Month: June 2020

Term 2, Week 10

Fundraising – Donut Day

The Donut Day on Thursday last week raised $500.70.  Congratulations to our Captains who did a wonderful job of organising this event!

 

Primary Reporting Day (Monday 27 July 2020)

A reminder that, due to the easing of restrictions, Reporting Day can now be held ‘face to face’.

Please book appointments through the Parent Portal (https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au/) using your parent username (e.g. 12345@parent.ststephens.wa.edu.au) and parent password.

Your current booking will remain in place but should you wish to amend the time, you can also log in here to edit.

Students return to school for Term 3 on Tuesday 28 July

 

Parent Information Evening  for Yr 5 & 6 Parents (Wednesday 29 July 2020)

A reminder to parents who wish to attend the “Transition to Secondary School Parent Information Evening” to book tickets via the following link. The evening is for Parents only.

Ticket Booking Parent Info Evening

School Holiday Workshop

Visit www.firetchcamp.com.au for more information.

 

The Danish Way of Parenting – ‘T’ for Togetherness

Research shows that one of the top predictors of well-being and happiness is quality time with friends and family. Feeling connected to others gives meaning and purpose to our lives. “Hygge”, which literally means “to cozy around together”, is a way of life for Danish people.  The concept of Togetherness and “Hygge” has many implications, but essentially it is putting yourself aside for the benefit of the whole. There is even an “Hygge Oath”! I find this incredible! Families and friends spending quality time together on a regular basis, following the principles of the “Hygge Oath”, plays a big part in Danish people’s success in being voted the happiest people in the world for so long. Below is the “Hygge Oath”. It includes some very basic, but fundamental “rules”. Definitely something to think about in your future family gatherings !

On a final note, I hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about The Danish Way of Parenting this term. This book definitely resonates a lot with me from both a parent and an educator’s perspective. Everything about it makes sense to me. In order to have happy kids who will grow up to be happy adults, it is crucial for us to help children build resilience through Play, be more Authentic with them, Reframe as much as we can, impart Empathy in them, endeavour Not to give Ultimatums and spend some quality time Together. Simple, but effective recipe :-)!

If you would like to learn more about The Danish Way of Parenting, feel free to look at the following website http://thedanishway.com/

Madame Pilote

Thank you to parents for Term 2!

Dear Parents/Carers

As the end of term draws near (and not before time for students and staff!) we would like to thank you for the incredible support you have given your child/children and the staff throughout this most difficult of semesters. COVID-19 has tested us all in so many ways and no family has been untouched however, together we have not been daunted and have accomplished an awful lot; well done!

Psalm 46:1-3 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

We also wish to publicly extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of St Stephen’s School, Carramar, who worked over-time, under extreme pressure, to deliver on-line learning only then to have to back up, and work doubly as much, to bring us all back to face-to-face and re-establish what we believe to be ‘normal’. They are a mighty group of professionals who deeply love and care for our community and, specifically, our students. Thank you, team!

We remind you that this break for students is three weeks in duration because staff use Week 1, Term 3 for professional development. May you enjoy the opportunity for rest and recreation together and perhaps reclaim some of the true family time rediscovered during the on-line, isolation period.

Psalm 29:11

The Lord gives strength to His people; He blesses His people with peace

Looking forward to another invigorating and engaging semester.

Brett Roberts & Isabelle Pilote

 

Term 2, Week 9

IMPORTANT notice for the Primary Interhouse Cross-Country (Year 2 – 6)

Due to the severe weather warning on Friday 26 June, we have decided to bring this year’s Primary Interhouse Cross-Country (Year 2 – 6) forward to Thursday 25 June where we believe it to be a beautiful clear day.

What to Wear: 

  • House Sport Uniform (Physical Education shorts and House shirt)
  • Appropriate running shoes

What to Bring: 

  • Clearly marked hat and water bottle
  • If your child has asthma, please ensure they bring their own inhaler.

In light of the current ease on restrictions, we are pleased to inform you that parents/guardians will now be able to spectate from a distance. Parents/guardians may only spectate their own child’s race and must leave promptly at the end of the race. Parents/guardians will not be permitted in the area designated for students.

Group: Timeslot: Distance:
3 Boys 8.45am – 9.35am  1.5km
3 Girls 8.45am – 9.35am 
4 Boys 9.35am – 10.15am  2km 
4 Girls 9.35am – 10.15am
2 Boys 10.15am – 10.55am  750m 
2 Girls 10.15am – 10.55am
6 Boys  11.20am – 12pm 2.5km
6 Girls  11.20am – 12pm
5 Boys 12pm – 12.40pm  2.5km
5 Girls  12pm – 12.40pm 

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing our students participate this Friday!

 

Canteen Meal Deal – Order Online or Print and Complete the form below.

Orders close Friday 26 June

 

            N is for No Ultimatum!!!

When starting to read this chapter, I must say that I was quite intrigued as to how any parent could do this! Referring to my own experience as a mum, I must confess that I have found myself giving a few ultimatums to my daughter here and there…. Once again, parenting is a journey and no journey is perfect in life …

One of the ways Danish schools promote democracy is by allowing students to create the rules together with their teacher every year. Everyone decides the code of conduct together. Having worked in education for over twenty-five years now, I have found this approach to be the most effective one for me and the students in my care. Danish teachers, just like St Stephen’s teachers, also help students set up goals regularly (academic, personal and social). Setting goals helps us to keep motivated, get maximum results, remain focus and creates accountability. Here are some pieces of advice found in the book in relation to No Ultimatum:

  • Remember to distinguish the behaviour from the child. There isn’t a bad child, just bad behaviour.
  • Avoid power struggles. Always think win-win, not “How can I win?”.
  • Don’t blame the child. Take responsibility yourself and try to do better next time.
  • Try to see that children are inherently good. Children are supposed to push boundaries and test rules ;-)!
  • Teach your children. Guide them, nurture them and educate them. Don’t just punish them and see them as needing more discipline. Don’t label them as ”sneaky” or “manipulative” or “terrible”. Words matter. The behaviour is the behaviour; it’s not the child. Explain to your child why something can’t be done. Teach respect, be respectful, and you will be more respected.
  • Reframe. Find a better story line about your children and other people. Learning how to reframe and teaching your children to do it makes everyone more caring and happier.
  • Remember; the cycle comes back  to you! Good begets good. Bad begets bad. Out of control begets out of control and calm begets calm.
  • Always think of your child’s age. What can you expect from your child in relation to his/her age? Children are not small adults…
  • Remember, protest is a response to something. Remember that protest is a way of communicating.

Finally, one of my favourite pieces of advice; it is important to know what your triggers are. Where is your breaking point, and what can you do to stop yourself when you get there? Having dealt with teenage years myself a little while ago ;-), I now know the difference between the battles and the war! Don’t take every battle :-)!

Madame Pilote

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Term 2, Week 8

Fundraising Term 2

Canteen Meal Deal Offer

 

A reminder that the due date for the next Scholastic Book order is this week, Thursday 18 June.

 

Parking at the end of the day

Just a reminder to please obey the road/parking rules and regulations when collecting your child at the end of the day. Unfortunately, we have too many driving over the footpath to park under the trees, some parking in the disabled bays and others accessing the turning circle through the Staff Carpark; all of these are open to fines from the Police or the Local Government. Thank you for addressing this concern for the safety of our students and for the well-being of your wallet.

 

The Danish Way of Parenting ‘E’ for Empathy

Every time I take a new family through our campus, I always reflect on our school core value of Service with them, emphasizing that this core value enables students to develop Empathy (something much needed in our world today). In my nineteen years at St Stephen’s School, I have seen extraordinary moments of Empathy in action through the many Service Learning opportunities our school offers our students. This is why St Stephen’s School is such a special place to be 🙂 .

Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand the feelings of others. It is the ability to feel what someone else feels – not only to feel for him but feel with him. Empathy cannot be taught like Maths or English, it needs to be felt and experienced in order to understand it. Danes have a fundamental belief that caring about others’ happiness is crucial for their own happiness, something that resonates really well with me. Here are some pieces of advice found in the book in relation to

Empathy:

  • Understand your own empathic style. Remember that children are mirroring you… as parents and educators, we have a responsibilty.
  • Understand others. Practise understanding others instead of shaming them. Help kids to do that too.
  • Help kids see the good in other children. See the behaviour being affected by circumstances rather than labelling other children as mean, selfish or obnoxious.
  • Notice an attempt to identify emotions. Help your child see others’ emotions as well as experiencing his own without imposing your judgement.
  • Read, read, read. Read books that encompass all emotions, including negative and uncomfortable ones. Dealing with reality, even at the level kids can handle, is honest and authentic and is proven to significantly improve empathy.
  • Improve meaningful relationships. Try using emptahy to patch up some of your own relationships… Meaningful friend and family relationships are the most important factors determining true happiness, well above having lots of money!
  • Be vulnerable. Try to be a better listener and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable and having empathy brings us closer together.
  • Seek out empathy in others. Surround yourself with friends and family who want to practise empathy.

I really enjoyed the section of The Danish Way of Parenting that explores the importance of Empathy and would like to end this week’s Blog with this quote from Daniel Siegel, clinical professor of psychology at UCLA:

“Empathy is not a luxury for human beings, it is a necessity. We survive not because we have claws and not because we have big fangs. We survive because we can communicate and collaborate”.

Madame Pilote

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Term 2, Week 7

The Danish Way of Parenting – ‘R’ for Reframing

Danes teach their children to ”Reframe” early on in life. This helps them grow up to be naturally better at it as adults. Being a master at Reframing is a cornerstone of resilience.

Danish people don’t pretend that negativity doesn’t exist. They just point out, in a rather matter-of-fact way, that another side also exists, one that you may never have even considered thinking about. They choose to focus on the good in people instead of the bad. Focusing on the less negative aspects of a situation and finding a middle ground reduces anxiety and increases well-being.

Here are some pieces of advice found in the book in relation to Reframing:

  • Pay attention to your own negativity.
  • Everything we see and say negatively about ourselves, our family, and our anxieties and fears passes directly onto our kids… Reframing is helping a person to shift focus from what he thinks he can’t do to what he can do. Consider the following: “I am a terrible writer!” turned into “I am a pretty decent writer, once I get in the zone!”.
  • Use less limiting language. No more “I hate this, I love that, I always, I never, I should, I shouldn’t“… Limiting language leaves little room to manoeuvre.
  • Rewrite your child’s narrative to be more loving. Try focusing on the positive side of your child’s behaviour so they feel appreciated for their uniqueness rather than labeled negatively.
  • Use supportive language. Help your child identify the emotions behind their actions and let them find their own solutions.
  • Use humour, that always works!

Once again, some food for thought 😊.

Madame Pilote

Important reminders

If your child is going to be absent from school, please contact Student Services to advise us by one of the following methods:

A friendly reminder that students need to be collected by 3:20PM please. On the rare occasion you are running late, please contact Student Services so that we can ask your child to wait for you at Reception. The safety of children in our care is paramount. Thank you for your understanding.

Playgrounds

The moment our students have all been waiting for!!! We are pleased to inform our community that our playground equipment will be made available to students as of tomorrow morning (Wednesday 10 June) from 8:30AM. Additional cleaning measures have been put in place to ensure everyone’s the safety. A reminder that under the current restrictions, children are NOT permitted on the equipment before and after school. Once again, thank you for your understanding.

