Junior School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 2

Dear Parents

This Friday we celebrate St Mark's Day, and are looking forward to a special day dedicated to celebrating all that it means to be a St Mark’s student. Students are to wear their House uniform this Friday.

The day will begin with a Communion Service, providing students with an opportunity to farewell Principal Steven Davies and celebrate the commissioning of Reverend Mark Davis.

Following the service, Junior School students will rotate through seven activities designed to explore the 40-year history of St Mark’s and connect with the values and traditions that are at the heart of our community.

At lunchtime, all Junior School students will move to the Secondary Oval to share lunch together and take part in exciting activities, including a silent disco and a four-way tug-of-war.

As part of St Mark’s Day, all students are asked to make a donation of $5 to support Anglicare WA's Street Connect, a mobile youth homelessness service. The donation covers participation in all planned activities for the day ensuring every student can take part fully.

All students are asked to bring $5 to their class teacher on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, or alternatively use the following link to make their donation: https://events.humanitix.com/st-mark-s-day-anglicare-fundraiser

Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home or purchase lunch from one of the food trucks on the oval. Please note that the school canteen will be closed for the day.

The food truck options available are:

• Chip on a Stick – curly potato on a stick ($8–$12)
• Gnocchi Boys – gnocchi and pasta ($16)
• Mama’s Kitchen – nuggets and chips, or burgers and chips ($8–$12)
• Baolicious – bao buns ($10)
• By the Slice – pizza ($8–$9)

All food vans offer nut/allergy-friendly options, and all except Gnocchi Boys also offer gluten-free options. Please note, Junior School students will not be permitted to purchase soft drinks or lollies. If your child is purchasing from the food vans, please speak to them about the best option for them.

If you would like your child to purchase lunch from the food vans, please place money in a named zip-lock sandwich bag. These will be collected by classroom teachers at the beginning of the day and returned to students at lunchtime. Using a zip-lock bag will also help students securely store any change to bring home.

We eagerly look forward to celebrating St Mark’s Day together as part of our 40th Anniversary year and giving thanks for the rich history and community spirit of our school.

Kind regards

Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary School

As per the article above from Mark Pressley regarding St Mark’s Day this coming Friday, Y2-5 students are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home or purchase lunch from one of the food trucks on the Secondary Oval. Please note, the school canteen will be closed on Friday and Y2-5 students to wear House uniform.

If you would like your child to purchase lunch from the food vans on the Secondary Oval on Friday, please place money in a named zip-lock sandwich bag; these will be collected by classroom teachers at the beginning of the day and returned to students at lunchtime. Using a zip-lock bag will also help students securely store any change to bring home.

As part of our School’s 40th birthday celebrations, we are planning a special day for our Junior School students in Term 2. On Friday 1 May (Week 2) we will celebrate St Mark's Day, with activities that highlight what it means to be a St Mark’s student.

To support some of the art activities planned for the day, we would greatly appreciate your contributions. We are seeking donations of the following materials:

• Ribbon
• Wool
• Strips of fabric
• String
• CD's (old)

We are collecting these items in the following colours (we welcome any shade within these colours): Purple, Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Yellow and White.

Collection bins, labelled with 'Colours', are located in the Year 4/5 area. Contributions can also be dropped off at Junior Reception.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

K-12 School photos will take place during Term 2, Week 3.

Please note all orders are to be placed online and can be ordered here www.3p.net.au using the Shoot Key: A5T3P

ON PHOTO DAY:
• Please ensure your child is in the correct uniform, with hair neat and tidy
• Preferably no large side/high ponytails

SIBLING PHOTOS:
• Students must present to the photo area either before or after school
• Students cannot be collected from class
• Please place an order using your eldest child‘s details

Please also take a look at the following flyer, which contains more detailed information: 2026 Photo Day flyer

Students must wear the formal winter uniform for school photos.

The photo schedule is available here.

As shared at the beginning of the year, all classes in the Junior School have been engaging in the Friendology Program; a program designed to support students in developing the skills, language and self-confidence needed to build healthy, respectful and resilient friendships. The program also aims to reduce conflict, prevent bullying and strengthen social-emotional wellbeing by teaching children how to manage “Friendship Fires” and communicate effectively.

At our assembly last Friday, Miss Kruenert brought the four Friendship Facts to life, helping students explore what positive friendship looks like in action. She also introduced several new friendship initiatives that will continue to build on the strong sense of connection and belonging within our Junior School.

Each week, Miss Kruenert will set a Kindness Quest for all Junior School students — a simple but meaningful challenge designed to strengthen the kind and compassionate community we are so proud of. This week’s challenge is to pay someone a genuine compliment. Research shows that giving compliments offers significant benefits for both the recipient and the giver, helping to build confidence, strengthen relationships and create a greater sense of connection. When students give a compliment, they are invited to record it on one of the leaves displayed at the entrance to the Year 2/3 and Year 4/5 learning areas. These leaves will then be added to our growing Kindness Trees at the front of the Year 4/5 area. We look forward to seeing these trees flourish in the weeks ahead.

Miss Kruenert also introduced our new Kindness Captain Certificates, which will be awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding kindness and compassion towards others. Congratulations to our inaugural recipients, Year 4 students Mackenzie and Sofia, for setting such a wonderful example for our community.

