The Lion's Roar - 13 November 2024

FUNDRAISING STAR

Jayde from Year 7 once again led a fantastic fundraising effort this year, organising a fun sports day for her school and dance friends, complete with games, raffles, prizes, a sausage sizzle, a lemonade stand, and a cupcake stall. She also gathered donations from family and collected cans and bottles, all to support Telethon.

Jayde's hard work and dedication paid off, raising an impressive $993!

She proudly handed over the funds at Telethon’s opening on Saturday night. Check out the attached photos and a very special video from the event!

View the thank you message from the Channel 7 stars here.

MUSICAL STAR

A huge congratulations to Kate in Year 6 for achieving an outstanding A Honours result on her first AMEB Musical Theatre exam (Grade 1)! Her hard work and dedication have indeed paid off.

Fantastic job, Kate!

BMX STAR

Congratulations to Jake from Year 9, who has been offered an incredible opportunity to travel to the USA and compete in the USA BMX Grands competition! After recently taking 1st place at the Australian National BMX Championships, this is an exciting chance for him to showcase his skills on the international stage.

Good luck, Jake – we’re all cheering for you!

SOFTBALL STAR

Congratulations to Beau in Year 7 on being chosen to represent WA in the U14 Boys Softball Championship! He’ll be heading to the ACT in March next year to compete.

All the best for the comp, Beau!

Recently, we were delighted to celebrate an incredible milestone – Sue Brown’s 25th anniversary to St Mark’s and her ASC 25-Year Service Award! For a quarter of a century, Sue has been the backbone of our secondary library, consistently going above and beyond to support both staff and students.

When Sue first joined us, her role was much different than it is today. One of her early tasks was to review the TV program guide each week, then set the VCR to record educational programs, and then catalogue and shelve the video cassettes. Over time, Sue seamlessly adapted as technology evolved, transitioning from VHS to DVDs, then to MP4s, and eventually to our current ClickView system.

As libraries transformed in response to digital advancements, Sue was always at the forefront, eager to learn new skills and embrace the opportunities technology offered. Her passion for computers and the online learning space has helped shape our library into a hub of modern learning. She eagerly embraced new tools and resources, which have not only enhanced our students' online learning experiences but helped shape our library into a hub of modern learning.

And it’s not just Sue’s professional dedication that we celebrate – in 2025, her 3rd grandchild will join us at St Mark’s, making Sue’s connection to our school even more special! That will be the sixth person and third generation of Sue's family to join the maroon!

Sue, your hard work, adaptability, and commitment to our community over the past 25 years have made an immeasurable impact. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and here’s to many more years of success!

The Peter Foss Scholarship at St Mark's Anglican Community School is a prestigious program that supports staff members in their professional development endeavours. This scholarship has benefited numerous educators at the school, enabling them to enhance their skills and bring valuable knowledge back to the St Mark's community.

2024 Scholarship Recipients:

• Brittany Berghan (Deputy Head of Senior School)
  Brittany has been awarded reimbursement of costs associated with a unit of postgraduate study being undertaken as part of a Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) at Deakin University. As part of the unit - Educational Context, Policy and Leadership in Challenging Times - Brittany focused on the global issue of teacher shortages and the local issue of staff wellbeing. She is seeking to learn more about leadership and learning philosophy in order to support the School's Executive, its strategic goals and, ultimately, the students of St Mark's.
  
• Jenny Li (Primary School Chinese Teacher)
  Jenny has been awarded funding to assist her attendance at the 2024 Colloquium of the Languages and Cultures Network for Australian Universities (LCNAU) in Sydney in November 2024. Jenny has been accepted to present on ‘The application of “the Framework of Reference for Chinese Culture and Society Studies in International Chinese Language Education” in Australian school settings’ as part of the panel ‘Beyond boundaries: Paradigm shifts in Chinese language teaching’. We are very pleased to have Jenny representing St Mark's at this conference.

Previous Recipients

The Peter Foss Scholarship has also supported other staff members, including:

• Nadine Woodley-Smith (Primary School French Teacher)
  • Completed an intensive French course in Nice, France
• Nadine Bastow (Visual Arts Teacher)
  • Participated in a Kimberley Watercolour Workshop

• Kelly Curran (Head of Digital Learning) and Shirley McKibbin (Head of Library and Information Studies)
  • Participated in and presented at ISTE Live

• Michelle Chomiak (Digital Technology and Computer Science Teacher)
  • Received the scholarship for her Master of Education studies
• Outdoor Education Department staff
  • Attending the National Outdoor Education Conference and Awards in Victoria

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Peter Foss Scholarship provides St Mark's staff with:

1. Opportunities for advanced study and professional growth
2. Exposure to new teaching methodologies and industry practices
3. Networking opportunities with educators from other institutions
4. Ability to bring fresh perspectives and knowledge back to the school

By investing in its staff's professional development, St Mark's demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high educational standards and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The Year 11 Food Science and Technology General students recently participated in a thrilling "Cupcake Wars" assessment task. They competed in groups to create the most impressive cupcakes.

Each team was tasked with baking and decorating themed cupcakes, which were then evaluated by a distinguished panel of guest judges. The judging criteria included overall appearance, uniformity, creativity, cake flavour, texture, icing flavour, and adherence to the theme.

Awards were given in several categories:

• Principal's Choice / Best Presentation
• Most Creative
• Best Theme
• Honorable Mention for Most Delicious Flavor

The winners were:

• Principal's Choice, Best Overall Cupcake, and Best Theme:
  • Theme: Monsters Inc.
  • Team: Iliana Diamandis and Hayley Van Zyl
• Most Creative Cupcake:
  • Theme: Secret Garden
  • Team: Cleo Bramley and Amanda Dowd
• Most Delicious Cupcake and Honorable Mention for Originality:
  • Theme: Pancake Stack
  • Team: Chloe Elliott, Shaun Firth, and Tia Leader

Special thanks to our esteemed VIP judges: Steven Davies, Kelly Nebel, and Lia Parsons, as well as our other judges who assisted in the taste testing.

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic achievement by Cam, in Year 4, who emerged victorious in Mix 94.5's Alphabucks School Championships. After an impressive run through the preliminary rounds, Cam made it to the final, where he faced off against Holy Rosary Primary School in a thrilling showdown.

The final was a nail-biting affair, with both schools competing fiercely for the win. The competition ended in a dead heat. Both individuals were back for a redo, but Cam’s quick thinking and sharp knowledge earned him the victory. With a perfect score of 10/10 using the letter "B," Cam demonstrated his incredible skill and focus under pressure. His performance was impressive, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.

We congratulate Cam on his outstanding performance and look forward to seeing what other successes the future holds for him. Well done, Cam!

Listen to Cam's Grand Final here.

Earlier this term, as we bid farewell to the incredible Class of 2024, the St Mark's community came together to celebrate their journey, reflect on their achievements, and honour the cherished traditions that make our school so special. The week was filled with moments of gratitude, emotion, and pride as we sent our Year 12 students off into the next chapter of their lives.

The celebrations began with a significant Chapel Service and Communion, marking the students’ final moments as current students of the St Mark's community. Surrounded by their Houses, the Year 12s took part in this sacred occasion, which was followed by the day’s highlight, the Walk of Honour - a powerful and heartfelt moment where staff, students, and alumni gathered to form an honour guard. As the Year 12s walked from the Chapel to PAV, they were met with cheers, applause, and countless hugs from our staff and students, sending them off with love and well-wishes.

On Friday, the Year 12s shared a final breakfast with their Pastoral Care Teachers, Head of Year, and Senior School heads. It was a time for reminiscing, reflecting on their time at St Mark's, and even shedding a few tears as they prepared to say goodbye to their school days. A little friendly competition during the quiz brought out the best of their team spirit, adding some fun and laughter to a memorable morning.

A Night to Remember

On Friday night, the Class of 2024 celebrated their Valedictory Ceremony - a truly unforgettable evening that marked the culmination of their school journey. The night was filled with emotion, celebration, and pride as the graduates took centre stage to reflect on their time at St Mark’s and the exciting future ahead.

The ceremony was complemented by speeches from our Head of Senior School, Ms Nebel, and our inspiring Head Prefects, Demi and Riley. The atmosphere was further elevated by the beautiful voices of the Junior School’s Viva Ritmo Voices, while the musical talents of our Year 12 students were also on full display, with some incredible performances that showcased their creativity and spirit.

As the night drew to a close, Head of Year 12, Mr Salinas, delivered a poignant speech that captured the essence of the Class of 2024 - highlighting their resilience, achievements, and the bright futures ahead. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

Go with SPIRIT!

As we reflect on the incredible journey of the Class of 2024, we are reminded of the strength, determination, and unity they’ve shown throughout their time at St Mark’s. They leave behind a legacy of spirit, courage, and achievement, and we are so proud of each and every one of them.

To the Class of 2024 - go with SPIRIT! We are excited to see where your journeys take you, and we know that whatever path you choose, you will continue to shine brightly.

Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved, and we wish you all the very best for the future!

View the Walk of Honour here.

In Term 3, whilst the Olympic games were happening in Paris, the Year 6 French students were given the opportunity to enter a mini-Olympic competition in their French classes.

Students were awarded virtual medals each time they completed an extension project on the Olympics. Students in Year 6.44 French did exceptionally well, and the final podium was revealed at the beginning of Term 4:

• Gold medal-médaille d’or: Charlotte Chadderton
• Silver medal-médaille d’argent: India Doherty
• Bronze medal-médaille de bronze : Sacha Groves

Here are some things they learnt while working on the Paris 2024 Olympic games:

Charlotte:

I learnt how to say different sports in French like: Je joue au foot=I play soccer.

I learned that they used different French landmarks for the opening ceremony.

India:

I learnt that the Olympic mascot was named the “Phryge” and that it symbolised Marianne’s hat, which represents freedom and joy.

Sacha:

I learnt that the US won the Olympics and that the medals were made of scraps from the Eiffel Tower.

Earlier in the Term, Year 4, 5, and 6 students Lily, Cameron, Ansh, Madeline, Charlotte, and Matthew proudly represented St Mark’s at the Primary Philosothon held at MLC. The event offered them the chance to engage in community inquiries, exploring and debating thought-provoking philosophical questions. It was truly inspiring to watch these young minds collaborate, actively listen, and thoughtfully challenge each other’s ideas in a supportive setting.

A special congratulations to Matthew from Year 6, who was named Philosopher of the Competition! He was recognised for his exceptional listening and discussion skills, showcasing his ability to think both critically and creatively.

Well done to all our budding philosophers for their impressive efforts!

In Weeks 3 and 4, our Pre-Primary and Year 4 students made a splash in the pool, diving into their swimming lessons with energy and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, our Year 5 students took to the waves at Trigg Beach, embracing the surf and channelling their inner Mick Fanning as they worked on their surfing skills.

The weather was absolutely perfect, providing ideal conditions for all our aquatic activities. With sunny skies and calm waters, both groups were able to focus on developing their swimming and surfing techniques, all while having a great time.

A huge thank you goes out to all our students for their infectious enthusiasm and dedication throughout these sessions. Your energy and willingness to learn have been inspiring! We’d also like to extend a special shoutout to our amazing staff for their hard work and seamless coordination, ensuring that each lesson ran smoothly. And, of course, we’re grateful to our families for their ongoing support—whether it was washing bathers and towels, packing swimming bags, or tracking down those elusive goggles. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

Together, we’ve made a big splash, and we look forward to even more exciting water-based activities in the weeks ahead!

View the Year 5 surfing video here.

A core element of experiential and outdoor education is unpacking learning through reflective practice. Embracing Tuckman’s Model of Group Development, the Year 11 Outdoor Education students, joined by their families and friends, concluded their 2024 journey with a reflection presentation evening. This celebration of achievements, challenges, and learnings showcased Tuckman’s ‘adjourning phase’ in action and offered remarkable insight into each student’s growth and development.

View Amy's Bib Track Exped Video here.

Congratulations to Year 9 Extension students, Harry J, Kai M, Harry W and Isaac W who proudly represented St Mark’s in the Science IQ STAWA competition earlier this term, securing an impressive second place. Each student received a certificate and a $25 voucher in recognition of their achievement.

This was St Mark’s first time entering this statewide competition, which is open to all WA schools. Competing against some highly regarded schools, including MLC, who claimed first place, makes this result even more impressive. It’s a fantastic accomplishment for our students, reflecting their hard work, teamwork, and enthusiasm for science.

Well done, team!

Students and parents from the St Mark’s community gathered for their final volunteer session of the year on Thursday, 7 November, cooking meals for the Term 4 Salvation Army Cook Up. The kitchen buzzed with energy as students and parents from the Junior and Middle Schools worked side by side, preparing meals for those in need.

By the end of the afternoon, eight large Bain Maries were filled with approximately 150 meals, ready to be served to the homeless and those experiencing hardship over the weekend. The atmosphere was filled with St Mark’s community spirit, making it a memorable and meaningful event.

A big thank you to all the students and parents who participated. The Salvation Army team is truly grateful for the support and the many meals provided by the school.

The Year 10 Business, Management, and Marketing class at St Mark’s has created two exclusive calendars featuring stunning artwork from our talented Photo and Digital Design students. These calendars are not just beautiful; they represent a collaborative effort that enhances essential 21st-century employability skills.

By purchasing these calendars, you’re not only getting a piece of art but also supporting the growth of our students in areas like digital literacy, creativity, and teamwork. Each calendar showcases the creativity and hard work of our students, making them perfect for your home or office.

Why Buy?

• Unique Designs: Each calendar features original student work, ensuring a one-of-a-kind product.
• Skill Development: Your purchase supports students in developing vital skills for their future careers.
• Community Spirit: Join us in celebrating the talent within the St Mark’s community!

Help us make this project a success while enjoying beautiful art all year round. Get your calendars today and support our students!

CALENDAR DETAILS

• Calendar 1 - St Mark's Seasons Team
  
  • The St Mark's Seasons Calendar uses photos from all four seasons of the year throughout the calendar. It showcases student photography work in each month of the year. It shows all school events and public holidays.
  • Profits from purchasing the Seasons Calendar will be donated to Beyond Blue.
    Beyond Blue is a charity that supports people with mental health issues by providing counsellors or just people to talk to. By buying these calendars, you will be able to help pay counsellors for their work and expand the charity to help more people.
    

• Calendar 2 - St Mark's Timeless Moments Team
  • The St Mark's Timeless Moments Calendar uses photos showcasing the opportunities the students are given at St Mark’s.
  • Profits from purchasing the Nature Calendar will be donated to the Cancer Council.
    Cancer Council is a charity that supports all West Australians affected by cancer. They are passionate about reducing the incidence and impact of cancer and working towards a cancer-free future by funding world-class cancer research, providing services for cancer patients and their carers, educating the community on how to reduce the risk of cancer, and training health professionals.

PURCHASE YOUR CALENDAR HERE

Collection of Purchased Calendars

Please note that purchasers will be notified of collection details once the calendars are printed.

We will release more images of the calendars as they come to hand.

Our team of Year 5 and 6 triathletes put in an incredible performance at the recent interschool triathlon competition, taking out the champion school award. This maintains St Mark’s winning tradition, extending the streak to seven victories in a row.

Our super athletes competed across 3 disciplines – 200m swim, 4km cycle and 2km run. For the first time in the running of the primary school event, students had a chance to compete in their own individual triathlon, with four of our students representing St Mark’s with pride, all finishing in the top 10.

Below is a summary of some of the stand-out performances:

Individual Triathlon

• 3^rd Flynn Hodgson
• 4^th Joey File
• 4^th Georgia Tasker
• 7^th Elyssa Nicolay

A Division Team Triathlon

• 1^st – Flynn Hodgson, Max Evans, Will Guymer
• 2^nd – Georgia Tasker, Joey File, Archer Dickson
• 3^rd – Elyssa Nicolay, Harris Robertson, Ben Brown

Girls Division Team Triathlon

• 3^rd – Gracie Wood, Jasmine Kellan, Skye Henery

B Division Team Triathlon

• 1^st – Dane Sudintas, Beau Grant, Leo Petit

C Division Team Triathlon

• 1^st – Matilda Hodgson, Lucas Prebble, Jack Nichol

What an amazing day at Champion Lakes we had recently!

Our largest squad ever took part in the Secondary School Sport WA Triathlon, featuring five individual competitors and 20 teams. Every student gave their all, with over half of the teams finishing in the top 10! What an awesome effort from our team! A huge thank you to our incredible staff supporting the triathlon squad: Mrs Humble, Ms Hunt, Mr Brock, and Ms Gorham. Your support means the world!

Individual

• File, Daniel (Year 8) - 3rd
• Paap, Dylan (Year 8) - 12th
• Berry, Aria (Year 7) - 17th

Teams

What a fantastic week it was when we welcomed the incredibly talented Fleur Schell as our 2025 P&F-funded Artist in Residence! Fleur, an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist, is renowned for her stunning narrative-based sculptural installations that seamlessly blend porcelain with mixed media.

Throughout her week with us, Fleur worked closely with our visual arts students, providing them with a rare and valuable opportunity to learn from her expertise and boundless creativity. Her passion for art and her innovative approach to sculpture were truly inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on all those who had the chance to work alongside her.

A highlight of Fleur's residency was the two Community Workshops she generously hosted. These workshops were open to students, staff, and even parents, allowing our wider school community to come together and engage in the creative process. It was wonderful to see so many people from our school family explore their artistic potential and collaborate in such a meaningful way.

This amazing program, made possible by our P&F, aligns with our core values of fostering community, creativity, and collaboration. By bringing in an artist of Fleur’s calibre, we are able to enrich our students’ artistic experiences while strengthening the bonds within our school community.

We are already looking forward to next year’s Artist in Residence and the exciting opportunities it will bring for our students and our entire school community!

The Year 10 Drama class recently brought Joseph Kesselring's classic dark comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" to life in a production that left audiences both laughing and impressed. The play, which first premiered on Broadway in 1941, has become a beloved staple of American theatre, known for its delightful blend of macabre humour and farcical situations.

Set in Brooklyn, the story unfolds over 24 hours in the eccentric Brewster household. At the heart of the production were the two leading ladies, Phoebe and Rhianna, who portrayed the seemingly sweet spinster aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster. Their performances were nothing short of captivating, as they masterfully balanced the characters' outward charm with their decidedly darker inclinations.

Clark and Cole demonstrated exceptional stage presence, bringing to life the aunts' peculiar hobby of poisoning lonely old men with their special elderberry wine. Their chemistry was palpable, and they worked together seamlessly, creating a dynamic duo that anchored the entire production.

The rest of the cast, including Toby, Naomi, Cooper, Grace, Catherine, Lily, Ben, and Kurtis, all contributed to the play's success. Each actor brought their character to life with enthusiasm and skill, from the theatre critic Mortimer Brewster to the delusional Uncle Teddy, who believes he's Theodore Roosevelt.

This production of "Arsenic and Old Lace" showcased the talent and hard work of the Year 10 Drama class. Their ability to bring this classic comedy to life demonstrates not only their acting skills but also their understanding of timing, character development, and the nuances of dark humour. The show was a resounding success, with standout performances from the entire cast, they skillfully balanced humour and darkness, providing audiences with an evening of laughter and entertainment.

