Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting in which we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. During this season we are invited to slow down and take time to reflect on what the birth of Jesus means to us.
During this first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. This is the “hope” candle. The light of this candle reminds us of the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of our world, who brings us hope.
All-powerful God,
Increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Candy Grams
St. Mark CES will sell Candy Grams from December 4-13, 2023.
Parents and guardians are invited to place their orders for Candy Grams. Students may wish to order for siblings, friends or classmates, and can include a short and thoughtful message. Candy Grams will be delivered during the week of December 18th to 22nd.
Please see Candy Gram prices below:
Peppermint Candy Cane, $1.25/each
Fruit-Flavoured Candy Cane, $1.50/each
Hershey Kisses (bag with 4), $2.00/each
Please see the attachment for product information.
SMK Candy Grams_Product Information
Orders can be placed on Monday, December 4th, 2023 beginning at 12:00pm. Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!
All monies raised will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Thank you for supporting our Christmas charity fundraiser!
A Special Message from Our Kindergarten & Primary Teachers
T’is the season! In a couple of short weeks our Kindergarten and Primary students will be on stage ready to share their Christmas Spirit with friends and family.
This year the St. Mark Kindergarten and Primary Christmas Concert will be held on Friday, December 15th, 2023, with Kindergarten from 12:10-12:50pm and Primary from 1:30-2:30pm.
After the performance if you wish to take your child home, please communicate with the classroom teacher using your child’s agenda. Students will return to class to pack up after the performance and will meet you in the office once you have signed them out for the afternoon.
Please note all classes are preparing special presentations for you and we ask that spectators remain in the gymnasium until the entire performance is complete.
We will also be raffling off the first three rows of seats and prime parking spots at each performance!
Price for Raffle Tickets:
One Ticket = $5
Three Tickets = $12
Ten Tickets = $20
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
St. Mark Christmas Concert_Raffle
Visit www.school-day.com to purchase your raffle tickets.
Orders can be placed on Monday, December 4th, 2023 beginning at 12:00pm.
All monies raised from the raffle will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Please look for further details regarding costumes / dress code from your child’s classroom teacher.
Christmas Spirit Week
St. Mark CES will celebrate Christmas Spirit Week from December 18th to 22nd. We look forward to a merry, festive and fun week! Please see our calendar below for themes for each day of the week.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, December 5th:
– Grade 6 Holocaust survivor presentation in the Library, 10:00am
Wednesday, December 6th:
– Grade 2 First Reconciliation Ceremony at St. Mark’s Parish, 7:00pm
Thursday, December 7th:
– Advent Mass at St. Mark’s Parish, 10:00am
Upcoming Activities and Events
Wednesday, December 13th: Confessions, Grades 3-6 at St. Mark’s Parish, beginning at 10:00am
Friday, December 15th: Primary (JK to Grade 3) Christmas Concert
Kindergarten: 12:10-12:50pm
Grades 1-3: 1:30-2:30pm
December 18th to 22nd: Christmas Spirit Week!
Wednesday, December 20th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
Closing Prayer
Let us conclude with our Advent prayer:
God’s hope to direct me.
God’s love to surround me.
God’s joy to warm me.
God’s peace to comfort me.
Bless our Advent journey to Christmas with light and patience.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal