As we continue to focus this month on the virtue of courage, let us reflect on this prayer entitled “Open Eyes and Hearts”.
May God bless us with strength to seek justice,
May God bless us with the courage to ask for forgiveness.
May God bless us with wisdom to care for our earth.
May God bless us with love to bring forth new life.
In the name of God, the maker of the whole world,
of Jesus, our new covenant, and
of the Holy Spirit who opens eyes and hearts.
Amen.
Safety Awareness Week
The week of September 30th – October 4th has been designated as ‘Safety Awareness Week’ for the YCDSB. As part of our safety initiative, St. Mark CES, along with all other schools in the York Catholic District School Board, will be practicing a variety of safety procedures with students and staff.
Please see the attached letter for more information regarding ‘Safety Awareness Week’, including the rehearsal of a variety of emergency school procedures and practice drills to acquaint students with various emergency protocols.
SMK_Safety Awareness Week Parent Letter_September 2024
Morning and After School Routines
A sincere thank you to parents, guardians and caregivers who are parking their vehicle in the church parking lot so that they can accompany their child(ren) to school. Please continue to walk your child(ren) to the threshold of the Kindergarten pen / school yard. Please continue to refrain from entering the school yard and Kindergarten pen, and do not bring pets on the school property. These efforts will continue to support the safety of our students as well as develop their independence.
We are grateful to all parents, guardians and caregivers for using the Kiss and Ride loop appropriately. As this is a fire route, we appreciate that vehicles are not parked along this route, in particular during morning drop off and after school pick up. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Catholic School Council
There is still time to submit a nomination to be a voting member of St. Mark’s Catholic School Council!
Please call the school office for a declaration package. It may be sent home with your child, or you may choose to pick up a package in the main office.
The deadline for submission of nomination forms is Monday, September 30th, 2024.
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Markham Fair
A reminder that students from Grades 1-6 are invited to attend the 180th Markham Fair on Friday, October 4th. Don’t forget to visit www.school-day.com to complete the Markham Fair form with payment of $11.00, and indicate your interest to volunteer to chaperone before Thursday, September 26th, 2024.
Orange Shirt Day
On Friday, September 29th, we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Students and staff are invited to wear orange as a way to show solidarity with residential school survivors and their families. Students will engage in age appropriate activities with thoughtful reflection to commemorate this day.
Altar Servers Needed
St. Mark’s Parish is inviting all students in Grades 3 to 6 who have made their First Communion to become an altar server! Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the parts of the mass, and become a role model for other children. Please see the registration form attached.
SMP_Altar Server Form
Completed forms should be emailed to Lisa Baker at lbaker@archtoronto.ca or may be dropped off at the church office. Training will be provided.
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
– Thursday, September 26th: Terry Fox Run; parents/guardians are invited to run with their child
Bring in a toonie during the week of September 23rd, or donate online https://schools.terryfox.ca/StMarkSchoolStouffville;
– Friday, September 27th: PA Day (no school)
Upcoming Activities and Events
September 30th: Orange Shirt Day
September 30th: Last day to submit CSC nominations to the main office
October 4th: Markham Fair Trip, Grades 1-6
October 9th: Cross Country Meet at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park
October 11th: Thanksgiving Liturgy, 12:30pm in the gymnasium; families are welcome to attend
October 14th: Thanksgiving Day (no school)
Closing Prayer
Let us pray using the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a terrific week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal