Middle School Bulletin - Term 1, Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

As discussed at our recent Parent Information Night for Years 6 & 7, please find below the link to the Claire Eaton Hello High School Parent Guide:

https://www.claireeaton.com.au/hello-high-school-parent-guide/

We hope you find this resource helpful in supporting your child’s transition to Middle School.

Kind regards

Kristin Clape
Deputy Head of Middle School

Dear Year 6 Parents and Carers

We welcome our Year 6 students and look forward to building on our school culture grounded in positive relationships, respect and zero tolerance for bullying. Throughout the year, students will hear from a range of expert guest speakers who will equip them with practical skills to be upstanders, to recognise harmful behaviours early, and to understand how good choices can benefit their personal health and wellbeing, as well as that of their peers. These sessions complement our Flourish program and everyday pastoral care, reinforcing the message that every student has a role to play in creating a safe and inclusive community.

An outline of the last first 3 Flourish Sessions (Mondays, Period 4 each week) is included below. Please be aware that these sessions are subject to change.

Week 1 – 2 February: Year 6 Transition

Students will engage with what values are, and why they are important, reflecting on the school values and how they relate their identity as part of the school community. Students will contribute collaboratively to a class set of essential agreements to help everyone to learn and achieve at their best and be able to identify what ready to learn behaviours are and how this will shape their own learning and that of others.

Week 2 – 9 February: yLead

This exciting full-day experience educates and empowers students to be the best leaders they can be. Take the Lead empowers students in early high school with the idea that their leadership journey begins now. Through a series of team-based activities that build strong relationships and a positive group dynamic, students will explore the fundamentals of leadership and how they can be used to maximise their high school experience. Students will recognise that every leader has their own unique passions, strengths and abilities; and has discovered a way to use them to create a positive difference in the world. Students will be inspired to step out of their comfort zone, aim high and confidently embark on their own leadership journey. This program will:

• Develop positive group dynamics through a series of team-based activities that challenge students to work cooperatively.
• Encourage students to reflect on their personal strengths and gain confidence in their ability to lead.
• Challenge students with the notion of creating a legacy by positively influencing others.
• Explore the importance of setting goals and identify the keys to achieving them.
• Empower students to lead themselves and take responsibility for their own choices and actions.

Week 3 – 16 February: Year 6 Transition – Time Management and Planning

Students will understand the benefits of planning their time, so they can take responsibility for their schooling, family time, friendships and commitments outside of school. The goal is to make more time for themselves to do what they love through the creation of a time planning chart.

Kind regards

Kristin Clape

Deputy Head of Middle School

Dear Year 7 Parents and Carers

We welcome back our Year 7 students and look forward to building on our school culture grounded in positive relationships, respect and zero tolerance for bullying. Throughout the year, students will hear from a range of expert guest speakers who will equip them with practical skills to be upstanders, to recognise harmful behaviours early, and to understand how good choices can benefit their personal health and wellbeing, as well as that of their peers. These sessions complement our Flourish program and everyday pastoral care, reinforcing the message that every student has a role to play in creating a safe and inclusive community.

An outline of the last first 3 Flourish Sessions (Mondays, Period 4 each week) is included below. Please be aware that these sessions are subject to change.

Week 1 – 2 February: Relationship Building and The Resilience Project - INSPIRE

Students share personal experiences (if they choose) as part of relationship building and connection with their PCG through the ‘Tell Me a Story’ activity, led by their PCG tutor.

Students will engage with INSPIRE content from The Resilience Project, which focuses on developing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to support mental health and wellbeing. Through stories, discussion and reflection activities, students begin building the language and habits that underpin resilience, positive relationships and a school culture that fosters kindness and inclusivity.

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/school-wellbeing-program/

Week 2 – 9 February: Year 7 Camp Meeting with Mrs McManus (Head of Year 7)

All things camp will be discussed!

Week 3 – 16 February: Guest Speaker Claire Eaton – Transition to Year 7

Claire presents must-have information and practical strategies to guide Year 7s through the transition and challenges of Year 7, including emotional regulation strategies, and executive functioning skills essential for organisation. Tips and tools for building social confidence and developing healthy teen friendships will be shared. Claire has included a parent guide to complement her student presentation.

https://www.claireeaton.com.au/hello-high-school-presentations-schools/

https://www.claireeaton.com.au/hello-high-school-parent-guide/

Week 1 – 2 February: Relationship Building and The Resilience Project - INSPIRE

Students share personal experiences (if they choose) as part of relationship building and connection with their PCG through the ‘Tell Me a Story’ activity, led by their PCG tutor.

Students will engage with INSPIRE content from The Resilience Project, which focuses on developing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to support mental health and wellbeing. Through stories, discussion and reflection activities, students begin building the language and habits that underpin resilience, positive relationships and a school culture that fosters kindness and inclusivity.

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/school-wellbeing-program/

Week 2 – 9 February: Year 7 Camp Meeting with Mrs McManus (Head of Year 7)

All things camp will be discussed!

Week 3 – 16 February: Guest Speaker Claire Eaton – Transition to Year 7

Claire presents must-have information and practical strategies to guide Year 7s through the transition and challenges of Year 7, including emotional regulation strategies, and executive functioning skills essential for organisation. Tips and tools for building social confidence and developing healthy teen friendships will be shared. Claire has included a parent guide to complement her student presentation.

https://www.claireeaton.com.au/hello-high-school-presentations-schools/

https://www.claireeaton.com.au/hello-high-school-parent-guide/

Kind regards

Kristin Clape

Deputy Head of Middle School

Dear Year 8 Parents and Carers

We welcome back our Year 8 students and look forward to building on our school culture grounded in positive relationships, respect and zero tolerance for bullying. Throughout the year, students will hear from a range of expert guest speakers who will equip them with practical skills to be upstanders, to recognise harmful behaviours early, and to understand how good choices can benefit their personal health and wellbeing, as well as that of their peers. These sessions complement our Flourish program and everyday pastoral care, reinforcing the message that every student has a role to play in creating a safe and inclusive community.

An outline of the last first 3 Flourish Sessions (Mondays, Period 4 each week) is included below. Please be aware that these sessions are subject to change.

Week 1 – 2 February: Electronic Diaries

Students will be introduced to the move to electronic diaries, a shift driven by the reality that students generally prefer digital tools to manage their schedules and commitments. They will be guided step‑by‑step through setting up their diary, entering key school dates and using reminders, with an emphasis on building future‑focused organisational and self‑management skills.

Week 2 & 3 – 9/16 February: The Resilience Project - INSPIRE

Students will engage with INSPIRE content from The Resilience Project, which focuses on developing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to support mental health and wellbeing. Through stories, discussion and reflection activities, students begin building the language and habits that underpin resilience, positive relationships and a school culture that fosters kindness and inclusivity.

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/school-wellbeing-program/

Kind regards

Kristin Clape

Deputy Head of Middle School

Year 6 Think Tank – Fill in form https://forms.office.com/r/7RiXk12fWW

Year 6 Think Tank

Do you love asking big questions, debating ideas, and thinking deeply about the world?

The Think Tank is calling on curious, creative, and courageous Year 6 minds to step up.

This will be an afternoon club run in the Primary Enrichment Room on Wednesday afternoons 3:40-4:30pm (Please bring an afternoon snack)

This event would start Week 3 Wednesday 18th Feb.

The Think Tank is where students sharpen their critical thinking through philosophy-style discussions, problem-solving challenges, Lego-play, puzzles, and real-world dilemmas. In a world of fast opinions and fake news, you’ll learn how to question information, build strong arguments, and express your ideas with confidence and respect.

Participation provides valuable preparation for academic competitions and the opportunity to represent the school in high-level challenge events. If you enjoy thinking hard, working as a team, and being stretched beyond the classroom, this is for you.

Please complete the form at the top of the page if you would like your child to be considered for a place in this club.

Kind regards

Tracey Toovey

Under WA road safety laws, only individuals aged 16+ can use eRideables or eBikes with the motor engaged.

To manage safety and ensure road safety laws are followed, from the start of Term 1 of 2026 (2 February), eRideables and eBikes will not be permitted on school grounds by students under 16 years old.

More information

To learn more about eRideable and eBike laws, penalties, buying guides and safety, visit the Road Safety Commission website at: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/roadsafety-commission/erideables

As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we’re thrilled to invite our School Community to the Marnjamoortup Festival — our premier birthday event — taking place on Friday 6 March on Marnjamoortup, affectionately known to many Old Scholars as the Quad.

Expect a relaxed evening filled with community, celebration and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Enjoy live music from our incredibly talented student bands, followed by tunes from Red’s Tribe featuring vocals from our amazing Ms Guelfi. Add roving entertainment, substantial food offerings, a cash bar and plenty of opportunities to reminisce, and you’ve got a celebration worth breaking the rules for.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Friday 6 March 2026
• 6.00pm – 10.00pm
• Marnjamoortup (The Quad), St Mark’s Anglican Community School
• Dress: Smart (with your dancing shoes!)
• Parking: Junior School Oval, enter via Gate 4 on Whitfords Avenue
• Please note: this is an 18+ event
• RSVP by Friday 20 February 2026
• Tickets: $30 - Includes a complimentary drink on arrival and substantial finger food
  https://events.humanitix.com/marnjamoortup-festival-st-mark-s-40th-celebrations

Come celebrate 40 years of St Mark’s — we can’t wait to see you there.

The Secondary Assistance Scheme is available to parents/guardians with children enrolled in Years 7 to 12 who hold an eligible concession card (a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card).

The SAS consists of two allowances:

• $235 Education Program Allowance (payment made to the school); and
• $115 Clothing Allowance (payment made to the parent/guardian).

Parents/guardians in receipt of the ABSTUDY School Fees Allowance from Services Australia (Centrelink) are not eligible for the SAS, but they may apply for the ABSTUDY Supplement Allowance.

Applications open at the commencement of Term 1 2026 and close on 2 April 2026. Forms are available from Main Reception during Term 1 between 8am and 4pm.

Please check the eligibility criteria here.

The Australian Government Department of Education would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.

Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:

• names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• student residential address (excluding student names)
• whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

Can families please update their information on Consent2Go by Wednesday 11 February 2026.

If your child will be absent, arrive late, or need to leave early, please notify the School with a reason for the absence via the St Mark’s App, SEQTA Engage, or by emailing absentee@stmarks.wa.edu.au. This applies to all year groups; notifications sent to other email addresses may not be received.

When emailing, please include your child’s first name, surname, and class/year level in the subject line.

Absences of three or more consecutive days require a medical certificate. Requests for extended leave or holidays during the school term must be submitted in writing to principal@stmarks.wa.edu.au for consideration.

We are pleased to offer the opportunity to enrol in Chess Club again for Term 1 2026.

If you child is in Secondary School and 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.

https://events.humanitix.com/chess-club-2026-term-1

The club will run from Week 1 of Term 1 through to Week 9 of Term 1, with a total cost of $140 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

John Stewart

Head of Middle School

As part of our commitment to celebrating academic excellence and recognising high achievement, St Mark’s is pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Year 6 in 2027 (current Year 5 students).

Registrations for the 2027 program are now open and will close on Wednesday 18 February 2026. The Scholarship is open to all Year 5 students in 2026 — including current and wait-pooled students, as well as families new to St Mark’s.

Learn more on our website: https://www.stmarks.wa.edu.au/enrolment-2/scholarships-2

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school.

In Term 1 we’ll cover:

1. How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated- 11th February @6:30 (AEDT)

2. How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time - 25th February @6:30 (AEDT)

3. How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - 11th March @6:30 (AEDT)

4. How You Can Help Improve Your Child’s Memory- 25th March @6:30 (AEDT)

Click here to register for free

The Health Centre would like to welcome you back to a new school year.

Please update the health records for your child on Consent2Go. It is important to provide us with current Action Plans for diagnosis where relevant. Please update permissions for Non-prescription medication if you wish for your child to receive them in school.

Parents are reminded that students are not permitted to self-administer medication or bring it to school. The Health Centre provides medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antihistamine for student needs. If your child requires any of these during school hours, they may attend the Health Centre to see the nurse (Tracey or Laura) for assessment.

