation on our school’s fundraising page: https://schools.terryfox.ca/StMarkSchoolStouffville. Our fundraising goal is $1200. Thank you for your generosity!

 

Markham Fair

On Friday, October 3rd, St. Mark students from Grades 1-6 are invited to attend the Markham Fair. Students will have the opportunity to see agriculture in action, as the community comes together to celebrate its accomplishments and harvests. Students will gain first hand experience in agriculture by seeing cow milking demonstrations, sheep shearing, as well as chick hatching in Old MacDonald’s Barn.

Information will be communicated to parents/guardians in the upcoming days, including registration via School-Day.

 

Cross Country

Colourful overlapping silhouettes of children running or playing

Our cross country team members have just started training, under the direction of our staff coaches, in preparation for their meet that will take place on Wednesday, October 1st at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to their training.

 

Picture Day

Mark your calendar for St. Mark CES’ picture day on Thursday, October 23rd!

See the flyer attached.

ST MARK CES Photo Day_Oct2025

We look forward to seeing students smile!

 

Next Week’s Activities and Events 

Here is a look ahead to next week…

Tuesday, September 16th:
– All About Anxiety Workshop (Gordon), Session #1, 9:50-10:30am

Wednesday, September 18th:
– Grade 2 Sacrament Parent Meeting at St. Mark Parish, 7:00pm

Thursday, September 19th:
– Opening Mass at St. Mark Parish, 10:00am; all families are welcome to attend
– Curriculum Night, 6:30-7:30pm

 

Upcoming Activities and Events

September 25th: Terry Fox Run

September 26th: PA Day (no school)

September 29th: Last day to submit CSC nominations to the main office

September 30th: Orange Shirt Day

October 1st: Cross Country Meet at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park

October 2nd: Catholic School Council Meeting in library, 6:30pm

October 3rd: Markham Fair Trip, Grades 1-6

October 10th: Thanksgiving Liturgy, 12:30pm in the gymnasium; families are welcome to attend

October 13th: Thanksgiving Day (no school)

 

Closing Prayer

This month, we celebrate the virtue of courage. We pray that students will stand up for what is right and just, face challenges, fears and difficulties with fortitude, and take responsibility for reaching their potential. Let us close with the following prayer.

God of wisdom,
The work of our school calls us to continue
to have the courage to be in service to each other.
May we be a school that always tries to improve
under the guidance of Your love and wisdom.
Amen.

St. Mark, pray for us.

Wishing you a fantastic week!

Sincerely,

C. Quadrini, Principal