STRATFORD—Christmas came early this year at St. Mark School, as the elementary school hosted its traditional Breakfast with Santa. Throughout the morning, over 200 people attended the annual holiday event that was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students and families from St. Mark School and parish gathered Sunday morning for breakfast and activities with Santa Claus and his elves.
The school gymnasium was transformed into The Polar Express. Kids were able to visit Santa Claus and take photographs with him before he boarded the train to the North Pole.
Breakfast was hosted and coordinated by Stratford’s Paradise Pizza Owner and St. Mark Parent, Andy Tsichlas. Under Andy’s leadership, members of the school community as well as Andy’s family made and served waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage links and other breakfast items.
The event also featured Christmas arts and crafts, cookie bake sale and themed basket raffles. Upper grade students and recent alumni helped with set up and clean up.
“The breakfast spoke volumes to the power of Christmas spirit and coming together,” shared St. Mark Parent and Event Chair Michele Rouse. “Many of us yearn for togetherness after being impacted by the pandemic.”
“Breakfast with Santa is a magical time for our students and their families,” commented St. Mark Principal Melissa Warner. “Our school is especially blessed with wonderful families that dedicate so much of their time and talents into organizing events that the students happily await each year. Each year’s event seems to outdo the last!” Warner added.
St. Mark School is a 2009 Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. This year, St. Mark School welcomed 88 new students and continues to attract families looking for an exceptional in-person education.
(For more information, visit www.stmarkschool.org or email contactus@stmarkschool.org.)
