ELC Updates & Reminders - 11.3.25
PLEASE NOTE THAT SEVERAL ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION.
(Notice from Head of Primary, Notice from Deputy Head of Primary, Reminders, PP-Y4 Swim Lessons, ELC Term 1 Event Dates, ELC Advance Notice of Term 2 Event Dates).
To view them all, select ‘EXPAND ALL’ above or select
‘MORE’ below.
ELC events are listed at the bottom of this article.
ACCESSING LINKS WHICH MAY BE PROVIDED IN THESE
BULLETINS
If you are not able to access links via your
phone, please contact our IT Department at it@stmarks.wa.edu.au. Alternatively, the School App can be downloaded to
another device (tablet or pc).
NOTICE FROM HEAD OF PRIMARY
Dear Parents and Carers
Today, our Junior School students enjoyed sunny weather at the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and congratulations go to Watkins House! Like all carnivals, it was loud, it was hot and there was plenty of fun! I would like to commend the students who participated in the trials for our Interschool team - I know we have some really dedicated swimmers with us at St Mark's. The fun events were also a big success, and I am sure the smiles and laughter on display meant students had a great time. It was a new venue this year so I thank everyone for their patience.
What stood out most was the exceptional behaviour of our students. They supported each other while having a great time. For some students, the water presented a real challenge, but we were incredibly proud to see them rise to the occasion to participate in the day and ultimately, enjoy the experience. These moments in schooling when there are barriers to overcome are a growth opportunity, and we have been encouraging our students this year to charge into the challenges that arise.
A big congratulations to all participants, and a special thank you to our staff and volunteers who made the event run so smoothly. A special thank you to Mr Barton who had the added complication and guesswork of a new event location to add to his logistics. Well done, everyone!
Reflecting on International Women’s Day
Sunday 9 March marked International Women’s Day - a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women. It was a fitting lead-up to today’s carnival where our girls shone brightly alongside their peers. This day reminds us to honour the strength, leadership, and potential in every student, and we’re proud to foster an environment where our girls can thrive.
Y3 and Y5 NAPLAN Testing This Week
NAPLAN testing begins tomorrow and will run through the next few days. This annual assessment provides valuable insights into our students’ progress across the curriculum that has been taught and helps us to reflect on our programs. We encourage all students to approach it with a calm, focused mindset.
Staff Learning
Yesterday our staff were very fortunate to participate in a professional learning session with the amazing Dr Lorraine Hammond, one of Australia's leading experts in the Science of Reading and Learning. Dr Hammond highlighted the current research and ran the staff though a workshop on what this looks like in classrooms. These professional learning opportunities allow our staff to ensure they are using contemporary best practice in their classes. After having read countless articles and watching many videos from Dr Hammond over the years, it was great to see her in person at St Mark's and learn from such an esteemed educator. We look forward to learning more from Dr Hammond in the future.
Kind regards
Mark Douglas
Head of Primary School
NOTICE FROM DEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY – EARLY LEARNING
Check out our Values board in the ELC reception. The children did a fabulous job learning and practising Respect at school.
Encouraging Responsibility at School
As your child grows, developing a sense of responsibility is essential for their confidence, independence, and future success. Teaching responsibility at a young age helps children build good habits and understand the importance of accountability in their daily lives.
This week, Responsible Robbie will be helping children learn and practice being responsible throughout their day at school. Robbie thinks carefully about his actions, especially what he does with his hands and his body. He uses his gentle hands responsibly by putting his hand up to have a turn to speak and asking permission/consent before touching others or things that are not his. Robbie also carries a bag of keys with him and takes responsibility for keeping his bag and keys safe.
We encourage you to reinforce the value of Responsibility at home. Here are some examples of actions to support this important skill:
- Using gentle hands with siblings and friends when playing
- Putting lunchboxes and water bottles in and out of school bags each day
- Filling their water bottle
- Putting on their shoes and socks
- Putting pyjamas away
- Setting the dinner table
- Packing away toys and belongings
- Putting food dishes away
- Placing rubbish in the bin
- Helping with garden chores
- Stopping and checking before crossing the road
- Asking permission before using or touching something
Teaching responsibility is a gradual process that requires patience and encouragement. By providing guidance and support, you are helping your child develop essential life skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Linda Sweet
Deputy Head of Primary – Early Learning
REMINDERS
- K-Y1 Contacting the Early Learning Centre: Email elcreception@stmarks.wa.edu.au or phone 9403 1398.
- K-Y12 If your child will be late, absent or leaving early: Email absentee@stmarks.wa.edu.au or use the App.
- K-Y12 Please include your child’s first name, surname and class/form in the subject line of emails to the School.
- K-Y1 Any changes to ELC child collection arrangements should be emailed to elcreception@stmarks.wa.edu.au.
If possible, please try and establish a regular routine for collections so that changes are kept to a minimum. - K-Y1 Apply sunscreen to your child before school every day. School hats are required every day.
PP-Y4 SWIMMING LESSONS – Scarborough Beach Pool (outdoor pool) – 31 March to 11 April
All students in Pre-Primary to Year 4 will participate in daily swimming lessons from 31 March to 11 April.
- Paper copies of the Government Swimming Lesson Enrolment Form will come home with your child this week.
Please complete and return the form to class teachers as soon as possible. Thank you.
Each child will need a completed form on Day 1 of Swimming lessons which will be given to swimming staff. - In addition, the school will need permission for your child/children to attend the swimming lessons. Invites will go out via email from Consent2Go soon. Parents will need to respond to the invite for each of their children in Pre-Primary to Year 4. Please respond as soon as the invite is received. Thank you.
TERM 1 EVENTS
- ELC CHAPEL – Wednesdays 1.15pm to 1.45pm in the Chapel
K-Y1 students will attend Chapel Services in the Chapel on most Wednesdays
- PP & Y1 HOUSE ACTIVITY DAY – Friday 28 March
This usually takes place on the last Friday of Terms 1, 2 and 3 but will need to be a few weeks early this term due to swimming lessons. The Pre-Primary and Year 1 students will need to wear their House shirts on this day. They will participate in various fun activities in their House groups.
- PP-Y4 IN TERM SWIMMING LESSONS – 31 March to 11 April
More information will go out via Consent2Go (C2G) closer to the event date.
Parents will need to respond to the C2G invite – please do so as soon as it is received.
Paper copies of Government consent forms will go home for parents to complete and return closer to the event date.
- KINDY OT AND SPEECH ASSESSMENTS – 31 March to 11 April
Detailed information has been provided including links to forms which will need to be completed and returned directly to the OT and Speech Therapists.
- KINDY HEALTH CHECKS WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE – early Term 2
Paper copies of Government forms have been sent home for parents to complete and return as soon as possible.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF EARLY TERM 2 EVENTS
- PP-Y5 IH CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL – Friday 2 May, 9.00-10.15am for PP & Y1 (approximately)
All Pre-Primary and Year 1 students will be participating in this event on the Secondary Oval – House shirts required. Parents are welcome to watch. Due to building works at St Mark’s, the event for Y2-5 students will take place at Mawson Park this year.
- ELC MOTHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS – Wednesday 7 May, 8.30-10.30am
All K-1 Mums or other special person are invited to attend. Kindy Starfish are also invited to attend the celebrations.
- K-12 ST MARK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS – Friday 9 May
Students will participate in special activities or events
- K-12 SCHOOL PHOTOS – Monday 12 to Thursday 15 May
Class schedule still to be confirmed. Individually named photo envelopes with specific identification bar codes will go home with each student early in Term 2 for parents to complete and return. For identification purposes, each student (K-Y12) will need to have their individual photo envelope at school on photo day even if photos are not being ordered.
