The Lion's Roar - 3 June 2026

As I reflect on the term so far, I am struck by the number of conversations taking place about the future of St Mark’s.

Some of these conversations have centred on our 'Future to 50' Master Plan and the facilities that will shape the next chapter of our School. Others have focused on international partnerships and the opportunities they create for our students to learn and grow globally. Many have been about teaching and learning, how we continue to strengthen classroom practice and ensure every student receives an outstanding educational experience every day.

While these conversations may seem quite different, they are all connected by a common purpose: creating the very best opportunities for our students.

As Interim Principal, one of my commitments to our community is to ensure families and staff are well informed about the work happening across our School. Great schools are built on trust, and trust grows when people understand not only what decisions are being made, but why they are being made. Over the rest of this year, you will hear more from me about projects, ideas and opportunities that are still taking shape. Not because every detail has been finalised, but because I believe it is important that our community is part of the journey.

My hope is that through regular communication, there are fewer surprises and more opportunities for meaningful conversations. Together, we can celebrate our successes, navigate challenges and build excitement about the future we are creating for our students.

One area where this commitment is particularly important is staffing. Schools are dynamic communities and, from time to time, staff movement is a natural part of school life. Whether staff are taking on new opportunities, changing roles or joining our community, our focus remains unchanged. Every decision we make is guided by one simple question: what is best for our students?

Ensuring that every child has access to exceptional teaching and learning remains our highest priority. We are fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated team of educators and support staff who care deeply about the young people in their care. While faces and roles may change from time to time, our commitment to placing the most capable and qualified people in front of our students remains steadfast.

Building Global Connections

Recently, I had the privilege of travelling to Japan alongside Mr Steven Wellbeloved and Mr Peter Byrne, Director of AngliSchools International, to continue strengthening our relationship with Salesian International School.

This partnership is already creating exciting opportunities for students from both schools. Earlier this year, we welcomed Year 10 immersion students from Japan, and we currently have two Year 11 students completing the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) with us.

As Salesian International has recently commenced delivering the WACE in Years 11 and 12, our visit provided an opportunity to support their teachers with curriculum planning, assessment design and classroom delivery models. It was a wonderful example of educators learning from one another while strengthening a partnership that will continue to benefit students for many years to come.

During our visit, we spoke with more than 60 students about immersion experiences and the opportunities available through our partnership. We also met with two groups of parents. The first were families of Year 10 students who will commence the WACE next year and may choose to complete Year 11 at St Mark’s before returning to Japan for Year 12. The second group were parents interested in study-abroad experiences ranging from three to six months.

The value of these experiences extends far beyond academics. They help students develop independence, adaptability, resilience and intercultural understanding. In an increasingly connected world, these qualities are invaluable.

Last week, Mrs Jing Skinley, Mr Steven Wellbeloved and myself also attended an event hosted by a delegation of Chinese education officials. Together we explored possibilities for future student opportunities connected to language, culture and STEM education, including Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. These discussions are still in their infancy, but they represent exciting possibilities for the future. We look forward to sharing more as these opportunities evolve.

'Future to 50': More Than Buildings

Our 'Future to 50' Master Plan, is the long-term vision that will guide the regeneration and renewal of our campus. The plan was shaped through consultation with students, staff, families, and the School Council and reflects our commitment to creating environments where students can learn, belong, and thrive.

While master plans are often viewed as building projects, for me, they are really about people. They are about creating spaces that support exceptional teaching, foster belonging and provide opportunities for students to grow into confident and capable young adults.

I am pleased to share that we are currently developing the next stages of the Master Plan. Specifically, we are investigating whether work on our Middle School redevelopment can commence earlier than originally anticipated and progress concurrently with the Sports Precinct and Year 9 Learning Hub developments.

The proposed Middle School will provide flexible learning spaces, collaborative areas and dedicated support spaces designed specifically for the needs of Year 7 and 8 students. It represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine what learning can look like during these important middle years.

At the same time, we are continuing discussions about the future of our Early Learning Centre and the possibility of introducing a full-time Kindergarten offering by 2029. We have been consulting with family representatives, Primary School leaders and School Council to explore a range of options, including part-time and full-time Kindergarten programs.

There is still much consultation and planning ahead, and I want to reassure families that no decisions will be made without careful consideration and community input. This is exactly the type of work I believe our community should hear about early, so that we can shape the future together.

Creating Our Instructional Playbook; The Mane Source

While buildings matter, the most important work happening at St Mark’s occurs every day inside our classrooms.

Over the past two years, every teacher has engaged in professional learning informed by the Sciences of Learning. Together, we have explored what the evidence tells us about how students learn most effectively and how teachers can maximise outcomes for every learner.

This work has led us to begin developing what we call our own “Instructional Playbook. The concept comes from the New Zealand 'All Blacks', one of the most successful sporting teams in history. Their success is not built solely on individual talent but on a shared understanding of what excellence looks like and how it is consistently achieved.

Our aspiration is similar. We want every student, in every classroom, every day, to experiences excellent teaching and learning.

Our teachers have researched best practice, learned from leading educational experts such as Dr Lorraine Hammond and embedded many of the evidence-informed approaches found in Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction. Our focus on explicit instruction, checking for understanding, guided practice and the development of independent learners is helping ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Importantly, this work reflects a belief that learning is not something reserved for students. At St Mark’s, we are all learners. Our staff continually seek opportunities to refine their practice, challenge their thinking and improve outcomes for students. This commitment to lifelong learning is one of the great strengths of our School and something of which I am incredibly proud.

Students Shaping the Future

One of the greatest joys of being Interim Principal is seeing firsthand what our students are capable of achieving.

Recently, our 'Place and Space' students presented at the Australasian Learning Environments Conference. They were the only students in Australia invited to present, confidently sharing their perspectives with educators, architects and industry leaders. Their professionalism, insight and confidence were remarkable.

Equally impressive is the work taking place in our Year 9 and 10 elective programs. Students studying Artificial Intelligence are already designing AI agents capable of acting as personalised mathematics tutors. They are not simply learning about technology; they are learning to create it, question it and harness it to solve real problems.

Across our elective programs, students are engaging in authentic, future-focused learning experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration and innovation. Their work continually reminds me that the future is already here in many of our classrooms.

As we continue planning for our Middle School development, we are exploring ways to extend these opportunities further, ensuring younger students have access to rich, engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence.

There is much to be excited about at St Mark’s. Whether through our people, our partnerships, our facilities or our learning programs, we remain focused on creating opportunities for every student to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the journey as we shape the future of St Mark’s together.

Ms Roseanne Madden
Interim Principal

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS

Congratulations to our outstanding cross country athletes on their impressive performances at the recent School Sport WA State Championships.

Competing in fields of more than 200 runners in each age and gender category, Year 12 student Jasper placed an outstanding 4th in the Under 17 Boys 6km event. Jasper has also been selected to represent Western Australia at the Australian Schools Cross Country Championships in Sydney this September.

Fellow Year 12 student Grace also achieved a fantastic result, placing 10th in the Under 17 Girls 4km event.

Well done to both students on these achievements.

TENNIS ACE

Congratulations to Benjamin (Year 12) on an outstanding achievement at last week’s Tennis School National Championships.

Benjamin represented Western Australia in the prestigious 2026 Pizzey Cup, the national schools tennis championship for boys and girls aged 18 and under, held in Perth from 2–8 May.

The WA team delivered an exceptional performance to be crowned National Champions, securing the gold medal ahead of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria in the final stages of the competition.

Final standings:

1. Western Australia
2. New South Wales
3. Queensland
4. Victoria
5. South Australia
6. Tasmania
7. ACT

This achievement marks Ben’s third consecutive year representing both Western Australia and St Mark’s at national level. After helping WA secure third place in 2025, Ben and the team have now claimed the national title in 2026.

Congratulations to Ben!

TUMBLING STAR

Congratulations to Piper (Year 4) on her fantastic achievement at the WA State Gymnastic Championships recently.

After months of hard work, dedication and persistence, Piper claimed first place in the Level 4 Under 11s Tumbling competition, an outstanding result and a wonderful reward for her efforts.

Well done!

BASEBALL CHAMP

Congratulations to Emerson (Year 9) on an outstanding series of achievements in baseball over the April holidays.

Emerson first represented her club at the Charter Baseball Tournament in Rockingham before travelling to Melbourne to compete for Western Australia at the Australian Youth Women’s Championship.

The WA team delivered an exceptional performance, winning the gold medal and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.

Emerson now turns her attention to the Baseball For Tournament in Rockford, Illinois, this July, where she will represent Florida in the Under 16 competition.

We wish Emerson every success as she continues to excel on the national and international stage.

RUGBY STARS

Congratulations to the Female Pathways athletes who were selected to compete in the RugbyWA Pathway Regional XVs recently. What makes this even more exciting is that two of our very own students were included in the team! Congrats to Year 11 students, Mackenzie and Matilda!

These athletes have earned their selection through their commitment, determination, and performances as they build towards the ASARU competition on the Sunshine Coast this July.

Since establishing our partnership with Salesian International School in 2025, St Mark’s has continued to grow this relationship into a flourishing Study Abroad program, creating meaningful global connections and expanding opportunities for students.

Recently, our Interim Principal, Ms Roseanne Madden, and Head of Advancement, Mr Steven Wellbeloved, along with Mr Peter Byrne from AngliSchools International, travelled to Japan to further strengthen this valued partnership and continue building pathways for collaboration with Salesian International School.

The visit began in Tokyo with a productive meeting at the West Australian Trade Office, which provided valuable local insights and helped align future opportunities to deepen relationships with our Japanese education partners.

During the visit, Ms Madden, Mr Byrne and Mr Wellbeloved worked closely with the staff and students at Salesian International School on collaboration, curriculum development, and cultural exchange. A key highlight was supporting teachers in further developing their knowledge and understanding of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) curriculum, strengthening the academic pathways available to international students.

The team also had the opportunity to present to more than 150 prospective students and parents at the Study Abroad information sessions, sharing the unique opportunities available through studying at St Mark’s and the many benefits of the Study Abroad experience.

Another rewarding aspect of the visit was reconnecting with recent international students, continuing those important relationships and celebrating the positive impact of their educational journey with St Mark’s.

We extend our sincere thanks to AngliSchools International for their continued support and genuine partnership. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities and delivering long-term success for St Mark’s Anglican Community School, AngliSchools International, and, most importantly, our students.

This visit marks another important step in the continued growth of our international program, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

During Week 4, St Mark’s students were treated to a very exciting visit from the WA Police Air Wing, with students from Junior School and parts of Secondary School enjoying the unique opportunity to meet members of the specialist police team, and get up close to one very impressive helicopter!

Adding to the excitement was the return of St Mark’s Old Scholar Stuart (Class of 2004), who is now part of the WA Police Force. Stuart enjoyed reconnecting with some familiar faces, including teachers, fellow former students, extended family members and the wonderful Mrs McKibbin, who taught him back in Year 1. It was a lovely full-circle moment and a fantastic example for students of where a St Mark’s education can lead.

Throughout the visit, students asked plenty of thoughtful, and occasionally hilarious, questions, including a few important enquiries about police donuts! They also learned about careers in policing, the different pathways into the force, and what day-to-day life is like working with the Police Air Wing.

Students were also given the chance to explore the state-of-the-art police helicopter and vehicle, with many eager to snap a photo beside the aircraft.

A huge thank you to Stuart and the entire WA Police Air Wing team for taking the time to visit St Mark’s and provide such an engaging, inspiring and memorable experience for our students.

Our talented Year 5 aviators recently took to the runway at Scotch College for the 2026 IPSHA Paper Plane Competition ... and they certainly soared to success!

Representing St Mark’s with creativity, precision and plenty of enthusiasm, our four finalists competed against students from schools across Perth in two exciting categories: distance and hang time. From testing whose plane could fly the furthest to seeing which design could stay aloft the longest, the day was filled with friendly competition, innovation and high-flying fun.

We are thrilled to congratulate Henley, who flew into first place in the distance category with 26.4m (which is a St Mark’s record), while Jaxon secured an impressive second-place finish!

Our finalists earned their place at the competition through the Junior School Paper Plane Club, a growing group of passionate young pilots who meet weekly to refine their folding techniques, test designs and expand their knowledge of aviation.

Congratulations to all of our competitors for representing St Mark’s so brilliantly, and a special thank you goes to Mr Martin for serving as mission control and keeping our pilots flying high at the club and during the competition.

In Week 3, the ELC celebrated Mother’s Day with a special Chapel Service for mums and LILACS. The morning provided a wonderful opportunity for mums and children to spend time together and enjoy a range of activities as part of the ELC community.

Families were entertained by our music teacher, Mr Martin, who brought plenty of energy and fun to the celebration. Mr da Costa also organised a variety of interactive musical activities for mums and students, including musical freeze, which was enjoyed by all. Throughout the morning, raffle tickets were handed out for a special Mother’s Day prize drawn later in the day.

One of the highlights of the service was a photo slideshow featuring pictures of mums with their children. It was a lovely way to reflect on the important role mothers and special women play in the lives of our students.

The celebrations concluded with a danceathon in the Pavilion, where mums and children joined in together and enjoyed finishing the morning on a fun and active note.

There was plenty of excitement on Wednesday as our Primary students joined schools across Australia to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime, and we had some very special guest readers helping bring the story to life!

Ms Madden, our Interim Principal, spent time with our Pre-Primary students reading this year’s featured book, Luna Roo – The Kangaroo Baller. Students loved following Luna Roo’s journey of courage, confidence and backing yourself when it counts.

Over in Miss Rowley’s Year 3 classroom, Mr Irwin, Acting Deputy Principal, joined the fun for a storytime session filled with lots of enthusiastic listening.

The biggest surprise of all, however, was a visit from student favourite Pluto the Story Dog! Alongside his handler Mrs Fairley, Pluto made a special appearance with the Year 3 students before heading to the Library to surprise our Kindy Starfish students and Mrs Franz for even more storytime fun.

From a great story to a wagging tail, it was a fabulous celebration of reading. A great way to celebrate Simultaneous Storytime and encourage a love of books!

Last week, 3ROW hosted a Biggest Morning Tea bake sale in support of the Cancer Council, bringing our Junior School community together for a meaningful cause.

Led by Year 3 teacher Miss Rowley, the lunchtime bake sale gave students the chance to enjoy a sweet treat while helping raise funds for cancer research, support services, prevention and education across Australia.

This cause is especially close to Miss Rowley’s heart following her sister’s recent cancer diagnosis after 10 years in remission — a reminder of how many families are impacted by cancer and the importance of organisations like the Cancer Council.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, baked and supported the day.

Last week, our Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in a series of engaging excursions designed to deepen their understanding of faith, worship and religious traditions.

As part of their Church unit of study, Year 7 students visited St George’s Anglican Cathedral and North Coast Church. During a guided tour of St George’s Cathedral, students explored the rich history, stunning architecture and traditions of the Anglican Church. Following lunch in the city, they travelled to North Coast Church, where they toured the facilities and gained further insight into contemporary Christian worship and community life.

Meanwhile, Year 8 students embarked on a World Religions Tour as part of their curriculum. Throughout the day, they visited the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, the Alhidayah Islamic Centre Mosque and C3 Hepburn Heights Church. At each location, students gained valuable insights into the beliefs, traditions and practices of different faith communities.

These experiences provided students with meaningful opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity, respect and appreciation for the diverse religious beliefs and practices that shape our world. Through direct engagement with places of worship and faith communities, students developed a deeper understanding of both Christianity and other world religions, enriching their learning and broadening their perspectives.

Last week, a group of St Mark’s Year 9 Places & Spaces students stepped onto the national stage as the only school invited to attend and present at the 2026 Learning Environments Australia UNLEASH Conference.

Held annually, the UNLEASH Conference brings together leading educators, designers, architects, innovators and industry experts to explore how design, technology, community and creativity can transform the spaces where we learn, connect and grow.

Representing St Mark’s, our students shared the innovative learning space designs they have been developing throughout the semester as part of the new Year 9 Places & Spaces elective. Students also had the opportunity to engage in conversations with industry leaders and contribute to panel discussions focused on the future of learning environments.

Throughout the semester, students have worked closely with a range of industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into the design and purpose of the spaces in which we live, learn and grow. Their participation in the conference highlighted not only the quality of their ideas, but also the importance of real-world learning experiences.

The Places & Spaces elective was introduced this year as part of St Mark’s revamped Year 9 and 10 curriculum, designed to complement traditional MESH subjects with hands-on, future-focused learning opportunities. The subject encourages students to think critically, collaborate creatively and engage with industry beyond the classroom.

Being selected as the only school to present at the conference was an incredible opportunity for our students and a fantastic reflection of the innovative learning taking place at St Mark’s.

Congratulations to all students involved on representing St Mark’s so exceptionally well.

Student synopsis:

We went into this class thinking that we were designing on apps and presenting in front of the class. But we soon learned we would be designing a school and presenting at an important Conference. We really enjoyed the excursion to the Zoo and the Conference and would definitely do it all again!
~ The Classroom with No Walls

Although it was initially daunting to be presenting to a full room of industry architects, they were incredibly welcoming and open to our unique ideas. Whether it was classrooms under water, or schools dedicated to sports and leisure. Having a day out at the Zoo was a great way to put our learning into practice and participate in learning experiences outside of the usual classrooms.
~ Surf School

We found this project very enjoyable and found that the time we got to spend with the architects was very beneficial and auspicious. The conference was very pleasant and fun. We all enjoyed the chance to share our ideas and hear all the other ideas and designs. Overall, we thought that this course was a great experience and worth every moment.
~ Learning by Un-Doing

Last week, our 11 General English students visited Fremantle Prison to find inspiration for their creative writing. The students have been studying the crime genre and are now working on their own gripping stories.

Not only did they learn about our history, but they also discovered some interesting characters and immersed themselves in this unique setting. They seem to have found the visit inspiring, with the main feedback being that the tour didn’t last long enough.

Once again, we were privileged to have successful author Mark Smith as our writer-in-residence this year. Our Year 10 English students have been studying Mark’s critically acclaimed novel, The Road to Winter, and were treated to a presentation by the author about the inspiration for his text. He also worked with classes across Years 11 and 12, offering writing workshops and insightful tips on crafting engaging stories.

When he wasn’t directly working with our English students, Mark was based in the library and enjoyed a number of sessions with small groups or individuals who had a passion for creative writing or simply had questions about being an author. He finished the week by joining a Year 8 class during their library lesson for a Q&A session and enjoyed engaging with such curious students.

Learn more about Mark Smith here.

The Term 2 St Mark’s / Salvation Army “Great Cook Up” — an initiative proudly run by the Old Scholars’ Association — was once again a recipe for success!

There was plenty of energy, laughter and delicious aromas filling the Food Tech rooms last Thursday (21 May), as an enthusiastic group of parents and students rolled up their sleeves to cook meals for the Salvation Army. It was wonderful to see a fantastic mix of familiar faces and first-time volunteers joining together for such a worthwhile cause.

The afternoon was buzzing, with students cooking side-by-side with their mums and dads and the St Mark’s community spirit shining brightly throughout the kitchens. By the end of the session, ten full bain-maries had been prepared — creating approximately 120 meals for people experiencing homelessness to enjoy over the following weekend.

A huge congratulations and thank you to all students and parents who attended. Your generosity, teamwork and enthusiasm made the afternoon such a success. Brett and the Salvation Army team were incredibly grateful for the support and the meals prepared.

A special thank you also to Kate Gillam and the Food Tech Team for their wonderful assistance and for generously allowing the Old Scholars’ Association to use their classrooms once again.

As part of the Year 9 and 10 Theatre Production courses recently, students were lucky enough to catch the Barking Gecko Production of the Contemporary Australian play ‘The Stones’ at Subiaco Arts Centre. With both year levels recently performing contemporary theatre styles as part of their Semester One showcase, it was an excellent chance to see a professional take on one of Australia’s most challenging and talked-about youth theatre texts.

Based on the true story of two teens who, after kicking stones off a freeway overpass, hit and killed a driver and the repercussions and trial that followed. The play utilised physical theatre techniques and contemporary approaches to sound and design to capture this challenging play, which dealt with issues such as youth justice and young people on the poverty line.

Students were enthralled and left with plenty of questions and spirited conversations about the play's themes and approaches. Post show, students were lucky enough to participate in a Q&A session with performers Isaac Diamond and Luke Joseph Ryan. Topics ranged from their views on the themes to their performance choices and the challenges behind performing in such a physically demanding two-hander play.

It was a wonderful experience to catch high-quality local theatre, and students were left challenged, inspired and entertained

With Semester One seeing a flurry of activity across Dance and Drama, the St Mark’s Stage exploded with colour and energy recently as students in Year 9-12 Dance and Drama course shared their talents as part of the Semester One Showcase. A full capacity audience lapped up the best that St Mark’s Drama and Dance has to offer with an entertaining and varied program.

Year 9 Theatre Production produced excerpts from the contemporary Australian play ‘Trackers’ which saw a world where teenagers are chipped, behaviours tracked and disorder punished. Students excelled in both acting and design roles in this dynamic piece. The Year 10 Theatre Production class explored self-devised theatre with ‘Apocalypse’. Utilising physical theatre and object transformation, this piece explored the importance of the roles we take on in the world when it reaches its inevitable end and was challenging and thought-provoking.

The introduction of the St Mark’s Dance Company has been a dynamic addition to our Arts Program in 2026 and after their debut at St Mark’s Day, they backed this up with another performance of their beautiful call to action piece ‘Rise Up’. Many of the students in the company also featured in the Year 11/12 combined piece ‘Let Me Think About It’, showcasing their unique styles, creativity, and artistic purpose. Senior Students Elise, Lily and Cara also dazzled with an original Vogue-inspired trio, which was an absolute crowd pleaser.

Several students were at their most vulnerable with a mixture of Dramatic and Comedic Monologues and Duologues as part of the Year 11 and 12 Drama courses. Congratulations to Lily, Toby, Kurtis, Blake, Olivia, Alyssa, Saskia, Cara and Lara on some incredible solo and duo performances.

The Year 9 and 10 Dance classes shone with several top-tier group performances, which ranged from duos and trios to the Year 9 whole class Hip Hop piece, which was taught to the group by class members Alela and Mitali, and the Year 10 group performance ‘Raindance’. The classes produced a wide range of styles and it was wonderful to see the energy and commitment across the groups.

Special thanks to the evening’s MC’s Will and Kale, our Middle School Arts Captains and to the following staff for their work in preparing the students and the event: Mrs Emma Leadon, Mr Chris McRae, Miss Carissa Tucker, Ms Jaina van Reyk, Mr Sam Pettit, Mrs Margaret Prouse and Mrs Suzie Croke.

We can’t wait to see what Semester Two brings!

We have never believed there is a single pathway to success. Every student is different. Every student has unique strengths, aspirations, talents and passions and we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that all our students are provided with opportunities that reflect who they are and who they hope to become. This philosophy has long shaped the way we approach teaching, learning and career pathways at St Mark’s, and it is why we continue to lead the way in creating innovative opportunities for students across the Northern corridor.

For many years, we have built a strong reputation as a school that looks beyond traditional models of education to create diverse and meaningful pathways into university, training and the workforce. Whether a student’s future lies in medicine, engineering, business, education, the arts, design, health sciences or emerging industries yet to be imagined, we believe every young person deserves a pathway that allows them to flourish and achieve their dreams.

It is this commitment to innovation, excellence and student-centred learning that has led to St Mark’s being selected as one of 15 schools in Western Australia to partner with The University of Western Australia to pilot its newly launched In-school Pathway Programs for 2027.

We are incredibly proud to be working alongside UWA in bringing this initiative to life in Western Australia.

This partnership did not happen by chance. Universities seek schools they trust; schools with a proven record of delivering successful outcomes for students and embracing innovative approaches to education. St Mark’s has consistently demonstrated this leadership through initiatives such as the highly successful Curtin UniReady program and a broad range of pathway opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Our willingness to embrace new ideas, challenge traditional thinking and advocate for students has positioned St Mark’s as a lighthouse school in the northern corridor. We are a school recognised for opening doors, creating opportunities and ensuring students are empowered to pursue futures that are right for them.

Over many months, Mrs. Pearce and Ms Madden worked closely with the team at UWA to develop a partnership built on a shared belief that university pathways should be accessible, supportive and flexible. Together, we recognise that the transition from secondary school into higher education looks different for every student, and programs like these are designed to provide both confidence and clarity for young people as they prepare for life beyond school.

Through this exciting initiative, Year 12 students will have access to an innovative university preparation program delivered by UWA academics onsite at UWA one day per week. The program has been designed to strengthen academic foundations, build confidence and provide meaningful pathways into undergraduate study through streams tailored to students’ future aspirations.

Importantly, St Mark’s staff will work alongside UWA throughout the delivery of the program, ensuring students are supported every step of the way while helping establish a sustainable and long-term partnership between the School and the University.

The pathway streams include:

• UWA Catalyst – STEM Pathway Program for students interested in science and technology.
• UWA Thrive – Health and Nursing Pathway Program for aspiring healthcare professionals.
• UWA Headway – University Pathway Program supporting entry into fields such as arts, business, education, communications, music, design and social work.
• UWA Aboriginal Orientation Course – Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a culturally safe and supportive transition into university study.

This partnership reflects the very heart of a St Mark’s education — ensuring every student is known, valued and supported to pursue a future pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests and ambitions.

Year 11 students and their families are encouraged to attend the upcoming careers events at St Mark’s to meet with the UWA team, ask questions and learn more about these exciting opportunities:

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – Careers Expo
Students and families are invited to attend and ask questions about admission requirements and university courses.

Friday, 24 July 2026 – UWA Information Presentations
Current Year 11 students will hear directly from the UWA team ahead of subject selections in Week 3, Term 3.

We’re excited to bring The Career Compass Careers Newsletter, designed to help students and families navigate the world of work, study, and beyond, to you!

Delivered fortnightly, each edition will be packed with useful resources, upcoming opportunities, key dates, and advice to help students chart their path with confidence. Whether you're exploring uni options, apprenticeships, or simply figuring out where to start, The Career Compass will point you in the right direction.

Click here to dive into our dedicated Career Pages for even more support.

On Friday 8 May, all students from Years 2 to 5 participated in the annual Interhouse Cross-Country Carnival at Mawson Park. The weather was just fantastic on the day, and we had 390 participants both boys and girls from Year 2-5 taking on the challenge.

It was a great day of competition and camaraderie, with close results across the board. After all the races were completed, the final house points were as follows:

Final House Results

• 1st – Challen (323 points)
• 2nd – Carnley (252 points)
• 3rd – Watkins (189 points)
• 4th – Moyes (156 points)

We had some exceptional performances, and these students are to be congratulated on their accomplishments and magnificent efforts.

