Middle School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 3

Next Tuesday 20 May 2025, St Mark's will hold Parent-Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 9.

For Years 6 to 12, the school day will conclude at 1:00 pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025, with interviews beginning at 1:45 pm and concluding at 7:30 pm.

Information regarding interview bookings has been sent to families previously.

Dear students

Late last week, two bikes were stolen from the bike rack behind the Science building. Security footage shows that two intruders came onto the School grounds before the lunch break and took a bicycle each from the bike racks.

It is VERY important that if you ride a bike or scooter to school, you must lock it with a secure and strong lock. There are opportunistic people around who will take advantage of a lapse in security of such valuable items.

Please ensure your bike/scooter is locked every day it is brought to school, no matter which bike rack it is left in.

Mr Davies

Last week, we were honoured to welcome Bishop Hans Christiansen and Revd Eleanor O’Donnell as they brought the Pilgrimage Walk for Hope to St Mark’s. Arriving with our students, the day centred on faith, connection, and care for creation.

A lively Chapel Service with Years 2 and 3 set a tone of hope and community, followed by a meaningful tree planting ceremony. After dinner with our School Executive, Bishop Hans and Revd Eleanor attended a special Eucharist led by Father Des and Whitfords Anglican Community Church.

The pilgrimage continued on Wednesday with our Year 11 Anglicare Ambassadors and Outdoor Ed students, along with Member for Hillarys Caitlin Collins MLA and Anglicare WA joining the journey to St Mary’s. This 100km, five-day walk connects Anglican schools in faith and action, raising support for Anglicare WA Sleepout and Trillion Trees Australia. The walk is an opportunity to slow down, worship, and walk together, building new friendships, strengthening our sense of community, and deepening our shared Anglican identity.

To donate or learn more about HOPE25, visit https://anglischools.edu.au/walkofhope/

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.

In today's world, many young people are exploring who they are, not just in terms of career aspirations or friendships, but also how they understand themselves, including their gender identity. For some, this journey is straightforward. For others, it can involve questioning, rethinking, or expressing gender in ways that may not align with traditional expectations.

As a parent or caregiver, it's completely natural to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed at times. You might have questions, concerns, or simply want to better understand how to respond in a way that's helpful and affirming. The important thing to know is that gender diversity is not new, but our awareness and understanding of it is growing. It means recognising that not everyone experiences gender in the same way. While many young people feel comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth, others may experience or express their gender in ways that feel different to what's traditionally expected.

Supporting a gender-diverse child doesn't require you to be an expert - it requires you to be present, open-minded, and willing to listen. Research shows that young people who feel accepted and supported by their families have significantly better mental health outcomes, regardless of where they are in their gender journey.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stmarks.wa.schooltv.me/newsletter/gender-diversity-au

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

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 for Term 2!