Any further questions please don’t hesitate to email us, nurse@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Kind Regards

Health Centre Team

Meet our two Galileo Figaros as St Mark's Theatre Company gets set to light up the stage with the epic Queen Musical 'We Will Rock You' featuring a cast of 60 Year 6-12 students, as well as Old Scholars!

Ticket information available soon, but save the date for 21-24 April. You won't want to miss this!

Get ready to colour, cut or shave for a cause that truly matters. On Tuesday 24 March 2026, St Mark’s will once again take part in the World’s Greatest Shave, proudly supporting the Leukaemia Foundation.

This is a powerful opportunity for our community to come together, show compassion, and make a real difference. Last year we came so close to our fundraising target — and this year, we’re aiming even higher with a goal of $23,000. Let’s hit it together!

What’s happening on the day?

• Hair spraying and a Bake Sale at recess, run by our Year 12 students

• Main shaving event during lunch in the quad

Get involved

Students and staff are encouraged to take part by shaving, cutting, colouring, or fundraising. Families can support by donating or spreading the word.

Join or donate via our St Mark’s Team Page:
https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/join/StMarksAnglicanCommunitySchool2180

Calling all hairdressers!

If you have a family member or friend who is a hairdresser and would be willing to donate their time on the day, we’d love to hear from you. Please email Mrs Parsons: lparsons@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Let’s start building excitement, spreading the word and encouraging our students to get involved. Together, we can make 2026 our biggest and best World’s Greatest Shave yet!

We are looking for enthusiastic Y2–6 students who would like to play netball this season with St Mark's Netball Club. Does your child love to be active, learn new skills, and be part of a team? Come along and give netball a go. Registrations are open until 23 March. Please register your interest through the below link:

Year 2 - 5: https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/080e47

Year 6: https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/d3073c

Wendy Giles
President SMNC

The Parents Prayer Group (PPG) meet fortnightly to pray for the students, staff and school community.

We will be meeting every second Friday at 2pm in the school chapel, starting 13 February. 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.

The St Mark’s P&F have locked in the date for the Term 1 Busy Bee!

• DATE: Sunday, 22 March 2026
• TIME: 8.30am - 12.30pm

We’d love for you to join us at the Term 1 Busy Bee! Come along, roll up your sleeves, and help us create a beautiful native garden outside the School’s Main Reception. It’s a fantastic opportunity to earn Community Participation Hours, connect with other families, and make a lasting difference to our school environment. Everyone’s welcome, no gardening experience needed, just your enthusiasm and community spirit!

We are also seeking the support of any St Mark’s families who have a landscape gardening or landscape design business and would be willing to support the project. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated as we shape this new garden space.

We’ll also be firing up the BBQ for lunch, so if gardening isn’t your thing but you enjoy cooking up a snag, we’d love for you to help out at the BBQ station. Volunteers are needed for both gardening and BBQ duties, so there’s a spot for everyone!

Volunteer Your Time. Earn Community Participation Hours. Make a Difference.

What to Bring

• Gardening Equipment – shovels, wheelbarrows, general gardening/landscaping tools (If you have any)
• Gardening gloves (if you have them)
• Hat & sunscreen
• Water bottle

If you have any questions, please contact our team at busybee@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Otherwise please sign up here:

https://signup.com/go/QQpvhdw

We're using SignUp (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/QQpvhdw

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Together, we can create a vibrant outdoor space for our community to enjoy for years to come.

Hosted by the St Mark’s P&F Association

Calling all former students from the Classes of 1996, 2006 and 2016 - Your Milestone Reunion is coming up on Saturday, 21 February, and we’re celebrating at a brand-new venue — the Whitford Brewery (because we’re all adults now).

Even better? You’ll also be helping us celebrate the School’s 40th birthday! Forty never looked so good.

Worried you won’t get your nostalgia fix? Relax — there’s a school tour beforehand, so you can revisit the classrooms, relive the memories and say, “Wow, that looks smaller than I remember.”

Old friends, milestone years, a brewery and a birthday — honestly, what could go wrong?

Start rounding up your classmates and book your ticket today! Book your ticket here