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