Newsletter Term 1 > Week 10

Our Words Matter

It’s easy to forget the power of our words, yet the words we choose can have a profound impact on those around us. In a world where there are so many forms of communication that spread far and wide via digital media, how can we guide our children to communicate thoughtfully and respectfully and model this ourselves? We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘think before you speak’. No doubt we have all said things at times that we wish we hadn’t as we can’t take our words back and they have caused harm, whether we apologise or not.

Think Before You Speak: The Three Gates

Before speaking, it's helpful to pass our words through the "Three Gates":

1. Is it true?
2. Is it necessary?
3. Is it kind?

Encouraging our children to consider these questions can help them communicate more effectively and compassionately. By thinking before speaking, they can avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. In recent weeks, we have spent time working through issues with some students and families, because unkind, cruel or inappropriate comments have been persistent and hurtful. The phrase I heard many times as a child ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ just is not true.

Rumours can spread like wildfire, causing harm and distress. When young people share opinions, gossip and believe rumours about something they have not seen, or experienced themselves, they often don't realize the damage they can cause. It's important to teach our children the value of honesty and the consequences of spreading false information. This is not the same as speaking up and letting us know if something has happened that does not align with our expectations and values. The earlier we know about something, the earlier we can respond to any issue, involving parents in these important conversations.

There's a fine line between being mean and engaging in bullying or harassment. Meanness might involve hurtful comments, or distancing from peers because our friendship interests no longer align, but when it becomes repetitive and targeted, it crosses into bullying. Bullying and harassment involves unwanted and aggressive behaviour that can be verbal, physical, or online. It's crucial to help our children understand this distinction and be upstanders in not joining in such behaviour and reporting it through appropriate channels.

Students, and parents often don't have the full picture of what is happening or how issues are being addressed through processes at school. They might hear one side of a story and form opinions based on incomplete information.  Social media can be a tempting platform to air grievances, but it is never the best place to resolve conflicts. Publicly sharing issues can escalate situations and lead to further misunderstandings. Once something is posted online, it can be difficult to take back, and it may not be accurate or fair. Encourage your children to consider the three gates when posting anything on social media. It’s a mantra that has stood me in good stead over the years, and one I encourage parents to think about too.

As parents, we play a vital role in shaping our children's communication skills. By teaching them to think before they speak, understand the impact of their words, and handle conflicts responsibly, we can help them become more thoughtful and respectful individuals. Let's work together to create a positive and supportive environment for our children.

I wish you all a happy and holy Easter.

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

This week the College Board approved new procedures to respond to situations of bullying and harassment. These procedures have been in development since last year. To access the procedures in full, please click to see the College website.

The Bullying and Harassment Procedure sits within the CESA Positive Behaviour Education Policy and aligns with our Positive Behaviour Intervention Supports Framework (PBIS). It provides an outline of responses and supports in situations of bullying and harassment. It aims to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all individuals in the St Mark’s College community with the intent to prevent and address any instances of bullying and harassment promptly and effectively. 

In implementing these procedures, St Mark’s College aims to:

• Explicitly communicate through words and actions that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable.
• Familiarise all members of the College community with the procedures to be followed in cases of bullying and harassment.
• Promote respectful behaviours, community building and the anti-bullying/anti-harassment expectations of the College.
• Use procedures and practices which will support those involved to change their behaviour.
• Use procedures and practices to empower bystanders to be upstanders.
• Provide education to build resilience and self-esteem of students.
• Provide education to build the capacity of staff to teach programs which build student resilience and self-esteem.

We look forward to working with you in respectful partnership to resolve any concerns as they arise.

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

Overall Project Compassion Fundraising – Thank You! 
A big thank you to those who have given generously during the Project Compassion campaign, with its theme, ‘Unite against poverty this Lent’. This theme speaks to how the Church can come together to make a big impact on the lives of those in poverty. By working together, we can and have made a bigger difference in this issue. 

A special thank you to the students who have organised their own activities to raise money for the campaign. Their creativity in finding new ways to raise money and have fun doing that, have also made a big difference. 

Together, Benedict and Bosco have raised over $2,000 – a magnificent achievement! 

Project Compassion
Big Water Walk 

To mark the end of Term 1, students from Bosco Campus will gather on the oval to participate in the Big Water Walk for Project Compassion. This will also mark the end of our Lenten fundraising campaign. 

Students will walk 3km in house groups and pass buckets of water between them in recognition and support of people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who have to walk long distances to collect clean water every day. 

Similarly, on Thursday of Week 11, during WRAP, Benedict Campus will be doing a House Team Walk for Water challenge cup activity. They have organised different water challenges for each year level. 

Members of the school community are invited to show their support by making a donation on our online Project Compassion fundraising. 

Funds raised will go towards bringing clean, safe water to communities in poverty, all around the world. 

Term 1 Staff Faith Formation
Last week, our staff participated in an afternoon Faith Formation experience, highlighting the significance of the current liturgical season (Lent, Holy Week and Easter) for Christian communities, and especially Catholic communities. 

An interesting fact came out of this formation session with staff. There are traditionally forty days in Lent, however, this does not include the Sundays in Lent. We remember that every Sunday is an expression of new life found in Jesus’ resurrection. In a sense, we still remember our Lenten season during the Mass with the absence of organ music and the Gloria, and using our Lenten Gospel Acclamations, but still with a solemn celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist stands as a reminder of Jesus' promise of eternal life through following and believing in him – his death and resurrection. 

The frequency of common Easter dates was also highlighted. The notion that Easter dates in Eastern and Western Churches frequently do not match was a point of conversation. May this Easter show the Church’s unity on celebrating the central aspect of our faith. 

The Witness 
Click here for the latest edition.

Southern Cross 
Click here for the latest edition.

Mr Isaac Ellis, APRIM

Benedict Key Dates: Term 1, Week 11 – Term 2, Week 2

• SAPSASA Swimming
  Monday 7 April
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup – Easter Craft
  Tuesday 8 April, 8.45am – 10.15am
   
• Year 5 Easter Re-enactment
  Tuesday 8 April, Good Samaritan Hall, 12.20pm
   
• Parent Teacher Interviews
  Tuesday 8 April, Good Samaritan Hall, 3.40 – 8.00pm
   
• Diocesan Assembly and Chrism Mass
  Tuesday 8 -  Wednesday 9 April
   
• House Team Walk for Water Challenge Cup Activity
  Thursday 10 April
  Students to wear House Tops
   
• End of Term 1
  Friday 11 April, dismissal, 1.05pm
   
• Student Free Day and Staff Professional Learning Day
  Monday 28 April
   
• Term 2 Commences
  Tuesday 29 April
  Students may wear either full summer uniform or full winter uniform unless a designated PE day. Winter uniform is compulsory from 12 May.
   
• Little Lions Session 8 and Class Photo Day
  Friday 2 May
   
• Little Lions Session 8 and Class Photo Day
  Monday 5 May
   
• Mini Mark’s Playgroup: Nature Play and Scavenger Hunt
  Tuesday 6 May, 8.45am – 10.15am
   
• ​Little Lions Session 8 and Class Photo Day
  Friday 9 May

Communication
On behalf of the staff, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible partnership between parents and teachers in supporting our students' education. Schools are bustling environments, and our teachers dedicate their working hours to ensuring a high-quality learning experience for every child. To better manage communication, I want to share a few important guidelines:

• Contact During School Hours: Teachers are unable to respond to emails or Seesaw messages during school hours, as their primary focus is on teaching and supporting students in the classroom. If there is an urgent message or information that needs to be passed on to your child, please contact the school’s front office on 8633 8802, where staff can assist you promptly.
   
• Working Hours: Our teachers' have the right to disconnect. Messages sent via email or Seesaw outside of normal work hours will be addressed the following day. Please note that responses may take up to 48 hours, depending on their workload and schedule.
   
• Meeting Requests: Requests for meetings require advance planning to ensure productive discussions. Meetings cannot be scheduled on the same day or requested during weekends for the following work day, as teachers need adequate time to prepare.

We truly value the collaborative relationship between parents and teachers. Working together with mutual respect ensures that students receive the best possible support in their educational journey. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a balanced and effective approach to communication.
 

Social dynamics at school – understanding Bullying vs one off incidents 
Playgrounds are vibrant spaces where children learn and grow, not just academically but socially as well. These moments of interaction provide opportunities for students to develop crucial social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. However, we understand that navigating the social dynamics of these interactions can sometimes lead to challenges.

It's important to distinguish between bullying and one-off incidents. Bullying is characterised by repeated and intentional harmful behaviour, often involving a power imbalance, that causes distress to the targeted individual. On the other hand, one-off incidents are isolated occurrences of conflict or disagreement that can happen as students are learning to navigate social relationships. While these incidents may still cause upset, they are often part of the normal process of developing social awareness and skills.

Our role as educators, and yours as parents, is to guide students in understanding the difference and equip them with the tools to handle these situations effectively. We encourage families to talk to their children about empathy, kindness, and the importance of seeking help from adults when they feel overwhelmed. Open communication between parents, teachers, and students ensures that children receive the support they need as they grow socially.

Together, let’s foster a positive and respectful environment where every student feels safe, valued, and prepared to face social challenges with confidence.

We encourage all parents to take a moment to view the informative video from Bullying No Way!, which provides a national definition of bullying.

Parents and Caregivers can find valuable insights into addressing and preventing it within our school community by using the Bullying No Way website.

This has been a busy term filled with many wonderful moments and milestones. We welcomed our Little Lions and those new to our school community, worked on building meaningful relationships, and set expectations for the classroom, yard, and broader school environment. Teachers and staff have been focused on collecting valuable data, meeting with parents, and coming together as a whole school to celebrate various occasions as a Benedict campus as well as our Reception to Year 12 community. Highlights from this term include the successful completion of NAPLAN testing and the enthusiasm displayed during the Interschool Carnival by our Year 5 and 6 students.

As we approach the holiday break, we would like to wish all our families a safe and happy time filled with rest, joy, and togetherness. We also wish you all a happy Easter, centred on the Catholic meaning of this special time, which celebrates hope, renewal, and the profound love that is at the heart of our school community. Upon our return, we look forward to sharing the special memories from the Year 5’s Stations of the Cross reenactment in Week 11. Thank you for your continued support, and may this holiday bring peace and happiness to all.

Mrs Sarah Freer, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Bosco Key Dates: Term 1, Week 11 – Term 2, Week 2

• Diocesan Assembly and Chrism Mass
  Tuesday 8 -  Wednesday 9 April
   
• Bosco Easter Liturgy
  Thursday 10 April, 10.50am
  ​
• Big Water Walk 

Friday 11 April
Students to wear House Tops
Show your support by making a donation to Project Compassion: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-marks-college 

• End of Term 1
  Friday 11 April, dismissal, 1.05pm
  Year 7-12 Term 1 Reports issued
   
• Student Free Day and Staff Professional Learning Day
  Monday 28 April
   
• Boarders Return
  Monday 28 April
   
• Term 2 Commences
  Tuesday 29 April
  Students may wear either full summer uniform or full winter uniform unless a designated PE day. Winter uniform is compulsory from 12 May.
   
• Year 11 RAP Presentation
  Tuesday 6 May
   
• Years 7-9 Student Learning Conversations
  Wednesday 7 May, 3.40pm – 8.00pm, St Mark’s Sports Centre
   
• Year 7 Retreat
  Thursday 8 May
   
• Year 11 Vinnies Sleepout
  Thursday 8 May

House Activities

The House Cup competition is up and going for 2025 and students will get a score update at our End of Term Assembly next Friday. Thank you to our senior students who have shown great initiative in planning and organising events to engage our students in House Spirit!

A reminder that there are events and days throughout the year where students will be required to wear compulsory House Tops for community events. If you have not yet sourced one please make this a priority over the term break. For information about our College Uniform, click here.

Next Friday we have a final activity to wrap up our support of Project Compassion with a ‘Big Water Walk’. The full details can be found in Operoo, students need to wear House Tops for this activity.

Reports

Next week, Term 1 progress reports will be published on SEQTA for all Year 7-12 students. This is an indication of progress and achievement to date. Please take this opportunity to read the document with your child, celebrate their successes and set some goals for Term 2.

A Migrant’s Daughter starring Sophie and Sahana

Last week our Year 9 and 10 Performing Arts students attended the performance of A Migrant’s Daughter. A highlight of this was two of our students taking to the stage – Sophie Narcissi and Sahana Sivalingam. It was a wonderful opportunity to work alongside professional actors in a quality stage show. My thanks to Mrs Emily Smith and also Mrs Sheri Nicholls for facilitating this opportunity for our Creative Arts students.

I truly enjoyed this experience and learned so much about the people involved and how they would travel around for the choir. It was wonderful hearing their stories and experiences. When it comes to music, they are very loud and powerful and so experienced, and their level of expertise was truly impressive.

During the performance, whenever I lost my place in the music, one of the kind ladies sitting next to me would guide me to the spot I missed. Everyone in the choir has their own unique background, and if I ever meet them again, I would love to hear more about their journeys.

Sophie Narcisi

This experience was great and quite fun. We had our first rehearsal with the rest of the choir and the band prior to the performance. I met several wonderful people whose stories I enjoyed listening to, and there were some moments filled with laughter.

Being in a choir with more experienced people helped me to observe a more distinctive difference in the separate singing groups (sopranos and altos).

During the performance, everyone sang quite well. I learnt about Michaela Burger’s family’s story, and how the events that took place back then inspired the songs that she wrote for A Migrant’s Son.

Sahana Sivalingam

Maths: Jacaranda Plus

As a College we have implemented the use of Jacaranda Plus an online text book for Year 7-10 Mathematics this year. The subscription offers interactive lessons, step-by-step worked solutions, and practice questions tailored to different learning levels. Students can use Jacaranda Plus to review topics covered in class, access additional explanations, and test their understanding with self-assessment tools. Its structured approach helps build confidence and improve problem-solving skills, making it an effective companion for independent study and homework completion. If you would like to know more about how your child could make use of this at home please make contact with their Mathematics teacher via SEQTA.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Bosco Community a very happy Easter and a restful and enjoyable term break.

Mrs Katie Pole, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

On Friday 21 March, Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS presided at the official opening and blessing of the new Boarding House at St Mark’s College in Port Pirie. The new facility, featuring 33 individual ensuite bedrooms, recreation and dining area built on the grounds of St Mark’s College, was designed by architects Russell and Yelland and built by Barry Ramsay Construction (BRC).

Principal Dr Sandra Hewson was delighted to welcome guests including Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director of Catholic Education in South Australia, John Neate and members of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Mrs Nichii Mardon, Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Port Pirie, Mr Rowan Ramsay, Federal Member for Grey, and Mayor Leon Stephens to the opening and blessing of the boarding house.

Boarding has a long history at St Mark’s College, since it began in Crystal Brook in 1986, before moving to Port Pirie in 2007. Offering five-day boarding, this new facility provides boarders and their families an important balance between boarding, school and home. 31 boarders moved into the brand new facility at the start of this year, coming from the Clare Valley, Goyder region, up north to Roxby Downs and across to Lincoln Gap, in the northeastern corner of Eyre Peninsula.

Boarders bring a unique vibrancy and diversity to St Mark’s College community, enriching the lives of all students and staff. Boarding life fosters a sense of independence, resilience, and camaraderie among students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The diverse backgrounds, stories, traditions, and perspectives of boarders contribute to the rich tapestry of the school culture.

“Our boarding students are an important part of our community, and we are committed to ensuring the continuation of boarding at St Mark’s and the provision of the best facilities,” said Principal Dr Sandra Hewson.

“We celebrate not just the opening of a new building, but a significant $8.6 million investment in the future of rural and regional education in the Diocese of Port Pirie,” said Principal Dr Sandra Hewson.

“By providing state-of-the-art facilities and a nurturing environment, we are ensuring that students from regional and remote areas have access to the same high-quality education and opportunities as their urban counterparts. This investment reflects our belief in the potential of every student, regardless of their geographical location, and our passion for ensuring that families have not only the right and opportunity to choose Catholic education in our region, but the confidence to do so knowing that their children will receive quality education in excellent facilities.”

To view our new Boarding House, click here.

Are you passionate about our school and have skills to contribute to its future growth and development?

We are seeking board members with strengths in the areas of:

• Health
• Finance, or
• Project Management

to join our College Board. This is your chance to make a difference in our community and help guide the College towards future directions!

Our College Board is an advisory body supporting the Principal in the effective governance of St Mark’s on behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese of Port Pirie. The Board ensures we fulfil our mission as a Catholic school and operate within the policies and guidelines of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.  

Nominations are invited from people who have skills and experience able to contribute to our mission in promoting educational excellence, exercising financial stewardship, ensuring compliance with legal responsibilities, and fostering harmonious and positive collaboration with the College community.

Potential members of the College Board should:

• Possess an enthusiasm for and willingness to promote the mission of Catholic schools
• Demonstrate a desire to give service to and make recommendations for the good of the whole school community
• Have an ability to work cooperatively and constructively with all Members of the Board
• Be prepared to undertake formation, and have current police clearance
• Uphold confidentiality in Board matters and not pursue individual agendas
• Have sufficient time for Board duties.

There are seven Board meetings per year, on a Tuesday evening from 7-8.30pm. These are held in the Conference Room at the Bosco campus. In addition, Board members may nominate to join sub-committees that are formed periodically depending on the needs and directions of the College e.g. Traffic Management Committee.

I welcome a conversation with you if you would like to find out more.

How to Nominate

A written nomination outlining your name, connection to the College, your skills and reasons for wishing to join the College Board should be sent to Lisa Manners by Friday 4 April.

Nominations will be shared in the first newsletter in Term 2, with a voting process taking place, if necessary, at the AGM on Tuesday 20 May. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Dr Sandra Hewson, Principal

Nyrstar Shield and JB Shackell Cup

Well done to all of our students who competed in the Nyrstar Shield and JB Shackell Cup hosted by the Port Pirie Amateur Swimming Club.

It was excellent to see so many of our students taking part, and Old Scholar Angus Thompson presenting the awards!

Congratulations to William Murdoch (Year 10) who won this year's JB Shackell Cup followed by Riley Court (Year 9), and Charlie White (Year 9). Congratulations also to Ruby Hook (Year 11) who placed third in the girl's cup race.

Well done to our friends at Crystal Brook Primary School who took first place in the Nyrstar Shield. It was great to see our two relay teams come in 2nd and 3rd place- a great effort!

SAPSASA Softball

Congratulations to our Year 6s who competed in last week’s SAPSASA Softball in Adelaide. The Division 3 Team from 1 Pirie / North Eastern came in first place! A great achievement!

Soccer Registrations

🚨Final Deadline: Friday 4th April, 5.00pm🚨

After this time, if your child is not registered or you haven’t expressed their interest to the school, they will miss out. The deadline is in place to allow for the organisation of teams.

✅ A number of issues with the website have been resolved - so if you have had trouble before, please try again.

⚠️ If you’re still having issues registering it’s essential to reach out to the school through: sport@smc.catholic.edu.au

📋 We are still looking for volunteer coaches. If you’re interested in helping out, please reach out to the school through: sport@smc.catholic.edu.au

📋 If we don’t get enough coaches then teams will miss out. It’s a small commitment for a great opportunity for your child.

⚽️ For your child to play in 2025. By Friday they must be either registered or have expressed their interest to the school.

📧 If you don’t receive a confirmation email or have any concerns, contact sport@smc.catholic.edu.au

Netball Season Starts
The netball season starts on Saturday 26 April, the final weekend of the school holidays. If you will be unavailable for this game please advise your coach as soon as possible.

Team Coaches will communicate any holiday training sessions directly to their team.

An important element of curriculum taught at St Mark’s College is the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum. This is integrated into teaching and learning and a key element of our WRAP (Wellbeing, Relationships, Agency and Personal Responsibility) Program.

The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum is a child safety and respectful relationships curriculum taught through developmentally appropriate ways from Reception to Year 12 at St Mark’s.

The curriculum is a cross sectoral initiative taught in all schools in South Australia. It aims to ensure that students can:

• Understand they have the right to be safe
• Recognise abuse and unsafe situations
• Apply knowledge, skills and understanding to be safe
• Seek support for themselves and others.

Two critical themes underpin the curriculum: we have the right to be safe, and we can help ourselves to be safe by talking to people we trust. The curriculum is organised through four focus areas, taught each year with more depth and age-appropriate material as students progress through school. These focus areas are:

1. The right to be safe
2. Relationships
3. Recognising and reporting abuse
4. Protective strategies

Teachers are trained specifically in the delivery of this curriculum. If you would like to know more about this important curriculum area, click here to find some summary sheets for the Early Years, Primary Years, Middle Years and Senior Years.