During the month of January we continue to reflect on the virtue of unity. Let us reflect on this scripture reading from St. Paul about unity.
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (Eph. 4: 2-6)
Be always humble, gentle, and patient.
Show your love by being tolerant with one another.
Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives
by means of the peace that binds you together.
There is one body and one Spirit,
just as there is one hope to which God has called you.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
there is one God and Father of all people,
who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us in ways to continue to build unity in our homes, our school and our community. Amen.
Catholic School Council (CSC)
Hot Lunch
A reminder that hot lunch orders are moving from a weekly purchasing process to a one time order for the remainder of the school year. Please note the deadlines below.
Pizza – orders to be placed by Thursday, February 1st
Subway – orders to be placed by Saturday, February 3rd
Booster Juice – orders to be placed by Sunday, February 4th
Fundraising
A reminder that St. Mark’s CSC needs to hear from you! Parents and guardians are invited to complete a short survey to share feedback on CSC’s fundraising ideas. Our survey will be open until Sunday, February 4, 2024. Please see the link below to access the survey.
St. Mark Catholic School Council (CSC) Fundraising Survey (2023-24)
https://forms.gle/J91jrXNXwhDmvvf86
Carnaval Week
St. Mark CES looks forward to celebrating Carnaval from February 7th to 13th! Students will learn about the traditions of Carnaval, and participate in a number of activities, including Carnaval BINGO, Qui est bonhomme? as well as special events! Please see our theme days calendar below.
We are excited to offer our students the following special events (weather permitting):
Primary students (Grades 1-3): Skating at Stouffville Arena
Wednesday, February 7th, 12:30pm
Junior students (Grades 3/4-6): Skating at Stouffville Arena
Thursday, February 8th, 12:30pm
Kindergarten students: Tobogganing at Rupert Park
Friday, February 9th, 9:30am
Parents and guardians are invited to visit www.school-day.com to register for the appropriate event for your child(ren).
We thank our Catholic School Council for sponsoring these special events.
Vive le Carnaval!
Shrove Tuesday & Valentine’s Day
This year, Ash Wednesday and St. Valentine’s Day both fall on Wednesday February 14th. As Ash Wednesday is a sombre occasion that marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, St. Mark CES will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Shrove Tuesday, on February 13th.
We are pleased to share that on Shrove Tuesday, February 13th, our Catholic School Council is sponsoring pancakes (or waffles for those who require gluten/egg/dairy-free) for all students, for our first morning snack.
Kid’s Kitchen will prepare these snacks in their nut-free facility. Please see the links below for ingredients and nutrition information.
Pancake Ingredients_Krusteaz_Kid’s Kitchen
Kid’s Kitchen_GF Waffle (also DF EF)_PC
In order for your child(ren) to receive this snack on Shrove Tuesday, please visit School-Day, https://school-day.app/#!/forms/2743432 and complete this form for each child by Thursday, February 8th, 2024. There is no fee.
We thank our Catholic School Council for arranging this special treat for our students!
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 2024-2025 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board is now open!
Parents are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Thursday, February 1st:
– St. Mark Parish Youth Minister Visit with Junior Students, 11:30am (recess)
Friday, February 2nd:
– PA Day (no school)
Upcoming Activities and Events
February 7th to 13th: Carnaval Week!
Wednesday, February 7th: Winter Walk Day!
Wednesday, February 7th: Carnaval Skating – Primary (Grades 1-3) Division, 12:00pm
Thursday, February 8th: School Mass at St. Mark’s Parish, 10:00am
Thursday, February 8th: Carnaval Skating – Junior (Grades 3/4-6) Division, 12:10pm
Tuesday, February 13th: Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Tuesday, February 13th: Term 1 Report Cards available via Parent Portal
Wednesday, February 14th: Winter Walk Day!
Wednesday, February 14th: Ash Wednesday Service, 10:15am
Wednesday, February 21st: Winter Walk Day!
Wednesday, February 21st: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
Wednesday, February 21st: CSC Meeting, 6:30pm
Thursday, February 22nd: Hearing Clinic
February 26th to March 1st: Anti-Bullying Week
Wednesday, February 28th: Winter Walk Day!
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 fantastic week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal