The Lion's Roar - 28 April 2021

In exciting news for the School, we are pleased to be able to confirm that the final showing of the fabulous production of The Addams Family will now be available as a live-streamed event!

The show has had rave reviews, and while it was disappointing that the Saturday night event had to be cancelled, we are delighted to be able to offer this new option to those who booked a ticket for the Saturday show, as well as for those who missed out! The guests booked for the Saturday will receive a full refund.

Passes are required for the live-stream, which can be ordered online here. Please take note that you will need one pass (ticket) for each device you choose to stream it on. So the best option is to gather as a family and watch together on the same device!

We look forward to welcoming The Addams Family into your home on Saturday 1 May 2021, commencing at 7.30pm sharp!

Our students continue to shine; and this week we celebrate a dancer and two tennis players!

Over the holidays, Christine Bethune (C12.1) successfully auditioned for a position at Brent Street. Brent Street is regarded as the leader in performance art training for those wanting to develop a professional career in the industry. Christine will move to Sydney next year to study full time 'DANCE - Diploma in Contemporary Dance'. This is a wonderful achievement, and we wish Christine all the very best.

Benjamin Galvao (CH7.2) represented Western Australia at the Australian Junior Tennis Championships in Canberra during the first week of the school holidays and won the Doubles Hensman Park Junior Gold Tournament on 18 April. He has been invited to the National Development Squad and was due to compete in the Rafa Nadal Tour at the State Tennis Centre over the long weekend. Unfortunately, the weekend lockdown meant that the event did not go ahead as planned, but will be rescheduled. Congratulations on your achievements, Benjamin, and we look forward to hearing an update once the Rafa Nadal Tour recommences.

Amy Findlay (W8.1) competed in the 12/U Australian Clay court Tennis Championships in Canberra during the April school holidays. After many tough matches she placed 10th in Australia out of the top 32 girls that were competing in this age group. We are very proud of her resilience, determination, and the sportsmanship she showed throughout the tournament. Well done, Amy!

Last term we celebrated our very first recipients of the Certificate of Recognition for 2021. The awards are highly regarded in the Middle School and, through the nomination of their Pastoral Care Teachers, they are given to students who daily reflect the School’s values, and the Middle School theme of ‘Pride’.

It is a pleasure to congratulate the students from Term One. Thank you to all of you for your positive contribution to the School and for being role models of excellence. On behalf of the Middle School, we look forward to celebrating our next group of recipients at the end of this term.

Congratulations to Rachel Hemberger (6.6) and Oscar Johnson (6.1) achieving Level 1 of the Ignite Award Program. The Ignite Program is for students between the ages of 9-13 and offers wonderful opportunities for students to have adventures, and also to learn valuable skills, be physically active, and to assist others in the community.

Both students were given their awards at our recent Year 6 assembly and we could not be prouder of their achievement and their involvement in such a worthy endeavour. We wish you both well in achieving your other levels in the program, and for the inspiration to encourage others to join the program.

If you would like further on the Ignite Award, or on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, please email Mrs Jane Upson at jupson@stmarks.wa.edu.au

On Wednesday 21 April, an email was sent to all parents requesting that they update their preferences for the use of their child's photograph. In order to ensure the School is managing the use of these images in accordance with the wishes of the student's parents and carers, we will be updating our records in this regard annually.

The School requests your permission to use your child’s image and schoolwork in a variety of print and online media, by way of you submitting your preferences on this form. As many parents have not yet completed the form, we have extended the deadline to Friday of this week.

A quick note from Administration. The quarterly fee reminders will be sent out via email in the next few days. Please note that the online payment portal for tuition fees and charges is not yet available.

To download a direct debit form, or for tips on reading the fee reminder, please head to the Tuition Fees page of the website.

For more information, please contact the Family Accounts Officer, Mrs Kaye Smith, on familyaccounts@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our parents as we worked with 3P Photography to rearrange the Photo Day schedule to accommodate the most recent COVID-19 restrictions. Parents were emailed with the relevant information on Tuesday 27 April. For your reference, the summary below provides an overview of the changes:

Wednesday 28 April

• KG Cherry, Pre-Primary, Year 1
• Year 6 whole group photo
• Year 6 Home Room groups
• Year 5 group photo
• Primary Music photo
• Sibling photos (from 3pm)

Tuesday 11 May

• 7.45am - Old Scholars' Generations
• 8am – Sibling photos
• Kindy Tunbridge
• Year 7 PCGs
• Year 8 PCGs
• Year 9 PCGs
• Year 10 PCGs
• 2.30pm – Sibling photos

Thursday 13 May

• 8am – Sibling photos
• Year 11 PCGs
• Year 12 whole group photo
• Year 12 PCGs
• Prefects and captains
• 2.30pm – Sibling Photos

In last week's edition of The Lion's Roar, we featured information on the Music Theory sessions and the supervised Homework Club for Middle School students. Today we feature options for students looking for support in French or Maths.

Basic to Basic (French Beginners/Revision)

The Back to Basics revision sessions are ideal for Middle School students, no matter whether they have been learning French for a while, or whether they are new to the language. Sessions are held at lunchtime on Tuesdays in C5.

Maths

The Maths Department offers a few options:

• Maths Help for students in Years 6 to 12 take place in S112 on Tuesday mornings at 7.30am, as well as Wednesday afternoons at 3.30pm. Attend one or both!
• Year 10 students planning to do Maths Methods in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend the Maths Help/Maths Methods preparation sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 3.30pm in S112.

As reported at the end of Term 1, St Mark's students participating in the CAS competition represented the School very well indeed. Their efforts have been recognised, with St Mark's announced as the Overall CAS Champions for Term 1!

Our Junior CAS teams ensured the School finished as Junior Champions as well, with our Senior teams in second place behind Prendiville Catholic College.

The following teams finished as Champions:

• • Year 7/8 Boys Basketball
  • Year 7/8 Girls Basketball
  • Year 8/9 Girls Touch Rugby
  • Senior Girls Touch Rugby

Masks

Students from Years 7-12 inclusive, must wear a mask to School this week, inside and outside classrooms. Students in Year 6 are encouraged to wear a mask, given that they are part of the Secondary School at St Mark’s, but it is not compulsory. Parents are required to provide a mask for their child.

The School does have a few spare masks in the event that a mask becomes unusable during the course of the day, but we are not able to supply masks for students arriving without one.

Year 10 Immunisations

Parents of Year 10 students are reminded that immunisation forms need to be returned to the Wellness Centre as soon as possible.

ACC CAS Sport and COVID-19

Please take note of the following for matches in Week 2:

• No spectators allowed to attend.
• Students/staff MUST wear masks before and after matches and while travelling.
• COVID-19 hygiene practices must be implemented.
• Staff and Senior CAS players to sign in for mandatory tracing when playing away.
• External referees and coaches to also complete mandatory tracing.
• If interschool games are scheduled at external venues, then schools must comply with venue requirements for capacity (20 person limit), social distancing, and hygiene.

Student Drivers and Parking

Students who drive themselves to school are reminded that they may not park in the School grounds. They are welcome to park on St Marks Drive.

This semester, approximately 100 St Mark's business studies students in Year 9-12 are participating in the 2021 ASX Stock Market Game. The game allows students either individually, or in syndicates, to invest $50,000 in the top 200 companies traded on the ASX.

As the game enters its final month, it is pleasing to see two Year 9 students, Liam Lindsay and Benjamin Ilett, leading the game at St Mark’s. They are currently placed 12^th in Western Australia, having made $4,500 profit on their portfolio so far!

The game concludes on 20 May, with winners announced shortly after. Best of luck to all St Mark's participants - we look forward to hearing how your portfolios grow!

Did you know...

... that both the Business Management and Enterprise course, and the Economics course at St Mark's have consistently featured as the top performers in the ATAR exams? If these courses were stock options, our students would be way ahead of the pack!

2020: Business Management and Enterprise

2019: Business Management & Enterprise (plus VET Beazley Medallist, Jesse Morris-Parmer, completed his Cert II in Business!)

2018: Business Management & Enterprise and Economics

2017: Business Management & Enterprise

2016: Business Management & Enterprise

2015: Economics

2014: Economics, and Business Management

TOP TIP!

A student will need a tax file number when they start work (part-time and full-time) and all students planning on a tertiary education require one. Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they will be requested to provide their Tax File Number (TFN) on enrolment to TAFE or university, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early! TFN applications must be done online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. To apply, and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit Apply for a TFN.

University News

ECU

20 MAY ECU Teacher Education Information Evening

• Thursday, 20 May, 6.00pm - 7.30pm
• Mount Lawley Campus
• Explore our Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Undergraduate Courses
• Register here.

Notre Dame

11 May Notre Dame Early Offer Program Information

• Find out how to apply for an early offer at Notre Dame
• This event will be online. Register HERE.

UWA

Early Offers for 2022 entry

• If you are currently in Year 12 you can apply now for 2022 entry. Tick off your application now so it’s one less thing to think about, and spend the time focusing on your final exams instead. Apply today to begin your career journey at UWA.

UWA Early Offers Webinar – Thursday 13 May, 6–7pm

• Find out everything you need to know about Early Offers at our dedicated webinar. Register today.

New courses at UWA

• UWA is expanding their range of internationally recognised bachelor’s degrees to meet growing demand for the skills needed in today’s shifting economic, social and technological landscapes. You’ll have more options and more opportunities to specialise in your areas of interest, gaining a deeper understanding of your chosen field. Learn about our new courses.

UWA Events

• Want to find out about studying at UWA? Stay up-to-date with the latest UWA events for future students and get answers to all your questions.

Other information

Year 12 SCSA Handbook Part I is Out

• The SCSA Handbook identifies important dates, links, tips, exam information, and the WACE Checker. It delivers vital information to Year 12s and their families.
• Download it HERE.
• Part II focuses on exams and will be released later in the year.

WACE Checker

• You can check your eligibility for WACE HERE.

SCSA Student Portal

The SCSA Student Portal is a space for Year 12 students to check and access personal information that relates to their WACE. Visit the student portal to:

• check your personal details
• check your course enrolments
• complete your Student Declaration and Permission (Year 12 students, and anyone enrolled in a Year 12 Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course, should do this by Thursday, 17 June 2021)

Go to the Portal HERE.

ATAR Revision Programs

• If you plan to do some ATAR revision programs during the mid-year break, you need to secure your place now. You can find suggestions in this article Give Yourself Every Chance to Succeed which gives contact details for all of the revision program providers in WA.
• Good ATAR scores may improve your chances of getting a scholarship or getting into a course requiring high ATAR results.
• TIP: The ECU one is usually free. Their program is run in September and details of the 2021 program aren’t up yet.

Training News

Perth ADF Trades and STEM Mini Expo

You’re invited to attend the Perth ADF Trades and STEM Mini Expo

Adventure, travel, great pay and diverse career opportunities – just to name a few of the benefits on offer to you in the Navy, Army or Air Force. Want to find out more? Come along to our upcoming Perth ADF Trades and STEM Mini Expo.

Discover the rewards of working in the ADF and what type of job you might thrive in. With over 200 different roles available, there’s sure to be one to match your skills, interests, and education. This is an opportunity to find out more about life in the ADF, have your questions answered, and learn more about the application process. RSVP’s are essential. Register for your preferred time slot below.

Perth ADF Trades and STEM Mini Expo

• Time: 10am – 2:30pm (3 x 1.5 hour sessions)
• Date: Saturday 8 May 2021
• Location: DFRC Perth, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000
• Register here: 10:00am | 11:30am | 1:00pm

13 June College of Electrical Training Open Day

The College of Electrical Training has a campus in Jandakot and in Joondalup. This year the open day is on from 9.30 to 11.30 on 13 June. You can register HERE.

Year 12 student, Renee Wood-Gush, had a fabulous opportunity recently, securing work as a 'Behind the Scenes' photographer on the set of the documentary Pacing the Pool. The documentary is centered around a man called Richard Pace, and his struggle with disability and illness throughout his life. Richard has overcome much of his hardship, leading an extraordinary life, eventually becoming the founder of Canon Foods.

Renee worked alongside another photographer who helped show her the ropes as a photographer on the set of a film production. The director of the film, Jay Jay Jegathesan, said "[Renee] was great and fit in very well... and was doing the exact role that was needed on the day".

Renee is currently working on her Cert III in Visual Art (Photography & Digital Design) at St Mark's, and it is fantastic to see that Renee is already using the skills developed in the program to use in the real world. This is a tribute to both Renee's passion for photography, and the robust teaching of both the theory and practical components of the course.

The documentary will premier at Luna Cinemas in July this year, and Renee will feature as one of the crew in the credits. Well done, Renee, and we look forward to seeing your name up on the big screen!

The Music Department will be holding Parent/Tutor Interviews on Monday 3 May, at the same time as Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher Interviews. These interviews will allow parents to gain meaningful feedback from their child(ren)’s instrumental tutor(s). Families with students learning an instrument from Kindy to Year 12 will be given the opportunity to meet with tutors between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. All interviews are 10 minutes in length.

We encourage you to book interviews with your child’s tutor if you have any concerns about their progress, or simply wish to meet them, or touch base. We strongly encourage parents of ATAR students, or students undertaking exams, to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss their preparation for exams. If you are unable to make this day, please contact your child’s tutor to arrange another time.

Bookings are online here. Please ensure that you only book one interview time-slot per child learning an instrument. Bookings will close on Saturday 1 May.

Applications to participate in the 2021 ASC Piano Competition close next week, and we encourage all our pianists to get involved. Entries need to be submitted to Mrs McRae by Monday 3 May.

This highly successful annual Piano Competition will be held at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, in the Allan Shaw Centre, on Wednesday 2 June.

Any student enrolled at St Mark’s can sign up for this competition and are highly encouraged to join in, no matter whether you learn piano at St Mark's, or through an external provider. All entrants must, however, be under the guidance of a piano tutor. Please ask your child's teacher to read the instructions and decide which section is appropriate for your child.

Once this is done, with assistance from their piano teacher, contact Mrs Cathy McRae at cmcrae@stmarks.wa.edu.au with the following details:

• Full Name
• ASC Category – section
• Score title/composer
• Duration
• Diversity Section (if chosen) – short description
• If the student will be buying lunch on the day.

All this information must be submitted to Mrs McRae no later than Monday 3 May 2021.

2021 will see the introduction of the Middle School Eisteddfod! The Primary Eisteddfod has long been a feature of the musical calendar for students in Years 2 to 5, so it is wonderful to know that Middle Schoolers will also soon be able to showcase their growing skills!

Save the Date! The Middle School Eisteddfod will take place on Wednesday 9 June, from 3.30pm to 6pm. It will be open to all Middle School students, no matter if they learn an instrument at St Mark's or privately. More information will be sent out soon!

Girls Programming Network

Advancing the role of women in IT: Girls teaching girls how to code!

Edith Cowan believed that education was the key to growth, change, and improvement. We are proud to continue her legacy by actively advancing the role of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths through the following initiative. ECU is inviting girls from Years 7 - 12 to join us for a day of computing, creating, and collaborating.

ECU hosts four different GPN workshops over the year, catering for first time programmers and seasoned coders! With women from Perth’s IT community, you will be guided through the creation of your own game or app, meet like-minded people, and learn about the tech industry.

When: Saturday May 8th, Aug 7th, Oct 23rd
Time: 9:45am to 3:45pm
Where: ECU Joondalup, Building 18, Levels 1 and 2. Parking area 14 – Visitors parking and drop off area, Lakeside Drive entrance

Girls are asked to provide their own morning tea and lunch.

Register here for Term 2!

For further information contact Michelle.Ellis@ecu.edu.au

The success of The Addams Family extends to more than just the cast, crew, and orchestra who featured in last week's newsletter; it can also be attributed in part to the team of volunteers who stepped up to help.

Production Matinee Front of House Volunteers

Thank you to the many parents who assisted with ushering and serving morning tea to our special guests who attended The Addams Family Matinee. These parents were supported by a group of Year 8 students who assisted by greeting the seniors and then engaging them in genuine discussions.

We were so proud of how these Year 8 students conducted themselves, their ability to instigate a conversation, their care in getting the seniors to and from their seats, serving them morning tea, and ensuring they had a wonderful day out. Thank you to the following outstanding Year 8 students; Zara Coady, Summer Elkin, Thalia Fink, Ashe Hammill, Ella Jackson-Pierce, Jaime Jupp, Claire Scafidas, Amu Schutze, Jackson Tasker, and Hayley van Zyl.

Production Front of House volunteers for Evening Performances

Thank you to the parents who assisted with the Front of House duties and to those parents who baked delights which were sold during intermission during the evening performances. The show couldn’t start without your efforts, particularly on the Friday night with the sudden COVID-19 regulations needing to be adhered to.

Thank you also to Duke of Edinburgh participants, Hannah Rowland and Griffin Nicolay, and to Ignite Award participants Ethan Roche and Hayden Roche, who assisted with duties that will contribute towards their awards. These students were joined by others who enjoyed contributing to the success of the show. Thank you to everyone for playing your part.