As we continue to focus this month on the virtue of courage, let us reflect on this prayer entitled “Open Eyes and Hearts”.
May God bless us with strength to seek justice,
May God bless us with the courage to ask for forgiveness.
May God bless us with wisdom to care for our earth.
May God bless us with love to bring forth new life.
In the name of God, the maker of the whole world,
of Jesus, our new covenant, and
of the Holy Spirit who opens eyes and hearts.
Amen.
Safety Awareness Week
The week of September 29th – October 3rd has been designated as ‘Safety Awareness Week’ for the YCDSB. As part of our safety initiative, St. Mark CES, along with all other schools in the York Catholic District School Board, will be practicing a variety of safety procedures with students and staff, beginning this week and into the following week.
Please see the attached letter for more information regarding ‘Safety Awareness Week’, including the rehearsal of a variety of emergency school procedures and practice drills to acquaint students with various emergency protocols.
SMK_Safety Awareness Week Parent Letter_September 2025
Morning and After School Routines
With the start of our fourth week of school, please see the image below with a few important requests regarding morning drop off and after school pick up:
– to ensure the safety of students, please do not park in staff parking spots facing the front of the school (red area)
– please use the parking spots on the north side (beside the loop) or the church parking lot (green areas)
– please do not drive through the front (yellow arrow) in the morning or after school as this route serves as a bus route; other vehicles create safety concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Catholic School Council
There is still time to submit a nomination to be a voting member of St. Mark’s Catholic School Council!
Please call the school office 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 schedule below:
Kindergarten: 8:30-9:00am
Primary (Grades 1-3): 9:50-10:30am
Junior (Grades 4-6): 12:30-1:10pm
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!
Active School Travel
It’s the start of the 2025/2026 school year! We want all of our students and families to take a positive step and encourage all families to incorporate active school travel in their children’s daily routines.
Please see the link to this month’s newsletter that includes the many benefits to walking and cycling and riding the bus to and from school.
September AST communication - Back to School and Terry Fox
Eye Exams for Children
Did you know that vision problems can affect learning, reading, and classroom participation? Children often don’t realize they have vision issues. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is recommended at the start of the school year. Eye exams are covered by OHIP for all children and can help ensure your child is ready to succeed this school year. Book an appointment with your local optometrist today!
Orange Shirt Day
On Tuesday, September 30th, we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Students and staff are invited to wear orange as a way to show solidarity with residential school survivors and their families. Students will engage in age appropriate activities with thoughtful reflection to commemorate this day.
Altar Servers Needed
St. Mark’s Parish is inviting all students in Grades 3 to 6 who have made their First Communion to become an altar server! Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the parts of the mass, and become a role model for other children. Please see the registration form attached.
St. Mark Parish_Altar Server Recruit Form_2025-26Completed forms should be emailed to Cathy Dawson at cdawson@archtoronto.org or may be dropped off at the church office. Training will be provided. Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Wednesday, September 24th:
– Rowan’s Law Day
Thursday, September 25th:
– St. Mark CES Terry Fox Run
Friday, September 26th:
– PA Day (no school)
Upcoming Activities and Events
September 29th to October 2nd: Safety Awareness Week
September 29th: Last day to submit CSC nominations to the main office
September 30th: Orange Shirt Day; students and staff are invited to wear an orange shirt
October 1st: Cross Country Meet at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park
October 1st: Catholic School Council Elections in library, 6:30pm
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
Let us pray using the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal