The Senior Concert band achieved an ‘Outstanding’ award in the recent ABODA Festival. This is an extraordinary achievement being small in number, but big in sound. We were all so delighted with this result, with the adjudicator noting the fantastic musicianship and balance achieved by this group. They will again be on display at the end of year celebrations for the Presentation Ceremonies.
Well done to this amazing group of musicians. St Marks’s is so proud of your efforts!!
Primary School Teacher, Mrs Tracey Toovey, and her Year 4 Enrichment group are to be congratulated for their contributions to the AISWA's Purposeful Pedagogies: Global Competencies in Action publication which was acknowledged this week in the UNAAWA World Teachers' Day Awards. The work of the St Mark's group, along with contributions from 10 other schools, is being recognised for their inspiring global citizenship and sustainability education initiatives.
This publication (see link above) originated as an interdisciplinary Professional Learning experience for teachers of the Humanities, English, Languages, Science, The Arts, and Technologies. The booklet provides socially purposeful teaching and learning, exploring real-world issues from content embedded in the Australian Curriculum and linked to at least one Cross-curriculum Priority.
The St Mark's contribution, which can be viewed in the interactive document on page 6 and 7, focused on how we might reduce human impact on our coastline. By clicking on the buttons on these pages, you will find out more on the activities undertaken by the students, what they learned, and the students' reflection on their learning.
ACC All Stars
The ACC Athletics All Stars Team is an "All ACC" honorary team consisting of the best two performers in each event across all divisions. We are delighted to confirm that three St Mark's students have made the All Stars Team this year. Congratulations to:
Alliance Française Exams
At the end of last term, we shared the news that a number of our students participated very successfully in the Alliance Française exams. At the time, we were still awaiting the certificate for one of our successful students, Sarah Scafidis (M11.1), who was the top performer at St Mark's, achieving an excellent grade. Well done, Sarah!
Cape to Cape Trail
Congratulations to Cadel Coffin (6.2) on completing 7 days/6 nights hiking 135kms from Cape Naturalist to Cape Leeuwin and camping out on the Cape to Cape Trail in the school holidays.
Together with his dad Andrew (an Old Scholar from the Class of 1990), 11-year-old Cadel conquered the rugged WA coastline, up and down its steep ascents and descents, along its ridges and through its forests. They crossed rivers and hiked along numerous soft sandy beaches (including 2x 7km stretches). They did this through a full range of weather conditions - the heat of the sun, drizzling rain, heavy showers and blustering winds. The coastline was spectacular and forever changing, they saw caves, waterfalls, plenty of wildflowers and wildlife including whales, a large goanna, and a snake along the way. Cadel helped set up and pack up the tent every day, he prepared the dinners most nights (dehydrated meals) and carried 10kgs on his back all the way. The longest day was a challenging 33kms!
Cadel is already talking about setting the challenge of doing the Cape to Cape North to South and then back again in a few years time!
The weekly Social Touch Rugby games are back! We look forward to welcoming you on Monday evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the Secondary Oval. All are welcome to attend - staff, parents and Old Scholars - no matter what your fitness level. Beginners are encouraged to come along and give it a go. For more information, please contact Senior Chaplain Scott Rowland at srowland@stmarks.wa.edu.au
The St Mark's Parent Prayer Group will be meeting on the following Fridays this term:
The group meets at 9.00am in the Chapel. Why not grab a coffee after drop off and join in the session! Everyone is welcome. For more information please contact the Prayer Group coordinator via ParentsUnitedForPrayer@gmail.com.
***BOOKINGS CLOSE 10PM TONIGHT!***
It's once again time for the annual Fathering Project St Mark's Camp Out, organised by the POSTMEN (Papas of St Mark's Engagement Network). The POSTMEN invite all dads and father figures with children attending St Mark's (in any year group) to join them for a fun-filled afternoon and easygoing camp out on the Junior School Oval. You can participate in the Dads vs Kids 'Capture the Flag' Championship, enter the Dodgeball Competition, or just chuck a frisbee or kick a footy with your kids on the Oval. It is a fantastic experience to spend time with your kids, and mingle with other dads from St Mark's.
When: Saturday 6 November, with arrival and tent set up from 10am. Activities commence at 1pm. Pack away and depart by 11am on Sunday 7 November.
Where: Junior School Oval
Tickets: $25 per family for overnight (includes dinner and breakfast), or $15 per family for just the afternoon activities (includes dinner). Book online.
For enquiries or questions, please contact Josh Newton from the POSTMEN Committee on 0403 466 132 or email josh.newton@r-group.com.au.
PP-Y4 SWIMMING LESSONS & Y5 SURFING LESSONS
All Pre-Primary to Year 5 students will participate in daily lessons during the school day over a two week period as part of the curriculum (no lessons on Monday 15 November). More details will be provided to parents soon at which time Pre-Primary to Year 4 parents will be required to supply information regarding their child’s swimming level.
STUDENT FREE DAY - 15 NOVEMBER 2021
Monday, 15 November, will be a Curriculum Planning Day for staff. The School will be closed for Primary and Secondary students. Parents will need to make alternative arrangements for the care of their child/children on this day.
ELC NATIVITY CELEBRATION
Kindy Starfish and Pre-Primary parents will be invited to attend on Wednesday 1 December (9.15-10.15am). Kindy Turtles and Year 1 parents will be invited to attend on Thursday 2 December (9.15-10.15am). If you have more than one child in the ELC, you will need to attend on the day allocated for your youngest child. Due to limited capacity of the Performing Art Centre, only three tickets per family are permitted. Booking information and other details will be provided towards the middle of this term.
The Primary School is delighted to invite you to their production of Disney's The Jungle Book Kids! The shows will be taking place on Tuesday 19 October (4.30pm and 6.30pm) and Wednesday 20 October (6.30pm). Tickets can be booked online here!
UNIFORM NOTES
Students are required to be in summer uniform, including hat, in Term 4. In the case of inclement weather, students may choose to wear their blazer or their School jumper. The sports jacket may not be worn with the summer uniform - only with the sports/House uniform.
STUDENT FREE DAY - 15 NOVEMBER 2021
Monday 15 November, will be a Curriculum Planning Day for staff. The School will be closed for Primary and Secondary students. Parents will need to make alternative arrangements for the care of their child/children on this day.
Old Scholars vs Year 12s Dodgeball: 1pm on 17 October
The soon-to-graduate Class of 2021 will take on the Old Scholars (both those who are 'more experienced' as well as more recent graduates) in a game of dodgeball on 17 October. It includes a free sausage sizzle, and the chance to unwind after mocks, and to chat about life after St Mark's.
The St Mark's Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Visual Arts, and Photo Digital Design students present the Year 9 and 10 Arts Performance Night, Beginnings from Endings. We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday 27 October at 7pm in the Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Complex. Tickets are free and can be booked at www.mytickets.co.
The Arts Department is excited to host professional visual artist Andy Quilty, as an artist-in-residence during Week 3 of this term. Andy is a multi-disciplinary artist engaged with exploring the fibre of Australian culture through his mixed media art-works. During his residency, Andy will work in a "pop up" studio space in the Busselton building to produce a series of artworks.
Throughout the week, students, staff and School community members are encouraged to visit Andy's studio to ask questions and watch him work. Additionally, Visual Arts students will be participating in art workshops held by Andy Quilty throughout the week.
Andy Quilty is a Lecturer in Fine Arts at The University of Western Australia, Program Patron for the Military Art Program Australia (a non-profit program assisting Military Veterans through Art Therapy), and works across the state facilitating art workshops in schools, penal institutions, community groups and Aboriginal art centres. He has been a finalist in a number of significant awards, including the Hazelhurst Works on Paper Prize, Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize, Rick Amor Drawing Prize, Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award (JADA), Kedumba Drawing Award, Albany Art Prize, Joondalup Invitation Art Award, Black Swan Portrait Prize and the Salon des Refuses.
An exciting evening workshop opportunity is available to all Primary and Secondary students, parents and staff! Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday 26 October
Venue: Busselton Building
Time: 6.00pm-7.30pm
Who can attend: This FREE event is open to parents, guardians, students and staff, however, spaces are limited.
Bookings: Please book online to secure your place. Bookings open on 19 October.
If you have any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Ms Kerise Delcoure at kdelcoure@stmarks.wa.edu.au.
Towards the end of Term 3, the St Mark's community - including students, parents, staff and Old Scholars, came together again to support the work of the Salvation Army's Doorways program by preparing another 270 meals!
Some of the Year 5 and 6 students used the opportunity as part of the Ignite program volunteering challenge, while our Senior School students saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community. The Primary School Global Citizenship Council helped prepare the containers ahead of the cook up.
Thank you to everyone involved, including the St Mark's Old Scholars' Association, who provide financial support to this project each year.
We have a number of parent volunteer opportunities coming up - can you help? These, and other volunteer opportunities, are listed here. Information on how to log your parent hours, and to confirm what hours you completed in Term 1, 2 and 3 is also available on that page (scroll down to below the volunteer opportunities table). Term 4 hours will be added at the end of the year.
Exam Supervision - 2 to 12 November
Our Senior School team are looking for parent volunteers to supervise the Year 11 exams, between 2 November and 12 November. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. For more information, email absentee@stmarks.wa.edu.au and put 'Exam Supervision' in the subject line.
Fete Assistance
Get involved in the 2022 Fete! We are still on the lookout for some parent volunteers to assist with the management of;
- Waste control
- COVID Safety
- Entertainment
- Setting up and packing away of the Fete
Teams of two or 3 people would be really helpful for these important tasks.
Electrician: to meet our safety requirements, we are looking for the services of an electrician to check and sign off our "Electrical Safety" as part of the City of Joondalup Event Application.
For more information on these opportunities or to volunteer, email the Fete Coordinator fete@stmarks.wa.edu.au
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is in need of volunteers - click here to find a slot that matches your schedule! New slots added this week.
The Fete Committee is hard at work preparing for the 2022 Fete, and could use your support. Here are few suggestions of how you can get involved:
In the lead up to the Fete on 12 March 2022, we are looking for some volunteers to help with the planning and preparation of the fete during 2021. The following roles are still needed:
If you are interested in one of the roles, please contact Wes at fete@stmarks.wa.edu.au to volunteer or get more information.
Do you know, or have, a business that is connected to the School that could assist with our advertising, in particular printing signs and banners? Please get in touch!
Donations are also requested for the raffle prizes and silent auction.
Another drop off day for second items,( books, toys, household items,) is planned for this term. Please keep collecting and watch this space for details.
Businesses who would like to operate a stall at the Fete are invited to submit an expression of interest to fete@stmarks.wa.edu.au. Entertainers interested in performing on our community stage are also encouraged to contact us.
It is essential that all blazer orders for 2022 are placed as soon as possible to ensure delivery by Term 2, 2022. The blazer is compulsory for Years 6 to 12 in Terms 2 and 3. Final orders close on 13 October.
We do make sure that the blazers are fitted with room for growth. The cost of the blazer is $170 and a deposit of $80 will be required when placing your order. Any order can be refunded before the start of Term 2 2022 if you change your mind or buy a second hand blazer.
Please contact the Uniform Shop at uniformshop@stmarks.wa.edu.au or call (08) 9307 4514 to let them know if you will need a blazer for 2022.
AVCAT scholarships, including the Long Tan Bursary, are tertiary scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are up to $4000 per year, for three years. Apply online from 18 August 2021 at avcat.org.au. Applications close on 31 October 2021.
To be eligible students must be:
Applications close at midnight on 31 October 2021.
The Long Tan Bursary is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Click here to view the full list of AVCAT Scholarship sponsors.
Further information about scholarships, the application process and scholarship eligibility can be found at avcat.org.au. Contact info@avcat.org.au for further information.
CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING FOR HEARTKIDS – CHARITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
HeartKids volunteers will be Christmas Gift Wrapping at Karrinyup Shopping Centre from the 11th November until the 2nd December and are seeking volunteers to register and wrap shoppers gifts for a gold coin donation.
This is a great opportunity for senior students, and ideal for those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program*! You will be supporting a charity and help to raise funds for the only national not-for-profit organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood heart disease, one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia.
You can register in 3 easy steps:
1. Click https://signup.com/go/PQzPbTS
2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like
3. Sign up! It's easy and you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password.
Enquiries to;
Shelley Ure
HeartKids Fundraising and Events Coordinator
E : shelley.ure@heartkids.org.au
M : 0402 345 209
*Note for Duke of Edinburgh participants: please speak to Mrs Upson for information on how to record your involvement.
St Nicolas Anglican Church in Duncraig is excited to be starting Toddler Jam in Term 4. Toddler Jam is a structured, friendly music and dance programme for children aged 0-5 years. Parents or grandparents can enjoy a special themed music session with their little ones and then relax with a cup of tea/coffee while our WWCC-checked volunteers supervise playtime for the children.
When: Thursday mornings from 09.30 – 11.00, starting on 14 October.
Cost: $10 per family per session (so, $90 for the whole term).
Register online or download a registration form from the St Nicolas website.
Weekly Kids Club for PP – Yr 6, at Kallaroo Anglican Church, 1 Aristride Ave.
Wednesdays during school terms, 4.30-5.30pm. There are two separate groups: “Sparks” for PP – Yr3, & “Flames” for Yr 4-6. Bible Time, Games, Food, Fun!
All are welcome. Cost is $2.50. For more information, contact Gordon Killow at the church office, 9401 8151.
The region’s biggest and best FREE cultural event for children (12 and under) is back. The 2021 Little Feet Festival will be held at Edith Cowan University’s Pines Picture Gardens on Sunday 24 October, 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
This year’s theme is: Roll Up, Roll Up, It’s Circus Time.
There will be plenty for your little ones to see and do, with stage shows, roaming performers and circus workshops for all ages. They will also enjoy clowning around as they discover the clues to find their way through the Marvellous Maze.
Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Since the first Little Feet Festival in 1993, the event has been held annually providing young families with children an afternoon of free entertainment and activities to enjoy. Professional artists facilitate meaningful experiences for children and their families through creative art activities and performances.
Keep an eye on the City’s website (https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/little-feet-festival-7) and Facebook to find out further information.
Philosophy & Ethics Teacher, Andrew Rogers, featured as a guest on the Teachers Talk Radio over the holidays, talking about the practice of Philosophy in Schools. If you'd like to know more, you can download the podcast here!
St Mark's SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time now by providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. Over recent months, many people have been impacted and it has proven to be a difficult time for some more than others.
However, irrespective of whether your family has experienced many lockdowns or not, the social, economic and psychological impacts over the coming months remain uncertain. There is substantial evidence to show that mental health concerns are on the rise, especially in relation to our young people who may require some extra support. Parents play a vital role in providing this support, helping their kids reframe their worries and focus more on the things they can control in their life. Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is important for many reasons, one of which is the direct impact it can have on educational outcomes.
In this Special Report, we are seeking parent participation through a short survey. The survey is designed to assist the School to provide a barometer on the state of wellbeing within the community. The information gathered will assist in focusing on the key issues affecting students.
We encourage all parents and carers to spend a few moments to complete the survey. This will help with understanding the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best to support our community.
Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Class of 2020 One Year Reunion: 12pm on 17 October
The St Mark's Old Scholars' Association invites last year's graduates to celebrate one year since their Valedictory on Sunday 17 October from 12pm in the Ken Fairfield Hall. Please RSVP to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Tuesday 12 October for catering purposes. The 2021 Dodgeball Challenge will follow at 1pm, and we'd love to have the newest Old Scholars stay on - and this year, they'll be on the Old Scholars' Team!
Old Scholars vs Year 12s Dodgeball: 1pm on 17 October
The soon-to-graduate Class of 2021 will take on the Old Scholars (both those who are 'more experienced' as well as more recent graduates) in a game of dodgeball on 17 October. It includes a free sausage sizzle, and the chance to unwind after mocks, and to chat about life after St Mark's.
Milestone Reunion: 7pm on 6 November
The OSA is hosting the 2021 Milestone Reunion, where past students from the Class of 1991, 2001 and 2011 can come together and reminisce about life at St Mark's back in their day! Ticketing details and information on what's planned will be shared soon. In the interim, make sure your contact details are up to date - simply email community@stmarks.wa.edu.au.