Tuesday is Remembrance Day. It is a day to say “thank you” and to remember all those who have served and are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
During the first half of the 20th century, 1.5 million Canadians were called upon to defend peace and freedom. We are truly grateful to those who worked hard and even sacrificed their lives to make Canada a safe, peaceful and free country.
God of love and justice,
We remember all men and women
who died in defence of our country and its freedom.
Help us to honour their sacrifice
through our prayers and actions for peace in our world.
Send your Spirit to help us to let go of misunderstandings,
hatred and prejudice so that we may grow together as one family.
Guide our steps in the way of peace
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Photo Orders
Don’t forget, St. Mark CES photos are now available online! Visit www.centophotography.com to place your orders by Monday, November 10th! Please see the image below for more information.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
February 17th to 21st will be dedicated to learning about bullying, including understanding conflict vs bullying, strategies to respond to bullying, and building positive peer relationships. We look forward to this special week of learning.
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 soon 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.
Kindergarten and Primary Christmas Concert
Mark your calendars for St. Mark CES’ Kindergarten and Primary (JK to Grade 3) Christmas concert that will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 12:30pm in the school gymnasium. Families are invited to join us for this special event. More information will follow in upcoming weekly updates.
Christmas Supply Drive and Charity Fundraiser
This year, there are many in our local and broader community who are in great need. St. Mark CES’ Luke 4:18 Committee invites you to support two very special Christmas initiatives to help those in need within our local and extended communities.
Christmas Supply Drive
The Luke 4:18 Committee is excited to announce our Christmas Supply Drive in support of the Rose of Sharon organization, an organization dedicated to helping young mothers and their children with essential supplies, care, and encouragement.
From November 17-24, the committee will be collecting much-needed items to help local mothers and babies in need during the Christmas season. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to give generously to help those in need.
A list of needed items will be shared with each classroom to help guide your item donation(s). Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our students as they live out the message of Luke 4:18 through service and compassion.
Christmas Candy and Chocolate Sales in Support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Luke 4:18 Committee is thrilled to share our Christmas Candy and Chocolate Charity fundraiser in support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP). Members from the SSVP (St. Mark Parish Conference) establish personal relationships with persons in need in our Stouffville community by offering material assistance, as well as friendship and understanding.
From November 24th to December 7th, St. Mark CES will sell Christmas Candy and Chocolate treats – perfect for stocking stuffers for children and special gifts for friends and co-workers! All proceeds from the sale of these candy and chocolate treats will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Mark Parish Conference. More information will follow during our upcoming weekly updates.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, November 11th:
– Remembrance Day Service in the gymnasium at 10:15am; all parents and guardians are welcome to attend
Wednesday, November 12th:
– Photo Retake Day
Upcoming Activities and Events
November 17th-21st: Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
November 17th-24th: Christmas Supply Drive, with donated items supporting the Rose of Sharon
November 18th: Safety Village Field Trip, Kindergarten classes
November 18th: Praying with the Rosary Apostolate; all classes
November 18th: Progress reports (paper copes) sent home with students
November 20th: Parent-Teacher Interviews, 3:30-4:30pm and 6:00-8:00pm; visit www.school-day.com to book an interview
November 21st: PA Day (no school)
November 21st: Parent-Teacher Interviews, 8:30-10:00am; visit www.school-day.com to book an interview
November 24th-December 7th: Christmas Charity Fundraiser – Sale of Christmas Candy and Chocolate Treats, with proceeds donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Mark Parish Conference
November 26th: Diversified Theatre performance – The Wizard of Oz at the Flato Markham Theatre, Grades 1-3
November 27th: HERO program, Grades 5&6 classes; facilitated by St. Mark Parish Youth Minister
November 26th: Grade 2 First Reconciliation Ceremony at St. Mark Parish, 7:00pm
November 27th: CSC Meeting in the library, 6:30pm
Closing Prayer
Throughout November, we continue to reflect on the virtue of justice.
Christ challenges us all to be kind to everyone we meet and to treat everyone the way we would like to be treated.
God of Justice,
May we always be ready for Your presence in our lives.
May we have the wisdom to see You in everyone.
May we open our eyes to see when we can act in a just way
to change injustice happening around us.
May we always be ready to open our hearts to You,
even when You come at unexpected times.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a fantastic week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal