Newsletter Term 2 > Week 8

Empowering Students
We might have had two ‘short’ weeks recently but as always much has been packed in to the learning schedule at St Mark’s.

At Bosco campus, Empower Education presented to each year level and their message was age-appropriate, relevant and powerful. Whilst the intention in each session was to raise alcohol and drug awareness, including vaping, and the risks involved, the presentations focused on character strengths, building resilience, personal values and choices.

As a parent I know that sometimes the simple advice or categoric ‘No! Don’t do that’ can have the opposite effect! Young people of any age test their boundaries and the power in their relationships as their brains develop, and they work out their values and responsibilities to navigate their way in the world. This can be a challenging time for everyone.

We have all heard the phrase ‘knowledge is power’. Education aims to equip young people with the knowledge they need to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically. This knowledge includes understanding that actions and choices have consequences. As a parent, teacher and leader, I have always seen consequences as educative rather than punitive.

Young people need to have boundaries and know what is expected of them. They also need to know what can happen when they push boundaries, posing risk or causing intentional or unintentional harm to themselves or others. Consequences are a vital part of learning. It is how we collectively guide our young people to respectful, safe and positive behaviours so they can thrive in their relationships, their learning and every aspect of their lives, now and in the future. It isn’t an easy journey - either as a parent or a teacher. I’ve been there! But it is incredibly important and very effective when schools and families work together, always with the message that it is the behaviour that needs to change, but the person is loved and valued.

Staffing Changes
This week at a morning tea, we officially said farewell to Mrs Louise Malchow and thanked her for her long service to Catholic education and to students at St Mark’s. Happy retirement Louise!

We also said a temporary farewell to Ms Vyanah Lethbridge who is taking leave until next year to travel. Vyanah was to have been on leave for the whole year but agreed to take a Year 3 class for the first semester. Safe travels Vyanah. We look forward to hearing all about your travels.

At the end of this term, we also say a temporary farewell to Mrs Meg Osborn and Mrs Tamsyn Blesing from Benedict campus and Mrs Talia Sale from Bosco campus, as they begin maternity leave. We wish Meg, Tamsyn and Talia all the best and can’t wait to hear news of their new arrivals.

At Bosco, we farewell Mrs Katrina Wilson who we look forward to seeing as a relief teacher during the semester. Mrs Sheri Nicholls will take on the role of Learning Inclusion and Diversity Leader from Talia Sale, so if you have any enquiries regarding learning support and students on Personalised Plans for Learning in Years 7-12, please contact Sheri as well as relevant subject teachers. We also welcome back Mr Graham Ford who will be teaching Year 11 Maths.

At Benedict, we welcome Mrs Rachael Kirchner to the Front Office. Other staffing is in the process of being finalised and Mrs Freer will send further communication to parents as soon as possible. We will welcome two mid-Year Reception classes next term. Ms Alana Zubrinich will take Reception White and Mrs Virginia Chambers and Ms Connie Hallett Patterson will take Reception Yellow. Ms Melissa Gadaleta will be returning to Benedict campus to teach our Little Lions.

We have a wonderful team of teachers and support staff at St Mark’s College, and I know students and parents will make our new staff feel welcome.

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

Year 9 Retreat 
On Friday last week, our Year 9 students met up at the Yacht Club in Port Pirie for a day of activities highlighting the connections between hope and light. The light in each of us is something yearning to shine outwards, towards each other and to all of creation. 

We had a nature walk to discover the beauty in everyday things around the beachfront. There were opportunities for play and enjoyment. We learnt about the brain and how understanding the way it works gives us a better ability to control our responses. Through this, we can show our loving side to those around us. 

Walking on this journey together, we learned about the hope, love and education that Salesians have been communicating to the world over the last 150 years, since the first missionaries set out from Turin by Don Bosco. The seed of hope that is scattered over the hearts of those who hear Jesus’ message is cultivated to bear that Good News to others. This is the message of our Diocesan Theme this year. There can sometimes be adversity on that journey, but with Christian hope as our anchor, we weather the storm and get up again when we fall down. 

There were songs, dancing and dressing up throughout the day, which brought out the fun and creative side in many students. Fellowship was had over a shared lunch with some delicious and filling food. 

A big thank you to all who helped organise and facilitate the day, and make it one that, with the beautiful weather, was a day to connect and refresh our relationships. 

Ecological Action
It was a day of ecological learning experiences across the College yesterday for a number of our Benedict and Boarding House students.

Students were involved in a range of activities:

• making beeswax wraps
• reducing waste
• recycle relays to choose the correct bin
• where does our FOGO go?
• making nutritious 'nude food'

Thank you to KESAB and Port Pirie Regional Council for providing us with this opportunity to learn more about caring for our environment and living by the values taught in Laudato Si'.
Mrs Megan Congdon, Ecological Action Leader

Parish Stewardship Renewal
As we embrace the Jubilee Year as "Pilgrims of Hope," we are reminded of the grace that comes when we journey together in faith. Inspired by the Synod of Rome’s call to renewal, we are invited to renew our commitment to the life of the Church through five key areas: Communion, Participation, Mission, Co-responsibility, and Discernment. 

In this spirit, we are currently conducting our annual Parish Stewardship Renewal, and we warmly invite you—parents, caregivers, and families of St Mark’s College, to become more deeply involved in the life and ministries of our local Catholic parish. 

For more information, see:

• Invitation from the School and Parish, 
• Stewardship Brochure.

To express interest, simply complete the: 

• Ministry Choice Form,
• Committment Card Form,

make a copy, and email the copy to St Mark’s Cathedral Parish Office.  

First Holy Communion 
Beginning in Term 3, Year 4 students will be learning about the Eucharist in preparation for many of them to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. For Catholics, receiving Holy Communion is the ultimate culmination of faith formation, uniting us to a vibrant and active Catholic community, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Body and Blood of Christ shared among the community renew our strength for the journey of mission to live and spread the Good News of Jesus in our world. 

Interest gathered from the Sacramental Information Evening in Term 1 has resulted in a list of Catholic families that are looking to commit to the preparation programme for this sacrament. If any other Catholic families with students in Year 4 would also be interested in the Sacramental Programme for the First Holy Communion, please get in touch, before the holidays, with the College APRIM (Isaac Ellis) through the College Admin Office or by email at iellis@smc.catholic.edu.au.  

The Witness 
Click here for the latest edition.

Southern Cross 
Click here for the latest edition.

Mr Isaac Ellis, APRIM

Key Dates: Term 2, Week 9 and 10

• Little Lions Session 14 and Presentation Assembly
  Monday 23 June
   
• SAPSASA Netball
  Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 June
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup – World Music Day
  Tuesday 24 June, 8.45am – 10.15am
   
• Mid-Year Reception Orientation Day 2
  Tuesday 24 June, 8.45am – 2.00pm
   
• Helping Children and Teens Respond to Friendship Difficulties and Bullying
  Positive Parenting Conference with Madhavi Nawana Parker
  Wednesday 25 June, 6.00 – 7.30pm
  BGC, Bosco Campus
   
• Combined Choir Rehearsal
  Friday 27 June
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup – Benedict Library Visit
  Tuesday 1 July, 8.45am – 12.00pm
   
• End of Term 2
  Friday 4 July, 1.05pm dismissal, reports issued
  Term 3 commences Tuesday 22 July

Benedict Quad Art Installation Overview
We are excited to share the installation of our newest Aboriginal artworks in the Benedict Quad. A vibrant project that reflects the heart of our school community, the wonderful Judy Crosby, worked closely with Benedict students, to bring a vision of our school values to life. The five individual pieces celebrate each of our college core values: Respect, Resilience, Faith, Compassion, and Service.

This installation is more than just a visual enhancement of space—it is a continuation of our 'Journey' mural project and serves as a place, symbolically and physically. It is a place for people to gather and think about what is fundamentally important to our school community whilst, reflecting our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. 

Mrs Sarah Freer, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Key Dates: Term 2, Week 9 and 10

• Helping Children and Teens Respond to Friendship Difficulties and Bullying
  Positive Parenting Conference with Madhavi Nawana Parker
  Wednesday 25 June, 6.00 – 7.30pm
  BGC, Bosco Campus
   
• College Scholarship Applications Due
  Friday 27 June, visit our website for more information https://www.stmarkspirie.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/scholarships
   
• Year 10 Work Experience 
  Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July
   
• Year 12 Retreat
  Wednesday 2 – Friday 4 July
   
• End of Term 2
  Friday 4 July, 1.05pm dismissal, reports issued
  Term 3 commences Tuesday 22 July

Activating Identities and Futures 
About half of our Year 11 cohort have just completed their first Stage 2 subject Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), others will embark on this subject next week. AIF engages students to take greater ownership and agency over their learning as they select relevant strategies to explore, create and/or plan to progress an area of personal interest towards a learning output. Students develop the skills to ‘learn how to learn’ and strategies to ‘know what to do when you don’t know what to do’. It is a pleasure to watch the journey as students achieved a range of learning goals, such as building a ute tray, creating a candle or woodwork business, researching family history, exploring future careers and coding.

Knockout Sports Updates
There has been much energy on the sports fields this semester both on weekends and in co-curricular activities! Our knockout sports competitions have brought out the best in teamwork, strategy, and school spirit. Congratulations to all teams who participated whether you have completed your rounds or are continuing deeper in the competition—you’ve made us proud. Stay tuned for upcoming rounds as we head into the finals!

Learnership and Planning for Success 
Learnership is more than just gaining knowledge—it's about developing the skills and habits that support lifelong learning. One of the most effective tools we have implemented this year supports students to organise time and set goals with their Year 10-12 planners.

These planners help students set clear goals, manage their time, and track progress. Across the week, students break tasks into smaller steps, set deadlines, and review achievements. This simple habit can transform students productivity and reduce stress.

This could start a strong conversation with your child in managing their priorities. I was pleased to catch Year 12 student Eva this week and see her next steps mapped out in her planner.

New Semester, Fresh Start 
With the change of semester next week comes the opportunity to take stock and make a fresh start. New subjects bring new opportunities for students to explore, grow, and challenge themselves. It’s the perfect time for students to reset mindset, organise materials, and set intentions for the second half of the year. We encourage students to embrace the excitement of learning something new and remember: every day is a chance to improve, even if just a little.

Parent Engagement Evening
We have a wonderful opportunity next week to listen to Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds who will offer valuable insights into how parents and caregivers can support their children when experiencing friendship issues and bullying. Her message is powerful and encouraging and she believes that an adults response can make a profound difference in the outcome of these situations.

Madhavi emphasises that children and teens often feel overwhelmed by social dynamics, and they need guidance—not judgment—to navigate these moments with resilience and clarity.

I look forward to sharing this evening with our families and hope you can come along on Wednesday 25 June, 6.00-7.30pm in the Bishop Gallagher Centre. Please click to register your attendance.

Mrs Katie Pole, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

St Mark's College annually offers a range of scholarships for new and current students. This includes scholarships for:

• Boarding
  $5,000 per year for up to 2 years for new enrolments
  2 x Scholarships available for a new enrolment in Year 7 – 12
   
• Indigenous
  $2,500 per year for the duration of enrolment
  1 x scholarship at each year will be awarded to a new enrolment
  1 x scholarship at each year will be awarded to a current College student
   
• Bosco (Academic)
  $2,500 per year for 2 years
  2 x Scholarships available at each of the following year levels: Year 7 and Year 10
  1 x scholarship at each year level will be awarded to a new enrolment
  1 x scholarship at each year level will be awarded to a current College student
   
• VET
  $2,500 per year for up to 2 years
  1 x scholarship at Year 11 for a student engaged in a VET pathway
  1 x scholarship at Year 12 for a student engaged in a VET pathway
   
• Agriculture
  $1,500 per year for 2 years
  1 x Scholarship available for a Year 7 - 12 student studying Agriculture

To apply, complete and return the Application for Scholarship by Friday 27 June. If you are a new applicant to the College, you will also need to complete the College Enrolment Application Form as part of your application.

Full details about the application and selection process are detailed in the Application for Scholarship or on our website.

Navigating Friendships
Naomi, Counsellor, Benedict Campus 

Students at Concord Public School, Sydney shared their thoughts on what makes a good friend. They believe strong friendships are built on kindness, caring, and playing together.

Making friends starts with introducing yourself, being kind, compromising, and communicating clearly.

When conflicts arise, students suggest simple solutions like trading toys, saying sorry, or choosing to stop the argument.

Click to watch their inspiring video. 

Raising Awareness on Bullying – Tips on how to be an “Upstander”  
Sonya, Counsellor,Bosco Campus

Being an upstander means to actively stand up against bullying and support those who are targeted. These are some steps you can take to make a positive difference and set a good example: 

• Understand and recognising bullying
  Bullying can be physical, verbal or online and is used to hurt, intimidate or aggressively dominate others. The first step towards intervention, is recognising when you or someone else is targeted, reporting, and letting the bully know it is not respectful behaviour and will not be tolerated. 
   
• Speak up, safely and respectfully
  If you feel safe to confront the bully, say something. You could say, “Please stop,” Or “That’s not okay.” If you do not feel comfortable confronting the bully, you could try to distract the groups attentions by redirecting the situation to a different topic. 
   
• Support those experiencing bullying
  Reach out and let them know you care. Sit with them, talk with them, and let them know you have their back. Even this small act of kindness can let them know someone cares and help them feel less alone. 
   
• Report or inform others of bullying
  If you see or experience bullying tell your parents, friends, or trusted adult, like a teacher or school counsellor. If you are unsure how to report ask for help. 
   
• Be an example 
  You can set an example of how to treat others by being kind, respectful and showing empathy. Other will notice you standing up for what is right and will follow your lead.  
   
• Remember it is cool to be kind 
  Being kind promotes positivity. Kindness leads to other good things like, better relationships and helps to boost self-esteem, compassion, empathy and improved physical and mental health.  

For more information on how to be an upstander, click here.