Junior School Bulletin - Term 3, Week 8

Dear Parents and Carers

When I was very young there was an advertising campaign run by the Cancer Council to remind parents and young children to be sun smart. It had a seagull named Sid who jumped around singing a song of 'Slip, Slop, Slap'. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. As an advertising campaign I am sure it was incredibly successful. Many decades later everyone I know who is around my age can sing the words on demand. Importantly, it changed habits towards sun exposure and I shudder to think what our statistics would be like now if this campaign had not run.

Society's awareness of the effects of digital devices is now emerging and the research is clear about the negative impact of incorrect technology use. For many years our Middle and Senior Schools have brought in guest speakers to guide student thinking in this space with Patrick Thomas from 'Y Safe' who presented this year an excellent example of this. In the Primary School we have hosted a parent information evening with school psychologists and guest speakers to highlight the challenges that we are hearing from our community. I believe we need to promote these best practices around technology use to our parents and students at an even younger age as the routines you start with around technology are inevitably the routines you will continue.

Keeping it simple to start with we will be repeating this simple mantra:

LOOK - at the age restrictions.

LIMIT - the screen time on devices.

LOCATION - use only where you can monitor.

I believe these three routines will make an enormous difference to children's current and future development. They are simple, self explanatory and are a perfect response when children are asking to spend an entire day on their iPad. Growing up as a child is fun and exciting but also sometimes wobbly. Let's give them the best possible chance to succeed.

Thank you for the enormous support of your children in last week's athletics carnival. The weather was perfect and there was plenty of smiles and laughter to go around. We had many parents come down to watch the children compete and I hope our parent body also enjoyed catching up with other parents on the day. Congratulations go to Watkins who won the House Shield once again this year, and also to those students who have been selected to represent our school at the Interschool carnival. Mr Barton has a report later in this Bulletin, but I wanted to express how very pleased I am with the support children showed each other and their positive attitude towards everything on the day.

Kind regards

Mark Douglas
Head of Primary School

Kindy to Year 12 Students will be permitted to wear an item of yellow with their normal uniform on Thursday 11 September, for "R U OK?" Day. Something yellow could be a t-shirt, bandana, earrings, socks etc.

Donations are not required.

It is the National day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, 'are you OK?' and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling.

Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK here.

Thanks for supporting R U OK? Day.

The Primary School came alive with energy, excitement and House spirit last week as students competed in the annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival. We were also extremely lucky with the weather which set the scene for two fantastic days of sport and celebration.

This year’s format, which allowed every student the opportunity to participate in any event of their choice, proved to be a tremendous success. Participation was at an all-time high, with students enthusiastically embracing the chance to showcase their skills and challenge themselves.

After two days of outstanding performances, the Champion House title was awarded to Watkins with an impressive 1395 points. They were closely followed by Carnley (1299 points), Moyes (1231 points), and Challen (1186 points).

We also congratulate the following students who achieved the titles of Athletics Champion and Runner-up in their respective year groups:

Year 3

• Girls: Champion – Ava Hogarth, Runner-up – Bronte Sandwell
• Boys: Champion – Zac Satinover, Joint Runner-up – Harrison File and Harry Strickland

Year 4

• Girls: Champion – Maddison Westaway, Joint Runner-up – Polly Hall and Taylor Weir
• Boys: Champion – Angus Trotter, Runner-up – Jake Hillyer

Year 5

• Girls: Champion – Evie Holyoake, Runner-up – Jeanette Janssen
• Boys: Champion – Jack Nichol, Runner-up – Jake Hemmingsen

We are incredibly proud of these students for their achievements and commend every participant for their sportsmanship, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the carnival.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Grounds staff for their tireless efforts behind the scenes, as well as to all staff, parents and volunteers who contributed to making the event such a resounding success. The positive feedback received from families and students alike is a true reflection of the wonderful community spirit that defines our school.

Well done to everyone involved — what an amazing carnival!

Michael Barton
Physical Education Teacher

• Year 5 Parents: thank you to those parents who have already sent in photos for the Y5 Graduation. If you are a parent who has not yet sent in photos, please email them to year5gradphotos@stmarks.wa.edu.au by 23 September.

• The last day of Term 3 is Friday 26 September and Y2-5 students finish school at the normal time of 3.15pm.
  
  
• First day of Term 4 is Monday 13 October. Please note that students are to wear summer uniform in Term 4.
  
  
• Monday 17 November is a student free day (K-12 Curriculum Planning day for staff).
  
  

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.

We’d like to take a moment to remind all families about the importance of keeping children at home when they are unwell, especially when they have a fever or contagious symptoms.

Recently, we’ve had instances where parents have requested their children be allowed to remain at school despite having a fever. For the health and safety of all our students, it is essential that if your child is showing signs of illness, particularly a fever, they must be kept at home and arrangements should be made for their prompt collection if they are already at school.

Additionally, we would like to remind all families that if your child has experienced gastro symptoms, they should stay at home for a minimum of 24 hours after the last bout of symptoms to prevent spreading the illness to others.

