On Ash Wednesday, we began the Lenten season. Today is the first Sunday of Lent.
God our Father,
You formed us from the dust of the earth
and brought us to new life in Christ
through the waters of Baptism.
We ask You to change our hearts
as we journey through these forty days of Lent.
Help us to see Jesus in everyone we meet,
and to serve him in all persons,
especially the poor, the sick and the lonely.
By Your grace, may our prayers and sacrifices
this Lent help us grow closer to each other and to You,
as one family in Jesus.
We make this prayer to You in His name.
Amen.
Last Tuesday, February 17th marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. The Lunar New Year is a fifteen-day celebration with many traditions, and is observed by numerous cultures. It celebrates the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. We wish all those in our community who celebrate a Happy Lunar New Year!
Totus Tuus Summer Camp
Totus Tuus is a Catholic Youth Summer Camp organized by the Office of Catholic Youth and the Office of Vocations in the Archdiocese of Toronto. This camp is available for students in Grades 1-12, and provides a time of fellowship, catechesis, games and activities, Mass, and so much more.
St. Mark Parish will host the Totus Tuus Summer Camp from July 12th – 17th, 2026. Registration is now open!
The Early Bird registration cost for the Day Camp (Grades 1-6) is $90.00 per camper ($80 for additional siblings). The Evening Program (Grades 7-12) is free.
See the attached brochure for more information.
St. Mark Parish_ Totus Tuus 2026_Brochure
Catholic School Council (CSC) Fundraiser
Thank you to all families who support our BIG Box fundraiser!
More information will follow regarding monies raised, class and individual top seller prizes per division, as well as the delivery date of BIG boxes.
Thank you for all your support of this fundraiser!
March Break
March break takes place from March 16-20, 2026. There will be no school this week.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, February 24th:
– Theatricks Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, make up class (February 10th)
Wednesday, February 25th:
– PINK Shirt Day; students and staff are invited to wear a pink shirt to show that we are all working together to prevent bullying in our school
Friday, February 27th:
– Coby Anti-Bullying Magic Shows
> Kindergarten to Grade 3: Sharing & Caring / Verbal & Physical Bullying, 8:30am
> Grades 4-6: Verbal, Physical & Cyber Bullying, 10:00am
Upcoming Activities and Events
March 3rd & 5th: Dairy Farmers of Ontario Presentations
March 6th: Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Perseverance
March 12th: Board-Wide Lenten Mass (Virtual), 1:45pm
March 16th-20th: March Break (no school)
March 24th: Praying with the Rosary Apostolate, all classes
March 26th: HERO program, facilitated by St. Mark Parish Youth Minister
> Grade 5 (Bufalini), 12:10-12:50pm
> Grade 6 (McGinnes), 12:50-1:30pm
> Grade 6 (Rastoaca), 1:45-2:25pm
March 26th: CSC Meeting at 6:30pm in the library; all parents and guardians are welcome to attend
March 27th: Stations of the Cross, 12:30pm in the gymnasium
Closing Prayer
Throughout the season of Lent, we close with our Lenten prayer.
God of the Journey,
Walk with us this Lent.
Teach us to pray, fast, and give
in ways that bring us closer to you.
Help us to persevere in staying with you
on the journey through Lent to Easter.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal