I hope that you and your family enjoyed a wonderful March break!
Today is the fifth Sunday of Lent, which centers on the raising of Lazarus, presenting Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. This day reflects a transition from Lenten penance to the hope of Easter, encouraging faith in God’s power to bring life out of “dead” situations, such as grief, sin, or hopelessness, while reminding us of Jesus’ deep humanity.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You called forth Your friend Lazarus from the sleep of death
and raised him to live again.
Call us forth from our tombs of isolation and despair,
from lethargy and fear, and breathe in us anew
the spirit of life to animate us for Your service
and awaken us to joy in Your presence.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Morning and After School Routines
As we return from the March Break, please know how much we value and appreciate your commitment to our morning drop off and after school pick up routines! Please continue to park in the church parking lot and walk your child(ren) to / from the FDK pen or school yard!
Don’t forget to remind any caregiver(s) who are dropping off and/or picking up your child(ren).
Let’s keep the loop moving! Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Dressing for the Weather
With the wet and continued colder temperatures upon us, please dress children for the weather. Warm coats, rain jackets, gloves, rain boots and umbrellas will keep children prepared for the rainy season! Parents and guardians are encouraged to send extra clothing to school in the event that students need to change wet clothing.
Autism Awareness Week
April is World Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. This day is focused on increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering support, and inspiring a kinder, more compassionate and more inclusive school, community and world. Students and staff are invited to participate in our theme days during our Autism Awareness week from March 30th to April 2nd, in support of autism awareness.
During this week, students will develop awareness and learn more about autism.
Let’s continue to work together to support students in becoming a friend who…
– creates a welcoming space;
– demonstrates understanding when a peer is experiencing a difficult moment;
– invites someone to join a conversation, a game, or a group;
– challenges exclusion when they see it.
Catholic School Council (CSC) Big Box Fundraiser
On behalf of the St. Mark Catholic School Council, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community for supporting this year’s Big Box Card Fundraiser!
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our families, friends, and supporters, we sold 311 boxes and raised $3,229.75 to support the purchase of technology for our school! We are incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make this fundraiser a success.
Because we surpassed the 75-box milestone, we are excited to announce that the top-selling class has earned a pizza party! Congratulations to Mrs. Lee’s class for their outstanding participation!
In addition, we are pleased to recognize our top student sellers in each division, who will each receive a $25 gift card:
Kindergarten Division: Angelina F.
Primary Division: Noah A.
Junior Division: Mateus K.
Thank you again to all of our families for supporting this initiative and helping strengthen our school community!
Sincerely,
St. Mark Catholic School Council
Catholic School Council (CSC) Hot Lunch Program
Thank you for your continued support of our hot lunch program! Please see the information below regarding:
– the Astoria Greek make up day for January 15th;
– placing hot lunch ORDER #3 for Pizzaville and Astoria Greek;
Make Up Day: Astoria Greek Order for January 15th, 2026
As previously communicated, due to inclement weather and school closures on Thursday, January 15th, our Astoria Greek hot lunch was cancelled.
We are pleased to inform you that for anyone who placed an order for Astoria Greek on January 15th, your child(ren) will receive their order on Thursday, April 16th, 2026. No additional payment is required.
Hot Lunch Order #3
St. Mark CES and CSC will open the final hot lunch orders for the school year on Wednesday, March 25th. Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!
Pizza Tuesdays:
ORDER #3: Pizza orders to be placed from March 25-April 8, 2026
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS VIA SCHOOL DAY IS APRIL 8TH at 11:59pm
Pizza Tuesdays from April 14th to June 23rd
Astoria Greek Thursdays:
ORDER #3: Astoria Greek orders to be placed from March 25th to April 8th, 2026
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS VIA SCHOOL DAY IS APRIL 8TH at 11:59pm
Astoria Greek Thursdays from April 23rd to June 18th
Don’t forget, the deadline for both Pizzaville and Astoria Greek orders is Wednesday, April 8th at 11:59pm. NO exceptions will be made.
We thank our parent volunteers for their dedication to organizing and distributing hot lunches for our students to enjoy! You are appreciated!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, March 24th:
– Praying with the Rosary Apostolate, all classes
Thursday, 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 (DeAcetis), 1:45-2:25pm
– CSC Meeting at 6:30pm in the library; all parents and guardians are welcome to attend
Friday, March 27th:
– Stations of the Cross, 12:30pm in the gymnasium; all families are welcome to attend
Upcoming Activities and Events
March 30th: The Cup Junior Classic Hockey Tournament at the Magna Centre, all day
March 30th-April 2nd: Autism Awareness Week at St. Mark CES
April 2nd: World Autism Day
April 2nd: Holy Thursday Liturgy at 12:30pm in the gymnasium; all families are welcome to attend
April 3rd: Good Friday (no school)
April 6th: Easter Monday (no school)
April 7th-10th: Easter & Spring Spirit Week!
April 8th: Grade 6 Marlies Game Celebration Trip at Coca-Cola Coliseum, all day
April 9th: Learning about the Parts of the Mass with Deacons Gordon and Wayne at St. Mark Parish, sessions by grade throughout the day
April 10th: Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Reverence
April 14th: Battle of the School Blades Charity Hockey Tournament at Clippers Arena, 4:15pm
April 17th: SHAKE for ShareLife! Charity Fundraiser
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 fantastic week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal