The Power of Positive Thinking

At St Stephen’s School, we strongly believe in the power of positive thinking and the lasting impact it can have on a child’s mindset and wellbeing. Encouraging optimism and resilience helps children navigate life’s challenges with confidence and a sense of hope. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, positive thinkers see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset builds resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity and keep moving forward.

Parents play a crucial role in supporting this approach. When families model positivity at home, speak encouraging words, and help children reframe challenges in a constructive light, they reinforce what we promote at school every day. Simple strategies like celebrating effort, not just outcomes, and talking openly about emotions and solutions can make a big difference.

This is not about ignoring difficulties, but rather equipping children with the tools to face them with courage and perspective. Together, home and school can nurture young people who are both positive and grounded, able to approach life with enthusiasm and strength.

By working together, we can help children develop a mindset that will serve them well far beyond the classroom. Let’s continue to build a supportive community that believes in our children’s potential.

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley        Mr Andrews

Crazy Socks Day 

WEEK 8 Running Club House Points

drum roll please…

Congratulations to PARRESIA for running the most laps in Week 8!

100 LAPS RUNNING CLUB 

Congratulations to Milla Lullfitz (Year 2) for completing 100 laps on her running club card! Well done, Milla.

Important Information for Kindy 2027

Do you have a little one due to start Kindy in 2027? Our intake process for this year group has begun and younger siblings need to be registered in order to be eligible for a place. Please note the interest in kindergarten exceeds the number of positions available so early registration is recommended.

SSS Reading Competition

The SSS Reading Competition 2025 is here, and we’re excited to inspire students to read as much as possible while raising funds for the Night on the Green.

This competition is not just about reading, it’s about fostering a love for stories, learning, and personal growth while supporting our community.

There are two ways to pledge your support:

• Per-Minute Sponsorship – Pledge an amount for each minute your child reads (e.g. 10c, 20c, 50c, or $1 per minute).
• Fixed Amount Sponsorship – Pledge a set amount (e.g. $10, $20, or any amount, regardless of reading time).

We encourage students to get their aunties, uncles, grandparents, friends, sporting teams, neighbours and loved ones involved; let’s make reading a shared experience and a celebration of literacy!

🏆 This year, we will have prizes for every year level! It all comes down to the time you spend reading, so make sure to set that timer when you dive into a good book and record it on your sponsorship form.

📖 Reading Competition Dates: 30th June – 1st August, 2025

💰 Submission Deadline: All money and sponsorship forms must be handed in by 8th August. Please submit your form and money in a sealed envelope at reception.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the posters around school and the sponsorship forms coming home during Week 10 whilst we celebrate our Primary Arts and Academic Festival. Let’s come together to create something truly special! Thank you for your support in making this competition meaningful and inspiring!

Arts & Academics Schedule

Canteen Meal Deal

OSHClub

A reminder that OSHClub is running a competition to win a $10,000 family holiday. The more bookings you have the more chances you have to win. Check out all the information at https://www.oshclub.com.au/

With St Stephen’s School closed for an extra week these holidays and students returning to school Tuesday 29 July, OSHClub will be running pupil free days from Monday 21 July to Monday 28 July. The OSHClub children have chosen some themes and activities they would like to explore, so here is a brief look at what each day will look like.

Monday 21 July – Pyjama and Games Day: Children may wear their comfy, appropriate pyjamas and bring a teddy. They may also bring in a handheld device, (not to be shared) where we will plan 1 hour of screen time in the morning and afternoon or a favourite board game if they/you prefer.

Children may wear their slippers, but to ensure they can play outside on the playground they will also need to bring enclosed shoes to wear.

Tuesday 22 July – Food Day: We will be making a yummy lemon scotch finger slice for morning tea, our own subs and wraps for lunch and South African Milk Tart for afternoon tea so no need to bring food on this day unless there is something extra your child/children would like to eat.

Wednesday 23 July – Science Day: Children will have the opportunity to investigate, imagine and explore through the wonders of science.

Thursday 24 – Construction Day: Build a roller coaster, a car or a house.  Today is all about construction. Children will have access to a huge variety of natural, recycled and processed resources of all shapes and sizes. What can you build today? Feel free to save up your recycling for today (please just make sure it is clean).

Friday 25 July – Bees and Mini Beasts: Making, searching for and learning more about bees and other mini beasts.

Monday 28 July – Back to School Party: Join the Party! A day of games and party fun before heading back to school tomorrow.

Children will need to bring recess, lunch and afternoon tea (except for Tuesday 22 July), a broad brim hat (caps are not appropriate for sun safe play) and a water bottle.

Bookings are now open. For any queries, please reach out to myself or Larissa when around the school or call us on 0478 066 366.

We are looking forward to a great week!

Kind Regards

Shelly and your OSHClub Team

Children’s University

Last year I shared a booklet from the Australian Sport Museum which several students seemed to enjoy.  I have now included a second booklet by the Australian Sport Museum filled with five challenges – each worth one hour of learning in your passport – that is a total of 5 hours if you do them all!  Pick and choose which ones you would like to do.

I look forward to seeing some of them at our stamping sessions held before school every Thursday in the Primary Forum.

Parent Information Evening

Crazy Socks Day

Bingo Night – Friday 27 June

School Dental Services

Dental Health Services (DHS) offers free general dental care for kids at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings, x-rays and fissure sealants. We can also help with any urgent dental problems, such as sore teeth, lost fillings, infections and simple extractions, even if your child is currently not enrolled. Simply contact your nearest SDS centre for advice http://www.dental.wa.gov.au

If your child is not currently enrolled in DHS, they will soon receive an enrolment form, frequently asked questions and reply-paid envelope from DHS. Please complete the enrolment form and return it in the reply-paid envelope. Once your child’s enrolment is processed the SDS team will offer your child an appointment by mail.

If you would like further information regarding Dental Health Services and the School Dental Service, please visit the website http://www.dental.wa.gov.au

Building organisation skills; a key to independence

Last Wednesday evening, we were delighted to host another engaging session in our Parent Series, with Claire Eaton presenting on the importance of nurturing independence in children. Claire shared practical strategies to help families support their children in developing one of the most vital life skills: organisation.

Organisation isn’t something children just “pick up”. It needs to be taught, practised, and reinforced consistently. Claire emphasised that this learning starts at home, where daily routines, checklists, and age-appropriate responsibilities can be powerful tools. From packing their own school bags to setting a homework schedule, children thrive when given the chance to take ownership of their day.

As educators, we see the impact of these habits in the classroom. Organised students tend to feel less overwhelmed, are better able to manage tasks, and show greater confidence in their learning. Starting these habits early, even in the younger years of primary school, lays a strong foundation for the increasing demands of upper primary and beyond.

We encourage families to continue the conversation at home and to try out some of Claire’s suggestions. Resources are available on Claire’s official website claireeaton.com.au/books. Let’s work together to build strong and independent learners!

Madame Pilote    Mrs Langley    Mr Andrews

A friendly reminder about school attendance

We understand that from time to time, families may need to take students out of school due to special circumstances, including holidays. While we acknowledge that these moments are sometimes unavoidable, we do kindly remind families that we do not encourage students missing school, as consistent attendance is vital to their learning progress and classroom connection.

If your child will be away from school for an extended period (such as a holiday), we ask that you please notify Mr Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus, via email at bennet.andrews@ststephens.wa.edu.au, and cc the following:

• absenteecarramar@ststephens.wa.edu.au
• Madame Pilote (Deputy)
• Mrs Langley (Deputy)
• Your child’s classroom teacher

In addition, a number of teachers have recently raised concerns about students being picked up early on a regular basis. Unless your child has a scheduled appointment or another valid reason, we kindly ask that all students remain at school for the full duration of the school day to support routine and maximise learning.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide a stable and consistent learning environment for all children.

Important information for KINDY 2027

Do you have a little one due to start Kindy in 2027? Our intake process for this year group has begun and younger siblings need to be registered in order to be eligible for a place. Please note the interest in kindergarten exceeds the number of positions available so early registration is recommended.

SSS Carramar Reading Competition

The SSS Reading Competition 2025 is here, and we’re excited to inspire students to read as much as possible while raising funds for the Night on the Green.

This competition is not just about reading, it’s about fostering a love for stories, learning and personal growth while supporting our community.

There are two ways to pledge your support:

• Per-Minute Sponsorship – Pledge an amount for each minute your child reads (e.g. 10c, 20c, 50c or $1 per minute).
• Fixed Amount Sponsorship – Pledge a set amount (e.g. $10, $20, or any amount, regardless of reading time).

We encourage students to get their aunties, uncles, grandparents, friends, sporting teams, neighbours and loved ones involved; let’s make reading a shared experience and a celebration of literacy!

🏆 This year, we will have prizes for every year level! It all comes down to the time you spend reading, so make sure to set that timer when you dive into a good book and record it on your sponsorship form.

📖 Reading Competition Dates: 30 June – 1 August 2025

💰 Submission Deadline: All money and sponsorship forms must be handed in by 8th August. Please submit your form and money in a sealed envelope at reception.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the posters around school and the sponsorship forms coming home during Week 10 whilst we celebrate our Primary Arts and Academic Festival. Let’s come together to create something truly special! Thank you for your support in making this competition meaningful and inspiring!

Bingo Night

Get your tickets to the first ever Carramar Bingo Night Fundraiser, organised by our amazing Year 4 Parent Reps! The night promises to be full of laughter, good times and questionable fashion choices! Follow this link to book a table or an individual ticket – https://events.humanitix.com/bingo2025

Children’s University

Can you believe five students have already qualified for this year’s graduation!  Well done to all of you who are busy taking advantage of learning things outside the classroom 😊.  Remember that I am in the Primary Forum on a Thursday morning to stamp passports and we still have more than a term to earn hours for this yea’rs graduation.

Here is an activity from the CU portal about Wildcare Cultural Heritage in Tasmania.  Read and complete the activities at the end for 2 hours in your learning passport.

2025 Arts and Academic Festival Schedule

Canteen Meal Deal

OSHClub

A reminder that OSHClub is running a competition to win a $10,000 family holiday. The more bookings you have the more chances you have to win. Check out all the information at https://www.oshclub.com.au/

With St Stephen’s School closed for an extra week these holidays and students returning to school Tuesday 29 July, OSHClub will be running pupil free days from Monday 21 July to Monday 28 July. The OSHClub children have chosen some themes and activities they would like to explore, so here is a brief look at what each day will look like.

Monday 21 July – Pyjama and Games Day: Children may wear their comfy, appropriate pyjamas and bring a teddy. They may also bring in a handheld device, (not to be shared) where we will plan 1 hour of screen time in the morning and afternoon or a favourite board game if they/you prefer.

Children may wear their slippers, but to ensure they can play outside on the playground they will also need to bring enclosed shoes to wear.

Tuesday 22 July – Food Day: We will be making a yummy lemon scotch finger slice for morning tea, our own subs and wraps for lunch and South African Milk Tart for afternoon tea so no need to bring food on this day unless there is something extra your child/children would like to eat.

Wednesday 23 July – Science Day: Children will have the opportunity to investigate, imagine and explore through the wonders of science.

Thursday 24 – Construction Day: Build a roller coaster, a car or a house.  Today is all about construction. Children will have access to a huge variety of natural, recycled and processed resources of all shapes and sizes. What can you build today? Feel free to save up your recycling for today (please just make sure it is clean).

Friday 25 July – Bees and Mini Beasts: Making, searching for and learning more about bees and other mini beasts.

Monday 28 July – Back to School Party: Join the Party! A day of games and party fun before heading back to school tomorrow.

Children will need to bring recess, lunch and afternoon tea (except for Tuesday 22 July), a broad brim hat (caps are not appropriate for sun safe play) and a water bottle.

Bookings are now open. For any queries, please reach out to myself or Larissa when around the school or call us on 0478 066 366.

We are looking forward to a great week!

Kind Regards

Shelly and your OSHClub Team

From the Heart; a Leadership Reflection

Helping our children handle peer pressure

As our senior Primary students begin to navigate the exciting (and sometimes challenging) journey into adolescence, they will inevitably encounter peer pressure. Whether it’s the subtle push to “fit in” or more direct influences that may go against their values, it’s vital that our children are equipped to handle these situations with confidence and integrity.

At school, we consistently emphasise the importance of making positive choices and standing up for what is right, even when it’s not easy. We talk about values such as kindness, honesty, and respect, and we encourage students to reflect on the kind of person they want to be.

This message, of course, is not just for our older students, it applies to children of all ages. Helping even our youngest learners recognise right from wrong and develop a strong sense of self sets the foundation for resilience later on.

This is where your support as parents plays a powerful role. By having open conversations at home about peer pressure, helping your child identify their personal values and practising how to say “no” confidently, you’re reinforcing the same messages they hear at school.

Together, we can help our children step into their teenage years with a strong sense of self and the tools to make positive, independent decisions. Thank you for partnering with us on this important journey, we’re all in this together!

Thank you for Supporting ‘Dress in Blue Day’

A big thank you to our wonderful school community for your incredible support of our “Dress in Blue Day” last Friday. Thanks to your generosity and spirit, we are proud to share that we raised $560.00 for the Diabetes Association.

Every contribution helps make a difference and we are so grateful to be part of such a caring and compassionate community. Thank you for standing with us to support this important cause!

Insights from the Learning Enrichment Team

Supporting Your Child’s Learning: why working memory matters

As parents, we all want our children to feel confident and successful at school. One key factor in learning that often goes unnoticed is working memory, a cognitive skill that plays a major role in helping children learn, follow instructions, and stay focused in the classroom.

What is Working Memory?

Working memory is like a child’s mental notepad; it helps them hold onto information while using it. For example, if your child hears, “Get your homework folder, put on your shoes, and meet me at the door,” they’re using working memory to remember and act on each part.

It’s especially important for:

• Following multi-step instructions
• Reading comprehension
• Mental arithmetic
• Staying focused during lessons

Because working memory is still developing in primary-aged children, it’s normal for them to feel overloaded when asked to process too much at once. This can lead to frustration, distraction, or forgetfulness, not because your child isn’t trying but because their brain is working at full capacity.

For some learners, including those with learning differences such as ADHD, autism, or language processing difficulties, working memory challenges can be more pronounced. That’s why understanding and supporting this area is a vital part of inclusive education.

How teachers support working memory at school

Our teachers use strategies informed by research to support working memory and reduce unnecessary mental load. These strategies benefit all learners, but they are especially important for students who need additional support:

• Breaking tasks into clear, manageable steps
• Using visuals alongside spoken instructions
• Creating consistent routines that reduce distractions
• Revisiting key concepts through repetition and review

These practices are grounded in Cognitive Load Theory, an evidence-based approach that recognises the limits of working memory and supports effective, inclusive learning.

How parents can help at home

There are simple ways to support your child’s working memory and learning at home:

• Give one instruction at a time
• Use visual checklistsfor routines like packing a bag or bedtime
• Talk through steps out loud; e.g. “What do we need to do first?”
• Build calm, screen-free time into the day so the brain has space to rest and reset

These techniques can be particularly helpful for children with learning or attention needs, offering both structure and support in their daily routines.

Want to Know More?

If you’re curious about the science behind how children learn, we recommend:

“Episode 16 – For Parents Interested in Student Learning Part 1”
The Learning Scientists Podcast
This episode offers practical advice for parents, including how to support children’s learning and memory at home. It explains two powerful research-backed study strategies, spaced practice and retrieval practice, in a clear and accessible way.

Listen here: Episode 16 – For Parents Interested in Student Learning Part 1

Farewell

It is with sadness that we say goodbye this week to two staff members who have been a part of our St Stephen’s School community for a short time this semester. Miss Rachel Ferguson, our Early Years music teacher, will be returning to Scotland next week as we welcome back Miss Sarah Blanchard. Sarah will be teaching our Pre-Primary to Year 3 classes on Monday to Wednesday and is returning following her maternity leave. Our French teacher, Madame Webb (all year levels except Year 2) will be leaving us at the end of this week due to family circumstances. An announcement as to our new French Teacher, will be made in due course. We thank both Miss Ferguson and Madame Webb for all the wonderful work they have done this semester and we wish them God’s blessing as they move onto the next chapter in their lives.

Children’s University

There has definitely been a cool change in the weather.  The challenge below seems a great way to enjoy this new season and earn 30 minutes in your passport.

Piping Hot Pies

What better way to keep warm than with a hot pie! With the help of an adult, find a recipe and make a pie to share for dinner.

Bingo Night

2025 Arts and Academic Festival Schedule

Kindergarten Loose Parts Play Day

Our Kindergarten children are on the hunt for some things that will add to the fun of their upcoming Loose Parts Play Day!

If you have any of the following items and would be happy to donate them, please bring them into Kindy any time in the next two weeks!

• Boxes – approximately one metre or larger (fridge boxes, tv boxes, packing boxes etc)
• leftover pieces of piping from reticulation
• large wooden offcuts

OSHClub

Hi Everyone

I hope you are all enjoying Term 2. I can’t believe how fast the year is passing us by. With the school holidays coming up, OSHClub is running a competition to win a $10,000 family holiday. WOW! The more bookings you have the more chances you have to win. Check out all the information at https://www.oshclub.com.au/

With St Stephen’s School closed for an extra week these holidays and students returning to school Tuesday 29 July, OSHClub will be running pupil free days from Monday 21 July to Monday 28 July. The OSHClub children have chosen some themes and activities they would like to explore, so here is a brief look at what each day will look like.

Monday 21 July – Pyjama and Games Day: Children may wear their comfy, appropriate pyjamas and bring a teddy. They may also bring in a handheld device, (not to be shared) where we will plan 1 hour of screen time in the morning and afternoon or a favourite board game if they/you prefer.

Children may wear their slippers, but to ensure they can play outside on the playground they will also need to bring enclosed shoes to wear.

Tuesday 22 July – Food Day: We will be making a yummy lemon scotch finger slice for morning tea, our own subs and wraps for lunch and South African Milk Tart for afternoon tea so no need to bring food on this day unless there is something extra your child/children would like to eat.

Wednesday 23 July – Science Day: Children will have the opportunity to investigate, imagine and explore through the wonders of science.

Thursday 24 – Construction Day: Build a roller coaster, a car or a house.  Today is all about construction. Children will have access to a huge variety of natural, recycled and processed resources of all shapes and sizes. What can you build today? Feel free to save up your recycling for today (please just make sure it is clean).

Friday 25 July – Bees and Mini Beasts: Making, searching for and learning more about bees and other mini beasts.

Monday 28 July – Back to School Party: Join the Party! A day of games and party fun before heading back to school tomorrow.

Children will need to bring recess, lunch and afternoon tea (except for Tuesday 22 July), a broad brim hat (caps are not appropriate for sun safe play) and a water bottle.

Bookings are now open. For any queries, please reach out to myself or Larissa when around the school or call us on 0478 066 366.

We are looking forward to a great week!

Kind Regards

Shelly and your OSHCLUB Team

Final Reminder for Year 4, 5 and 6 Students

Just a friendly reminder that orders are now open for the St Stephen’s School Peter Pan Jr. limited edition cast and crew t-shirts. Don’t miss out! Final orders close this Friday 6 June!

All Year 4, 5 and 6 students are able to purchase a t-shirt, however please note, these shirts are NOT compulsory. Students who do purchase a t-shirt are able to wear them to school for tech week (the week prior to the production) and also on the day of the matinee performance. They are also a wonderful keepsake for the students. Purchase of t-shirts is permitted for cast and crew members only. Please click on the following link to order:

Peter Pan Jr. Cast & Crew Shirts

As a guide the sizing of the kids t-shirts (sizes 6 to 14) are almost exactly the same measurement as the white formal polo shirt. After size 14 are adult sizes.  Any questions regarding the t-shirts, please email   vivian.beech@ststephens.wa.edu.au

The importance of play and creativity, even on rainy days!

As the wet weather sets in, it’s easy to fall into the habit of increased screen time, whether it’s television or time on the iPad. While these have their place, it’s important to continue encouraging active play and creative exploration, even indoors!

Play is essential to a child’s development. It supports imagination, problem-solving, emotional regulation and social skills. Rainy days provide a great opportunity for children to engage in more open-ended, imaginative activities that they might not normally try. Whether it’s building a fort out of blankets, putting on a puppet show, crafting, baking, or simply making up games with their siblings, these moments build lasting skills and memories.

Creativity also helps children express themselves, especially when they can’t be as active outdoors. Art projects, music, storytelling and even helping to plan indoor treasure hunts are fantastic ways to keep minds active and spirits high.

As parents, your encouragement and involvement can make all the difference. Let’s use this season to nurture curiosity and creativity. After all, a little rain is the perfect excuse to get imaginative!

Madame Pilote    Mrs Langley    Mrs Andrews

Insights from the Learning Enrichment Team 

Why Executive Function Matters

Have you ever met a child who’s bright and chatty, but forgets their hat every day? Or one who knows the right answer, but struggles to get started on their writing? These kinds of challenges are often tied to something called executive function, a set of mental skills that help us manage our thoughts, actions and emotions.

What is executive function?

Think of executive function as the brain’s “air traffic control system.” It helps us to:

• Plan and organise (e.g. remembering a sequence of steps)
• Start and finish tasks
• Manage time
• Stay focused
• Control impulses and emotions

One key component of executive function is working memory, the ability to hold and use information in your mind over short periods. For example, remembering a three-step instruction, solving a maths problem in your head, or recalling the sentence you just read while reading the next one. These skills don’t develop all at once. They grow steadily over childhood and into the early twenties but for some kids, this development is a little bumpier. 

So, what does this mean for children with ADHD or learning differences?

Children with ADHD, for example, aren’t being defiant when they struggle to follow instructions or stay on task. Their brains may be wired a little differently when it comes to regulating attention, switching between tasks, or remembering to remember.

In fact, challenges with executive function can also show up in:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Specific Learning Disabilities and other learning disorders
• Anxiety and emotional regulation issues

These students often know what they want to do but need extra support to actually do it. 

How we help at school

At our school, we use several strategies to support children who need a boost with executive function skills:

• Visual schedules and checklists to break down tasks
• Step-by-step modelling so students can see what success looks like
• Timers and prompts to support time management
• Movement breaks to help with regulation and focus
• Clear routines and transitions to reduce cognitive overload

How parents can help at home

You don’t need fancy tools to help build executive function at home! Here are a few ideas:

• Use a morning or bedtime routine chart
• Break homework into smaller chunks with breaks in between
• Try a visual weekly calendar so your child can see what’s coming up
• Play games like “Simon Says”, “Uno” or “Guess Who” that involve memory and focus
• Keep expectations clear, consistent, and simple

Executive function skills aren’t about intelligence, they’re about how we manage the brain’s many moving parts. Some kids need more scaffolding to develop these skills, but with the right support, they can thrive.

If this topic is of interest to you, you may find the video below useful.

Professor Adele Diamond: How to Help Children Develop Executive Functions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRB6gzgFa2s

Diabetes Association Fundraiser

St Stephen’s School Bingo Night

Get your ticket to the St Stephen’s School Bingo Night! Fun for the whole family, book online through – https://events.humanitix.com/bingo2025

2025 Arts & Academic Festival – Entries Now Closed

Thanks so much to students and families for working to make sure all entry forms were submitted complete and on time.  We now have around 500 forms to process and entries are now closed. Students will be given an individual sheet detailing all of their entries very soon and a timetable will be made available as soon as possible.

A final reminder for students who have entered the Media Production category – you must hand your USB to Reception before 3.30pm on Wednesday 4 June.

Icy Pole Sales

Due to the cold weather, Captains will not be selling icy poles for the remainder of Term 2. They are, however working on an alternative option in order to continue their fundraising efforts. Stay tuned!

Scholastic Book Club

The last day for ordering will be Tuesday 17 June

Art Department

The art Department are asking for 2, 3.5, or 4kg yogurt containers (or similar) as shown in the below image. Please leave cleaned containers outside the art room.