We truly appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that our school remains a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Health Centre Team

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.

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be open during the school holidays on Wednesday 8 October from 8am to 3pm and Thursday 3 October from 8am to 3pm.

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Here is the link to our Special Report https://stmarks.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day

Join Mark Lee Football Coaching for Term 4 at St Mark's!

The professional coaching team of Louis, Bryce, Harley & Adam will engage, inspire, and provide energetic coaching sessions.

Children from K-Yr6 are welcome and are placed in age-appropriate groups.

Please let us know if you would like your child to be taken to class after the session

Dates Friday 31^st October to Friday 5^th December

Time 7.30-830am on the school oval

Cost $129 per child for 6 weeks

Simply email, text or call Mark to register your child.

Mark Lee
0430 788 703
mark@mlfc.com.au

This year, our amazing Year 10 students Lily and Emily are stepping up to take part in the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life.

With passion and determination, they’re walking (and running!) to raise vital funds that will support those in our community impacted by cancer. Way to go girls!

If you’d like to support their fundraising efforts, you can do so via the Cancer Council Relay For Life platform. Every donation helps make a difference.

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/LapLegends

On Friday 24 October, six of our fearless (or slightly bonkers) St Mark’s ACS staff will be strapping in and abseiling 220 metres down Central Park Tower for the Central Park Plunge.

Meet the daredevils:

• Sharon “don’t look down” McCarthy
• Will “Spider-Man” Brock
• Lia “leg-shakes” Parsons
• Bryce “just breathe” Teo
• Brooke “hold the rope tighter” Sherring
• Emma “what have I signed up for?” Huxtable

They’re plunging for a cause, not just the adrenaline rush – and we’d love your support. Every donation, cheer, or even a nervous laugh counts!

Find out more (and help them hit their fundraising goals) here: anglicare-wa.grassrootz.com/central-park-plunge-2025-anglicare-wa/st-marks-acs

Go team St Mark’s – the ground will be waiting for you!

Our amazing Arts Show is on again this October, and we need your help to make it a truly unforgettable event!

If you are, or know of, an emerging or professional artist and want to exhibit at this year’s show, we’d love to have you along. Please fill out the link below! There’s a $500 People's Choice Award up for grabs, and every artist gets a free ticket to opening night, too!

https://forms.gle/AFcHWtm68WdEGXwc7

Want to get your Community Participation Program hours knocked off with an awesome crew at a fun event? Check out the signup link below and choose a slot (or two). Get your parent friends to do the same! Food donations are also part of the signup sheet, so register those as well to make the night even better! Spots are filling quickly, so secure yours today!

https://signup.com/go/wtQfwVZ

And after all that volunteering, you deserve a night out, so get yourself a ticket to opening night at the link below. We’ve reduced the price this year, so bring a friend or two for what is always an excellent night with live music, amazing MC, raffle prizes, and even a live artist painting on the night! You don’t want to miss this event!

https://events.humanitix.com/opening-night-st-mark-s-art-show-2025

Lastly, we are also seeking sponsors for this year's show. If you have a business or know of one that would like to support this amazing event, please reach out to Richard at Artshow@stmarks.wa.edu.au to discuss donation and sponsorship opportunities.

To stay up-to-date, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved, complete your volunteer hours, and play a meaningful role in our vibrant St Mark’s Anglican School community.

Let’s come together to support the arts and our school. Thank you for being part of something special!

A big thank-you to everyone who came along to the SMACS P&F Bogan Bingo event last month! We had over 100 bogans dressed to impress, and it’s fair to say the night was a lot of fun!

Highlights of the night included the classic rock tunes, the photo booth shots, the crowning of St Mark’s Biggest Bogans, an entertaining air guitar competition, and our two hilarious hosts who kept the crowd in stitches from start to finish!

The purpose of the night was to bring our community together for some well-deserved fun, and we’re so pleased that it achieved just that - all while raising valuable funds to support the P&F.

Join the Fun at Our Little Lions Playgroup!

Did you know that every Friday during term time, St Mark’s hosts a vibrant and welcoming playgroup for our youngest community members?

The Old Scholars' Association Little Lions Playgroup runs weekly on-site and is the perfect place for children up to school age to play, explore, and make new friends – all while their parents and carers connect with others in a warm, supportive environment.

Running from 8.45am to 10.30am, Little Lions offers plenty of fun, games, and laughter in a safe and engaging space. Whether you're a current St Mark’s family, have little ones not yet at school, or even if you’re simply looking to connect with other local families, you’re invited to come along. We especially welcome families whose Kindy classes aren't in session on Fridays – it’s a great way to stay connected with the school community.

Little Lions is proudly run in partnership with Playgroup WA, ensuring a quality experience for families. And while our Old Scholars' Association hosts it, you don’t need to be a former student to attend – everyone is welcome!

So, if you’ve got a little cub ready to roar with excitement, we’d love to see you this Friday. Come along, join in the fun, and experience the community spirit that makes St Mark’s so special.

To find out more or to book your place, email us at osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au
You can also join our Little Lions Facebook group HERE.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your little one!