The Lion's Roar - 14 February 2025

It has been a delight to hear the sounds of our students back on campus. The School feels best when it is filled with children. I hope that all of our new students quickly settle in and make positive connections with teachers, peers and activities and that all of our students quickly adopt a ‘ready to learn’ frame of mind.

During the holiday break, from mid-December, the results of our 2024 cohort of Year 12 students were released by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). While our Primary School families are currently some time away from needing to think about Year 12, I think is important for you to know what is ahead for your children and how the Secondary School is helping our students to be their best selves in their studies.

Our 2024 Year 12 students can be very proud of their achievements in all of the pathways available at St Mark’s. Some notable data is outlined below:

• 156 of 158 (98.7%) eligible full-time students achieved the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
• Year 12 ATAR students achieved a median ATAR of 85.10.
• 51% of Year 12 students followed an ATAR pathway, and 49% followed a General pathway. Students on a General pathway who complete the UniReady program and/or Certificate IV (with a minimum English grade) in their study program are also eligible for university entrance. In all, 130 of our 158 (82%) of Year 12 students are eligible for university entrance in 2025.
• Our top ATAR student achieved an ATAR of 99.50, an outstanding effort! He was awarded a General Exhibition as one of the top fifty ATAR students in the state and was the ATAR Dux of the School.
• Our General Dux was Miah Dennaoui.
• 30 (out of 81) ATAR students (37%) achieved an ATAR of 90.00 or more.
• 56 ATAR students (69%) achieved an ATAR of 80.00 or more.
• 71 ATAR students (88%) achieved an ATAR of 70.00 or more.
• This cohort included students who left the School early (Years 10-12) to follow a different path – three students took up apprenticeships, and seven commenced TAFE (or equivalent) studies.
• One student achieved two Subject Certificates of Excellence, one in Health Studies and one in Psychology.
• Nine students achieved a Certificate of Distinction for their studies.
• Thirty students achieved a Certificate of Merit for their studies.
• 41 of 42 students successfully completed the UniReady course and are eligible for university entry for 2025 via this non-ATAR pathway.
• 56 VET Certificates were achieved by 49 students in this cohort over their Years 10-12: 15 x Certificate II, 24 x Certificate III, and 17 x Certificate IV.
• Based on the percentage of students at each school who had Year 12 ATAR course combined scores in the top 15% of all students in that course, St Mark’s was named as having highest performing students in Business Management and Enterprise, Chemistry, Economics, Food Science and Technology, Health Studies, Human Biology, Literature and Physics – congratulations to the students and teachers for their fine achievement in those WACE courses.

We are delighted with the achievements of our 2024 Year 12 cohort and wish each of them every success as they embark on their first steps away from their secondary education. We believe they are well prepared for the choices they will make about their future.

I thank and commend all of our staff who taught students in our 2024 Year 12 cohort over their years at the School and contributed to their success.

We commence the 2025 academic year in typical Perth summer weather, and this is a timely reminder about our expectations that our students are SunSmart. Families are reminded that our students, K-12, are expected to wear a hat when outside and not in the shade during a lesson, during a break or involved in any school activity. The most protective headwear is a wide-brimmed hat; the next best option is a cap. Both uniform items may be obtained from the School’s Uniform Shop. Please ensure your child/ren has a suitable School hat and that they bring it to school each day. It is also recommended that students apply sunscreen when they know they will be exposed to the sun. While SunSmart behaviour has been required in Terms 1 and 4 in the past, this requirement has been extended all year round to protect our children from the high levels of UV radiation we experience in Perth. I will remind students and their families about this expectation closer to the commencement of Term 2. Thank you for being so supportive of this important child-safe initiative.

We have every reason to be optimistic about the new year, and all of our students, their families and staff have my best wishes for a happy and successful 2025. I am looking forward to another positive year of learning, achievement and activity at St Mark’s.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Steven Davies,
Principal

LIFESAVING CHAMP

A huge congratulations to Lars (Year 10) on being selected for the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championship WA State team and for his outstanding performance in Sydney in January!

Lars achieved:

• 🥇 1st place in the Men's U16 50 Metre Manikin Carry
• 🥈 2nd place in the Men's U16 200 Metre Superlifesaver

In addition to his individual achievements, Lars was a key member of several winning and placing relay teams. The WA boys team earned gold for the best boys team, and the WA State Team won the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships for the second year in a row.

Way to go, Lars!

TERRIFIC TRIATHLETE

Congratulations to Noah (Year 6) on his selection into the School Sport WA Aquathlon and Triathlon team! The event will take place in Rockingham in March.
Good luck, Noah!

BEST ON COURT

Huge congratulations to Alexis (Year 8) on being selected for the State Indoor Netball team! Alexis will be representing the state at the week-long tournament in February. We wish you all the best, Alexis!

AMAZING GYMNAST

Huge congratulations to Noah (Year 9) on being selected into the 2025 Australian National Squad for Tumbling (Trampoline Gymnastics)! This is a massive achievement, as only three athletes from WA were selected this year, and Noah is the sole WA representative for Tumbling. Noah's commitment to the squad will involve interstate and, hopefully, international travel this year.

You've got this, Noah!

Congrats to our very own Primary Teacher and Old Scholar, Kyle Robinson (2014), who received the Valedictorian of the Master of Education (Educational Leadership) from The University of Western Australia. Kyle received a Peter Foss Scholarship from St Mark's School Council to assist in his pursuit of further education and completing his Masters.

We are thrilled to share that the 2024 Year 11 Production of 'Queens' was recognised with an Adjudicator's Award at the recent Independent Theatre Association Finley Awards. They were awarded a certificate for their strong focus during the performance. Congratulations to the students involved, and we can’t wait to see what they produce in Year 12 this year!

St Mark’s Anglican Community School officially launched Stage 1 of its ambitious Master Plan at a special Turning of the Sod ceremony on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a transformative decade of campus development.

Esteemed guests, including Mrs Lynne Thomson, Chair of the AngliSchools Board; The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Officer of AngliSchools; local Member for Hillarys Caitlin Collins; as well as School Council and Executive members, project managers, architects, and builders gathered to witness the memorable moments that will shape the future of St Mark’s

Stage 1 of the Master Plan includes the construction of new Middle School Changerooms as well as modern Grounds and Maintenance facilities, replacing the existing 30-year-old infrastructure. These upgrades are vital stepping stones for future phases of the Master Plan, laying the foundation for St Mark’s Future to 50 Building Plan. This initiative underscores the school’s commitment to enhancing its facilities as it approaches its 40th Anniversary next year and beyond to its 50th Anniversary in 2036, ensuring an exceptional learning environment for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Reaching this milestone has been a collaborative effort,” said Principal Steven Davies. “The School Council, School Executive and staff alongside students and parents have worked closely together, engaging in discussions, exploring ideas, and setting priorities for the future of St Mark’s.”

Looking ahead, planning and background work have already begun on Stage 2, which will see the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Centre featuring a double court, changerooms, a signature indoor high ropes course, and dedicated learning spaces. The new facility will also serve as a much-needed venue to accommodate the entire K-12 school community for assemblies and events.

Principal Davies expressed gratitude to the School’s partners, acknowledging the contributions of EIW Architects, project managers Proven, and builders Cooktown. “EIW has brought tremendous creativity to our Master Plan, and we are excited to partner with Proven and Cooktown to bring this vision to life.”

While Stage 1 may not be the most high-profile aspect of the 10-year project, Mr Davies emphasised its significance: “This first stage might not be the most glamorous, but it is absolutely essential. By providing upgraded change rooms for our Middle School students and new facilities for our Grounds and Maintenance team, we are unlocking the potential for future developments.”

From its humble beginnings with just 240 students and 19 staff, St Mark’s has grown into a thriving community of 1,900 students and 250 staff. The launch of this Master Plan signals an exciting new chapter in the school’s journey.

“The work we begin today is about more than just buildings,” said The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Officer of AngliSchools. “It represents the beginning of a new era that will carry St Mark’s into the next 40 years and beyond.”

Following the resounding success of last year's Career Conversations, we are excited to announce the launch of our Career Curiosity Series! This initiative aims to further support our students in making informed decisions about their future careers by connecting them with valuable insights and real-world experiences. We believe that parents and alumni hold a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives that can be incredibly beneficial to our students.

What is the Career Curiosity Series?

The Career Curiosity Series builds upon the foundation of Career Conversations by creating opportunities for students to explore various career paths, develop essential skills, and understand the connection between their interests and future possibilities. These sessions are designed to:

• Expose students to a wide range of professions and industries.
• Provide insights into the skills and knowledge required for different careers.
• Encourage students to think creatively about their future options.
• Help students leverage curiosity in strategic thinking, innovation, and design thinking.
• Facilitate career curiosity conversations, encouraging students to explore the fit and possibilities between themselves and work.

How Can You Get Involved?

We invite current parents and alumni to share their expertise and experiences with our students through various avenues:

• Be a Guest Speaker: Share your career journey, insights into your industry, and advice for students interested in pursuing a similar path. The Career Curiosity events are held before school (7.30 am - 8.35 am).
  
  We are looking for speakers on the following days in the following areas:
  
• TERM 1:
  • Wednesday 5 March 2025 - Medicine and Nursing
  • Wednesday 12 March 2025 - Apprenticeships (Electrical, Automotive/Heavy Diesel), Plumbing, Building)
  • Wednesday 19 March 2025 - Emergency Services
  • Wednesday 26 March 2025 - Cyber Security/IT/Computer Science

• TERM 2:
  • Wednesday 15 May 2025 - TBC
  • Wednesday 28 May 2025 - Allied Health
  • Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Environmental Science/Conservation/Coastal and Marine
  • Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Commerce
  • Wednesday 18 June 2025 - Small Business/Entrepreneurial
  • Wednesday 25 June 2025 - TBC

• Work Experience Opportunities: Offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience in your field.

By participating in the Career Curiosity Series, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of our students. Your unique perspectives and experiences can help them discover their passions, develop essential skills, and make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Contact Us

If you are interested in participating in the Career Curiosity Series or would like to learn more about how you can contribute, please get in touch with Amanda Kemp via email akemp@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

We look forward to partnering with you to empower our students to explore their curiosities and achieve their career aspirations!

Last week, our young artists dove into a world of colour and imagination in the Primary art room! Students unleashed their creativity by mixing vibrant hues, playing with exciting shapes, and discovering magical patterns. It certainly sparked a wave of excitement as their brushes danced across their canvas, and their works came to life.

Who knows what masterpieces will emerge? Stay tuned for some colourful classroom magic!

This week, our Year 12 English class had the privilege of hosting The Periscope Crew, and their visit was nothing short of extraordinary. Through their remarkable documentary "Everywhere", they opened our eyes to the profound stories behind the World Transplant Games and the life-changing impact of organ donation. Their work also sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities, showcasing resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

"Everywhere" is a locally produced film that has gained global recognition, and we are thrilled to include it in our English curriculum this year. The Crew shared invaluable insights into the art of documentary filmmaking—exploring its purpose, conventions, and how it brings important values to life. From understanding cinematic techniques to the emotional depth of storytelling, students gained a deeper appreciation for this impactful medium.

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 12 students for your thoughtful engagement during the screening and discussion. Your feedback truly reflected how meaningful this experience was.

To The Periscope Crew, thank you for sharing your journey and passion with us. You’ve left an indelible mark on our school community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back next term!

You can view our students reviews and comments regarding the session in the photos below.

Excitement and anticipation filled the air as we welcomed our newest members of the St Mark’s community during Orientation Day at the end of January. It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 students and new secondary students to explore their new surroundings, meet their peers and begin their journey at St Mark’s with confidence.

Students from Years 6 to 12 participated in a range of activities designed to familiarise them with the campus and introduce them to the rhythms of school life. Through engaging sessions, they had the chance to meet their teachers, navigate their schedules, and start forming friendships that will last throughout their time at St Mark’s. Meanwhile, our new Primary students enjoyed a warm welcome, reconnecting with their classrooms and greeting their teachers in a supportive and encouraging environment.

While students settled into their new spaces, we were also delighted to host a special morning tea for our Year 6 and new secondary parents. Organised by the Old Scholars' Association and generously supported by our dedicated parent volunteers, the event was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, share experiences, and feel at home within the St Mark’s community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed baked goods and their time to make this gathering such a warm and welcoming occasion.

Now, as we reach the end of Week 2, we hope all students and families have settled into the rhythm of Term 1. Here’s to an exciting year ahead, full of learning, growth, and memorable experiences!

Tuesday last week marked a significant moment for our school community as the 2025 Middle School Captains and Senior School Prefects were officially inducted during the Investiture Ceremony. After proudly receiving their badges, these young leaders took the St Mark’s Leaders’ Oath, pledging to lead with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to empowering others. This solemn promise reflects their dedication to serving the school and fostering a positive environment for all.

This year’s Year 12 value word, Inspire, serves as a powerful reminder of leadership through action. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Head Prefect Mia echoed this sentiment during her speech, stating:

“This quote is a powerful reminder that change starts with us. Instead of waiting for things to improve, we must take action, lead by example, and embody the values we hope to see in others. Every action we take has the potential to inspire someone else.”

Congratulations to our 2025 Prefects and Captains! We are confident that your leadership will be marked by kindness, positivity, and purpose, inspiring others to follow your example. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will make this year!

Last week, our Head Prefects, Mia and Dale, and Principal, Mr Davies, continued an inspiring tradition by signing the Code of Conduct on behalf of our students and staff. This symbolic gesture reinforces our shared commitment to upholding our core values of Respect, Community, Knowledge, Confidence, and Responsibility.

Thanks to the dedication of last year’s Prefects and Captains, who built upon three years of work, our refreshed Code of Conduct now truly reflects the heart of our school community.

Together, we're building a culture of inclusion, growth, and integrity.

Amy and Jake, our esteemed Year 12 Peer Mentors for 2025, are set to play a crucial role in fostering a positive and supportive environment at our school. In their role as Peer Mentors, they can expect to do the following:

Promote Positive Peer Relationships: Foster a supportive school environment by encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among students between year levels. They would also be the face of support for new students in the first few weeks at school.

Enhance Academic Achievement: Provide academic support and guidance to peers, including support of the before/after school study help sessions.

Support Personal Development: Assist students in setting and achieving personal and academic goals, building confidence and resilience.

Facilitate Communication: Act as a liaison between students and staff for those less confident to approach independently, ensuring student voices and concerns are heard and addressed.

Mentoring: Offer one-on-one or small group mentoring sessions to students seeking guidance or support (with the help of HOY9 and HOY12)

Peer Support: Provide a listening ear and support to peers facing personal or academic challenges.

Event Support: Support set up of workshops, seminars, and social events aimed at personal development and community building (eg. Flourish guest speakers)

Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from peers regarding school life and relay this information to the school administration constructively.

As Amy and Jake embark on their journey as Peer Mentors, they are poised to make a significant impact on our School community. Their dedication to fostering positive relationships, supporting academic achievement, and facilitating personal growth will undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school environment in 2025.

Our Year 12s kicked off Term 1 in style, receiving their Leavers’ jackets on the first day of school! This marks another exciting milestone and rite of passage in their final year at St Mark’s. Despite the hot weather, the Class of 2025 couldn't wait to don their personalised bomber jackets, proudly sporting their chosen names or nicknames throughout the day.

No doubt these jackets will become treasured keepsakes of their Year 12 journey!

The Class of 2025 kicked off Term 1 with their annual Year 12 Retreat, marking the beginning of their final year at our school. This pivotal event focused on strengthening peer relationships, building resilience, enhancing time management skills, and practising mindfulness.

The retreat emphasised the importance of fostering connections within the Year 12 cohort, reinforcing the bonds that will contribute to a successful and supportive final year. It served as a reminder that this culminating year is not solely about academic achievements but also about personal growth and development.

Embracing the Value of "Inspire"

Students had the opportunity to reflect on their value word for 2025: Inspire. This theme encourages our Year 12s to lead by example and embody the change they wish to see in the world.

The Inspire Cup Kicks Off

The retreat also marked the beginning of the Inspire Cup competition. The Class of 2025 enthusiastically participated in their first set of challenges, competing in 'Minute to Win It' style games. Moyes House emerged victorious in this initial round, setting an exciting tone for the year-long competition.

Building Resilience and Community

Through various activities, students were encouraged to share experiences, work collaboratively, and support one another. These exercises aim to build resilience, a crucial skill for navigating the challenges of Year 12 and beyond.

As our Year 12s embark on this significant journey, the retreat has laid a strong foundation for a year of growth, inspiration, and achievement. We look forward to seeing how the Class of 2025 will continue to inspire and support each other throughout their final year.

Congratulations to our students for their outstanding achievements!

We take immense pride and joy in recognising our students' 2024 academic results. Their hard work and unwavering commitment to their studies have resulted in an impressive median ATAR of 85.10, with a St Mark's student achieving our top ATAR score of 99.50.

The tenacity and perseverance of the entire cohort have yielded noteworthy outcomes, as reflected in the following statistics:

Our School Dux, Charles Manger, was one of fifty students awarded prestigious General Exhibitions for his exceptional performance. This recognition highlights his academic excellence and the dedication and hard work he demonstrated throughout his studies.

Well done to Jasmine Orton, who received two Subject Certificates of Excellence for Health Studies and Psychology. These are awarded to those students who are in the top 0.5 per cent of candidates in each ATAR course examination set by the Authority, based on the examination score, or the top two candidates (whichever is the greater) in a course where at least 100 candidates sit the ATAR course examination.

Congratulations also to our nine students who received Certificates of Distinction and the 30 who received Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Distinction were awarded to:

• Riley Baddock
• Grace Barnard
• Maya Best
• Taleisha Butler
• Ashlyn Cole
• Charles Manger
• Daniel Nguyen
• Jesse Rivers
• Kaleb White

Certificates of Merit were awarded to:

• Chloe Bartholomew
• Elliott Berrigan
• Jett Butler
• Jacob Gidley
• James Groocock
• Charlotte Hayes
• Laura Hazell
• Lachlan Henery
• Lucas Hill
• Sarah Holland
• Leeselle Jones
• Jasmine Kane
• Philippa Kapp
• Cushla Kennedy
• Nait Kuenen
• Annika Neill
• Michael O'Neill
• Jasmine Orton
• Summer Reid
• Michael Rezkalla
• Ariz Shahrul Azmir
• Not For Publication
• Demi Van Rensburg
• Zachary Wright

Our varied educational pathways have demonstrated remarkable success in supporting students' post-school goals in 2024. Out of our 158 Year 12 students, 130 students successfully pursued alternative entry pathways to university:

• 81 students achieved a traditional ATAR
• 41 students completed the UniReady Program
• 8 students obtained a Certificate IV with the required English grade

These pathways ensure that students have multiple opportunities to access higher education, reflecting our commitment to providing flexible and inclusive educational routes. The UniReady Program, in particular, offers students an alternative to traditional ATAR entry, providing a pathway that develops academic skills and offers a notional ATAR of 70 upon completion.
Our CareerLink program has seen 49 students Year 12 students achieve 56 VET qualifications.

• 17 - Certificate IV
• 24 - Certificate III
• 15 - Certificate II

Our UniReady and CareerLink programs continue to grow each year, and this year was no exception. By offering diverse programs like these, we empower students to achieve their academic and career aspirations through personalised learning experiences.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the staff members and families who supported, mentored, and encouraged our Year 12 students throughout their educational journeys, helping them become their best selves.

