KM@SMAT (KidsMatter @ St Marks Action Team)

As everyone is aware, St Marks is a BeYou (formerly KidsMatter) school. This means we are a school that caters for the spiritual, academic, social and emotional learning of all members of our school community, particularly our students. The four components of BeYou are:

1. Positive School Community
2. Social Emotional Learning for Students
3. Working with Parents and Carers
4. Supporting the Mental Health of all.

A key component of BeYou is that school staff and families work closely together. Our KidsMatter @ St Mark’s Parent Action Team (KM@SMAT) is comprised of staff, parents and volunteers. It takes on the dual role of developing opportunities for families to engage with their child’s academic, social and emotional learning as well as looking at fundraising opportunities to support learning and the development of facilities.

Do you want to Make a Difference at Our School? 

If so, join the Kids Matter @ St Marks ActionTeam KM@SMAT

Have you ever thought, “I’d love to help out at school, but I don’t know where to start” — or “I don’t have time or special skills”?  Good news: the KM@SMAT is for everyday parents and carers just like you.

So… what is the KM@SMAT?

The Committee is a small group of parents and carers who come together to:

• Support the school
• Help raise funds for extra resources and activities
• Build a strong, welcoming school community 

It’s about helping where you can, not doing everything.

What does being on the committee involve?

Nothing scary — we promise. Being part of the KM@SMAT might mean:

• Sharing ideas
• Helping organise the odd event (like a fundraiser or school activity)
• Lending a hand when you’re available
• Having a say in how money raised is spent to benefit our kids

You don’t need experience, special skills, or lots of spare time.

Who can join?

• Any parent or carer
• New families or longstanding school families
• Fulltime working parents
• Parents who can only help occasionally

Every contribution counts — big or small - you can be involved at a level that works for you.

Why get involved?

Parents often say that joining the KM@SMAT helps them:

• Feel more connected to the school
• Meet other parents
• Better understand what’s happening at school
• Know they’re doing something positive for their children

And kids love seeing their parents involved — it means a lot to them.

If you are interested in being involved, it is recommended you apply for a Working With Children Check.  This is a requirement of all schools for parents, grandparents and other volunteers to have when working or volunteering with children.  There is no cost to apply and you will find the application online at http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.

Please let us know if you need any assistance in applying for the Working with Children Check.

Interested? 

If you’d like to help, learn more, or just come along to a meeting to see what it’s like, you’d be very welcome. There’s no pressure and no long term commitment required. 

Our first meeting for 2026 will be held on Friday February 13th at 10.00am in the Family Lounge (straight after our first assembly). At this meeting we will elect Office Bearers and general committee members. I encourage all families to take up the opportunity to join the team.

Lisa Marchio - President