Head of School Update – September 29, 2023

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents!

I hope you all are doing well.  I am writing with the latest Saint Mark updates and pictures (Lots of them!) as we conclude this eventful first quarter and begin the fall break.

GRADES 6-8 ENJOY “THE ROYAL SCHOOL”
The middle school students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s production of The Royal School at Tenney Theater.  Set in the 1840’s, this play provided our students with an entertaining and educational look at a time when Hawaiian leaders Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Queen Lili`uokalani, Queen Emma, and King Kalakaua were together as children at Ke Kula Keiki Ali`i, the Royal School.  The play featured modern staging of historic material with original songs composed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, as well as English/Hawaiian rap and mele.  The students loved it!

TIE-DYEING in the ELC
The PK4 students had a blast tie-dyeing (and then wearing) their shirts. This was part of their unit on clothing and how clothes are made. One of the facts they learned is that the shirts came from the cotton plant.

MUMMIFING ORANGES in GRADE 6 SOCIAL STUDIES
The grade 6 social studies class worked together in small groups to mummify an orange as they learn about Ancient Egyptian culture.  They will check back on the orange in 40 days.

WARRIORS OF THE QUARTER
Congratulations to the three middle school students who received the Warriors of the Quarter Award for the 1st quarter – Javan Whittington (gr 6), Lenix Chen (gr 7) & Ethan Elia (gr 8). Keep up the great work!!

SUCCESSFUL JV VOLLEYBALL SEASON
The girls JV volleyball team completed a perfect undefeated season with their win over Hongwanji Mission school last Thursday.  All 13 girls played well, worked together and showed improvement throughout our short but successful season.  It was a rebuilding year for the boys with only 5 players available for most games, but they showed perseverance and commitment in the face of tough opposition.  The boys’ biggest highlight came with their 2 set sweep of Our Savior near the end of the season. A BIG congratulations goes to all the players (Kenzie Brayce, Mylah ‘Kulia’ Cockett, Chanel Correa, Aubrey Ferrer, Grace Kawamoto, Jeremiah Kawamoto, Kira Keawe, Joseph Kekoa, Kailena Kepaa, Jessa Kona, Channing Kubo, Kaimana McOuat, Milla Poliahu, Isabella Rodrigues, Aukai Rogan, Taylor Sunaoka, Griffin Tano,and Javan-Rod Whittington) along with Athletics Director/Coach, Mr. Markillie and Assistant Coach, Ms. Shiroma for an extremely successful season.

FUN RUN FUNDRAISER a HUGE SUCCESS – MAHALO!
Saint Mark’s Healthy Kid’s Fun Run Fundraiser culminated with the all school fun run where the students ran and walked for nearly 30 minutes.  Like last year, this was the school’s main fundraiser for the year and was an exciting program which promoted fitness and healthy habits.  Thanks to the generous support of our families, Saint Mark raised nearly $60,000.  The Top 3 individual fundraisers were: Kaumaka Lee (grade 1) – $2,050; Jreyven Nomura (grade 2) – $1,330; and Zoe Zalopany (Kindergarten) – $1,300.  Due to their generous support, they have earned a pizza party (which will be happily delivered and served by Mr. Markillie and yours truly) for each of their classes.

Ms. NOTTAGE is GETTING MARRIED
We congratulate and wish a warm aloha to Ms. Nottage who will be getting married over the fall break.  The grade 3 parents and students were excited to surprise Ms. Nottage with decorations, presents and tasty treats in celebration of this most joyous occasion.  Congratulations Ms. Nottage!

STAYING HOME WHEN SICK (Your help is needed and appreciated)
As we head into the Flu season with RSV on the uptick and COVID continuing to circulate in our communities, we want to 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.

PK-8 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
As you should be aware, Saint Mark has scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences for all students (PK to Gr 8) the week we return from fall break.  To allow adequate time for the conferences, the students will have half days on Thursday & Friday.  The pick-up times for Thursday (Oct 19) and Friday (Oct 20) 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
        12:00 to 12:15 p.m. for grades PK

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
First Quarter Ends – Friday, Sept 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
    Open House for Prospective Parents – Thursday, November 16
    Turkey Trot – Tuesday, November 21
    Thanksgiving Break (No School) – Thursday & Friday, November 23 & 24

SAINT MARK on FALL BREAK
Saint Mark Lutheran School is on fall break from October 2 to October 13 with classes resuming for all students on Monday, October 16, 2023.  Please enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxing break, and be sure to call the school office at 247-5589 should you have any questions.  Office hours during the break are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Mahalo, Blessings and Have a Wonderful & Safe Fall Break,

David Gaudi
Head of School