The Lion's Roar - 10 February 2021

St Mark's teachers are not only great at the job, but many are also professionals in their own right in their speciality areas. That means that students have access to the skills and experiences of people who are leaders in their field. In today's St Mark's Stars section, we feature some of those staff members who have been recognised for their talents outside of the St Mark's community.

On Stage at the Fringe Festival

Our very own Music Teacher, Miss Leah Guelfi, started the Fringe Festival off with a BANG, performing in a trio of fantastic singers for the 2021 Festival in a show called 'Let's Misbehave!' with Opera Divas. All three members of Opera Divas went home to where it all began, at WAAPA studying classical voice. The show included a pastiche of jazz standards and other favourites and was a sold out hit as well as an award winner! She also performed to a sold out crowd at the Ellington Jazz Club with the Perth Cabaret Collective in 'Brassy Broads 2.0'.

Public Art Success

Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, recently announced that Visual Arts Teacher and renowned Mural Artist, Ms Kerise Delcoure, has been chosen by the public to have her mural as the new artwork at the Cockburn Train Station. Her work replaces the infamous Cockburn Train Station 'Faces'.

"I'm beyond excited to learn that my artworks will soon be installed on the Public Transport Authority's Cockburn Station Tower,' said Ms Delcoure.

She explained that the designs feature Western Australia's endangered Carnaby's Cockatoos, a reminder to celebrate, protect, and nurture the fragile world of nature around us. Ms Delcoure thanked BirdLife Photographers, Philip Karstadt, Jim Schultz, and Rodney Appleby for graciously allowing her to use their beautiful photographs as reference for the project.

Kerise painted the seagull mural outside St Mark's Busselton Building, and has also previously been commissioned to paint a 27sqm mural at the Carine Open Space, along with brightening Sorrento Park with her design for ping pong tables, and recently also created a playful artwork featuring a pack of local pooches at Scarborough's Abbott Park dog park, amongst many more wonderful projects!

The Boy from Oz

St Mark's has been a core part of the fantastic production of 'The Boy from Oz', currently showing at Crown. But you might be hard pressed to find 'us' on stage... The industry connections of another of our Music Specialists, Mrs Kristy Raymond, has lead to St Mark's featuring in the program, and in much of the music that is such an intrinsic part of the show.

It came about after the producers of 'The Boy from Oz' were unhappy with the quality of the musical instruments available to performers in the show. After having worked with Mrs Raymond in a different production at His Majesty's Theatre, one of the producers reached out to her, and asked if the School had any musical instruments and equipment of a suitable standard. Mrs Raymond was quick to confirm that we did, and it wasn't long before St Mark's was on stage - albeit in a less obvious (but very important) role! This interesting opportunity was due to of the excellent industry connections Mrs Raymond has, and is also confirmation that not only do our students have access to leading industry professionals, but also have access to quality resources and equipment.

Digital Technology Whiz

We are delighted to share the news that Old Scholar and current Digital Technologies teacher, Mrs Michelle Chomiak, has been granted a Commonwealth Support Place towards completing her studies for her MEd (DigiTech). Her studies are going well, achieving High Distinctions in her both her units so far. Mrs Chomiak credits the Head of Digital Technologies, Mr Rob Blair, and her family, as contributing towards her success.

Mrs Chomiak has also recently taken on a position with the National ICT Educators Committee at the Australian Computing Society, which is part of their Professional Advisory Board. Among her other achievements are:

• Awarded ECAWA’s Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year 2018
• Presented at 2019 National FutureSchools Conference in Melbourne
• Attended 10-day National Computer Science School - Summer School in 2019 & 2020
• 3 years Primary teaching experience as a DT specialist (PP-Y6), and 2 years teaching Secondary DT
• 15+ years experience in the IT industry as a programmer and IT project manager, in Perth and London.