Year Group Champions & Runners-Up

Year 2

• Champion Girl - Xin
• Runner-Up Girl - Georgia
• Champion Boy - Lachlan
• Runner-Up Boy - Ziggy

Year 3

• Champion Girl - Indi
• Runner-Up Girl - Summer
• Champion Boy - Hendrix
• Runner-Up Boy - Harvey

Year 4

• Champion Girl - Bronte
• Runner-Up Girl - Ava
• Champion Boy - Harrison
• Runner-Up Boy - Jed

Year 5

• Champion Girl - Poppy
• Runner-Up Girl - Amara
• Champion Boy - Jake
• Runner-Up Boy - Jude

Upcoming Events

The top 5 runners from Years 3–5 will compete at the Primary School Sport WA Cross-Country at Yokine Regional Open Space on Wednesday, 20 May.

The top 5 runners from Years 3–5 will compete at the ACC Cross-Country at Perry Lakes on Wednesday, 27 May.

The top 6 runners (boys and girls) from Years 2–6 will be selected for the Interschool Cross-Country Carnival, to be held at Mawson Park on Friday, 19 June.

Thanks also to our dedicated staff, Mrs Page, and of course the students, for making the day such a success.

Mr Michael Barton
Primary Phys Ed Teacher

There were plenty of tired legs, determined faces and House chants echoing around the Mawson Park course as our Secondary students took part in the 2026 House Cross Country Carnival.

The event continues a long-standing St Mark’s Day tradition, which originally began as a school-wide run-a-thon and has since evolved into the Secondary Cross Country Carnival we know today. While the tradition may have changed over the years, the challenge — and the sore legs afterwards — definitely remains!

Students from Years 6–12 gave it their all out on the course, earning valuable House points while cheering on their classmates along the way. Whether students were racing for a podium finish or simply determined to make it to the finish line, the day was full of encouragement, resilience and House spirit.

A huge congratulations to our year-group champions and runners-up:

• Year 6 Boys: Champion – Jack | Runner-Up – Mitch
• Year 6 Girls: Champion – Evie | Runner-Up – Jeanette
• Year 7 Boys: Champion – Rupert | Runner-Up – Oaklan
• Year 7 Girls: Champion – Allaria | Runner-Up – Charlotte
• Year 8 Boys: Champion – Flynn | Runner-Up – Joseph
• Year 8 Girls: Champion – Skye | Runner-Up – Anabelle
• Year 9 Boys: Champion – Zeph | Runner-Up – Ryder
• Year 9 Girls: Champion – Jasmine | Runner-Up – Audrey
• Year 10 Boys: Champion – Joshua | Runner-Up – Henry
• Year 10 Girls: Champion – Ailey | Runner-Up – Tia
• Year 11 Boys: Champion – Noah | Runner-Up – Isaac
• Year 11 Girls: Champion – Ebony | Runner-Up – Ruby
• Year 12 Boys: Champion – Jasper | Runner-Up – Ezra
• Year 12 Girls: Champion – Grace | Runner-Up – Emily

Congratulations also to Watkins House, who took out the overall House Cross Country title for 2026 after a strong team performance across all year groups.

Overall House Results

1st place - Watkins
2nd place - Carnley
3rd place - Moyes
4th place - Challen

Thank you to all staff, students and supporters who helped make the day such a fun and successful event.

What a fantastic achievement for our Junior School students, who proudly brought home the very first JACC Overall Aggregate Cross Country Shield on Wednesday!

Competing against more than 20 schools at Alderbury Reserve, our Year 3–6 students delivered an outstanding team performance across all age groups. From determined finishes to incredible sportsmanship, every runner played an important part in this result.

The day was filled with energy, enthusiasm and plenty of healthy competition, with students cheering one another on and representing the School with pride. Their team spirit shone through from start to finish.

Congratulations to all students and staff involved!

Congratulations to all of our students who represented St Mark’s at the ACC Senior Cross Country last week. It was a fantastic day of competition, determination and school spirit, with our team delivering an outstanding performance against some of the strongest runners in the state.

Competing against 76 schools from across Western Australia, St Mark’s achieved an impressive 5th place overall, a remarkable result that reflects the hard work of our students throughout the season.

There were several outstanding age-group performances throughout the day. Our Year 11/12 Girls, Year 10 Boys and Year 9 Girls all secured excellent 2nd-place finishes in their age divisions. The Year 11/12 Boys and Year 7 Boys also performed strongly, finishing 4th in their respective age groups.

The event showcased not only the athletic ability of our runners but also their teamwork and encouragement of one another. Every competitor contributed to this excellent result, demonstrating their dedication both on and off the course.

Congratulations to all students involved, and thank the staff and supporters who helped make the day such a success. Achieving a top-five finish among 76 schools is an exceptional accomplishment and one that the entire St Mark’s community can be proud of.

Well done, Team St Mark's!

Louie has quickly become a much-loved visitor to the St Mark’s community, bringing smiles, calm moments and plenty of tail wags wherever he goes. Owned by Mr Quan, Louie is currently visiting the School on a one-day-per-week trial basis as part of our wellbeing program.

We sat down with Louie for a very important interview to help everyone get to know him a little better!

• Name: Louie
• Owner: Mr Quan
• Breed: Maltese Poodle (Maltipoo)
• Role at St Mark’s: Professional mood booster and wellbeing expert

Q: Louie, what is your favourite part of the school day?

A: Greeting students and staff as they come into Wellbeing! I take my job of welcoming everyone very seriously … especially if pats are involved.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

A: Chasing a ball at top speed, cuddling with the Wellbeing toy unicorn and napping.

Q: What’s your favourite treat?

A: I have special puppy treats because I’m still growing. Apparently, I’m “not supposed” to have cheese … but please don’t tell my owner, Mr Quan, that I still dream about it.

Q: How do you help students feel calm and happy?

A: Sometimes people just need a quiet friend to sit beside them. I’m very good at listening and even better at cuddles. The students love visiting me … and to be honest, the staff enjoy a cuddle too!

Q: What have you learned since joining St Mark’s?

A: Students are kind, teachers are busy, and someone always drops crumbs.

Q: What is your special talent?

A: I can sense when someone needs cheering up. I’m also very talented at convincing people to throw the ball “just one more time”.

Q: What is your favourite place around the School?

A: Anywhere with people! But shady grass and the Wellbeing Centre are both excellent choices.

Q: Do you have any advice for students?

A: Be kind, take breaks when you need them, drink water and never underestimate the power of a wagging tail.

Q: Final question … who’s a good boy?

A: Me. Definitely me.

You may remember that late last year, we shared the exciting news that Class of 2025 student Isabella had her artwork “Taking Off” selected for Pulse Perspectives 2026 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia — an incredible achievement!

Her beautiful triptych explores her family’s migration journey from Malaysia to Perth across three generations, using the Kingfisher as a symbol of movement, renewal and new beginnings.

Now, Isabella’s work is in the running for The West Australian Pulse 2026 People’s Choice Award, and we’d love our St Mark’s community to get behind her and cast a vote

Voting is open until 5pm, Sunday 23 August: https://promotions.artgallery.wa.gov.au/pulse2026/

Exhibition open at AGWA from 16 May – 13 September 2026

Congratulations again, Isabella!

There was plenty of laughter, a little friendly jostling for position on the scaffolding, and no shortage of smiles at this year’s Old Scholars Generational Photo earlier this month.

The annual tradition brought together Old Scholars who are now current St Mark’s parents, standing proudly alongside their children who are current students at the School. This year, an incredible 44 Old Scholars and 77 students took part in the special photograph, creating a wonderful snapshot of the connection families have with St Mark’s.

Before making their way to the scaffolding, many families joined us for a light breakfast where conversations flowed easily, old friendships were rekindled, and parents had the chance to reminisce about their own school days — while also practising those all-important photo smiles!

From former classmates reconnecting after years apart to students hearing stories about what school life “used to be like”, the morning was filled with St Mark's spirit.

The Generational Photo remains a cherished tradition, celebrating the families who have helped shape the School over the years and highlighting the strong sense of belonging that carries from one generation to the next.

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Late last week we were alerted to further carpark and school traffic behaviour that is not only disappointing but completely unacceptable. Several staff members, including our Principal, were subjected to verbal abuse from parents. This behaviour will be not tolerated and does not reflect the respectful standards we expect within our School community.

Our staff and Traffic Wardens are present to support the safety of all students, families and staff, and to assist traffic flow during busy drop-off and pick-up times. We ask that all parents and caregivers comply immediately with directions given and treat all staff with courtesy and respect at all times.

The above report is in addition to the previous reports of unsafe driving behaviour on and around campus, including several near misses involving students, unsafe manoeuvres in car parks and damage to vehicles where no contact details have been provided.

We remind families that there are several Kiss ‘n Drive drop-off and pick-up points available around the School, including:

• Whitfords Avenue entrance (Gate 4)
• Early Learning Centre (via Gate 3)
• Eastern Access Road (via Gate 3)
• Outside the Performing Arts Complex (via Gate 3 or Gate 2)
• Additional Kiss ‘n Drive bay on St Marks Drive (travelling east to west)

To ensure the safety and efficiency of these areas, all drivers must adhere to the following:

• Kiss ‘n Drive bays are strictly “No Parking” areas, whether or not you remain in your vehicle.
• Students must exit from the passenger side doors as quickly as possible.
• Students must use the designated crosswalks located at each Kiss ‘n Drive area within the School grounds.
• Do not overtake vehicles ahead of you in the Kiss ‘n Drive queue.
• Do not drive through car parks the wrong way.
• Please be patient, drive slowly and remain aware of pedestrians and other road users at all times.
• At pick-up time, if your child is not at the Kiss ‘n Drive when you arrive, please follow the Traffic Warden’s directions and move forward to rejoin the queue.
• For families with children in Years 6–12, we kindly ask that you refrain from joining the Kiss ‘n Drive queue too early, as this can block access for Primary traffic entering the drive-thru area. Staggered end-of-day times across the campus are designed to support smoother traffic flow.

These procedures are not optional. They are in place to protect the safety of our students and wider community. We ask all families to work cooperatively with the School and demonstrate patience, respect and consideration during busy traffic periods.

We appreciate the support of the vast majority of our families who do the right thing each day and help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

With regards,

St Mark’s Anglican Community School

Help us understand the "Man Up" culture in Australia.

Are you an adult (17+) living in Australia? Help ECU researchers understand how our parenting styles shape the way we raise our sons. This study aims to foster healthier, more positive masculine attitudes in young men.

The survey is 100% anonymous, takes about 20–30 minutes, and gives you a chance to win a $25 gift card. Join the study here: Survey link.

View the Participation Information Letter 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.

The Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Complex is set to come alive with music, energy and talent as our Year 9 and Year 10 students prepare to take the stage for the 2026 Music Performance Evenings.

Families and friends are invited to enjoy two special evenings celebrating the hard work, creativity and musical growth of our Secondary students.

The Year 9 Music Performance Evening will be held on Tuesday 2 June at 6.00pm, followed by the Year 10 Music Performance Evening on Wednesday 3 June at 6.00pm.

These performances provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, refine their stage presence and share their passion for music with the wider school community. We look forward to welcoming our community for two fantastic evenings of live music and celebrating the achievements of our talented young performers.

All parents, carers and community members are invited to enjoy a coffee, share a conversation and take the opportunity to meet and connect informally with our Executive Team and meet our new Head of Primary, Mr Andrew Johnston.

• Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
• Time: 8.30 - 10.00am
• Venue: Marnjamoortup

The coffee van will be on campus from 7.45am, and everyone is welcome to enjoy a coffee before or after drop-off while connecting with fellow parents, carers and community members in a relaxed and informal setting.

No RSVP required, please feel free to come and go as you wish.

The POSTMEN invite you to our ELC ONLY event - Paper Planes, Dodgeball and Pizza.

Come along for an epic afternoon of fun and learning as we design, build and fly paper planes in a test of speed and distance! In addition, we will be adding some dodgeball fun that will involve both dad's and kids alike!

We hope to see you at this event that all kids and fathers/father figures can enjoy, no matter their talent or experience! So take this opportunity for some quality time with the kids and have some fun!

Date & Time

Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 1pm - 4pm

Location

Ken Fairfield Hall, St Mark's Anglican Community School,
St Marks Dr, Hillarys

Tickets

Book your spot here.

Navigate your future at the Careers and Pathways Expo PLUS Course Selection Sessions!

Connect with universities, registered training organisations (RTOs), and apprenticeship support groups. Learn about CareerLink and CurtinUni Ready, and explore a wide range of opportunities to help shape your future pathway.

The Course Selection Information Sessions for Years 11 and 12 in 2027 are running concurrently with the Expo.

To get the most out of your attendance, head to the Careers and Pathways Expo during your year group's designated time (see below) and then attend the WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session.

PLEASE NOTE:

Current Year 10 and 11 families (students and caregivers) are encouraged to attend the Expo before heading to their Course Selection Information Session. This event is designed to give our students and their families an insight into career pathways and admissions requirements before attending their Year 10 and Year 11 WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session.

DATE

• Tuesday 23 June 2026

TIME

• Year 10
  5pm - 6pm (Careers Expo)
  6pm - 7pm (WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session)
  
• Year 11
  6pm - 7pm (Careers Expo)
  7pm - 8pm (WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session)
  
• Year 9 and Year 12
  5pm - 7.30pm (Careers Expo only)
  

VENUES

• Careers & Pathways Expo - Hall
• Course Selection Session - Performing Arts Complex

TICKETS

• Book your ticket HERE

Ready to flex your muscles and your mind? The Year 12 Prefects are calling on staff, students, and the whole St Mark’s community to jump into The Push-Up Challenge!

From 3–26 June, the mission is simple (but spicy): smash out 3,307 push-ups in 24 days. Why 3,307? It represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024 — so every push-up packs a powerful message. Get fit, have a laugh, and learn more about mental health along the way.

Here’s the lowdown:

Sign up in seconds
Register as a participant, then either create your own team or jump into the St Mark’s crew. Easy done. No excuses! SIGN UP HERE

Under 18? No worries
If your child is keen, they’ll just need a quick permission slip signed. Once they register (using their birth year), they’ll get the form emailed to them with simple instructions. Sign it, snap it, send it — sorted.

Time to get pushing
From 1 June, it’s game on. Chip away at the 3,307 push-ups over 24 days. The daily target changes, so it keeps things interesting. Miss a day? Catch up. Get ahead? Nice try… not allowed.

Push-ups not your thing? Just substitute push-ups with alternatives, like sit-ups, squats - anything goes! Just get moving and be active.

Track your progress
A brand-new app is coming your way to log your push-ups and keep tabs on your teammates. If you can’t see it yet, hang tight — it’ll land just before kickoff.

So… what are you waiting for? Get involved, get moving, and help push for better mental health.

Join us or donate here
Click here to join or donate.

BUY ONE ENTERTAINMENT MEMBERSHIP, GET ONE FREE!

For a limited time, purchase a Membership and receive a second Membership FREE!
Purchase an Entertainment Membership and unlock up to $20,000 in valuable offers across Australia, New Zealand and Bali - including local deals for Perth, Fremantle, Rottnest Island and the Southwest.

Enjoy 12 months of savings on local favourites such as: Swell Mullaloo, Little h Cafe, Varsity Whitfords, Event Cinema, AQWA, San Churro and Krispy Kreme!
Did you know you can also save $$ each week on your fuel and groceries bills?

Head to the website and search all the fantastic offers – HERE – new offers are added weekly!

Plus, St Mark's Anglican Community School P&F receives a HUGE $15 from every Membership sold, which directly supports our fundraising efforts!

To order your Membership, click here: www.entbook.com.au/83g329.⏰ Hurry – Limited time only!

The Parents Prayer Group (PPG) meet fortnightly to pray for the students, staff and school community. We will be meeting every second Friday 2pm in the school chapel, starting 1st May. Please sign in at reception. All are welcome.

Please share any prayer requests by emailing parentsunitedforprayer@gmail.com or call Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

Check out the upcoming events at St Mark's and ticketing links here.