St Mark's School

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Experience the difference

PARENTS

EVENTS CALENDAR NEWSLETTERS

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

We have a philosophy of growing ideas and students, of teaching people how to think, and encouraging students to live up to and beyond their potential.

ST MARKS HISTORY

In June, 1921, the vicar of St Mark’s Parish in Opawa, Canon Henry Williams, established a church day school in a small room of the Sunday School in the church grounds, between what was then Church Lane and Cholmondeley Avenue.

SPECIAL CHARACTER

The general School programme, with its religious instructions and observances, is based on the teachings and formularies of the Anglican Church.

HOLISTIC CULTURE

Our holistic culture at St Marks is a real feature of our difference ensuring our students leave at year 8 with confidence and a well-rounded view of learning and life.

St Mark's School exists to provide a balanced education, where a child's academic, cultural, physical, social and spiritual needs are identified and nurtured in a dynamic Christian environment, grounded in the Anglican way and supported by a family orientated community.

Averil WornerSt Mark's Principal

Principal's Message

St Mark’s - our tradition and the future, our difference.

Kia Ora and welcome to St Mark's School

St Mark’s is the only Anglican State-Integrated Primary School in the South Island.

As a school of Special Character we focus on growing the unique gifts, talents and abilities of every student within a Christian family atmosphere. This holistic view ensures the students spiritual, academic, physical, emotional and cultural needs and potential are the heart of all we do, the way we think and the way we live.

Students who can collaborate, act adaptively, are actively involved in their own learning, and solve problems using a range of thinking skills are hallmarks of the child at the centre of teaching and learning. These are also the skills that will propel students into their future and our ever changing world.

Positive relationships between students, staff and whanau is a strength at St Mark’s. Knowing every student, their strengths and abilities creates a scaffold for inquiry, curiosity, collaboration and fun!

Come and visit us! Take a look at our new and innovative campus. Hear from our families. Talk to our talented students. Talk to the teachers who inspire them. But most of all see how we are all connected by faith to a place that creates a sense of belonging and worth for everyone.

ST MARK'S HISTORY

In June, 1921, the vicar of St Mark's Parish in Opawa, Canon Henry Williams, established a church day school in a small room of the Sunday School in the church grounds, between what was then Church Lane and Cholmondeley Avenue. At that time Miss Cameron headed the school, which had a roll of about 30 children.

St Mark's Open Air Day School was established on the present site in 1925 with an opening roll of 38 children. Sister Eleanor ran the school from 1925 through to 1932, at which time the roll had grown to 77 pupils. (Further detailed history may be read in the St Mark's School History, 1921 - 1996)

SCHOOL CREST - THE LION OF ST MARK

The Winged Lion is the traditional symbol of St Mark the Evangelist. From the 5th century, four creatures mentioned in the book of Revelation have been assigned to the four evangelists, with the Winged Lion attributed to St Mark.

In Christian iconography the St Mark Lion was often depicted as holding up the book of St Mark's Gospel.

SPECIAL CHARACTER

ANGLICAN CHURCH

The general School programme, with its religious instructions and observances, is based on the teachings and formularies of the Anglican Church. This includes regular worship at St Mark's Anglican Church, Opawa, regular religious tuition within the School curriculum, regular church services at the School and a leading role in school life undertaken by the Vicar of the Parish.

PHILOSOPHIES

St Mark's School exists to provide a balanced education, where a child's academic, cultural, physical, social and spiritual needs are identified and nurtured in a dynamic Christian environment, grounded in the Anglican way and supported by a family orientated community.

BALANCE OF THE SCHOOL

St Mark's is a co-educational, full primary school with Year 0 through to Year 8 and has a balanced ratio of boys and girls drawn from a varied socio-economic background.

HOLISTIC CULTURE

Our holistic culture at St Marks is a real feature of our difference ensuring our students leave at year 8 with confidence and a well-rounded view of learning and life. We teach the whole student, not just the intellect. Here are a few examples of the breadth of activity a student can be involved in during their time at St Marks:

Performance choir
Festival choir
Junior choir
Orchestra
Itinerant music programme
Chess
Drama
Social social
Sport
Spiritual

Learn more

St Mark's aims to achieve a vision for the future, a vision that has clear attainable goals to be worked towards, and a clear direction to work in. Planning is focussed on improving outcomes for all children across all dimensions of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and identity.

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