We are keen to acknowledge our students' (and past students) successes in and out of school, so if your child has had time in the limelight, let us know. It could be a story on achieving their black belt in karate, being a part of a winning community sports team, selection to a State or National Team, or any other significant event, we want to hear about it. Submit your news to newsletters@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Pitch Slapped

For the second year in a row, the St Mark’s quartet, Good4Tunes, were invited to perform at 'Pitch Slapped', an a cappella singing competition held as part of the Perth Fringe Festival. Selling out every year, the fast-paced show was an exciting display of vocal virtuosity and smooth moves. Newly graduated Old Scholars, Lauren Marsh and Mikayla Ramsay, together with Aaliyah Butler (Year 12) and Philippa Kapp (Year 9), sang a medley of hit songs from Pitch Perfect, Adele, Snow Patrol and Michael Buble, arranged by our Director of Music, Mrs Pamela Grubb.

Special mention must go to former St Mark’s quartet, DangerTones, who placed second and featured Old Scholars, Josh Hollander, Lauren Marsh and Caitlin Dunlop. Josh completed his Certificate III in Music Industry at St Mark’s before deciding to pursue a career in music, and now arranges and writes all of DangerTones’ music.

Old Scholar News

Guided by Media Teacher, Mr Blair Limpitlaw, Old Scholar Tayla Burton (Class of 2020), submitted her Media Arts ATAR documentary for a number of film festivals and awards. The documentary, which featured the story of fellow Old Scholar, Nikau Davidson's (also from the Class of 2020), transition. The documentary received an A grade, and has been selected for Perspectives, and will also be screened at the Geelong Pride Festival. Congratulations to Tayla Burton on this huge achievement.

Primary Music Ensembles 2021

SINGERS

Years 2-3: Come and join Crescendo Kids Choir – no experience or audition necessary. Sign up here. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays 7.45am in PAC 6.

Years 4-5: Come and join Take Note Choir – no experience or audition necessary. Sign up here. Rehearsals
Fridays 7.45am in the Chapel.

Years 3-5: The Viva Ritmo Voices is a new auditioned choir who will rehearse on Wednesday mornings at 7.45am in PAC 6. Please click here to book your audition time. If you have questions, please email Mrs Raymond.

All choirs start in Week 4.

ALL VIOLIN, VIOLA & CELLO PLAYERS

We have two string ensembles in the Primary School. If you have been learning for six months to approximately two years, then Primo Strings is the place for you. Primo Strings rehearse on Wednesdays at 7.45am.

If you have been learning for two or more years, then you can join Sforzando Strings. Sforzando Strings rehearse on Tuesdays at 7.30am.

If in doubt, please email Mrs Malinowski to check which group to join. Rehearsals start in Week 3.

WOODWIND AND BRASS PLAYERS

If you are learning a woodwind or brass instrument in Primary School in Years 2-5 and would like to join the Beginner Band, please email Miss Guelfi about joining rehearsals. You do not have to be part of the Year 5 Band Program to join the ensemble. Rehearsals are on Mondays 7.45am in PAC 8

GUITARISTS

Click here to email Mr Ralph about joining Junior Classical Guitar Ensemble. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 3.20 – 4.10pm in PAC 6

Click here to email Mr Darnell about joining Modern Guitar Ensemble. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 3.40 – 4.40pm in PAC 7A

All Year 2 Parents - Please take note

Just a friendly reminder to please check the Primary Bulletin to complete the string instrument selection form for your child. This is due by 5pm, Thursday the 11^th of February. Please email Miss Leah Guelfi if you any questions lguelfi@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Weekly Bulletin

Communication from the School follows a predictable weekly pattern with a Bulletin for K-1 families being shared on Mondays, a Bulletin for Y2–5 families on Tuesdays, and The Lion's Roar, the School newsletter, being distributed on Wednesdays for K-Y12 families.

'Meet the Teacher' events

Mr Gill, our Head of Primary, advised in a previous communication that the 'Meet the Teacher' events across the Primary School had been cancelled. They were originally scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday this week. In place of the 'Meet the Teacher' evening, staff have been working on digitising all information and this will be shared with families on Friday via email. This will include a class handbook, a presentation from the teacher and a short video of introduction.

