Our Catholic Identity
Our Mission
St Mark’s is a Catholic community inspired by Gospel values where relationships are rooted in love. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to live out our faith and a dedication to embrace excellence in all that we do. We believe in education that instils possibilities, transforms lives and enables all to fulfil their potential.
Our commitment to live out our faith means actively embodying the teachings of Christ in every aspect of our lives. It means fostering an environment of kindness, inclusivity, and respect, where every individual feels valued and supported. As a school community, we are called to serve others, especially those in need, and to promote justice and fairness in all our actions. Living out our faith shapes how we engage with one another, how we learn, and how we make decisions that contribute to the greater good. It encourages us to be people of integrity, compassion, and hope, striving not just for academic excellence but for spiritual and moral growth, both individually and collectively.
Our School Prayer
Our School Song
Our Patron Saint: St Mark
St. Mark, our patron saint, was one of the four evangelists and the author of the Gospel of Mark. Known for his clear and concise writing, St. Mark played a crucial role in spreading the message of Christ to the early Christian community. St. Mark embodies the spirit of our school’s mission through his dedication to living out Gospel values and his commitment to sharing the message of Christ with clarity and purpose. As a patron saint, he exemplifies the qualities we strive to uphold in our Catholic community: fostering relationships rooted in love, pursuing excellence in all our endeavours, and embracing the transformative power of education. St. Mark's emphasis on discipleship and service aligns with our mission to provide an education that not only instils possibilities but also helps each student fulfil their potential. By following his example, we are inspired to create a nurturing environment where faith and learning go hand in hand, enabling all members of our community to grow and thrive.
St. Mark's feast day, celebrated on April 25th, is a special occasion for us to honour and reflect on the life and contributions of our patron saint. On his feast day, we come together as a school community to celebrate our shared values of faith, service, and learning, inspired by St. Mark's example. It is a time for us to deepen our commitment to these values, engage in acts of service, and embrace the spirit of discipleship that St. Mark championed. By celebrating his feast day, we not only honour St. Mark’s legacy but also renew our own dedication to living out our faith in meaningful ways.
Our House Saints
Thomas Becket
St. Thomas Becket was a 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury known for his deep commitment to the Church and his willingness to stand up for what was right, even in the face of powerful opposition. Once a close friend of King Henry II, Thomas Becket's loyalty to the Church led him into conflict with the king, as he defended the rights of the Church against royal interference. His courage and dedication ultimately led to his martyrdom in Canterbury Cathedral. St. Thomas Becket’s life of service, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his faith make him a compelling role model for our school. He inspires us to live with integrity, stand firm in our beliefs, and remain true to our faith in the face of adversity.
Edmund Campion
St. Edmund Campion was a courageous English Jesuit priest and martyr who lived during the 16th century. In a time when Catholicism was outlawed, he remained steadfast in his faith and worked tirelessly to minister to Catholics in secret. Despite the dangers, he continued to preach and write in defence of the Church, showing remarkable bravery and dedication. St. Edmund’s commitment to truth, his intellectual strength, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his faith make him an inspiring figure for our school. His example teaches us the importance of standing up for our beliefs and living with conviction.
Margaret Clitherow
St. Margaret Clitherow was an English martyr who lived during the 16th century. Known for her unwavering faith, she risked her life to secretly harbour Catholic priests during a time of persecution under Queen Elizabeth I. Margaret's courage, devotion, and commitment to her beliefs make her an inspiring role model for our school community. Her dedication to helping others, even at great personal cost, reflects the values of faith, service, and sacrifice that we strive to instil in our students. Her life encourages us to stand firm in our faith and act with compassion and integrity.
John Fisher
St. John Fisher was a distinguished English bishop, scholar, and martyr who lived during the turbulent 16th century. As the Bishop of Rochester, he was known for his deep faith, intellectual brilliance, and moral integrity. He stood resolute in his opposition to King Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church, choosing to remain loyal to the Pope and the teachings of the Church. His unwavering commitment to truth and courage in the face of persecution make him a profound example for our school community. St. John Fisher’s life reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, defending our faith, and upholding the values of integrity and dedication to God.
Thomas More
St. Thomas More was a renowned English statesman, scholar, and martyr who lived in the 16th century. Known for his deep intellect and integrity, he served as an advisor to King Henry VIII but ultimately refused to compromise his faith when pressured to support the king's separation from the Catholic Church. St. Thomas More's courage to stand firm in his beliefs, even at the cost of his life, makes him a powerful role model for our school. His commitment to justice, moral principles, and loyalty to God reflect the core values of our Catholic community. As a patron saint, he inspires us to live with integrity, defend our faith, and pursue truth in all that we do.
Margaret Pole
Margaret Pole was a noblewoman and martyr of 16th-century England, who showed remarkable faith and strength during a time of political and religious turmoil. A close relative of the royal family, she became a victim of King Henry VIII’s persecution due to her loyalty to the Catholic Church and her opposition to his religious reforms. Despite her noble status, Margaret Pole stood firm in her beliefs, even when faced with imprisonment and eventual execution. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her faith make her an inspiring role model for our school. St. Margaret Pole’s life teaches us to stay true to our principles and to live with dignity and integrity, no matter the challenges.
Our House Virtues and Catholic Social Teachings
Our Curriculum - Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is evident in all areas of the St. Mark’s curriculum. It helps develop students holistically, fostering moral, ethical, and social responsibility. Catholic Social Teaching promotes respect for human dignity, justice, and the common good, encouraging students to engage with real-world issues through a lens of faith and reason. By teaching empathy, global awareness, and a commitment to social justice, Catholic Social Teaching prepares students to be agents of change, compassionate leaders and responsible citizens who work toward creating a just, equitable society grounded in Catholic values. This connection enriches both their academic and spiritual growth.