No matter which pathway our students have taken, we are incredibly proud of them all and can't wait to see them make their positive mark on the world. On behalf of the St Mark’s community, we congratulate the entire Class of 2024 on their hard work and resilience and thank them for their wonderful contribution to our School and beyond.

We're thrilled to announce that St Mark's Anglican Community School has once again demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the 2024 ATAR results! Our students have excelled in multiple subjects, securing spots among the top-performing schools in Western Australia.

For the Class of 2024, we're proud to highlight our success in:

• Chemistry
• Human Biology
• Physics
• Food Science & Technology
• Literature
• Business Management & Enterprise
• Economics
• Health Studies

The above list is compiled from the percentage of students at each school who had Year 12 ATAR course combined scores in the top 15 per cent of all students in that course. Depending on the number of schools teaching each Year 12 ATAR course, up to the top 15 schools with the highest percentage are listed. This list recognises the strength of achievement of schools in Year 12 ATAR courses but does not discriminate between schools with high or low enrolment in Year 12 ATAR courses. To be included in this table schools must have at least; 10 students with a Year 12 ATAR course combined score in the course, 10 per cent of the students with Year 12 ATAR course combined scores in the top 15 per cent of all students in that course.

If we delve into a little history around this subject ranking, our data (compiled since 2018) shows that St Mark’s has consistently excelled across a range of subjects, with several courses regularly making the list of high-achieving ATAR subjects:

• Business Management & Enterprise – 7 appearances
• Food Science & Technology – 6 appearances
• Health Studies – 5 appearances
• Human Biology – 4 appearances
• Physical Education Studies – 4 appearances
• Physics - 2 appearances
• Literature - 2 appearances
• Biology - 2 appearances
• Philosophy & Ethics - 2 appearances
• Economics - 2 appearances

These results reflect our students' dedication, our teachers' expertise, and the supportive learning environment we foster at St Mark's. Congratulations to all our hard-working students and staff! Your perseverance and commitment continue to make us proud.

The scores have been tallied, and it's official: WATKINS are the Secondary House Swimming Champions!

Announced at our Swimming Carnival Assembly today, Watkins has taken out overall bragging rights and a clean sweep of both the Middle and the Senior School House Trophies, which, of course, also meant that they took out the Champion House Award. Awesome effort, Watkins!

The results are as follows:

Middle School Results

• 1^st: Watkins
• 2^nd: Moyes
• 3^rd: Carnley
• 4^th: Challen

Senior School Results

• 1^st: Watkins
• 2^nd: Carnley
• 3^rd: Moyes
• 4^th: Challen

Overall Results

• 1^st: Watkins
• 2^nd: Carnley
• 3^rd: Moyes
• 4^th: Challen

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding individual efforts:

The St Mark's spirit stepped up both in and out of the pool at the Carnival, with many personal bests achieved and fantastic sportsmanship on display. We are extremely proud of the efforts of those students who participated and cheered on their peers.

Click here for some of the images of the Swimming Carnival.

Check out the School calendar to see what's happening around St Mark's. Don't forget to pick your preferences for sub-schools.

Join Claire Eaton as she presents an evening of practical information, strategies, tips and tools for our Middle School families to help your children transition through Middle School (Years 6 - 8) with more resilience, optimism and confidence.

When: Thursday 20 February 2025

Time: 6:00pm - 7.30pm

Where: St Marks Anglican Community School: St Marks Drive, Hillarys WA 6025

Cost: FREE

Book your tickets HERE.

The Parents Prayer Group (PPG) meet fortnightly to pray for the students, staff and school community. We will be meeting every second Friday 9am in the school chapel, starting 14th Feb. Please sign in at reception and perhaps stop by the coffee van on the way. All are welcome. Please share any prayer requests by emailing parentsunitedforprayer@gmail.com or call Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

Download the flyer here.