The Diocesan Assembly reminds us of the importance of the young. The AGM with Sacramental Night and Harmony Day set the agenda.

The Diocesan Assembly There were nearly 200 delegates from around the Port Pirie Diocese who met over the last couple of days. They gather from parishes far and wide. They attend at the invitation of Bishop Greg O’Kelly to what is called the Diocesan Assembly. It is a time when big Church matters are discussed. It is where ideas are shared and issues analysed. There is a spirit of listening and hope and people talk about their Church experience and how they want to see the future. There was an emphasis on youth at this assembly. The Pope has called this year ‘The Year of Youth’ and young people were especially invited. Our most public representatives were Crenie Kumar and Clem Stanley. They addressed the assembly as guest speakers and talked about their faith, their experience of Church and what inspires them. They covered topics including the Philippines Immersion, the Australian Youth Conference and what Church means. What impressed me was their articulate and wise presentation. I was proud of their insight and authenticity. They spoke with a sincerity that touched the audience. The whole assembly was very impressed.

To conclude the assembly was the Chrism Mass. It is when all of the priests of the diocese are present on the altar and in a special ritual during the Mass, the oils that we use at Baptism and Confirmation are specially blessed. It is a grand occasion and Mr Isaac Ellis, a Bosco Science teacher plays the organ for the Cathedral Choir and all of our Year 7s are present as are the Benedict and Bosco student leaders. Crenie and Clem proclaimed the readings and our representative during the ceremony of the oils was Antonio Amato. His walk, all by himself to the Bishop at the altar and was very dignified.

The whole service is full of pomp and ceremony. There is incense and the richness of symbols, some powerful musical moments and grand and ancient prayers. There is a full gathering of the diocesan community and I felt very fortunate that we as a College can be part of something so special.

Annual General Meeting On Wednesday night the College held its Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting of the Board is one of the most important evenings in the College calendar and it is one that is quietly missed. It is the formal reporting of committees and the executive of the College are accountable for their leadership. It is the time when the College Board are answerable to our families for their vision and work. It is when we say what has been achieved and how much everything costs. It is where we look at accomplishments and answer questions about our future. I assume people think things are going well. It was a quiet meeting and not too many in attendance.

On Wednesday we reported formal business and tabled our spending. We spoke about plans and we held the election of the new Board for 2018. It was a seamless occasion and mostly uncontroversial. Alan Zubrinich counselled me happily “If they were not happy they would be here”. So I had a chance to table a little of the vision for the school in the next few years without much turbulence. I thank Father Francis Montero for his management as President of the Board and I thank those people who felt it so necessary to attend and oversee the good management of our College.

When I was writing my official Principal Report in preparation I felt myself becoming very proud at what had been achieved. In fact, I was

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Crenie and Clem proudly represented St Mark’s at the Chrism Mass and Diocesan Assembly Photo credit: Hip Photography

astonished. The year in reflection was about excellence in learning and there was significant growth. It was about the building of community and a real commitment to seeing how the sacred becomes present in our great moments and in each other.

I am delighted to announce our College Board: Chairperson – Alan Zubrinich. Alan is joined by Father Francis Montero (President) Chris Rafanelli (Deputy Chair) Greg Hay (Principal) Marc Forster (Deputy Principal) Melissa Gadaleta (Deputy Principal) Darryll Johnson, Emily Williams, Katrina Butterick, Daniel Lauder and Jo Court (Executive Officer).

I acknowledge the generosity and work of Kingslee Stanley and Megan Congdon who finish their time on the Board. They brought insight and a generosity of spirit to the group. We have a talented group now to guide us. We launch out into a new year with an energetic and vibrant committee system and a determined and hardworking group.

Sacramental Night I was very pleased to see many parents gather with us last week for the Sacramental Night. This is an information night when the Parish Priest Fr Francis, the teachers and the parents of children involved in the Sacramental program meet.

There were Year 4 families who will be learning about the process of Reconciliation. There were Year 5s who will have their First Eucharist this year and there was the Year 7 group who will be learning about the sacrament of Confirmation.

I was excited about the gathering and the program that will unfold. It is about a partnership with school and parish and family and our own personal journey in faith. The teachers spoke about the learning and the formation of the children. The parents seemed highly committed. I know that together we will create moments with a sense of the presence

of God. I think we are helping the children search for the mystery of God and together we are part of the unfolding of the mystery. The night seemed cohesive and positive. The children have our prayers and love. We launched an experience, about mysterious and sacred insights and we are enriched by this beginning moment. There are great rituals ahead. It’s a sign of God’s loving presence.

Bullying No Way There is a part of our humanness that is fragile and sensitive and there is a part that can be angry and selfish. We can misinterpret an experience thinking we are victimised and feel simply terrible or we can lack empathy and hurt others. That happens. That’s part of what we discern and wrestle with when things go wrong in relationships. We tumble around a bit trying to work out what went wrong and how to avoid it. Sometimes we wonder if it is bullying. What is much clearer, however, is if we experience or witness something that happens which hurts us or others and that is deliberate and repeated. That seems clearer. That doesn’t need as much interpretation. That is bullying and it does not have a place in our school. The deliberate and intentional focus on another person to upset or disempower is simply not part of our ethos and certainly not permitted. The College stands united with all communities to celebrate the eighth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Our students are involved in creative activities, surveys and discussions. They get to wear a shade of orange as a symbol and they certainly are reminded that we can’t stand by and ignore intentional and hurtful behaviour. I thank the teachers for their work with students in helping to grow awareness and prevent bullying. I ask the families to let us know if we can support you in confronting situations and growing resilience. The College says Bullying – No Way. Greg Hay, Principal

Ag Sponsors BBQ Wednesday 28 March, 6.30pm McNally Farm

Holy Thursday Thursday 29 March

Good Friday Friday 30 March

Holy Saturday Saturday 31 March

Easter Sunday Sunday 1 April

Easter Monday Monday 2 April

Bella and Jackson spoke with Catholic Education Director Nichii Mardon, Brishop Greg O’Kelly and students from Caritas, St Joseph’s and St James’.

Around the CollegeReligious Education

Sacramental Preparation Last week a number of our families gathered for the annual Sacramental Meeting for families wishing for their child to celebrate the sacraments in 2018. For a number of reasons there were families who were unable to attend this meeting. Given the large number of families still seeking the information and input into the 2018 program a second date has been set: Tuesday March 27 at 7pm in St Mark’s Cathedral.

Those families still wishing for their child to celebrate one of the Sacraments need to be represented at this meeting so that they can gain the necessary information and the documentation to undertake the program. We will assume you are making your own arrangements to do this outside of the College if you are not present.

Project Compassion Fundraising This year’s Project Compassion fundraising has been both generous and heartfelt. At Benedict, there has been weekly Lenten Liturgies and across the College there have been class lessons providing a sound knowledge and understanding for the students of where and how their money raised is used by Caritas Australia. The M Team currently have an Easter Egg Raffle. You will see the team out in the mornings and during breaks in the Benedict yard selling tickets over the next week. Bosco Campus have focussed their fundraising efforts within the Harmony Day celebrations. Groups of students have led their own initiatives during Lent and the P&F Committee have also contributed a portion of their Sports Day fundraising to boost our total. I look forward to hearing the Grand total of our community effort in a week’s time.

From the APRIM

Artworks representing the four sub-themes of the Assembl y were created by Deb McArthur with the Year 10 Religion class

DON BOSCO YOUTH CAMP Fun - Games – Sports – Music - Friends

Activities Include Indoor + outdoor Games

Sports Team Challenges

Cooking Board/ card games

Chants/ Singing Movie night And more…

Don Bosco Youth Camp Gawler for children aged 10-15 in the tradition of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Activities are led by adult and young leaders in a supportive environment.

Dates: 15th of April until the 18th of April 2018

Kentish Road Gawler Belt.

For further information visit our website www.dbyc.salesians.org.au

Email dbyc@salesians.org.au DON BOSCO YOUTH CAMP

DON BOSCO YOUTH CAMP

dbyc@salesians.org.au DON BOSCO YOUTH CAMP

Stations of the Cross Our Year 5 and 6 students are busy preparing to present the Stations of the Cross for the Benedict community. They will presented on Tuesday 27 March in the Good Samaritan Hall. There will be 2 timeslots on that day at 9:45am and again at 11:40am. I encourage all families to come along and see this presentation of the Stations, which are a significant part of our Church tradition.

Diocesan Assembly This week I attended the 22nd Annual Diocesan Assembly. At this event people from all parts of our vast Diocese gather together for formation and also planning based on a theme set by the Bishop. This year we considered the Year of Youth as announced by Pope Francis. There were also some very open and frank conversations taking place as we considered and had input on the Plenary Council of the Church of Australia set to take place in 2020.

The last Plenary Council was held 80 years ago in 1937. A Plenary Council is the highest formal gathering of the Church. It has been set by the Australian Bishops to discuss the future of the Catholic Church here in our country. Over the next 2 years there will be many opportunities to be in dialogue about the Catholic Church of Australia as it moves into the future. We will be called to ‘speak bravely and boldly’ as we listen to God by listening to one another in a spirit filled encounter. Let us pray for the work that will be done over the next 2 years in the lead up to the Plenary Council.

A video overview explaining the Council can be viewed on the following by clicking here.

Katie Pole, APRIM

Antonio leads the procession at the Chrism Mass Photo credit: Hip Photography

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Tuesday 27 March 9:45 and 11:40am

Good Samaritan Hall, Benedict Campus

Last Friday saw the launch of the SMC Benedict - Say No to Bullying Awareness Campaign at an R-6 assembly. Students and staff were provided with the official wristband to wear as part of their uniform for as long as the wristband lasts! It has been great to see so many reappearing each day. Please encourage your child/ren to wear them.

Whilst conversations and surveys are occurring in class, visual reminders are being thoughtfully created and displayed throughout the school. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our Year Level Coordinators, Mrs Jenna George and Mr Matt Mead for their development of the week and their thorough planning. I’d also like to acknowledge the support of all staff with this very important campaign.

A few thoughts from the students on the week thus far:

“You can tell a parent or a teacher.” Anna Frkic, Reception Red

“With your friend you say, ‘Stop bullying’!” Caiden McMahon, Reception Red

“When someone is bullying you, you get company with your friends and you walk away with them.” Saesha Nannapaneni, Reception Red

“I’m seeing people inviting more people to play with them because they are listening to the messages about being friendly. It is good that the school has done this to let us know that bullying doesn’t just happen at school but out of school too!” Mia-Lee Bateson, 5 Blue

“I’m definitely seeing a lot more kindness in the yard because students are more aware of not being a bully, especially during Anti-Bullying Week. It is reminding people of the Golden Rule which is; treat others the way you would like to be treated.” Trey Luteria, 5 Blue

“People who are bullied don’t usually bully others because they know it’s wrong and how horrible it feels. If you see someone getting bullied, you should lend a hand.” Hamish Webb, 5 Blue

As a school community we hope that the Awareness Week helps to empower students with a voice to speak up and confidence to have these often difficult conversations with school staff or families and to know they are not alone. Most importantly, after the displays fade and the wristbands break, we hope the students will continue to treat each other kindly and say no to bullying. With your support, we know this can happen.

Also around the school;

The M Team are selling raffle tickets for Easter

Treats. 50c each or 3 for $1. All proceeds to Outreach Projects in our community (ie Fred’s Van, St Joseph’s Home etc). A big ‘thank you’ to the M Team for organising and for the generous support of their families in supplying the prizes.

Next Tuesday, 27 March, the Year 5 and Year 6 students will present the Stations of the Cross to the Benedict Community as part of Holy Week. You are most welcome to join us at 9.45am or 11.40am in the Good Samaritan Hall. Please note: this is a prayerful time and not a performance, therefore, we ask that you enter and leave the hall in silence and refrain from clapping.

A number of meetings have been held to discuss the vacant area since the removal of Rooms 11 and 12. We have decided to go ahead with a Sensory Garden and Reflection Area primarily for the middle and upper primary students to use. As we get closer to the actual planting of plants, we would welcome any expertise /donations in this area. Interested ‘green thumbs’ can leave their name at the Office for future contact. Watch this space!

It is also time to wish Mrs Jenna George all the very best as she begins Maternity Leave. We are looking forward to meeting baby George and wish Jenna and Simon lots of love and best wishes as they begin their next chapter.

In Jenna’s absence, Mrs Kayla Hastings will be teaching in Reception Blue and Mrs Annie Keane will be teaching in 1 Red. Miss Sophie Porcelli will be our R-2 Coordinator and Mrs Michelle Malchow will also be working longer hours to support our students.

Melissa Gadaleta, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus

Easter Re-enactment Stations of the Cross Tuesday 27 March , GSH 9.45am and 11.40am

Parent Teacher Interviews Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 April

From the Deputy Principal

Students wore wristbands as a mark of their commitment to ending bullying

Benedict Campus

Say No to Bullying - Awareness Week

Amaliyah, Mekayla, Leo, Cooper and Caprie made orange ballons with anti-bullying messages

Joseph, Natalia, Ryan, Isabel and Hamish proudly showing their wristbands

Reception Green learning about bullying Bailey and Eden showing their posters

Olivia with the Gruffalo she made

Eva, Addison and Nicholas painted Koala Lou

Lilli, Kealee and Jaida with their paintings

Sloan, Lukas and Jett growing a beanstalk

Learning at Benedict

M-Team Easter Raffle!

Tickets just 50c or 3 tickets for $1!

Tickets are on sale until Wednesday 28 March, prizes will also be drawn that day!

Year 8 Retreat Tuesday 3 April

Year 10 Retreat Wednesday 3 April

From the Deputy Principal

Formation of new leaders Last week our Year 6 to 12 student leaders gathered for a day of formation, each arriving a little shy about their role as a leader. As the day unfolded, they awoke to their calling to leadership, embracing the experience and emerging as confident and capable young leaders by the end of the day. The day was led with excellence by our experienced team of House Leaders and support staff. Their enthusiasm, dedication and vibrant presence was instrumental in the success and spirit of the day.

Students participated in a number of sessions that explored different ideas and concepts of leadership. There were insights shared, ideas discussed and actions to be taken. It was exciting to see students working in house groups as they explored their own personal leadership style.

I look forward to seeing what the 2018 Leadership group achieve. They are a committed group, bursting with ideas and ready to take on the St Mark’s world. I wish them every success over the coming year.

Partnerships to success The Bosco Centre was filled with energy on Wednesday evening as Year 12 parents, teachers and students gathered to discuss progress and learning. This partnership is an important one and reflects the dedication to educational excellence in our community. The evening was well attended and full of productive conversations. I am confident that parents and students left the evening feeling informed, supported and affirmed by how much we care as a community. If you were unable to

attend and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact the Bosco Office or your child’s subject teacher directly.

School Based Apprenticeships (SbAT) Australian school based apprenticeships and traineeships (SbAT) combine schooling at the senior secondary level with training and employment.

Planned learning in school and work is balanced between the needs of the student, the employer and the school, and compliments, but does not compromise achievement of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or equivalent.

I congratulate Jake Noble, who has recently been signed up as a School Based Apprentice with the Master Plumbers Association. His host employer is Lucivero Plumbing. This is a great start to a career as a plumber.

If you are interested in becoming the next School Based Apprentice, please contact our VET Coordinator, Ms Simone Atkinson.

Bullying –Zero Tolerance St Mark’s College has a zero tolerance to bullying. All incidences of bullying reported to the College are followed up and acted upon. The safety of our students is very important to us. We do rely on parents keeping us informed, so please report any incidences of bullying to your child’s Year Level Coordinator by lodging a Bullying/Harassment Form. This form can be downloaded from our website (click to follow link).

To notify the school of a bullying incident can be scary, however, bullies thrive on this fear.

Our student leaders gathered for a successful formation day.

Our leaders completed many challenges to promote team bonding... and a bit of fun!

Bosco Campus

Congratulations on your apprenticeship Jake!

I strongly encourage students to stand against bullying, be strong and report incidents using the above form so that we are able to ensure that our College is a place of care, welcome and safety.

What is bullying? Bullying is behaviour that is meant to be hurtful, targets a person or group of people, happens more than once and embarrasses, threatens or intimidates the person being bullied. It may happen in person but can also happen out of sight or online. Single incidents and conflict or fights between peers, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Examples of repeated behaviour that can be considered bullying:• Intentionally keeping someone out of a group (online chat or in yard)• Giving nasty looks, making rude gestures, calling names and constantly negative teasing.• Spreading rumours or lies, or misrepresenting someone (i.e. using their Facebook account to

post messages as if it were them)• Harassing someone based on their race, sex, religion, gender or a disability• Intentionally and repeatedly hurting someone physically or making hurtful/negative

comments about them online Parent Response:• Find out as much as you can about what has happened. This will assist you in communicating

with the school about the situation. • Stay calm and positive. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s

experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child. • Discuss strategies to manage bullying (refer to www.bullyingnoway.gov.au for some great

strategies) • Do not advise your child to fight with the other child • Report the bullying to the school- this is most important, if the school is not aware they cannot

respond- do not assume the school knows • Seek help for your child to learn about dealing with bullying- our College Counsellor Ellen is

available at Bosco on Tuesday and Thursday’s (see over the page for more information). If your child is being bullied via social media, encourage your child:• not to respond to the message or image,• to save the evidence,• to block or delete the sender,• to report the situation to the Internet Service Provider or phone service provider; they can help

you block messages or calls, and• inform the school – provide any screenshots that will aid in follow up.

School response:• Investigate and action all reported bullying.• Work with you to document and resolve the situation.• Work with the other student and their parents. Please note that due to privacy laws, the school

will not be able to share information about any other students involved.• Document all incidences of bullying and follow up- track and respond to any repeat offenders.

Harmony Day On Thursday we celebrated diversity through our commitment to Harmony Day. It was a day of Orange filled unity. Various celebrations were had around the College, each raising funds for Project Compassion. It was wonderful to see our leaders raising awareness around the importance of harmony. Their key message to our community was about creating an inclusive environment, where everyone is welcomed, valued and accepted.

Marc Forster, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus

Year 12s enjoyed their final Harmony Day at St Mark’s

Bailey and Jackson on Harmony Day

Our Year 9 girls were looking bright

Around the College

Harvesting Chickens at McNally Farm Our Year 7s have been researching the development of the chicken from egg until an adult - and it’s caused quite the excitement across both campuses!

Noah, Ryder, Kayla and Milana holding the newly hatched chicks at McNally Farm

Elise was fascinated with the new chicks Jack was happy to see the chicks had arrived

Welcome Ellen! Our new School Counsellor

My name is Ellen Bunfield and I am the new School Counsellor at Saint Mark’s at both Bosco and Benedict campuses. Within my role as the School Counsellor I will provide a friendly, private and confidential service to assist the students at St Mark’s College with a range of school and personal issues.

I am an Old Scholar of St Mark’s College and was also a member of the Salesian Boarding House for the duration of my 5 years at the College. I am in my final year of university, studying a bachelor of social work and have a very strong passion and an assortment of experiences working with youth.

I will be based at Benedict Campus:

• Tuesday 9:30am-12:00pm

• Wednesday 9:00am-3:30pm

Bosco Campus:

• Tuesday 12:00pm-4:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm

If you would like to access my service or refer someone please make contact with the office at the relevant campus or alternatively my contact details are, E: ebunfield@smc.catholic.edu.au P: 0439 162 764

Ellen Bunfield, School Counsellor

Teacher and Old Scholar Exhibition 2018Current and former teachers as well as old scholars are invited to participate in St Mark’s biannual SALA (South Australian Living Artist) exhibition in August. If you are a past St Mark’s student or teacher who is either working as an artist or get creative in your spare time we would love to hear from you. Registrations close 8 June.

For information or to register contact: Megan - mcongdon2@smc.catholic.edu.au, or Alix- aschuppan@smc.catholic.edu.au

SAPSASA Summer Carnival

Around the College

Little Lions

Our 2018 mid-year Receptions have been getting ready for school with the Little Lions’ Transition Program each Friday.

The children have been very busy engaging in meaningful play, arts, literacy and numeracy experiences. Some of their favourite experiences are creating with play dough, painting with watercolours, cooking and playing in the Nature Play Area, reading stories and spending time with their Year 6 buddies. Next term we will also practise joining the Junior Primary students for fruit and recess play under the guidance of buddies and Ms Gadaleta.

Each week the Little Lions engage in a special learning experience at school. So far we have taken a school tour to visit the Office, Canteen, Technology Room and play areas, visited the Library to borrow a book to take home, had a special Music and Dance lesson with Miss Caputo, were spectators at the Bosco Athletics Day and took part in Clean Up Our School Day. Soon we will visit McNally Farm and have a PE lesson!

All of the Little Lions have shown a wonderful interest in school and are very excited about joining us every day in Semester 2. Our current Reception students are also very excited to welcome their new friends into their classes later in the year.

Teresa Gadaleta, Little Lions Coordinator

Our Little Lions enjoying Music, Dance and Drama with Miss Caputo

The cricket boys having a break in the shade Students were proud to represent the College

Milana pitching during the game Batters up!

On Friday 9 March the Year 6 students from Benedict and Year 7 Students from Bosco attended the Interschool Summer Carnival. Approximately 150 students were involved with either softball, cricket or tennis. It was a very warm day, but fun was had by all students.

Thank you to the older students from Bosco who came to assist with umpiring at all venues. Thank you also to the wonderful parents who volunteered their time to help either manage or umpire different teams and sports during the day.

Jo Wilsdon, Benedict Sports Coordinator

One of our Year 6 / 7 teams that represented St Mark’s at the Summer Carnival

Port Football & Community Sporting Club

Open daily from 9.00am

Community Notices

Benedict Movie Night Thursday 12 April

Doors open at 6.30pm Movie starts at 7pm

$5 entry, wear your PJ’s!

P+F Fundraiser: Hot Cross Buns!

Collection will be from the Good Samaritan Hall at Benedict as follows:

Students surnames starts with A-L: Monday 26 March

Students surnames starts with M-Z: Tuesday 27 March

2019 Scholarship Applications close on 6 April.

Apply now for one of our College Scholarships:

• Boarding

• Indigenous

• Bosco (Academic)

• Creative Arts

• Agriculture

Visit the website to download the Application Form.