Happy New Year! I hope you and your family enjoyed a blessed Christmas, filled with joyful moments with family and friends.
Tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. This day celebrates that Jesus was revealed as the son of God. Just as the Wise Men brought gifts, all of us are called to reflect the light of Christ by using our gifts, talents and skills to serve others.
Loving God,
We thank you for all Your gifts to us:
for making us, for loving us,
for calling us to be Your children.
This New Year, we give thanks
for all the good things You have done for us.
We ask you to continue to bless us
with Your love throughout the year.
Amen.
Morning and After School Routines
A BIG thank you to all parents, guardians and caregivers for remaining committed to our morning pick up and after school drop off routines!
Please continue to….
– drop your child(ren) off starting at 8:00am and before 8:15am;
– if walking your child(ren) to the FDK pen gate or to the school yard, park in the church parking lot or in the parking spots on the north side, facing the church;
– use the loop as a Kiss and Ride only if your child(ren) can independently exit / enter your vehicle;
– do not park / exit your vehicle in the loop;
– do not park your vehicle in the parking spots on the east side, facing Glad Park Ave as these are reserved for staff;
– do not drop off / pick up your child(ren) using the bus lane in front of the school entrance; please park your vehicle and walk your child(ren) to the front entrance;
– do not enter the FDK pen or school yard;
– do not bring pets onto school property.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Dressing for the Weather
Parents and guardians, don’t forget to send students to school with hats, waterproof gloves and boots, and snow pants, as these will keep children warm and dry during recesses. Please send extra clothes to school for child(ren) in the event that clothing becomes wet. Thank you!
Kindergarten Registration
Do you have a child or know someone who has a child who is eligible to register for Kindergarten this coming fall? If yes, please note that 2026-2027 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board opens on January 5th, 2026!
2026 Kindergarten Poster - 11x17
Parents are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Active School Travel
Welcome back! Read the YCDSB’s January 2026 Active School Travel newsletter for tips on bundling up and staying warm and dry, as well as nourishing your body when walking or wheeling as a family to school or the bus stop.
January 2026 AST Communication
Let’s bundle up, get outside and be active!
Catholic School Council (CSC)
A reminder that St. Mark’s CSC will open hot lunch orders in January 2026. Look for a separate communication coming early this week!
Our next CSC meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 6:30pm in the school library. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Activities and Events
January 6th: Theatrix Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #1
January 12th: Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament at St. Brendan CES, all day
January 13th: Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament at St. Brigid CES, all day
January 13th: Theatrix Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #2
January 15th: Knights of Columbus Free Throw Basketball Stouffville Schools Competition in gymnasium, morning only
January 16th: PA Day (no school)
January 19th: Dental screening (JK, SK, Grade 2 + any other students based on parent / guardian request)
January 20th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate, all classes
January 20th: Theatrix Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #3
January 27th: Gr4 (Skeats) STREAM Centre Visit (rescheduled) at All Saints CES, all day
January 27th: Theatrix Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #4
January 28th: FDK Road Safety YRP Presentation in library, 12:30-1:30pm
January 29th: HERO program
– Grade 5 (Bufalini), 12:10-12:50pm
– Grade 6 (McGinnes), 12:50-1:30pm
– Grade 6 (Rastoaca), 1:45-2:25pm
January 29th: CSC meeting in library, 6:30pm
January 30th: PA Day (no school)
Closing Prayer
During the month of January, let us conclude with our prayer for unity.
God of harmony and unity,
You want us all to work together to build Your kingdom.
May our ears hear Your voice clearly
May our eyes see Your beauty in all
May our understanding break down walls of fear and prejudice.
May we make our school and community
a place of friendship, a place of belonging,
a place of welcome,
where everyone feels safe.
where everyone has a place
where all are united in You, dear God.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
On behalf of the St. Mark CES staff, we look forward to welcoming your children back to school for the start of a great year!
Wishing you and your family joy, good health, and God’s blessings and graces in 2026.
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal