Our year begins. The community celebrates scholarship and we join for Mass. Parents get involved and the staff attend an historic moment.

We begin again It was very exciting to welcome the community back for a new school year. People arrived with an enthusiasm. There was a freshness about them. Our mums and dads had purchased a new pairs of shoes, got sons and daughters into a new uniform, had the school bag ready and the lunch box was filled. There was the new haircut, the anticipation about subjects and teachers and then something powerful arrived with our 900 students - their optimism. They were fresh. We found them innocent and enthusiastic, easily manageable, deeply committed. There is a fragility and a strength. They want to do well and they are a delight. They are trying so hard. They set high expectations and they keep smiling. Mostly our students are saying that they are okay. Mostly everything is working as we build the first of those 2019 relationships and establish those 2019 disciplines and routines.

I welcome everyone to our school year. It will be blessed and busy, challenging and charming. It will be filled with people and that is just how we like it.

An outstanding Dux and our Year 12 results Our Year 12 results from last year were excellent. We certainly feel very proud of the 2018 scholarship and effort of our senior students and in fact the 2018 group set a very high standard. There were six students who scored in the 90s and 42 of our students received an A in at least one subject. That means 42, over half, working at an A grade level in something. There were a large number of students (35%) with an ATAR in the 80s. That says very clearly that our Year 12s were challenged and engaged in their learning. They trusted teachers. They got on with it. They worked hard. They had a vision for success. There was 100% SACE completion again and one of my joys was seeing so many students go

into university placements with their first or second preference.

Aliesha Finlay was the College Dux with an Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking of 98.3. This puts her in an elite class of scholars. She is amongst the best students in Australia and we are delighted that she was able to balance a full sporting and community commitment to the College as well as her studies. She is a wonderful person and scholar. Aleisha joined Mia Dennis, Eden Smith and Ellie Todd at Government House for the Merit Award ceremony. This is very exclusive company with the Governor acknowledging that they are amongst the best in a subject.

I feel absolutely confident that a student studying at St Mark’s can achieve in any area they wish. I congratulate the students, their families and the teachers.

An historic day – Live, Lead and Learn The entire staff of St Mark’s headed down to Adelaide to begin our school year together. On Day 1 of our return we joined 5,500 other staff members in an event called “Live, Lead, learn”. We got onto a bus at 5.30 in morning and headed to the Entertainment Centre. There wasn’t too much singing about ‘watching the wheels on the bus going around’ but the coffee at Port Wakefield tasted delicious. The day was hosted by the Directors of Catholic Education and our Bishop, Greg O’Kelly SJ. It was a day of inspiration and finding purpose in our vocation as teachers and support staff in Catholic schools. We met up with many past St Mark’s teachers. The reunions were joy filled, heartfelt, and fun. We recognised our place in a most important system for learning. We understood that as a staff we make a huge difference with our partnership with parents to support our children. There was a focus on our purpose.

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Candles were blessed to celebrate the start of the school year

RECEPTION 7

Whole School Mass We gathered as a school group in the Good Samaritan Hall for our whole of school Mass to begin the year. Fr Francis and Fr Harold guided us in a joyful way into the ritual and helped make our sense of welcome strong. There were 1000 people in the gathering and I sat just next to new Receptions. They can distract me from my prayers. Actually, they seemed a little distracted from their prayers as well. It must be overwhelming. Our teachers try to reassure and guide all of our new students and there is a reverence and focus that is modelled to them by the other students. In fact, our students are very good together in a large gathering. They responded well to the theme around holiness and happiness.

In a liturgy there are a number of great and grace filled moments. Moments of holiness or when we sense the sacred. One moment came upon us. Sharon Sard, the Bosco librarian, walked with her three grandchildren Lachlan, Isaiah and Harper carrying the gifts in the offertory procession. I felt touched by the poignancy of a family and more so because it was the day, 25 years ago, that Sharon had begun at the College. Her offering was most symbolic. It was about the Eucharistic gifts and a commitment to St Mark’s and family and the humble and deeply committed service that she has given to us. It was beautiful and the delightful Harper was oblivious and full of enthusiasm and the boys a little more steady and reverent. Family is important in our College. Seeing it in action creates holiness and happiness.

Parent Connections I have delighted in meeting a whole number of families as the year begins. There have been Parent Information Evenings, Benedict meet the parents, a Boarders Liturgy and the irrepressible Parents and Friends.

The boarding mums and dads gathered with suitcases and nervous excited children. All seemed enthusiastic and hopeful even if boarding can be a little daunting when it first

begins. The welcome liturgy was quick and dignified which was quite appropriate for the summer heat. Clayton Agnew received a badge of leadership as Captain of Salesian House and we enjoyed the chatter around a barbecue tea together. It will be a good boarding year.

There were eight parents at the Parents and Friends meeting and there is a drive and energy being created in that group. They have made some wonderful plans to build community, support school events and raise a little bit of money. They also seem to generate much laughter and make the gathering fun. It is worth coming along to make a contribution and watch the richness of parent involvement in the College.

The Parent Information Evenings for the Bosco community were well attended and partnerships were cemented between teachers and parents. The College took a chance to talk about how we work and how we will ensure the best outcomes for the children. The parents were committed to support our processes.

Rural Bus Discussion The State Government is currently undertaking a Review of School Bus Services in Regional Areas. In response our Catholic Education SA has been pushing the case with state governments, that students attending Catholic rural and regional schools should be granted the same guarantees and access to school bus transport as students attending government schools. The Catholic Education Office has extended an invitation for families to have a say in the Review. It is vital that parents and carers, have a voice in this review, and I urge you to visit the School Bus Review website at https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/school-bus-review/about . At this site you will find links to the Review of School Bus Services Terms of Reference, the SA School Transport Policy, the online discussion forums and instructions on where to submit a written submission. We have a voice.

Greg Hay, Principal

Salesian House Parents Council Sunday 17 February

Celebrating the Dux Assembly

Around the CollegeReligious Education

From the APRIM

Start of the year Our year has launched and it is one where we are invited to remember that “happiness is holiness”. Throughout the year as a community we will open up the themes of holiness and peace as important features of our journey.

The staff began the year with two significant reminders of their vocation in Catholic Education. Firstly we gathered on 23 January at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with 5500 people who all belong to Catholic Education South Australia. We looked at our Catholic Identity as the crowning jewel in all that is offered in a Catholic Education experience. Presentations from Bishop Greg O’Kelly, Neil McGorran Director of Catholic Education and Key Note Speaker Robyn Moore left us with inspiring and important messages to bring back to the work we do in our individual communities.

On Tuesday 29 January all staff gathered with Fr Francis and Fr Harold as well and Nichii Mardon and Helen McKeough from Catholic Education. We shared in Eucharist to renew our commitment to this wonderful vocation of working in community at St Mark’s College. We especially welcomed our new staff members as they begin their time with us.

Boarder’s Begin Our boarders gathered to begin the school year. They joined with their families and staff in a liturgy to mark the beginning of their 2019 school year. We installed Clayton Agnew as the 2019 Boarding Captain and assured him of our prayers and support in taking on this leadership role.

Opening Mass Week 1 was our first opportunity to gather the whole College together to celebrate the Feast of John Bosco and the beginning of our school year. Candles were blessed and water, the symbol of life, was also blessed to be used throughout the year. We thank Fr Francis for presiding over this important celebration for us.

Philippines Immersion Preparation Over the next five months our Philippines Immersion Team will prepare for the pilgrimage they will undertake in July. Fundraising is in full swing. All funds raised by the team will go directly to the schools and centres in need that we will visit during our travels. The students attended the Santo Nino Fiesta on January 28 hosted by our local Philippine community. It is one of the ways they will get a sense of the culture they will be immersed in. It was a truly joyful carnival atmosphere to celebrate the influence of Child Jesus in our lives.

After the Festivities we had a surprise visit from Fr Harold to school this week. He presented us with a cheque for $500 to add to our fundraising total on behalf of the Santo Nino committee. Special thanks to all involved in the festival for their friendship and support.

A Student’s Prayer for a New School Year Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this new school year.

Allow me to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before me.

Open my eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings. Open my heart and mind to new friends and new teachers.

Give me a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with my studies and courage to accept new opportunities.

Help me to be attentive to my teachers and let me experience

Your presence in my new friends.

Jesus, inspire me to do my best this year! Amen

Kasey and Keelie receiving a cheque from Fr Harold on behalf of the Santo Nino committee

Enjoy an afternoon of country music with local legend Cactus Martens!

SUNDAY 10 FEBRUARY, 1.30pm NCMA HALL, AFFORD RD

St Mark’s College students who will be travelling to the Philippines later this year will be selling raffles, drinks and afternoon

tea. The money raised will go directly to help students in the Philippines!

Welcome A very, very warm welcome to the 2019 school year! It was wonderful to see the smiles and hear the chatter of the students as they entered Benedict Campus last Tuesday. We have enjoyed a really smooth transition and look forward to a most successful and rewarding year.

I’d especially like to thank the teaching staff for opening their classrooms and acknowledge the many parents and friends who took up the opportunity to pop in during the open times, creating such a positive partnership with their child’s educators.

A special ‘welcome back’ to our staff, students and families who have returned and also a special ‘welcome’ to the new (and not so new) faces. Mr Caleb Brown, Mrs Jane Klingner and Miss Penny Malchow have officially joined the Benedict Teaching Team and 45 brand new Receptions have taken their first step of primary schooling; Maha Ahmad, Sophie Bath, Maya Becker, Martha Bishop, Addison Bradley, Jett Burford, Rocco Capurso, Poppy Clarke, Astrid Connor, Sherdin David, Bailey Dunbar, Harvie Fleming, Lily Gadaleta-Neale, Darby Gale, Finn George, Will Halvorsen, Millie Hancock, Mia Harmer, Flynn Haskett, Daelen Hawkins, Olivia Higgins, Isabelle Hutchinson, Alcuin Jacob, Kingston Kiriacou, Noelle Loizeau, Luke Martlew, Jag McCarthy, Isabella McInerney, Eli Murdoch, George Olsen, Oliver Pellegrini, Hugo Phillips, James Ramsay, Fletcher Reddaway, Willow Reed, Harper Sard, Jayah Scarce-Evans, Sophie Snowden, Amy Spence, Ruby and Leo Stevens, Jaeger Thomas, Oliver Yarrow, Adele and Ava Yiannoulis.

We also welcomed the following students and their families into our Year 1-6 community; Austin Arthur, Lachlan Bath, Mohamed Hendy, Kailee Lack, William and Madeline Murdoch, Nischay and Sanyam Saharan, Zachary and Anika Taylor and Saxton Winders. We really hope you all enjoy your time at Benedict!

In Week 3 fourteen Little Lions will begin their Transition Program and the P+F Committee will be hosting a morning cuppa on Friday, February 15 from 8.30am in the Good Samaritan Hall. We especially invite families who are new to the school to come and meet some of our existing families.

A note for your diaries Benedict Assemblies are held every Week 3, 6 and 9 each term on Wednesdays at 11.20am in the Good Samaritan Hall. You are most welcome to join us. Please note: the Week 6 Assembly will be held in Week 7 due to Ash Wednesday.

From the Deputy PrincipalSafety Matters May I draw your attention to a few safety matters - morning yard duty (supervision) does not begin until 8.25am. If students happen to be at school a little earlier, please remind your child/ren that they need to wait in the Quadrangle area until the Yard Duty teacher appears in their fluoro vest. Also, all playgrounds except for the JP playground (in the morning only) are out of bounds before and after school. Thank you for your cooperation with this.

As we conclude Week 2 I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting your precious child/ren into our care and I assure you that we are fully committed to your children, their formal education and their wellbeing.

Melissa Gadaleta, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Parent / Student Info Pack Return Date Friday 8 February

Receptions Rest Days (for this fortnight) Wednesday 13 February Wednesday 20 February

Welcome Coffee Friday 15 February

Little Lions Commences Friday 15 February

Congratulations to our Deputy Principal

Award Winners for Academic Achievement in 2018

6 Red Amahli Farinola

6 Blue Ruby Stark

5 Green Mitchell Court

5 Red Davyn Freer

5 Blue Trey Luteria

4 Green Taylah Cameron

4 Red Liam Saler

4 Blue Ruby Champion

3 Red Archer Cretan

3 Blue Molly Hudson

2 Red Lexi Gebert

2 Blue Bailey Ferme

1 Red Mariana Kambanos

1 Blue Peyton Talbot

Rec. Green Ella Petagna

Rec. Red Saesha Nannapaneni

Rec. Blue Jayce Cook

New Reception students Oliver and Leo

Benedict Campus

Congratulations to our Star Students in

December 2018!

Star Salesian Students6 Red Eric Smart

6 Blue Ruby Simpson

5 Green Alicia Farrugia

5 Red Mayah Camporeale

5 Blue Daniela Thompson

4 Green Johnathan Wilks

4 Red Flyn Jaeschke

4 Blue Maelie Williams

3 Red Tong Makuei

3 Blue Aiman Ahmad

2 Red Dylan Spence

2 Blue Caprie Sheasby

1 Red Addison Murdoch

1 Blue Jace Bellifemini

Rec. Green Lexie Camporeale

Rec. Red Archie Reddaway

Rec. Blue Mercedes Will

Star Samaritan Students 6 Red Noah Mathews

6 Blue Seth Dannenberg

5 Green Josh Whitehorn

5 Red Jackson Smallacombe

5 Blue Kobi Ganley

4 Green Ariel Tee

4 Red Aiza Hashmi

4 Blue Lincoln Leske

3 Red Hamish Caputo

3 Blue Eva Paxman

2 Red Baden Mellow

2 Blue Jye Rafanelli Ley

1 Red Thomas McBride

1 Blue Zara Haskett

Rec. Green Isaiah Williams

Rec. Red Georgia McIntyre

Rec. Blue Xavier Freeman-Keeley

Starting School

Buddies, Alicia and IndianaLuke, Mia, Adele and Ava

Jag and Darby were happy to start schoolAddison, Finn, Oliver, Noelle, Rocco and Kingston

Year 6 Leadership Program

Mason and Kobi having a laugh Julius enjoyed the activities

Sophie, Millie, Flynn and Hugo Alcuin and Martha enjoying a book

Working in partnership Aliza gives Bridie a lift

Parent / Student Info Pack Return Date Friday 8 February

Bosco Student Leaders’ Camp Sunday 10 - Monday 11 February

Year 12 Parent Information Night Monday 11 February, 7.30pm in the BGC

Year 10 Parent Information Night Tuesday 10 February, 7.30pm in the BGC

Year 11 Parent Information Night Tuesday 10 February, 7.30pm in the Bosco Centre

Year 7 Camp Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 February

Salesian House Parents’ Council Sunday 17 February

Bosco Students’ Leader Commissioning Friday 22 February

From the Deputy PrincipalWelcome Welcome to the 2019 school year and a very warm welcome to all our new students and families who have joined the St Mark’s Community.

The beginning of the school year is a time of great anticipation and excitement. Year 7 students gathered last Tuesday, bubbling with nerves and enthusiasm… their first day of high school was finally here. They are confident members of our community, quickly learning what it means to be a high school student and enjoying the wide variety of subjects available to them to broaden their knowledge and open their eyes to a world of opportunity and wonder.

Year 12 students arrived with a different energy. There was a quiet confidence. They were focused and ready for the academic challenge that lies ahead. They finally had procession of the Bosco Centre!

New Boarders welcomed, a leader has emerged Our Boarders returned, and new families were welcomed in a Beginning of the Year Liturgy last Monday evening. It was a beautiful celebration of families coming together as part of a special journey. Connections and friendship are strong in Salesian House. We commissioned Clayton Agnew as Salesian House Captain, a proud moment for Clayton and his family. He will make an outstanding leader for our boarding community. Following the liturgy, we gathered for a BBQ dinner. It was the perfect opportunity for new families to make connections and share in the wisdom of those first night nerves. There was a great energy amongst the boarding students, they huddled together, swapping stories of holiday adventures. A lovely way to begin the school year.

Student Leadership On Monday we launched Student Leadership with our Meet the Principal evening. Year 12 leaders and their parents gathered in celebration. It was an opportunity for us to affirm and congratulate them on their leadership position and to share our hopes for the journey ahead. Leaders sat down with key support staff who will nurture and guide them on their leadership journey. They talked about personal qualities and goals as well as what to expect as a senior leader in their final year. It was a wonderful evening for both families and the College with great pride amongst the group. Soon we will call for applications for House representatives. Interested students are asked to apply through their House Leader.

Families gathered in partnership On Tuesday Year 8 and 9 families gathered for

the first of our Parent Information Evenings. Year 7 families held their Parent Information evening on Wednesday. Led by our Pastoral Care Coordinators, Ms Toni Freer (Year7), Ms Jesslyn Byerlee (Year 8) and Mr Tom Gilligan (Year 9) the evenings were a formal opportunity for families to meet their child’s support staff and key teachers.

We strongly believe that communication and a shared partnership are instrumental in ensuring a successful learning journey is experienced and I would like to take this opportunity to thank families for their attendance and commitment to their child’s education. I hope that families left feeling informed and excited about the journey ahead and assured 2019 will be another great year.

Helping your child at home The following are some suggestions/reminders of how to create a calm and happy home where your child can flourish academically.

Be explicit about your expectations It can help for parents to talk about goals so that your child understands that worthwhile things take hard work and often involve doing things that they don’t want to do at the time.

Family atmosphere and outlook Your child’s mood affects how well they learn. A positive outlook is the best thing you can inspire in your children to keep them performing well at school and willing to tackle their homework.

Social Networking / Gaming Social networking and/or gaming can be all consuming. Teens today can be wired 24/7 without a break. Ensuring that the use of Facebook, Mobile phones, Games are balanced and monitored.

Provide the basics Making sure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats the right foods and exercises regularly.

Showing up at Sports Day, school performances, assemblies and liturgies is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in your child’s co-curricular activities.

Getting to know your child’s Caregroup teacher and subject teachers is a great support to your child. Keep teacher-parent communication ongoing throughout the year.

Create a great learning environment Create an environment that your child learns best in. Their study area should include an appropriate size desk with drawers, a chair that’s comfortable, and good lighting.

Work with your child to set up a homework time frame that works in with their lifestyle.

Bosco Campus

Try to check finished work to show you care and offer your child the chance to ask you any questions.

Create a love of self-learning Develop an interest in what your child is studying. This will hopefully motivate them and make the work more meaningful.

Take a specific interest Successful dialogue with your child about learning is dependent on being specific and showing interest in what they are working on. Try to avoid broad questions such as ‘how was your day?’ instead, try to show a more directed interest, e.g. ‘How did your oral presentation go this afternoon?’ or ‘who won soccer at lunchtime today?’ Try to learn about specific events and facts and direct your questions towards your child’s interests.

CareMonkey I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for their response to CareMonkey. This platform has allowed us to communicate more efficiently in partnership. It has also assisted us in moving towards becoming more environmentally conscious as a community through the absence of handouts.

New faces on staff This year we welcome several new staff. Some return from leave, extended contracts or transferred across from Benedict, while others are new to our community. We welcome them all. They bring lots of experience and talents and will continue to enrich us as a community.

Marc Forster, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

New and returning staff include Brett Hay, Emily Komljenovic, Kristofer Sjostrom, Poonam Kataria and Annie Olsen

Liz Muday comes to St Mark’s from St Joseph’s in Port Lincoln

Briony Forster has moved from Benedict Campus

Kirby Symons has returned from leave

With our Year 7 and 8 students studying Chinese this term, teacher Ms Briony Forster writes about the Chinese New Year.

The 5 February 2019 starts the Year of the Pig in the Lunar Calendar.

Based on traditions from the Xia Dynasty (21BCE- 16BCE), the calendar is used today to mark the dates for cultural events and symbolic ancestral days. There are twelve animals that each year is named after. February 5, 2019 is the start of the year of the Pig. The Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals.

According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place. The pig’s chubby face and big ears are signs of fortune as well.

People born in the year of the pig are said to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. They have great concentration: once they set a goal, they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Though Pigs rarely seek help from others, they will not refuse to give others a hand. Pigs never suspect trickery, so they are easily fooled.

Generally speaking, Pigs are relatively calm when facing trouble. No matter how difficult the problems are that Pigs encounter, they can handle things properly and carefully. They have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they are engaged in.

If you have a student in Year 7 or 8, ask them to find your Chinese Zodiac sign and you can see how accurate you think these descriptions are!

Chinese New Year

Bosco Campus

Around Bosco Campus

Claire and Meteha getting creative

House Parent Denise Ardon presents Clayton with his leadership badge Bella, Amity and Grace creating in woodwork

Mr Jordan assists Declan on the bansaw

Austin ready to play during PE

Liam, Levi and Makon in Year 8 Design Sophie at the Salesian House Liturgy

Year 12 Leaders met with parents and staff Athletics practive on the oval

Kayla and Georgia enjoying Drama lesson The Year 7s were supported by teachers in the start of their high school journey

Around the College

College Opening Mass Our community gathered and the beginning of the school year was celebrated with the Opening Mass.

Cleo receives Communion

Waiting patiently for the Mass to start A special blessing

Standing for the readings Our Receptions first Opening Mass

Dux Assembly

Georgia was congratulated by Lauren and Charlie

The Dux of the College Aleisha, achieved a ATAR of 98.3 Our Mayor Leon Stephens was a special guest at the Dux Assembly

Eden was congratulated by Cooper and Jaylea

Our College Captains Jack and Millie addressed the gathering

Scarlette and Chelsea light the House candles

Community NoticesRSL Bursaries for Year 12 Students One $1000 bursary will be awarded to a student at each school in Port Pirie. To apply, submit your CV, Academic History including your involvement in school and community and your goals for the future. Applications due 8 March 2019 at the RSL, The Terrace, Port Pirie.

St Mark’s Celtics Netball Netball Registration details have been made available at both campuses this week. Senior Registration and Merchandise Orders will take place on Thursday 21 February, 6:30-8pm in the St Mark’s Sports Centre Bosco Campus. Junior Registration and forms need to be paid into the Benedict Office by Friday 22 February.

Hip Hop Bounce, fresh dance that’s all about fun!

• Huge range of dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Bounce-Sing (Musical Theatre), Contemporary and Adult’s Dance Fitness.

• Home of the Bounce All Stars Cheerleading program encompassing Stunt, Pom and Tumble.

• Take classes to perform, compete or just for fun; 2 years to adults, beginner to advanced.

• All competition teams are now open to new members, we have teams for 5 years to adults in Hip Hop, All Star Cheer, Pom, Jazz and Contemporary.

• Our very own Little Bouncer Club specifically designed to introduce your 2 or 3 year old to the magic of dance.

• VET/SACE dance certification options for school years 9 and up (Port Pirie)

• Five nights of classes in Port Pirie, over 50 classes to choose from.

• New classes with updated timetables in Jamestown, Clare, Whyalla and Crystal Brook.

Port Football and Community Sporting Club

Open daily from 9.00am

Contact Natasha or Kellie for details: E: natasha@hiphopbounce.com.au kellie@hiphopbounce.com.au P: 0416 239 676

Music Tuition 2019 Wendy Palmer is now taking enrolments for piano, guitar and singing lessons for 2019. Please contact 0439 164 899 for information.

The School Dental Service is a Child Dental Benefits Schedule provider.

Call us now for an appointment!

Your local clinic is: Phone:

www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/sadental

Keep your kids smiling

SA Dental Service

Dental care is FREE for ALL babies, preschool and most children under 18 years

at School Dental Service clinics. The School Dental Service is a Child Dental Benefits Schedule provider.

Call us now for an appointment!

Your local clinic is: Pt Pirie West School Dental Clinic

Phone: 8632 1926 www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/sadental