This week’s worship, centred around the theme of Christmas carols, has been a beautiful reminder of the joy and hope that this season brings. As we sing familiar tunes and reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, we’re reminded of the significance of this upcoming event in the Christian calendar: a time of celebration, gratitude, and togetherness.

It’s also a time when our school community begins to embrace the many end-of-year festivities; instrumental recitals, the Year 3 Drama Afternoon, the Nativity, the Year 6 Graduation, to name just a few. There is so much to rejoice in, and we are deeply grateful for the spirit of celebration that fills our school.

However, it’s important to remember that we still have six weeks of school ahead, filled with rich learning experiences. This is a crucial time for our students as we enter the season of assessments and reporting. Staying focused, engaged, and respectful in both behaviour and attitude will help ensure we finish the year on a high.

We encourage families to continue having conversations at home about the importance of maintaining effort and positivity right through to the end of term. Your support makes a real difference, and we thank you for partnering with us in nurturing your child’s growth.

Let’s embrace this season with joy, purpose, and a shared commitment to finishing well.

Final day of Term

For planning purposes, we would like to inform you that school will finish at 12:00pm on Friday 5 December. A detailed program outlining the morning’s activities will be shared with you in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your support as we prepare for this special day.

Cards That Count – Online Ordering closes tomorrow, 29 October!

There is still time to purchase special keepsakes featuring your child’s artwork (for those who submitted it) as part of The Cards That Count Appeal.

This initiative supports Uniting WA in their vital work with people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while also celebrating your child’s creativity.

Personalised items make beautiful Christmas gifts for loved ones or treasured keepsakes for years to come. Every purchase helps make a difference.

Thank you for your support!

2025 Evening on the Green

Book Fair

2026 Carramar Resource Lists (Kindy – Year 6)

Students are supplied with a list of essential items and texts which are to be purchased for school. This is coordinated by Campion Education WA.

Resource lists will be available online through the Campion website from Friday 17 October to Friday 14 November 2025.

If you order between the above dates it will be delivered to your home for a cost $8. Orders placed after the cut-off date will incur additional charges. Delivery of these orders cannot be guaranteed prior to the commencement of the school year.

Order online at www.campion.com.au

• Click on ‘Parents order here’
• Enter in Parents email address and click ‘Validate’
• Click Add Student
• Click on ‘Order Now’
• Search for St Stephen’s School – Carramar
• Enter in the students name and  the Resource List code VK3G
• Click on ‘Validate’
• Click on ‘New Order’
• Select the year level and then choose the items you wish to purchase

The Campion Parent Hub includes How to Order video and How to Order PDFs in 11 languages https://campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

Family help:  FAQs: https://campion.com.au/support-help/support/      Email help@campion.com.au

Please note that items ticked as ‘Item Reqd’ on your child’s booklist need to be purchased directly from Campion.  Resources under the headings of ‘Personal Items for Student Use’ and ‘Parents to Supply’ can be purchased from Campion or from your preferred stationery supplier, but we do ask that you supply all the items on the list.

We are very mindful that returning to school for a new academic year can be an expensive cost to families and therefore our staff have made a conscious effort to keep the cost to a minimum.

Date of delivery is the week ending Friday 23 January 2026  (only for orders placed prior to the cut-off date).

PLEASE NOTE: The online ordering dates for Primary and Secondary School are different. Secondary School lists will open on Friday 7 November.

Campion is located in Malaga (Monday – Friday) on telephone 6240 2778

WEEK 2 Running Club House Points

Congratulations to MAKARIA for running the most laps in Week 2!

Congratulations also to Kaval Sandhu (Year 2) who completed 200 laps on her running club card. Well done!

Children’s University

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 14 students who qualified for this year’s graduation.  I hope you have enjoyed all you have learned so far this year.  We have new students graduating with Bronze Awards all the way up to seasoned CU members graduating with a Silver Masters Degree.

Although, the deadline for accruing hours for 2025 graduation has passed, any hours you do this term and over the summer holidays contribute towards your 2026 graduation.  A few students are only a couple of hours away from qualifying for their next level of achievement and that could be achieved before this year even ends.

With that in mind, don’t let the learning stop.  Check out the CU portal for many activities and learning destinations to visit.  Below is an activity I found on the CU portal this morning which could earn you 1 hour of learning stamped in your passport.

One Health Day is on 3 November 2025

Did you know that the health of people, animals and the planet are all connected?  If something changes in nature, like pollution or animals getting sick, it can affect humans too.  One Health, means doctors, vets and scientists all work together to keep everyone healthy.

In this activity your challenge is to create a One Health Farm.

1. Build and decorate your farm base, using a shoebox or tray for example.
2. Add animals to your farm.  You could add toys, cut out or draw animal images.
3. Plant a garden on your farm. Draw or cut out images of plants to add to the farm base or make your own out of materials at home.
4. Include pictures of the people who will care for the animals and plants.

To learn more information about One Health, visit OneHealth@AdelaideUniversity.

A reminder that I will continue to be in the primary forum on Thursday mornings before school to stamp passports.

🎶 Enrol Now for the 2026 Instrumental Tuition Program! 🎶

St Stephen’s School is proud to offer a comprehensive Instrumental Music Program for students from Year 1 to Year 12.

Whether your child is continuing their musical journey or just starting out, this program provides a wonderful opportunity to learn from experienced Instrumental Music Tutors, with lessons held during school hours on school premises.

🧠 Why Music Matters

Research by Dr Anita Collins, a leading Australian educator and neuroscientist, shows that learning a musical instrument is one of the most powerful ways to support brain development in children. It strengthens memory, boosts language and literacy skills, enhances coordination, and improves focus and emotional regulation, all while being incredibly fun and rewarding!

Lesson times are scheduled into the school day, and vary from week to week to ensure students aren’t missing the same class, helping them balance their academic and musical development.

🎺🎹🎻 Instruments offered include:

• Piano
• Orchestral Percussion
• Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Voice
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Violin
• Viola
• Double Bass

Please note: As this program is optional, fees are charged in addition to the standard School Fees.

Year Level Programs
Students in Year 3 and Year 5 have the opportunity to participate in their year level instrumental programs, which offer free small-group tuition:

• 🎻 Year 3s learn a string instrument (violin, viola, or cello) for at least one term.
• 🎷 Year 5s can apply to learn a woodwind or brass instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or orchestral percussion) for one semester.

Ready to enrol or want to know more? Click here: https://ststephens.jotform.com/form/230857434607864

Australian Girls Choir Open Day

Congratulations to students who recently took part in the AGC assessment workshop at school. Everyone is welcome to come along to Open Days on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16, which will give you the opportunity to try a free class and attend an information session. Visit the AGC website to confirm your booking for Open Day – www.ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc/.

Yesterday morning, our whole school came together to start the week with a time of worship centred on a simple yet powerful theme: gratitude. It was a gentle reminder for all of us, staff and students alike, that thankfulness is not just a feeling, but a practice that shapes our hearts, our homes and our world.

Here in Australia, we are incredibly privileged. We have clean water, safe homes, quality education, access to healthcare, freedom of choice and so much more. These everyday realities are luxuries in many parts of the world. And yet, when life is comfortable, it becomes easy, especially for our little ones, to take these blessings for granted.

Gratitude isn’t always natural. It’s something that needs to be nurtured, encouraged and most importantly, modelled. Our children watch us closely. When they see us pause to give thanks for a meal, for the sunshine, for a friend or even for a challenge that helped us grow, they learn to look for the good in their own lives too.

We encourage you as parents and carers to take moments throughout your week to express thanks aloud in front of your children. It might be as simple as, “I’m so grateful we have fresh fruit in the fridge,” or “Aren’t we lucky to have books to read at bedtime?”. These small, intentional moments send a powerful message; what we have should not be assumed, it should be appreciated.

Let’s raise children who understand that gratitude is more than good manners. It’s a way of seeing the world, one that leads to joy, compassion and generosity. May we never overlook the abundance we’ve been given and may we teach our children to see it too.

With a thankful heart

Madame Pilote and Mrs Langley

Farewell to Mr Sloan

It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that we share the news that our much-loved Mr Sloan will be retiring at the end of this term, after more than 20 years of dedicated service to our school community.

Mr Sloan has made an incredible impact on the lives of so many students and families over the years and we know he will be remembered with deep respect, admiration and affection. While we will officially celebrate Mr Sloan and his amazing contribution later this year, we wanted to let our community know in advance and give you the chance to join us in thanking him for everything he has given.

Mr Sloan will be greatly missed, but we are absolutely thrilled for him as he steps into this exciting new chapter of a well-earned retirement.

With heartfelt thanks

The Primary Team

Thank you for supporting Loud Shirt Day!

We want to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful school community for your incredible support of Loud Shirt Day last Friday. The enthusiasm shown by both our students and staff was truly inspiring!

We’re thrilled to share that, together we have raised an astonishing $570. These funds will be donated to TSH to help support their amazing work.

Thank you once again for joining us in making a positive difference. Your generosity and spirit mean so much!

Cards That Count – Artwork keepsakes available from 15 October to 29 October!

There is still time to purchase special keepsakes featuring your child’s artwork (for those who submitted it) as part of The Cards That Count Appeal.

This initiative supports Uniting WA in their vital work with people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while also celebrating your child’s creativity.

Personalised items make beautiful Christmas gifts for loved ones or treasured keepsakes for years to come. Every purchase helps make a difference.

Thank you for your support!

Sunset Cinema

A note about sticks from home 

We love seeing our students engaging with nature and making the most of our beautiful outdoor spaces here at school. Sticks are a fantastic natural resource for imaginative and active play and we encourage their use right here on campus.

However, we kindly ask that children do not bring sticks from home. We have plenty available in our nature play areas and for environmental reasons, we want to avoid removing natural materials from other spaces.

We also encourage students to leave sticks at school after play, so they remain available for others to enjoy and to help keep our grounds safe and tidy.

Thank you for your support in helping us care for both our students and the environment.

Madame Pilote and Mrs Langley

2026 Carramar Resource Lists (Kindy – Year 6)

Students are supplied with a list of essential items and texts which are to be purchased for school. This is coordinated by Campion Education WA.

Resource lists will be available online through the Campion website from Friday 17 October to Friday 14 November 2025.

If you order between the above dates it will be delivered to your home for a cost $8. Orders placed after the cut-off date will incur additional charges. Delivery of these orders cannot be guaranteed prior to the commencement of the school year.

Order online at www.campion.com.au

• Click on ‘Parents order here’
• Enter in Parents email address and click ‘Validate’
• Click Add Student
• Click on ‘Order Now’
• Search for St Stephen’s School – Carramar
• Enter in the students name and  the Resource List code VK3G
• Click on ‘Validate’
• Click on ‘New Order’
• Select the year level and then choose the items you wish to purchase

The Campion Parent Hub includes How to Order video and How to Order PDFs in 11 languages https://campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

Family help:  FAQs: https://campion.com.au/support-help/support/      Email help@campion.com.au

Please note that items ticked as ‘Item Reqd’ on your child’s booklist need to be purchased directly from Campion.  Resources under the headings of ‘Personal Items for Student Use’ and ‘Parents to Supply’ can be purchased from Campion or from your preferred stationery supplier, but we do ask that you supply all the items on the list.

We are very mindful that returning to school for a new academic year can be an expensive cost to families and therefore our staff have made a conscious effort to keep the cost to a minimum.

Date of delivery is the week ending Friday 23 January 2026  (only for orders placed prior to the cut-off date).

PLEASE NOTE: The online ordering dates for Primary and Secondary School are different. Secondary School lists will open on Friday 7 November.

Campion is located in Malaga (Monday – Friday) on telephone 6240 2778

Scholastic Book Fair

Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book Club orders are due by Tuesday 28 October

Loud Shirt Day – Reminder

A friendly reminder that tomorrow is Loud Shirt Day! We’re looking forward to seeing our students in their loudest, brightest shirts as we show our support for Telethon Speech & Hearing (TSH).

Please remember to send your child with a $2 gold coin donation on arrival in the morning.

Thank you for your continued support!

After School Clubs – Term 4 update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’d like to let you know that the link to register for Term 4 After School Clubs will go live tomorrow Friday 17 October at 6pm. Due to the short length of the term and the many exciting end-of-year activities currently being planned, we will only be offering the After School Sports Club this term. This particular club is supported through a grant, allowing us to continue running it despite the limited timeframe.

Please note this activity is for PP-YR 2 only. Details of the club will be available at:

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

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to a fun and active Term 4!

Warm regards

Madame Pilote

Running Club

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Miss Nicol, Mrs Bartels and Mr Simms on the Primary Green every Thursday morning to run as many laps around the Green as you can! First run club will start next Thursday 23 October. 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 placed in the lapathon bin after students have finished running their laps.

Students – come dressed in your sport uniform or normal school uniform and running shoes. Students who do not have PE on a Thursday will need to change into their formal school uniform/shoes after running club.

Osh Club Runners

Students who attend OSH Club on Thursday morning are welcome to come along to Running Club too. Please advise the OSH staff if your child would like to attend running club and a staff member will walk them to our club on the green. Thank you.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions – kaliah.nicol@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful break and found time to rest, recharge, and enjoy some special moments with your loved ones.

This morning, we kicked off the final term of the year with a whole-school assembly that carried an inspiring message:

“Dream big, aim high, invent, create, and touch the sky!”

It was a powerful reminder to our students that the possibilities ahead of them are endless. As we begin Term 4, we are encouraging every child to set meaningful goals, challenge themselves, and believe in their potential, whether that’s in their learning, friendships, or creative pursuits.

We would love your support at home as well. Please take a moment this week to talk with your child about what they’d like to achieve this term. It might be something academic, something personal, or something completely new and imaginative. Together, let’s help them set their sights high and take confident steps toward “touching the sky”.

Here is the closing prayer that was shared at our assembly this morning:

Dear God,
Thank You for bringing us safely to the start of Term 4.
As we begin this new chapter, help us to dream big,
To believe in ourselves, to aim high, and to never give up.

Give us courage when things feel hard,
Kindness in our hearts for others,
And joy in the little moments each day.

May we lift each other up,
Celebrate our efforts,
And finish this year strong together.

Amen.

We’re excited for all that this term holds and look forward to sharing it with you.

Madame Pilote         Mrs Langley             Mr Andrews

Thank you to our amazing Parent Reps!

A huge thank you to the wonderful parent representatives who helped organise last term’s incredibly successful Bingo Night! Their time, effort, and enthusiasm created such a fun-filled evening that truly showcased the strong community spirit we’re so lucky to have.

We’re thrilled to share that the event raised close to $1000, which will go directly towards our 2026 Evening on The Green. What an incredible achievement, well done!

Thank you again for your support and energy. We couldn’t do it without you!

Cards That Count – Artwork keepsakes available from 15 October to 29 October!

We’re excited to let you know that families can purchase special keepsakes featuring their child’s artwork (for those who submitted it) as part of The Cards That Count Appeal.

This initiative supports Uniting WA in their vital work with people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while also celebrating your child’s creativity.

Personalised items make beautiful Christmas gifts for loved ones or treasured keepsakes for years to come. Every purchase helps make a difference.

Thank you for your support!

Loud Shirt Day

Hello High School – A helpful resource for teens (and future teens!)

Earlier this year, we had the privilege of welcoming Claire Eaton as a guest speaker, and we’re excited to share that her fantastic book, Hello High School, is available and highly recommended for both High School and Upper Primary students.

Packed with 85 practical “how-to” tips, this book supports young people in boosting their friendships, mindset, productivity, and overall success as they navigate the High School journey and even begin preparing for it.

It’s a valuable resource for students who are about to transition to High School, offering easy-to-read advice that helps build confidence and resilience.

A great addition to your child’s bookshelf as they get ready for their next chapter!

2026 Resources List

Year 6 Market Day

The Year 6 Market Day will be taking place on Monday 20 October on the grass area near the Year 6 classrooms during recess.

All students are invited to bring in money to purchase some amazing craft and food items.

The Year 6 House Captains will select a charity for this fundraiser at a later date.

Sunset Cinema

As we come to the end of another busy and joy-filled term, we want to take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful experiences our students have shared. From engaging classroom learning to special events, excursions, and celebrations, it has truly been a term filled with growth, laughter, and community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to our staff, students, and families who contribute so much to making our school such a special place.

One of the things we treasure most about our school is the strong sense of belonging and warmth that exists across our community. Together, we create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued. This is something we should all be proud of and continue to nurture.

As we look ahead to Term 4, we encourage everyone to keep building each other up with kindness and respect. Children learn so much from the way we, as adults, speak and act. Our conversations, whether at the school gate, in the car park, or beyond, can have a lasting impact. Let’s ensure our words always reflect the love, encouragement, and inclusivity that define our community.

Thank you once again for your support and partnership throughout the term. We wish you and your families a restful and refreshing break, and we look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley                Mr Andrews

Thank you for supporting the Year 5 Bake Sale 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community for your generous support of the Year 5 Bake Sale, organised by our Year 5 Parent Representatives in support of the upcoming Year 6 Graduation celebrations.

It has been truly inspiring to see our Year 5 students and families come together, living out our core value of Service by baking and selling such a delicious variety of goodies. The teamwork, enthusiasm, and community spirit on display made the event such a success.

A special thank you goes to our Year 5 Parent Representatives and the many parent helpers who gave their time and energy to organise and run the day so beautifully. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the bake sale raised over $1,200, which will go directly towards creating a memorable and meaningful Year 6 Graduation.

We are so grateful for the generosity and support of our community, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with our Year 6 students later this year.

Celebrating the success of our 2025 Read-O-Thon 

A huge congratulations and thank you to all our students for making this year’s Read-O-Thon such a wonderful success! It has been inspiring to see the joy of reading come alive as students embraced the challenge with such enthusiasm and commitment.

Thanks to their amazing efforts, we have raised over $2,000, which will go towards the 2026 Evening on the Green. This achievement reflects not only a love for books, but also the power of our school community working together towards a shared goal.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Year 6 Parent Representatives, whose hard work and organisation made this event possible. Their dedication has helped create an experience that celebrates reading while supporting a memorable community event for the future.

Kindy 2027 Enrolments

A reminder to our families that if you have a child due to begin Kindy in 2027, now is the time to register with our Enrolments Team. Places are already very limited.

If you would like more information or to begin the enrolment process, please contact our Enrolments Team as soon as possible.

Madame Pilote

Australian Girls Choir Workshop

We’re excited to welcome the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) back to St Stephen’s School Carramar for a special assessment workshop for girls who love to sing and perform!

Details:

• Who: Girls from Pre-Primary to Year 6 (permission slip required)
• When: Tuesday, October 21 (Term 4, Week 2)
• Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
• Where: Primary Forum

Letters and permission forms have been distributed to classes this week with further information.

To register, please visit www.ausgirlschoir.com.au/schoolworkshop and return the permission form to the box at Reception.

WEEK 8 Running Club House Points : (drum roll please…) 

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

Social Media changes are coming

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms will no longer be permitted to allow Australian children under the age of 16 to create or maintain an account.

Currently, most platforms set the minimum age at 13. However, this new measure is being introduced to provide young people with more time to develop key life skills before engaging with social media in an unrestricted way. The aim is to give children the space to strengthen their digital literacy, critical reasoning, impulse control, and resilience before navigating these online environments.

While this change may be directed more towards our senior students, we believe it is important that our entire community is aware. At St Stephen’s School, we take the impact of social media platforms and children’s involvement with technology very seriously. Technology can and should be used for good, but children need the guidance of both school and home to help them navigate this complex world safely and positively.

We encourage parents and carers to remain engaged in conversations with their children about their online activity and to reinforce healthy, balanced approaches to technology. Together, we can model and nurture the values that will allow our students to thrive, both online and offline.

We’ve included some useful links below that you may find helpful as you explore this topic further.

Message from the eSafety Commissioner

https://vimeo.com/1095511410?utm_campaign=2506_eSafety_news_welcome_3&utm_id=3194909cfaf418a9852b592952b7754e&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eSafety_edm

Social Media Age Restrictions

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/faqs

Thank you for joining us in guiding and equipping our young people as they navigate the digital world.

Madame Pilote        Mrs Langley        Mr Andrews

Reminder – Term 4 Summer Uniform

As Term 4 is fast approaching, a reminder that students will be required to wear their Summer School Uniform from the very start of next term. If you need to purchase any additional uniform items, please visit our Uniform Shop during the following opening hours:

• Wednesdays: 12:30pm – 4.00pm
• Thursdays: 8:00am – 11.30am

Thank you for ensuring our students are ready for the start of the new term.

Icy Pole sales are back!

We’ve all been eagerly waiting for the warmer weather, and that means it’s time for icy poles again! Starting this Friday, our Captains will be visiting classrooms during Recess to sell icy poles for $1 each.

All proceeds will go towards supporting charity.

WEEK 7 Running Club House Points : (drum roll please…) 

Congratulations to MAKARIA for running the most laps in Week 7!

100 LAPS RUNNING CLUB

Congratulations to Kristian Bartels (year 4) for completing 600 laps on his running club card! Well done

THANK YOU!

Our Vietnam Tour students would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported last week’s sausage sizzle. Together, we raised close to $700!

These funds will go directly toward helping communities in need while our students serve in Vietnam early next year. Students are so grateful for your generosity and encouragement as they prepare for this life-changing experience.

CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY 

Please note that Dr Morris will not be available to sign Children’s University passports in the Primary Forum this week.

LOUD SHIRT DAY

CITY OF WANNEROO SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Celebrating our Peter Pan musical production

As we wrap up our Peter Pan Jr. musical production, we could not be prouder of our Year 4, 5 and 6 students. Throughout Tech Week and this week’s performances, they have carried themselves with maturity, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Their hard work and commitment have been second to none, and it has been inspiring to watch them shine on stage.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all staff who have supported our students along the way. And of course, a massive shout-out to Mrs Shannon Brosnan, our wonderful Drama teacher, and her dedicated team. Her vision and leadership have given our students a truly life-changing experience. How blessed are they to be part of such an incredible project!

We now look forward to our final performance this evening and wish our students, staff, and families a well-deserved and restful weekend after such a rewarding journey.

The Primary Leadership Team

Celebrating fathers and special connections

Last week we had the joy of celebrating our beautiful Early Years Father’s Day event, a special time where our children invited their dads, grandfathers or other significant adults in their lives to share in moments of fun, laughter and connection. It was wonderful to see the smiles on children’s faces as they proudly spent time with the people who mean so much to them.

These celebrations remind us of something truly important: children crave time, not things. What they value most is the gift of presence, those moments when they feel seen, heard and loved. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a story, building something together or simply chatting, these are the experiences that children hold in their hearts.

The role of fathers, or any significant adult, cannot be underestimated. From teaching practical skills to modelling kindness, patience and resilience, these moments of shared time become life lessons that help shape children’s understanding of the world. These relationships build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging that children need in order to thrive.

In a time when the digital world can so easily pull us away, celebrations like Father’s Day remind us that what children truly crave is genuine connection. No screen or device can replace the power of a warm smile, a guiding hand or a shared laugh. It is within these everyday interactions that children learn values, develop skills and build the foundations for strong, lasting relationships.

We sincerely thank all the fathers and special guests who made the time to be part of this important Early Years celebration. Your presence means more than you may realise. These are the moments that children will remember and they are the true treasures of childhood. 

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley            Mr Andrews

A huge Thank You from OSHClub for Supporting Daffodil Day!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our whole community for supporting our efforts to raise funds for the Cancer Council in memory of Abbie Quinn. We are especially grateful to those who donated their time, goods, and money to make this possible.

Together, we have raised an incredible $583 so far!

We still have some wonderful second-hand items available, including a teepee tent, toy kitchen furniture, car mats, books, and more. Pop into OSHClub before or after school this week to see what’s left, or scan the QR code to donate online, every little bit helps us lift that total even higher.

Once again, thank you. We feel so proud to be part of such a generous and caring community.

With gratitude
Shelley and the OSHClub Team

Children’s University

Unlock the city planner inside with these fun and engaging activities – each worth one hour in your learning passport.  There is enough here to keep you busy for a few weeks or even during the upcoming holidays – Cities of the Future

I will be off campus this Thursday morning, so please note there will be no passport stamping session.  That leaves only three passport stamping sessions to record hours for this year’s graduation event:

• Thursday 18 September
• Thursday 25 September and
• TUESDAY 14 October (this is the first day back in Term 4)

Year 5 Bake Sale Fundraiser

Our Year 5 parents are hosting a Bake Sale Fundraiser during recess and lunch time on Tuesday 16th September to support our Year 6 Graduation celebrations. From gooey brownies to scrumptious cupcakes and savoury items, there’ll be plenty of tasty treats to choose from. Children are invited to bring in some money to purchase goodies and help make the Year 6 send-off extra special. Every bite counts, and your support is much appreciated. Thank you for supporting our Year 5 and 6 community.

Loud Shirt Day

Girls Junior Cricket Program

Wheelchairs For Kids

Athletics Carnival 2025 – What a day!

Friday’s Athletics Carnival was once again a joyful highlight and a special moment for our school community. What a joy it was to see our students shine in a different context, showcasing their talents, resilience and teamwork in ways that can’t always be developed inside the classroom.

A massive THANK YOU to our wonderful community for your respectful support throughout the day. With so many students participating across different activities, your cooperation allowed teachers and staff to manage the event smoothly, ensuring that every child had the chance to participate and enjoy the experience.

It was truly heartwarming to see our community come together, reminding us of what makes St Stephen’s School so special. How lucky were we to enjoy such perfect weather to top it all off!

A special thank you goes to Miss Nicol, Mrs Crab, our amazing High School staff and helpers and all Primary staff for the incredible work put into both the preparation and delivery of the day. Their efforts ensured that the carnival was a success for everyone involved.

We are so blessed to be part of such a caring, supportive and joyful community.

With gratitude

Madame Pilote         Mrs Langley              Mr Andrews

Thank you for supporting our 2025 Father’s Day Stall!

A huge thank you to our wonderful community for your incredible support of this year’s Father’s Day Stall. Thanks to your generosity, the parent representatives raised an amazing $1566.25, which will go towards the 2026 Evening on the Green!

A very big shout out goes to our fantastic parent organisers and all the volunteers who gave their time each day to make the stall such a success. We couldn’t have done it without you!

And congratulations to our raffle winners:

• Major Prize: Hannah Jacob (4BE)
• Minor Prizes: Zach Allen (4BE) and Jade Zhu (3C)

Thank you again for helping make this such a special event for our community.

Peter Pan Tech Week

Our talented Year 4–6 students are buzzing with excitement and working incredibly hard during Tech Week as they rehearse for next week’s spectacular Peter Pan musical! From perfecting their lines to mastering stage cues and choreography, the energy and dedication in every rehearsal is truly magical. We can’t wait to see them soar to Neverland and bring this enchanting story to life—get ready for a performance full of adventure, wonder and unforgettable moments!

Final week for sausage sizzle orders!

A friendly reminder that this is the final week for students to submit their order and money to their classroom teacher for the Vietnam Tour Sausage Sizzle.

Don’t miss out, make sure your order and payment are handed in this week!

Children’s University

With us heading into spring and the weather hopefully warming up a little, what a great time to get outdoors and do some drawing.  Students can earn between 1 – 5 hours by completing activities in this drawing in nature booklet.

WEEK 5 Running Club House Points

Drum roll please…..

Congratulations to PARRESIA for running the most laps in Week 5!

Celebrating Book Week 2025

Last Friday, our school community came together to celebrate the magic of books during our annual Book Week celebrations. We were truly impressed with the wonderful participation from our students, who embraced the spirit of the day with creativity and enthusiasm.

At the heart of Book Week is the importance of nurturing a love of reading in our young learners. Reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge and lifelong learning. When we spend quality time reading with our children, we are not only strengthening their literacy skills but also giving them the gift of stories, curiosity and shared moments together. It is, without doubt, one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

We were also delighted by the fantastic turnout of parents and families who joined us for our Book Week Parade. Your support made the event even more special for the children and it was heartening to see so many smiling faces in the crowd. In fact, the event was so well attended that we are beginning to wonder whether we may have outgrown our current venue in the Primary Forum! Moving forward, we will explore the possibility of holding the parade in a larger space to ensure everyone can comfortably share in this joyful celebration.

A special shout-out goes to Ms Oliver and our dedicated Library staff for their outstanding effort in bringing the parade together and for leading the many engaging activities throughout the week. Their creativity, organisation and passion for books ensured that our students experienced a truly memorable Book Week.

A huge thank you to our staff, students and families for making Book Week such a wonderful occasion. Together, we are building a culture of reading that will inspire our children for years to come.

Madame Pilote           Mrs Langley            Mr Andrews

OSH Club Bake Sale – A Heartfelt Thank You

We would like to sincerely thank all our parents and families for their incredible support of the OSH Club Bake Sale held yesterday in honour of Abbie Quinn, a much-loved member of our OSH Club team and a cherished part of the St Stephen’s School community.

Your generosity, kindness and willingness to come together not only made this event a success but also honoured Abbie’s memory in the most meaningful way. We are deeply grateful for the care shown by our community.

All proceeds from the bake sale will go directly to the Cancer Council, helping to fund vital cancer research, prevention initiatives and support services for individuals and families affected by cancer.

From the bottom of our heart, THANK YOU!

Father’s Day Stall

Children’s University

Check out this play challenge I found on the CU portal – they are always adding new things 😊

Up for a play challenge? We’ve got 9 of them to choose from!

The Play Advisor at Palmerston North City Council in Te Papaioea/Palmerston North, has come up with some special play challenges for you to try.

1. See the attached  Power of Play Challenge activity sheet.
2. Choose one, or as many challenges as you like, to complete.
3. For each challenge you complete, show a photo/drawing/file of the evidence that shows you did it to your School Coordinator.

Each challenge you complete earns you 30 minutes in your Passport to Learning.

•  Play is a powerful way to learn, stay active, and spark your imagination!  Explore different types of play and think about how you can help make your school and neighbourhood more   playful for everyone. Play isn’t just fun—it helps build the creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills that will support you throughout life.
• And don’t forget—you’re never too old to play!  In fact, one of your most important jobs is reminding the adults in your life that play matters at every age!

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 8.20am. 

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).
• 1^stplace: 10 points, 2^nd place: 9 points, 3^rd place: 8 points, 4^th place: 7 points, 5^th place: 6 points, 6^th place: 5 points, 7^th: 4 points, 8^th: place 3 points, 9^th 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 1^st 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

WEEK 4 Running Club House Points

(drum roll please…)

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

100 LAPS CLUB

Congratulations to:

Oliver Turton (Year 3) for completing 100 laps on his running club card

Jayden Drew (Year 6) for completing 300 laps on his running club card

Outstanding effort and commitment to Caleigh Schoeman (Year 3) for completing 800 laps on her running club card.

Well done everyone!

Vietnam Tour Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser

Scholastic Book Club

The last day for book club orders is Tuesday 9 September