Newsletter Term 2 > Week 6

Last week at our AGM there was so much to share about the College’s goals and achievements from the previous year. St Mark’s College is a systemic Catholic school. This means that we fall under the broader governance of the Church and Catholic Education South Australia which is guided by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS). Our Strategic Plan aligns with SACCS Strategy: Towards 2027 – Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practice but is also shaped by the directives and strategies determined by the Diocese of Port Pirie. In the Diocese of Port Pirie, St Mark’s College is one of 14 systemic schools with the same mission of providing affordable, quality Catholic education in the region.

Of course, within this system drive for excellence, each school has its own context and priorities, and as a College we work collectively and collaboratively towards agreed improvement goals and initiatives. Our Strategic Plan, from which are derived Annual Improvement Plans, has five domains: Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Learning and Wellbeing, Community Engagement, and Resourcing and Infrastructure. Notable successes from last year included a strengthening of relationships with the Parish, faith formation opportunities for students and staff, 100% SACE achievement, multiple apprenticeships, a large cohort of students engaged in Children’s University, SA Playgroup of the Year Award, a wide range of social action activities, and the building of our fantastic new boarding facility. Our new Strategic Plan 2025-2027 will continue to build on this work thanks to the dedication of staff and the support of students and families.

At the AGM we thanked and acknowledged the contribution made by outgoing Board members: Martin Hayes, Hugh Richter, Ian Toshach and Emelia Benton, and welcomed four new Board members: Andrew Taylor, Evan Garnaut, Sabeeta Thomas Jacob and Emily Lowe. Sarah Freer, staff representative on the Board for the past two years is handing her baton over to Ann Russack. I thank all new and continuing Board members for their time, energy and support in contributing to the directions and governance of St Mark’s College.

At the end of next week, we say farewell to Louise Malchow as she takes long service leave prior to her retirement. Louise’s career in Catholic Education in the region spans over 40 years and her contribution to the care, learning and wellbeing of students at St Mark’s over the past twenty years has been immeasurable. We wish Louise all the best as she moves into the next chapter of her life.

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

The Australian Government recently announced an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. The Review will look at current approaches to addressing bullying in schools, what is working and what needs strengthening, with the aim of providing options for the development of a consistent national standard for responding to bullying and its underlying causes in schools. 

The Review is now accepting submissions. The Review co-chairs, Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM, are seeking views from students, parents/carers, teachers, and those involved in school education across the country. 

To provide feedback through the submission process, please visit: www.education.gov.au/antibullying-rapid-review

This page contains instructions on how to participate, along with the Review’s Terms of Reference. Submissions can be made anonymously if preferred. 

I encourage you to share your experiences as a parent/carer or speak to your children and help them share their stories. The Bullying No Way website, which is an initiative of Australian education authorities, may aid you with practical tips and strategies that may assist you in talking to your children about bullying. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ABRRConsultations@education.gov.au

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

National Reconciliation Week Liturgy 
On Tuesday, last week, each campus had a liturgy in recognition of National Reconciliation Week. At each campus, the readings spoke of how we must show love in the face of hardship, recognising the suffering faced by generations of First Nations Australians in the past. We recognise that we gather on the land cared for and entrusted to the Nukunu people, as the traditional owners and custodians of the land. Symbols during the liturgy spoke of connections between land, water and sky, and the formation of a meeting place drew the community together. 

A big thank you to all involved in helping with the liturgies, especially Mrs Jenna George, whose efforts throughout the week meant that the school recognised National Reconciliation Week in ways that drew us into a more meaningful experience. We have collected several photographs taken at events throughout the week that aim to capture that experience at both campuses. 
 

Sacrament of Confirmation 
Last Sunday, 25 of our Year 6 students were confirmed in their Catholic faith with the seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament renewed and confirmed the promises made by their parents on their behalf at baptism. These students have committed to continuing the Catholic Church's mission of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. 

Alongside each candidate stood their sponsor, a confirmed Catholic, an example to each candidate of strong Catholic faith, to guide the newly confirmed in the ways of service and active participation in our parish community. 

Many thanks to the Bishop, Fr Jimmy and Deacon Gary for leading the Confirmation Mass on Ascension Sunday. To Mrs Pia Keain, for the organisation of all the finer details of the Mass and sacramental preparation. Finally, to the Year 6 teachers, for their guidance and education in the formation of our candidates for the sacrament. 
 

Laudato Si’ Week and 10th anniversary of the papal encyclical 
Recently, we remembered the tenth anniversary of the publication of Laudato Si’, an encyclical calling for us to care for our common home. The ecological actions that the College has undertaken at different points have been captured in a series of ten photographs, to recognise the influence of this papal document over the past ten years. A big thank you to all who have started these initiatives over that time, and a special thank you to Mrs Megan Congdon, for continuing to drive these actions into the next decade. 

The Witness 
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Southern Cross 
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Mr Isaac Ellis, APRIM

Key Dates: Term 2, Week 7 and 8

• King’s Birthday Public Holiday
  Monday 9 June
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup – Nature Play and a Scavenger Hunt
  Tuesday 10 June, 8.45am – 10.15am

• KESAB Nude Food Demonstration for Parents
  Thursday 12 June, 3:00-3:20pm
  Good Samaritan Hall, Benedict

• Little Lions Session 13
  Friday 13 June, 8.30 – 11.30am
   
• Principal’s Tour – Benedict Campus
  Monday 16 June, 4.30 – 5.30pm
   
• Little Lions Session 13
  Monday 16 June, 8.30 – 11.30am
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup – Winter Wonderland
  Wednesday 18 June, 8.45am – 12.00pm
   
• Little Lions Session 14 and Presentation Assembly
  Friday 20 June, 8.30 – 11.30am, Presentation Assembly at 11.00am

Items from home
As we work together to create a focused and respectful learning environment, we’d like to remind everyone of our school’s policy regarding personal belongings.

Why This Matters
Bringing toys, trading cards, sports equipment, or other personal items to school can be distracting and disruptive. These items often lead to unnecessary conflicts, can be lost or damaged, and take attention away from learning.

Please do not bring the following to school:

• Toys (including plushies, action figures, and fidget toys unless approved)
• Trading cards (e.g., Pokémon, sports cards)
• Electronic devices not required for class
• Sports equipment (e.g., balls, bats, rackets, etc.)

Let’s Work Together
We appreciate your support in helping students understand the importance of keeping personal items at home. If your child has a special circumstance or needs a comfort item, please contact their teacher or the school office so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, focused, and fun learning environment for all!

Mrs Sarah Freer, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Key Dates: Term 2, Week 7 and 8

• King’s Birthday Public Holiday
  Monday 9 June
   
• Year 10 PPEP Talk
  Wednesday 11 June
   
• Empower Education sessions with all Year Levels
  Wednesday 11 – Thursday 12 June
   
• Knock Out Netball (all year levels)
  Friday 13 June
   
• Year 9 Retreat
  Friday 13 June
   
• Year 11 Semester 1 Exams
  Tuesday 17 – Friday 20 June
   
• Year 10 Semester 1 Exams
  Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 June
   
• Principal’s Tour Bosco Campus
  Wednesday 18 June, 9.15am – 10.15am

Predictable routines for Teenagers
At St Mark’s, the Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports (PBIS) framework is built on the foundation of consistent, predictable routines. These routines are not just helpful in the classroom—they’re equally powerful at home. For teenagers, regular routines provide a strong base for positive interactions, smoother daily transitions, and the development of essential life skills. Whether it’s getting ready for school, completing homework, or winding down at night, these daily habits can shape a healthier, more successful future.

Establishing clear and consistent routines offers teens a sense of stability during a time of rapid growth and change. Routines help them manage time more effectively, reduce stress, and improve sleep—key ingredients for academic achievement and emotional well-being. When teens know what to expect, they’re more likely to feel secure, take responsibility, and make thoughtful decisions. Regular mealtimes, study sessions, and family check-ins not only promote healthy habits but also strengthen family bonds. In a world that can often feel unpredictable, a steady routine can be a powerful anchor for your teen.

Exams
Students in Year 10 and 11 will have an exam experience in Week 8 to recall and apply their semester course content. These exam experience help students become familiar with exam formats (in preparation for Stage 2 subjects), time constraints, and the types of questions they may encounter, reducing anxiety and building confidence. They also provide a clear snapshot of current understanding, highlighting strengths and pinpointing areas that need further revision. 

Across the Year Levels
On Friday 23 May we hosted the team from the Catholic Education Office in Port Pirie. They enjoyed walking through classrooms. They were impressed with the focused work on a Friday afternoon where students had a clear understanding of the learning intentions and were engaged in rich tasks. 

As I have visited classrooms over the past week I have enjoyed seeing a range of interesting learning in happening. As I have visited classes through the last week or so I have seen:

• Year 7s have been designing games and applying their coding skills in Digi-tech
• Year 8s developing their knowledge of texts and character creation in English
• Year 9s creating Isotope models in Science
• Year 10s walking goats through the Campus in readiness for show judging
• Year 11s analysing a range of texts in English
• Year 12s connecting to Social Issues and planning thoughtful actions- as they start their last few tasks for the year before revision and exams.

Wishing you all a refreshing long weekend ready to come back and finish off the last 2 weeks of Semester 1 with focus and endeavour.

Philippines Team
Our Philippines Immersion Team are undertaking the final preparations before departure at the end of term. Next week they will have a cultural experience with the Port Pirie Filipino community on their National Independence Day as well as a departure meeting with parents. We look forward to embarking on this pilgrimage experience sharing life, faith and culture in the Philippines.

Mrs Katie Pole, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

Last week, our College community has come together to recognize National Reconciliation Week. Students and educators from Benedict and Bosco campuses have been deeply engaged in the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Through a reflective visual bridge activity, they have connected key moments from Australia's past, present-day actions, and future aspirations, exploring the role we all play in reconciliation within our school and wider community.

Our students (and their families) have actively supported the Great Book Swap, raising funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and proudly participated in Wearing it Yellow for Children’s Ground. Additionally, representatives from across the College showcased our school's commitment at the TAFE SA Reconciliation Week Event.

Together, we are making strides towards a more inclusive and understanding community.

Jenna George, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead Teacher

We are grateful to Brian Wilson for hosting us at Redcliffe and sharing operational information. This gave the students a great insight into the pastoral industry.

Thanks also to parents Jason Hanley and Andrew Smart for providing transport and assisting with the camp.

On the way home, students also got to tour Princess Royal Cattle Feedlot, near Burra. A big thankyou to Luke Bavistock (Millies's dad) and the team at Princess Royal Station for sharing information on their business model and the variety of opportunities in the beef cattle industry.

Mr Joel Head, Agriculture and Trade Skills Manager

Building Healthy Boundaries with Children
Naomi, Benedict Campus 

Children test limits as part of learning and growing. While setting boundaries can be challenging, doing so with clarity, consistency, consequences, and compassion helps children feel safe and builds trust.

Why boundaries matter:

• They teach children what is acceptable and respectful.
• They help children feel secure and supported.
• They strengthen your connection and communication with your child.
• They encourage independence and emotional growth.

By setting healthy boundaries, we guide children to understand social norms and develop into confident, respectful individuals.

Click for more information.

Why Boundaries Matter,
Sonya, Bosco Campus

Boundaries are essential in protecting your energy, time, and personal values and important in building and maintaining wellbeing and healthy relationships through mutual respect. Boundaries also help in preventing resentment and burnout by allowing you to communicate your needs and limits.

Types of Boundaries

• Communication - Allows you to set and limit what topics are appropriate to talk to you about and defines how people should communicate with you.
  Example: “I would appreciate it if you did not swear around me, please.”
   
• Time - This allows you to allocate how you spend your time and with who.
  Example: “I need to catch up on my assignment; we can hang at the skate park next weekend.”
   
• Emotional - Helps to protect your emotional wellbeing and not take on others negative energy or burdens.
  Example: “I am sorry you are going through that, but I also have a lot going on. Let’s go and talk to someone about accessing support."
   
• Social – Relates to your personal space and social life. Social boundaries allow you to set limits on how often or when you interact with others and what events you attend.
  Example: “Sorry but I need some time to myself this weekend.”
   
• Digital - Sets limits around the use of technology and online actions. 
  Example: “Please ask before sharing my photos.”

How to Set Boundaries Respectfully

• Be calm and clear: Be clear and straightforward and avoid blaming or overexplaining.
   
• Stay firm: Repeat yourself if you need to. Being consistent helps people to understand your limits.
   
• Follow through: Be sure to enforce the boundary if crossed to encourage others to take your seriously.
   
• Setting Boundaries Worksheet (How to say no)