Term 4, Week 4

A message from St Stephen’s School

We can’t believe that we are already preparing for 2024!  Approximately twenty-five new students will be joining us in Term 1 next year and have been invited to our Orientation Day on Friday 3 November. Our students are excited to meet them and also meet their 2024 Teachers and Learning Assistants.

The format of the day is simple. New students will be joining their peers for the day and every cohort will be “moving up” one year level between 9.00am and 11.00am to meet their 2024 Teachers and Learning Assistants. To help with the transition, please see below the teaching teams for 2024:

Year Level 

Staff 

Pre-Kindy Teacher: Ms Penn

LA: Mrs Ellson

Kindy Teachers: Mrs Rollings and Ms Roberts

LAs: Mrs Nash, Mrs Ellson and

Ms Rivers

Pre-Primary Teachers: Mrs Dicks and Ms McNulty

LAs: Mrs Currie, Mrs Proctor and

Mrs Blight (one day a week)

Year 1 Teachers: Mrs Ashton and Mrs Clay

Ms Penn (one day a week)

LAs: Mrs Pickering and Ms Randell

Year 2 Teachers: Ms Mennie and Miss Harman

LA: Mrs Blight

Year 3 Teachers: Mrs Basmadjian and Mrs Muir

LA: Mrs Cunningham

Year 4 Teachers: Mrs Bartels and Mr Berry

Mrs Wayman (one day a week)

LA: Mrs Scott

Year 5 Teachers: Mr Simms and Mrs Meltesen

LA: Ms Greenough

Year 6 Teachers: Mrs Currell and Mr Sloan

Mrs Byrne (one day a week)

LA: Mrs Lear

As Term 4 rolls along, Teachers are starting to look at class placements for 2024. We would like to take the opportunity to inform you of the process of placing students in classes for next year. Please note that all Teachers thoughtfully place students in classes after examination of several factors, which include:

  • Social and emotional information
  • Academic ability
  • Friendship preferences

Current class Teachers construct class lists in collaboration with their other year-group teacher(s), often with Specialists too, and then class recommendations are forwarded to the Primary Leadership Team who then review recommendations before final class lists are made.

Please be assured that every decision we make is in the best interests of your child and understand that, while we recognise the uniqueness and preferences of each student, we will not guarantee any promise of preferred placement. We encourage you to trust in the professionalism and dedication of our staff as they consider the many factors in placing your child in a particular class. You will be notified of your child’s teacher in January before them commencing on Monday 29 January 2024.

Yours truly

The Primary Leadership Team

 

 

Children’s Crossing

The Traffic Warden who works at the Children’s Crossing on St Stephens Crescent, near Palmerston Crescent (West) is unable to work from Monday the 30 October, returning on Monday the 27  November.  Unfortunately we do not have relief staff available to cover the position.

Please inform your children and remind them to be vigilant whilst crossing without a warden present.

Childrens Crossings Unit | Western Australia Police Force

 

 

Term 4 Running Club

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Mr Simms and Mrs Bartels 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.

 

 

2023 Book Fair

 

 

Christmas Markets at our Duncraig Campus this year 

Following the huge success of last year’s Evening on The Green and in consultation with our Parent Reps this year, it has been decided to hold this magic event every alternate year between our Carramar and Duncraig Campuses. This year our Duncraig Campus will be hosting Christmas Markets on Saturday 4 November. This is a whole School event and therefore all St Stephen’s families are welcome. Please see details below and use this link to pre-purchase raffle tickets or a kids activity pass – https://events.humanitix.com/cm2023

On another note, we will be starting to prepare for the 2024 Evening on The Green very early next year with our Parent Reps and look forward to having many volunteers to ensure that this event continues to be as “magic” as it was last year.

 

Jump Rope for Heart 2023

Jump Rope for Heart is a fantastic physical activity and fundraising program that has been run by the Heart Foundation for over 36 years. It’s a great way for your child to keep fit and learn new skills, but it also helps raise funds for vital heart research and education programs. Since Jump Rope for Heart started in 1983, schools like ours have raised more than $104 million for the Heart Foundation’s lifesaving work.
It’s important you register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be practicing their skipping at school and home, and during this time you can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. The fundraising program will run from Week 1 – Week 6 of Term 4, finishing on Friday 17 November (Week 6).  

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program! 

 

 

Christmas Appeal

 

 

Stationery Donations

Final Day of Term 4 Celebrations!

It’s hard to believe that we are already planning our end of year celebrations! By popular demand and to end the year on a high note, please note that we will be holding a final Assembly at approximately 10:30am in the Primary Forum followed by a Fun Colour Run on The Green at approximately 11:00am! All parents are welcome to attend!

Students will be dismissed from school at 12pm. Lots of fun to end our 2023 academic year! We suggest families bring a few spare garbage bags to cover their car seats as students will no doubt be a little messy after their run!

Below is some important information to note for this event: 

  1. What do students need to wear?

The optimal effect of a Colour Run occurs when participants wear a plain, white t-shirt.  Old clothes that you will not mind getting slightly stained (see below regarding possible staining). We also recommend for students to wear goggles.

  1. Do all students need to run?

The Colour Run will not be compulsory. However, all students are encouraged to participate and enjoy the celebration. 

  1. How is the colour administered?

A running course on The Green will be set up. Designated staff will be stationed along the course to gently dispense colour powder along the way. All colour powder will be aimed between shoulder & hip level.

This year, we would like to extend an invitation to all parents to join the fun and bring along a water pistol to fill up from one of the filling stations around The Green! Staff and High School students will already be there with water pistols to “gently splash” students, but the more the merrier!

  1. What is the colour made from? Does it stain?

The coloured powder we are using is made from 99% corn-starch and natural food grade dyes. We’ve been told it doesn’t stain, but you never know… We feel it would be best to wear old sneakers or opt to run with bare feet. Please note that we do not take any responsibility for costs associated with the removal of colour. 

  1. Will the Colour ruin clothes or running shoes?

The colour does wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it, the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colourful. Please note that we do not take any responsibility for costs associated with the removal of colour.

Finally, a group of Parent Reps are currently working on providing all students with a “goody bag” on the day (including a pair of sunglasses and some delicious treats!). We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to them for this lovely gesture.

We look forward to celebrating the end of another successful academic year with our community and look forward to seeing you there on Wednesday 6 December!

 

2023 Presentation Evening

We are delighted to present the 2023 St Stephen’s School Presentation Evenings. Bookings are essential but tickets are all free of charge. All attendees, including guests, staff, awardees and performers must book a ticket. Parking will be provided on the oval.

Please use the appropriate link to book tickets to the relevant Presentation Evening.

Carramar Primary Presentation Evening https://events.humanitix.com/cppe2023

Carramar Secondary Presentation Evening https://events.humanitix.com/cspe2023

 

Term 4, Week 3

Loud Shirt Day Extraordinaire!

We are extremly pleased to announce that our community has raised a total of $430.50 for Telethon Speech and Hearing at last week’s loud shirt day. A huge thank you for your support.

 

 

Thank you for the Cardboard Donations for Kindy

Thank you so much for all the cardboard donations. Our Kindy students now have more than enough pieces to make the Early Years nativity set.

 

 

Term 4 Running Club

All students in Kindy to Year 6 and their families are encouraged to join Mr Simms and Mrs Bartels 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.

 

 

2023 Book Fair

 

 

St Stephen’s School Foundation – Activ Dream Life Lottery

As part of our Service Learning program, we partner with a range of groups who support people living with disability, such as Rocky Bay and Wheelchairs for Kids. We have partnered with Activ to provide our community with a unique offer that will see $15 from every Dream Life Lottery ticket sold using our special codeword to go to St Stephen’s School. Tickets are $50 and you have a 1 in 70,000 chance to win! Simply head to dreamlifelottery.com.au and enter the codeword STEPHENS at the checkout for you chance to win a million dollars, raise funds for Activ and support the St Stephen’s School Foundation!

 

 

 

 

Christmas Markets at our Duncraig Campus this year 

Following the huge success of last year’s Evening on The Green and in consultation with our Parent Reps this year, it has been decided to hold this magic event every alternate year between our Carramar and Duncraig Campuses. This year our Duncraig Campus will be hosting Christmas Markets on Saturday 4 November. This is a whole School event and therefore all St Stephen’s families are welcome. Please see details below and use this link to pre-purchase raffle tickets or a kids activity pass – https://events.humanitix.com/cm2023

 

On another note, we will be starting to prepare for the 2024 Evening on The Green very early next year with our Parent Reps and look forward to having many volunteers to ensure that this event continues to be as “magic” as it was last year.

 

 

Jump Rope for Heart 2023 

Jump Rope for Heart is a fantastic physical activity and fundraising program that has been run by the Heart Foundation for over 36 years. It’s a great way for your child to keep fit and learn new skills, but it also helps raise funds for vital heart research and education programs. Since Jump Rope for Heart started in 1983, schools like ours have raised more than $104 million for the Heart Foundation’s lifesaving work.
It’s important you register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be practicing their skipping at school and home, and during this time you can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. The fundraising program will run from Week 1 – Week 6 of Term 4, finishing on Friday 17 November (Week 6).  

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program! 

 

Tapping Dental Therapy Centre

Dear Parents 

Please be aware that the Tapping Dental Therapy Centre will be attending the School to conduct our annual dental screening on the morning of Tuesday the 21 of November. 

We will be screening all Pre-Primary, Year 1, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6 children that are currently enrolled with our service. Should you prefer for your child not to be screened or withdraw from the service please contact the Tapping Dental Therapy Centre directly. 

The dental screening is a quick assessment of dental needs, growth and development, but does not replace your child’s thorough examination at the clinic, which will be booked with you another time.

If any children are not enrolled with our service and would like to be, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

We are looking forward to seeing you. 

Your friendly Tapping Dental Therapy Centre Team 

Tapping DTC

c/- Tapping primary school

87 St Stephens Crescent Tapping

Ph: 9404 7902

 

Christmas Appeal

   

 

Final Day of Term 4 Celebrations!

It’s hard to believe that we are already planning our end of year celebrations! By popular demand and to end the year on a high note, please note that we will be holding a final Assembly at approximately 10:30am in the Primary Forum followed by a Fun Colour Run on The Green at approximately 11:00am! All parents are welcome to attend!

Students will be dismissed from school at 12pm. Lots of fun to end our 2023 academic year! We suggest families bring a few spare garbage bags to cover their car seats as students will no doubt be a little messy after their run!

Below is some important information to note for this event: 

  1. What do students need to wear?

The optimal effect of a Colour Run occurs when participants wear a plain, white t-shirt.  Old clothes that you will not mind getting slightly stained (see below regarding possible staining). We also recommend for students to wear goggles.

  1. Do all students need to run?

The Colour Run will not be compulsory. However, all students are encouraged to participate and enjoy the celebration. 

  1. How is the colour administered?

A running course on The Green will be set up. Designated staff will be stationed along the course to gently dispense colour powder along the way. All colour powder will be aimed between shoulder & hip level.

This year, we would like to extend an invitation to all parents to join the fun and bring along a water pistol to fill up from one of the filling stations around The Green! Staff and High School students will already be there with water pistols to “gently splash” students, but the more the merrier!

  1. What is the colour made from? Does it stain?

The coloured powder we are using is made from 99% corn-starch and natural food grade dyes. We’ve been told it doesn’t stain, but you never know… We feel it would be best to wear old sneakers or opt to run with bare feet. Please note that we do not take any responsibility for costs associated with the removal of colour. 

  1. Will the Colour ruin clothes or running shoes?

The colour does wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it, the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colourful. Please note that we do not take any responsibility for costs associated with the removal of colour.

Finally, a group of Parent Reps are currently working on providing all students with a “goody bag” on the day (including a pair of sunglasses and some delicious treats!). We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to them for this lovely gesture.

We look forward to celebrating the end of another successful academic year with our community and look forward to seeing you there on Wednesday 6 December!

Term 4, Week 2

 

Cardboard Donations for Kindy

Our Kindy students are on the hunt for extra large pieces of cardboard, such as fridge and tv boxes etc. to help make the nativity set. If you are able to help with donations, please bring them to the Reception Office.

 

Scholastic Book Club

The due date for this Scholastic Book Club issue is Tuesday 24 October. This is the last issue St Stephen’s School will receive for this year.

 

 

Term 4 Running Club

Term 4 Running Club will commence in Week 3 on Thursday 26 October. More information in next week’s blog. We look forward to seeing you all then!

 

 

St Stephen’s School Foundation – Activ Dream Life Lottery

As part of our Service Learning program, we partner with a range of groups who support people living with disability, such as Rocky Bay and Wheelchairs for Kids. We have partnered with Activ to provide our community with a unique offer that will see $15 from every Dream Life Lottery ticket sold using our special codeword to go to St Stephen’s School. Tickets are $50 and you have a 1 in 70,000 chance to win! Simply head to dreamlifelottery.com.au and enter the codeword STEPHENS at the checkout for you chance to win a million dollars, raise funds for Activ and support the St Stephen’s School Foundation!

 

 

2023 Loud Shirt Day

 

 

2023 Book Fair

 

 

Jump Rope for Heart 2023 

Jump Rope for Heart is back for Term 4! Jump Rope for Heart is a fantastic physical activity and fundraising program that has been run by the Heart Foundation for over 36 years. It’s a great way for your child to keep fit and learn new skills, but it also helps raise funds for vital heart research and education programs. Since Jump Rope for Heart started in 1983, schools like ours have raised more than $104 million for the Heart Foundation’s lifesaving work.

It’s important you register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be practicing their skipping at school and home, and during this time you can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. The fundraising program will run from Week 1 – Week 6 of Term 4, finishing on Friday 17 November (Week 6). 

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

 

 

Year 1 – 4 Beach Safety Excursion

We are excited to announce that all students in Year 1 – 4 will be participating in a 2 hour beach safety session at Mullaloo Beach in Week 7 of Term 4 .

The beach safety sessions will be conducted by qualified surf lifesavers in a safe and controlled environment. It will cater for all students regardless of their current swimming level/ability. The 2 hour session will provide students with an opportunity to learn about many important aspects of beach safety, whilst developing their confidence at the beach. Qualified surf lifesavers will teach students important safety information through fun activities on the sand and in the water.

  YEAR 4 YEAR 2 YEAR 1 YEAR 3
Date: Monday 20 November Tuesday 21 November Wednesday 22 November Thursday 23 November
Session Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm 10.30am – 12.30pm 10.30am – 12.30pm 10.30am – 12.30pm

Detailed information about the excursion will be sent via Consent2Go closer to the excursion date.

The beach safety session will be in replacement of our normal Interm Swimming lessons that were cancelled in Term 3 this year due to construction works taking place at HBF Arena Joondalup. We will update the community when we have more information on the progress and estimated completion of HBF Arena Joondalup next year. Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held at Craigie Leisure Centre on Friday 1 March 2024.

Children’s Beach Safety Programs 

As the weather warms up and our community begins to spend more time at the beach, it’s important to equip your child with the necessary skills to be safe and aware around the amazing WA coastline and other water environments.

Surf Life Saving WA run programs across summer for kids from as young as two years of age at more than 10 metro and regional beaches throughout WA. Enjoy peace of mind that your child knows how to be safe around water. Children will learn basic safety signals and be introduced to the patrolling lifesavers.

Please follow the link below for more information about upcoming SLSWA programs: 

https://www.mybeach.com.au/courses-programs/childrens-programs/

Miss Uglow and the Primary Leadership Team

 

 

Pens for Kids

Term 4, Week 1

Welcome to Term 4!

Dear Families

We hope that you’ve enjoyed some quality time with your children over the school holidays. It was lovely to welcome back all students this morning and we couldn’t believe how much they had grown over the last two weeks!!!. A special welcome back to Mrs Dicks, returning from Maternity Leave.

At our Welcome Assembly this morning, we were inspired by “The Incredibles” cartoon characters and took the time to explore the concept of “personal superpowers”. We encouraged students to identify their individual superpowers this week and think about how they may use these this term. “The Incredibles” family members teach us some important lessons in their movies: not only do superheroes’ strengths come from within, but it’s important to realise that everyone is stronger when working together. We look forward to the many opportunities ahead of us this term where each student can use their “personal superpowers” not only for their individual successes, but also to help and support each other in making Term 4 a successful term for all.

Here is to another amazing term!

The Primary Leadership Team

Term 4 After School Clubs

After School Clubs for Term 4 will be starting next week! This term we are offering two after school clubs.

After School Sports – Thursday (Students in Year 1 – Year 2)

Homework Club (students in Year 4 and Year 5)

Bookings will be available from 6.00pm this Friday 13 October.

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://bookwhen.com/ststephensschool_carramar

Please be aware that the Running Club is also available for all students on a Thursday morning.

Also, students in the Primary Vocal Ensemble will be busy rehearsing for this years Presentation Evening on Tuesday mornings.

Times Tables Rock Stars

As part of our commitment to make maths exciting and high profile in our school, we are taking part in a friendly competition involving schools in Australia. The competition runs from 07:30 AEDT Wednesday 11 October 2023 to 19:30 AEDT Friday 13 October 2023. It’s all done online via play.ttrockstars.com.

Students can play in any game mode with every correct answer to a multiplication or division question, earning themselves, their class and the school a point. The Times Tables Rock Stars platform will calculate the class average (the number of correct answers per pupil in the class who play during the competition hours, subject to a daily 60-minute limit (see below)). Winning classes in the school and in the competition as a whole will be the ones with the highest average.

To support player wellbeing, there is a daily time limit of 60-minutes per player. In other words, each player can earn competition points for up to 60-minutes between 07:30 AEDT and 19:30 AEDT on Wednesday 11th October 2023 to AEDT Friday 13th October 2023. Once the player goes beyond 60-minutes of play on that day, they will still earn coins but will no longer earn points towards the competition.

In the spirit of the competition, please don’t play on your child’s behalf, but by all means encourage and support them to the extent that it doesn’t cause high stress levels or impact on family plans.

Daniel Berry

Teacher – Year 3/Curriculum Coordinator

 

Student Resource Lists

(K – Yr 6 in 2024)

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

Resource lists will be available online through the Campion website.

From Friday 13 October –  Friday 17 November 2023

(If ordered after this date, the goods may not arrive on time for the new school year and a charge of $8.00 per order will be incurred.)

Order online at  www.campion.com.au

Click on ‘Parents order here’

Click on ‘Order Now’

Search for St Stephen’s School – Carramar

Enter in Students First and Last Name and enter the Resource List code, 4XF4

Click on ‘Validate’

Select the year level and then choose the items you wish to purchase.

Resources under the headings of ‘Personal Items for ‘Student Use’ and ‘Parents to Supply’ can be purchased with from Campion or from your preferred stationary shop but we do ask that you supply all the items on the list. Please note that items ticked as “Compulsory Subscriptions” need to be purchased directly from Campion.

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 8 December  (only for orders placed prior to the cut-off date).

The online ordering dates for Primary and Secondary School are different.

Secondary School lists will open on Friday 10 November.

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

 

 

Kambarang Music Showcase

Loud Shirt Day

 

Scholastic Book Club

The due date for this Scholastic Book Club issue is Tuesday 24 October. This is the last issue St Stephen’s School will receive for this year.

 

Jump Rope for Heart 2023 

Jump Rope for Heart is back for Term 4! Jump Rope for Heart is a fantastic physical activity and fundraising program that has been run by the Heart Foundation for over 36 years. It’s a great way for your child to keep fit and learn new skills, but it also helps raise funds for vital heart research and education programs. Since Jump Rope for Heart started in 1983, schools like ours have raised more than $104 million for the Heart Foundation’s lifesaving work.

It’s important you register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be practicing their skipping at school and home, and during this time you can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. The fundraising program will run from Week 1 – Week 6 of Term 4, finishing on Friday 17 November (Week 6). 

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

 

 

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