 

Term 2, Week 6

Entertainment Book

Please follow the link below to order the latest Entertainment Book:

Entertainment Book – ‘Renew & Support Us’

Arts & Academic Festival

With the current restrictions in place, we have decided to postpone this year’s Arts & Academic Festival, usually held in the last week of Term 2. New dates (and possibly new format) are currently being looked at. We understand how important this event is for our children and are therefore currently considering several options. Stay tuned!

Uniform

As we enter the “cooler & wetter” season, we encourage our Upper Years students to wear their red jumpers (or SSS jackets on PE days) and our Early Years students to wear their SSS jackets. Please note that if students choose to wear a scarf , it should be the school one (available from the Uniform Shop). Thank you for your understanding.

Primary Interhouse Cross Country (Year 2 – 6)

We will be running a modified Interhouse Cross Country on Friday 26 June (Week 9) for all students in Year 2 – 6.

Due to the restrictions currently in place, this year’s Interhouse Cross Country has been modified, in order for our students to still have the opportunity to participate.

  • The course will be contained within the school boundaries and students will run on the secondary oval.
    Although the course will look very different to previous years, distances will still be the same for each year group. (Year 2: 750m, Year 3: 1.5km, Year 4: 2km, Year 5 & 6: 2.5km)
  • There will not be a ‘carnival’ style event – year groups will participate at allocated times throughout the day. A gathering of students to spectate and support will not be possible this year.
  • Sadly, parents/guardians will not be able to spectate this year.
    While it may be possible to witness races from the car park or verge, we are unable to endorse this behaviour, as it would be a violation of government restrictions placed on schools at the moment. We appreciate your support in this matter.

The NIPSSA Interschool Cross Country event will not be taking place this year, however we are hopeful that perhaps the Champion Schools State Cross Country event may still take place on Thursday 30 July, for students who achieve highly at our Interhouse Cross Country.

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing your child participate in this year’s Interhouse Cross Country!

 

‘A’ is for Authenticity

Being a model of emotional health is powerful parenting. Emotional honesty, not perfection, is what children truly need from parents. We have to model honesty for our children and let them know that it is OK to feel all of their emotions.

Fairy-tale endings are not always the way to go…. Danes believe that tragedies and upsetting events are things we should talk about too. It is important to examine all parts of life. It is more authentic and creates empathy and a deeper respect for humanity.

Being exposed to peaks and valleys of life encourages empathy, resilience, and feelings of meaningfulness and gratitude for our own lives. Here are some pieces of advice found in the book in relation to Authenticity:

  • Use process The most meaningful and useful praise is based on quality, not quantity. Keep the praise focused on the process or effort rather than on innate abilities.
  • Answer with honesty. By not being authentic, you undermine your child’s ability to sense what is true and false.
  • Use examples from your own childhood. This lets them know that their situation is normal even if they are scared, happy or sad.
  • Teach honesty. Talk about how important honesty is in your family, make it a value. Teach your kids to be courageous enough to be honest and vulnerable and confess when necessary.
  • Read stories that encompass all emotions, not only happy endings. Children learn a lot from sadness and tragedy, being age appropriate of course!
  • Focus on effort – and keep it genuine. By focusing on the effort involved in learning, we create a growth mindset. This mindset is helpful in all aspects of life.
  • Don’t use praise as a default response. Don’t overuse praise, it can teach your child that he is only praiseworthy when he completes a task quickly, easily and perfectly and that does not help him embrace challenges.
  • Teach children not to compare themselves with others. Not everyone can be the best at everything, but you can be the best for yourself, this fosters well-being.

When reading the chapter on Authenticity, what resonated the most with me was how to praise children, focusing more on the effort and the process. I have found myself many a times over praising my daughter, when she was younger, on the end product rather than praising her on the effort she had put it throughout the process. I guess parenting never ends !

A reminder to all Primary parents

Please remember our request that, in the current environment, parents are not to enter any building on campus and this includes the Library. We appreciate your attention to this matter and, as soon as there are further easing of restrictions, we will reconsider our position.