Junior School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 10

At St Mark’s, we love seeing our students engaged in play, having fun and building friendships. The playground, courts and ovals are vibrant spaces where children build social connections, develop teamwork skills and enjoy being active together. These experiences are an important part of childhood and contribute greatly to a positive school experience.

However, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, it is important that play occurs only when appropriate supervision is available. Staff supervision is provided between 8:15am and 3:15pm, and as such, all playgrounds and ovals are out of bounds outside these hours.

Before School

Recently, we have noticed a growing number of students arriving at school before 8:15am, with some arriving as early as 7:30am. As teacher supervision does not commence until 8:15am, students should not be on campus before this time unless they are participating in a supervised before-school activity.

We ask families to ensure that students arrive from 8:15am onwards, allowing them to be appropriately supervised as they begin their school day.

After School

Similarly, we have seen an increasing number of students remaining after school to play on playground equipment and oval areas. At this week's assembly, I spoke with students about our expectations and reminded them that these areas are out of bounds after school.

This requirement is in place for very important reasons. When there is no teacher supervision, we consistently receive reports of:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Property damage
• Arguments and conflicts between students
• Students arriving late to their designated pick-up locations
• Physical injuries resulting from unsafe play

To support families with after-school collection, teacher supervision is available in the following locations:

• PAC Drive Through
• Year 2/3 Gate Kiss 'n' Drive
• Inside the Library

Students who are waiting to be collected should remain in one of these supervised areas.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our highest priority. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations with your children and thank you for your assistance in helping us maintain a safe environment before and after school.

Together, we can ensure that St Mark's remains a place where students can enjoy play, friendships and positive experiences within a safe and supervised environment.

Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary

To help celebrate the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, all students from Pre-Primary to Year 5 are invited to wear Australian colours to school this Friday.

We encourage students to get into the spirit of the occasion by dressing in green and gold or wearing other Australian-themed clothing as we cheer on the Socceroos in their World Cup match against Paraguay, kicking off at 10.00am on Friday.

At Monday’s assembly, I mistakenly suggested that AFL team kits would be acceptable to wear. To keep the focus on supporting Australia in the World Cup, we ask that students please refrain from wearing AFL club apparel and instead choose clothing that shows support for Australia, such as green and gold colours, Australian sporting attire, or other Australian-themed outfits.

Please note that this is an optional dress-up opportunity. Students who do not wish to participate are very welcome to attend in their normal school uniform.

We look forward to seeing a sea of green and gold across the ELC and Primary School and joining together to support the Socceroos.

Go Socceroos!

Safety Warning – Squishies and Microwaves

We would like to make families aware of a serious safety concern involving squishy toys. Recently, a student from another school suffered significant burns to their face after placing a squishy toy in a microwave. The squishy exploded when heated, causing hot contents to spray onto the child. While squishies may seem harmless, microwaving these toys can cause them to expand, burst, melt, or release extremely hot contents, resulting in serious burns and injuries.

We ask all parents and caregivers to please speak with their children about the dangers of placing squishies, toys, or other non-food items in the microwave. A simple conversation at home can help prevent a potentially life-changing injury. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our highest priority, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this important message.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BMcdmioVo/

After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to St Mark’s, Mrs Julie Collie has retired from her role in Student Services.

Throughout her time at St Mark’s, Julie has been a familiar and friendly face to generations of students and families. From Kindy through to Year 12, she has supported, encouraged and cared for countless students, making a lasting impact on our school community. Her warmth, professionalism and willingness to help wherever needed have made her an invaluable member of the St Mark’s family.

In keeping with Julie’s wishes, she has chosen to quietly "sail off into the sunset" rather than have a formal farewell celebration. Having commenced her long service leave, Julie is already embracing a more leisurely lifestyle and will not be returning to St Mark’s.

We would, however, love to give staff, students, parents and families the opportunity to share their appreciation and gratitude. If you would like to send Mrs Collie a personal message, please feel free to drop a card into any Sub School Receptions or use this link to add a heartful message to our online card. All messages will be collected and forwarded to Mrs Collie.

We thank Mrs Collie for her remarkable contribution to St Mark’s over the past 25 years and wish her every happiness, good health and many wonderful adventures in this exciting new chapter of life.

As the July holiday is a long one, we would love to encourage our children to continue reading. The Junior School Library will be open on Wednesday 8 July from 11am until 1pm for children to come in and change their books over the holidays. We would love to see lots of young readers borrow a lot of books.

Purchase your new Entertainment Membership between now and 23 June 2026 and you'll go into the draw to win one of three Family Passes to Event Cinemas for the school holidays! (Passes must be used by 13 July 2026.)