It was a week of laughter, chaos, and creative energy as the Year 9 Drama class took to the stage for their inaugural one-act showcase, Shenanigans. This fun-filled evening featured three comedic one-act plays, all part of the students' coursework for their Year 9 Drama elective.

The show kicked off with Fast Food, a quirky and hilarious exploration of life behind the counter at McBurgers. The play delved into the eccentric world of fast-food workers and their often bizarre interactions with customers, offering plenty of laughs along the way. Next, the cast presented 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse—a tongue-in-cheek survival guide for the undead, packed with plenty of quirky tips and comedic moments. Finally, Brooklyn 88, a sharp and witty parody of the classic buddy cop genre, was student-scripted and also featured at Youth Fest last term.

The students brought an impressive level of energy, commitment, and enthusiasm to their performances, clearly enjoying every moment on stage. The evening was a true celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the power of comedy.

Congratulations to the Year 9 Drama students for their outstanding performances. We are excited to see the One Act Showcase become an annual tradition at St Mark’s, as it helps to build on the strong performance culture of our St Mark’s Theatre Company. Well done to all involved—we can’t wait to see what next year’s showcase has in store!

On Monday 21 October, our contemporary music students had the opportunity to learn from internationally acclaimed drummer Steve Judd of the progressive rock band, Karnivool. Steve led a dynamic workshop where he shared insights and techniques that left our students buzzing with excitement.

Two of our award-winning rock bands, fresh off their gold wins from the recent New Zealand music tour, performed a song each, impressing Steve with their talent. A standout moment came when Riff Reverie welcomed Steve on stage to perform "Themata," a track by Karnivool, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved!

The session also included a Q&A, where students eagerly asked about the music industry, drumming techniques, and practice routines. The inspiration and knowledge shared during this workshop were truly invaluable, and we can't wait to welcome Steve back for more enriching sessions in the future!

Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there's now an even newer challenge on the horizon - the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.

The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.

Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.

As AI reshapes social dynamics, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation.

This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.

Click here to access our Special Report

Our end-of-year Presentation Ceremonies for each sub-school are fast approaching! To book your tickets, please head to the link below, where you will be directed to each sub-school:

Presentation Ceremonies - book my ticket here

Please note that families whose child is receiving an award will be notified closer to the date.

For those students (Middle and Senior School only) not receiving awards, there is no obligation to attend.

St Mark's families get ready to jingle all the way! You're invited to our very first whole school Carols event.

Enjoy performances by our Year 5 Rock Bands, Primary and Secondary Choirs, plus a parade of mouthwatering food trucks to tempt your taste buds!

So grab your picnic blanket and picnic dinner, and join the festive fun as we celebrate the jingle-tastic Christmas season!

DATE: Wednesday 27 November 2024

TIME: 5.00pm - 7.00pm

VENUE: St Mark's Secondary Oval

PARKING: Campus carparks, Muzz Buzz carpark, St Marks Drive.

On Monday, 18 November, at approximately 9.05am, the School will hold a lockdown drill for all students and staff. The drill has been scheduled since the beginning of the year, and it follows the evacuation drills that were conducted in Term 1, 2 and 3.

The purpose of evacuation and lockdown drills is to practice the required procedures and processes and to become familiar with them in case we need to put them in place at some time in the future. We all need to know what to do so we can keep safe.

There are any number of reasons why an evacuation or lockdown may be necessary for a school – a fire nearby or in some part of the campus, a severe weather event, or even a runaway animal from the local circus that strays onto our grounds!

You know best whether your child may need a discussion at home ahead of the drill to put it in perspective for them.

If you have any concerns for your child, please contact the appropriate teacher (classroom/PCG) at the School ahead of the drill to discuss it.

𝒮𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒

The 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 is not too far away!

The Old Scholars Association needs help finding all the members of each year group. If you are able to assist, please email osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Check out the video from the 2023 Milestone Reunion https://youtu.be/8Rj1LRD8m3E

Tickets will be released soon.