Middle School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope students had some much-needed downtime over the holidays as Term 1 is always a big adjustment for Year 6. The step up in responsibility and expectations is not to be underestimated. To their credit, students have managed all these things with remarkable resilience and have generally reported loving the Middle School model. It was wonderful to see students entering the Floreat building this week with smiles, looking refreshed and ready for the term ahead. Students have settled straight back into their routine with ease.

Looking ahead, the transition into Year 6 continues to bring challenges, and it is normal for students to be emotional and tired at times throughout the term. This is particularly evident when assessments and tests are due. The nature of teaching and learning in blocks of term weeks means there are inevitably more intense times when assignments and assessments seem to all come simultaneously. These times are often in the middle and toward the end of a term. Helping and supporting your child to manage their organisation and time management in the lead up can help them better cope with these busy times.

At school, the diary is the primary tool used to help students manage big-picture time-planning. Teachers ask students to record tests/assessments and homework in their diaries. They are also asked to bring their diary home each night so they can check what is due and plan for upcoming tests by starting to revise early. We also help the students set up time-planning charts that include designated study times for each week.

As parents, you can support this by checking that your child is bringing home their diary, cross-checking dates in SEQTA for tests/assessments against those in the diary and then assisting your child in setting and keeping their study plan. For your information, I have attached a copy of the time-planning sheet that students will complete at school. Students can then put this up in a designated study area at home, and it can help them manage their time effectively. As they develop organisation and backward planning skills, regular study and time planning can hopefully ease the stress in those busy times of the term.

At school, the diary is the primary tool used to help students manage big-picture time-planning. Teachers ask students to record tests/assessments and homework in their diaries. They are also asked to bring their diary home each night so they can check what is due and plan for upcoming tests by starting to revise early. We also help the students set up time-planning charts that include designated study times for each week.

As parents, you can support this by checking that your child is bringing home their diary, cross-checking dates in SEQTA for tests/assessments against those in the diary and then assisting your child in setting and keeping their study plan. For your information, I have attached a copy of the time-planning sheet that students will complete at school.

Students can then put this up in a designated study area at home, and it can help them manage their time effectively. As they develop organisation and backward planning skills, regular study and time planning can hopefully ease the stress in those busy times of the term.

Once again, if your child is struggling with a specific subject, contact that subject teacher. Teacher emails are always the first initial of their first name, followed by their last name, and stmarks.wa.edu.au. Your first point of contact for general wellbeing and information is your child’s Homeroom teacher. They will provide you with help, support and advice.

I look forward to seeing the students flourish and grow throughout term 2. If you have any other questions or concerns, please email me at kbailey@stmarks.wa.edu.au or call 9403 1323.

Yours sincerely,

Kellie Bailey

Head of Year 6

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we embark on Term 2, we are excited to continue our journey of growth and learning at St Mark's Middle School. This term, we will focus on fostering resilience, tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diversity and inclusion among our Year 7 students. We believe these values are essential in helping our students become the best versions of themselves.

Key Focus Areas for Term 2:

1. Resilience: Encouraging students to persevere through challenges and setbacks, developing a strong and positive mindset.

2. Tolerance: Promoting an environment where differences are respected and valued, and where students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.

3. Understanding and Acceptance of Diversity: Teaching students to embrace and celebrate their peers' unique qualities and backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

4. Inclusion: Ensuring that every student feels included and supported and has equal opportunities to participate and succeed.

How You Can Support Your Child:

The transition into Year 7 continues to be a big one, and it is normal for students to be emotional and tired sometimes this term. This is particularly evident when assessments and tests are due. Helping and supporting your child in managing their organisation and time management can make this process easier. The diary is the primary tool used at school to help students manage these things. Teachers ask students to record their tests/assessments and homework in their diaries. They are also asked to bring their diary home each night to check what is due and plan for upcoming tests by starting to revise early.

We offer a variety of study clubs, lunchtime clubs, and after-school sports. Encourage your child to get involved and take advantage of these opportunities to learn and grow.

• Study Clubs: Held every Tuesday afternoon in the library, covering all subjects with specific study and support sessions.

• Lunchtime Clubs: Various clubs are available during lunchtime to cater to different interests and hobbies.

• Afterschool Sports: A range of sports activities to promote physical health and teamwork.

• Build a Strong Community: Encourage your child to engage with peers and build a supportive network. Remind them of the importance of kindness and respect in all interactions.

• Be Kind: Reinforce the message of kindness at home. A kind word or gesture can significantly impact someone's day and contribute to a positive school environment.

• Trust: Trust the school's staff; they have the best interests of all students at heart. You might not see or hear everything, but please trust in the process and policies we have in place.

