Newsletter Term 2 > Week 10

Congratulations on reaching the end of Semester 1!
As I shared with Bosco students in assembly last week, I’ve been a teacher for many years and a principal now for almost 10 years. In that time I’ve seen many things about school stay the same, and many things change, not always for the better, particularly involving the challenges that young people face in building their skills and confidence, managing technology, which isn’t always used for good, and navigating relationships, which is sometimes the hardest thing we have to learn as we get older.

I asked students the question ‘What is a school?’

At first glance, the answer seems obvious. A school is a building with classrooms, teachers, students, desks, and whiteboards. It’s where we go to learn maths, science, history, English and can choose a range of subjects for interest and for future careers. But if we stop there, we’re only scratching the surface.

A school is not just a place — it’s a community. We are a community of diverse people, but we have St Mark’s College in common, and working or studying at St Mark’s means commitment to our vision, mission and expectations. Our community is where friendships are formed, where ideas are shared, and where we begin to understand the world and our place in it. It’s where we learn not just facts, but values — respect, responsibility, and resilience in life and in our learning.

A school is a partnership. It’s a shared effort between students, families, and educators. Students bring curiosity and effort. Families provide encouragement and support. And together, we all share the responsibility of nurturing learning and wellbeing.

As we come to the end of this term, I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone for playing their part in this partnership. Whether this term felt like a sprint or a slow climb, progress in learning, respectful interactions with others and with the expectations of being a member of the community, are what matters.

In our final week of term, Year 10s engaged in Work Experience and were reminded that expectations in school are no different from those in the workplace. Rules and expectations are not in place for the sake of control — they are implemented and enforced to help us relate to each other with respect, to create a safe and supportive environment, and to make sure everyone has the best chance to learn and succeed.

When I ask myself again, what is a school, I know that it is so much more than it used to be when I went to school. But most importantly, a school, this school is ours. It belongs to all of us — students, teachers, staff, and families. Each of us plays a part in making it a place of kindness, growth, and opportunity.

Farewell Sarah
You will have received the announcement from our Director, Mrs Nichii Mardon, about Sarah Freer’s appointment as Principal of St Joseph’s Parish School in Gladstone. I have known Sarah for four years. In my first year as Principal, Sarah returned from maternity leave and stepped in as Deputy Principal at Bosco campus. This brave step reflected Sarah’s dedication, work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude, which she carried into her role as Deputy Principal at Benedict campus. Sarah’s leadership has been compassionate, inclusive and inspirational. I sincerely thank Sarah for her leadership and support and wish her all the best for the future at St Joseph’s Parish School.

Best Wishes
As the term concludes, we congratulate several staff as they start new chapters in their lives:

• Miss Kate Morgan and Mr Ben Ibele are getting married during the holidays, we look forward to welcoming Mr and Mrs Ibele back next term!
• Mrs Talia Sale, Mrs Meg Osborn and Mrs Tamsyn Blesing commence maternity leave, we look forward to hearing the news of their arrivals!

Thank you all for an excellent term, and safe travels to our pilgrims heading to the Philippines this weekend.

Have a great holiday and I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks.

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

Year 12 Retreat
Over the past three days, Year 12 students and their teachers have gathered at Port Hughes to engage in deep reflection on their journey so far in their final year of schooling. Circling back to the start of the high school experience, Port Hughes was the ideal venue to reflect on the past years of their time at St Mark’s. 

Braving the cold nights and damp days, we have explored the roads that led us to this point and celebrated the inner self that brought us here. It has been a celebration of the moments in our lives that have set our path and made us who we are. We must never forget to be true to ourselves, authentically and honestly. Painting, kicking a ball, acting in a skit, and walking along the beach were all activities embraced with passion. 

Accompanied by Fr Jimmy and Fr Steve, we have participated in some of the sacraments that we might never again celebrate together as a cohort. Reconciliation enables us to mend broken relationships and forge new paths forward together, built on love and forgiveness. 

Fellowship was shared over plenty of good food and conversations at the dinner table by teachers and students alike, making it a gathering full of vibrance and enthusiasm. Belting out the good old tunes in unison raised the roof in several of the celebrations as well. 

A big thank you to our priests, teachers and our caterers for helping make this Retreat experience a great way to conclude the Religious Education programme for the Year 12s. 
 

Missionaries of God’s Love 
On Monday and Tuesday this week, we had a visit from the MGLs (Missionaries of God’s Love) to engage in sessions that picked up on themes of youth ministry and experiences of Catholic faith. 

On Monday, they mingled with our Year 3s and 4s and talked about their experiences with sacraments pertinent to what some Catholic students will be experiencing soon. 

At Bosco on Tuesday, they got to know our Year 7-9 classes, mixing it up with warm-up games, skits and fielding questions about the recent situations the Church has faced, with the Jubilee Year, and a change of Pope. 

First Holy Communion
Another reminder to families of Year 4 students, that there will be information coming out at the beginning of Term 3 regarding the Sacramental Programme for First Holy Communion. If there are any Catholic families that have not yet expressed interest in their child celebrating the Sacrament, please get in touch with the College APRIM Mr Isaac Ellis.

Operation Christmas Child
In partnership with the St Mark’s Parish, the College is committing to the Operation Christmas Child campaign in Term 3. The aim is that each classroom or Home Group contribute a box full of items that would suit a boy or girl of a certain age group. We encourage students and families to support this initiative to bring joy and hope to children around the world who struggle to find any, at a normally festive time for many others. 

More information about what can go in the shoebox can be found at this link: What Goes in My Shoebox? - Operation Christmas Child 

Monetary donations are always welcome to fund the postage and packaging of the shoeboxes and can be given to the Administration Offices at either campus. These days, they can also be used to purchase a label that will cover these costs automatically by attaching it to the shoebox (Shoebox Donations & Labels - Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child Donations). 

There is also the option to donate $40 online to purchase a pre-packed shoebox and have it posted on your behalf (Give a Pre-Packed Shoebox - Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child Donations). 

The Witness 
Click here for the latest edition.

Southern Cross 
Click here for the latest edition.

Mr Isaac Ellis, APRIM

Key Dates: Term 3, Week 1 and 2

• Student Free Day – Staff Professional Learning Day|
  Monday 21 July
   
• Term 3 Commences
  Tuesday 22 July
   
• Little Lions Session 1 (Friday Group)
  Friday 25 July, 8.45am – 10.15am
   
• Little Lions Session 1 (Monday Group)
  Monday 28 July, 8.45am – 10.15am
   
• Parents and Friends Community Meeting
  Monday 28 July, 7.00pm Bosco Conference Room
   
• Celebration of Success Assembly
  Tuesday 29 July, 12.20pm, Good Samaritan Hall

A Heartfelt Thank You to the St Mark’s College Community
As I prepare to embark on a new chapter at St Joseph’s Gladstone, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had over the past 15 years at St Mark’s College.

It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this vibrant and supportive community. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working alongside dedicated staff, the honour of supporting countless families, and the immense pleasure of guiding and learning from so many wonderful students. Each interaction, each shared success, and even the challenges we’ve faced together have shaped my experience in the most meaningful ways.

St Mark’s has not just been a workplace—it has been a home. A place filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. I carry with me the spirit of this community and the deep connections that have made my time here so special.

While I am excited about the new opportunities ahead at St Joseph’s Gladstone, St Mark’s will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your friendship over the years.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Mrs Sarah Freer, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Key Dates: Term 3, Week 1 and 2

• Student Free Day – Staff Professional Learning Day
  ​Monday 21 July

• Boarders Return
  Monday 21 July
   
• Term 3 Commences
  Tuesday 22 July
   
• Parents and Friends Community Meeting
  Monday 28 July, 7.00pm Bosco Conference Room
   
• Fr Dennis Handley Cup
  Tuesday 29 July
   
• Year 12 Learning Conferences
  Wednesday 30 July, 3.40pm – 6.30pm
   
• Celebration of Success Assembly
  Thursday 31 July, 10.50am, St Mark’s Sports Centre

As we conclude the term, our Year 12s have stepped away from the daily grind of study and engaged in reflection and contemplation on all that is important in their lives and futures. I thank our Retreat Team for their efforts to provide such a meaningful experience for our young people.

Our Year 10s have had a taste of working life this week. We are grateful to all of the organisations who have supported them in their first steps along the way to their future pathways.

Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 have continued to set up their learning for Semester 2 commencing new subjects.

Today, Semester 1 Reports will be released, this is a confirmation of your child’s  achievement throughout the Semester. Please take time to read the report with your child, celebrating the successes and identifying areas for growth. This is a valuable opportunity to acknowledge your child’s hard work and to support them in setting goals for the remainder of the year.

Helping Children and Teens Respond to Friendship Issues and Bullying
I was honoured for the College to host a Parent Engagement Evening organised by Catholic School Parents SA and facilitated by Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds last week.

Building Respectful Friendships for Emotional Wellbeing
Madhavi emphasised the importance of nurturing respectful and healthy friendships to support children's happiness, confidence, and resilience. She highlighted that both children and teenagers are constantly learning how to manage social dynamics. They have their L plates on and are navigating interactions with peers who each have a unique personality and perspective. As adults we play a vital role in modelling calm, positive relationships and modelling empathy, emotional intelligence, and coping skills to our young people in order for them to develop these skills too.

Understanding and Addressing Bullying
Madhavi defines bullying as intentional cruelty involving a power imbalance and repetition. She offered practical advice for parents and educators, including how to respond if a child is bullying or being bullied by others—stressing that calm, empathy, and a focus on repair supports good outcomes.

Fostering Optimism, Connection, and Contribution
Madhavi discussed the importance of fostering optimism and positive relational energy through kindness, encouragement, and gratitude. She also discussed working on the  “3 Cs” of wellbeing—Connecting, Contributing, and feeling Capable—as key to good emotional health.

Finally, children benefit from diverse friendships, realistic expectations, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully in a range of circumstances. Ultimately, self-esteem grows not from status but from how we treat others, reinforcing the value of compassion and integrity in everyday interactions.

The session she presented last week was filmed previously and I encourage you to take the time to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAfssj47-c

Bon Voyage to our Immersion Team
Our Immersion Team are packed and ready to head to the Airport for departure on Saturday morning. The fundraising efforts of the team have been fantastic with $18000 raised to support schools, centres and programs that combat poverty in the Philippines. We look forward to sharing our pilgrimage of hope via social media and upon our return: Follow us on Facebook. 

I wish you all a restful holiday with moments and activities of joy and look forward to reconnecting as a community in Term 3.

Mrs Katie Pole, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

Teaching kids responsibility through organisation
Naomi, Benedict Campus 

Organisation is more than just tidying up, it’s a life skill that helps children manage tasks, time, and belongings. It supports success in school, play, and everyday routines.

Key skills involved in organisation:

• Planning and sequencing tasks
• Managing time and materials
• Staying focused and completing activities
• Using language clearly to express ideas

 Children with strong organisation skills are better prepared for learning and independence. These skills don’t develop overnight—they need to be taught, modelled, and supported through routines, visual aids, and consistent expectations.

Responsibility Starts at Home
Helping children become organised also teaches them responsibility. When we encourage kids to pack their own bags, follow routines, or complete simple tasks, we’re building habits that lead to independence and confidence. Home is the first place children learn to take ownership of their actions … where responsibility begins. Click here to find out more.

Tips on organisational skills
Sonya, Bosco Campus

Being organised is crucial in ensuring you manage your personal, work and school life effectively. This will ensure you have enough time to finish assignments, attend sporting matches, hang with friends, and fill your rostered shifts at work. There are many things you can do to help be more organised, such as:

• Use a planner or calendar – This will allow you to write down your assignment and test due dates, school excursions, study time and goals to help manage and track your progress. You can even add your work, sport, and other commitments such as chores, music lesson.
• Break down tasks into smaller steps – this will make tasks more manageable and easier to complete.
• Keep school stuff organised – Ensure you keep all the things you need for school together. Charge your laptop each night and check to see if you need anything important for the next day.
• Create a to do list – Make a daily and weekly to do list and check things of as you complete them.
• Limit distractions – turn of notifications or put phones away while studying. Use a stay on track app like Focus Keeper or Forest to stay on track.
• Weekly reflection and review – Allow 10 minutes a week to review what went well, what might need improving and future planning.

Click here to view > How to Get Organised: 5 Tips for Teens Video.

Winter sports are well and truly in full swing, with lots of great competition happening on the oval, courts and grounds. Thank you to our families who have supported our recent team photos, photos are yet to be taken of our hockey team and net set go participants. Communication will come through next term with dates and times.

We congratulate our students who represented Port Pirie in combined carnivals in soccer, football and netball. Well done also to the students who participated in SAPSASA netball amongst the freezing winter conditions.

Bosco students have been giving their best efforts in the Knock Out Sports competitions:

Football

• 7/8 – competitions start next term.
• 9/10 - are through to the preliminary final which will take place next term against Heathfield High School.
• 11/12 - are through to the preliminary final (in Div 1) which will take place next term against Henley High School.

Netball

• 7/8 - finished second in Round 1 which featured a 4 team round robin tournament.
• 9/10 – won all Round 1 games and are through to the second round.
• 11/12 - finished second in Round 1 which featured a 4 team round robin tournament.

Hockey 

• 7/9 - finished fourth in the final round of play.
• 10/12 - finished third in the final round of play.

Looking forward to more sport being played in Term 3!

Leo Coates, Sports Administrator