Senior School Bulletin - Term 1

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

We hope you have enjoyed a restful summer break, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the students back on Monday.

Please note that Monday’s program will differ slightly from a normal school day. Students will begin in their PCG groups and then move to various areas of the school for assemblies and presentations from school leaders. Normal lessons will commence from Period 3.

As we begin the new school year, we would like to share a few important reminders to ensure all students arrive well prepared for the expectations and routines of the term ahead.

You will have received a message from our Deputy Principal outlining uniform expectations and clarifying the enforcement of our uniform policy. While the expectations themselves have not changed, we will be applying the rules consistently. Beginning Monday:

• Students who are not in correct uniform, have an inappropriate haircut, are wearing incorrect shoes, or are not following our jewellery expectations will receive a warning, and parents will be notified by email.
• A second offence will result in a lunchtime detention and a followup email.
• A third offence may result in the student being sent home until the uniform breach is corrected.

We sincerely hope to avoid this outcome and appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive each day meeting uniform requirements.

Our uniform expectations, which were linked in the recent communication sent to you, include the following key points:

• One earring per earlobe, which must be a small, plain stud.
• Skirt length must be just above the knee; skirts that have been hemmed shorter are not permitted.
• Hairstyles must be conservative; long hair must be tied back.
• Only formal school shoes and approved PE shoes may be worn.
• A school hat is required at all times when outdoors. Our school hat policy remains unchanged. Students without a hat will be required to spend recess or lunch in C15.
• Chewing gum is not permitted.
• Mobile phones must remain in lockers from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

On Wednesday, we will hold the Investiture Ceremony for our School Captains and Prefects and begin St Mark’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. This assembly will take place outdoors in the Marnjamoortup (Senior School Quadrangle) at 9:00 am. Students must wear their hats for this event.

In preparation for the return of students, a great deal has taken place on campus. Staff have been meeting, preparing lessons, and finalising curriculum planning. We welcomed our new Year 6 students and new enrolments in Years 7–12 during Orientation Day on Friday. Our Year 12 students have already enjoyed both their Retreat Day and their Year 12 Ball, and our Year 12 parents attended the Year 12 Parent Teacher Evening. It has been a very positive start to the year.

We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday and hearing about their summer experiences as we work together to ensure a successful and rewarding 2026.

Yours sincerely
John Stewart
Head of Middle School

Kelly Nebel
Head of Senior School

Dear Parents/Guardians

I hope you and your loved ones have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and a great holiday break.

The purpose of this letter is to ensure that all students commence the 2026 school year fully compliant with the School’s uniform, presentation and mobile phone expectations.

The first days of the school year are an exciting time for students, parents/guardians and staff, and we wish to do everything we can to make this time a positive experience for all members of the School community. Planning ahead will enable our students to arrive ready to learn and engage positively in the school environment, without the need for conversations about uniform and or presentation matters such as unsuitable haircuts, multiple ear piercings and incorrect jewellery.

St Mark’s Anglican Community School’s compulsory uniform and presentation expectations are designed to promote a strong sense of community, inclusivity, and practicality. Our uniform plays an important role in establishing the tone, identity, and culture of our school. Ongoing enrolment at St Mark’s Anglican Community School presumes compliance and support of these uniform and presentation requirements.

Parents and guardians are asked to familiarise themselves with, understand, and support all uniform and presentation expectations, and to ensure that each student meets these requirements from Day 1 of the 2026 school year. A lack of awareness of the School’s uniform and presentation expectations does not remove responsibility for compliance.

St Mark's Uniform Handbook

Any student who attends school not meeting the requirements outlined in the School Uniform Handbook will be required to take immediate steps to rectify the matter. Unfortunately, it may be necessary for the School to request that a student be collected from school by a parent or guardian. Questions regarding uniform and presentation should be directed to your child’s Pastoral Care Group teacher.

The School Uniform Shop will be open prior to the commencement of the school year to ensure families have ample opportunity to update and replenish any uniforms that may be required.

Uniform Shop Trading Hours:

Monday: 7:45am – 11:15am

Wednesday: 7:45am – 11:15am

Thursday: 1:00pm – 4:30pm

Extended Opening Hours:

Tuesday, 20^th January: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Wednesday, 21^st January: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Thursday, 22^nd January: 11:30am – 5:30pm

Tuesday, 27^th January: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Wednesday, 28^th January: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Thursday, 29^th January: 11:30am – 5:30pm

Monday, 2^nd February: 7:45am – 1:45pm

As a reminder, St Mark’s Anglican Community School requires all student mobile phones to be switched off and stored in lockers between 8:30am and 3:25pm each school day. This policy supports student focus, wellbeing, and positive learning environments. Any phone found in a student’s possession during these hours will be confiscated in line with school procedures.

We appreciate the crucial role you play in supporting and upholding the uniform, presentation and phone standards of St. Mark’s Anglican Community School and we look forward to working collaboratively with you to ensure a positive commencement to the 2026 school year.

Yours sincerely

Nick Irwin

Deputy Principal (Acting)

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Each week, your child will attend a Flourish lesson on Monday during Period 4. I will be providing a summary of what each year group will be doing throughout the Term, so you can stay informed about the program.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Flourish Program.

Year 9

Year 9 students will be introduced to the new electronic diaries, learning how to set up their digital planner, enter key dates and use reminders. This session focuses on organisational skills and establishing positive routines for managing homework, co‑curricular activities and personal commitments.

Year 10
Year 10 students will also move to electronic diaries, setting up their calendars and learning how to track assessments and key school events. The emphasis is on developing independence and self‑management as they begin the senior phase of schooling.

Year 11
Year 11 students will explore how to use electronic diaries to juggle increased academic demands, after‑school commitments and part‑time work. They will be guided to use reminders and planning tools to stay ahead of deadlines and reduce last‑minute stress.

Year 12
Year 12 students will move to electronic diaries as a critical tool for managing assessments, exam preparation and post‑school planning. The session supports students to refine systems that help them balance workload, wellbeing and life beyond school.

Brittany Berghan

Deputy Head of Senior School

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

The annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place at HBF Stadium, Mt Claremont. The larger capacity at the Stadium and the ability to use multiple pools will allow us to host both the Middle and Senior School Carnivals simultaneously on 6 February instead of two separate Carnivals.

All students in Years 6 to 12 are required to attend the House Swimming Carnival on 6 February.

Students must be wearing their House uniform, with School bathers, and bring a towel, goggles, hat, sunblock, water bottle, snacks and lunch. Students must also bring all personal medication (e.g. asthma puffers) with them to the Carnival. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled with the student’s name and surname.

The Interhouse Carnival is a compulsory event, and all students in Years 6 to 12 are expected to attend.

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!

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