Head of School Update – September 8, 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 move towards the end of the first quarter.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING in MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE 
The middle school students enjoyed some interactive learning while making crystals and investigating buoyancy with Cartesian Divers (grade 6), constructing cell models with all major cell organelles clearly labeled (grade 7), and building molecular models (grade 8).

MAKING FRIENDS & HAVING FUN in EARLY LEARNING CENTER 
Our youngest learners have acclimated well to being in school as they work on their daily routines, cooperation, fine motor skills and what it means to be both a collaborative and independent learner.

EARLY CIVILIZATIONS in GRADE 5
The grade 5 students have been learning about the prominent early civilizations of the Americas. To end the chapter, students are working in groups to research the history, location, food and inventions of one early American civilization, and creating a poster showcasing their expertise.

STUDENT COUNCIL RETURNS
After a multiyear COVID hiatus, our middle school faculty, staff and students are excited to have resumed Saint Mark’s Student Council.  The goal of the student council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills while providing them with a forum to share ideas/interests and plan school service projects/other activities that are mission aligned and promote a healthy & respectful school community.  Congratulations to our newly elected council:  President – Donavon Lacson; Vice President – Yula Breez Atisanoe; Secretary – Ethan Elia; Treasurer: Camryn Pocock; Grade 6 Reps – Kira Keawe & Jeremiah Kawamoto; Grade 7 Reps – Nyla Shae Kurihara & Lenix Chen; Grade 8 Reps – Brooke Adams & Esai Rivera.

JV VOLLEYBALL SEASON GOING WELL
The Saint Mark Warrior JV volleyball season is off to an exciting start as both our boys and girls compete in the Lutheran Schools Sports League.  Our girls are currently undefeated while the boys continue to gain skill and experience.  The grade 4, 5 and 6 students (18 in all) are working well together, improving with every game, and enjoying the camaraderie/team spirit that comes with school athletics.  The season will continue through the end of September. A big mahalo goes to our Athletics Director/Coach Mr. Markillie and Coach Ms. Erin for their work with your young athletes.  Also, as some of you may have experienced, parking can get a bit congested on home game days, so your patience is appreciated.

OVER $2,500 RAISED IN CHAPEL for MAUI
We are excited to have collected over $2,500 in the school chapel on August 30 with 100% of collections going to the Maui Disaster Relief Fund through the CNH District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. A BIG Mahalo to the Saint Mark students and families for their generosity!  We continue to keep the people of Maui in our prayers.

MAKE-UP PICTURE DAY
Fall school picture make up day for all of our students (PK to Gr 8) is scheduled for Thursday, September 21.  This event is intended for those who were either absent on picture day or who would like to retake their original picture.  An email explaining the details will be going home as the date gets nearer.   Please reach out to Mr. Markillie should you have any questions in the meantime.

FOLLOW SAINT MARK ON SOCIAL MEDIA 
Saint Mark works hard to keep its families and friends well-informed and connected to the school’s activities.  In addition to email, newsletters, teacher websites and other alerts, Saint Mark also works to keep its school website and various social media outlets updated with pictures, video clips, articles and other information.  If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to follow us on the following social media sites:
     Instagram
     Threads
     YouTube
     Facebook
     X (previously Twitter)

FUN RUN FUNDRAISER
Saint Mark’s Healthy Kid’s Fun Run Fundraiser culminates next week with the all school fun run on Friday, September 15.  At last count, we are over half way to our goal of $60,000, so we are hoping for a strong final week. Like last year, this is the school’s main fundraiser for the year and is an exciting program which promotes fitness and healthy habits.  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!!

NOW ACCEPTING NEW  APPLICATIONS for 2024-2025
Please spread the word that Saint Mark Lutheran School is currently accepting NEW Pre-K to 8 student applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  Please note that this is only for NEW students – not returning students. Please contact Admissions Coordinator, Mrs. Kacie-Lyn Dela Cruz if you have any questions.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
     Saint Mark’s Fundraiser Fun Run – Friday, September 15
Fall School Pictures Make-ups – Thursday, September 21
     First Quarter Ends – Friday, September 29 (Early Dismissal)
     School Resumes – Monday, October 16
     Parent Teacher Conferences – October 18 – 20
     Early Dismissal – Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20
     Grade 5 & 7 Camp Erdman Trip – October 25 to 27
     Veteran’s Day Observed (No School) – Friday, November 10

Thank you for your time and support and please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Mahalo and Blessings,

David Gaudi
Head of School