Today is the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. We light the ‘Shepherd’s Candle’ which is pink because rose is the liturgical colour for joy. Gaudete Sunday is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that we the faithful have reached at this midpoint of Advent.
God of joy,
We praise you during this Advent season and always.
Fill us with gladness throughout the journey.
May we follow in the joyful steps of the shepherds,
May we share in the jubilant song of the angels.
May our joy grow with each passing moment.
We ask this through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Catholic School Council (CSC) Hot Lunch Program
The Catholic School Council is pleased to advise you that in the new year, the second round of ordering for pizza lunches will occur. In addition, we will be offering Booster Juice for morning snack on select Fridays as well as Astoria Greek on Thursdays.
Keep your eyes open for more information in the new year!
Candy Grams
Thank you to parents and guardians who placed orders for Candy Grams!
Students will receive their Candy Gram cards early this week, based on the number of candy grams purchased. Students will have the opportunity to write their name with messages to their classmates, friends and/or siblings. Staff will assist children, as needed to complete their messages.
Candy grams messages will be paired with a candy cane or Hershey’s Kisses pack of 4, based on orders placed. Delivery of these sweet treats will take place on December 19th.
As previously communicated, all monies raised will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which will benefit our neighbours in need this Christmas. The final amount raised will be communicated in our next weekly update.
Thank you for giving generously in support of our Christmas charity fundraiser!
Dressing for the Weather
With the colder temperatures now upon us, students are reminded to dress for the weather. Winter jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants, will keep children warm during recesses. Parents and guardians are encouraged to send an extra set of clothes to school for their child(ren) in the event that clothing becomes wet.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, December 17th:
– Praying with the Rosary Apostolate, K-6 classes
Wednesday, December 18th:
– Primary Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal (students only) in the gymnasium, 10:30am
– Primary Christmas Concert (no students) in the gymnasium, 12:30pm; please sign in upon arrival in the foyer
Thursday, December 19th:
– Christmas Caroling with St. Mark’s Parish Choir members, K-6 classes at 12:30pm in the gymnasium
Upcoming Activities and Events
December 23rd – January 3rd: Christmas Break
January 6th: Back to School
January 7th & 8th: School Bus Safety Online Presentations, K-6 classes
January 15th: Junior Boys Triple Ball Tournament at St. Mark CES, all day
January 16th: Junior Girls Triple Ball Tournament at St. Brigid CES, all day
January 17th: PA Day (no school)
January 21st: Praying with the Rosary Apostolate, K-6 classes
January 21st: Grade 6 Carrying Holocaust Presentation, 10:00am in the Library
January 31st: PA Day (no school)
Closing Prayer
O God,
As we faithfully await the birth of your son, Jesus,
Let us be glad and rejoice.
In our families and our schools and in our lives,
Help us to share the joy of Christ’s love with others.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a week filled with joy as we await the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal