Senior School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 2

Dear Year 11 & 12 Parents and Caregivers,

I trust you had a restful and enjoyable time with loved ones over the Easter break and the ANZAC long weekend.

As we look ahead, there’s an exciting and busy period for our Year 11 and 12 students, providing them with opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills in their chosen courses. Below is the plan for Weeks 4, 5 and 6.

Year 11
General Students - Exam Period – Weeks 5 and 6 (Monday, May 26 to Friday, June 6)
General courses do not have formal exams. However, some General students who are enrolled in ATAR courses will be required to sit exams for these. Many General students are also engaged in external training and work placements and will need to continue attending TAFE, training providers, or work independently on online VET courses.

We strongly encourage all General students to use any extra time wisely by:

• Ensuring all schoolwork, including internal VET studies, is completed and up-to-date for their return after the exam break. Teachers will provide guidance on any outstanding requirements and may ask students to come into school to complete work.
• Attending external VET courses as scheduled.
• Taking on additional shifts in part-time employment or family businesses to further develop their ‘ready-for-work’ skills and enterprise experience.

ATAR Exam Period for Year 11 – Weeks 5 and 6 (Monday, May 26 to Friday, June 6)
Your child received their personalized examination timetable last week. Please find the timetable below:

Year 11 - here.

Please note that Week 4 (May 19 to May 23) is an assessment-free week focused on revision and exam preparation. Monday, May 26, is an independent study day, except for the Drama and French Practical exams, which involve a small number of students.

Year 12

General Students -Exam Period – Weeks 4 and 5 (Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 30)

General students who are enrolled in ATAR courses will be required to sit exams for these. Students will also have Externally Set Tasks (ESTs) in various subjects, which form a crucial part of their final assessments. EST's take place in Week 4 only. Please see schedule below for EST's in the ATAR Exam timetable. Many General students are also engaged in external training and work placements and will need to continue attending TAFE, training providers, or work independently on online VET courses. Please note CareerLink students will be on work placements in weeks 4 to 6.

Curtin UniReady for Year 12 – Weeks 5 & 6 (Monday, May 26 to Friday, June 6)

Curtin UniReady Students are required to attend School every day for Weeks 5 and 6 (9:00am through to recess) during the exam break. Students are working on a collaborative task and will have a check-in with teachers every morning and then work in their groups. Students who have ATAR exams will negotiate with teachers their attendance. We would expect that these students have a study day before their exam and do not attend on the day of their exam.

ATAR Exam Period for Year 12 – Weeks 4 and 5 (Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 30)
Your child received their personalized examination timetable last week. Please find the timetable below:

Year 12 - here

Please note that Week 3 (May 12 to May 16) is an assessment-free week focused on revision and exam preparation. Monday, May 19, is an independent study day, except for the Music Practical exam, which involve a small number of students.

During the exam period, your child is only required at school when they have an exam. However, they are welcome to use the library or the cafeteria on the bottom floor of the SAC for study. If students choose to come to school for study, they are asked to wear their sports uniform. Students are also encouraged to reach out to their teachers for additional support or revision. It is expected that students contact teachers in advance to confirm their availability.

Examinations will take place in the Hall and run concurrently for Year 11 & 12 ATAR exams. Morning exams begin at 8:30 am, and afternoon exams begin at 1:30 pm. Students should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the exam and assemble outside the Hall. They will be invited to enter just before the exam begins. The exam procedures document, which was shared with students at a Year level meeting, can be found here.

Weeks 6 - (Tuesday, 3 June to Friday, June 6)
In Week 6, ATAR students will be expected to return to school for their usual ATAR lessons. If they have a General courses scheduled at this time they will attend the library for private study instead. If you child is attending Work Place Learning or TAFE they have been directed to either return to school for these lessons or continue at their Work Place Learning to ensure they complete their minimum hour requirements for Work Place Learning.

Student Study Guide

To facilitate your child's preparation, we have curated a comprehensive study guide, accessible through the following link. This guide features insights from high-achieving students, underscoring the pivotal role of family support in academic pursuits. Additionally, it offers practical tips and suggestions for parental involvement during this critical period, including:

• Familiarising yourself with your child's study schedule and reinforcing the importance of consistent study habits, grounded in research-backed principles of memory retention and learning consolidation.
• Encouraging attendance at our subject-specific after-school sessions, where personalised support and clarification on challenging topics are readily available.
• Promoting active learning techniques, such as practice questions and summarisation, to enhance comprehension and application of course material.
• Advocating for regular breaks and sufficient sleep to optimise cognitive function and mental well-being.
• Empowering your child to seek assistance from teachers when encountering academic difficulties, fostering a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.

Important Reminder:

Students must not bring phones or smartwatches into the examination room. Only clear drink bottles are allowed. Additionally, students must bring a signed copy of their examination timetable, their SmartRider (as required by SCSA for WACE exams), and their student number, which must be placed on their desk before the exam begins.

In the event that your child is unable to attend an exam due to illness, please contact the Senior School via Michelle Coppolina on 9403 1335 after 8:00 am or email absentee@st.marks.wa.edu.au. A medical certificate will be required for any missed exam.

Kind regards

Miss Kelly Nebel

Head of Senior School

Our Year 7 to 9 Parent Teacher Interviews are being held on Tuesday 20 May, between 1:30pm and 7:30pm. On Tuesday, 20 May, students in Years 6 to 12 will finish at 1:00 pm. This is to facilitate the Parent-Teacher Interviews.

As previously communicated, we will be offering a combination of online and in-person interviews to accommodate your busy schedule.

• Online interviews are in the morning between 1:30pm and 3:30pm (please do not attend school during this time)

and

• In-person interviews are only in the afternoon between 4:00pm and 7:00pm (online interviews will not be accepted during this time)

K-12 School photos will take place during Term 2, Week 3.

Please note all orders are to be placed online and can be ordered here www.3p.net.au using the Shoot Key: C4E3K

ON PHOTO DAY:
• Please ensure your child is in the correct uniform, with hair neat and tidy
• Preferably no large side/high ponytails

SIBLING PHOTOS:
• Students must present to the photo area either before or after school
• Students cannot be collected from class
• Please place order using your eldest child‘s details

Please also take a look at the following flyer, which contains more detailed information: 2025 Photo Day flyer

Students must wear the formal winter uniform for school photos.

Please download the photo schedule here.

The beginning of Term 2 means students are required to wear winter uniform. Based on recent feedback, the following tweaks have been made to the uniform guidelines:

Secondary School

• Two-week grace period: Secondary students have a two-week transition period to switch to the winter uniform.
• GIRLS - Stockings are optional: If stockings are not worn, students may wear blue ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Black belts are compulsory when worn with the winter formal pants.

Junior School

• GIRLS - Long socks are optional: If long socks are not worn, students may wear blue ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Long socks are optional: If long socks are not worn, students may wear grey ankle socks instead.
• BOYS - Formal elasticated shorts as worn in summer may be worn, OR the older winter style can still be worn for Terms 2 & 3.

Early Learning Centre

School tracksuit may be added to the summer uniform on cooler days (children should wear their ELC shorts and shirts underneath). Please make sure all items that come to school are clearly named as track tops and bottoms are often removed if children get too warm.

All Students

• Hats are compulsory all year round and must be worn when in the sun. “No hat, play in the shade.”
• Ensure uniforms are neat and comply with school uniform standards. School uniform standards and further dress codes regarding shoes, hair, makeup and jewellery are available on pages 14 and 15 of the Uniform Handbook.

For further details, please refer to the Uniform Handbook, online ordering and Uniform Shop info here: https://www.stmarks.wa.edu.au/school-life/uniforms

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be open during the school holidays on

• Monday 14 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm,
• Wednesday 16 April 11:30am to 5:00pm
• Monday 28 April from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Thank you for ensuring all students adhere to these updated uniform standards!

Please note the following changes to Cafeteria services on St Mark's Day, 9 May 2025:

• There are no changes to Cafeteria operations for Early Learning and Junior School
• Middle and Senior School students will have access to the Cafeteria for recess ONLY
• Middle and Senior School students WILL NOT be able to purchase or pre-order lunch on 9 May 2025. Instead, students should bring their own lunch or bring cash/card to purchase lunch from the St Mark's Day Sausage Sizzle!
  
  

St Mark's Day Sausage Sizzle

As part of the Year 11 Fundraiser for Anglicare WA, there will be a sausage sizzle during the lunch break on St Mark's Day. This will be the only food available as the cafeteria will be closed for the Secondary School lunchtime on the day.

The Junior School (Year 2-5) will be able to purchase a sausage sizzle only (no soft drink). Students should bring their money with them on the day, should they wish to purchase a sausage sizzle.

Cash and EFTPOS will be available on the day.

The cost of a sausage sizzle is $4, and cans of soft drinks are available for $2. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available.

Uniform Requirements

• ELC (K-Yr 1) Students: Kindergarten to wear their normal uniform. PP &Y1 to wear their HOUSE shirts.
• Junior (Yr 2-5) Students: to wear their House Sports Uniform (with appropriate sports shoes and socks).
• Secondary (Yr 6-12) Students: to wear their House Sports Uniform (with appropriate sports shoes and socks).

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

With the amount of outdoor activities happening as part of St Mark's Day tomorrow (Friday, 9 May), please ensure that your child has their hat and has applied sun cream before coming to school. Sun cream will be made available during the day, and students are asked to reapply when needed.

Also, please ensure that they have their water bottle in their bag.

If you are intending on joining us for the service, ELC Cross Country, Junior Lapathon or Secondary Cross Country please ensure you adhere to the local parking laws and refrain from parking in our neighbouring businesses. Additional parking is available at Muzz Buzz in the Whitfords Shopping Centre carpark.

For those attending the Secondary Cross Country at Mawson Park, the City of Joondalup has asked us to remind you that Mawson Park is a dog-prohibited park, and please be aware of the local parking laws. Infringements may be enforced should vehicles be found. With it being a busy day at the park, perhaps carpool or walk if you are nearby.

Wishing you all a fabulous St Mark's Day!

St Mark's ACS

The School Based Immunisation Program is run by the Child and Adolescent Community Health Team. Throughout the 2025 school year the program will be providing the following immunisations at St Mark's:

• Year 7 - Wednesday 17 September 2025:
  • HPV (human papilloma virus)
  • dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

• Year 10 - Wednesday 21 May 2025 :
  • Meningococcal ACWY vaccine

All students require parent/guardian consent before they receive any vaccinations at school.

Please click on the link below to give consent for this program

School-based immunisation program healthywa.wa.gov.au

For help with registering and providing consent SBIP@health.wa.gov.au or 9222 2486 or if you have a question CAHS.CHSBIP@health.wa.gov.au (School-Based Immunisation Nursing team)

This Career Curiosity event will focus on the Allied Health (OT, Physio and Pharmacy) sectors, featuring speakers from these fields.

Year 10, 11 and 12 students interested in careers in these or any medical-based field won’t want to miss this opportunity. Even if they're undecided about their future career, come along to explore and understand what working in these sectors could be like!

RSVPs are essential as a light continental breakfast will be provided. Book your spot here.

• DATE: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
• TIME: 7:30am - 8:35am
• VENUE: SAC Staffroom

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A STUDENT-ONLY EVENT.

SPEAKERS:

Fiona Poelchow - Occupational Therapist
Fiona has been practising occupational therapy in a wide range of clinical areas for more than 25 years, predominantly in hospital-based settings, specialising in burns, trauma, and upper limbs. Her experience also includes community-based settings and paediatrics. Fiona's career has enabled her to travel and work in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Allisa Ingram - Senior Physiotherapist
Allisa Ingram is a Senior Physiotherapist working in the Emergency Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. With a strong background in emergency and acute care physiotherapy, Allisa plays a pivotal role in assessing and managing patients with urgent musculoskeletal and other physical conditions.

Louise Edwards - Pharmacist
Louise is a consultant pharmacist specialising in mental health and education. She has worked across Australia in multiple roles, including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, as a General Practice pharmacist, as well as working for the Pharmaceutical Society. Her current roles include Specialist in Poisons Information in the emergency service Poisons Information, at SCGH and sessional at Curtin University School of Medicine, as well as a Principal Master Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

We are planning to schedule further Career Curiosity Series events. If there is a particular sector you are interested in and would like included in the Career Curiosity Series or would like to chat with an Old Scholar in that field, please contact Mrs Pearce, Head of Futures, epearce@stmarks.wa.edu.au

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.

How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated - 7th May 6:30pm (AEST)
How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams - 21st May 6:30pm (AEST)
How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - 4th June 6:30pm (AEST)
Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) - 18th June 6:30pm (AEST)
How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress - 2nd July 6:30pm (AEST

Register today at: https://go.elevateeducation.co...

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stmarks.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

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 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

Calling all Old Scholars who have children currently attending St Mark's ...

We will hold our annual Old Scholar Generations photo on Monday 12 May 2025, at 7.45am. If you and your child/ren would like to be included in our Old Scholar Generations Photo, please book your spot by clicking the link at the bottom.

We will be hosting a light breakfast catch-up in the SAC Staffroom from 7.00am - 7.45am.

Please note that students will be required to wear formal winter uniforms.

Date: Monday 12 May 2025

Time:

• 7.00am for light breakfast and catch-up
• 7.45am for 8.00am for the Generational Photo

Venue: St Mark's Anglican Community School Hall

Book your spot here.

Did you know that our Old Scholars' Association Little Lions Playgroup is run on-site every Friday during term time? We'd love to see your little cub there this Friday!

Join us from 8.45 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. for lots of fun and games. Little Lions Playgroup is a community-based group run in conjunction with Playgroup WA and caters for children up to school age. Families attending our Kindy and not in session on Fridays are more than welcome to join as well.

For more information and to book your spot, please email us, osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au or join our Facebook group HERE.

Everyone is welcome - you do not need to be an Old Scholar (former student) of St Mark's to attend.