Principal's News

Enormous thanks to the Parents' Association and their 40+ strong army of helpers who organised a magnificent Fathers' Day event on Friday 4th September after school. Thanks also to the school staff who donated themselves to be dunked in rather chilly waters and to those who stayed to help with the pack up and lock up. It was heartening to know that so many people were willing to step up and support such a fantastic event and really contribute to the strength and connection of this wonderful community. Special thanks to Mel, Christina and Amanda who have worked tirelessly to bring it all to fruition.

Thank-you to our weary but happy staff who stayed and helped with pack up and lock up long after their work day ended - thank-you for insisting that I was not needed and for doing such a wonderful job - truly appreciated. Thanks also to our wonderful office staff for their ongoing support of our Parents' Association and all they do.

CONGRATULATIONS:

Congratulations to Deanna Johnson and her husband Jeremy on the birth of their beautiful son, Rhys Cassius Johnson, born 2nd September at 11.31am, weighing in at 3.65kg, and 52cm long. Mum and baby are both doing well. We wish them all the very best as the navigate the joy of this beautiful addition to their family.

More congratulations: 

St Mark’s Emeralds Shine at Nationals! 

A huge congratulations to our St Mark’s Emeralds, who proudly represented St Mark’s at the National School Aerobics Championships on the Gold Coast on 13th of September!

Competing against 11 schools from across Australia, our Emeralds achieved an outstanding 5th place overall and were the 2nd highest-placed Victorian team – an incredible achievement on the national stage!

We are so proud of our 10 talented Emeralds: Savannah, Alannah, Zoe, Ayla, Mahanya, Taesha, Gracie, Natalia, Nina and Whitney, who showed wonderful teamwork, commitment and St Mark’s spirit throughout their Nationals journey.

A very special thank you and congratulations also goes to their wonderful coaches, Marnie and Chelsea (Broadbent Dance), for all the time, encouragement and dedication they have given the team in helping them reach this level and to Miss Amerena for her support of the team and generosity of her time to practice with the girls.

What an amazing experience and achievement for our Emeralds. You represented St Mark’s and Victoria beautifully, and our whole school community is incredibly proud of you.

Well done, Emeralds! 

Some more wonderful sporting achievements:

Tennis success!!! Congratulations to Toby and Ryan, who recently won their Grand Final matches in the Waverley district! The boys fought hard all season and also finished on top of the ladder! What amazing talent and skill. We are very proud of you.

Well done!

Congratulations to Hayden for representing the Dandenong Rangers basketball team at the National Junior Classic. Hayden’s team finished in 3rd place and he has also been selected for the Future Development Program. Congratulations Hayden for your basketball achievements!

Congratulations also to Anita for being selected in the Victorian Under 14’s Volleyball team. Anita will be playing in the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships, in Perth, over the upcoming school holidays. Congratulations and good luck Anita!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND:

Thank-you to Olivia our Years 3 - 6 Performing Arts teacher and all the amazing students who worked so hard to prepare a wonderful presentation of "Scenes from Alice in Wonderland for us on Thursday. Their dedication and commitment to rehearsing in their break times is commendable. Thanks to all those who contributed to props and sets etc and supported the production. Stay tuned for our Term 4 whole school dance production that will take place on Friday 16th October between 6.00 - 8.00 p.m. at St Louis De Montford's school hall in Aspendale.

FOOTY DAY:

We celebrate the end of term 3 every year with our footy day, which is a chance for our children to dress up in their favourite team colours and have some fun together as a community and celebrate the tradition that takes over Melbourne in September - "FOOTY FINALS". We celebrate many teams and sports and include our staff v students netball match at recess on this day too, which is always a hit! It is a lovely way to end the term focussing on the spirit of belonging and coming together as a community not only to learn, but to enjoy each others' company and simply celebrate the joy of life. 

CHILD SAFETY:

Just a reminder to please not leave your children unattended at the school gates prior to 8.30 a.m. Staff are not required to be onsite until 8.30 a.m. so it is not safe practice to leave children prior to this time. Thank-you for ensuring the safety of your children by following our school expectations.

Term 3 ends at 1.30 p.m. on Friday 18th September

Have a wonderful and safe holiday!!!

Term 4 commences on Monday 5th October at 8.50 a.m. Gates open at 8.30 a.m. 

(No students should arrive at school prior to 8.30 a.m. and be left unattended.)

GREAT HOLIDAY PROGRAM TO CONSIDER: