Building resilience beyond the classroom
Over the past two weeks, we have been so impressed with our Year 1 to Year 4 students as they tackled their swimming lessons with courage and determination. For many, this was an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, develop independence, and face challenges in a new environment. The resilience and persistence shown by our students, whether taking that first jump into the pool, learning a new stroke, or pushing themselves a little further each day, was inspiring to witness.
As we look ahead, our Year 4 to Year 6 students will now have the chance to develop these same qualities in a very different way: through the preparation and performance of our Peter Pan Jr musical. Just like swimming lessons, taking part in a production encourages students to grow in confidence, work collaboratively, and step bravely into the unknown.
Both opportunities highlight something powerful: the skills our students build extend far beyond the classroom walls. Experiences like these nurture resilience, independence, and adaptability, qualities that will serve them well in all areas of life as they continue to grow into confident, capable young people.
Madame Pilote Mrs Langley Mr Andrews
Daffodil Day – OSH Club Bake Sale in memory of Abbie Quinn
As many of you are aware, we have sadly lost a much-loved member of our team and a cherished part of the St Stephen’s School community, Abbie Quinn, to cancer. In her memory, we are holding a fundraising event in support of Daffodil Day. All proceeds will go directly to the Cancer Council to help fund cancer research, prevention and support services.
To raise funds, we will be running two stalls:
Recess Stall
Primary Forum / Monday 25 August
We will be selling a variety of cakes, biscuits, popcorn and other treats, as well as playdough and a small second-hand toy section. Prices will range from 50c to $2.
After-School Stall
Outside the OSH Club room (demountable by the school oval) / Monday 25 August
This stall will feature a wider range of food, along with a much larger second-hand section including books, DVDs, toys, and more treasures for you and your children to explore.
For anyone unable to attend on the day, our flyer includes a QR code linking to our Cancer Council Daffodil Day fundraising page, where donations can be made directly. Every contribution helps bring hope for the future through vital research, prevention and support for people affected by cancer and their families.
We are deeply grateful for your support and we know Abbie would be touched to see her community come together in such a meaningful way.
With heartfelt thanks
Shelley Huggins and the OSH Club Team
Vietnam Tour Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
Father’s Day Stall
Book Week Parade 
Children’s University
It is hard to believe we are in Term 3 and the countdown to the graduation event begins. For those who are new to the program, it is important to get your child’s passports stamped and up to date this term as the deadline for hours contributing towards this year’s graduation is fast approaching. There will be a final stamping date on the first day of Term 4 (Tuesday 14 October). As this is the first day back it is easy to forget. To avoid disappointment (and too much work for me to process by the deadline), I would recommend having all of your hours processed this term. Just a reminder that I am in the Primary forum each Thursday before school.
The graduation ceremony this year will be either Tuesday 25 November or Wednesday 26 November. As soon as I know which of these two ceremonies we have been assigned to, I will let you know. In the meantime, please pencil both dates in your diary.
If your child is close to accruing enough hours to qualify for graduation, a reminder to get them to explore the CU portal to get those final hours they need. Attached is a booklet I found this morning which explores the Victorian goldfields, you can earn up to 3.5 hours by completing this booklet and bringing it to show me at one of our passport stamping sessions.
400m Event Reschedule
Due to the forecast of severe weather, we have made the decision to reschedule the 400m events that were originally planned for today, Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August. Please find the updated schedule below:
Tuesday, August 26
Year 3 – 400m Event: Recess (10:55am – 11:15am)
Years 4–6 – 400m Event: Lunch (12:40pm – 1:10pm)
Wednesday, August 27
Years 3–4 – 800m Event: Lunch (12:40pm – 1:10pm
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Miss Kaliah Nicol – Teacher – Primary Physical Education
Primary Interhouse Athletics Carnival
Date: Friday 29 August (Week 5, Term 3)
Time: 8.25am – 3.20pm
Students in Year 1 – 6 need to arrive at school no later than 8.25am.
Please note: Our Kindy and Pre-Primary students will only be involved in morning activities. At approximately 9.30am, the Kindy and Pre-Primary students will participate in team games in their own sectioned off area on the oval.
Location: St Stephen’s School Carramar – Oval
What to Wear:
- Sport Uniform
- Appropriate sports shoes (no athletics spikes permitted, rubber athletics shoes only)
- Clearly labelled St Stephen’s School hat
- Clearly labelled St Stephen’s School jacket and/or tracksuit pants
What to Bring:
- Clearly labelled water bottle
- Students must bring all food and drinks they will need for the day. A meal deal will be available from the Canteen.
- Clearly labelled bag containing all their requirements for the day.
- If your child has asthma, please ensure they bring their own inhaler.
Timetable of Events:
Family Picnic
We will break for lunch from 12.30pm – 1pm. During this time, students will be invited to eat lunch with their families if they have a family member spectating. Students who do not have a family member spectating will need to remain in their House Bay for the lunch break. Parents/guardians will not be permitted in the House Bays designated for students.
Students who would like to participate in the optional 400m and 800m events must make their way down to the oval at the times listed above. Parents/guardians are permitted to spectate the events from a distance but must not interfere with the children and races. Results from our 400m and 800m events will contribute to overall House and individual athletics carnival points.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
Can I spectate the Primary Athletics Carnival?
Families are welcome and encouraged to spectate the Primary Athletics Carnival. There will be a designated spectating area for families near the finish line. Spectators are not permitted in the House Bays designated for students and staff only. Spectators will need to bring their own chairs and/or picnic rugs for the spectating area. Spectators are welcome to
make their way around the oval to spectate the field events and team games, but please be mindful of track events and races that are taking place throughout the day.
Can I take photos/videos?
Parents/guardians may take photo or video recordings of their own child/children (provided other students are not identifiable and the images are not shared on social media). No photo or video recording is to be used as evidence for results or appeal. The judge’s decision is final. Disputing with officials sets a poor example for children and undermines the spirit of fair play.
Which events will my child be participating in?
Every child will have the opportunity to participate in every event at our Primary Athletics Carnival. We look forward to a day filled with enthusiasm, effort and enjoyment as our students take part in every event, in the spirit of fair play and inclusivity.
How does the House point and ribbon system work at the Athletics Carnival?
- Every student in Year 1 – 6 who participates in an individual event will receive at least 2 house points for their efforts.
- In our individual track and field events, students will receive house points and individual points based on their overall placings (times or distances).
- 1stplace: 10 points, 2nd place: 9 points, 3rd place: 8 points, 4th place: 7 points, 5th place: 6 points, 6th place: 5 points, 7th: 4 points, 8th: place 3 points, 9th place onwards: 2 points.
- It is important to note and explain to your child that some year groups will have multiple heats for track events. House points and place ribbons will be allocated and presented to students after all 50m, 100m or 200m heats have been run.
- For example– there may be three 100m race heats for the Year 3 girls category. If a student in Heat C runs the fastest time overall out of all runners in Heat A, B and C, then the student from Heat C will be awarded with 10 house points and the 1st place ribbon.
We encourage you to remind your child that the true spirit of our Athletics Carnival lies in participation, effort and enjoyment, rather than simply winning a ribbon. Celebrating personal achievements, effort and improvement fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and proud of their own individual accomplishments. Emphasise the importance of doing your best, supporting others and having fun!
When is the Interschool Athletics Carnival?
The Year 3 – 6 NIPSSA Interschool Athletics Carnival will take place on Tuesday the 23 and Wednesday the 24 of September. The Interschool Athletics Team will be selected from the results at our Interhouse Athletics Carnival. More information about the carnival will be sent out via Consent2Go once the team has been selected.
Little Athletics is a fantastic way to keep fit and builds the foundation skills of running, jumping and throwing, which are all transferable to other sports. If your child is interested in participating in Little Athletics outside of school, Joondalup Little Athletics Centre is a fantastic local club – https://www.joondalupathletics.com.au The WA Little Athletics season runs from October until March.
If your child is going to be absent on Friday 29 August, please advise ASAP via email at kaliah.nicol@ststephens.wa.edu.au, as this helps with the planning of our event.
We look forward to seeing our students participate in the 2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival!
Miss Kaliah Nicol – Primary Physical Education Teacher
Sports Day Meal Deal
WEEK 3 Running Club House Points
drum roll please…
|
CHARIS |
MAKARIA | PARRESIA |
| 21 | 36 |
56 |
Congratulations to PARRESIA for running the most laps in Week 3!
100 LAPS CLUB
Congratulations to Grace Dicks (Pre-Primary) who completed 100 laps on her running club card.
Congratulations to Joshua van Deventer (Year 2) for completing 400 laps on his running club card.
Congratulations to Theo Unit (Year 4) for completing 600 laps on his running club card.
Outstanding effort and commitment to Bernard Streeter (Year 2) for completing 700 laps on his running club card.
Well done everyone!
