Head of School Update – August 4, 2023

Posted August 5th, 2023 by SMLS.

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents!

I hope and pray you all are doing well. I am writing with the latest Saint Mark updates as we conclude our first week.

STUDENTS SETTLING IN NICELY
The first few days of a new school year are typically full of both excitement and trepidation. Students are excited to see familiar faces and begin a new adventure while also being cognizant of all that has changed – teachers, classrooms, curriculum, classmates, etc. Embracing this tension and reassuring the students that their feelings are not only normal but a welcomed component of their journey is an important part of our work as we begin a new school year. I am very happy to share that as this week comes to a close, it’s quite apparent that the students have settled in nicely and have quickly assimilated to the realities and rigors of a full school day. In other words, the year is off to a great start!

NEW PLAYGROUND IS COMPLETE
We are thrilled to announce that our new playground is complete. It is the culmination of a newly two year long process. The students gathered this morning as Pastor Dan said a blessing and we officially opened the playground for student use. While it will primarily be used by students in grades K-2, we are also opening it to grades 3 and 4. Mahalo to Darren Martinez from Inspired Play for partnering with us for this design-build. The students will assuredly enjoy this structure for years to come.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PARENT NIGHTS
Saint Mark is happy to host three back-to-school orientation nights for our parents. These nights offer a great opportunity for you all to visit your child(ren)’s learning spaces, meeting with the faculty & staff, and learn a bit more about the daily activities and expectations that your child(ren) experience. The schedule is as follows:

Back-to-School Orientation (K-5) – Wednesday, Aug 9 at 6:00 pm
Back-to-School Orientation (6-8) – Thursday, Aug 10 at 6:00 pm
Back-to-School Orientation (PK) – Tuesday, Aug 15 at 6:00 pm

K-8 parents should have received an informational email and flyer earlier today regarding the K-5 and 6-8 orientations. An email regarding the PK orientation will be sent to ELC parents towards the end of next week.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Fall school picture day for all of our students (PK to Gr 8) is scheduled for next Friday, August 11. An order form was sent home with the students on Wednesday, and a detailed email with links to the on-line ordering site will be shared early next week. Please reach out to your classroom teacher or Mr. Markillie should you have any questions.

FUN RUN FUNDRAISER
Saint Mark is excited to be once again participating in the all school Healthy Kid’s Fun Run Fundraiser. Like last year, it will be the school’s main fundraiser for the year and is an exciting program which promotes fitness and healthy habits. The kick-off is on Tuesday, August 22 and the run will be on Friday, September 15. Students will be running and walking laps (about 30 minutes) and asking friends, family and co-workers for donations. This is going to be a blast!!

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Back-to-School Orientation (K-5) – Wednesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm
Back-to-School Orientation (6-8) – Thursday, August 10 at 6:00 pm
Fall School Picture Day – Friday, August 11
Teacher Rededication Church Service – Sunday, August 13 at 9:00am
Back-to-School Orientation (PK) – Tuesday, August 15 at 6:00 pm
Statehood Day (No School) – Friday, August 18
Healthy Kids Fun Run Fundraiser Kickoff – Tuesday, August 22

AND FINALLY (A Personal Note)
On a personal note, I’ll be out of the office the next week as my wife and I bring our youngest son, Jacob (Saint Mark class of 2019 & `Iolani class of 2023) to college in California. Jacob began at Saint Mark in 2010 as a kindergartner when I was in my early years as head of school, and in what seems like a blink of an eye he’s off to college. I share this exciting (and somewhat sad) news for a couple reasons: (1) I want you all to know why I am not going to be at next week’s Back-to-School nights. This is the first time in my 17 years at Saint Mark that I’ve missed one of these important parent events, but please rest assured that you all will be in good hands with Mr. Markillie along with the office staff, division heads, teachers and assistants; and (2) I feel the need to remind all parents to hug their babies while they can. As all of you with older children know, they grow up far too fast!