St Mark's College Newsletter 9 December 2020

Issue 20 9 November 2020 Our year has finished. The St Mark’s community now rests. The efforts, challenges and achievements of this extraordinary year are complete. The hard work, drama and distinctiveness of 2020 is over. The microscopic virus that surprised and snared the world has had its impact and we rest from it. The excitement of Christmas beckons. The priority of a loving family time waits. It’s time for ‘Happy Christmas and thank you’. I write with a sense of thanks that we shared our time at St Mark’s. We are richer through our connection. And we understand this more deeply when we connect with a story about a baby born in Bethlehem. I think that moment in history has given us a profound understanding of our dignity, our nobility. We learn through this event. We see how sacred we really are. I saw the sacredness when I shook hands with a Year 6 at their concluding assembly. I saw it when a student smiled with pride, walked across the stage, and received a certificate at the Bosco Presentation Night. I saw it in the innocence and beauty of a young person singing from the depths of their faith filled heart in a carols evening. I saw the nobility and the dignity in friendships and smiles of a year together; in gifts offered, in the excitement of cleaning up, in the sadness of goodbye. We are drawn to a connection together that we loosely call Church, or school, or community or whatever. That’s what the birth of that baby has revealed to us and that is what we learn to understand at St Mark’s. We rest now and come together again for a wonderful new year. We say farewell. We wave in our quiet fatigue. We say it is definitely time for ‘Merry Christmas’. 3 8803 www.smc.catholic.edu.au RECEPTION Top: The Christmas Nativity, Sloan, 4 Blue 7

Fergus and Lucy rocking around the Christmas Tree Some tumbling thoughts and quick reflections academically, stay in school longer and enjoy a big thank you and a Christmas cheer: their school lives. That’s the research. That’s parents. That was this year. Thank you. There were some big events in the last week. I There are people here who don’t teach but felt a great sense of privilege in watching the the place wouldn’t run without them. Their Year 6 unity at their concluding assembly. I gift to us is organisation and working to help applauded the scholarship and leadership of students and in partnership with the teachers. students at the Bosco Presentation Night. I When they say hello in the morning or smile growled like a lion in excitement at the Little or get things ready, or answer a phone, help Lions Graduation. That’s trying for a cheap with learning, keep the grounds tidy, patch up laugh, I know. And If God requires some spare a wound, that is a powerful kind of service and angels this Christmas Night, he only need drop care. I definitely feel gratitude. in to Benedict and there are 400 of them with I acknowledge the students. Every day I delight angel hearts and cherubic voices. They created in their energy, the innocence, the enthusiasm a Christmas spirit as they sung last week. I and the growth of young people. Every day heard it on Carols Night. students make efforts; they chatter through ideas, bustle into classes, cartwheel into I want to acknowledge the gracious and gentle activities, they tell stories. They wonder about Father Jimmy and write of his chaplaincy. things. At St Mark’s there are only good young His presence and support is profoundly people and they support each other. They are appreciated. He is with us in great school fantastic. I congratulate them. liturgies, in the intimacy of retreats, in the I conclude this year with my deepest thanks for seriousness of Board meetings, in the joy of family efforts and commitment and for your the Sacramental program and in the powerful kindness. I ask for every Christmas blessing for connection he makes at formal occasions. We you and your families. say thank you. Mr Greg Hay, Principal I acknowledge the teachers. They have such Saranyaa in a moments silence before ‘Silent hopes for our students, such ambition for them. Night’ They welcome, make demands and cheer them on and then gently guide. The teachers are really proud of students. They are the reason why our students are in such good shape. The staff organise and work quietly. They love learning and invite students to curiosity. They are creative and invite enthusiasm. I hope that our students know that they were cared for. Thanks teachers. At St Mark's we feel a deep sense of responsibility for the partnership that we share with parents. In every moment the children are learning because of parental care. They learn that this is essentially a good world and that aspiration and effort and generosity are important values. When parents and the school are in partnership children succeed better

Key Dates Week 1: 25/1 - 29/1 Week 2: 1/2 - 5/2 Mon Mon Parents + Friends Meeting, All Welcome Tues 7.00pm, Bosco Conference Room Australia Day Public Holiday Tues Year 8 and Year 9 Parent Information Night Boarders Opening Liturgy and BBQ, 6.30pm R - 12 students commence 7.30pm, BGC Wed Benedict Class Open Times and Welcome Coffee, Wed Dux Assembly 8.15am - 9.00am and 3.20pm - 4.00pm Term 1 Receptions Rest Day 1 Year 7 Parent Information Night 7.30pm, BGC Thu Thu R - 12 Opening Mass, All Welcome Fri Parent / Student Info Packs Return Date 10.00am in the Good Sam Hall Fri Little Lions Welcome Afternoon Between 2.00pm - 3.00pm at the Benedict Campus Office The above schedule is subject to change with COVID-19 restrictions. Benedict’s All Things Christmas ‘Jingle Bells’ with 4 Red and 4 Blue ‘This Little Light of Mine’, Ruby Joseph and Aiden rock out on the air guitar ‘Happy Christmas to You’ with 2 Red and 2 Blue

Our Salesian and Good Samaritan Award winners, Bailey and Khyleen were awarded at the Benedict End of Year Liturgy Final Assembly Congratulations to the following students who were recognised at our final Benedict Assembly for 2020. 6 Red Deputy Principal Awards Star Salesian Awards Star Samaritan Awards 6 Blue Mitchell Taylor 6 Green Liam Saler Adeena Hashmi Skye Robinson 5 Red Sanyan Saharan Ariel Tee Kyyleen Joice Macatangay Imogen Cadd 5 Blue Ryan Pole Bailey Luteria Eve Porta Curtis Cullen 4 Red Sahana Sivalingam Bryce Jones 4 Blue Emily Court Rhyleigh Nielsen Riley Dwyer 3 Blue Liam Williams 3 Red Bailey Ferme Ava Kotaras Chloe Harmer 2 Blue Sloan Chivell Mariana Kambanos Ronan Schoeman 2 Red Caleb Cameron James Mudge 1 Blue Eva Griese Max Caddy Curtis Ramsay 1 Red Saesha Nannapaneni Zaki Saad Brayden Duffield 1 Green Archie Reddaway Finn George Madeline Hayes Rec. Blue Will Halvorsen George Olsen Maya Becker Rec. Red Isabelle McInerney Macy Clothier Isabelle Hutchison Rec. Green Max Johns Carys Taylor Kingston Kiriacou Cecilia Olsen Liam Bellifemini Olivia Angel Owais Saad Mia Saler Patrick McArdle

Around Benedict Campus Year 6s offer a blessing to the Year 5s Olivia and Sanyam process into the Sports Centre Year 6, Charlie gives a letter of Reflecting on their Reception photos, Danniella, Taylah, Imogen, Leila and Cooper encouragement to Year 5, Jack Year 6s celebrated in an explosion of coloured confetti

Bosco Presentation Night Congratulation to all of our students awarded at Bosco Presentation Night! YEAR 7 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE > Mitchell, Eva, Alyssa, James, Davyn and Cooper (Absent: Kodi) YEAR 8 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE > Ella, Isabella, Addison, Adam, Kloe, Zara, Angus, Lilly, Meg, Jemma and Minette YEAR 9 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE > Ayeisha, Amity, Anna, Aslin, Sophie, Kate, Holly and Bella (absent: Jessica) YEAR 10 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE > Lucinda, Gabrielle, Tom, Eliza, Mabel, Logan, Kalan and Ryan

Bosco Campus YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE >Hannah, Morgan, Quinn, Trixie, Lucia, Nicholas and Eve YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE >Meg, Aislynn, Miranda, Georgia, Scarlett, Ethan and Ebony YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE >Jennah, Nathan, Georgia, Fergus, Emma, Eli and Edyn YEAR 12 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE >Ethan, Lucy, Jordan, Sophie, Patrick, Amelia and Jesse YEAR 12 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE >Georgia, Euan, Tate, Theo, Lillian, Lucy and Georgina

On behalf of our College Staff we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Community Notices Games & Christmas Crafts Carols Songs Story Games & Songs Food & Carols Fun Sunday, 13th DecFeoomd &ber FREE Fun EVENT FOR @ Plenty Park PRIMARY AGED 5.30pm - 8pm CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES Book your tickets online northernfestivalcentre.com.au *Transaction Fees Apply CHRISTMAS CLOSURE Northern Festival Centre will be closed from Thursday 24 December 2020 until Wednesday 6 January 2021 Wishing you all a safe and happy festive season DOUBLE FEATURE: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM BOB & THE SANTA CLAUSE Fri 18 December at 11am - Coffee Flix Thurs 17 December at 1pm Fri 18 December at 7pm Adults @ Kids Prices Sat 19 December at 2pm Run time: 206 mins Run time: 92 mins ALL MY LIFE Thurs 10 December at 7pm Fri 11 December at 11am - Coffee Flix Sat 12 December at 2pm Run time: 95 mins A-MAZE-ING SANTA’S MAGICAL SHOW - LIVE Wed 23 December at 10am, 1pm & 4pm Do this one with a friend! Who will reach the banana first, Grug or Punch Monkey All tickets: $12.00 * COME ALONG TO OUR PORT PIRIE REGISTRATION DAY Run time: 50 mins READY FOR JANUARY 2021! THE WAR WITH GRANDPA DREAMBUILDERS Registrations For Cheerleading, Tumble, Jazz, Ballet, Pom Dancing Thurs 7 January at 2pm Sat 9 January at 2pm Ages: 4 years of age through to adult. Tues 12 January at 2pm Fri 8 January at 11am - Coffee Flix Wed 13 January at 11am - Sensory ADDRESS: Port Pirie Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Multipurpose Room Fri 8 January at 2pm & 7pm Wed 13 January at 2pm DATE: Saturday 5th Of December 2020 Run time: 94 mins Thurs 14 January at 2pm TIME: 4.00pm-5.30pm 106 Gwewrtrwud.emSitdreneto, ProthrtaPlirlisetarsM.coroemInf.oarumation & Bookings: 8633 8500 Run time: 81 mins www.mBiodxnOoffrictehoaplelnsWtaedrnse@sdagymto aFriild.acyo1m2:30pm - 4:30pm & 10h4ou8r3pri3or3t0o p8er8fo3rmances or movie screening THE WITCHES THE CROODS: A NEW AGE DRAGON RIDER Fri 15 January at 11am - Coffee Flix Sat 16 January at 2pm Friday 22 January at 2pm Port Football and Mon 18 January at 2pm Saturday 23 January at 2pm Community Sporting Club Fri 15 January at 2pm & 7pm Open daily from 9.00am Sat 16 January at 7pm Tues 19 January at 2pm Run time: 92 mins Run time: 104 mins Wed 20 January at 2pm Thurs 21 January at 11am - Sensory Thurs 21 January at 2pm Fri 22 January at 10am Run time: 95 mins Online Canteen Orders for Benedict and Bosco: www.flexischools.com.au