Term 1, Week 3 – Special Edition

Dear Parents/Guardians

Our Yr 3-6 playground equipment will be getting a “new look” this year and works are due to start tomorrow! This is a very exciting time for our community.

Please note that works will be occurring on “The Common Area” (between the Primary and Secondary buildings) and fencing will be erected around the perimeter of the project.

Our staff have already discussed this matter with students but can we please ask you to reinforce with your child that at no time during the project is anyone to enter this worksite area. This area will be clearly marked out. The entire west side of “The Common” is “OUT OF BOUNDS” for the entirety of the project (before, during and after school).

We thank you for your support and collaboration and look forward to officially open our new Yr3 to Yr6 playground area soon.

Kind regards

Mr Andrews, Madame Pilote and Mrs Langley

Term 1, Week 3

Term 1 Running Club

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Miss Uglow on the Primary Green every Thursday morning to run as many laps around the Green as you can! No matter what your ability is, come on down to earn House points, improve your fitness, build your confidence and run your way towards a healthier lifestyle.

Each participating individual will be given their own Running Club lapathon card to count their laps every week. Runners will earn 1 Running Club House Point for every lap they complete around the Primary Green. Running Club lapathon cards must be left with Miss Uglow at the end of each session.

WEEK 2 Running Club House Points : (drum roll please…) 

CHARIS

MAKARIA PARRESIA
89 89

98

Congratulations to PARRESIA House for running the most laps in Week 2! Followed very closely by Makaria and Charis with an equal 89 house points! Keep up the fantastic effort until the end of the term everyone!

We will meet on the Primary Green every THURSDAY morning from 8.00am – 8.25am. Come dressed in your sport uniform or normal school uniform and running shoes. You can still participate even if you are not dressed in your sport uniform! Everyone is welcome – you do not need to sign up to participate in this club. Run at your own pace and come and go as you please. Parents/guardians and younger siblings are encouraged to join in too.

Hannah Uglow

Teacher – Primary Physical Education

 

Early Years Movement Club – Commencing Week 4 (Tuesday 20 February)

Early years students (K – 2) and their families are encouraged to join Miss Uglow on the Primary Green every TUESDAY morning for our new Early Years Movement Club. Come outside and practice your running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and more! Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend with their child/children. Help your child improve their fundamental movement skills and build their motivation and confidence to be active for life!

We will meet on the Primary Green every TUESDAY morning from 8.00am – 8.25am. Everyone in Kindy to Year 2 is welcome – you do not need to sign up to participate in this club.

 

 

Year 3 – 6 Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Date: Friday 1 March (Week 5, Term 1)

Venue: Craigie Leisure Centre – 751 Whitfords Ave, Craigie

Time: Bus departing school at 8.40am – bus returning to school by 3.10pm.

What to bring/wear:

  • Students must bring all food and drink they require for the day – the Café is not accessible to students.
  • House Uniform, towel, thongs/sandals and bathers. Students will need to arrive at school wearing their bathers underneath their House uniform. No bikini style two-piece bathers please.
  • Labelled school bag or alternative backpack
  • Swimming caps and goggles are highly recommended. We will be providing House coloured swimming caps for students to borrow on the day if they wish.
  • Sun protection – as our carnival will be conducted in the 50m outdoor pool at Craigie Leisure Centre this year, all students must be prepared with the appropriate sun protection including:
  • Labelled hat (this can be the school hat or a House coloured hat)
  • Sunscreen (we will provide sunscreen in the House Bays but students are also encouraged to bring their own)
  • Short-sleeved OR long-sleeved rash vest/rashie. Students are not required to wear a rash vest/rashie during their swimming races/events, however we strongly recommend they wear one during the novelty event games.  
  • Labelled water bottle

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We still require a number of parent/guardian volunteers to assist us on the day. We would love your involvement in making this event a huge success for our students. If you would like to help at the Primary Swimming Carnival and you are available from 9.00am until 2.30pm on Friday 1 March, please contact me via email at hannah.uglow@ststephens.wa.edu.au.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

Can I spectate this event?

Parents/guardians and family members are welcome and encouraged to spectate the Swimming Carnival. Spectators must pay a small entry fee on arrival. There will be a designated spectating area for families. 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 grassed spectating area. 

Can I take photos/videos at the Swimming Carnival?

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.

Will there be shade?

The House Bays and designated spectating area will be located underneath the large shade sails at the Craigie Leisure Centre outdoor pool, however all students and spectators must be prepared with the appropriate sun protection gear listed above. Spectators will need to bring their own chairs and/or picnic rugs for the grassed spectating area.

Can I purchase food/drink for my child from the Café?

Spectators are welcome to purchase food/drink from the indoor Café throughout the day, however we kindly request that you do not purchase food/drink for your child. Students will need to bring a packed lunch with all food/drink they require for the day. Water fountains will be available to fill up water bottles throughout the day.

Does my child have to wear a swimming cap?

No. The House coloured swimming caps are optional for students to borrow on the day if they wish. We recommend you equip your child with an appropriate pair of goggles for the day however.

What if my child has not yet learnt Breaststroke or frog kick?

We understand that some swim schools teach the frog kick and breaststroke techniques at a later stage in their swimming program. Children who are confident swimming 25m freestyle and 25m backstroke are welcome and encouraged to participate in the 25m deep end events, however they will have the option of using a kickboard or noodle under their arms for the 25m breaststroke event in the deep end. If your child has not yet learnt the frog kick technique, they will have the option of using a kickboard and doing freestyle kick.

Does my child have to dive into the pool?

No. Students in shallow end events will start in the water (in the middle of the pool with the assistance of our secondary student helpers). Students in the 25m deep end events and 50m events will have the option of starting in the water, diving off the edge of the pool (next to the blocks) or diving off the blocks.

How does the House Point and ribbon system work at the swimming carnival?

  • All students who participate in a 25m shallow end event will receive 4 house points.
  • All students who participate in a 25m deep end event will receive 6 house points.
  • All students who participate in a 25m shallow end or deep end event will receive a participation ribbon (if they wish) to recognise and celebrate their efforts in the water.
  • Students who participate in the 50m events and Butterfly events will receive house points and individual points based on their overall placing and time.
    (1st place: 20 points, 2nd place: 18 points, 3rd place: 16 points, 4th place: 14 points, 5th place: 12 points, 6th place: 10 points, 7th and 8th place: 8 points).
  • It is important to note and explain to your child that some year groups will have multiple heats for each 50m event. House points and place ribbons will be allocated and handed out to students after all 50m heats for that category have been swum. For example – there may be three 50m heats for the Year 6 boys category. If a student in Heat 3 swims the fastest time overall out of all swimmers in Heat 1, 2 and 3, then the student from Heat 3 will be awarded with 20 house points and the 1st place ribbon.
  • We recognise that it is a huge effort and achievement to swim in a 50m event regardless of the result, so students who swim in the 50m events will be rewarded with more house points than the 25m categories. Students who do not receive a place ribbon in a 50m event will be offered a participation ribbon for their efforts as well.

Why are place ribbons not handed out in the 25m events?

Students participating in the 25m events are in a wide range of different swimming levels and abilities. Most children in these events are still in the process of developing the correct and efficient technique for freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Hence, children in these events should not be encouraged to ‘race’. The 25m events provide students with an opportunity to build their confidence in the water and participate to the best of their ability. The 25m events are also a non-competitive option for students who do not wish to participate in the 50m events.

Event Numbers?

Your child will write their event numbers in their school diary the day before the carnival. We encourage you to write your child’s event numbers on their hand prior to arriving at school on the morning of the carnival. Please note that all event times in the program are approximate. 

When is the Interschool Swimming Carnival?

The Year 3 – 6 NIPSSA Interschool Swimming Carnival will take place on Thursday 28 March (Week 9, Term 1). The Interschool Swimming Team will be selected from the overall 50m results at our Interhouse Swimming Carnival. More information about the carnival will be sent out via Consent2Go once the team has been selected.

If you have any further questions about the upcoming Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at hannah.uglow@ststephens.wa.edu.au. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing your children swim at our Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival!

Miss Hannah Uglow

Primary Physical Education Teacher

Scholastic Book Club

The due date for the 1st issue of Scolastic Book Club is Wednesday 14 February.

 

Parent Series – Hot Topic

 

 

Tennis Lessons

 

Term 1, Week 2

Guinness World Records – Postponed

 

Pancake Day

 

Icy Poles

Captains will be selling icy poles for $1.00 each, this Friday at Recess. Please note that the proceeds sales will be donated to a non profit organisation, to be chosen by students later this term.

Term 1 Running Club – Commencing Week 2 (Thursday 8 February)

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Miss Uglow on the Primary Green every Thursday morning to run as many laps around the Green as you can! No matter what your ability is, come on down to earn House points, improve your fitness, build your confidence and run your way towards a healthier lifestyle.

Each participating individual will be given their own Running Club lapathon card to count their laps every week. Runners will earn 1 Running Club House Point for every lap they complete around the Primary Green. Running Club lapathon cards must be left with Miss Uglow at the end of each session.

We will meet on the Primary Green every THURSDAY morning from 8.00am – 8.25am. Come dressed in your sport uniform or normal school uniform and running shoes. You can still participate even if you are not dressed in your sport uniform! Everyone is welcome – you do not need to sign up to participate in this club. Run at your own pace and come and go as you please. Parents/guardians and younger siblings are encouraged to join in too.

Hannah Uglow
Teacher – Primary Physical Education

Important Reminder

To ensure our students’ safety, please remind your child that they must not ride their bikes on school grounds and that they must walk them to the locking bay area near the Primary basketball courts.  It is students’ responsibility to ensure that their bike is secured by a lock.

Furthermore, students riding their bikes to school must wear helmets.

Thank you for your consideration and cooperation with this matter.

The Primary Leadership Team

 

Scholastic Book Club

The due date for the 1st issue of Scolastic Book Club is Wednesday 14 February.

 

After School Imagineers Club

 

 

Tennis Lessons

 

 

Tapping Dental Therapy Centre

Opening Hours – Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm (telephone – 9404 7902)

Emergency clinic on Thursday & Friday at Ocean Reef Dental Therapy Centre (telephone 9307 4775)

 

Term 1, Week 1 – Reminder

Term 1 After School Clubs – Reminder

Term 1 After School Clubs will be starting next week! This term we are offering 8 after school clubs.

Quill Crew – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Year 6)

Board Game Club – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr6)

Cooking Club – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr6)

Read & Draw Club – Wednesday (Students in PP)

Mathletics Club – Wednesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr4)

After School Sports – Thursday (Students in Yr1 – Yr 2)

Drawing Club – Thursday (Students in Yr1 – Yr 2)

Early Years Nature Club – Thursday (Students in PP – Yr 2)

Bookings will be available from 6.00pm this TODAY (Friday 2 February).

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. 

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

Please be aware that the Running Club is also available for all students on a Thursday morning. Bookings are not necessary for Running Club.

All clubs will run from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and all students will be required to be picked from the location of the club promptly at 4.30.pm.

Term 1, Week 1

Dear Parents/Guardians

As per our Principal’s welcome email last week, St Stephen’s School is celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary this year. As part of our festivities to commemorate this milestone, staff and students from Year 1 to Year 12 will be attempting to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for ‘the most people launching confetti cannons simultaneously’ on Thursday 8 February. Our students from all campuses will form a human 40 on the oval before launching their safe, environmentally friendly and biodegradable confetti. 

As Carramar Campus Year 1 to Year 12 students will be heading off to our Duncraig Campus by bus, this event is considered an excursion and therefore requires all parents to approve for their child to participate via Consent2Go. Can we please ask that you give permission for your child to participate no later than Friday 2 February (via Consent2Go).

Many thanks

The Primary Leadership Team

 

Parent Information Evenings

It was lovely to welcome our Pre-Kindy, Kindy and Pre-Primary families to their Parent Information Evenings last week and we look forward to welcoming our Yr1 to Yr6 families for theirs this week. As per the information letter sent out earlier this year, please see below details for the week:

Year 1 (in the Primary Forum) & Year 2 (in the Library): Tuesday 30 January 2024, 6.45pm –7.45pm

Year 3 (in the Library) & Year 4 (Primary Forum): Wednesday 31 January 2024, 6.45pm –7.45pm

Year 5 (Primary Forum) & Year 6 (in the Library): Thursday 1 February 2024, 6.45pm –7.45pm

Icy Poles Are Back!

Captains will be ready to start selling icy poles for $1.00 each, this Friday at Recess. Please note that the proceeds sales will be donated to a non profit organisation, to be chosen by students later this term.

 

Class Representatives

As per earlier correspondence, if you are interested in becoming a Class Representative this year, please submit your expression of interest with your classroom teacher. Leadership will be in touch with candidates in the coming weeks with more information and date for our first meeting.

 

Photo Day

Please see below schedule for our school photos this year:

  • Pre-Primary to Year 6 students: Tuesday 6 February (children need to be wearing their white school shirt (3-6) and striped shirt (K-2)NO SPORTS SHIRTS FOR THIS DAY – FORMAL UNIFORM REQUIRED.
  • Kindy students: Monday 5 February
  • Pre-Kindy students: Wednesday 14 February

80’s Dress-Up Day!!!

Term 1 After School Clubs

Term 1 After School Clubs will be starting next week! This term we are offering 8 after school clubs.

Quill Crew – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Year 6)

Board Game Club – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr6)

Cooking Club – Tuesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr6)

Read & Draw Club – Wednesday (Students in PP)

Mathletics Club – Wednesday (Students in Yr3 – Yr4)

After School Sports – Thursday (Students in Yr1 – Yr 2)

Drawing Club – Thursday (Students in Yr1 – Yr 2)

Early Years Nature Club – Thursday (Students in PP – Yr 2)

Bookings will be available from 6.00pm this Friday 2 February.

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. 

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

Please be aware that the Running Club is also available for all students on a Thursday morning. Bookings are not necessary for Running Club.

Running Club

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Miss Uglow on the Primary Green every Thursday morning to run as many laps around the Green as you can! No matter what your ability is, come on down to earn House points, improve your fitness, build your confidence and run your way towards a healthier lifestyle.

Each participating individual will be given their own Running Club lapathon card to count their laps every week. Runners will earn 1 Running Club House Point for every lap they complete around the Primary Green.

We will meet on the Primary Green every THURSDAY morning from 8.00am – 8.25am. Come dressed in your sport uniform or normal school uniform and running shoes. You can still participate even if you are not dressed in your sport uniform! Everyone is welcome – you do not need to sign up to participate in this club. Run at your own pace and come and go as you please. Parents/guardians and younger siblings are encouraged to join in too.

 

Reminder

Please note that the designated staff car park (including the turning circle) is not to be used by parents. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

 

Tennis Lessons

Term 1 Welcome

Dear Families

Welcome back to a brand new school year! We trust that you had a delightful holiday, filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable moments with loved ones. As we embark 2024 together, we extend our warmest welcome to both familiar faces and new members of our school community.  

Staff have been “busy bees” this week; programming and preparing classes for students’ return next week. We are now ready and look forward to welcoming everyone Monday morning! Please note that a “Welcome Assembly” will be held in the Primary Forum at 9am and we would love to see you there if you’re available.  

Wishing everyone many blessings as we dive into a year of growth, exploration, and success. Let’s make 2024 an exceptional chapter in our shared story.  

Here’s to a fantastic school year!  

Bennet Andrews, Isabelle Pilote and Jennifer Langley

 

Term 1 Tennis Lessons

 

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