Welcome to February!
February is Black Heritage Month. Throughout this month we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians both past and present. We recognize the courage of those forced to fight for freedom and equality. May their example inspire us to build a community of justice in our school, community, and throughout the world.
God of every people, race and culture,
we rejoice in the wonderful diversity of our human family,
each person made in your own image.
As we observe Black Heritage Month, help us to honour
and learn from the history of Black communities across Canada,
to stand in solidarity with them in their quest for justice and respect,
and to work together toward a future where every person
is cherished, where everyone’s dignity is upheld.
Where racism and discrimination still linger,
change our hearts and show us how to love like you.
We praise you, Father, through Jesus your Son,
in the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
As part of Black Heritage Month, staff will engage students in learning about the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of Black Canadians.
Active School Travel
The snow has fallen, and the winter season is now in full swing! Celebrate the colder months of the year by staying active alongside our school community with Winter Walk Day on February 4th!
Students and their families are encouraged to walk to and from school so dress for the weather, be ready to catch snowflakes, get active and have some fun!
For more information on the benefits of walking to and from school, please see the YCDSB Active School Travel February newsletter.
February AST Communication - Winter Walk Day
Carnaval Week
St. Mark CES is thrilled to be celebrating Carnaval from February 9th to 13th! Please see our calendar with theme days below.
We look forward to our skating and winter play events (weather permitting):
Kindergarten classes:
Winter Play Day on the school playground
Thursday, February 12th, 12:45-1:30 pm
Primary classes (Grades 1-3):
Skating at Stouffville Arena
Friday February 13th, 9:00-10:30am
Junior classes (Grades 4-6):
Skating at Stouffville Arena
Friday, February 13th, 12:30-2:00pm
We thank the Catholic School Council for sponsoring our skate events for primary and junior classes. There will be no cost to families.
In order to participate in our skate events, students must have all of the necessary equipment: well fitted ice skates, a CSA approved hockey helmet, and a pair of winter gloves. Bicycle or ski helmets are not permitted. Please note that students will not be able to purchase food and drinks at the arena.
Please visit www.school-day.com to complete the permission forms for child(ren) in Grades 1-3 and 4-6 who will attend the Skate Day at Stouffville Arena on Friday, February 13th. (As students in Kindergarten will remain on school property, no permission forms required for them.)
Students not participating in these events will remain at school and be supervised by staff.
We thank parent volunteers for their willingness to supervise and assist students at our events.
We look forward to these fun-filled events. Vive le Carnaval!
Morning and After School Routines
A BIG thank you to all parents, guardians and caregivers for remaining committed to our morning drop off routines! Your efforts to park in the church parking lot and walk your child(ren) to the FDK pen or school yard are greatly appreciated!
We are in need of your help for after school pick up!
Parents and guardians, please be reminded that there is no parking in the loop after school. You are invited to park in the church parking lot and walk to pick up your child(ren). Please also remind any caregiver(s) who are picking up your child(ren).
Let’s keep the loop moving! Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
Dressing for the Weather
With the frigid temperatures, don’t forget to send students to school with hats, waterproof ski gloves, boots and snow pants, as these will keep children warm and dry during recesses. A reminder to please send extra clothes to school for child(ren) in the event that clothing becomes wet. Thank you!
Anti-Bullying Presentations
We continue to support students in developing their understanding of bullying and prevention, including creating a culture of kindness, understanding conflict vs bullying, strategies to respond to bullying, and building positive peer relationships. In addition to students engaging in meaningful classroom learning opportunities, we are pleased to share a special event focused on anti-bullying.
On Friday, February 27th, we welcome Coby the Magician who will present two shows for our students:
Kindergarten to Grade 3: Sharing & Caring / Verbal & Physical Bullying
Grades 4-6: Verbal, Physical & Cyber Bullying
Students will learn:
– How to identify bullying vs. normal conflict
– Practical coping and self-regulation strategies
– Digital citizenship and cyber-bullying prevention (Grades 4-6 only)
– Moving from bystander to up-stander
– Building empathy, inclusivity, and positive school climate
Through the Magic of Coby, we look forward to students learning more about anti-bullying and creating a culture of kindness!
We thank our Catholic School Council for sponsoring these presentations for our students.
Catholic School Council (CSC) Fundraiser
St. Mark CSC is pleased to announce their BIG Box of Cards Fundraiser! This fundraiser will be open for orders beginning on Monday, February 2nd to Monday, February 16th! Please look for a separate email with more information on this fundraiser, including prizes and how to place orders via School Day!
We thank our CSC for organizing this fundraiser for our school!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Monday, February 2nd:
– Grade 4 (Musa), Scientist in the School, 12:15-2:15pm
– BIG Box of Cards Fundraiser begins!
Tuesday, February 3rd:
– Theatricks Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #5
Thursday, February 5th:
– Mass at St. Mark Parish, 10:00am; all families are welcome to attend
Friday, February 6th:
– Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Wisdom, 1:45-2:25pm
Upcoming Activities and Events
February 9th-13th: Carnaval Week!
February 10th: Theatricks Drama Program, Grades 1-3 classes, Session #6
February 10th: Term 1 Report Cards available at 4:00pm via Parent Portal
February 11th: Bal D’Hiver / Winter Dance; students and staff only
February 12th: Grade 4 (Skeats) Scientist in the School, 12:15-2:15pm
February 12th: Kindergarten Winter Play Day on school playground (weather permitting), 12:45-1:30pm
February 13th: Skate Day at Stouffville Arena (weather permitting)
– Primary classes (Grades 1-3), 9:00-10:30am
– Junior classes (Grades 4-6), 12:30-2:00pm
February 16th: Family Day (no school)
February 17th: Praying the Rosary with the Rosary Apostolate
February 17th: Shrove Tuesday
February 18th: Ash Wednesday Service at St. Mark Parish, 10:10am; all families are welcome to attend
February 19th:
– HERO program, facilitated by St. Mark Parish Youth Minister
> Grade 5 (Bufalini), 12:10-12:50pm
> Grade 6 (McGinnes), 12:50-1:30pm
> Grade 6 (Rastoaca), 1:45-2:25pm
February 20th: Grade 6 (De Acetis) STREAM Centre Visit at All Saints CES, all day
February 25th: PINK Shirt Day
February 27th: Coby Anti-Bullying Magic Shows
Closing Prayer
In February, we celebrate the virtue of wisdom, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Let us close with the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a terrific week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal