St. Mark School E-Newsletter

St. Mark School

A 2009 National Blue Ribbon

School of Excellence

St. Mark School is a Christ-centered learning environment that teaches Gospel values and fosters academic excellence. Aware of the dignity and uniqueness of all students, we are committed to the spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and physical development of each child.

April 29, 2022

Dear St. Mark Families,

Last week we heard that Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples in a locked room, probably in Jerusalem. In this Sunday's Gospel, the disciples are no longer in Jerusalem; they are in Galilee, returning to their work of fishing.

Jesus calls to them from the shore, but the disciples do not recognize him immediately. Still, they follow the stranger's instructions and bring in a large haul of fish. It is at this point that one of the disciples realizes that Jesus is appearing to them. The disciples bring to shore a tremendous catch of fish, but once on the shore, they see that Jesus has already prepared fish and bread on a charcoal fire. Jesus directs the disciples to bring their catch of fish as well. Jesus is host at the meal that follows, feeding the disciples the bread and fish.

There are allusions in this Sunday's Gospel to our gathering for the celebration of the Mass. In the Eucharist, we too are fed by Jesus in the bread and wine that have become his very Body and Blood. We also find in this story insight about the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass. The gifts we bring to the altar, bread and wine, are made from gifts that God gave first to us: grain and grapes, the fruit of the earth. God has no need of anything further. Yet God accepts the offering we bring—bread and wine, “the work of human hands”—and transforms our offering into the gift of his very presence.

After the meal, Jesus directs himself to Simon Peter. The dialogue with Simon Peter is a reversal of Peter's three denials. Peter is forgiven. Having been restored to friendship with Jesus, Simon Peter is sent on a mission. “Feed my lambs . . . Tend my sheep . . . Feed my sheep.” These commands indicate that Peter is to be as Jesus, even unto sacrificing for the flock. As Jesus has fed Peter in this meal and as Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist, so he also sends us to follow him, asking that we offer our lives in service and sacrifice. © Loyola Press Sunday Connection

I wish you all continued good health God's blessings.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Warner

Please do not reply to this email. If you ever have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

From the Nurse's Office

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has advised school systems throughout the state that COVID-19 transmission rates have been steadily increasing and that we should expect to see more cases of COVID-19 affecting students and staff in our schools in the coming weeks due to recent holiday gatherings and travel associated with school break weeks.

In addition to the measures St. Mark School already has in place in our schools to help reduce COVID-19 risks, during this time of increased community transmission we are also asking our staff, students, and families to help us reduce the potential COVID-19 risks in our school even further over the next several weeks by:

Staying home if you feel unwell and especially if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be caused by COVID-19, including:

Fever or chills
New loss of taste or smell
Cough
Sore throat
Difficulty breathing
Congestion or runny nose
Fatigue/tiredness
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Diarrhea
Headache

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 if you have not done so already and getting a booster vaccine dose if you are eligible. For COVID-19 vaccine information and scheduling visit https://portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal.

Testing for COVID-19 either using an at-home test kit or at a pharmacy or other testing site if you:

feel unwell or have any symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19; or
have had an exposure to someone suspected of having COVID-19; or
have recently traveled out of state using public transportation (e.g., air, train, bus); or
have attended any large group events (e.g., concerts, weddings or similar events, etc.)

Contacting the school nurse and following isolation guidance if you test positive for COVID-19, including remaining away from school activities for at least 5 days and wearing a mask when returning for an additional 5 days.

Following quarantine guidance as appropriate for your vaccination status if you have a close contact with someone with COVID-19 either inside or outside of your household.

Wear a mask when you are around other people especially if:

you are not feeling well;
are advised to do so based on isolation or quarantine recommendations;
you are at-risk for severe COVID-19 complications; or
you feel more comfortable wearing a mask at this time.

Music Teacher Candidates

St. Mark School is looking for a qualified music teacher for Preschool-Grade 8. If you know someone who may be interested in a part-time position, please ask them to email their resume to mwarner@stmarkschool.org.

Save the Date

May Crowning of the Blessed Mother will be presented by Grades 2 & 8 on Wednesday, May 11th at 9am in our church. All parents are welcome to attend.

Spring Uniform

Please review the spring uniform dress code below for Grades K-8. Please note that students have the option during this time to wear their winter uniforms (long pants, jumpers, plaid skirts, and plaid skorts).

Dress code violation slips have been handed out. If your child has received a violation slip and you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher. Violation slips will be required to be signed by a parent and returned to school. Repeated violations could result in disciplinary action.

