St Mark's Old Scholars' Association

COMMUNITY, CONNECTION AND GIVING BACK 🦁

The recent St Mark's / Salvation Army Great Cook Up was another wonderful example of the St Mark's community in action, with Old Scholars, students, parents and volunteers coming together for a great cause.

Together, the team prepared 10 full bain-maries — around 120 meals for people experiencing homelessness to enjoy over the weekend.

As an Association, we're proud to support opportunities that bring generations of the St Mark's community together while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, and to Kate Gillam and the Food Technology team for their incredible support. Your generosity, teamwork and community spirit made the day a great success.

🚁 AN OLD SCHOLAR LANDS BACK AT ST MARK’S! 🦁

There was plenty of excitement on campus when the WA Police Air Wing visited St Mark’s, with students thrilled to meet the team and explore the helicopter up close.

It was especially wonderful to welcome back St Mark’s Old Scholar Stuart, Class of 2004, who shared insights into his career with WA Police and answered plenty of questions from curious students — including the all-important one about donuts! 🍩

A very special full-circle moment came when Stuart caught up with his Year 1 teacher, Mrs McKibbin, as well as Mrs MCarthy and Mrs Upson, reminding us of the lasting connections formed during school days.

Thank you to Stuart and the WA Police Air Wing for inspiring the next generation of St Mark’s students and giving them a behind-the-scenes look at policing from the air in WA. 🚁

📸 Generations of St Mark’s, all in one photo!

Last month, 44 Old Scholars and 77 current students came together for our annual Generational Photo — a special tradition celebrating families with deep St Mark’s connections.

After a light breakfast filled with catch-ups, memories and plenty of smiles, families gathered for the big photo (with a little friendly competition for the best spot on the scaffolding! 😄).

A wonderful morning celebrating the St Mark’s spirit that continues from one generation to the next. 💙

🏉 BIG NEWS! 🏉

Congratulations to our Old Scholar, Luker Kentfield (Class of 2023), who is set to make his AFL debut for the Melbourne Football Club this Monday!

And what a stage to do it on — taking on Collingwood in the iconic Big Freeze clash at the MCG. 🔥❄️

From the St Mark’s oval to one of football’s biggest occasions, we couldn’t be prouder of Luker and this incredible achievement.

Good luck, Luker — the entire St Mark’s community will be cheering you on! 🦁

Check out Melbourne's interview with Luker here 🎥 | mfcde.es/3REgd1w

GOING PLATINUM

Huge congratulations to local legends Great Gable, whose song "Drift" has officially gone Platinum in Australia 🎉🎶

A special shoutout goes to Old Scholar Chris Bye from the Class of 2013, who is part of the band making big waves around the country (and beyond!).

From school days in Perth to Platinum records, it’s pretty amazing to see where talent, hard work and a love of music can take you.

Congrats to the whole Great Gable crew — we’ll definitely be turning "Drift" up a little louder today!



https://www.greatgablemusic.com/

40 YEARS OF DATA

40 years of St Mark’s means 40 years of memories… and 40 years of data we’re trying to wrangle 🦁

As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we’d love our Old Scholars to help us reconnect the dots of St Mark’s history, the friendships, traditions, family connections, legendary stories, and yes … the undeniable love of canteen cheesies.

If you’re an Old Scholar, please take a moment to update your details with us, and while you’re there, let us know about any siblings who also attended St Mark’s over the years.

Help us uncover:
✨ Family connections across generations
✨ Old friendships and classmate networks
✨ Shared memories and school traditions
✨ The hidden gems in 40 years of St Mark’s history

Because somewhere in our archives there’s probably:
📸 a questionable haircut
🏃 a sports carnival triumph
🎭 a school production masterpiece
🧀 and at least one lunchtime powered entirely by cheesies

Update your details here: https://forms.office.com/r/uq5JHeV709

Thank you for helping us celebrate 40 incredible years of the St Mark’s story 🦁

KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE

The 40th St Mark’s Day celebrations last week were everything you’d hope for and more 🦁

The day kicked off with the St Mark’s Day Eucharist, including the commissioning of Senior Chaplain Mark Davis by Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy, alongside a heartfelt farewell to the School’s fourth Principal, Steven Davies, following his retirement announcement — both significant moments in St Mark’s history.

Then the campus alongside Mawson Park well and truly came alive. There was cross country (or the run-a-thon for our old-school alumni), ELC students learning all about Saint Mark, and Junior School students busy creating chains of kindness, positivity pathways and tackling the History Trail to learn about all things St Mark's.

But let’s be honest… the return of the Fun Fair stole the show 🎡😂

Back for the first time since COVID, it had everything: tug of war, giant games, silent disco, face painting, amazing food and the legendary dunk tank making its long-awaited comeback. Watching teachers voluntarily line up to be dunked by students? Elite entertainment that had the crowds cheering!

What’s always made St Mark’s Day special is the mix of fun, community spirit and giving back, with students also raising funds for Anglicare’s Street Connect Program for homeless youth.

A huge milestone, so many familiar traditions, and one very happy St Mark’s community.

GRIFFIN'S TALES

Did you know that the two pine trees near our Floreat building are descendants of Gallipoli’s Lone Pine, linking us to the Battle of Lone Pine in 1915. After the battle, Australian soldiers sent home pine cones from the site, which were grown into trees across the country as living memorials.

Gifted by Mr and Mrs Sinclair and planted by our Year 7 students in 2009, these pines are a daily reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring Anzac spirit.

Lest we forget.

Read more on our website: https://www.stmarks.wa.edu.au/news/the-living-legacy-of-st-marks-lone-pines-a-tribute-to-sacrifice-and-resilience

ANZAC DAY 2026

Today, we pause to honour the courage, resilience, and commitment of all Australians who have served and continue to serve in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations.

In 2026, the Royal Australian Navy marks its 125th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a long legacy of service, dedication, and sacrifice.

This year’s commemoration also recognises the families, friends, and loved ones who stand beside those who serve. For every person in uniform, there is a network of support behind them, sharing in the challenges and sacrifices that service brings.

The image captures a Royal Australian Navy member with his children on Dee Why Beach following a Dawn Service — a quiet moment that reflects both service and the strength of family.

Whether attending a Dawn Service, laying a wreath, or reflecting in silence, we remember those who gave their lives, those who returned forever changed, and those who continue to serve.

Their legacy lives on in the values of mateship, perseverance, and unity.

Lest we forget.