Weekly Update: September 9-13, 2024

What a fantastic first week back to school!   Students were excited to see their friends, meet their teachers, and settle into classroom and school routines.  A big thank you to staff and parents/guardians for their significant efforts to support students’ transition back to school.

 

Dear Lord,

We thank you for a safe and happy return to school
for students, staff and families.
Guide us this year as we support students
in their learning and spiritual development.
Bless our school community and help us to do Your will.

Amen.

 

Thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers who are parking their vehicle in the church parking lot and walking their child(ren) to school.

Now that our first week is complete, please walk your child(ren) to the threshold of the Kindergarten pen / school yard.   Please do not enter the school yard / Kindergarten pen, nor bring pets on the school property.  These efforts will support the safety of our students as well as their independence.  A reminder that staff supervision in the Kindergarten pen and school yard begins at 8:00am.

Thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers for using the Kiss and Ride loop appropriately.  As this is a no parking route, please do not park vehicles along this route, in particular during morning drop off and after school pick up.  Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!

 

Terry Fox Walk

Terry Fox dreamed about making a difference for families affected by cancer. This year, St. Mark CES is proud to take part in the annual Terry Fox School Run to continue Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.

Our school’s Terry Fox Run will take place on Thursday, September 26th.  Parents and guardians are invited to run with their child.  Please see the attached letter for more information.

SMK Terry Fox Letter_Sept2024

Students are invited to bring in a toonie for Terry.  Families may also wish to make a donation on our school’s fundraising page: https://schools.terryfox.ca/StMarkSchoolStouffville.  Our fundraising goal is $1000.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

Opening Mass

On Thursday, September 19th, our opening mass will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Mark’s Parish.  Families are invited to join us.  We look forward to gathering as a community of faith.

 

Curriculum Night

St. Mark CES’ Curriculum Night will take place on Wednesday, September 18th from 6:30-7:30pm.  This evening is an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn about the curriculum that will be taught for their child’s grade and class routines.

Below is the format for the evening:

6:30 – 6:40pm:  Welcome and opening remarks in the gymnasium

6:45 – 7:05pm:  Classroom visit #1

7:10 – 7:30pm:  Classroom visit #2

Parents and guardians may wish to divide their time in order to attend different classrooms / itinerant teacher rooms.

Information regarding room locations will be made available on Curriculum night.

We look forward to seeing you!

 

St. Mark Parish Youth Ministry

Did you hear?  St. Mark’s Parish is running EDGE, a youth ministry program for youth in Grades 5 to 8.  EDGE sessions take place every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 6:00-8:00pm at St. Mark’s Parish, starting on Friday, October 11th, 2024.

Please see the attached EDGE flyer and schedule for more information regarding the program and how to register.

St. Mark Parish EDGE 24-25 Information Flyer
STMYM 24-25 Edge Schedule (Simple Version) (1)

 

Catholic School Council

Are you interested in being a member of St. Mark’s Catholic School Council?  As a parent/guardian of a child at our school, you are eligible to self-nominate or nominate another parent/guardian of a child at our school to be a voting member of the Catholic School Council.  Information will be sent in our next weekly update regarding the nomination process as well as elections.  Please consider this wonderful opportunity!

 

Upcoming Activities and Events

September 17th:  St. Mark Youth Minister Visit

September 18th:  Curriculum Night, 6:30-7:30pm

September 19th:  Opening Mass at St. Mark Parish, 10:00am; all parents/guardians are invited to attend

September 26th:  Terry Fox Run

September 27th:  PA Day (no school)

 

Closing Prayer 

This month, we celebrate the virtue of courage.  We pray that students will stand up for what is right and just, face challenges, fears and difficulties with fortitude, and take responsibility for reaching their potential.  Let us close with the following prayer.

God of wisdom,

The work of our school calls us to continue
to have the courage to be in service to each other.
May we be a school that always tries to improve
under the guidance of your love and wisdom.

Amen.

St. Mark, pray for us.

 

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal