The Lion's Roar - 17 August 2022

Congratulations to Year 7 Student Tyson, on being awarded GAWA’s ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ for Year 7. The competition engaged students in the concepts of marine and aquatic environments as part of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022.

Each year group is given a suggested topic, with Tyson's Year 7 topic being "Sustainability of fish stocks is a twenty-first century issue that involves commercial and recreational fishing activities". Tyson focused on recreational fishing activities.

Well done, Tyson!

SWEET SUCCESS

Congratulations to Linda Sweet, our Deputy Head of Primary (Early Learning Centre), for her win as ‘Department Head of the Year’ Non-Government Schools at the Australian Educator Awards on Friday night. After moving through the selection process, Linda beat Department Heads from high-profile schools on the east coast.

Since 2017, she has led the St Mark’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), which looks after K-1 students. She is a trailblazer in early learning leadership and practice and is well-respected within the school, and in the wider community, Linda is an outstanding and inspiring leader.

CONGRATS COACH BARTS

Our very own Primary Phys Ed Teacher, Michael Barton, was acknowledged with a 10 Years Service Award by School Sport Australia for his involvement with the AFL 12s.

Congratulations, Coach Barts!

Thanks to School Sport for the image.

All Year 2-5 students are to wear full winter uniform, including jumper, on Monday 22 August as various Music Ensemble photos will be taken, as well as the Year 5 group photo. If your child normally has PE on a Monday, there is no need for them to bring their sport uniform to school to change into as PE lessons will be cancelled on Monday. Junior School Music Ensemble parents will receive an email from Miss Guelfi with further details if your child is involved in the below ensembles:

• Crescendo Kids Choir
• Junior Classical Guitar Ensemble
• Junior Percussion Ensemble
• Junior Strings Players
• Primo Strings Ensemble
• Sforzando Strings
• Viva Ritmo Voices
• Year 5 Rock Band 'Raging Fire'

Week 5 (22 to 26 August) is BOOK WEEK! This year's theme is “Dreaming with eyes open…”

On Wednesday 24 August, the Primary School (K-Y5) will celebrate Book Week by dressing up as their favourite book character. (Kindy Turtles will dress up on Friday 26 August.)

Please talk with your child/children about characters from the books they have read this year or even some of your own favourite characters from books you have read.

Children should come to school in their chosen dress-up.

Week 6 (29 August to 2 September) is BOOK FAIR.

Once again, we will have Book Fair running in the Primary School Library. We encourage K-Y5 parents to accompany their children before or after school. It is a great time to buy some birthday and Christmas gifts! Eftpos facilities will be available in the Library for payments.

Book Fair Opening Hours

• Monday: lunch time 12.55pm until 1.15pm, and after school 3.15pm to 3.45pm
• Tuesday to Thursday: before school 8.15 - 8.45am, lunch time 12.55pm until 1.15pm, and also after school 3.15pm to 3.45pm
• Friday: before school 8.15 - 8.45am and lunch time 12.55pm until 1.15pm
  
  

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 19 August.

All Year 6 – 12 students are required to attend, as this is a compulsory school day.

Details of the activity are as follows:

DATE: Friday 19 August 2022

VENUE: WA Athletics Stadium, Floreat

TIME: ALL DAY – students arrive at school at the normal time (8.30am) before attending House Meetings and then loading buses.

Students will return to school to be dismissed by 3.25pm.

TRANSPORT: All students are expected to travel to and from the venue with their House team. Transport by a reputable bus company has been arranged.

FACE MASKS: In line with the current requirements, all students and staff are required to wear face masks while travelling on buses. Students are required to bring a face mask (and spare with them on the day).

UNIFORM: Students to wear their House Sports Uniform (with sports shoes and socks). Tracksuit, rain jacket, hat and sunscreen are also recommended.

Students must also bring a packed lunch, snacks, water and all personal medication with them on the day. Some kiosk options will be available.

SPECTATORS: Parent spectators are most welcome. Spectators are requested to sit in the designated spectator seating areas and comply with the current Covid 19 guidelines.

Please see the attached event program for the day. Please note times are a guide only, and competitors need to follow the announcer's instructions.

We look forward to another fabulous day at the State Athletics Stadium and wish all students all the very best for a great carnival.

Download the program here.

All Year 6 - 12 students are to wear full winter uniform, on Monday 22 August if you are required for one of the group photos below. If your child normally has PE/dance on a Monday, they will need to bring their PE/dance gear with them to change into.

Group photos being taken are:

• Senior School Head Prefects
• Middle School Captains
• Chapel Prefects
• Arts Prefects
• House Activity Prefects
• Academic Prefects
• Wellbeing Prefects
• Service Prefects
• Sport Prefects
• Year 6 cohort
• Sport Captains
• Carnley Prefect
• Challen Prefect
• Moyes Prefect
• Watkins Prefect
• Year 12 cohort
• True Voices Vocal Ensemble
• Secondary Choir
• Secondary Instrumental Ensembles

Download the group photo schedule here.

After a few false starts due to COVID, our St Mark's team finally made it to the Parnngurr Community School. Our School entered into a friendship with Parnngurr Community School a few years ago, and this trip has been in the planning for some time. Parnngurr is an indigenous settlement of the Martu people located 370km east of Newman in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Martu lands encompass a significant proportion of the Little and Great Sandy Desert. Martu lands also contain the Karlamilyi National Park.

This friendship between our schools aims to engage in a relationship that helps both communities improve their cultural understandings. We want our students to learn about and from each other and grow in their understanding of and empathy for others.

The thirteen Year 9 students and staff had an amazing week where they learnt from the Community Elders and local rangers, experienced three days 'on country' with the Parngurr students and immersed themselves into their culture. This unique experience has enabled the students of both communities to engage with each other with respect, empathy, openness, and curiosity. Not only have they experienced life-changing moments, but they have also made wonderful memories and unique friends in the process.

Here's what our students and staff had to say about this unique experience:

"I loved seeing the Parnngurr students teach our students bush skills like finding bush onions and spear making." - Mr Lehman.

"I enjoyed spending time with the students and seeing how they lived and what family really meant to them." - Tia Leader.

"I enjoyed watching St Mark's students challenge themselves with activities like plucking a bush turkey and eating kangaroo tail, while the Parnngurr students showed their leadership skills." - Mr Blair.

I loved spending time with the kids and forming amazing friendships with them all. I enjoyed spending time with them one on one and learning about their stories individually as well as a community. I used to think it took years to form a strong friendship, but with the Parnngurr students, we did it in a matter of days. - Amelia Copestake.

My heart is absolutely filled with joy after watching these students form strong connections within a matter of hours. They were out of their comfort zone on many occasions but not once did that stop them forming friendships for life and sharing experiences that will stay with them forever. - Mrs Parsons.

"I loved learning from everyone at Parnngurr; the kids were little balls of energy filled with love and fun. I also saw how they lived, it made me feel more grateful for what I have here at my home." -Maddison Hedges.

"I loved the kids we met at Parngurr and will miss them dearly. They were so sweet and full of wonder about our lives and culture as we were of theirs. The games we all played together and the sharing of new experiences are moments I will treasure forever." - Bella Cooper.

"I enjoyed trying all the new foods, learning from all of the Parngurr kids, and listening to the stories they wanted to tell about their life and the different things introduced to us." - Braden Smithson.

"I loved learning from all the Parrngurr kids and especially using the information that they gave me to create different things that they showed us. One of these was how to create a spear and how to use it." - Callum Foley.

"I enjoyed learning about their families and how they all feel connected with each other. I love how their values and life are so different to ours and enjoyed trying the bush food" - Skye Bryant.

"I really loved getting to know the kids and appreciating how strong their community is, as they do everything together and learn from each other. I enjoyed being on country, and I'll always have the red dust to remind me of what a great time we had." – Ruby Spath

“It was amazing to see their knowledge and skills out on country and have that knowledge passed on to our students. The Parnngurr students became teachers as they showed St Mark’s how to forage and prepare food, find water and make spears. It’s an experience no one will forget, and they made some great friends along the way.” - Miss Tutton

We look forward to hosting the Parnngurr Community School later in the year and can't wait to get back there next year!

Parnngurr Memories (Video)

Yesterday, five of our Year 10 Students (Maya, Taleisha, Ashlyn, Mia and Tabitha) had the privilege of attending the 2022 City of Joondalup Youth Forum and Council Meeting.

The forum was attended by 11 schools within the City of Joondalup precinct and was designed to help young people engage and discuss issues that they feel are important in the community. The Youth Forum was run by presenter Sain Dzemail from the organisation Insain, which is designed to support young people in communicating their goals and visions for a better community.

We participated in brainstorming better ways to improve the community, specifically within the City of Joondalup. We also discussed the problems young people face while investigating our own goals for the future. Taleisha even received the opportunity to speak with one of the doctors affiliated with the group to explore her own career interests.

After the forum, we were able to sit in on the August Council Meeting, where Mia and Taleisha also had the opportunity to ask the Council questions. These questions focused on local issues like the prevalence of e-cigarettes in the community and young peoples’ engagement with the natural environment. We also experienced the working of our local government meeting discussing issues of transparency within the government and the future direction of innovation within the City of Joondalup. We left with a greater understanding of the workings of the local council and the possibilities that may exist for future youth engagement.

We are excited to advise that applications for the Old Scholars' Association Scholarship are now open.

The Scholarship is awarded to a Year 9 student who excels and commits across a number of sporting, cultural, extra and co-curricular pursuits, community as well as academic commitment and specialist areas. The Association is looking for a well-rounded student that embodies the spirit of St Mark’s Anglican Community School.

The Scholarship will provide a partial fee remission of 25% in the level of the tuition fee payable by the successful student each year and will continue until the student leaves St Mark’s, or for three years.

Applications will close on FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2022 AT 4.00PM.

For further information, please head to the OSA webpage and download the application form here.

This year, St Marks was given the opportunity to send 8 of our Year 9 students to the Think Tank Challenge! The task they took on was to find a solution to help our community save water, using the given prompt - "We care about the environment in which we operate. How can we prepare for the future?"

The Think Tank Challenge gathers Year 9 and 10 students from schools across Perth to creatively and technically design a project to help the Water Corporation effectively save water through WA citizens. The full-day workshop guided our students with project outlines, interactive leaders and time to bounce ideas off other teams, leading to a wonderful bonding experience for all.

The team from St Mark's, Zoya, Laureece, Siobhan, Roxy, Niamh, Talia, Indianna and Ava started the day by meeting our coordinating teacher, Mr McLean, at Peter Moyes ACS. We successfully combined the ideas they came up with into a singular idea - 'Waterly'. The plan was to formulate an app showing stats of the prices directly correlating to the water usage of a household. Other information would include how much water was used at different times, notifications when large amounts of water are used, articles on ways people can improve their homes to become more efficient and a point system that rated each household according to the water savings they made.

After the concepts were pitched to the Water Corporation judges, it was announced that our first ever St Mark's team tied for 3rd place!

Our team did an amazing job, and congratulations to all who participated in the challenge. Of course, a big thank you must also go to Mr McLean and Mr Andrews for cheering us on.

We can't wait to see what we come up with next year.

Zoya Zwart
Year 9

On Monday 8 August, the Year 8 cohort and the Year 12 Philosophy and Ethics ATAR students piled into four buses and went on a tour of worship places. For the Year 8s, this was the culmination of our studies on World Religions.

Shree Swaminaryon Temple is a Hindu Temple out in Bennett Springs. We were welcomed by Pareshbhai Rabadia and invited to remove our shoes and enter, boys on one side and girls on the other. Questions of our eager students were repeated and answered for both the boys and girls. Why so many Gods? What are the statues for? Why do we remove our shoes? In the fortnightly cycle at the Temple, it was a flower day, so both flowers and fruit from flowering plants adorned the temple. As we left, we were all given a mandarin that had been blessed at the temple, to eat.

At the Alhidayah Centre, an Islamic Mosque, we were met by Imam Yusuf Parker. We started by removing our shoes again and having the washing stations explained before entering the main room of the Mosque. Yusuf made it clear that we were to ask any questions, including questions that we thought might be difficult or awkward. While seated on the soft carpet, Yusuf explained the basics of Muslim worship, including the five prayer times for each day, Friday as the day of worship, the five pillars of Islam and the six core beliefs. For the remainder of the time, there was a steady stream of questions from the students, which Yusuf answered clearly, including using many examples from his own experience. Questions were still coming when it was time for us to leave.

Despite the weather, the students made good use of the parks during our lunchtime break and mostly avoided getting too wet. The philosophy students enjoyed a special meal from Joel White in return for their donations to the refugee centre.

The final stop was the Kallaroo Anglican Church. We were met by the Reverend Mathew Harding and a host of past students. Rylie Law Davis, Chaplaincy Intern 2015, Dougie McKay Chaplaincy Intern 2017 and Laney Rowland Chapel Prefect and 2021 Leaver. We played a range of games that reminded some of the students of CAVE in primary school. The message and challenge of Christianity was clearly explained, along with personal experiences shared and questions answered.

The students had an enlightening experience and thoroughly enjoyed the day. They represented the school well with their behaviour and the questions they asked. Each of the places we visited complimented the students, and are looking forward already to the tour in 2023. Thanks to the staff, Mark Davis, Bryce Teo, Kylie Nicholson, Scott Kendell, Stewart Shattock, Mesbah Rahi and Joel White, who gave up their time to come along on the tour.

This term, the Year 12 Food Science and Technology ATAR students have been busy working on producing a dinner box for a staff member. The task required students to address a gap in the market or value add to dinner boxes currently on offer. Research revealed, among other things, that there was a market for dinner boxes that produced less waste and included cruelty-free and/or organically sourced local produce.

The students developed a product proposal, which included clearly defining the product purpose, surveying the staff to determine their meal preferences and developing a dinner box to suit their specifications. After trials to check their meals were fit for purpose, the Year 12s prepared and packaged the dinner boxes for collection by staff.

From all reports, the eight lucky staff selected to receive a dinner box thoroughly enjoyed being involved.

“My daughter asked for seconds, and she is a fuss pot!” William Brock

“This recipe was amazing and so delicious. It was perfect for four adults. I will be making this recipe again”, Marnie Szostak

“It was delicious, and it is definitely something we’ll make again”, Alex Poole

Staff were asked for feedback once they had prepared and enjoyed the dinner box meal with their families and partners. Students used the feedback to draw conclusions and make recommendations about the viability of their product proposal. The task offered the Food Science and Technology students a glimpse into the industry process of creating, processing, and commercialising a new food product.

On Friday, the entire School, from Kindy to Year 12, gathered in the Quad to celebrate our wonderful School and to honour our patron saint, Mark.

School Chaplain Reverend Scott Rowland presided over the service, with our Head Prefects, Joseph and Libby, reading passages from the Bible and performances from our Year 4/5 Choir and Secondary Choir. We focused on serving others (serving all people, no matter who you are) as the theme of the service, and this was demonstrated through Primary CAVE Teacher Joe da Costa, washing the feet of a student and our School Leaders swapping places with the younger students - they gave up their comfy chairs at the front for a spot on the paving.

A big thank you to all Primary and Secondary staff for helping promote our Year 11 Hoodies for Homeless fundraiser last Thursday. We are pleased to say we raised over $1,500 on the day!

On Friday 20 August, 22 students, along with Mr Daniel Lehman, Mrs Carissa Tucker and Mr Mark Van Winsen, participated in the Anglicare Sleep Out Challenge at Optus Stadium. Throughout the night over 300 participants experienced what it is like to be homeless - a simple dinner of soup then facing the reality of the cold, trying to sleep with sirens blaring, cardboard structures collapsing and being constantly asked to move on. It is safe to say not much sleep was had.

Overall, over $152,000 was raised, with our team contributing nearly $6,000 for youth homelessness projects and Street Connect who travel the streets of Perth helping those in need get back on their feet.

We are so grateful to our supporters, parents and fellow students who enabled us to raise this money and support this incredible cause. We didn't get much sleep, but we learned a lot about what it is like to be homeless in 2022.

There is an increasing number of parents/caregivers allowing their children to exit their vehicles whilst waiting in the drive through queues on our school grounds. This results in students walking through traffic at various locations rather than only using the designated crosswalks. This is dangerous for the students and a hazard for traffic. In order to keep everyone safe, parents are asked to please only permit students to exit vehicles at one of the designated drop-off points.

Parents and students are reminded that Gate 3 on Endeavour Road is for vehicles only. For safety reasons, pedestrians should use the smaller gate directly opposite the roundabout intersection with Banks Avenue.

Thank you.

This coming Friday is the Secondary House Athletics Carnival. With 24 buses in and around the school on 19 August it will be a busy time in all our car parks and on surrounding roads during drop-off and pick-up times.

The Whitfords Avenue entrance to the Kiss and Drive area will be full when the buses arrive and depart. Buses in St Mark’s Drive and internally near the admin building will also add to congestion in these areas.

We ask that parents remain patient if caught in traffic.

We have a mountain of Lost Property piling up in the zone next to the Senior Library stairs. Items include blazers, jumpers, tracksuit tops, and sports shirts. Some of the items are labelled.

Our Year 8’s are needing small glass jars with lids. Rather than popping them in the recycle bin, please deliver them to the Middle School reception for our students.

We really appreciate your kindness.

Games Day 2022 is here. Add the date Saturday 10 September 2022, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, to your diaries now!

After a long, COVID-induced hiatus, the POSTMEN are back with Games Day! This will be an afternoon for fathers and father figures to come along with their kids and enjoy a range of different and interesting board games.

Helpers will be there to make it easy to quickly pick up the rules, and we'll round the afternoon off with pizzas for an early simple dinner.

Thanks to Adam from boardgamesdirect.com.au for bringing the games for us to play with and enjoy on the day - if you find something you really like, you'll also be able to place an order with him to get your very own copy for home.

There will be some awesome prizes on offer and, of course, our annual epic Klask tournament - if you're not familiar with Klask, recommend you Google it. Bring your A-Game, and we hope to see you there!

Book your spot here

All sign-ups, videos and applications for the ASC Concert must be submitted by this coming Sunday 21 August 2022.

If you would like to be involved, please download, and read the information pack and follow the instructions. Auditioned groups require you to record yourself playing or singing at your best and upload it online, before completing an online application form.

Information Pack

Sign up for an Open Ensemble

Sign up for an Auditioned Ensemble (you must have your videos ready)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Jaina van Reyk or your ensemble director for more information. If you need help uploading your videos, please see Mrs Grubb well before the end of this week. Staff will not be available over the weekend to assist students with last-minute technical difficulties!

On Monday 1 August, the Primary Interhouse Music Eisteddfod was held in the Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Centre (PAC). It was such a fabulous day with the students in Years 2 - 5 performing in front of their peers and family and such an important time in their music journey, gaining experience performing in front of a crowd!

We had two adjudicators on the day, Mrs Mary Giles, Music Teacher at St Hilda’s, and Mrs Kelly Curran, Head of Digital Learning here at St Mark’s, who were both blown away with the talent coming through the school!

Congratulations to the below list of students who received an award for the Primary Interhouse Music Eisteddfod:

Certificate of Excellence:

• Lily Van Veen
• Olivia Zhang
• Adam Williams
• Claudia Lowson
• Jack Dyer
• Cooper Webb
• Ellie Martin
• Alina Dorta
• Nate Myers
• Olivia Gethin
• Wiremu Smith
• Isabella Hocking
• Kayla Finnie
• Adam Ioannou
• Austin Courtney
• Emmalyn Lovell
• Anika Grugeon
• Kai Lambeck
• Owen Tenakov
• Haley Jooste

Certificate of Outstanding:

• Everleigh May
• West Roberts
• Isabella Keung
• Lucas Keung
• Benjamin Marquand, Sohie Coffin, Kai Patel and Cameron Galipo
• Ansh Gupta
• Michael Fairley
• Eva Syers
• Isabella Hocking
• Isla Hewitt
• Dane Sudintas
• Elyssa Nicolay
• Kate Parnaby
• Alexis Halsall
• Alexis Halsall
• Olivia Wang
• Zachary Pascoe

Term 3 has been off to a busy start with students presenting to the Wellness Centre with cold and flu symptoms.

Could we please remind you that students with any symptoms should not be sent to school regardless of a negative RAT test.

Unfortunately, there are still lots of other viruses in the community, and we need to protect our staff and students.

If your child presents to the Wellness Centre with any cold or flu symptoms, we will have to call you to come and collect them.

Thank you for your understanding.

Wellness Centre Team

The P&F Association are looking for a parent who is an Approved Manager licence holder to volunteer on 29 October from 6pm onwards at the Quiz Night.

For further information, please email Wes Buzza for details.

The St Mark's P&F Association is delighted to confirm that they will be hosting a quiz night on Saturday 29 October 2022 - book your tickets now!

Doors open at 6pm with the Quiz starting at 7pm.

There are sure to be plenty of opportunities to have some fun and showcase your outstanding general knowledge! Gather some friends, bring some snacks and enjoy an entertaining night out. There will be dancing and music after the Quiz.

Tickets are just $18 each (plus booking fees). Tables will seat groups of six. To purchase a table, please select 6 tickets.

BYO food and snacks but no BYO drinks. Drinks including alcohol will be available for purchase. Please note this event is for adults only (18+).

For more information, please contact Nirbhay Gupta on email nguptawork@gmail.com

Book your tickets here.

Calling all Old Scholars who have children currently attending St Mark's ...We will be holding our annual Old Scholar Generations photo on 22 August 2022 at 8.15am.

If you and your child/ren would like to be included, please book your spot via the link.

Please note that students will be required to be in winter uniform.

All Old Scholars who graduated from St Mark’s in 1992, 2002 and 2012 are invited to the Milestone Reunion on Saturday 17 September 2022.

We can't wait to see you all and hear what you've been up to since leaving the land of maroon and blue!

Ticket details are available here.

If you have not received an email regarding the reunion, it means we do not have your current email - please update your details here.

Our Old Scholars' Association Little Lions Playgroup is on for Term 4!

Our Little Lions Playgroup is a community-based group and is run in conjunction with Playgroup WA.

It is held every Friday during term time from 8.45am - 10.30am, and caters for children up to school age.

For more information and to book your spot, please email us, osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or join our Facebook group HERE.

Everyone is welcome - you do not need to be an Old Scholar (former student) of St Mark's to attend.

Hamersley Little Athletics registrations will open on 3 September 2022.

For further information, download the flyer or head to their website.

Hamersley Little Athletics Flyer

The Department of Education will again provide an opportunity for Year 12 students to obtain accredited swimming instructor qualifications free of charge.

This will allow them to gain paid employment teaching VacSwim and Interm Swimming lessons.

Year 12 students who are at least 17 years of age by 1 December 2022 can register for a fully-funded course to obtain accredited swimming teacher and CPR qualifications.

Students do not require a minimum level of swimming stage to be eligible for the course, however, they must be confident in the water.

Ongoing support and mentoring will be provided to all participants. The Department will also support costs for other relevant requirements such as their Working with Children Check and Department of Education Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

On completion, students can then apply for swimming instructor positions across the State.

For further information, click on the link: Swimming Instructor Information.

Primary school

Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations. They are a great school holiday activity, and they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

Enrol at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

Secondary school

If your child has turned 14 years old or will be turning 14 years in the same calendar year of the course, you can enrol them in VacSwim so they can get their Bronze Medallion during the summer school holidays. They’ll learn advanced survival, rescue and resuscitation skills to help keep them and others safe in the water.

Enrol now at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim

Please see below information regarding the Kallaroo Anglican Church Playgroup.