Before welcoming students back for Term 3, staff at St Mark’s Anglican Community School came together for a professional learning day focused on learning, wellbeing, connection and culture.
The ROAR with Purpose Professional Learning Day was structured around four key themes: Be Inspired, Be the Learner, Be Well and Be Our Culture. Each theme invited staff to reflect, step outside their comfort zones and invest in their personal and professional growth.
The day began with inspiring leadership insights from Antarctic expedition leader Rachael Robertson, who shared valuable lessons on building strong teams, fostering positive cultures and leading with purpose. Staff also participated in sessions led by Mr Andrew Horabin from Bullshift to explore The Mane Way, St Mark’s new staff norms, and consider how communication, collaboration and mutual support contribute to the culture of the School.
It was, however, far from a conventional professional learning day.
Across the School, staff engaged in a broad range of hands-on learning experiences. They built computers, explored artificial intelligence, created skincare products, made mocktails, crafted with clay and resin, baked sourdough bread, and immersed themselves in drama and a lively ‘Footloose’ dance session.
For those seeking adventure, abseiling provided a memorable challenge, while others tested their limits through Fitstop sessions. Wellbeing was also firmly on the agenda, with opportunities to participate in Pilates, yoga, coastal walks and a variety of sessions designed to encourage reflection, balance and self-care.
The energy, curiosity and willingness of staff to try something new captured the spirit of the day. More importantly, it reinforced a simple but powerful idea: when staff continue to learn, connect and thrive, students benefit too.
The ROAR with Purpose Professional Learning Day provided a meaningful and energising start to the new term, strengthening relationships, celebrating staff and continuing to build the culture that makes St Mark’s such a special community.