With hundreds of offers on attractions, dining, shopping, travel, and entertainment, your Membership can help you save on all the activities that keep the kids entertained during the Winter holidays, such as:

AQWA · Event Cinemas · Hoyts Cinemas · Rottnest Fast Ferries · Hijinx Hotel · Holey Moley Golf · Strike Bowling and Laser Tag · Cuddly Animal Farm · Fremantle Prison · Cockburn Ice Arena · Hi Voltage Entertainment · Landsdale Farm ·Wanneroo Botanic Golf · Summit Climbing · Times Up Escape Rooms · Treetops Adventures Yanchep · WA Maritime Museum · Rollerzone... plus heaps more!

Best of all, $15 from every Membership sold will be donated directly to our school, helping to fund valuable programs, resources, and future projects for our students.

Save more. Enjoy more. Support our school - www.entbook.com.au/83g329

In case you missed our email back on 22 May regarding the Term dates for 2027:

Term 1

• Students Commence: Monday 1 February
• Term Concludes: Friday 9 April

Term 2

• Students Commence: Thursday 29 April
• Term Concludes: Friday 25 June

Term 3

• Students Commence: Tuesday 20 July
• Term Concludes: Friday 24 September

Term 4

• Students Commence: Monday 11 October
• Term Concludes: Thursday 9 December

You can also view the Term Dates and Public Holidays via the link here.

The St Mark's Annual Art Show is returning in October 2026, and we're looking for parents and community members to help bring this fantastic event to life.

You don't need any art experience, event planning skills, or special knowledge—just a willingness to contribute, share ideas, and help create a fun and successful event for our school community.

The Art Show is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local artists, connect with the community, and enjoy a fantastic Opening Night event.

Whether you can offer a little time or a lot, we'd love to hear from you!

For more information or to join the committee, please contact Amanda at: ArtShow@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Come along and help make the 2026 Art Show our best one yet!

Sports Shorts Needed for Student Health Centre

Our Health Centre is currently in need of sports shorts only to support students who experience torn or accidentally soiled uniforms during the school day.

Having spare shorts on hand allows us to quickly and discreetly assist students so they can return to class feeling comfortable and confident.

At this time, we kindly ask that only sports shorts be donated. Due to limited storage and specific needs, we are unable to accept other clothing items.

If you have clean, good-quality sports shorts to spare, your donation would be greatly appreciated and put to immediate use.

Thank you for helping us care for our students!

Brush out your mullet, pull on your finest flanno, and prepare for a ripper night out! Following a sell-out event in 2025, the St Mark's Parents & Friends' Association is bringing back Bogan Bingo for another night of laughs, music, and bogan brilliance.

• When: Saturday 22nd August 2026
• Doors Open/Pre Show: 6:00pm
• Bingo Starts: 7:00pm sharp
• Where: St Mark's Ken Fairfield Hall – the only place legends gather!

It's half game show, half party, and 100% bogan fun. Expect hilarious bingo calls, epic air guitar contests, and dancefloor-worthy rock anthems blasting between rounds. Then, when the bingo wraps up, the DJ will keep the good times rolling with all the classic 80's rock tunes.

Don't miss out! Secure your table today!

For further info and ticketing options click here: https://events.humanitix.com/smacs-p-and-f-bogan-bingo-2026

Term 3 flyer for Redhage Basketball School Program attached here.

With approximately 1,100 families in our school community, if every family donated just $7 — about the cost of a large coffee — we could raise an incredible $7,700 for mental health through The Push-Up Challenge.

That's the power of community.

One coffee.
One small donation.
One big impact.

While our team is working towards completing 3,307 push-ups in 24 days, your support helps fund vital mental health programs, services and research across Australia.

Together, we can make a real difference for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Just for today, your donation will be DOUBLED!

Every dollar you give today will have twice the impact, helping us make an even greater difference. Don't miss this special opportunity to amplify your support and change more lives.

Push for better mental health with us.

Donate below and make your generosity go twice as far! So that's donating the cost of two coffees for the price of one!

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/stmarksanglicancommunityschool

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.

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 31st July. Please sign in at reception. All are welcome.

For enquiries or prayer requests, please message Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

All Old Scholars are invited to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, 18 August, in the SAC Staffroom.

Drinks and nibbles will be served.

Parent Commitment Hours can be claimed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All positions will be declared vacant, and nominations are called for a new Committee. All current members of the Association are encouraged to attend the AGM, and any member may nominate to join the committee.

• Nominations can be submitted to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August. Nominations can also be taken from the floor at the AGM.
• Any members who are not able to attend may select a proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM. Completed proxy forms should be emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
• Members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by emailing emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
  
• The Agenda, Nomination Forms and Proxy forms are available by request to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au.