Head of School Update – December 20, 2023

Aloha Saint Mark Parents,

I hope and pray you all are doing well.  As we head into the Christmas break, I’m writing with the latest updates, reminders and pictures.

EVENTFUL 2nd QUARTER
From exciting science labs and the exhilarating Turkey Trot to weekly chapels, outdoor activities, Christmas concerts and Advent celebrations, the last month of the 2nd quarter has been a fun and educational time full of edifying activities and personal interactions.

SUCCESSFUL VARSITY VOLLEYBALL SEASON
The Saint Mark varsity volleyball season recently ended in bittersweet fashion. The girls entered the tournament as the #6 seed and ended up winning 4th place after nearly upsetting Trinity Lutheran in their final match. The boys entered as the #2 seed and ended up with 2nd place after a tough loss in the championship game. Both teams had successful seasons steadily progressing and playing some excellent volleyball along the way.  A BIG congratulations and mahalo goes to all the players (Brooke Adams, Sequoia Anshutz, Yula Atisano’e, Kayla DeFries, Hailey Ferrer, Isabella Fry, Huli Gibson, Aila Kawamoto, Mia Mackenzie, Theya-Marie Makainai-Kon, Kara Makue, Kale’a Nakamura, Camryn Pocock, Kayla Reis, Kouta Asato, Fynn Blanco, Ke’oli Bowman, Ethan Elia, Brock Faufata, Kekoa Hanapi-Awana, Gabe Hartenstein, Titus Ornellas, Esaiah Rivera and Mana Tamashiro) along with Athletics Director/Coach, Mr. Markillie and Coach, Mrs. Erin for a fun and successful season.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VOLLEYBALL (Most Valuable & Most Improved Players)
A warm aloha and congratulations goes to the Varsity Volleyball season’s two Most Valuable Players – Ke’oli Bowman and Yula Atisano’e and two Most Improved Players – Kekoa Hanapi-Awana and Hailey Ferrer.  These students were chosen by their coaches and teammates.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONCERTS 
Saint Mark students treated their families and friends to three delightful Christmas music concerts.  A HUGE mahalo goes to Mrs. Hutchens, the faculty/staff and students for their work and commitment to these wonderful events.  If you missed any of the concerts or just want to check them out again, the full concerts are available on the Saint Mark’s Facebook page and highlights are on the Instagram page.

K-8 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES in JANUARY
Saint Mark has scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences for K-8 students the second week of January.  To allow adequate time for the conferences, the K-8 students will have half day on Friday, January 12.  ELC students are a normal day.
The K-8 pick-up times for Friday, January 12 are as follows:
        11:15 to 11:30 a.m. for grades K-2
        11:30 to 11:45 a.m. for grades 3-5
        11:45 to 12:00 p.m. for grades 6-8

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
    Second Quarter Ends – Wednesday, December 20 (Early Dismissal)
    Winter Break (No School) – December 21 to January 3
    School Resumes – Thursday, January 4
    Parent Teacher Conferences – January 10 – 12
    K-8 Early Dismissal – Friday, January 12
    Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School) – Monday, January 15
    Saint Mark’s H.E.R.O. (Safe Kid’s) Week  – January 22 – 26
    Staff Professional Development Days (No School) – Thursday & Friday, February 1 & 2

SAINT MARK on WINTER BREAK
Saint Mark Lutheran School is on winter break from December 21 to January 3 with classes resuming for all students on Thursday, January 4, 2024.  Please enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxing break. The office will be open certain days during the break from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Please call the office first at 247-5589 if you plan to stop by the school.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & MAHALO
As we bid farewell to 2023, the faculty, staff and administration of Saint Mark profoundly thank our families for their support and overall commitment and pray that every one of you are able to slow down this Christmas season long enough to relax and enjoy the full splendor of our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau`oli Makahiki hou!

Mahalo, Blessings and Stay Safe over the break,

David Gaudi
Head of School

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)