Senior School Bulletin - Term 2, Week 3

Year 9 - Happiness Co -- Values and Relationships

The Happiness Co program continues in Week 5, providing another opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of healthy relationships and positive behaviour. These sessions are designed to be practical, engaging and relevant to the everyday experiences of Year 9 students. https://happinessco.org/

Year 10 - Subject Selections

Students will continue working through subject selections, hearing from Heads of Department about the courses they offer for all pathways. This session will further support them to reflect on their academic strengths, areas for development and the subjects that best align with their interests and goals for senior school and beyond.

Year 11 - Exam Preparation -- Private Study / Create Exam Study Schedule

This week focuses on exam preparation, with students using private study time to create and refine a study schedule. The emphasis will be on planning, organisation and revision strategies that support effective preparation for assessment and exams.

Year 12 - Week 5 & 6 - 18 & 25 May: Exams -- No Lessons

Students will be in exams this week, so there will be no Flourish lessons. This gives students the opportunity to focus fully on their assessments and apply the study strategies and habits they have developed throughout the term.

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

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

As we continue to prioritise the safety of all students, families and staff, we ask all members of our community to take extra care when driving on and around campus and in our car parks. Recently, there have been a number of near misses involving students, as well as incidents of vehicles being damaged in School car parks, with no contact details left.

We also remind families that our staff and Traffic Wardens are there to help keep everyone safe and traffic flowing smoothly. Unfortunately, there have been occasions where staff members have been subjected to abusive behaviour when asking drivers to move along or follow directions. We ask all members of our community to treat staff respectfully and follow instructions provided during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

There are a number of Kiss ‘n Drive drop-off and pick-up points around the School, including Whitfords Avenue entrance (Gate 4), the Early Learning Centre (via Gate 3), Eastern Access Road (via Gate 3) and outside the Performing Arts Complex (via Gate 3 or Gate 2). There is also an additional Kiss ‘n Drive bay on St Marks Drive (travelling east to west).

To help keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently, please ensure you 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.
• 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.

We appreciate the cooperation of all families in helping to maintain a safe, respectful and considerate environment for everyone in our School community.

With regards,

St Mark's Anglican Community School

On Tuesday, 12 May, we will hold Parent-Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 9. In light of this, all Secondary students (Years 6 to 12) will be dismissed early from School on this day at 1pm.

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

Information on how to book Parent Teacher Interviews has been previously communicated with families.

A reminder to all Secondary students and families that the two-week grace period for the transition to winter uniform has now concluded.

All Secondary students are expected to wear the full winter uniform for the remainder of Term 2 and throughout Term 3.

We appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive at School dressed correctly and in accordance with the Uniform Policy.

We are pleased to offer the opportunity to enrol in Chess Club again for Term 2 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/secondary-chess-club-term-2

The club will run from Week 2 of Term 1 through to Week 10 of Term 2, 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

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.

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.

Please note all orders are to be placed online and can be ordered here www.3p.net.au using the Shoot Key: A5T3P

Ready to flex your muscles and your mind? The Year 12 Prefects are calling on staff, students, and the whole St Mark’s community to jump into The Push-Up Challenge!

From 3–26 June, the mission is simple (but spicy): smash out 3,307 push-ups in 24 days. Why 3,307? It represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024 — so every push-up packs a powerful message. Get fit, have a laugh, and learn more about mental health along the way.

Here’s the lowdown:

Sign up in seconds
Register as a participant, then either create your own team or jump into the St Mark’s crew. Easy done. No excuses! SIGN UP HERE

Under 18? No worries
If your child is keen, they’ll just need a quick permission slip signed. Once they register (using their birth year), they’ll get the form emailed to them with simple instructions. Sign it, snap it, send it — sorted.

Time to get pushing
From 1 June, it’s game on. Chip away at the 3,307 push-ups over 24 days — or scale it to 20%, 50% or 75% if you prefer. The daily target changes, so it keeps things interesting. Miss a day? Catch up. Get ahead? Nice try… not allowed.

Push-ups not your thing? Just substitute push-ups with alternatives, like sit-ups, squats - anything goes! Just get moving and be active.

Track your progress
A brand-new app is coming your way to log your push-ups and keep tabs on your teammates. If you can’t see it yet, hang tight — it’ll land just before kickoff.

So… what are you waiting for? Get involved, get moving, and help push for better mental health.

A reminder that our Career Compass Newsletter is available fortnightly via the school app.

This publication features a range of career‑related events, pathway information, and practical resources to support students’ career awareness and help them make informed decisions about life, work, and further study after school.

We encourage families to check in regularly and discuss the opportunities shared with their child.

Click HERE to access the Career Compass.

We are pleased to announce that St Mark’s will be participating in the UWA Pathways Program In Schools Pilot in 2027.

The UWA Pathway Programs recognise that many capable and motivated students are choosing non‑traditional routes, and educational journeys are becoming more diverse and shaped by evolving aspirations. At St Mark’s, we have observed a growing interest from our community in these pathways. This addition will complement our current course offerings and Senior School Pathways, providing students with greater choice to personalise their learning journey.

The UWA Pathways Program offers three streams:

• UWA Catalyst – for students who want to make their mark in science and technology

• UWA Thrive – for the next generation of healthcare professionals and aspiring nurses

• UWA Headway – for inquisitive, adaptable and creative students with interests spanning arts and business, education, music, design, communications and social work

The pilot program will be delivered on campus at UWA one day per week for eligible Year 12 students. It will strengthen students’ academic literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and field‑specific knowledge. Alongside this academic learning, the program will provide a unique early university experience that supports informed decision‑making, confidence and readiness for future study.

Further information will be shared with families as part of the Year 11 and 12 Subject Selection process throughout term 2 and early term 3.

Click HERE for the UWA Pathways Program Flyer

Click HERE to learn more about the program from UWA

Our dedicated Year 10 Career and Pathways Program supports students’ career development, wellbeing, and fosters a strong mindset of lifelong learning. Students have a weekly timetabled lesson to engage in guided career exploration and pathway planning aligned with their individual interests and strengths. Delivered with purpose and intent, the program supports students at a steady pace as they move through the stages of exploration and discovery, enabling informed decision‑making about pathways in Year 11 and 12 and how they align with their future aspirations. In the coming weeks, students will also participate in additional workshops during Flourish classes and attend the Perth Careers Expo.

Families are encouraged to CLICK HERE to view the latest presentation, which includes links to excellent resources to support further conversations at home.

Navigate your future at the Careers and Pathways Expo PLUS Course Selection Sessions!

Connect with universities, registered training organisations (RTOs), and apprenticeship support groups. Learn about CareerLink and CurtinUni Ready, and explore a wide range of opportunities to help shape your future pathway.

The Course Selection Information Sessions for Years 11 and 12 in 2027 are running concurrently with the Expo.

To get the most out of your attendance, head to the Careers and Pathways Expo during your year group's designated time (see below) and then attend the WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session.

PLEASE NOTE:

Current Year 10 and 11 families (students and caregivers) are encouraged to attend the Expo before heading to their Course Selection Information Session. This event is designed to give our students and their families an insight into career pathways and admissions requirements before attending their Year 10 and Year 11 WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session.

DATE

• Tuesday 23 June 2026

TIME

• Year 10
  5pm - 6pm (Careers Expo)
  6pm - 7pm (WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session)
  
• Year 11
  6pm - 7pm (Careers Expo)
  7pm - 8pm (WACE Pathways and Course Selection Info Session)
  
• Year 9 and Year 12
  5pm - 7.30pm (Careers Expo only)
  

VENUES

• Careers & Pathways Expo - Hall
• Course Selection Session - Performing Arts Complex

TICKETS

• Book your ticket HERE

Join us for an evening celebrating St Mark's Dance and Drama at the Semester 1 Year 9-11 Arts Showcase

• Location: Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Complex
• Date: Thursday 21 May
• Time: 7pm
• Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DLKQK

Medication at School

If your child requires medication to be administered during school hours, the medication needs to be dropped into the Health Centre. Parents are required to complete the Health Centre documentation in order for staff to administer the medication. All medication must be in its original packaging with a pharmacy label and clearly labelled.

Medication Expiry Dates

Please ensure that you keep a record (and set a reminder) for the expiry date of all medication supplied to the school, including Epipens and Ventolin carried by older students. Please contact the Health Centre on 9403 1331 if you are unsure of the expiry date for medication held at School.

Medical Action Plans

It is recommended that Medical Action Plans are reviewed every 12 months and should be no more than 2 years old. If your child has a new or updated Medical Action Plan, please email the updated plan to nurse@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 Help Your Child Navigate the World of AI and Study - 6th May 6:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams - 20th May 6:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - 3rd June 6:30pm (AEST)
• Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) - 17th June 6:30pm (AEST)
• How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress - 1st July 6:30pm (AEST)

Click here to register for free

St Mark's is again looking for volunteers to assist with supervision for the upcoming Year 12 Exams from Monday 18 May to Friday 29 May.

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.

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Head to the website and search all the fantastic offers – HERE – new offers are added weekly!

Plus, St Mark's Anglican Community School P&F receives a HUGE $15 from every Membership sold, which directly supports our fundraising efforts!

To order your Membership, click here: www.entbook.com.au/83g329.⏰ Hurry – Limited time only!

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 1st 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.