Helen Brown, Parent
“It has always felt to us that St Mark’s has been a true ally in Reuben’s developmental and academic journey. Individual teachers have been superlative and of the highest quality. We have been fortunate each year to have dealt with professional, engaged, personable educators who have bent over backwards for Reuben and have continued on as important people in his life and ours. They have all seen Reuben through the special glow that we see in him and have conducted very warm relationships with him and us. We feel he is truly valued and is able to shine in all the ways he does.”
Diana, Parent
“At St Mark’s, my son continually enjoys rich experiences both within and beyond the traditional classroom. Small class sizes means he has more personalised learning, while still being part of a larger learning group. The individual attention has instilled a love of learning in him and I’ve seen his confidence to ‘give things a go’ improve every day. This nurturing and supportive approach extends to the broader St Mark’s community. The relationships he has built with teachers and students outside his classroom means he feels safe and supported when branching out and taking part in the many opportunities presented to him, whether that be the Maths Club or lunchtime sports. There is a feeling of really looking after each other which is comforting for a parent of a child just starting out at school and one of the things we really value at St Mark’s.”
Lucy, Parent
We moved our daughter to St Mark’s when she was about to start Year 2 We wanted her to have the chance to have a curriculum enriched by languages, music and specialist teachers but I was worried about the transition to another new school and another peer group, so soon after the first. Almost three years on and we know we did the right thing, but not just for academic reasons. Alongside a wonderful education, St Mark’s provides something which is much harder to quantify – or to describe. From day one, I noticed numerous occasions on which older children would take younger ones under their wings to support them. If my daughter is ever nervous, upset or over-awed by a school occasion, or just needs a helping hand, then there will always be a senior student who notices, steps in and provides encouragement. It’s the natural, St Mark’s, way of doing things, and it’s lovely, as a parent, to see it in action every day.
Deepa, Parent
The St Mark’s difference lies in the easy rapport between the teachers, the parents and the students. Everyone is very down to earth and there is a creative and fun approach to working with each student’s strengths and needs. The transition from Foundation to the Lower Primary was seamless and full of joy, which was great. When we have raised any concerns to date – we have found the teachers to be receptive and supportive and empathetic. Our family enjoys being part of this “cool little community”.
Nicole Willis
“We are so enjoying watching our three children grow as they travel through St Mark’s. They are learning to be critical thinkers, brave risk-takers and confident communicators. The school encourages them to play to their strengths, to be kind and inclusive and offers the challenge of regular leadership opportunities. We could not be happier.”
Leanne and Keith Nightingale
“Year 7 and 8 at St Mark’s provided our son with all the tools, confidence and learning needed to successfully enter college. His development during the 3 years at St Mark’s was fantastic. He has achieved results in Year 9 that far exceed our expectations due to the breadth and depth of tuition he received during Years 7 and 8 at St Mark’s. Although it was initially a difficult decision to change from our local comfortable community school for Years 6, 7 and 8, in hindsight it was the best decision we have ever made. We decided that Years 7 and 8 were the most important years of schooling. In these years they need to be provided with all the skills needed to succeed in school and in life, St Mark’s provided this and more.”
Libby Carson
“Moving a child to a new school is always challenging and the decision to move our son to a new school for his intermediate years was not taken lightly. From the moment we met with the Principal, we knew we were making the best choice for our child and, more importantly, our son was excited to come into the St Mark’s family. Our son has gone from strength to strength and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Quite simply, he is shining. To see his smiling face every day when he walks out of school, knowing that he is happy, safe and enjoying his learning is more than we could have ever asked for.”
