St Mark’s is an Anglican school. It is the first school of the Anglican Schools Commission, an organisation established in 1985 whose core purpose is to establish and support low-fee Anglican systemic schools which provide a high quality, inclusive, caring Christian education. St Mark’s seeks to do this in its own context, as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning, pastoral care, worship and service, in the relatively high SES area of Hillarys and its surrounds.

St Mark’s is a non-selective school. The School’s programs and activities are underpinned by core Christian values. Pastoral care and social justice are central to the outworking of the Christian faith within our community.

St Mark’s provides our students with opportunities to learn through a relevant and personally meaningful curriculum that encompasses learning in the classroom, through partnerships with external organisations,  in group activities such as arts productions, through outdoor experiences on camps, on excursions or expeditions, through service and by learning about themselves and others. Our students are given opportunities to explore and develop their unique gifts and talents so they can use these to make meaningful contributions to the community and find purpose in their lives.

As part of its educational and pastoral curriculum, to develop reason and engage in worship, all students at St Mark’s attend a Christian Studies/Education class each week, weekly Chapel and from time to time, Eucharists. In his paper titled “Enhancing Our Anglican Identity”, The Reverend Dr Daniel Heischman states that in Anglican schools, “Anglican faith is offered to our school community – students, families, staff – as something worthy of personal exploration, study and conversation”. 

He also says that “Participation often precedes understanding; experiencing worship paves the way to deeper meaning”. Our students in our diverse community, of other faiths or no faith at all, have the opportunity to participate in thinking and to reflect on the way that faith can impact on their lives.

St Mark’s has expectations of its students, wishing to set and maintain high standards in all that we do, including the way that students approach their studies, the way that the School’s uniform is worn, the manner in which students present themselves each day at school, the way people treat each other, and the way students behave at school and in the community, amongst other things.

St Mark’s has a smart looking and distinctive uniform and in wearing it proudly, students show that they belong to a community and that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Whether it be the formal or sport uniform, wearing it at the highest standard indicates a pride in and sense of belonging to the St Mark’s community. St Mark’s provides both formal and informal experiences for our students, and it is important to recognise the difference and know how to dress and behave appropriately in each type of context.

As in any organisation, we have rules to provide structure for our community, and to ensure that we treat each other with respect. Our rules help to maintain safety, regulate behaviour, ensure efficient organisation, facilitate student learning, and provide conservative guidelines for appearance, amongst other things. Accepting these rules is part of being a member of the St Mark’s community, and our students are expected to take responsibility for adhering to them.

We are proud of the sense of community that is so much a part of our School ethos. The School was developed in, for and by the community. Families commit to contributing to the School community through parent commitment hours. The P&F and Old Scholars’ Association are key groups within the St Mark’s community and parent involvement in these groups is welcomed and encouraged.

St Mark’s is a values-driven organisation. We act according to our stated values (Respect, Knowledge, Confidence, Responsibility and Community), follow policies and procedures established by the School and by the Anglican Schools Commission, and behave with integrity. We expect these things of our whole community. Our values provide the foundation for the development of our students as capable, confident, competent and kind young people. We value your support and contribution to your child’s education, growth and development, in partnership with the staff and community of St Mark’s.