Senior School Bulletin - Term 1, Week 1

Year 9-12 families are invited to join us for a parent information evening where our speakers will discuss and answer your questions about communication, setting boundaries and dealing with teen behaviour.

• Date: Monday 9 February 2026
• Time: 5:30-8:00pm
• Venue: Chapel at St Mark's
• Tickets: Book here

Meet our speakers:

Julian Pace – Founder & CEO, Happiness Co
Julian Pace is the Founder and CEO of Happiness Co, a globally recognised movement dedicated to improving lives through happiness and wellbeing.
His journey is deeply personal, having lost his father and several loved ones to mental health challenges, Julian turned his pain into purpose. A highly sought-after speaker, he shares his story with authenticity, vulnerability and strength, inspiring individuals and workplaces to take meaningful action towards mental wellbeing.

His powerful storytelling and practical tools for personal leadership and emotional resilience leave audiences feeling empowered and equipped to create positive change.

Coming back after a wonderful parent session in 2025, this session will focus on strengthening meaningful connection between parents and their adolescents, and understanding why feeling seen, heard and valued is critical to young people’s mental health and resilience. It will explore practical, everyday ways to build trust and open communication at home, particularly during times of change, challenge or conflict. Drawing on real stories and lived experience, the session will highlight how small, consistent moments of presence can make a significant difference to a young person’s sense of safety, belonging and hope. https://happinessco.org

Melissa McGuinness – Co-Founder, YOU CHOOSE
We are excited to welcome Melissa McGuinness, co-founder of YOU CHOOSE Youth Road Safety, to speak with our Year 10-12 students during the day. This empowering session draws on Melissa's profound personal story following the tragic loss of her son Jordan in a 2012 car crash, transforming grief into action to prevent youth road trauma. It equips senior students as change agents through a peer-led approach, challenging myths around risk-taking and fostering accountability to protect themselves, friends, and communities from preventable harm. Practical tools and reflections encourage owning choices and speaking up in moments that matter, aligning with school wellbeing goals for resilient leadership. www.youchooseyrs.org.au/founders

A huge thank you to our P&F and OSA for sponsoring our guest speaker, Melissa McGuiness.

Ella Pearce - Head of Futures, St Mark's Anglican Community School

Between 4:30pm- 5:30am - Chapel Foyer
Please pop to see Ella in this time to ask any questions you may have around Senior School Pathways and Future Endeavours. Equip yourself with resources to help you support your child’s journey including the ‘Career Compass Newsletter’ and St Mark’s Career Website.

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

Create Consistent Routines That Make Schoolwork Easier

During February, the excitement of a new school year settles, and regular homework starts to build up. Having a strong homework rhythm is one of the best ways to stay on top of your workload and reduce stress throughout the term. A good rhythm isn’t about doing more work—it’s about working smarter, creating consistency, and helping your brain switch into “study mode” more easily each day. With a few simple strategies, you can build habits that make afternoons calmer and homework more manageable.

1. Choose Your Daily Homework Window

A regular time each afternoon helps train your brain to expect focused work.

• Pick a realistic start time based on your schedule—after a snack, after sports, or after a short break.
• Stick to the same time most days so it becomes a predictable routine.
• Use a timer to keep yourself accountable during focused blocks.

Consistency reduces procrastination because you don’t have to decide when to begin—your routine decides for you.

Tip: If your schedule changes daily, choose two or three “standard” start times and follow whichever applies that day.

2. Break Your Afternoon Into Clear Blocks

Instead of thinking “I need to do all my homework,” divide the afternoon into smaller, structured blocks.

• Block 1: Quick tasks (diary check, short exercises, small quizzes).
• Block 2: Main homework tasks or revision.
• Block 3: Longer-term work like assignments or study notes.

Breaking up your time makes the workload feel less overwhelming and prevents last-minute chaos.

Tip: Keep each block focused—remove your phone and avoid multitasking.

3. Set a Pre-Homework Ritual

A short ritual helps your brain shift gears from social or leisure time into productive mode.

• Put your phone in another room.
• Drink a glass of water or grab a snack.
• Lay out your books, laptop, and stationery.
• Skim your diary to see what needs attention.

This simple routine signals “homework is starting” and makes sitting down to work much easier.

Tip: Keep your ritual quick—two to three minutes is enough to reset your mindset.

4. Use Mini Breaks to Boost Focus

Good homework rhythm includes rest. Small breaks help you maintain energy and avoid burnout.

• Work for 20–30 minutes, then take a 3–5 minute break.
• Stretch, refill your water, or take a short walk around the house.
• Avoid scrolling on your phone—it breaks your focus and makes it harder to restart.

Breaks help your brain reset so you can return to tasks with clearer thinking.

Tip: Change activities between blocks—for example, switch from writing to reading or from maths to English—to refresh your mind.

5. End With a Quick Reset for Tomorrow

A one-minute “shutdown routine” keeps you organised and reduces stress for the next day.

• Tick off completed tasks in your diary.
• Pack your bag and check your timetable.
• Make a mini plan for what you’ll work on tomorrow.

Finishing well helps you start the next afternoon strong.

Tip: Even if you’re tired, do this step—it prevents forgotten homework and morning stress.

Create Rhythm, Build Success

A strong homework rhythm turns daily study into something predictable, structured, and far less stressful. By choosing a regular time, using clear work blocks, incorporating short breaks, and ending each day with a quick reset, you’ll stay organised and confident throughout the term. February is the perfect time to establish these routines—set the rhythm now, and the rest of the year will feel smoother and more manageable.

You can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Username: stmarksacs

Password: happystudying

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026 school year! I hope you all have enjoyed the summer break and spent some quality time with your loved ones.

I would like to introduce myself as the Head of Year 9 and I am excited to getting know both you and your child as they start their journey through Senior School.

I have been part of the St Mark’s community for quite a few years and have three teenage children. I have a deep understanding of pastoral care and the challenges students face as they navigate their teenage years. My role is to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional development, helping them grow into confident and resilient young adults.

Your child’s first point of contact will be their Pastoral Care Tutor, who plays a crucial role in their daily school life. Pastoral Care Tutors provide guidance, monitor well-being, and communicate important information. I work closely with them to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive.

In 2026, our Pastoral Care Programme will continue to focus on student well-being, goal setting, and personal development. Year 9 is a key stage in their schooling, and we will be working to foster independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of community.

A Parent Information Night will be held early in Term 1, providing an opportunity to meet key staff, discuss expectations for Senior School, and learn more about the programs and events planned for the year. More details will be shared with you soon. There are also a lot of important events and dates this term that I have highlighted in the table below.

I look forward to working alongside you in supporting your child throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s Pastoral Care Tutor or me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,
Caroline Bamford

Head of Year 9

cbamford@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Dear Year 11 Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you in great health and high spirits as we embark on an exciting new academic year. It is with immense pleasure that I extend a warm welcome back to both you and your wonderful students for the upcoming adventures in 2026.

Our current Year 12 cohort have chosen to embody the word “Courage” for 2026. Embracing courage in Year 11 means fostering a culture where students are willing to step outside their comfort zones, support one another, and face challenges with confidence. We will be encouraging active participation in extra‑curricular activities and community service projects, such as the Anglicare Sleep Out occurring later in the year. Demonstrating courage involves approaching learning with determination, taking on new opportunities, and showing resilience when things become difficult and speaking up.

As we set our sights on the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, I want to assure you that our commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment remains steadfast. Year 11 is a pivotal year, where students begin to delve deeper into their chosen subjects, preparing the groundwork for their academic and personal growth.

Our dedicated team of Year 11 teachers are prepared to guide and support them every step of the way, fostering an atmosphere that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a passion for learning.

Pastoral Care Tutors and email addresses for 2026 are as follows;

Throughout the year, we will maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that you are well-informed about your child's progress, achievements, and any areas where additional support may be beneficial. Parental involvement is invaluable to a student's success, and we encourage you to actively participate in school events, parent-teacher meetings, and other opportunities to engage with our school community.

As partners in your child's educational journey, we invite you to share in the excitement of the year ahead. Together, let us create an environment where your children feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Important Dates for Year 11s in Term 1, 2026

Monday 2^ndFeb – Students commence

Wednesday 4^th Feb - Prefect investiture

Friday 6^thFeb – Secondary Swimming Carnival

Monday 9^th Feb – Year 9-12 Parent Information Evening

Monday 2^nd March – Labour Day Long Weekend

Tuesday 10^th March – Parent Teacher Interviews 4pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 24^th March – Worlds Greatest Shave

Thursday 2^nd April – Last Day of Term 1

I look forward to a year filled with growth, achievements, and memorable experiences with our wonderful cohort.

Wishing you and your family a fantastic start to the academic year.

Warm regards,

Troy de Bomford

Head of Year 11.

Dear Year 12 Parents and Guardians,

The final year of your child's secondary education at St Mark's Anglican Community School has finally arrived. I can imagine that both you and your child are experiencing a range of emotions as you embark on this final chapter. They are making significant progress toward fulfilling the requirements for their WACE Certificate and have put a lot of thought and consideration in to selecting their chosen pathway in 2026.

Whether your child is involved in ATAR courses, General courses, continuing their Work Place Learning, commencing UniReady, or completing a Certificate course, it's essential to remember that every pathway carries equal value. Regardless of the chosen route, all Year 12 graduates at our school have the opportunity to achieve success.

Our word “Courage” has been embraced by the year group for 2026. It represents the strength to face challenges with confidence and integrity, to stand firm in our values, and to act with compassion even when the path ahead is uncertain. This theme encourages every student to step outside their comfort zone, take risks in pursuit of growth, and support others in doing the same. By embodying courage, we aim to create a community where bravery becomes contagious, inspiring perseverance, kindness, and a legacy of fearless leadership that will carry beyond our school years.

As always, the expectations of our Year 12 students remain high when it comes to behaviour, personal standards and interactions with others. We expect that St Mark’s students consistently uphold a positive attitude, take pride in wearing the school uniform and show respect towards both teachers and peers. 2026 will be filled with significant milestones and joyous occasions for your child. However, there will also be challenges along the way, and I encourage maintaining open communication with myself, their Pastoral Care Tutor and teachers throughout the year. Providing support during these times is crucial for their resilience and success.

Pastoral Care Tutors and email addresses for 2026 are as follows:

Carnley 12.1: Joan Rice – jrice@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Carnley 12.2: Marc Adam - madam@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Challen 12.1: Amanda Delmotte – adelmotte@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Allyson Rodda – arodda@stmarks.wa.edu.au
Challen 12.2: Rob Blair – rblair@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Moyes 12.1: Peggy Bakalis – pbakalis@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Moyes 12.2: Sharon Marwick – smarwick@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Suzie Graves – sgraves@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Watkins 12.1 Alice Hall – ahall@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Watkins 12.2 Hazel Milne – hmilne@stmarks.wa.edu.au (absent for the first two weeks)

Anne Young – ayoung@stmarks.wa.edu.au (will be PCT for the first two weeks)

Term 1 - Important Dates

I look forward to working with you and your child again this year and supporting them in their final year at St Mark’s Anglican Community School. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Tutor or myself if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards

Mrs Lia Parsons
Head of Year 12

Dear Parents/Guardians of Year 10 Students,

I trust you had an enjoyable and restful Christmas break and are feeling ready for the year ahead. I am looking forward to returning as your child’s Head of Year and continuing to support your them throughout 2026, which is an important year of growth, reflection and decision-making. This is the year in which students begin to consolidate their interests and take more ownership of planning their future pathways beyond school.

It is natural for students to feel some uncertainty as they start thinking more seriously about life after school. Our role is to guide, support and challenge them as they make decisions about their subjects, pathways and goals for the senior years ahead. A major focus this year will be helping students build consistency in their effort, organisation and approach to learning. These habits, more than anything else, are what set students up for success in Year 11 and beyond, and keep as many doors open as possible.

2026 is also a year in which we will continue to encourage students to be the best versions of themselves. We expect that they showing respect for one another, their teachers and the school environment. There will be challenges as students adjust to the increased expectations that come with being a Year 10 student, and we are committed to supporting them through these moments alongside families as they grow in confidence, independence and resilience.

Your first point of contact is your child’s Pastoral Care Group Tutor. Please direct any information about your child, queries, comments or feedback to the Pastoral Care Group Tutor who is continuing to build relationships with your child.

Pastoral Care Tutors and email addresses for 2026 are as follows;

The Year 12 cohort has chosen to embody the word “courage” in their final year of schooling. As we embrace the values of courage, connection and unity within our school community, I have encouraged all Year 10 students to actively engage with the many opportunities and events that St Mark’s has to offer. Taking part in sporting and arts-based activities, as well as collaborative projects, are powerful ways for our cohort to support the courage-driven initiatives led by our Year 12 prefects. We hope that together we can help create an environment where students feel confident to step forward, take risks and have their courage recognised and celebrated.

Some important dates for Term One can be found below.

I am wishing you and your family a healthy and prosperous year ahead.

Best wishes,

Mr Seb Salinas.

Head of Year 10

Important Dates for Year 10 Students

Term 1

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

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

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