We are committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Your support is invaluable in helping us achieve this goal. Together, we can build a strong and vibrant community at St Mark's.

Thank you for your continued support.

Blessings

Mrs Pauline McGibbon

Head of Year 7

Our Year 7 to 9 Parent Teacher Interviews are being held on Tuesday 20 May, between 1:30pm and 7:30pm. On Tuesday, 20 May, students in Years 6 to 12 will finish at 1:00 pm. This is to facilitate the Parent-Teacher Interviews.

As previously communicated, we will be offering a combination of online and in-person interviews to accommodate your busy schedule.

• Online interviews are between 1:30pm and 3:30pm (please do not attend school during this time)

and

• In-person interviews are only in the afternoon between 4:00pm and 7:00pm (online interviews will not be accepted during this time)

Are you ready to think bigger?

The Junior Thinkers Conference is your chance to step outside the classroom and dive into big, exciting ideas that will stretch your mind and spark your curiosity. You'll hear from inspiring speakers, try out new ways of thinking, and tackle real-world problems in creative ways. It’s not just about school — it’s about learning how to think for yourself, ask great questions, and take on challenges with confidence.

As one student said after last year’s event: “I left the conference feeling ready to take charge of my education and explore new ideas on my own.”

If you’re curious, open-minded, and ready for something different — this conference is for you.

If you are interested email Mrs Toovey ttoovey@stmarks.wa.edu.au for consideration.

We will need 4 x Year 7s and 4 x Year 8s to attend.

Competition date Tuesday, 2nd September.

Skill set needed for the event:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and solve problems logically.

• Creativity: Capacity to think outside the box, generate original ideas, and approach challenges with innovative solutions.

• Communication: Proficiency in expressing ideas clearly and articulately, both verbally and in writing, to engage in discussions and presentations effectively.

• Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with peers, sharing ideas, listening actively, and contributing constructively to group projects and discussions.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to different tasks, learning environments, and perspectives, while remaining open-minded and receptive to new ideas.

• Resilience: Capacity to persevere in the face of challenges, learn from setbacks, and adapt strategies to overcome obstacles.

• Curiosity: Inquisitiveness and eagerness to explore new concepts, ask questions, and engage deeply with subjects across different academic disciplines.

• Empathy: Ability to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, demonstrate empathy towards others, and engage in respectful and inclusive interactions.

• Ethical Reasoning: Understanding of ethical principles and the ability to evaluate the moral implications of decisions and actions within an academic context.

• Reflection: Capacity to reflect on one's learning experiences, assess personal strengths and areas for growth, and set goals for future development.

More Information

Do you need to de-stash your quilting cupboard or make way for your next craft project? Don’t throw that material out! The Heads of House are looking for donations of material in our house colours: yellow, blue, green & red. We have plenty of plain coloured fabric but are looking for some variety to add texture & interest to our fabulous House Murals that Years 9-12 are creating. Material needs to be predominantly one of the house colours e.g. it is mainly blue.

Please send your surplus stash in to Mrs Alex McNamara, Year 6 office in the Floreat building.

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: C4E3K

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 order using your eldest child‘s details

Please also take a look at the following flyer, which contains more detailed information: 2025 Photo Day flyer

Students must wear the formal winter uniform for school photos.

Please download the photo schedule here.

The beginning of Term 2 means students are required to wear winter uniform. Based on recent feedback, the following tweaks have been made to the uniform guidelines:

Secondary School

• Two-week grace period: Secondary students have a two-week transition period to switch to the winter uniform.
• GIRLS - Stockings are optional: If stockings are not worn, students may wear blue ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Black belts are compulsory when worn with the winter formal pants.

Junior School

• GIRLS - Long socks are optional: If long socks are not worn, students may wear blue ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Long socks are optional: If long socks are not worn, students may wear grey ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Formal elasticated shorts as worn in summer may be worn, OR the older winter style can still be worn for Terms 2 & 3.

Early Learning Centre

School tracksuit may be added to the summer uniform on cooler days (children should wear their ELC shorts and shirts underneath). Please make sure all items that come to school are clearly named as track tops and bottoms are often removed if children get too warm.

All Students

• Hats are compulsory all year round and must be worn when in the sun. “No hat, play in the shade.”
• Ensure uniforms are neat and comply with school uniform standards. School uniform standards and further dress codes regarding shoes, hair, makeup and jewellery are available on pages 14 and 15 of the Uniform Handbook.

For further details, please refer to the Uniform Handbook, online ordering and Uniform Shop info here: https://www.stmarks.wa.edu.au/school-life/uniforms

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be open during the school holidays on

• Monday 14 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm,
• Wednesday 16 April 11:30am to 5:00pm
• Monday 28 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Thank you for ensuring all students adhere to these updated uniform standards!