As we still have 8 places available for Chess Club this term, we would like to extend the invitation to our Year 2 students. Please note, there is a charge of $96 to attend this club.

The Junior School Chess Club will be conducted by Stanislav Smetankin, a highly accomplished chess coach, currently ranked sixth in Australia. An International Chess Master since 1998, he represented Belarus at the 2002 Chess Olympiad. Stanislav has won major European and American tournaments and taught chess at leading Sydney schools, including Knox Grammar, Shore, Abbotsleigh, and Conservatorium High.

If you child is in the Junior School, Years 2, 3, 4 or 5 and you would like your child to participate, please use the link below to register. Please note places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, this club will also be surpervised by myself, Mark Pressley.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/primary-chess-club-term-2

The club will run on Thursday mornings from 7.45am to 8.30am from Week 2 of Term 2 and continue to the end of Term, with a total cost of $96 for the Term (plus GST and booking fees). Payment is required in full at the time of enrolment.

Please note that missed sessions are non-refundable.

We look forward to another great semester of learning, strategy, and fun through chess!

Kind regards

Mark Pressley
Head of Primary School (Acting)

Book club catalogues went home last week. Orders can only be made online so there is no need to send any paperwork back to school. Orders are due FRIDAY 8 MAY.

How to order Book club online

1. Log in, or create a new account at LOOP ORDER
2. New parents can follow the wizard to set up a child’s profile.
3. Click the ORDER tab and select the child’s school and issue of Book club.
4. Select your child’s name.
5. Enter the product item number from the Book club catalogue.
6. Make a payment via credit card.

Thank you. Any queries, please email primarylibrary@stmarks.wa.edu.au

On Friday 8 May, all students in 2 to Year 5 will be participating in the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival which will be held at Mawson Park. Please note that all students will remain at school until their normal end of day. Students will need to wear their Sport uniform with House shirt on this day. Parents and friends are welcome to watch the event, and there will be a coffee van in attendance at Mawson Park. Further information has now been sent to parents via Consent2Go. Please note, the first 6 boys/girls students from Years 2-5 in each race will be selected for the Interschool Team.

Interhouse Cross Country course maps for Mawson Park can be found here.

The approximate start time and distance for each event is as follows:

• 10am: Y5 Girls and Boys - distance 2.5km
• 10.30am: Y4 Girls and Boys - distance 2km
• 11am: Y3 Girls and Boys - distance 1.5km
• 11.45am: Y2 Girls and Boys - distance 1.5km

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

• Wednesday 20 May 2026 - State Cross Country Carnival for Years 4 to 6 at Yokine Reserve

• Wednesday 27 May 2026 - ACC Cross Country at Perry Lakes Years 3- 6

• Friday 19 June 2026 - Interschool Cross Country at Mawson Park for Years 2 to 6

If you have any queries, please email Michael Barton at mbarton@stmarks.wa.edu.au

The St Mark's Parents and Friends' Association (P&F) invites staff, parents, and students to submit project proposals for 2025 funding. Projects should positively impact the school community, align with school values, and not cover regular classroom resources.

Please see the attached letter and application form for details.

Proposals will be reviewed over the December holidays, with potential meetings for further discussion.

Submit any queries to treasurer.pf@stmarks.wa.edu.au and secretary.pf@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

St Mark’s is proud to present the 2026 Music Certificate Showcase featuring our Year 11 and 12 Certificate bands.

• Date: 6 May 2026
• Doors: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
• Venue: Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth
• Tickets: $20 per person. Book here.

All students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian on the night, as this is a licensed venue.

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.

Mark Lee Football Coaching is delighted to be back in Term 2 & would love to welcome your child to the before school soccer program.

Mark launched his MLFC programs in 2009 following a career playing professional football in England, Scotland & Australia.

Mark & his team have been running the program each term at St Mark’s since 2015 & it is a wonderful way for the children to start their school day.

Sessions are based around play & small sided games & always delivered in a fun, engaging & caring manner

Children are placed in age-appropriate groups & the younger children can be taken to their class after the session

Dates Friday 15 May to Friday 19 June

Time 7.30-8.30am

Cost $129 per child for 6 week program

Simply email, text or call Mark on the details below to register your child.

0430 788 703 or email mark@mlfc.com.au

Come join us for another outstanding night of Puns, Puzzles and Prizes as the POSTMEN put on our Annual Quiz Night Fundraiser for 2026!

We'll once again have the services of Quiz Master Jon Lewis to guide us through the evening.

Of course, a smashing array of top quality prizes from generous donors and supporters, and as always, it will be a cracking night of fun!

Tickets $20 individual or table of 8 for $160. Grab yours here.

BYO food and drinks.

Door Prizes, Raffle and Table Winners Prizes!

Calling all Old Scholars who have children currently attending St Mark's ...

We will hold our annual Old Scholar Generations photo on Tuesday 5 May 2026, at 7.45am. If you and your child/ren would like to be included in our Old Scholar Generations Photo, please book your spot by clicking the link at the bottom.

We will be hosting a light breakfast catch-up in the SAC Staffroom from 7.00am - 7.45am.

Please note that students will be required to wear formal winter uniforms.

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026

Time:

• 7.00am for light breakfast and catch-up
• 7.45am for 8.00am for the Generational Photo

Venue: St Mark's Anglican Community - SAC Staffroom for breakfast and then the Hall for photos

Book your spot here.