Growing gratitude in young people

Helping young people develop gratitude is one of the most powerful ways we can shape their character and outlook on life. Gratitude not only fosters kindness and empathy but also helps build resilience and emotional wellbeing. When students are encouraged to appreciate what they have, they become more aware of the needs of others and the importance of giving back.

Last week, some of our Year 6 students participated in a meaningful Service Learning experience with the Salvation Army in Merriwa. As part of their visit, they worked together to create food hampers for families who are doing it tough. This eye-opening experience allowed our students to reflect on just how fortunate they are. Many commented on how surprised they were to learn that basic groceries and daily necessities can be out of reach for some people in our wider community.

Opportunities like this not only allow our students to help others in a real and tangible way but also remind them to be grateful for the things they often take for granted like food, shelter, and family support. We hope experiences like these continue to shape their values and inspire a spirit of compassion and gratitude that will stay with them for life. We encourage you to continue nurturing this mindset at home by supporting and mentoring your child in recognising and expressing gratitude in their everyday lives.

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley                Mr Andrews

Thank You for a fantastic Disco Night!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Disco such a fun and memorable event! It was wonderful to see the students dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves together.

A special shoutout goes to our amazing parent organisers and volunteers who put in so much time and effort behind the scenes and on the night. Your support and energy helped create a fantastic atmosphere and ensured everything ran smoothly. We couldn’t have done it without you!

We’re also thrilled to share that the event raised close to $2,000, which will go towards making next year’s Evening on the Green even more special. Well done, and thank you again for your incredible support!

Diabetes Association Fundraiser

2025 Arts & Academic Festival

Entry Forms for this year’s Arts & Academic Festival are available for students to collect from the Forum.  We are so excited to see if we can beat the number of entries from last year!

New forms will remain available to collect until the end of the day on Thursday 29 May.  Completed forms need to be handed in to the Entry Desk which is open every morning this week from 8.15am to 8.45am.

A few important reminders:

• All group members must be from the same House
• All group members need their own form, signed by their parents. Group forms must be submitted together (one person can bring both forms)
• Labelled USBs/Sheet Music/Lyrics need to be attached to the Entry Form

All completed Entry Forms must be handed in by 8.45am on Friday 30 May.

Children’s University

It is that time of year again when preparation for the Arts and Academic Festival is underway.  Some categories can qualify for hours in your passport.  Please let me know if you participate and I will let you know if your event qualifies.

Below is an activity from the online portal where you keep track of the fruit and vegetables you eat for two hours of learning.

Make your own rainbow of colour:

1. Make a background for your rainbow. Divide it into sections for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

2. For each fruit or vegetable you eat, make a mark on the same coloured section of your rainbow, e.g. a red apple would get a mark on the red section, spinach would get a mark on the green section. You could use stickers, draw a dot, or draw a little picture of the fruit or vegetable you ate.

3. Keep adding to your rainbow for one week. At the end of the week count how many fruits and vegetables you ate in each section.

4. Reflect on your rainbow, e.g. What colour had the most? What colour had the least? Did you have a favourite colour for fruit and vegetables? Did you try any new fruits or vegetables?

5. Bring a picture of your rainbow to your CU Coordinator.

Week 4 Running Club House Points

(drum roll please…) 

Congratulations to PARRESIA for running the most laps in Week 4!

100 Laps Running Club

Congratulations to Zach Allen (year 4) for completing 200 laps on his running club card! Well done

Australian Girls Choir – Perth Open Day – June

Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. School aged girls are invited to come along to our June Open Day to try our fun and inclusive classes and learn more about being part of the AGC! Please visit our website to register to attend our free Open Day: ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc

Responsible use of technology in young people

As technology continues to be an integral part of our daily lives, teaching our children to use it responsibly is more important than ever. At primary school age, students are beginning to explore the digital world with growing independence, which makes setting clear boundaries at home and school incredibly valuable.

For our younger children, responsible technology use often means creating structured screen time, choosing age-appropriate apps and games and ensuring that devices are used in family spaces where supervision is easy. Establishing these habits early helps children understand that technology is a tool, not a constant distraction.

As our students move closer to high school, their use of technology often grows to include social media, messaging apps and more independent browsing. This is the perfect time to have open conversations about online safety, digital footprints and the importance of respectful online communication. Reminding them that what they post online is permanent and can shape their reputation is crucial as they step into the wider world.

At school, we are committed to teaching responsible digital citizenship, but your support at home is just as important. Together we can guide our children to be smart, respectful and safe digital citizens who understand the power and the responsibility that comes with technology.

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley                Mr Andrews

Disco – This Friday, 23 May

Only 3 sleeps until our annual Primary School disco. If you haven’t purchased your tickets already, please follow this link – https://events.humanitix.com/disco2025

Tickets are only $10 and include popcorn and a drink. Please note there will be no ticket sales at the door. On Friday, please ensure either you or your child has their ticket ready to be scanned by one of the parent helpers.

Thank you to all parent volunteers for helping make the disco a night to remember for our students.

Diabetes Awareness Day 

Week 3 Running Club House Points

Drum roll please…..

Congratulations to PARRESIA for running the most laps in Week 3!

100 Laps Running Club 

Congratulations to Kristian Bartels (year 4) for completing 500 laps on his running lap card! Massive congratulations to Neil Schoeman (year 6) for completing 10000 laps on his running club card! Well done

Interhouse Cross Country Runner up and Champion

Year 2 girls

Runner Up Champion – Milan Henning

Champion – Mia Wilton

Year 2 boys

Runner up Champion – Bernard Streeter

Champion – Joshua van Deventer

Year 3 girls

Runner up Champion – Caileigh van Deventer

Champion – Caleigh Schoeman

Year 3 boys

Runner up Champion – Oscar Britza

Champion – Raul Montemayor

Year 4 girls

Runner Up Champion – Evie Crouch

Champion – Lola Avila

Year 4 boys

Runner Up Champion – Kristian Bartels

Champion – Theo Unitt

Year 5 girls

Runner up champion – Sienna Burnett

Champion – Elsie Shaw

Year 5 boys

Runner up champion – Mitchell Lozey

Champion – Mason Mennie

Year 6 girls

Runner Up champion – Claire Higgins

Champion girl – Holly Horsfall

Year 6 boys

Runner Up champion – Israel Madziwa

Champion – Neil Schoeman

Osh Club

Wreath Making Event

Parent Series – Guiding children Towards Organised Independence

https://events.humanitix.com/ps2025-t2

We are very excited to launch the 2025 Arts & Academic Festival!  This event takes place in the final week of Term 2 and today, Entry Forms have been placed in the Primary Forum for students to collect for the areas in which they would like to enter.  Other information for each of the sections can be found by following the links below.  There are categories available for students from Years 1-6 to enter, specific information is noted on each form.  All completed forms need to be submitted to the A&A Entry Desk in the Primary Forum which will be available each morning from 8.15am – 8.45am from Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May (next week).

A few reminders:

• All members of a group must be from the same House – this is a House competition. Each group member will need their own separate form, signed by their parent/guardian and these forms need to be submitted together
• Any attachments (USB/lyrics/sheet music etc) must be submitted with the completed entry forms (with the only exception being Media entries)
• We ask that forms & attachments are please checked & signed by parents and they will be checked again as they are submitted

The entry deadline is Friday 30 May.  A Festival Schedule will be prepared and advertised on the blog after all entries have been processed.  So join the fun and get ready to shine for your House!!

Madame Isabelle Pilote & Mrs Jennifer Langley

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

There’s truth in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” At St Stephen’s School, we know that respect is the foundation of a positive learning environment and a thriving community. Teaching respect is more than just setting classroom rules; it’s about modelling it in everyday interactions, both at school and at home.

Respect goes beyond good manners. It’s about valuing others, understanding boundaries, and appreciating differences. For our Primary School students, it means listening when others speak, showing kindness even when it’s hard, and understanding that every voice matters. It also includes treating teachers, staff, and adults with courtesy and consideration.

We understand this can be challenging, especially when children are exposed to disrespectful behaviour in media and public settings. When prominent figures display unkindness, it can send mixed messages to children still learning right from wrong. This is why it’s so important for us, as a community, to work together to instil strong values in our children.

Let’s continue to work together as a community to instil the values of respect and accountability in our young people. They are the leaders of the future, and the habits they form today will shape the world of tomorrow. Together, we can help them grow into compassionate, respectful individuals who understand the importance of valuing others.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we are raising a community of kind, respectful, and responsible young people.

Madame Pilote            Mrs Langley               Mr Andrews

Disco

Children’s University

Complete the following mindful colouring page.  When you are finished, turn it over and write down five things you can do to be kind to yourself.

Bring it to me on Thursday morning before school in the Primary Forum and get 30 minutes stamped into your passport.

Dr Janelle Morris
Teacher – Science & Timetabler

Clubs Reminder and CFC Club Change of Day

A reminder that our after school clubs are starting this week. Please note that the Cards For Charity Club will now take place on Thursdays as many upper years students are already involved in our Peter Pan after school rehearsals and debating on Tuesdays. Please use the following link to book https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au/parent-and-student/plan-the-day/after-school-clubs.html

Sonshine FM – Heart for the Homeless Campaign

Items can be dropped into the Heart for the Homeless box in the Primary Forum between 8.00am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday from Wednesday 30 April to Friday 23 May.

Wreath Making

2025 St Stephen’s School Foundation Event

The 2025 St Stephen’s School Foundation Event is here, Dancing at the Drill Hall. Enjoy a three-course meal, a five-hour drinks package and dance the night away while supporting a great cause.
Book now at https://events.humanitix.com/datdh

Cross Country Presentation Assembly

The Presentation Assembly (Yr2-12) will be held on Wednesday 14 May at 10.15am in the Sports Centre.

Miss Kaliah Nicol – Primary Physical Education Teacher

Term 2 After School Clubs

We are offering 4 after school clubs during Term 2. Bookings will open at 6.00pm this evening.

When booking, please remember to only register your child for activities available to their year group and only one club per child so that all students have an opportunity to join a club. 

CFC Club (Cards For Charity) (Year 4 to 6 students) – Tuesday

Scrappy Sculptures (Year 3 to 6 students) – Tuesday

After School Sports (Pre-Primary to Year 2 students) – Thursday

Drawing Club (Year 1 to 2 students) – Thursday

We are grateful to be able to offer after school clubs, recognising them as a privilege that enriches our students’ development and fosters a sense of community. Please be reminded that any negative behaviour may result in students being withdrawn from clubs to ensure a positive and respectful environment for all.

Use the following link to book https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au/parent-and-student/plan-the-day/after-school-clubs.html

From the Heart; a Leadership Reflection

Teaching kindness in a world that doesn’t always reward it

As parents and educators, we often remind our kids to “be kind.” It’s one of the first lessons we teach, right alongside saying “please,” “thank you,” and sharing toys. But as our children grow, they begin to notice that kindness isn’t always modelled or rewarded the way we hope.

It’s easy to fear or judge those who are different; whether in appearance, belief, or behaviour, especially when society often encourages dominance over empathy. In many spaces, aggression is mistaken for strength, and compassion is seen as weakness.

What are we telling our kids when we allow these values to take hold? That it’s better to win than to care. That tearing others down is a path to success. That kindness is optional, or naive. But we know differently. We see the quiet power of kindness every day: when a child includes someone who’s left out, comforts a friend in need, or speaks up for what’s right. These small acts grow into deep-rooted courage and character.

Kindness isn’t about avoiding conflict, it’s about choosing compassion, even when it’s difficult. It’s about staying true to our values without stepping on others.

And our kids are watching us. How we speak to others, how we treat people we disagree with, and how we respond in challenging moments matters. If we want our children to value kindness, we need to show them what it looks like, especially when it’s hard.

Let’s raise children who understand that true strength lies in empathy. Because in a world that doesn’t always reward kindness, choosing it anyway is the boldest thing we can do.

Thank you to our wonderful Mother’s Day Stall volunteers!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing parent representatives and all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Mother’s Day Stall such a HUGE success! Thanks to their time, effort, and generous spirit, we raised approximately $2,000, which will go directly towards supporting next year’s Evening on The Green. What an incredible achievement!

More than the dollars raised, though, was the joy on our children’s faces. Watching them proudly choose a special gift for their mum was truly priceless. Their smiles said it all, what a beautiful memory they’ve made.

We hope all the mums feel the love and care wrapped up in those little gifts. You deserve every bit of it!

We are so lucky to be part of such a kind, generous, and supportive community. Thank you again for making this event so special. 

Our Mother’s Day raffle winners!

Congratulations to Matias Kopti (Pre-Primary) and Troy Hughes (Year 5) for winning lovely gifts for their mums in this year’s Mother’s Day raffle! We hope your mums enjoy these special surprises!

Term 2 After School Clubs

There will be a Special Edition Blog with details about Term 2 After School Clubs this Friday.

Icy Poles

A friendly reminder that icy poles will not be available for sale this week as our Captains are away on Camp.

Interhouse Cross Country Update – Tuesday 13 May

Would all Year 2 to 6 students please arrive at your class ready for the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival by 8.15am next Tuesday 13 May as we will be on a tight schedule.

Children’s University

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break and that there was some time to earn some hours towards the 2025 graduation event.

A reminder than passport stamping sessions are Thursday before school in the Primary Forum.

The following activity is from the CU portal – 150 second talent show challenge.

“Theatre artists are keen, creative and collaborative people who act, sing and dance whilst working hard to bring stories to life and entertain audiences. If this sounds like you, did you know you can study a Bachelor of Music Theatre?

Now it’s time to showcase your unique talents with a 150 second burst of creativity and fun. Think playing an instrument, sketching, karaoke, singing and dancing, magic moments or anything else that comes to mind.”

Record or write down the details of your talent show, let me know if 150 seconds longer or shorter than you imaged it would be? And design a flyer advertising your talent show to earn 1 hour towards your graduation.

2025 St Stephen’s School Foundation Event

The 2025 St Stephen’s School Foundation Event is here, Dancing at the Drill Hall. Enjoy a three-course meal, a five-hour drinks package and dance the night away while supporting a great cause.
Book now at https://events.humanitix.com/datdh