K-8 Boys

Pants or Shorts

Navy blue walking shorts or navy blue pants (elastic waistband pants or shorts suggested for Kindergarten)
Black or brown belt (Kindergarten boys do not need a belt)
No shorts with flaps, snaps, or cargo pockets
Excessively loose or baggy pants are NOT permitted

Shirts

White, short sleeve polo shirt with the school logo
Grade 8 students have the option of wearing pastel blue, yellow or pink polo shirts with the school logo.

Shoes/Socks

Regular school shoes (Sperry, Merrills, black or brown dress shoes)
NO sneakers or Ugg Moccasins
White or navy blue socks (covering the ankle)
Low white socks are not permitted

K-8 Girls

Pants or Shorts

Pants, Shorts, Skorts
Navy blue walking shorts or Navy blue skort (elastic waistband pants or shorts suggested for Kindergarten)
A black or brown belt (Kindergarten students do NOT need a belt)
No shorts with flaps, snaps, or cargo pockets
Excessively short or tight shorts/skort are not permitted for girls

Shirts

White, short sleeve polo shirt with the school logo
Grade 8 students have the option of wearing pastel blue, yellow or pink polo shirts with the school logo.

Shoes/Socks

Regular school shoes (Sperry, Merrills, black or navy Mary Jane dress shoes)
NO sneakers or Ugg Moccasins
White or navy blue socks (covering the ankle)
Low white socks are not permitted

K-8 Boys & Girls PE Uniform

PE uniform for boys and girls remains unchanged from the winter. However; navy blue athletic shorts with the school logo is added as an additional option for spring uniform.

If you have questions about the uniform policy, please email Mrs. Mannino cmannino@stmarkschool.org.

Blake's School Uniform Company Sale

Blake's School Uniform Company is offering early bird specials on uniform sales for the 2022-2023 school year. Click here for pricing information and click here to download early bird coupon. For store information visit www.blakesschooluniform.com

End of Year Dates

With the approval of the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools, Office of the Superintendent for Schools, the last day of the 2021-2022 school year for Grades Kindergarten through 7 will be Friday, June 17th, 2022.

Early Dismissal Days in June

Thursday, June 16th, 11:25 Dismissal

Friday, June 17th, 11:25 Dismissal

Little Lions Preschool Program (PK3 & PK4)

The last day of Little Lions Preschool (PK3 & PK4) Program will be Thursday, June 16th, 2022. Please note that the day is an early dismissal at 11:25am and there is no After School Program. We will celebrate our PK4 students moving up to Kindergarten with a Graduation Celebration on the last day of the program, Thursday, June 16th.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Graduation will be celebrated on Friday, June 17th. Please note that the day is an early dismissal at 11:25am.

After School Program

The last day of St. Mark School's After School Program will be on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 for all grades, PK3-8.

Class of 2023

Notre Dame High School, Fairfield is offering a practice entrance exam for current Grade 7 students on Saturday, May 1st at 8:30am. The pre-HSPT is a seventh grade edition of the HSPT. Students will still need to take the exam again in the fall. Click here for more information from ND, Fairfield.

Models In Christ

Models in Christ is a social and emotional learning program that is based on the Catholic Theological Virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Students in grades K through 8 are recognized for demonstrating the character trait that is highlighted each month such as respect, kindness, citizenship, perseverance, and trustworthiness.

The goal of our program is to teach students the value of strong moral character and to recognize the positive impact of their actions. Our faculty and staff would like to recognize students who embody the ideals of St. Mark School through actions and attitude; those students who go above and beyond inside the classroom and school community to show they are models of Christ.

The following students were recognized by having their name announced and presented with an award and commemorative gold cross pin in the month of April.

Parish News

St. Mark Parish Ladies Guild’s annual May Crowning

St. Mark Ladies Guild’s annual May Crowning will be in church on Monday, May 9 at 7:00 pm. A scriptural rosary will be said followed by the crowning of our Blessed Mother by Guild officers. Refreshments will be served after the service in the Upper Room. This is not a ladies only event. Everyone is welcome.

Pray the Rosary

Please join the Knights of Columbus as they pray the rosary for the entire month of May in honor of our Blessed Mother. Dates/times are in the bulletin starting this weekend.

Are You in Need of Food?

Anyone in, or out, of the Parish, who needs food assistance, should contact Deacon Paul at pkurmay45@optimum.net or call him at 203-378-8025. You may also leave a message at the rectory office 203-377-0444. Discretion and confidentiality are a priority. Please don’t be nervous to reach out to us.

For Parish information, visit: https://www.saintmarkchurchstratford.org/

For important information and updates visit the

Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools website

Please visit our school website regularly at www.stmarkschool.org. Important school updates including copies of notices, newsletters, HSA links, and school calendars can all be accessed on the website.

Visit our social media pages for updates on our school community.

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