Junior School Bulletin - Term 1, Week 9

Dear Parents and Carers

What wonderful Perth weather we have had for the start of our swimming and surfing lessons. As our swimming lessons splash along, I kindly ask everyone to label their clothes, goggles, and all swimming gear. If you don't, they might just decide to take a little vacation in the lost property bins, where they mingle with old socks, water bottles, and mysterious items we can never quite identify. A name somewhere on the item solves this problem for us. Thank you for your support of these programs and it has been great to hear that so many parents have managed to pop in and watch the children swim and surf.

Kind regards

Mark Douglas
Head of Primary School

Please note that Running Club (before school) on Thursday mornings is cancelled this week, and next (Weeks 9 and 10) due to swimming lessons.

Please note that students are not permitted to wear Basketball shoes to school, or at sport lessons. Only Running shoes are permitted for school sport.

The Salvation Army Takeaway Food Containers Program is back again in 2025.

We are looking for volunteers to cook 10-20 meals for the Salvation Army Term 1 Takeaway Food Containers (either for Parent Commitment Hours / Student IGNITE Hours / Duke of Edinburgh Hours)

We are seeking volunteers to prepare meals at home for weekend 5 and 6 April for the Salvation Army Takeaway Food Containers Program. Parents/students will then need to drop-off these prepared meals to school on the morning of Monday 7 April.

The empty containers will be available for collection from Monday 31 March from Junior School Reception.

• 10x Meals = 1.5 x Parent Commitment Hours
• 20x Meals = 3.0 x Parent Commitment Hours

Meals need to be substantial; no soups are required. It is preferred that full gluten products are used.

Below is a list of options that you can cook. Meal suggestions include:

• Chilli Con Carne (mild)
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Pasta Bakes
• Pasta Carbonara
• Tuna Mornay
• Lasagne

(you may deviate from this list, but we ask that the meal prepared contains either a pasta or rice accompaniment and is not heavily spiced).

The (takeaway food) containers are provided. These will have a sticker on them that you will need to complete with the name of the meal and the date it was cooked or frozen (please state on the sticker).

Meals will need to be dropped off on the morning of Monday 7 April. There will be a collection point from 7.45am by the Flag Pole round-a-bout in front of Junior School Reception for you to “drop n go” the meals to me.

Please do not hesitate to email Andrew Coffin at andrewcoffin@bigpond.com or call 0415 862 907 if you have any further questions.

The Wellbeing Team invite expressions of interest from families who feel their child may benefit from attending Seasons for Growth: a small group program held during school hours to help children respond to big changes in their life, such as parent separation, the death of a loved one, etc. Please see the flyer below for more information or email the School's Wellbeing Team at PsychSupportTeam@stmarks.wa.edu.au

A short reminder that next term, our Winter Uniform guidelines are in place.

Please remember to name all items before they are worn to school, as they may be subject to the immense gravitational forces that our lost property boxes possess.

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be open during the school holidays on

• Monday 14 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm,
• Wednesday 16 April 11:30am to 5:00pm
• Monday 28 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

The last day of Term 1 is Friday 11 April (normal finish time) for a two week break. The first day of Term 2 is Tuesday 29 April. Please note that students are to wear winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3 - uniform requirements can be found on the St Mark's website here.

For information, term dates can also be found on the St Mark's website here.

K-12 students will participate in various events to celebrate St Mark's Day on Friday 9 May.

Applications for the Sister Eileen Heath Scholarship are now open. Please submit your nomination by Monday 28 July 2025. The scholarship is to support the most disadvantaged children.

• Background information on Sister Eileen Heath
• Guidelines for applications for scholarships
• Application form

Applications must be signed off by the Principal before submitting. Please email applications to principal@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Christian families are invited to meet and make easter gifts for Junior School students.

Share in afternoon tea and connect with other families.

• When: Saturday 5th April
• Time: 3pm to 4.30pm
• Venue: At the Senior Academic Centre
• All materials are provided
• RSVP Wing Shattock at shattocks@gmail.com

For the past 10 years, Peter has been a friendly and familiar face at the Endeavour Road crossing near St Mark’s, ensuring our students and families get to and from school safely. His warm smile and dedication to the community have made a lasting impact on everyone who crosses his path.

This Wednesday (2 April), is a special milestone as Peter turns 79 years young! If you see him at the crossing, be sure to wish him a very Happy Birthday and thank him for his years of service.