Beyond St Mark’s - Term 3 2025

Dear Old Scholars,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first issue of Beyond St Mark’s — our newly revived newsletter designed especially for the alumni of St Mark’s Anglican Community School.

This publication is all about you — our Old Scholars — and the wonderful, diverse, and inspiring community you’ve built beyond the school gates. Whether you were part of the Class of 1986 or the Class of 2024, this is your space to reconnect, celebrate achievements, share memories, and keep up to date with what’s happening both back at St Mark’s and across our vibrant alumni network.

As President of the Old Scholars’ Association, I’ve seen firsthand just how strong and special the bonds are between our past students and the school. From lively catch-ups at reunions to friendly rivalries on the dodgeball court (where it’s still very clear many of us haven’t lost our competitive edge!), the St Mark’s spirit truly endures.

With Beyond St Mark’s, we hope to shine a spotlight on these connections. Each issue will bring you stories of our alumni making waves in their careers and communities, updates from the School and the Association, details of upcoming events (so you never miss a chance to come back and say hello), and even a few throwbacks that might have you dusting off old yearbooks for a laugh.

Most importantly, this is a newsletter built for all of us, and we’d love for it to grow with your input. Have a milestone worth celebrating? A fascinating journey to share? Or simply a fun memory from your days at St Mark’s? Please get in touch — we’d be delighted to feature you.

I’d also like to warmly invite all our alumni to the Annual General Meeting of the Old Scholars' Association, taking place on Tuesday, 19 August, here at the School. You’ll find all the details listed below. We’d love to see some fresh faces on the committee—it’s a fantastic way to reconnect, contribute to the St Mark’s community, and help strengthen future enrolments. Plus, for our current families, it’s a great opportunity to tick off some Community Participation Hours!

Thank you for continuing to be part of the St Mark’s story. Here’s to new chapters, renewed connections, and many more opportunities to come together as Old Scholars.

Warm regards,

Philippa Lonie (Brown, 2001)
President, St Mark’s Old Scholars’ Association

We love celebrating the journeys of our incredible Old Scholars! Whether you’re blazing trails in your career, giving back to the community, exploring the world, or doing something wonderfully unexpected, we want to hear about it.

By sharing your story, you not only reconnect with the St Mark’s community, but you might also inspire and guide our current students as they navigate their own decisions about life after school. A little insight from someone who’s been there can make a world of difference!

If you're a former St Mark’s student (or know someone who is!) and would like to be featured in an upcoming spotlight, please reach out to us. We’d be thrilled to share your story.

Drop us a line at osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or message us via our socials.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know our Old Scholars are doing amazing things in the business world—and we want to shout it from the rooftops! Each edition, we take a deep dive into our alumni-owned businesses to learn more about their journey, what they offer, and the story behind the brand.

It’s a great way to support our extended St Mark’s family and showcase the brilliant work happening beyond our school gates.

If you're an Old Scholar running your own business (or know someone who is), we’d love to hear from you! Whether it's a side hustle, a startup, or an established enterprise, hit us up and let’s get your story out there.

Reach out at osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or send us a message on our socials.

Let’s celebrate and support our own!

Last term, we decided to flip the script a little and host our beloved Old Scholars vs Current Year 12 Dodgeball Challenge on a Friday afternoon. Because let’s be honest – what better way to kick off the weekend than with a bit of competitive chaos, some epic dodgeball heroics, and a well-earned slice of pizza at the end?

Sure, the turnout was a tad lighter than our usual dodgeball extravaganzas (apparently Fridays have a way of stealing people off to other plans), but what we may have lacked in numbers, we more than made up for in fierce determination and laugh-out-loud moments.

From the moment the whistle blew, it was clear neither side was going to take it easy. We saw dodges that could’ve easily qualified for an Olympic highlight reel, and throws so powerful they probably had the dodgeballs questioning their own life choices. All the while, the court echoed with plenty of banter, playful taunts, and the kind of belly laughs that make these events so memorable.

Special shoutout time:

• To our amazing Year 12s, who brought every bit of school spirit they had and didn’t hold back for a second.

• And to our Old Scholars, who proved in style that just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean you’ve lost your dodgeball mojo. In fact, some might say the extra “life experience” only made their throws sneakier!

It was an afternoon that perfectly captured what we love most about these challenges: the chance to reconnect, spark up old rivalries, and build new memories with our ever-growing St Mark’s family.

We’re already tossing around (pun fully intended) ideas for the next one – maybe a midweek showdown or even a mini series to really up the ante. Got suggestions? Want to see a different twist on the student vs Old Scholars saga? Drop us a comment and let’s see where your brilliant ideas take us.

Until then, keep dodging, keep smiling, and don’t let anyone near you with a dodgeball if they’ve still got that competitive gleam in their eye.

On Saturday 22 February 2025, the St Mark’s campus came alive with laughter, memories, and a wonderful sense of nostalgia as we welcomed back our Old Scholars from the graduating classes of 1995, 2005 and 2015 for their Milestone Reunion.

It was an evening filled with warm hugs, throwback stories, and more than a few “Remember when…” moments. Guests roamed the familiar grounds (some bravely revisiting the lockers and classrooms!), reconnected with old friends and teachers, and shared where life has taken them since their days in maroon and blue.

From world travels and new careers to growing families and exciting ventures, the stories shared were inspiring and heartwarming. For some, it felt like no time had passed at all, while for others, it was their first time back on campus in decades!

The evening also gave Old Scholars a chance to see how much St Mark’s has grown and changed, while still holding onto the community spirit that makes it so special. With great food, drinks, photos, and plenty of reminiscing, the atmosphere was full of joy and connection.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the night such a success—we loved having you back!

If you missed out but would like to reconnect, make sure you’re signed up to the St Mark’s Old Scholars community and keep an eye out for future events. We’d love to see even more familiar faces next time!

Check out the video snapshot here.

Notification of the Old Scholars' Association's Annual General Meeting.

Notice is hereby given under the Constitution of the St Mark's Anglican Community School's Old Scholars' Association (Incorporated) of the Annual General Meeting to be held at St Mark's Anglican Community School, on Tuesday 19 August 2025, commencing at 7pm.

All positions will be declared vacant, and nominations are called for a new Committee. All current members of the Association are encouraged to come along to the AGM, and any member may nominate to join the committee. Nominations can be submitted to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August. Nominations can also be taken from the floor at the AGM.

Any members who are not able to attend may select a proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM. Completed proxy forms should be emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August.

Members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by emailing emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August.

The Agenda, Nomination Forms and Proxy forms are available by request to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Come and find out more about our Little Lions Playgroup at our Open Day on Friday 1 August 2025. Contact trina.bourke@playgroupwa.com.au to register your interest and find out more.

At St Mark’s, our community doesn’t end at graduation. Whether you finished up last year or decades ago, you're still a valued part of our story—and we’d love to stay connected.

Here are a few simple ways you can keep in the loop, share your updates, and stay part of the St Mark’s family:

1. Keep Your Details Up to Date

Moved house? Changed emails? New phone number?
Make sure you don’t miss out on reunion invites, event news, or Old Scholar updates by keeping your contact details current. Update your details here.

2. Add St Mark’s to Your LinkedIn Profile

Help us showcase our amazing alumni by making sure St Mark’s Anglican Community School is listed in your Education section on LinkedIn.
Heads up: don’t forget the apostrophe in “Mark’s”—it’s the key to making our official school logo appear on your profile!
It’s a small detail that helps grow our professional network and gives future Old Scholars a stronger sense of connection.

3. Join the Chat on Socials

Stay in the know, see what other alumni are up to, and be part of the conversation by following the Old Scholars’ Association on social media:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• OSA LinkedIn and St Mark's LinkedIn

We share throwbacks, event announcements, community news, and some good old-fashioned St Mark’s nostalgia. It’s the perfect way to stay involved—whether you’re around the corner or on the other side of the world.

As a St Mark’s student, you are always part of the pride.

We can’t wait to keep sharing stories, milestones, and memories with you. Let’s stay in touch!

Got married? Had a baby? Landed a new job? Dropped a new song? Moved overseas? We want to hear it all!

Our Old Scholars News section is all about celebrating life’s milestones—big or small—and keeping the St Mark’s community connected, no matter where life has taken you. Whether you're making waves professionally, ticking off a travel bucket list, or just have some happy news to share, we'd love to include it.

So if you've got an update (or even just a fun photo!), send it our way and help us spread the good vibes.

Reach out at osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or flick us a message on socials.

Let’s keep the St Mark’s spirit going strong!

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of the St Mark’s Old Scholars Mentoring Program—an initiative designed to harness the power of our alumni network and create meaningful connections across generations.

Whether you're looking to share your experience or gain valuable guidance, this is your chance to get involved in something truly rewarding.

What’s it all about?

The program brings together Old Scholars in a supportive, one-on-one mentoring relationship. It’s all about experienced alumni walking alongside those who are:

• beginning their career journey,

• navigating study or a career change,

• or looking to build leadership and professional confidence.

By participating, mentors offer insights, advice, and encouragement. Mentees gain a trusted sounding board and access to someone who understands the steps ahead.

Why join?

• Mentors: Share your professional knowledge, leadership skills and lessons learned. It’s a great way to give back and stay connected to the St Mark’s community.

• Mentees: Get career advice, explore different industries, or simply hear from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Whether you're in law or logistics, media or medicine, startups or science—we're looking for alumni from all walks of life.

How it works:

• Mentors and mentees will be thoughtfully matched based on shared interests and goals.

• You’ll meet a few times across the year at times that suit you both.

• Support and guidance will be provided along the way.

Interested?

We’re currently building our pool of mentors and mentees ahead of the program’s official launch. If you’d like to be part of it—or just want to learn more—please get in touch!

Email osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or message us via socials to register your interest.

Notification of the Old Scholars' Association's Annual General Meeting.

Notice is hereby given under the Constitution of the St Mark's Anglican Community School's Old Scholars' Association (Incorporated) of the Annual General Meeting to be held at St Mark's Anglican Community School, on Tuesday 19 August 2025, commencing at 7pm.

All positions will be declared vacant, and nominations are called for a new Committee. All current members of the Association are encouraged to come along to the AGM, and any member may nominate to join the committee. Nominations can be submitted to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August. Nominations can also be taken from the floor at the AGM.

Any members who are not able to attend may select a proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM. Completed proxy forms should be emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August.

Members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by emailing emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 15 August.

The Agenda, Nomination Forms and Proxy forms are available by request to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

BOGAN BINGO IS BACK!

… and tickets are selling faster than hot chips at a footy game – so round up your crew and lock it in!

Ticket Options:

• Individual – $30 (We’ll match you with fellow legends)
• Table of 6
• Table of 8 – Email laurenmanton@outlook.com to book

What to Expect:

Hosted by the hilarious crew at Bogan Bingo, this night’s packed with belly laughs, classic tunes, wild competitions, epic raffle prizes, a photobooth to capture your inner bogan in all its glory, and a DJ to keep the good times rolling after the bingo wraps.

Don’t forget to dress in your bogan best!

BYO snacks and beer/wine.

It’s shaping up to be an absolute ripper – so don’t miss your chance to be part of it! Book your tickets today!

Get your tickets here.

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