Senior School Bulletin - Term 3, Week 1

There is something special about the start of Term 3. The winter break provides an opportunity to pause, recharge and return with fresh energy for the busy months ahead. I hope you have enjoyed that time with family and friends and are ready for a term filled with learning, growth and opportunity. While Term 3 is always one of our shorter terms, it is certainly not a quiet one, and I encourage every student to embrace the many opportunities ahead, both within and beyond the classroom.

As we begin the term, I am also conscious that this will be my final communication as Head of Senior School. Reflecting on my time at St Mark’s, it is the people who stand out above all else. I have had the privilege of working alongside outstanding staff, partnering with supportive families and, most importantly, walking alongside remarkable young people as they navigate some of the most significant years of their lives. I am deeply grateful for the trust this community has placed in me to lead, support and advocate for our students, and it has been a genuine privilege to serve in this role.

I leave with great confidence in the future of this School. St Mark’s is a community that genuinely cares for its people and creates opportunities for every student to flourish. I know the Senior School is in very capable hands, and I wish Mrs Brittany Berghan, Head of Senior School (Acting), and Mrs Ella Pearce, Deputy Head of Senior School (Acting), every success as they step into their new roles.

Thank you to you all for allowing me to be part of your journey. I wish our students, families and staff every success and happiness in the years ahead.

Warm regards

Kelly Nebel
Head of Senior School

Year 9

• Week 6 – 24 August: Happiness Co: Brayden Ainsworth.

Year 10 -

• Week 6 – 24 August: The Resilience Project – Pastoral Care Tutors

Year 11 -

• Week 6 – 24 August: Red Frogs – Identity.

Year 12 -

• Week 6 – 24 August: The Resilience Project – Pastoral Care Tutors

We encourage families to continue conversations at home around wellbeing, motivation, exam preparation, future planning and making positive choices. These discussions play an important role in reinforcing the messages shared through Flourish and in supporting students as they approach the end of their schooling journey

Should you have any questions about the Year 12 program, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Tutor, Head of Year or myself. More information about each session will be available in the weekly bulletin.

Best wishes for the term ahead,

Mrs Brittany Berghan
Head of Senior School (Acting)

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

I hope you and your family enjoyed a relaxing break and that our Year 9 students have returned refreshed, recharged, and ready for an exciting and productive Term 3.

There are several important events and reminders for the term ahead that I would like to share with you.

Key Dates

Week 2 31 July: Senior School 1500 Metre Race

Week 3 3 August: Year 9 OAS Expedition Information Evening

Week 5: Subject Selection for Year 10 and Secondary House Carnival

Being Ready to Learn

Please take a moment to ensure your child has all the equipment they need to be ready for learning each day, including stationery, a charged device, and any subject-specific materials. We also ask that students have all components of the school uniform available and in good condition.

As a reminder, school blazers can be washed on a cold cycle rather than being dry-cleaned, which can help make uniform maintenance simpler and more cost-effective for families.

Encouraging Independence and Resilience

One of our key goals in Year 9 is developing students' independence and resilience. We ask parents and caregivers to support this by allowing students to take responsibility for organising themselves, remembering equipment, managing deadlines, and communicating with staff when needed. Learning from mistakes and overcoming challenges are important parts of building confidence and maturity.

Students should be regularly using their digital diaries to record homework, assessment dates, and commitments. A helpful way to support your child at home is to check in with them about their planning and upcoming responsibilities, encouraging them to use their diary as an organisational tool.

Student Conduct

We also remind students that rough play is not acceptable at school. While we understand that students enjoy socialising and spending time with friends, everyone has a responsibility to ensure that their behaviour remains safe, respectful, and appropriate at all times.

During our recent Year 9 meeting, we discussed the importance of integrity and the role it plays in building strong character and positive relationships. Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Key elements include honesty, accountability, and respect, and these qualities are essential for success not only at school but also in future workplaces and throughout life.

We encouraged students to think about integrity in their everyday actions. This includes being honest about their work, taking responsibility for their choices and behaviour, treating others with respect, and following through on commitments. Integrity also means having the courage to admit mistakes, learn from them, and make better choices moving forward.

As students progress through secondary school, they are increasingly being asked to demonstrate independence and make good decisions for themselves. Employers consistently value people who can be trusted, who take ownership of their actions, and who show respect towards others. The habits students develop now will help shape the kind of adults they become.

We ask parents and caregivers to continue these conversations at home and encourage your child to actively practise integrity each day. Whether it is in the classroom, on the sporting field, online, or in their friendships, integrity helps create a positive and supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

I am looking forward to a positive and successful Term 3 with the Year 9 cohort.

Kind regards,

Caroline Bamford
Head of Year 9

I hope you and your family enjoyed a well-earned break. Term 3 is an important and exciting term for our Year 10 students, with many opportunities to continue their learning, develop as individuals and begin planning for their senior school journey.

This letter will highlight some important events and information regarding the term ahead of the Year 10 cohort.

Year 10 to Year 11 Subject Selections

It was fantastic to see so many students and families attend the Careers Expo and Year 11 Information Evening last term. We hope the information provided has helped guide and support your child's decisions as they begin planning their pathway for Years 11 and 12.

Year 11 Subject Selection Meetings will take place on Wednesday 5 August. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend these meetings with their child if they wish, however, attendance is not compulsory.

Flourish

As you are aware, students have been engaging with the Resilience Project and this will continue throughout the year with the continued aim of equipping students with positive mental health strategies, a sense of resilience so that they can handle the unexpected twists and turns of life and a renewed sense of gratefulness for the lives they live.

During the term we also have the following external providers booked through Flourish

• Week 2: Elevate – Student Elevation
• Week 7: Zero2Hero – Love Yourself
• Week 10: Happiness Co – What’s Driving Your Decisions

Important Dates – further information for certain events will be sent out to you

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Tutor if you have any questions, concerns, or require further information at any point during the term.

Wishing you all a healthy and safe term ahead.

Best wishes,

Seb Salinas,
Head of Year 10

Welcome back to Term 3!

I hope you and your families were able to relax and recharge over the last 3 weeks.

We have such an exciting term ahead with so many things happening. Please take note of the following -

Prefect Nominations

Students that are interested in becoming a Prefect need to email their nomination by Monday 27^nd July at 9:00 am to Mrs Berghan with the email link provided last term.

Subject Selections 2027

These will be occurring in Week 3 and meeting times will be emailed out to the students in advance.

Leavers Jackets 2027

The design process is very much under way, and we will be sizing up the students in the coming weeks. More communication regarding the ordering of the jackets will be sent out as soon as possible so we can have the jackets organised well in advance for the start of Year 12.

River Cruise

One of the biggest dates on the Year 11 calendar is our River Cruise on Wednesday 19^th August. More information about this event will come through Consent2Go in the coming weeks.

Important dates Term 3

As always, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Tutor or myself if you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Troy de Bomford

Head of Year 11

As your child begins their final term of secondary school, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge this significant milestone and share some reflections and guidance for the months ahead.

The last term of Year 12 marks the culmination of many years of learning, growth, and shared experiences. It is a time of anticipation and excitement, but it can also bring a range of emotions as students prepare to say goodbye to a familiar routine and look ahead to new opportunities. It’s natural for both students and families to feel a mix of pride, joy, nostalgia, and sometimes even a little apprehension.

Academically, this term is crucial. Students are consolidating their knowledge and preparing for final assessments and examinations that will open doors to their future aspirations. We encourage all students to remain focused, maintain positive study habits, and make the most of the support available from teachers and the school community. It’s important that they approach these final weeks with both determination and balance, allocating time for revision while also prioritising rest, healthy routines, and activities that relieve stress.

Equally important is their emotional wellbeing. Completing school can prompt a range of feelings from excitement about finishing and moving on, to uncertainty about the future and saying farewell to friends and teachers. As they navigate this transition, please encourage your child to communicate openly about how they are feeling. Remind them that it is perfectly normal to feel a combination of emotions at this time, and that they are not alone in facing these changes.

We are here to support both students and families during this final term. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance regarding academic concerns, emotional wellbeing, or planning for life beyond school. Together, we can help ensure that our Year 12s finish strongly and leave school with fond memories and confidence in what lies ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout your child’s educational journey. I look forward to celebrating this final term with you and your child, and to witnessing the exciting new paths they will take.

Further information will be sent out closer to the time regarding details for Spirit Week, Exam Timetables, Walk of Honour, Valedictory Breakfast and Valedictory.

Best wishes,

Lia Parsons,
Head of Year 12

We will be running an information evening for the upcoming Year 9 and Year 10 OAS Expeditions, Monday 3rd August in the Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Complex.

Please attend the session relevant to your child's year group:

• Year 9: 6:00pm-6:45pm
• Year 10: 7:00pm-7:45pm

The evening will highlight critical information about the upcoming Year 9 and Year 10 Outdoor Adventure Studies Expeditions.The event is open to both parents and students.

In case you missed our email back on 22 May regarding the Term dates for 2027:

Term 1

• Students Commence: Monday 1 February
• Term Concludes: Friday 9 April

Term 2

• Students Commence: Thursday 29 April
• Term Concludes: Friday 25 June

Term 3

• Students Commence: Tuesday 20 July
• Term Concludes: Friday 24 September

Term 4

• Students Commence: Monday 11 October
• Term Concludes: Thursday 9 December

You can also view the Term Dates and Public Holidays via the link here.

We remind families that there are several Kiss ‘n Drive drop-off and pick-up points available around the School, including:

• Whitfords Avenue entrance (Gate 4)
• Early Learning Centre (via Gate 3)
• Eastern Access Road (via Gate 3)
• Outside the Performing Arts Complex (via Gate 3 or Gate 2)
• Additional Kiss ‘n Drive bay on St Marks Drive (travelling east to west)

To ensure the safety and efficiency of these areas, all drivers must 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.
• Do not drive through car parks the wrong way.
• 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.

These procedures are not optional. They are in place to protect the safety of our students and wider community. We ask all families to work cooperatively with the School and demonstrate patience, respect and consideration during busy traffic periods.

We appreciate the support of the vast majority of our families who do the right thing each day and help maintain a safe environment for everyone.

With regards,

St Mark’s Anglican Community 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.

WHEN: Sat, 1 August 2026, 1pm - 5pm

WHERE: St Mark's Anglican Community School - Senior Academic Centre Staffroom

Time to get your game face on! The POSTMEN are back for the annual Games Day. A fantastic afternoon for fathers and father figures to come along with their kids and enjoy a range of different and interesting board games.

Helpers will be there on each table to make it easy to pick up the rules and enjoy the games and we'll round the afternoon off with pizzas for an early simple dinner.

Thanks to Adam from boardgamesdirect.com.au for bringing the games for us to play with and enjoy on the day - if you find something you really like, you'll also be able to place an order with him to get your very own copy for home.

There will be some awesome prizes on offer and of course our annual epic Klask tournament - if you're not familiar with Klask, recommend you Google it. Bring your A-Game and we hope to see you there!

Book your ticket here.

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 31st July. Please sign in at reception. All are welcome.

For enquiries or prayer requests, please message Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

Each year, our Year 12 students and Old Scholars come together to honour the memory of Kristian Hoogenkamp (Class of 2020) through the Kristian Hoogenkamp Memorial AFL Match.

Kristian was a much-loved member of the St Mark's community who sadly lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in 2019. The annual match is an opportunity to celebrate Kristian's life, friendship and legacy, while also raising awareness of sarcoma and supporting those affected by this devastating disease.

Continuing a tradition established by previous Year 12 cohorts, the Class of 2026 is raising funds for Sock It to Sarcoma through the Hoogenkamp Courage Cup Raffle. To help make this year's fundraiser a success, the students are seeking donations of raffle prizes from our School community.

If you are able to contribute a prize, such as a gift voucher, hamper, product, service or experience, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. All donations will help the students raise valuable funds for Sock It to Sarcoma, supporting research, awareness and improved outcomes for those affected by sarcoma.

As a thank you, all donors will be acknowledged through the School's communication channels.

For more information or to arrange collection or drop-off of a prize donation, please contact Amanda Kemp in the Marketing and Community Relations Office at akemp@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for helping our students honour Kristian's memory and support this important cause.

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work in healthcare, engineering, the energy sector, commerce, project management or complete an apprenticeship?

This August, students in Years 9–12 are invited to attend our Career Curiosity Series – a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals and ask the questions you've always wanted answered.

Running every Thursday from 6 August to 27 August, each session features a panel of guest speakers sharing their career journeys, what a typical day looks like, the opportunities and challenges in their industry, and practical advice for students considering a similar pathway.

This year's student only sessions include:

• Health Sciences - 6 August
• Engineering & Energy - 13 August
• Commerce / Management / Project Management / Marketing - 20 August
  
• Apprenticeships - 27 August

Whether you already have a career in mind or are still exploring your options, these informal breakfast sessions are a great way to gain real-world insights and help shape your future.

A light breakfast will be provided at each session, making it the perfect way to start your day.

RSVPs are essential. Be sure to sign up using the link provided for the session—or sessions—that interest you.

Who: Years 9–12 students
When: Thursdays, 6 August – 27 August
Time: 7.30am - 8.35am
Venue: SAC Staffroom
Cost: Free
Breakfast: Light breakfast provided (RSVP required)
Ticket: https://collections.humanitix.com/2026-career-curiosity-series

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with professionals, ask questions and discover where your future could take you.

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.

Check out the upcoming events at St Mark's and ticketing links here.

Date: Thursday, 6 August 2026

Time: 7pm - 8.15pm AEST (+15 mins for questions)

Via: Zoom - Time limited recording available

REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR HERE

The St Mark’s Chess Club is back for Term 3 and will commence on Thursday 31 July, running from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in C1.

Current members are warmly invited to return, and any students who are interested in learning how to play chess or developing their skills further are very welcome to join. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the number 2 ranked chess player in Australia, making this a wonderful opportunity for both beginners and experienced players.

Cost: $168

Students interested in joining should register through the usual process, link is below.

https://events.humanitix.com/secondary-chess-club-term-3-2026

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 31st July. Please sign in at reception. All are welcome.

For enquiries or prayer requests, please message Wing Shattock on 0433 002 151.

Brush out your mullet, pull on your finest flanno, and prepare for a ripper night out! Following a sell-out event in 2025, the St Mark's Parents & Friends' Association is bringing back Bogan Bingo for another night of laughs, music, and bogan brilliance.

• When: Saturday 22nd August 2026
• Doors Open/Pre Show: 6:00pm
• Bingo Starts: 7:00pm sharp
• Where: St Mark's Ken Fairfield Hall – the only place legends gather!

It's half game show, half party, and 100% bogan fun. Expect hilarious bingo calls, epic air guitar contests, and dancefloor-worthy rock anthems blasting between rounds. Then, when the bingo wraps up, the DJ will keep the good times rolling with all the classic 80's rock tunes.

Don't miss out! Secure your table today!

For further info and ticketing options click here: https://events.humanitix.com/smacs-p-and-f-bogan-bingo-2026

The annual St Mark's Art Show is coming up, and we need your help!

As we head into Term 3, it's a great time to tick off those Parent Commitment Hours.

If you love art, enjoy working behind the scenes, and would like a sneak peek as the exhibition comes together, we'd love to have you on the team. No experience is necessary.

We have a variety of roles available from Monday 5 October to Sunday 11 October, with the main Art Show event taking place on Friday 9 October 2026. Volunteer opportunities include pre-event setup, hanging artwork, creating and styling displays, signage, ticketing, food and drink service, cleaning, floor support, and assisting with the exhibition over the weekend.

To view available shifts and sign up, visit:
https://signup.com/go/jBfVnRs

Questions? Please email ArtShow@stmarks.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for helping make this wonderful community event a success!

All Old Scholars are invited to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, 18 August, in the SAC Staffroom.

Drinks and nibbles will be served.

Parent Commitment Hours can be claimed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All positions will be declared vacant, and nominations are called for a new Committee. All current members of the Association are encouraged to attend the AGM, and any member may nominate to join the committee.

• Nominations can be submitted to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August. Nominations can also be taken from the floor at the AGM.
• Any members who are not able to attend may select a proxy to vote on their behalf at the AGM. Completed proxy forms should be emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
• Members are welcome to submit items for the agenda by emailing emailed to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au by Friday 14 August.
  
• The Agenda, Nomination Forms and Proxy forms are available by request to osa@stmarks.wa.edu.au.