Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also called Good Shepherd Sunday.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus describes his relationship with his followers as similar to the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep. Just as a good shepherd takes risks to protect and care for his sheep, Jesus gave up his life for us. This Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus loves, knows and cares deeply for each one of us.
God Our Creator, in good times
may we live in such a way that we will be strengthened
for the difficult times that all of us face in our lives.
Lead us now to make positive choices that show respect
and kindness to one another, treasuring all that is lasting and important.
May we grow in faith that whatever our circumstances,
we need have no regrets but may entrust
our past to Your mercy,
our present to Your love,
and our future to Your care. Amen.
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week takes place May 4th to 8th.
This year’s theme is, “Catholic Education: Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.”, and was inspired by a number of considerations, including:
– the ongoing opportunity to serve the common good and recommit ourselves to prayer, service, and evangelization;
– embracing the journey toward holiness and peace;
– living as pilgrims on a journey of faith, toward a hope grounded in the unshakeable love of the Risen Jesus
– becoming, more and more, the people God created us to be.
During this week, students will participate in a variety of classroom, as well as school-based activities with Virtue Buddies, to learn more about and live as Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.
Kindergarten Registration
Don’t forget, the 2026-2027 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board is open! We invite you to share this information with friends and family who have children of Kindergarten age in our St. Mark CES community.
Parents and guardians are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Yearbook
Today is the last day to purchase our 2025-2026 yearbook! See ordering information below.
Shake for Sharelife
Thank you to all families who sponsored their children a toonie for our Shake for ShareLife dance! All monies raised will be donated directly to ShareLife, the official charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Toronto, which supports more than 40 Catholic agencies and grant recipients serving the poor and marginalized in the Archdiocese of Toronto and beyond.
We are pleased to inform you that we raised $401.00! Students earned a pyjama day which will take place on Friday, May 15th!
Thank you for your generosity and supporting ShareLife!
Supporting Animals in Need
This is the last week to donate soft, gently used towels and blankets for the Stouffville Veterinary Clinic.
Thank you for your support!
Catholic School Council (CSC) – Hot Lunch Program
Don’t forget to place your order for Booster Juice, via School-Day by April 27, 2026! The deadline for ordering is FINAL. NO exceptions will be made.
Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders.
Thank you for supporting our hot lunch program!
Catholic School Council (CSC) – Krispy Kreme and Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser
Don’t forget, our popular Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Kernels popcorn fundraiser is back for another year! Just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend!
Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders for family, friends and neighbours by Monday May 4th at 11:59pm. There will be no exceptions.
Remember, there will be prizes! The top-selling class in the school will receive a cookie party and the top selling student in each division will be Principal for the Day! For any ties, the winner per division will be determined based on the first order received.
Pick up of orders from the school will be on Wednesday, May 13th between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.
Thank you for supporting our Krispy Kreme and Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser!
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Wednesday, April 29th:
– Grade 4 PIRLS Testing
– TerraCotta Butterfly Cookie Delivery for orders placed; last snack
Thursday, April 30th:
– School-Level Oral Communications Competition, 8:45am; parents/guardians and extended family members are welcome to attend
Friday, May 1st:
– FDK (Mariano/Petrucci) In-School Mad Science Presentation
– Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Responsibility
Upcoming Activities and Events
May 4th-8th: Catholic Education Week
May 4th: Catholic Education Week Virtual Liturgy, FDK to Grade 6 classes
May 4th: Junior Boys Basketball Tournament at École Catholique Pape-François
May 4th: Krispy Kreme and Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser; last day to place orders via www.school-day.com
May 5th: Junior Girls Basketball Tournament at Blessed Chiara Badano CES
May 5th: Area Finals Oral Communications Competition, Our Lady of the Annunciation CES
May 5th: Virtue Buddies (Group 1): Faith Play Day
May 6th: Catholic Education Week 2026 Province-Wide Virtual Mass
May 7th: Virtue Buddies (Group 2): Faith Play Day
May 13th: FDK (Couperthwaite/Ferrara, Roszell/Lucci) In-School Mad Science Presentations
May 13th: Junior Track Day at Stouffville Arena; students and staff only
May 13th: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Kernels Popcorn Fundraiser orders pick up
May 14th: CSC Meeting in Library, 6:30pm
May 18th: Victoria Day (no school)
Closing Prayer
Let us close by praying:
Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal