Senior School Bulletin - Term 1, Week 2

Dear Parents and Guardians,  

As you are aware, on Monday our Year 10-12 students attended an important presentation by Melissa McGuinnessfrom ‘YOU CHOOSE Programs’, Australia’s youth-led mission to change driving culture.

YOU CHOOSE Programs is a highly acclaimed, and winner of the Australian Road Safety Award for school programs. The program involves a presentation phase, supported by ongoing in-class lesson plans in our well-being schedule which are aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

YOU CHOOSE’s messages are challenging, though extremely important for young people and their decision making as drivers and passengers. Many students were moved to profound personal introspection about their own families and connections to their intentions, their choices and their actions. This is a key intent behind the mission's motto - Own the Choice Own the Outcome.  

Melissa challenged the students to consider how they will personally seek leadership in road safety, live life to its fullest, protect their loved ones; and be truly accountable in situations where they need to place their safety and wellbeing at the forefront of decision making. To exchange expectations, commitments and permissions to speak up and to act in moments-that-matter.   

We have asked students to share the YOU CHOOSE mission with you; and to discuss what they have taken from the program. We strongly urge you to engage in this conversation with your teen; and to encourage them to complete the (anonymous) survey link they received after the presentation.

If you'd like to know more about YOU CHOOSE Programs, we recommend parents listen to their podcast with Australia's premier crime podcast; I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin. Below are the links to Part 1 and 2.

• • • 2025-08 YouTube - Gary Jubelin - I Catch Killers - Part 1 - When Your Child Causes The Unthinkable
    • 2025-08 YouTube - Gary Jubelin - I Catch Killers - Part 2 - Own the Choice, Own the Outcome

For more information, please visit www.youchooseyrs.org.au

Best wishes,
Brittany Berghan

Year 9
Year 9 will hear from Azelene Williams in “Clearing the Air,” a session that unpacks what is in vapes, the health risks and the role of peer pressure. Students will be given practical language and strategies to say no and make informed, healthy decisions (https://www.azelenewilliams.com/presentations).

Year 10
Year 10 will also attend Azelene Williams’ “Clearing the Air” vaping education presentation. This session aims to dispel myths and highlight both short‑ and long‑term consequences of vaping for physical and mental health (https://www.azelenewilliams.com/presentations).

Year 11
Year 11 will participate in a We Are WM presentation on healthy relationships, consent and respectful communication. The workshop provides a safe space to ask questions and reinforces students’ rights, responsibilities and help‑seeking options (https://wearewm.com.au).

Year 12
Year 12 will work with Elevate Education on the responsible use of generative AI. Students will examine how AI can support learning when used ethically, and discuss issues such as privacy, bias and academic integrity (https://au.elevateeducation.com/home).

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

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

As part of our commitment to celebrating academic excellence and recognising high achievement, St Mark’s is pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for students entering Year 6 in 2027 (current Year 5 students).

Registrations for the 2027 program are now open and will close on Wednesday 18 February 2026. The Scholarship is open to all Year 5 students in 2026 — including current and wait-pooled students, as well as families new to St Mark’s.

Learn more on our website: https://www.stmarks.wa.edu.au/enrolment-2/scholarships-2

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

Meet our two Galileo Figaros as St Mark's Theatre Company gets set to light up the stage with the epic Queen Musical 'We Will Rock You' featuring a cast of 60 Year 6-12 students, as well as Old Scholars!

Ticket information available soon, but save the date for 21-24 April. You won't want to miss this!

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!

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

We will be meeting every second Friday at 2pm in the school chapel, starting 13 February. 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.

The St Mark’s P&F have locked in the date for the Term 1 Busy Bee!

• DATE: Sunday, 22 March 2026
• TIME: 8.30am - 12.30pm

We’d love for you to join us at the Term 1 Busy Bee! Come along, roll up your sleeves, and help us create a beautiful native garden outside the School’s Main Reception. It’s a fantastic opportunity to earn Community Participation Hours, connect with other families, and make a lasting difference to our school environment. Everyone’s welcome, no gardening experience needed, just your enthusiasm and community spirit!

We are also seeking the support of any St Mark’s families who have a landscape gardening or landscape design business and would be willing to support the project. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated as we shape this new garden space.

We’ll also be firing up the BBQ for lunch, so if gardening isn’t your thing but you enjoy cooking up a snag, we’d love for you to help out at the BBQ station. Volunteers are needed for both gardening and BBQ duties, so there’s a spot for everyone!

Volunteer Your Time. Earn Community Participation Hours. Make a Difference.

What to Bring

• Gardening Equipment – shovels, wheelbarrows, general gardening/landscaping tools (If you have any)
• Gardening gloves (if you have them)
• Hat & sunscreen
• Water bottle

If you have any questions, please contact our team at busybee@stmarks.wa.edu.au

Otherwise please sign up here:

https://signup.com/go/QQpvhdw

We're using SignUp (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/QQpvhdw

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Together, we can create a vibrant outdoor space for our community to enjoy for years to come.

Hosted by the St Mark’s P&F Association

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