Junior School Bulletin - Term 3, Week 6

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you to all the students who participated in our Interhouse Eisteddfod yesterday. We have so many talented students at St Mark's and events like these are often an opportunity for everyone to see someone showcasing a skill we they did not know they had. Most of a child's music practice occurs at home, so it is very exciting to see how talented they are when they perform on a stage in front of a large audience. Thank you to all parents who support our Arts program. It is incredibly valuable for the students and I know that the success for children is dependent upon parent support at home. The Eisteddfod, like all competitions, had deserving winners but I firmly believe it is all of our students who benefit from the day. Performers getting to highlight their skills, as well as the audience who are inspired by the confidence and dedication of the children. The event could only happen with the support of our Music department who are very committed to giving children these extra opportunities.

This week we have our Versa-tality finals. The bar has definitely been raised from last year so I look forward to seeing the finalists perform on Wednesday. Thank you to all of our parents who helped their children learn their chosen poem at home. Maybe we could have a parent division next year!

This week we also have students in Year's 4-6 competing at MLC against other independent schools in the Academic Challenge. We often do quite well in these events so I wish all students the best of luck. We also have our annual Book Fair. There is a wide range of books to choose from so I encourage all students to come in and have a look at the books for sale.

I am also looking forward to the Father's Day stall which will be set-up in the Junior School next week. The P&F are organising this event and each Y2-5 class will be given a set time to visit the stall to purchase an item (items at the stall will cost between $1 and $5 and run on a cash only basis). Please see the article within this week's Bulletin for further information.

Kind regards

Mark Douglas
Head of Primary School

Week 6: 25 - 29 August is Book Fair

• Once again, we will have Book Fair running in the Primary School Library. We encourage parents to accompany their children before or after school. It is a great time to buy some birthday and Christmas gifts!
• Book Fair opening hours:
  - Monday: after school 3.15pm to 3.45pm
  - Tuesday to Thursday: before school 8.15am - 8.45am, lunch time 12.55pm until 1.15pm, and also after school 3.15pm to 3.45pm
  - Friday: before school 8.15 - 8.45am and lunch time 12.55pm until 1.15pm.

Our PP-Y5 Primary Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Wednesday 3 September (jumps and throws on Tuesday 2 September). The Carnival will be held on the Secondary School Oval (off Whitfords Avenue). Students are to wear their sports uniform with House shirt on Tuesday (jumps and throws) and also on Wednesday (Carnival day), and are asked to bring a packed lunch as Canteen lunch orders will not be available for Primary students that day. Further detailed information will shortly be sent to parents via Consent2Go.

Please note that all Primary students (PP-Y5) should arrive at School at the normal time. Details of the Carnival are included below (approximate timing is available at the end). All Pre-Primary to Year 5 students will be participating in Sprints and Novelty Events (Y2-5 from 9am and PP-Y1 from approximately 10.30am). The aim of the carnival is to encourage participation and enthusiasm.

UNIFORM AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Students must wear correct Sports uniform with House shirt and School hat on Wednesday, and also those students participating on Tuesday.

Sunscreen will be provided (remember to apply sunscreen before coming to school), water-based drink, snack, lunch and any necessary medications.

Students are to compete in their sports shoes, shorts and House shirts.

Students may use a bag other than their school bag for ease of identification.

LUNCH

Canteen lunch orders will not be available on Wednesday, 3 September.

Parents should supply their child/children with a packed lunch.

PP&Y1: In addition to their lunch, it is recommended that a substantial snack be brought to School for students to have during Recess in the ELC.

PARENTS

Parents and spectators are most welcome to attend.

Parents are to spectate from the outside of the athletics track (parents are not allowed into House bays or on the track).

In the event of rain, parents can shelter at the Pavilion.

COFFEE VAN AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASES ON BOTH DAYS

OTHER

Parking: Available in St Mark’s Drive or at Belrose Park (off Whitfords Avenue).

Seating: For parents – outside the track in front of the Pavilion.

Toilets: Toilets available at the top of the hill near the Low Ropes Course.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE CARNIVAL

• Primary students are not permitted to leave before the completion of the Carnival.

• All Primary students (PP-Y5) will return to their classrooms at the end of the Carnival. If you intend to collect your child at the end of the Carnival then please collect from their classroom door, making sure the teacher has given his/her permission before leaving the classroom. Please advise your class teacher via email BEFORE Carnival Day if someone else will be collecting your child/children from the classroom door on Carnival Day.

• If parents do not collect students at the end of the Carnival from their classrooms, then students will remain in their classrooms until their normal end of school finish time.

• Drive through collections will only be available at the normal end of the day times.

TIMING FOR WEDNESDAY’S EVENTS (3 September - Pre-Primary to Year 5):

All students to wear House shirts with sport uniform. Students will be participating in age races, novelty and relay events.
The aim of the carnival is to encourage participation and enthusiasm by all students. Please
note that all times given below are approximate and may vary on the day, particularly if
the weather intervenes.

• 8.45am: Students report to classes for check in. (Year 2 to 5 students may place
bags/mascots /etc, in the appropriate House bays on the Secondary Oval prior to the
bell.)
• 8.55am: All Year 2 to 5 classes meet on the Primary Oval with their School hat. Will
move down to the Secondary Oval in class groups.
• 9am: All Year 2 to 5 students on the Secondary Oval for commencement of Carnival for
Year 2 to 5.
• 9am: Year 2 to 5 events commence.
• 9 – 9.30am: Years 2-5 start with 80 and 100m races. All students compete starting
with Yr 2
• 10.30am approximately: Pre-Primary and Year 1 sprint races start and relay races.
• 11-11.30am: All Pre-Primary and Year 1 students will participate in sprint and relay
races. Pre-Primary will start lunch after their races (approximately 11.15am) and
continue during Rotation 1 of the Novelty Events. Year 1 will have lunch in the ELC bay
at approximately 11.45am during Rotation 2 of the Novelty Events.
• 11–11.30am: Year 2 – 5 Lunch Break. All teachers are to remain on the oval and assist
with the supervision and care of the students. Year 2-5 students will watch Pre-Primary
and Year 1 events.
• 11.30am: Pre-Primary to Year 5 Novelty Events commence. All students in Years PP
to 5 will compete in the following Novelty Events: Leaderball (Circleball for PP &
Y1), Basketball Passball (Y1-5 only), Football Passball (Y2-5 only), Skipping race, 3-
Legged Race (Y1-5 only), Running Tunnel Ball, Baton and Bucket Relay and Hoop
and Hurdle Relay. These will all run simultaneously. Year groups will move around to
each event (Tabloid). All students will have the opportunity to participate in each novelty
event. Pre-Primary and Year 1 students will have a rest period during some of the rotations
when not participating. Novelty Events will not receive ribbons as we are trying to reduce the
waste within the School to be in line with our sustainability goals.
• 1.15pm Y1-5 Grand Relay.
• 1.30pm: Presentations. Presentation by Mr Douglas followed by a clean-up of House
bays.
• All Pre-Primary to Year 5 students will RETURN TO THEIR CLASSROOMS AT THE END
OF THE CARNIVAL

Once again this year, the Year Three classes from St Mark’s will be participating in a project called Operation Christmas Child. This is a charity project run by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organisation which supports children in need around the world.

We are seeking donations to fill shoe-boxes which will be given to children less fortunate than ourselves. Items can be placed in the large boxes set up in the Year 2/3 open area. All items must also be new, as per the charity guidelines.

Donations are for children aged 2-14 years old and can include items from the following categories:

• Something to love (eg. a small soft toy or doll)
• Something for school (eg. pencils, sharpener, eraser, pencil case, notebook)
• Something for personal hygiene (eg. a flannel, a bar of soap, a hairbrush, a toothbrush)
• Something to wear (eg. any new clothes, hats, shoes or underwear)
• Something to play with (eg. a ball, a small toy, a yoyo, a skipping rope)
• Something special (eg. a bag to carry their box, a bracelet or necklace, small books)

For postage and safety reasons, we cannot accept liquids, pastes, gels or balms or any items related to war.

Thank you in advance for your support of this important project. Please contact Mrs Greaves via email egreaves@stmarks.wa.edu.au should you have any further questions.

The P&F are pleased to announce that they will be holding a Father's Day Stall for students in Junior School on Thursday 4th September 2025.

Students will attend the stall in their class group at an allocated timeslot during the morning, between 8.45am and 12.35pm. The class schedule and allocated times will be communicated prior to the Stall next week.

There will be a selection of wonderful gifts available ranging in price from $1.50 to $5.00 with a selection of Grandfather / Pop gifts also available. Please note that the stall will be cash only.

Are you able to help? Volunteers are required for the morning to assist students with selection and purchasing of gifts. If you are able to assist, please sign up at https://signup.zone/iSmoc2tQERskSfgL2

Dear Parents/Caregivers

The WA Government Dental Health Service located at the Craigie Heights Dental Therapy Centre has requested from the School some personal information about our students in Pre Primary, Year 1, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6, to allow them to provide a screening service to the schools families.

They have requested the following information:

• Student Name
• Date of Birth
• Year Group and Class
• Gender

The School Dental Service provides free general dental care to eligible school children at school-based Dental Therapy Centres. More information about the service provided to children may be found HERE.

The Dental Health Services’ Privacy Statement may be found HERE.

St Mark’s has conducted due diligence in respect to the Department of Health’s policies with regard to their collection, use, retention and storage of personal information and are satisfied that it complies with the Australian Privacy Principles outlined in the Privacy Act.

Should you not wish the School to provide the information requested by the WA Government Dental Health Service please contact the School Nurse by email at nurse@stmarks.wa.edu.au to let us know of your decision.

Unless we hear otherwise from you, the School will provide the information for your child to the Craigie Heights Dental Therapy Centre on Tuesday 9 September 2025.

Kind regards

Health Centre

St Mark's is again looking for volunteers to assist with supervision for the upcoming Year 12 exams from Tuesday 23 September to to Friday 10 October.

Sessions are broken up into two time slots, morning (08:00am to 12:00pm) and afternoon (1:00pm to 4:30pm).

Please sign up here. Please only choose 1 session time per family to allow all families a chance at helping.

Date: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Venue: Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Centre

Join us for our upcoming P&F General Meeting, followed by an engaging and informative presentation from Mrs Ella Pearce, St Mark’s Head of Careers.

Mrs Pearce will share exciting updates on the Career Curiosity Series, Career Tasters, Senior School Pathways and recent changes to SCSA WACE requirements.

• Career Tasters – Designed for Year 9 students, this program offers hands-on experiences in different trade-based careers, helping students make informed choices about their future.
• Career Curiosity Series – Tailored for students in Years 10–12, this inspiring series brings in professionals from a wide range of industries. Students hear firsthand about each profession and have the chance to ask questions. Launched in 2024, the series has grown rapidly, with this year’s students meeting experts from eight industries across eight events.
• SCSA WACE Changes – Following the early August announcement, Mrs Pearce will break down the new requirements and explain what they mean for students.

Come along to connect with the St Mark’s community, gain valuable insights, and be part of an evening that will inspire and inform both parents and students, and collect Community Participation Hours at the same time!

We are excited to announce that ticket sales for the Kristian Hoogenkamp Inspire Cup Raffle are officially open! This is your chance to enter the draw and win some amazing prizes, generously donated by our wonderful St Mark’s community.

You have just EIGHT days to secure your tickets and be in the running for prizes such as:

Grand prize:

• A 2-Night Heyscape Getaway!
  Escape the everyday and reconnect with nature with a 2-night stay at any Heyscape location. Whether it's rolling hills, ocean views, or a cozy bush setting you’re after – the choice is yours.