These Meet the Teacher events have been cancelled instead of rescheduled, primarily because Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for Week 4 of this term. These events are scheduled to take place as follows:

• Tuesday 23 February - Year 1 and Kindergarten Turtles
• Wednesday 24 February - Pre-Primary
• Thursday 25 February - Years 2 – 5 and Kindergarten Starfish

Information will be made available to all Primary families (K-Y5) on Friday about how to schedule a time to meet your child’s teacher. This will be done electronically using Parent Teacher Online (PTO). More information will be provided soon.

Student ICT Acceptable Use Agreements

Student ICT Acceptable Use Agreements will soon be coming home with all students in Kindy to Year 12, which need to be signed by a parent/carer. Please go through the expectations and responsibilities carefully with your child/ren. Although the agreement is the same document for students of all ages, some points will not be relevant to younger students, so just discuss the appropriate points in language appropriate for your child/ren. Please ensure these are returned to your child’s class teacher or pastoral care tutor by Friday 19 February.

Notices from the Arts

'THE ADDAMS FAMILY' PRODUCTION REHEARSALS

The cast of our 2021 production of 'The Addams Family' will resume rehearsals on Thursday 11 February from 3:40pm-5:40pm in the PAC.

SECONDARY CHOIR

All students from Years 6 to 12 are invited to join the Secondary Choir. No experience or audition necessary. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays 7.15am in the PAC, with the first rehearsal to take place on Wednesday 17 February.

NEW WOODWIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS

Email Mrs McRae about joining the correct band for your level (Intermediate or Senior Concert Band).

Email Mrs Grubb about auditioning for the Symphony Orchestra if you are around Grade 2 or higher.

JAZZ LOVERS

If you play saxophone, brass, keys, drum kit, electric guitar or bass guitar at a reasonable level, email Mr Clark about joining Senior Jazz Band. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 3.40 - 5.00pm in PAC 8

ALL VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO AND DOUBLE BASS PLAYERS

Record yourself playing one piece of your own choice (max. one minute) and upload it here by 5pm on Thursday 11 February. This will automatically place you in the String Orchestra on Tuesdays 7.15am in the PAC.

If you would like to be considered for Symphony Orchestra, please also record yourself playing the excerpt relevant to your instrument and upload it as well. Email Mrs Grubb with any queries.

Download the audition excerpts here:

• VIOLIN
• VIOLA
• CELLO

Students accepted into the Symphony Orchestra do not also have to attend String Orchestra rehearsals. The Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Thursdays at 7.15am in PAC 8.

GUITARISTS

Email Mr Ralph about joining the Secondary Classical Guitar Ensemble. Rehearsals are on Fridays 7.30am in PAC 7A

Email Mr Darnell about joining the Modern Guitar Ensemble Tuesdays 3.40 – 4.40pm in PAC 7A

Medication at School

If your child requires medication to be administered during school hours, the medication needs to be dropped in to the Wellness Centre. Parents are required to complete a St Mark’s medication form in order for staff to administer the medication. All medication must be in its original packaging and clearly labelled.

Medication Expiry Dates

Please ensure that you keep a record (and set a reminder) for the expiry date of all medication supplied to the school, including Epipens and Ventolin carried by older students. Please contact the Wellness Centre on 94031331 if you are unsure of the expiry date for medication held at School.

Medical Action Plans

It is recommended that Medical Action Plans are reviewed every 12 months and should be no more than 2 years old. If your child has a new or updated Medical Action Plan, please email the updated plan to nurse@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Keeping sick children at home

It is more important than ever for our School community to remain vigilant when it comes to the spread of viral infections. Sending a child to school when they have even the mildest of symptoms can have a much bigger effect than many might think. While it might be just a sniffle for one child, it could put another at harm of a more virulent form of the same virus, no matter if it is a tummy bug, the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19.

Please do not send your child to school if they are showing cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, sniffles, runny noses or fevers, or if they are experiencing symptoms of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, even if the symptoms are mild. Sending an unwell child to school puts everyone at risk - students, staff and the wider community. Find out more from Healthy WA.

It is a requirement that students do not return to school until 24 hours after any symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea resolve. Find out more.

