The Library Turns 10

The Tony Stopher Library and Information Centre at St Mark's Anglican Community School marked its 10th anniversary with celebrations on Friday, September 15th. The event brought together staff, special guests, and the Library's namesake, Mr Tony Stopher. Mr Stopher served as the School's second Principal from 2002 until 2012. This library stands as the heart of the School and is a valuable resource for both students and teachers. It plays a pivotal role in supporting the school's growth and ensuring the best educational experience for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In recognition of Mr Stopher's unwavering commitment to the project and his dedicated 25 years of service to the School, spanning from 2002 to 2012, the Council proudly named the library complex "The Tony Stopher Library and Information Centre."

Between 2011 and its official opening in 2013, the secondary library operated as a "boutique library," occupying two adjoining classrooms in the Cottesloe building, while much of its collection remained in storage. The current location of the K-12 library now occupies the spot where the original library building once stood, which was completely demolished for the rebuild.

The origins of the original library, serving PP-3 and Year 8 students, date back to 1986 when we first opened our doors. It was initially overseen by the teacher-librarian, Mrs Heather Haskett, followed by Mrs Jill Midolo and Mrs Teresa Gastevich, who made remarkable contributions to the establishment and development of our school library.

The library is not merely a physical space; it adds immeasurable value to the staff and students of St Mark's. It serves as a hub for gathering, study, research, resource borrowing, reading, and a secure haven that remains accessible throughout the day.

Happy 10^th Anniversary to our Tony Stopher Library and Information Centre!

Here are some quirky bits of School history from 2013, when we opened The Tony Stopher Library and Information Centre. Remember when ...

• The Principal was Mr Cameron Herbert.
• The first Singapore Volleyball Tour occurred.
• The Library foyer housed IT, the Careers office and two meeting rooms.
• Planning was underway for a new building to replace the old “A Block”. That building is now the SAC.
• There were three Deans of Learning: Tim Manea (Dean of Curriculum), Lorna Beegan (Dean of Co-curricular & Future Learning) and Trish Harris (Dean of Teaching & Learning)
• Frances Jones and Callan Innes were the Head Prefects
• Year 12 student Hayley Miller was the Captain of the Fremantle Dockers.
• Ms Carissa Tucker commenced in the Health & Phys Ed Dept and brought dance to St Mark’s.
• The Head of Primary School was Mr Tony Pullella.
• Mr Adrian Pree was Head of Phys Ed (now the Principal of St James' Anglican Community School).
• Mrs Paula McGibbon oversaw the Academic Extension program called PRIDE.
• Year 7s had their home base in the Floreat building.
• Year 6s were not in Middle School.
• There were no Heads of Year, but we had Heads of Houses in both Middle School and Senior School.
• The Chair of Council was Mr Alan Cadby.