Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a day when we celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by his cousin John the Baptist. As soon as Jesus was baptised, he came up out of the water. The heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove. Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.”

Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed Him to be Your Son,
anointing Him with the Holy Spirit.
Grant that we may be faithful to our
call as Children of God,
listening to you, guided by Your Spirit,
to fulfil our unique and definite purpose.
Amen.
Junior Triple Ball

Our boys and girls junior triple ball teams have been working hard with their coaches to prepare for their upcoming tournaments. We wish them the best of luck!

Kindergarten Registration

Don’t forget, the 2026-2027 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board is now open!
Parents and guardians are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Catholic School Council (CSC)

Don’t forget, St. Mark’s CSC’s Hot Lunch Order #2 is now open!
Please note the revised dates (correction made) below:
– Pizzaville (pizza Tuesdays); January 27th to April 7th, 2026 (no pizza on March 17th)
– Astoria Greek (Thursdays); January 22nd to April 9th, 2026 (no Astoria Greek on March 19th)
Please visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!
The deadline for both Pizzaville and Astoria Greek orders is Sunday, January 18th at 11:59pm. NO exceptions will be made.
We continue to look for volunteers to assist with our hot lunch program. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:35 -11:15am. Please contact the school at 905-640-2915 to find out more! Thank you for your consideration.
Primary Theatricks Drama Program

Our first Theatricks Drama Program Workshop for Primary classes (Grades 1-3) scheduled on Tuesday, January 6th was cancelled due to the cancellation of buses.
We are pleased to inform parents and guardians that this session will be rescheduled to Tuesday, February 17th. Thank you for your understanding.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Monday, January 12th:
– Junior Boys Triple Ball Tournament at St. Brendan CES, all day
Tuesday, January 13th:
– Junior Girls Triple Ball Tournament at St. Brigid CES, all day
– Theatrix Drama Program Workshop #2, Primary classes (Grades 1-3)
Tuesday, January 15th:
– St. Mark Knights of Columbus Stouffville Basketball Free Throw Competition at St. Mark CES, 9:00am
Friday, January 17th:
– PA Day (no school)
Upcoming Activities and Events
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: Theatricks Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #3
January 21st: FDK Road Safety YRP Presentation in library, 12:30-1:30pm
January 27th: Gr4 (Skeats) STREAM Centre Visit (rescheduled) at All Saints CES, all day
January 27th: Theatricks Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #4
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.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal
