Extraordinary research and a time to celebrate grandparenting. A moment of leadership and our newest enrolments begin. The campfire was perfect at the Winter Walk and the teachers continue to review their work.

The Research Project The Year 12 Research Project results have been published. Our students have done very well. There had been some outstanding research papers presented and it became a most important expression of scholarship from our Year 12s. We were all amazed at the variety of research. We knew that the end product was a result of personal dedication and teacher support. We had a strong sense that students had worked hard and that those final weeks of focus had produced some fascinating and worthwhile ideas. What we didn’t know was that so many of our students would do so well. There were 30 students in the A band. That is 44% of the students. There were 12 students who achieved an A+. This is a breathtaking achievement and I extend my congratulation to those students. They have produced the best Research Projects in the state – 12 of them. We had no student under a C grade and certainly, no one failed. The publication of the results was very exciting. It is the first of the public results given to us by the SACE Board and becomes a time to inspire and motivate us all to strive for excellence. I acknowledge the hard work of the students and the guidance and care of the teachers. There is much about this that is worth celebrating. There is much still to do at Year 12 level. But at this moment I am assured that great work is being done in that Year 12 Centre. I have still greater confidence in the partnership between the students and their teachers. Congratulations.

Grandparents Day I had a chance to join the Benedict community as we celebrated Grandparents Day last week. It was a wonderful occasion when over 500 visitors received the extended hand of a young St Mark’s student and were treated to a special Benedict tour. The event is always one of excitement and expectation. The teachers and their classes make a special effort to prepare for the visitors and the grandparents and

grand friends have the date marked especially on the calendar. That they arrive means that they continue to share the joy of the lives of the grandchildren. For me, the grandparents are saying that learning is significant; they are affirming the educational world of their grandchildren and certainly they support us in our efforts at St Mark’s.

I felt particularly moved at the liturgy where our young people were able to say in song and prayer that grandparents make a difference. Grandparents represent to the children security, a safe, nurturing voice, a person who listens and gently, patiently guides. I know that the demands on grandparents are different in our world today but they are still generous, enthusiastic and they are the face that glows with love just because the children exist. As I watched the simple, reverent interactions of the children and their grandparents I was reassured that the strength of our school is in family. It is in these outstanding family experiences that children can flourish. I felt very grateful that our visitors made the effort to come.

Staff Learning Our staff community gathers formally at the start of every term to reflect on learning processes and renew their ideas and strategies. The first Monday, which is often a holiday for families, is a learning time for staff. This term we engaged the service of Dr Katharine Swain from Flinders University who conducted a lecture and then some workshops around what is happening in classrooms. We heard some important ideas and we had a chance to share our practice. We felt very affirmed that the theoretical work that Dr Swain is doing at university is expressed very skilfully and practically by our teachers. Different learners are accommodated. There is negotiation and collaboration which are hallmarks of effective learning. There is a

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Outstanding results were achieved by Year 12’s for this year’s Research Project

sense that good learning is shared and that it is not always fun but it is satisfying. We spoke about failure and keeping on going and hopefully our learners at St Mark’s never run out of their questions. At this stage that is not likely. The teaching community have as part of our collegiality a commitment to continuous improvement. We continually want to analyse what makes a good lesson, what support is needed for good learning and how we can make connection with each student. This is a great commitment and is one reason why this is such a significant learning community.

Newest students arrive We greeted our newest arrivals this term. There were ten students beginning the six term Reception program and they joined our classes with much excitement. I know that a number of the students had been part of Little Lions and they came with a particular confidence. They know a bit about how things work but now they were in uniform. Now they had to stay all day, every day, and now there was some serious learning to be done. All of them were a little fragile - just a little vulnerable and I looked at the care of the teacher, the support of the buddies and the enthusiasm of their classmates to know that they will eventually be fine. They have embraced the morning rituals and mums and dads seem confident. It’s a busy place in the Magdalene Centre every morning with people and process, setting up and organisation. The newest students, not even five years old in some cases, seem fine. And I watch the skill of the teachers and care of the parents and remember that there is a privilege and responsibility in education. We are doing it well together again.

Benedict leaders emerge I joined the Benedict students in an assembly this week. We wanted to acclaim and celebrate the newest members of the Student Representative Council. I got to shake their hands and offer a couple of words about my pride in their achievement and the expectation that they become their best possible self because they wear the badge of office. There was a really warm and gentle liturgy about service and Fr Harold joined us to confirm that leadership is about care and reaching out to others. I shared with all a sense of gratitude about those who were finishing and those who were chosen. They are people of hope. That I think is what is most important about what leaders bring. Our newest leaders say: This is a good place. The place is precious to us. It’s a place of community. Let’s go. We can do this together. Come on everyone. I find that quite powerful.

The Winter Walk Our term began with a delightful walk at Beetaloo Reservoir with the Parents and Friends and a simple bonfire at McNally Farm. It was on a Sunday afternoon and drifted into the night. I was grateful for the chatter and partnership of the parents who attended and found the fire mesmerising as the cold evening drew us closer to the warmth. This was a great opportunity for gentle fellowship and fun for the children. I was delighted to be invited and thank the P+F for creating opportunity. The skill at marshmallow toasting just got better and better.

Greg Hay, Principal

Sports Council Tuesday 7 August, 7.30pm

Crystal Brook Show Saturday 11 August

Salesian House Parent Council Sunday 12 August, 7.30pm

Science Week Monday 13 - Friday 17 August

Matilda with her grandparents Kerry and Tony

Eva, Mia, Sophia, Alex, Ela, Mae, Aslin, Abbas, Mehdi and Julius at the Winter Walk.

Around the CollegeReligious Education

The term has begun with much life and love. Here are some of the faith highlights of the first two weeks.

Youth Group Fr Harold has worked with some of our students to create a Youth Group. They are meeting on the last Monday of each month for fun, friendship and faith. For those who are interested in joining in watch the Port Pirie Diocese Youth Facebook page for details of future gatherings.

R-12 Feast Day The whole College community will gather in the Good Samaritan Hall on Wednesday 15 August to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This Feast is the great celebration of Mary as a woman of faith and example to us all. We warmly invite all family and friends to join us in this celebration of the Eucharist at 10am on that day.

Year 4 and the Eucharist The preparation for First Holy Communion steps up this week with the Commitment phase commencing. Students will formally commit themselves to the process in front of the parish community this weekend. Parishioners will also receive a prayer card to remind them to pray for the children who will soon receive the Eucharist for the first time.

On Thursday 23 August all Year 4 students will participate in a half day Retreat. Information has been sent via CareMonkey. It would be really supportive if each student had a parent or family member present at the 10am Mass on that day.

A highlight of the preparation so far has been the family meal each student has prepared as a special celebration for their family. It is a very tangible act that encompasses the idea of Eucharist. Some of the photos of the celebrations are on this page.

Katie Pole, APRIM

From the APRIM

Mahalia shopping for her meal

Raf shares a prayer

Liam prepares a traditional Italian meal

Eden makes her dessertArchie impressed with oysters

Welcome New Receptions We enjoyed a very special first week back at school welcoming 10 Receptions. Chloe, Emersyn, Erin, Hudson, Indiana, Keeley, Lucy, Macy, Max and Riley, may you really enjoy your educational journey with us and experience many blessings.

Grandparents Day A great blessing for us was the presence of hundreds of grandparents and grandfriends last Friday for Grandparents’ Day. The feeling in the school was one of warmth and affection with beaming faces aplenty. Thank you to our grandparents and grandfriends for making Friday a priority in your life. It certainly meant the world to your loved one which can be seen in the photos taken. Once again, the Parents and Friends Committee offered great hospitality with a warm cuppa on a rainy day. Daniel and Co, thank you for always being so thoughtful and welcoming.

New SRC Leaders Tuesday we acknowledged the contribution of the Semester 1 SRCs and participated in a prayer service for the presentation of badges to the Semester 2 SRCs. It was very kind of Fr Harold to join us, bless the badges and those present, and offer words of great encouragement for our newest of leaders.

M Team Visits St Joseph’s Also happening this week was another visit of the MTeam to St Joseph’s. We know they brighten the day of the residents and are so proud of the way they conduct themselves whilst in their home.

RAVE Finally, the RAVE dancers had a full dress rehearsal in front of some primary classes. Thank you to Ms Karen Davison for the obvious time and effort she has put into organising the event, wonderful costumes and routine. All the best for the competition Team Rave!

Term 3 Assemblies A friendly reminder that Benedict Campus Assemblies are held Wednesdays of Weeks 3,

SAPSASA Football and Netball Port Pirie Friday 10 August

ICAS : Mathematics Tuesday 14 August

Feast of the Assumption R - 12 Mass Wednesday 15 August 10am in Good Sam Hall All Welcome

From the Deputy Principal

Our Semester 2 SRC’s were presented with their badges

Introducing to our Semester 2 SRC Leaders!

6 Red Minette Schoeman James Gebert

6 Blue Maea Ngatamariki Rylan Akker

5 Green Alyssa Ganley Beau Bridley

5 Red Kodi Stark Jake Anderson

5 Blue Gracie Waters Cohen Amato

4 Green Taylah Cameron Angas Wilton

4 Red Kallie Mellow Ryan Smart

4 Blue Sophie Bessen Jacob Davis

3 Red Isabel Irving Charlie Waters

3 Blue Eve Porta Angus Hall

2 Red Dolche Pisani Ashton Gray

2 Blue Amailyah Jose Jack Swearse

1 Red Jaylea Cooke Patrick Davis

1 Blue Macy Lavis Jack Woolford

Rec. Green Emily Dempsey Eddie Connor

Rec. Red Anna Frkic Hayden Joyce

Rec. Blue Pandorah Clarke Braxton Camporeale

6 and 9 in the Good Samaritan Hall at 11.20am. You are always most welcome to join us.

Melissa Gadaleta, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Benedict Campus

Welcome to our New Receptions!

Riley is in Reception Green

Keeley, Indiana and Emersyn in Reception Blue

Macy is in Reception Green Lucy is in Reception Green

Chloe, Max, Hudson and Wrin in Reception Red

Congratulations to our Deputy Principal

Award Winners for Term 2

For Good Work Ethic

6 Red Isabella Martlew

6 Blue Zara Clark

5 Green Aliza McBride

5 Red Kodi Stark

5 Blue James Porta

4 Green Orlando Krommendijk

4 Red Olivia Possingham

4 Blue Eden Ferme

3 Red Marcus Mudge

3 Blue Peyton Wright

2 Red Elise Yarrow

2 Blue Caprie Sheasby

1 Red Elliza Dwyer

1 Blue Archer George

Rec. Green Miller Smith

Rec. Red Archie Reddaway

Rec. Blue Braxton Camporeale

Benedict Campus

Grandparents and Special People Day There were smiles, hugs and laughter as Grandparents and Special People in the lives of our students visited Benedict.

Shaylah and Jodie with their Grandmother Laura with her Grandparents

Daniella and Marcus with their Grandmother Ella and Max with their Grandmother

Eliza with her GrandparentsOur up and coming netball stars have completed their Net Set Go program this week! Well done coaches and players!

Linkoln and Schofield with their Grandparents

Shyla, Amarli and Nikaya with their Grandparents

Year 10 and 11 Cattle Handling Workshop, Crystal Brook Friday 10 August

SAPSASA Football and Netball Port Pirie Friday 10 August

Salesian House Parent Council Sunday 12 August, 7.30pm

ICAS : Mathematics Tuesday 14 August

Feast of the Assumption R - 12 Mass Wednesday 15 August 10am in Good Sam Hall All Welcome

Year 7 - 11 Bosco Parent Teacher Interviews Wednesday 15 August

From the Deputy PrincipalOur first Bosco Campus assembly this term acknowledged those students who worked hard to achieve academic excellence during Semester 1. Student success is strongly connected to their attendance and access to the school curriculum. As a College, we are committed to educational excellence. At the assembly we also awarded our 100% Attendance Award Recipients.

Family Holidays I would like to take this opportunity to remind families that when planning a family holiday during the school term, please contact your child’s year Level Coordinator to discuss the absence. Prior to travelling, permission must be granted by the Principal for an absence of 5 days or more. The Year Level Coordinator will be able to support you through this simple process.

Year 12 Research Project Congratulations to all our Year 12 students who have now completed their Research Project. The College was extremely pleased with their results with 30 students achieving in the A band. All students resulted in Semester 1 were successful in completing this compulsory Stage 2 subject. Year 12 students can now channel their energy into completing their final 4 subjects and with only a few assessment tasks left to complete, the end is in sight. I encourage our Year 12s to remain diligent with their application and study routine over the last 8 Academic weeks and remind parents that we are only a phone call away.

Youth Group On Monday 30 July, Fr Harold hosted our first Youth Group gathering for 2018. The evening was filled with friendship and laughter. A meal was prepared and shared. The evening was finished with a time of reflection and prayer. Fr Harold will be hosting Youth Group on the last Monday of each month from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Bosco Campus. All are welcome!

Marc Forster, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

Congratulations to winners of our Term 1 Awards!

Academic Excellence Awards:Year 7 Mitchell Cretan, Sophie Tattoli, Amity Lane, Ayiesha Everett, Alexa

Mannaers, Bella Porta

Year 8 Tom Fox, Jonas Blight, Ella Dunbar and Ryan Finlay

Year 9 Eve Clark, Jordan Ganley, Georgia Pryor, Brianna Taylor, Grace Dunbar, Ethan Markham, Taylah Smale, Trixie Stanley, Fergus Tod, Scarlett Tod, Jamiee Venning and Laura Watt

Year 10 Sophie Hall, Lillian Keain, Sophie Millard, Lucy O’Dea and Clayton Agnew

Year 11 Scarlette Thoman, Ellie Todd, Louise Arthur, Amy Burgess, Sarah Newman, Meg O’Brien, Clem Stanley and Jai Thornton

Year 12 Allyson Diggens, Ellie Combe, Patrick Connell, Mia Dennis, Elizabeth Evans, Aleisha Finlay, Phoebe Keane, Alice Kelly, Alanna Mathews, Alice McKenzie, Georgia Pisani and Eden Smith

100 % Attendance Awards:Year 7 Taylah Dunbar, Khemer Macatangay and Jazlyn McBride

Year 8 Jasper Weatherstone

Year 9 Oliver Boston, Grace Dunbar and Ethan Markham

Year 10 Sam DeGioia and Jack Steff

Year 11 Benjamin Ibele and Mollie Watt

Year 12 Ash Daly, Riley Hunt, Harrison Kent, Alice McKenzie, Eden Smith and Georgia Tiller

Bosco Campus

From Italy, Spain, Finland and France we welcome Gauvain, Leonardo, Borja, Mariano, Luukas, Sabela and Asia!

Pasta and prayer were on the menu at the first Port Pirie Diocese Youth Group on Monday evening.

It’s called the Stave Challenge J it’s a team challenge where they have to work

together to solve a problem. They’re really broom sticks but we call them

Staves!

Contesting for the mark in PE!

Year 9 Rite Journey students completing the Stave Challenge, a team challenge where students have to work together to solve a problem Luke with a great kick of the footy in PE

philippinEs immERsion JULY 2019Information Session on Monday 20 August, 6.30 - 7.15pm for current Year 9 and 10 students

Port Football & Community Sporting Club

Open daily from 9.00am

Community noticesPiano Lessons with Anne Hansen Private, half-hour piano lessons are available at St Mark’s College with Mrs Anne Hansen (Bachelor of Music and Diploma of Education).

For information contact Anne on M: 0429 866 242 P: 8636 2231

Are you looking for help to find work? yourtown provides assistance to young people aged 17 - 21 with:• Creating resumes and cover letters• Referral to training• Employability skills trainingyourtown can assist young people who have left school and are not linked with Centrelink.Contact Laura on 8633 3675 to arrange an appointment and check your eligibility.

Between 26-28 October, our school will be hosting “Bric-xibit”, an exhibition of Lego creations built by St Mark’s College students.

This 3-day event will be coordinated by our Parents and Friends Association.

Students will be invited to make a display or design their own creation, all of which will be exhibited over the 3 days. The exhibition will be judged with ‘best display’ and ‘best original

creation’ being awarded across five age categories:• Little Lions, Reception - Year 1 • Year 2 - 4 • Year 5 – 6• Year 7 - 9• Year 10 - 12

Entry forms will be sent home shortly. Keep your eye out on the P+F Facebook page for more details.

P+F Movie Night Fundraiser Tickets are still available for ‘Mumma Mia- Here We Go Again’ on Friday 24 August.

Visit the College Facebook page to book your tickets or contact Kate on 0408 809 539.