I hope that you and your family enjoyed a wonderful March break!
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Today’s Gospel describes the reason for our joy: God’s great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us with God and one another. (Loyola Press)
Tomorrow, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and patron saint of Canada.
We pray to St. Joseph:
Gentle and humble Saint Joseph,
You were chosen to be the husband of Mary
and the foster father of Jesus.
Your life was guided by faith
with trust in the Lord and His angels.
Be with us as our spiritual father.
Guard us and protect us wherever we go.
Keep our hearts open to the needs of others
as Yours was, and help us to always obey
the will of God in our lives.
Amen.
Staffing Changes
We say goodbye to Mme. Casinelli, our itinerant FSL teacher, who finishes her long term occasional teaching assignment. We thank her for her contributions to St. Nicholas CES, and wish her well as she continues her teaching journey. We welcome Mme. Fera, who begins her itinerant FSL teaching position at St. Nicholas CES on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023.
World Down Syndrome Day
St. Nicholas CES will be celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. In support of this day, students and staff are invited to wear mismatched socks to promote the celebration of differences. Students will participate in activities that raise awareness of Down Syndrome.
Lenten Food Drive
As we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter Morning, St. Nicholas CES will partner with the Newmarket & Georgina Food Pantry to assist families in need during this season of Lent. We invite families to participate in our Lenten Food Drive during the week of March 27-31.
Food banks and pantries across York Region are continuing to support thousands of families per month. The following food items are greatly needed:
Your generosity during this time of year will ensure that families across Newmarket will be able to celebrate Easter with a sense of hope for the season.
Donations bins will be available in the front foyer during the week of March 27-31 where students can place their donation items.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Confessions
Confessions will take place on Tuesday, March 28th from 8:45-11:15am in the library. We thank St. John Chrysostom Parish for providing our students and staff with the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for Easter.
Parent Presentation
It’s not too late to register for the last of the Triple P: Positive Parenting Program virtual sessions!
Part 3: March 30, 2023: Raising Resilient Children, 6:30-8:30pm
Register using the link: Triple P Parenting Registration
Boys and Girls Intermediate Basketball
Congratulations to our boys and girls intermediate basketball teams who each won their divisional tournaments before the March break! We are proud of their hard work, perseverance and teamwork! We wish both teams the best of luck as they prepare for area finals. GO NORTH STARS!!!
The Cross of Christ Concert
St. John Chrysostom Parish is proud to present The Cross of Christ, an original oratorio based on the seven last words of Christ on the cross. The Cross of Christ is a sacred musical work, written for four operatic voices and orchestra, was entirely composed by Romulo Delgado, one of Canada’s top tenors.
The concert will take place at St. John Chrysostom Parish on Friday, March 31st, 2023 at 7:00pm. Click HERE for more information regarding this event and how to purchase tickets.
York Region Dental Screening
Dental health contributes to general health and well-being. York Regional Public Health dental screening will be conducted on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 by a Registered Dental Hygienist for students in JK, SK, Grades 2, 8, possibly Grades 4, 7, and others as requested by parents/guardians.
Dental screening consists of a quick look in the mouth using a separate, single-use mirror for each child. School screening does not take the place of a regular dental check-up. Your child may be re-screened at a later date to confirm that treatment has been initiated.
Dental screenings will only be performed on children who are not
showing any signs of illness (i.e. cough, runny nose).
Please see the attached letters for more information, including if you do not wish your child to participate in the screening.
Parent Letter YR Dental ScreenAccessing_Your_Child_s_Screening_Results_by_Encrypted_Email
Questions? Please contact the dental program at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74388.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, March 21st:
– World Down Syndrome Day; students and staff are invited to wear mismatched socks
– Grade 8 Graduation Picture Day, 12:20pm
Wednesday, March 22nd:
– Virtual boardwide Lenten mass at 9:30am
Friday, March 24th:
– BRAVE Education class workshops focused on Bullying, Conflict and Relationships, Grades 4-8
Closing Prayer
Throughout the season of Lent, we close with our Lenten prayer.
God of the Journey,
Walk with us this Lent.
Teach us to pray, fast, and give
in ways that bring us closer to you.
Help us to persevere in staying with you
on the journey through Lent to Easter.
Amen.
St. Nicholas, pray for us.
Wishing you a great week!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal