Blessing of Stained Glass Window and Refurbished Reception

The St Mark’s community recently came together to celebrate two significant milestones in the life of our School: the blessing of a beautiful new stained glass window and the official opening of our refurbished Reception area.

Generously gifted by AngliSchools in honour of St Mark’s 40th Anniversary, the stained glass window is a lasting tribute to our School’s story, values and community. Designed by artist Serena Pasco, the artwork draws on key elements of St Mark’s history and identity, bringing together symbols that reflect both our beginnings and our future.

The design features the iconic Norfolk pines that line the School entrance, representing the connections that unite generations of students, staff and families. Silhouettes of people, the School building and surrounding dunes reference St Mark’s first day 40 years ago, while sunrays symbolise clarity, knowledge, warmth and truth. A winding pathway reflects the journey ahead, guided by the strength and support of our community. The colour palette combines the colours of both St Mark’s and AngliSchools, celebrating a partnership that has helped shape the School’s journey.

We were honoured to welcome AngliSchools CEO The Reverend Peter Laurence, COO Ivan McLean, artist Serena Pasco, members of the AngliSchools Executive team, School Council members and many guests from across the St Mark’s community.

During the ceremony, Principal Roseanne Madden reflected on the significance of the window as both a celebration of the School’s rich history and a symbol of the future still to be written. Guests were also treated to a moving reflection from Barbara Godwin, who transported those present back to the School’s official opening in 1986. Her vivid description of the wind, sand and anticipation surrounding the procession that day brought to life the historic photograph that served as the inspiration for the window’s design.

Standing together in the newly refurbished Reception area, guests were reminded of the remarkable journey St Mark’s has travelled over the past four decades. The stained glass window now stands as a permanent reminder of the people, values and experiences that have shaped our community and will continue to guide future generations.

As we celebrate 40 years of St Mark’s, this special addition to our School serves as a beautiful symbol of where we have come from and the exciting future that lies ahead.