Head of School Update – November 17, 2023

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents!

I hope and pray you all are doing well. I am writing with the latest Saint Mark updates and pictures as we head into Thanksgiving week.

ELC READING TIME in LIBRARY
Ms. Janine’s PK 3/4 and Ms. Erin’s PK 4 ELC students thoroughly enjoyed their monthly visit to the K-8 library where Ms. Manu read them some exciting Thanksgiving themed books.

GRADES 5 & 7 go to CAMP
The grade 5 and grade 7 classes recently enjoyed three days and two nights at YMCA Camp Erdman. The students participated in a variety of outdoor activities, teamwork challenges, and learned more about Hawaii’s unique ecosystem.  Mahalo to Mrs. Selph, Mrs. McMillian, Mrs. Schroppel along with parent chaperons Elena Bryant, Parker Bode, Reid Honda and Braxton Hardy for attending this exciting and exhausting event.

GRADES 6-8 visit HE’EIA STATE PARK
The middle school classes embarked on an enriching trip to He’eia State Park which was facilitated by Kama’aina Kids. They were immersed in the cultural tapestry of Kāne’ohe’s ahupua’a as they learned na mo’olelo or deeply rooted stories that help shape the land. The students also engaged in traditional Makahiki games like kōnane and ‘ulu maika as well as learned the ancient art of weaving lauhala. Overall, the students had a fun and immersive experience learning about Hawaiian traditions and heritage.

VARSITY  VOLLEYBALL SEASON
The Warriors varsity volleyball teams are just over half way through the season.  The boys continue to lead the league with a 6-1 record and the girls have remained competitive in spite of their 2-5 record. Both teams are looking to finish the season strong and enjoy a good run through the playoffs. Please join me in wishing them well and we mahalo Athletics Director/Coach, Mr. Markillie and Coach, Ms. Shiroma for their commitment to our student athletes.

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE
Last night’s Open House House for Prospective Parents was a resounding success.  A big mahalo goes to all of our families for helping promote this event and to our three student speakers Walker Poliahu (gr 4), Mary Poliahu (gr 8) and Kayla Reis (gr 7) and parent speaker Mehana Maka`ina`i.  For those of you who have friends or family interested in Saint Mark, please spread the word that New Student Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are due to the school office by January 15 for priority consideration. For information on how to apply, please call Mrs. Kacie-Lyn dela Cruz at 247-5589 or visit the Admissions Page of the Saint Mark school website.  Thank you for your continued support!

TURKEY TROT & CANNED FOOD DRIVE
The Saint Mark PK-8 classes will be participating in The 12th Annual Turkey Trot on Tuesday, November 21.  As in years past, the children will trot/walk/run around a designated campus course as they enjoy some fun exercise with their classmates.

This fun activity doesn’t just promote physical fitness, but also works toward building a sense of community in our school.  We want to challenge our students to be aware of the less fortunate this holiday season.  Therefore, we are requesting that each student bring in one or more canned item(s) to donate to the Saint Mark Church Food Bank.

All canned meat, fruits, vegetables and non-perishable items should be taken to their classroom teacher by Wednesday, November 22 whereupon we will present them in that morning’s Chapel service.  Please contact your classroom teacher or Mr. Markillie should you have any questions.

2023 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS RAPIDLY APPROACHING
The students and Mrs. Hutchens are working hard to prepare for the three upcoming Christmas Concerts.  Please mark your calendars.

STAYING HOME WHEN SICK (Your help is needed and appreciated)
As we move into the busy holiday season with Flu, RSV, COVID (and other bugs) in our communities, we want to again thank you for your vigilance and continue to emphasize how important it is that families monitor their children for any signs of illness and keep them home if they show any symptoms.  Symptoms of illness include but are not limited to Cough, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Fatigue, Sore Throat, Body Aches, Headache, Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing, Decreased Sense of Smell and/or Taste, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, and Chills/Sweats or Fever of 100.4° F (or higher) in the past 24 hours.  Any student arriving to school with COVID/FLU-like symptoms (or developing symptoms while at school) will be removed from the classroom and parents will be called to pick them up from school.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
   Turkey Trot – Tuesday, November 21
    Thanksgiving Break (No School) – Thursday & Friday, November 23 & 24
ELC Christmas Program – Friday, December 8 at 6:00pm
K-4 Music Christmas Concert – Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00pm
5-8 Music and Band Christmas Concert – Thursday, December 14 at 6:00pm
2nd Quarter Ends – Wednesday, December 20 (Early Dismissal – No Aftercare)
School Resumes – Thursday, January 4

HAPPY THANKSGIVING  (No School Thursday & Friday)
As we prepare to pause for the Thanksgiving Break, the faculty & staff of Saint Mark would like to thank our families for their trust and support and wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break! There is no school on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.  Classes will resume on Monday, November 27.

Mahalo, Blessings and Have a Wonderful & Safe Thanksgiving,

David Gaudi
Head of School