Please note the following changes to Cafeteria services on St Mark's Day, 9 May 2025:

• There are no changes to Cafeteria operations for Early Learning and Junior School
• Middle and Senior School students will have access to the Cafeteria for recess ONLY
• Middle and Senior School students WILL NOT be able to purchase or pre-order lunch on 9 May 2025. Instead, students should bring their own lunch or bring cash/card to purchase lunch from the St Mark's Day Sausage Sizzle!
  
  

St Mark's Day Sausage Sizzle

As part of the Year 11 Fundraiser for Anglicare WA, there will be a sausage sizzle during the lunch break on St Mark's Day. This will be the only food available as the cafeteria will be closed for the Secondary School lunchtime on the day.

The Junior School (Year 2-5) will be able to purchase a sausage sizzle only (no soft drink). Students should bring their money with them on the day, should they wish to purchase a sausage sizzle.

Cash and EFTPOS will be available on the day.

The cost of a sausage sizzle is $4, and cans of soft drinks are available for $2. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available.

Uniform Requirements

• ELC (K-Yr 1) Students: Kindergarten to wear their normal uniform. PP &Y1 to wear their HOUSE shirts.
• Junior (Yr 2-5) Students: to wear their House Sports Uniform (with appropriate sports shoes and socks).
• Secondary (Yr 6-12) Students: to wear their House Sports Uniform (with appropriate sports shoes and socks).

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

With the amount of outdoor activities happening as part of St Mark's Day tomorrow (Friday, 9 May), please ensure that your child has their hat and has applied sun cream before coming to school. Sun cream will be made available during the day, and students are asked to reapply when needed.

Also, please ensure that they have their water bottle in their bag.

If you are intending on joining us for the service, ELC Cross Country, Junior Lapathon or Secondary Cross Country please ensure you adhere to the local parking laws and refrain from parking in our neighbouring businesses. Additional parking is available at Muzz Buzz in the Whitfords Shopping Centre carpark.

For those attending the Secondary Cross Country at Mawson Park, the City of Joondalup has asked us to remind you that Mawson Park is a dog-prohibited park, and please be aware of the local parking laws. Infringements may be enforced should vehicles be found. With it being a busy day at the park, perhaps carpool or walk if you are nearby.

Wishing you all a fabulous St Mark's Day!

St Mark's ACS

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stmarks.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

St Mark's is again looking for volunteers to assist with supervision for the upcoming Year 11 & 12 exams from Tuesday 20 May to to Friday 6 June.

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.

The Learning Diversity and Inclusion team are looking for parent volunteers to assist with before school reading programs offered in both the Junior and Middle School. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain Parent Commitment Hours. Help is needed Mondays -Thursdays between 7:50am-8:25am in the Middle School and 8:00am-8:50am in the Junior School. You do not need to be available for all days. Full training will be provided.

Should be interested or would like to know more, please email Amanda Cook acook@stmarks.wa.edu.au. Thank you.

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

We will be meeting every second Friday 9am in the school chapel, starting 9 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.

We are calling a Special General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 27th May at 7pm in the PAC. The purpose of the SGM is to consider and vote on unincorporating the P&F.

Notice of Special General Meeting Details are attached here.

Further information will be made available via SEQTA in the near future.

Your attendance and participation are highly valued, and we encourage all members of the School community to attend.

The Annual POSTMEN Quiz Night is coming up fast (17 May)

Join us for another outstanding night of Puns, Puzzles and Prizes as the POSTMEN put on our Annual Quiz Night Fundraiser for 2025!

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.

BYO food and drinks.

Door Prizes, Raffle and Table Winners Prizes!

This always sells out, so if you're keen, grab a table *fast*.https://events.humanitix.com/2025-postmen-quiz-night

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

We will hold our annual Old Scholar Generations photo on Monday 12 May 2025, 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: Monday 12 May 2025

Time:

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

Venue: St Mark's Anglican Community School Hall

Book your spot here.

Did you know that our Old Scholars' Association Little Lions Playgroup is run on-site every Friday during term time? We'd love to see your little cub there this Friday!

Join us from 8.45 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. for lots of fun and games. Little Lions Playgroup is a community-based group run in conjunction with Playgroup WA and caters for children up to school age. Families attending our Kindy and not in session on Fridays are more than welcome to join as well.

For more information and to book your spot, please email us, osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or join our Facebook group HERE.

Everyone is welcome - you do not need to be an Old Scholar (former student) of St Mark's to attend.