Middle School Bulletin - Term 3, Week 1

Flourish - Term 3, Week 2

Year - 6 - The Resilience Project*

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/

Year - 7 - The Resilience Project*

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/

Year - 8 - The Resilience Project*

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/

2027 Term Dates

In case you missed our email back on 22 May regarding the Term dates for 2027:

Term 1

• Students Commence: Monday 1 February
• Term Concludes: Friday 9 April

Term 2

• Students Commence: Thursday 29 April
• Term Concludes: Friday 25 June

Term 3

• Students Commence: Tuesday 20 July
• Term Concludes: Friday 24 September

Term 4

• Students Commence: Monday 11 October
• Term Concludes: Thursday 9 December

You can also view the Term Dates and Public Holidays via the link here.

Carpark and Traffic Behaviour

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Late last week we were alerted to further carpark and school traffic behaviour that is not only disappointing but completely unacceptable. Several staff members, including our Principal, were subjected to verbal abuse from parents. This behaviour will be not tolerated and does not reflect the respectful standards we expect within our School community.

Our staff and Traffic Wardens are present to support the safety of all students, families and staff, and to assist traffic flow during busy drop-off and pick-up times. We ask that all parents and caregivers comply immediately with directions given and treat all staff with courtesy and respect at all times.

The above report is in addition to the previous reports of unsafe driving behaviour on and around campus, including several near misses involving students, unsafe manoeuvres in car parks and damage to vehicles where no contact details have been provided.

We remind families that there are several Kiss ‘n Drive drop-off and pick-up points available around the School, including:

• Whitfords Avenue entrance (Gate 4)
• Early Learning Centre (via Gate 3)
• Eastern Access Road (via Gate 3)
• Outside the Performing Arts Complex (via Gate 3 or Gate 2)
• Additional Kiss ‘n Drive bay on St Marks Drive (travelling east to west)

To ensure the safety and efficiency of these areas, all drivers must adhere to the following:

• Kiss ‘n Drive bays are strictly “No Parking” areas, whether or not you remain in your vehicle.
• Students must exit from the passenger side doors as quickly as possible.
• Students must use the designated crosswalks located at each Kiss ‘n Drive area within the School grounds.
• Do not overtake vehicles ahead of you in the Kiss ‘n Drive queue.
• Do not drive through car parks the wrong way.
• Please be patient, drive slowly and remain aware of pedestrians and other road users at all times.
• At pick-up time, if your child is not at the Kiss ‘n Drive when you arrive, please follow the Traffic Warden’s directions and move forward to rejoin the queue.
• For families with children in Years 6–12, we kindly ask that you refrain from joining the Kiss ‘n Drive queue too early, as this can block access for Primary traffic entering the drive-thru area. Staggered end-of-day times across the campus are designed to support smoother traffic flow.

These procedures are not optional. They are in place to protect the safety of our students and wider community. We ask all families to work cooperatively with the School and demonstrate patience, respect and consideration during busy traffic periods.

We appreciate the support of the vast majority of our families who do the right thing each day and help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

With regards,

St Mark’s Anglican Community School

Parent Visits to St Mark's – Important Information

To ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, we ask all parents and carers to follow the procedures below when visiting the school site.

Signing In

• All parents must report to Parent Reception upon arrival.
• Parents must sign in at Parent Reception before entering the school grounds for any appointment or visit.
• A visitor name badge will be issued and must be worn at all times while on site.
• Visitors must sign out at Parent Reception before leaving.

These procedures help us maintain a secure and well-managed environment for everyone in our community.

Dropping Off Items

• All items for Middle School and Senior School students must be dropped off at Parent Reception.
• Students will be contacted to collect their belongings during the school day.
• Parents are not permitted to go to Middle School Reception or Senior School Reception. These areas are designated for student use only.

We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines and thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly school environment.

Reminder: Absentees / Late Arrivals / Early Departures

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.

Each year, our Year 12 students and Old Scholars come together to honour the memory of Kristian Hoogenkamp (Class of 2020) through the Kristian Hoogenkamp Memorial AFL Match.

Kristian was a much-loved member of the St Mark's community who sadly lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in 2019. The annual match is an opportunity to celebrate Kristian's life, friendship and legacy, while also raising awareness of sarcoma and supporting those affected by this devastating disease.

Continuing a tradition established by previous Year 12 cohorts, the Class of 2026 is raising funds for Sock It to Sarcoma through the Hoogenkamp Courage Cup Raffle. To help make this year's fundraiser a success, the students are seeking donations of raffle prizes from our School community.

If you are able to contribute a prize, such as a gift voucher, hamper, product, service or experience, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. All donations will help the students raise valuable funds for Sock It to Sarcoma, supporting research, awareness and improved outcomes for those affected by sarcoma.

As a thank you, all donors will be acknowledged through the School's communication channels.

For more information or to arrange collection or drop-off of a prize donation, please contact Amanda Kemp in the Marketing and Community Relations Office at akemp@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for helping our students honour Kristian's memory and support this important cause.

Upcoming Events

Check out the upcoming events at St Mark's and ticketing links here.

2026 Chess Club - Term 3

The St Mark’s Chess Club is back for Term 3 and will commence on Thursday 31 July, running from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in C1.

Current members are warmly invited to return, and any students who are interested in learning how to play chess or developing their skills further are very welcome to join. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the number 2 ranked chess player in Australia, making this a wonderful opportunity for both beginners and experienced players.

Cost: $168

Students interested in joining should register through the usual process, link is below.

https://events.humanitix.com/secondary-chess-club-term-3-2026

Parents Prayer Group Term 3 2026

The Parents Prayer Group will continue meeting this term. The meeting dates this term are Friday 31/7, 14/8, 28/8 and 11/9. I would really appreciate you sharing the following notice please 😊

"The Parents Prayer Group (PPG) meet fortnightly to pray for the students, staff and school community. We will be meeting every second Friday 2pm in the school chapel, starting 31st July. Please sign in at reception. All are welcome. For enquiries or prayer requests, please messsage Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

Bogan Bingo 2026

Brush out your mullet, pull on your finest flanno, and prepare for a ripper night out! Following a sell-out event in 2025, the St Mark's Parents & Friends' Association is bringing back Bogan Bingo for another night of laughs, music, and bogan brilliance.

• When: Saturday 22nd August 2026
• Doors Open/Pre Show: 6:00pm
• Bingo Starts: 7:00pm sharp
• Where: St Mark's Ken Fairfield Hall – the only place legends gather!

It's half game show, half party, and 100% bogan fun. Expect hilarious bingo calls, epic air guitar contests, and dancefloor-worthy rock anthems blasting between rounds. Then, when the bingo wraps up, the DJ will keep the good times rolling with all the classic 80's rock tunes.

Don't miss out! Secure your table today!

For further info and ticketing options click here: https://events.humanitix.com/smacs-p-and-f-bogan-bingo-2026

Participate in an ECU study on parenting and masculinity

Help us understand the "Man Up" culture in Australia.

Are you an adult (17+) living in Australia? Help ECU researchers understand how our parenting styles shape the way we raise our sons. This study aims to foster healthier, more positive masculine attitudes in young men.

The survey is 100% anonymous, takes about 20–30 minutes, and gives you a chance to win a $25 gift card. Join the study here: Survey link.

View the Participation Information Letter here.

Volunteers Needed – St Mark's Annual Art Show 2026

The annual St Mark's Art Show is coming up, and we need your help!

As we head into Term 3, it's a great time to tick off those Parent Commitment Hours.

If you love art, enjoy working behind the scenes, and would like a sneak peek as the exhibition comes together, we'd love to have you on the team. No experience is necessary.

We have a variety of roles available from Monday 5 October to Sunday 11 October, with the main Art Show event taking place on Friday 9 October 2026. Volunteer opportunities include pre-event setup, hanging artwork, creating and styling displays, signage, ticketing, food and drink service, cleaning, floor support, and assisting with the exhibition over the weekend.

To view available shifts and sign up, visit:
https://signup.com/go/jBfVnRs

Questions? Please email ArtShow@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for helping make this wonderful community event a success!

Old Scholars' Association Annual General Meeting

All Old Scholars are invited to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, 18 August, in the SAC Staffroom.

Drinks and nibbles will be served.

Parent Commitment Hours can be claimed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All positions will be declared vacant, and nominations are called for a new Committee. All current members of the Association are encouraged to attend the AGM, and any member may nominate to join the committee.

• Nominations can be submitted to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August. Nominations can also be taken from the floor at the AGM.
• Any members who are not able to attend may select a proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM. Completed proxy forms should be emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
• Members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by emailing emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
  
• The Agenda, Nomination Forms and Proxy forms are available by request to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au.