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

Term 1, Week 6

Upcoming Assemblies

Wed 11 March 4F – Mrs Fordham

Wed 18 March 3B – Mrs Basmadjian

Wed 25 March 5L- Mrs Langley

 

A message from our Eco-Warriors

We are the Eco- Warriors and part of our job is to think of ideas to help our school become an eco-friendly school.

We have decided as eco warriors that we would like to introduce: WASTE FREE WEDNESDAY!

With waste free Wednesday, this hopefully will save the environment a bit more and less plastic in our community.

The point of the waste free Wednesday is not to bring in food with any type of wrappers on it including candy, muesli bars and any other wrappers.

This is to reduce the amount of waste that we produce as a school. Instead of packing food with wrappers, please can we encourage parents to put your food for recess and lunch in reusable containers on a Wednesday.

Remember to be eco safe, but not just at school but also at home as well.

 

Primary School Movie Night! – NEWS FLASH- NEW MOVIE

PARENTS PLEASE NOTE – As this movie is rated PG your purchase confirms that your child has permission to view this film.

When: Thursday 19th of March

Years 3-6

Time: 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm (amended end time)

Where: Primary Forum

Movie: Despicable Me (PG)

Tickets are $5 each

Please hand in money to your classroom teacher NO LATER than Friday 13 March. Tickets will be handed out the following week in class

 Come along and have some fun with your friends!

 *Pizza and drinks will be included in ticket price, you can also bring your own snacks and pillows. Feel free to bring a change of comfy clothes!

Details for a Kindy – Year 2 movie afternoon will be coming soon!

 

Supporting Your child in the Digital World. (Years 3-6) – Parent Information Evening

Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges faced by children as they navigate the online world.

 Learn how we at St Stephen’s School develop your child’s knowledge and practical skills to keep them safe online and guide them in what it means to be a confident and responsible Digital Citizen.

 Where: Carramar Forum

When: Wednesday 25th March 2020

Time: 6.45-7.30pm

 Please confirm your attendance by return email jenny.mallis@ststephens.wa.edu.au

 The Digital Learning Team

 

 

RESERVE YOUR PLACE – 2020 Thanksgiving Service

Thanksgiving at St Stephen’s School is a joyous occasion that unites our entire school community in the act of giving thanks for the multitude of blessings bestowed upon us each year. Join us ‘To Know God, and Make Him Known’ as we celebrate Our Purpose in a community worship.
Remember to share things you’re thankful for by posting images on social media with the hashtag #givethanks, #knowgod or #worship for us to showcase on the night.

Reserve your seats here:https://www.trybooking.com/BHUOH

 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!


Tickets for the St Stephen’s School Foundation Winter Gala have been released! Join us for an evening of celebration including a three-course meal, drinks, prizes and entertainment as we raise funds for the future development of the School.

Tickets available here: https://www.trybooking.com/BHKWP

Proudly sponsored by Pentanet.

 

St Stephens Year 7 Scholarships 2021

Applications close Wednesday 11 March 

St Stephen’s School encourages excellence and is pleased to offer up to four Academic Scholarships at each campus for students entering Year 7 in 2021. These Academic Scholarships are for the student’s entire Secondary Education at St Stephen’s School and are subject to ongoing performance and yearly reviews.

For full details please go to https://www.ststephens.wa.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships