Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also called Good Shepherd Sunday.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus describes his relationship with his followers as similar to the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep. Just as a good shepherd takes risks to protect and care for his sheep, Jesus gave up his life for us. This Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus loves, knows and cares deeply for each one of us.
Tomorrow is Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd throughout the world in which people show support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970 and is now celebrated in more than 192 countries each year. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” We are invited to reflect as people of faith on ways we are called to preserve and protect God’s beautiful gift of creation.
Dear God,
Thank you for this beautiful planet.
Bless it and keep it safe from harm.
We pray for the protection of the animals, soil, air and water.
May we care for all you have made.
Help us to love the Earth as you do.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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 and guardians, don’t delay! Please register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Catholic School Council (CSC)
Treat Days
A reminder that Terra Cotta Cookies Ice Dawgs and SNO Dairy Free Cookies & Cream sandwiches can be purchased as a treat for last snack for three days in May and June.
Visit www.school-day.com to review the list of ingredients and place your order by Thursday, April 25th!
PhotoWorks Family Portraits Fundraiser
PhotoWorks is offering a Boutique Family Portraits experience at St. Mark CES on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, from 4:00-8:30pm in the library.
This unique session will include multiple poses. The session fee is $35 and includes an 8×10 print of your choice. A portion of the money raised from session fees will go toward the school.
You will be able to view and order your exclusive portraits immediately following your session. You may order additional portraits and a percentage of all add on sales will also go to our schools fundraising efforts.
Please visit St. Mark CES April 24th PhotoWorks Sign Up link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044EAEAF29A0FF2-48650345-stmarks (copy and paste the link into your browser) to book your time session. Please note that families of 6 or more will be required to book more than one session. Don’t delay! Book your Family Portraits appointment for Wednesday, April 24th!
Please see the attachment for information on what to expect at the family portrait session.
4._What_to_Expect_2023_V1_optimized_
TerraCotta Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Our TerraCotta Cookie fundraiser continues! Cookie Frozen Dough Drop Boxes are $15.00 each, and Shortbread Gift Boxes are $10.00 each.
We invite you to share our fundraising link and QR code with your extended family, colleagues, friends and neighbours!
https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/st-mark-ces-stouffville/
Don’t forget that draw tickets will be provided for students to enter to win one of many AMAZING prizes! One draw ticket will be provided for each frozen cookie dough drop box or baked shortbread cookie gift box purchased by your family, friends and neighbours.
The class selling the most frozen cookie dough drop boxes and baked shortbread cookie gift boxes will win a pizza party!
Pick up of Terra Cotta frozen cookie dough drops and shortbread cookie box orders will take place on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at St. Mark CES in the foyer at 2:00pm, just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend!
French Presentation
Master Ventriloquist Tim Holland will be visiting St. Mark Catholic Elementary School on Monday, April 22nd at 10:00am! His bilingual circus show features ventriloquism, odd juggling objects, and a high unicycle. Master Ventriloquist Tim Holland will entertain Grades 4-6 students while speaking to them about how speaking French has helped his career.
We look forward to this exciting show!
St. Mark Feast Day
This week on April 25th, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Mark. St. Mark is the patron saint of notaries, attorneys, lawyers, barristers, captives, prisoners, imprisoned people, and stained glass workers. He is also the patron saint of lions.
St. Mark is the author of the second Gospel that appears in the Bible. Although his gospel is shorter than the others, it focuses attention on Jesus as a teacher and a person of action. The Gospel according to Mark includes many stories of Jesus doing miracles, more than any other writer in the Bible.
Throughout this week, students will learn about their patron St. Mark through a variety of activities.
On April 25th, Fr. Tad will celebrate our Easter and Feast Day Mass at St. Mark’s Parish at 10:00am. We will be joined by the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Assembly, who will provide an honour guard in recognition of St. Mark’s Feast Day. Before the Mass begins, students in Ms. DeAcetis’ Grade 6 class will perform several short vignettes about the life of St. Mark. We invite all families to join us for this special Mass.
Students will receive a St. Mark prayer card. As Catholics, we believe that saints can intercede on our behalf with God due to their closeness to Him. We seek to emulate their virtues and gain their guidance in living a more Christ-like life. We hope students will use their prayer card to pray to their patron St. Mark and ask for his intercession.
Finally, students and staff will enjoy a St. Mark Feast Day cake! This peanut and nut free cake purchased from Cakes by Robert will be shared during last snack on Thursday, April 25th. An alternate dessert has been arranged for children with other allergies, and communicated to these parents/guardians.
If you do not wish for your child to receive this treat, please let his/her teacher know.
We look forward to this special day. St. Mark, pray for us!
First Communion
We congratulate all students who received their First Holy Communion today. What a wonderful day it was, with so many family members and friends who witnessed the celebration of this blessed sacrament! We pray that these students will continue to grow in their faith and love for Christ.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Monday, April 22nd:
– Earth Day
– Bilingual Circus Performance with Master Ventriloquist Tim Holland, Grades 4-6 in the gymnasium, 10:00am
Tuesday, April 23rd:
– Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
Wednesday, April 24th:
– CSC Family Portraits Fundraiser, 4:00-8:30pm; please register in advance
Thursday, April 25th: St. Mark Feast Day!
– Easter & Feast Day Mass at St. Mark’s Parish, 10:00am
– St. Mark Feast Day Cake, last snack
Friday, April 26th:
– Markham School of Dance Program Workshop, Grades 3/4-6 classes
Upcoming Activities and Events
April 30th: Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
May 2nd: Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
May 3th: Markham School of Dance Program Workshop, Grades 4-6
May 6th-10th: Catholic Education Week – “We are Called to Love”
May 7th: Travelling Stage Dance Program Workshop, Grades 1-3
May 7th: Junior Boys Basketball Tournament at St. Brendan CES
May 8th: Junior Girls Basketball Tournament at St. Mark CES
May 9th: Markham School of Dance Program Final Show, time TBA
May 10th: Travelling Stage Dance Program Final Performance, Grades 1-3, 12:30pm
May 13th: FDK Mother’s Day Celebration
May 15th: Rosary Apostolate
May 15th: Catholic School Council Meeting, 6:30pm
May 22nd: Rosary Apostolate May Celebration
Closing Prayer
Let us close by praying:
Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a fantastic week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal