STMARKS NEWSLETTER 25 (27 JUNE 2025)

EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN PERTH

On Friday, 21 June, eight students from St. Marks, one from Year 7, five from Year 8, and two from Year 11 traveled to Perth, Australia, to participate in a student exchange program at Carey Baptist College. The program runs for twelve days and offers our students a valuable opportunity to experience Australian school life and culture.

Despite the chilly winter weather, our students quickly adapted to their new environment. Each school day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., and our students have been embracing their new routines with enthusiasm and resilience.

Upon arrival at Carey Baptist College, we received a warm welcome and were ushered into the library, where the school principal, Mr. Brendan, introduced our students to their assigned class buddies. These buddies played an important role in helping our students navigate the campus and settle in without their guidance, our students would have felt truly lost!

A typical school day at Carey Baptist is very similar to what we have at St. Marks. The day starts with a 10-minute homeroom session, followed by six class periods (each lasting 55 minutes), with snack and lunch breaks in between. School concludes at 3:30 p.m. each day.

After school, our students enjoyed a scenic ferry ride from South Perth to Elizabeth Quay. There, we had a wonderful dinner at Milky Lane, joined by two representatives from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). The SCSA officers were incredibly welcoming and generous; they not only hosted us for a delicious meal but also prepared thoughtful gifts for our students.

Pictured above are just a few highlights from our first day, a great start to what promises to be a memorable and meaningful exchange experience.

GROUP B SCIENCE: ATOMS AND MOLECULES

This week, our classrooms were filled with excitement, curiosity, and a touch of madness as we celebrated Mad Scientist Week! Our Primary students transformed into little scientists, exploring the wonders of science through fun and interactive experiments.

One of the highlights of the week was a hands-on activity in which students inflated balloons through a chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar. Before the experiment began, the teacher introduced the concept by explaining how atoms and molecules react when mixed, creating gas that fills the balloon!

With materials ready, students had the chance to conduct the experiment themselves. The look of amazement on their faces as their balloons magically inflated was priceless! It was a perfect blend of learning and fun, helping students understand science in an exciting and memorable way.

Mad Scientist Week has certainly sparked a love for discovery and experimentation.

EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY ARTS: DIDGERIDOO STICKS

Last week, our Early Years and Primary students took a fun and creative journey into Australian culture as they learned about traditional Aboriginal instruments, particularly the didgeridoo!

Students were introduced to the history and cultural significance of the didgeridoo, one of the world’s oldest wind instruments, traditionally used by Aboriginal people in Northern Australia. They learned how it produces its unique sound and how it plays an important role in ceremonies, storytelling, and music.

As part of this exciting lesson, the children created their very own didgeridoo sticks! Using rolled cardboard, they carefully crafted and decorated their instruments with traditional Aboriginal-style patterns and vibrant colors. The activity not only encouraged artistic expression but also deepened their appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.

EARLY YEARS & PRIMARY COOKING: LAMINGTON

Last Friday, all our Early Years and Primary students took part in a fun and delicious cooking activity as part of their cultural learning. Since last week's theme was Australia, the children had the opportunity to make a classic Australian dessert, lamingtons! They learned how this traditional treat is made by dipping sponge cake into chocolate sauce and then rolling it in desiccated coconut. It was a wonderful way to wrap up their lesson on Australian culture, while also practicing basic cooking skills and enjoying a sweet treat they made themselves.

SUMMER SCHOOL GROUP A THAI: CHARACTERS

During our Thai summer class, students were introduced to the Thai letter 'ก', which is the first letter of the Thai alphabet and represents the word 'ไก่' (chicken). To help reinforce their learning in a fun and creative way, the students were encouraged to draw their own chickens, incorporating the letter 'ก' into their artwork. This activity not only helped them recognise and remember the letter but also allowed them to express their creativity and enjoy the learning process.

SUMMER SCHOOL GROUP B MATHS: TIME

In Maths, our Group B students learned how to properly tell the time using an analog clock, an essential life skill that helps children develop time management and awareness of their daily routine. To make the lesson more interactive and meaningful, students created their own clocks using cardboard and movable clock hands. This hands-on activity not only reinforced their understanding of how to read hours and minutes but also allowed them to apply what they learned creatively and practically.

SUMMER SCHOOL GROUP D & E SCIENCE: MAGNETISM

In Science class, our high school students explored the fascinating topic of magnetism. They were introduced to the concept of making temporary magnets and conducted a hands-on experiment to see it in action. Using a strong magnet, paperclips, and iron nails, the students rubbed the magnet along the nail several times, a process known as magnetization. As a result, the nails became temporary magnets and were able to attract paperclips. This engaging activity helped students better understand how magnetic fields work and how materials can be magnetized through contact.