I hope that you and your family enjoyed a wonderful March break!
Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent, sometimes called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Even as we observe our Lenten sacrifices, we rejoice in anticipation of the joy that will be ours at Easter.
Today is also St. Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was a missionary who was credited with converting Ireland to Christianity. What began as a religious feast day has become an international festival. Many people across the globe who are Irish or Irish at heart celebrate Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day with parades, dancing, special foods, and lots of green!
On Tuesday, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and patron saint of Canada.
Gentle and humble Saint Joseph,
You were chosen to be the husband of Mary
and the foster father of Jesus.
Your life was guided by faith
with trust in the Lord and His angels.
Be with us as our spiritual father.
Guard us and protect us wherever we go.
Keep our hearts open to the needs of others
as Yours was, and help us to always obey
the will of God in our lives.
Amen.
X Movement
All students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to participate in X Movement on March 18th, 19th and 21st, at St. Mark CES!
A reminder that for your child to participate in this program, please ensure that you visit www.school-day.com to provide permission by completing the X Movement event, including the elements of risk form by Sunday, March 17th.
Spring Student Silent Art Auction Fundraiser
We look forward to St. Mark CES’ participation in the Student Silent Art Auction Fundraiser, sponsored by Elite Class in Stouffville, in support of the Stouffville Food Bank.
A reminder that students are invited to share their artistic talents by creating an original work of art. The theme is, “Thankful / Giving Thanks”.
All submissions to St. Mark CES’ school-level competition must be received by Thursday, April 4th, 2024.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Student Silent Art Auction Fundraiser Flyer_April 2024
We wish students the best of luck, and look forward to seeing the artistic talents of our students revealed through their works of art!
Catholic School Council
Hot Lunch Program
A reminder that the Catholic School Council (CSC) is providing a one-time re-opening of orders for lunches from April 2nd until June 2024. The deadline to order pizza, Subway and Booster Juice is March 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm. Please note that this is the final opportunity to order for the remainder of the year as we will not be re-opening orders following this deadline.
Please ensure that you review your previous orders (see step by step instructions attached) before placing any orders under these new products. Refunds will not be processed for duplicate orders so please review your previous orders before adding new or additional orders.
St. Mark CSC Hot Lunch Program_School Day_Review of Previous Orders
As previously mentioned, beginning in the 2024/2025 school year, the CSC will move to a quarterly-type bulk ordering structure (4 orders per year) where orders will take place for 2-3 months at one time. Please monitor your email for updates.
We thank the CSC for running our school’s hot lunch program, and families for their continued support of the program!
CSC Meeting
Our next Catholic School Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30pm in the library. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Monday, March 18th:
– X Movement, Day 1; FDK to Grade 6 classes
(permission via School-Day must be provided for students to participate in workshops)
Tuesday, March 19th:
– X Movement, Day 2; FDK to Grade 6 classes
(permission via School-Day must be provided for students to participate in workshops)
Wednesday, March 20th:
– Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate, FDK to Grade 6 classes
Thursday, March 21st:
– X Movement, Day 3; FDK to Grade 6 classes, morning only
(permission via School-Day must be provided for students to participate in workshops)
– Lenten Virtual Mass, 1:15pm
Friday, March 22nd:
– Grade 3/4 (Harrison) STREAM Centre Visit at All Saints CES, all day
Upcoming Activities and Events
March 25th to 29th: Holy Week
March 25th: World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
March 26th: St. Mark Parish Youth Ministry Visit
March 28th: Holy Thursday Liturgy and Stations of the Cross
March 29th: Good Friday (no school)
March 30th: Easter Sunday
April 1st: Easter Monday (no school)
April 2nd to 5th: Autism Awareness and Acceptance Week at St. Mark CES
April 4th: St. Mark CES Silent Art Auction Submissions Due for School-Level Competition
April 8th: Early Dismissal for Solar Eclipse
April 10th: CSC Meeting in Library, 6:30pm
April 12th: KITS (Kaleidoscope in the Schools) Lig & Bittle Show, FDK to Grade 4 Classes
April 17th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
April 18th: St. Mark CES Junior Oral Communications Competition
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