Instrumental Music Program

All instrumental lessons will commence this week. Parents of instrumental students should have received a letter from the Director of Music outlining the arrangements for this week. We look forward to welcoming back our music students! All ensembles will commence next week in Week 3, providing restrictions are lifted on Sunday 14 February as scheduled. Information regarding Junior and Secondary Music Ensembles can be found on the Parent Portal, including details of auditioned groups and contact information for ensemble directors. Please contact our Arts Administrator, Eloise Thomas ethomas@stmarks.wa.edu.au, if you have any questions about lessons or ensembles for 2021.

Ensemble News

In addition to the information on music ensembles in both Primary, Middle and Senior Schools, we have a summary of all rehearsals scheduled for Term 1 available as a download.

Due to the recent lockdowns, both here and interstate, deliveries of some items for the Uniform Shop have been delayed. At present, the following items are out of stock:

• Size 6Y House shirts: Carnley (blue), Challen (green) and Watkins (yellow).
• Bucket hats (flap hats and caps are available as alternatives)
• Art Smocks
• Girls banded blue shirts in sizes 14 and 16

It is expected that delivery of items (excluding bucket hats) should arrive soon. Once they have arrived, we will send an alert out via the app and publish an update in the weekly School newsletter.

SECONDHAND UNIFORM SALES

The Uniform Shop has received heaps of secondhand uniforms for sale, but due to the busyness of the 'back to school' rush, they have not yet been able to process the items. Due to the volume of uniform items that have already come in, they will not be able to accommodate any more until at least March. Now that the back to school rush has subsided, the Uniform Shop crew will be stocking the secondhand shelves in the coming weeks.

The Cafeteria is up and running, providing an array of options for hungry tummies.

Ordering online

Students and parents can order items online up to two weeks in advance through the online cafeteria ordering system at www.quickcliq.com.au. Middle and Senior School students can place orders in person each morning. The preferred option is to order online, and needs to be placed by 8.30am on the day the items are required. Primary School lunch orders are only available through the online services, and are delivered to the Kiosk (Years 2 to 5) or the Early Learning Centre (K-Y1) at lunch time.

To get started:

• Visit the site www.quickcliq.com.au
• Sign up by filling in the online registration form
• Enter your contact details, user name and password
• Receive a confirmation email
• Log in to the website
• Select your school and enter your children's names
• Add credit to your account and order meals for your children

Ordering is easy:

• Log in with your username and password
• Select the child and the order date
• Select menu items to order
• Confirm the order
• Orders must be placed before 8.30am on the day the items are required. Orders placed after 8.30am may not be processed on time.

ESSENTIAL NOTICE! If you had a QuickClip account last year, you need to update your child's class information before placing your first order for the year.

Ordering at School

For Middle and Senior School children, Cafeteria lunch orders may be placed in the mornings at the Cafeteria counter. Lunch orders must be placed before 8.30am. No lunch orders may be placed at recess.

The Cafeteria is cashless, and accepts online orders, or payment via Smartrider or EFTPOS only - find out more.

Need help? For more information, please call the Cafeteria on 9403 1311

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent help is essential to keep the Cafeteria running smoothly. If you would like to volunteer, please head to the SignUp online rostering system.

The Anglican Schools Commission International is looking for caring families to host* regional, interstate and international students intending to study at St Mark’s Anglican Community School in 2021. All enquiries to the Accommodation Coordinator at homestay@asci.edu.au.

*Hosts are paid a weekly fee. Paid hosting opportunities cannot be claimed as parent commitment hours.

Thanks to the St Mark's community for your support of our first series of holiday workshops. With 20 different types of workshops on offer, we had over 300 bookings, which is fantastic!

We would love to know if students enjoyed the workshops, if you would like to see the program run again and what types of workshops you wish for in the future.

To have your say, please complete this anonymous survey: http://ow.ly/hFDF50DqNJL

2021 Fee Statements will be emailed to families this week. The format of the statements has changed considerably this year and this downloadable guide on how to read your Family Fee Statement explains how the statement looks and the information included on each page.

If you have any queries regarding your statement please contact Mrs Kaye Smith by email at familyaccounts@stmarks.wa.edu.au or by phone on 9403 1338.