Raffle prizes:

• Kailis Reflection French Hook Earrings (thanks to Kailis Jewellery)
• $500 Westfield Gift Card (thanks to the Kirby-Smith Family)
• Blues and Greens Mentoring Package (thanks to Old Scholar, Harry Quayle and Blues and Greens
• West Coast Eagles signed jersey (thanks to Old Scholar, Harry Quayle and Blues and Greens)
• 1 x $100 Coho Hair Voucher (thanks to Coho Hair Studio and the Kroonstuiver family)
• 1 x Hairdryer and Moroccan Oil Hair Care Pack (thanks to Coho Hair Studio and the Kroonstuiver family)
• 1 x hamper (thanks to Caitlin Collins MLA, Member for Hillarys)
• Chillout Hamper (thanks to the Miller family)
• 6 x $50 Westfield Gift Cards (thanks to Green Road Psychology)
• 1 x $50 Seasonal Fruit Box (thanks to the Linehan family and North Shore Fresh)
• 1 x $50 Dropinz Coffee Voucher (thanks to Dropinz Mullaloo)
• 1 x $50 Woodfire Pizza Mullaloo Voucher (thanks to Woodfire Pizza Mullaloo)
• 1 x $50 Nautical Bowl - Hillarys Voucher (thanks to Nautical Bowl - Hillarys)
• 1 x Westfield Gift Voucher (thanks to Westfield Whitford City Centre Management)
• 1 x $20 Grounded Cafe Voucher (thanks to the Fryer family and Grounded Cafe)

Every ticket purchased helps us support Sock It to Sarcoma!, in loving memory of our Class of 2020 member, Kristian Hoogenkamp, who lost his battle to a rare type of cancer—rhabdomyosarcoma—after he bravely underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy in 2019.

• Tickets open: Thursday 21 August, 4.00pm
• Tickets close: Friday 29 August, 1.30pm
• Raffle drawn: Friday 29 August, 3.00pm

GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS HERE.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in this special community event – and good luck in the draw!

The Year 11 Drama students are proud to perform ‘Hoods’ on 17 and 18 September in the Performing Arts Complex.

Set in a deserted car park, ‘Hoods’ tells the story of three abandoned children waiting in vain for their mother to return. Kyle, Jessie and baby Troy must now decide for themselves whether to stay or leave, facing a universal challenge to reconcile with their past, take control of their present and change their future.

Recommended for 13+ audiences, this is a performance not to be missed.

Visit the link below for tickets:

https://www.trybooking.com/DEKQC

When you buy an Entertainment Membership this month, you’ll receive a FREE upgrade to a Multi City Membership (valued at $120!) AND a $30 VISA eGift Card.

That means for just $70, you’ll score access to up to 50% off dining, activities, shopping, and travel across Australia, NZ, and Bali.

It’s the perfect Father’s Day gift, that will keep giving all year round. With over $20,000 in savings – from Rebel Sport, Supercheap Auto, and BCF, to fuel at Shell, plus amazing dining deals your dad will love!PLUS… $14 from each Membership will be donated directly to All Saints Anglican School, Samoa. Helping provide opportunities for students and making a meaningful difference, not only to their school, but to the wider community.

The Resilience Project has an upcoming Connected Parenting Webinar with Lael Stone on Thursday 4th September, 8:00-9:15pm (75 minutes) AEST or 6:00pm-7:15pm AWST.

What they’ll deliver
Grounded in the latest research, this 75-minute workshop provides parents and carers with practical strategies to raise resilient children. Author, TEDx speaker, counsellor and parenting educator, Lael Stone, will discuss how to: ​​​​​​

• Build stronger connections with your children.
• Support them through challenging and frustrating situations.
• Create a culture of cooperation in simple ways.
• Manage your own triggers as a parent.
• Understand and support big emotions in a way that helps children become emotionally resilient.

About Lael Stone
Lael Stone is an author, TEDx speaker, counsellor and parenting educator who specialises in navigating trauma and disconnection in families. She has spent the better part of two decades working with families, as well as running programs in secondary schools about relationships and wellbeing. She is a mother of three adult children and the co-founder of Woodline Primary School – a new, innovative school focused on supporting emotional intelligence in children.

Individually register for the webinar using this link.

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.

The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.

When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.

Here is the link to our Edition: http://stmarks.wa.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au

Whitfords Junior Cricket Club invites boys & girls aged 8-17 to come & try Junior Cricket after school on Wednesday 3rd September.

This is a free event at James Cook Park in Hillarys, from 3.30 - 4.30pm.

Please use the QR code to register.