A Birthday Celebration to Start Term 1

Our first whole-school assembly of the year was a wonderful way to welcome students and staff back for Term 1 — and this year, we had an extra special reason to celebrate. On 4 February, St Mark’s officially turned 40 years old!

The morning was filled with smiles, school spirit and a strong sense of pride as we marked this significant milestone together. We sang "Happy Birthday," shared cake, and reflected on four decades of learning, growth, and community.

We were honoured to welcome special guests to the occasion, including the CEO of AngliSchools, Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, the Chair of the AngliSchools Council, Mrs Lynne Thomson, and AngliSchools Council members, who joined us to celebrate this important chapter in the life of our School.

Adding to the celebration's significance, Reverend Laurence presented the School with a special gift, a Banksia tree. This meaningful symbol of resilience, growth and connection to our local environment will serve as a lasting reminder of our 40th Anniversary year.

To commemorate this milestone, staff and students also received their 40th Anniversary pins, proudly marking this special moment in St Mark’s history.

With more than 250 staff and 1900 students, it was always going to be a challenge to provide birthday cake for everyone — but our staff certainly enjoyed the delicious treat! Our students will receive their own special 40th Anniversary cookie on Monday, following a small delivery mishap, ensuring everyone can join in the celebrations.

The birthday cake was officially cut by Reverend Laurence and Mrs Thomson, alongside our Head of Council, an Old Scholar, our Head Prefects, and our Acting Principal, bringing together past and present in a joyful moment of community celebration.

The assembly was a fitting way to begin our anniversary year — full of gratitude, togetherness and excitement for what lies ahead.

And the celebrations are far from over! We warmly invite our families, alumni and wider community to join us for more 40th Anniversary festivities at the Marnjamoortup Festival on 6 March - tickets available here.

Here’s to 40 years of St Mark’s — and to the many memories still to come.