Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting in which we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. During this season we are invited to slow down and take time to reflect on what the birth of Jesus means to us.
During this first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath. This is the “hope” candle. The light of this candle reminds us of the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of our world, who brings us hope.
All-powerful God,
Increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at His coming
and call us to His side in the kingdom of heaven,
where He lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Active School Travel
December is a great time to begin to enjoy the snow and cooler weather while wearing warm and cozy winter gear!
Want to know more about the benefits of being outdoors in the winter and ideas for active school travel? Read YCDSB’s December 2025 Active School Travel newsletter for more information!
December AST Communication.pdf
Let’s bundle up, get outside and be active!
Morning Drop Off and After School Pick Up
A few reminders to all parents, guardians and caregivers, please…
– drop your child(ren) off starting at 8:00am and before 8:15am;
– if walking your child(ren) to the FDK pen gate or to the school yard, park in the church parking lot or in the parking spots on the north side, facing the church;
– use the loop as a Kiss and Ride only if your child(ren) can independently exit / enter your vehicle;
– do not park / exit your vehicle in the loop;
– do not park your vehicle in the parking spots on the east side, facing Glad Park Ave as these are reserved for staff;
– do not drop off / pick up your child(ren) using the bus lane in front of the school entrance; please park your vehicle and walk your child(ren) to the front entrance;
– do not enter the FDK pen or school yard;
– do not bring pets onto school property.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Dressing for the Weather
With the colder weather 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 extra clothes to school for their child(ren) in the event that clothing becomes wet.
Christmas Spirit Week
St. Mark CES will celebrate Christmas Spirit Week from December 15th to 19th! We look forward to a merry, festive and fun week! Please see our calendar below for themes for each day of the week.
St. Mark Parish Mass Schedule
Please see the St. Mark Parish Christmas and New Year’s Schedule below.
Christmas Supply Drive
Thank you to all families who donated to our Christmas Supply Drive for the Rose of Sharon. We are extremely grateful for the essential supplies donated, including non-perishable food items, baby products and mom personal care products.
Young mothers and their children will benefit greatly from our school community’s generosity during this Christmas season. May God bless you for your willingness to make a difference in their lives.
Christmas Sweet Treats Charity Fundraiser
Don’t forget! St. Mark CES’ Luke 4:18 committee is selling Christmas candy and chocolate treats in support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP)!
These are the perfect sweet treats for family, friends and co-workers!!
Our Christmas Sweet Treats will be available for purchase via School-Day for only 4 more days!!
Please see the prices below.
Visit https://www.school-day.com/pg/product/edit/3314232 to place your orders by Thursday, December 4th!
All proceeds from the sale of our sweet treats will support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Mark Conference.
Thank you for giving generously to support our neighbours in need this Christmas!
St. Mark Christmas Family Event
St. Mark’s Catholic School Council (CSC) presents and welcomes families to join us at the St. Mark Christmas Family Event!
Where?
At the school!
When?
Thursday December 18th, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What will be happening?
– A Special Magical Performance in the gymnasium by X.Ray Magician from 6:30-7:15pm
– Craft station in the library before and after the performance (closed during show time)
– Christmas music in the gym
– Photo Booth fun
– A Surprise Visit by Santa Claus!
Parents and guardians are invited to pre-order 2% milk or 2% chocolate milk and a cookie treat. Oat milk is also available as a dairy-free option. See the attached document for ingredients and nutritional information.
SMK CSC Christmas Family Event_Milk & Cookies_Ingredients & Nutritional Info_Dec2025 (1)
Milk and cookies will be distributed at the event. What a perfect Christmas treat to enjoy during the magician performance!
Milk and cookies will be available for purchase from Monday, December 1st to Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders! The deadline for orders is Wednesday, December 10th. No late orders will be accepted. Please note that milk and cookies will not be sold during the event.
We look forward to seeing you for our Christmas Family Event!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Thursday, December 4th:
– Advent Mass at St. Mark Parish at 10:00am; all families are invited to attend
– Last day to place orders for Sweet Treats for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; visit https://www.school-day.com/pg/product/edit/3314232 to place your orders!!
Friday, December 5th:
– Virtue Buddies, 1:45-2:25pm; a focus on the virtue of Hope
Upcoming Activities and Events
December 9th: Confessions at St. Mark Parish, Grades 3-6
December 11th: Delivery of TerraCotta Snowman Cookies during last snack, for orders placed
December 15th-19th: Christmas Spirit Week!
December 15th: Christmas Music Concert in gymnasium, 1:45pm, presented by St. Katharine Drexel CHS
December 16th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate; all classes
December 17th: Kindergarten & Primary (Grades 1-3) Christmas Concert, 12:30pm
December 18th: Family Christmas Event in gymnasium, 6:00-8:00pm, hosted by St. Mark’s Catholic School Council
December 22nd to January 2nd: Christmas Break
January 5th: Back to School!
Closing Prayer
God of Love,
Your Son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of Your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for His coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal