Term 1, Week 7 Notices

Thanksgiving 2020

The Federal Government today advised against any organised events with more than 500 attendees in relation to stemming the community transfer cases of Coronavirus (COVID 19). In accordance with the Government’s advice, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our School community, we have decided to postpone the Thanksgiving Service, which was planned for March 31, until further notice.

We thank you for your ongoing support of our School events and will be in touch with more information when we know it is safe to proceed.

Thank you and take care.

Covid-19: A guide for parents

As this virus is the topic of so much conversation recently, we understand that it is something that your children might have questions about at home. This video was recently shared with us and we thought it might be helpful as you discuss this with your children.

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus

For the younger children, this ‘picture book’ might also be helpful in discussions that you have.

https://660919d3-b85b-43c3-a3ad-3de6a9d37099.filesusr.com/ugd/64c685_319c5acf38d34604b537ac9fae37fc80.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3x7bvD6GGv2msR7kctVfuCydJkTBQBY2Rd04QkB1qy8tZLyIed4GHJb5Y

Parent Interviews

An email has been sent out to parents of students in years 1-6 today. Please read this email, scheduled interviews will go ahead.

ELC Sausage Sizzle

 

Term 1, Week 6 Notices

Parent Interview Days and Times 2020: Monday 16 March – Thursday 19 March

This is an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to meet and discuss how 2020 has commenced. Appointments are in 10 minute intervals.

The Parent Portal can be accessed using this link. https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au

From the Parent Portal, go to the Plan the Term menu list and click on Interview Bookings tab. Then select Login to EdInfo to book an interview. Once in EdInfo click on the Interviews tab and select your preferred time with the teacher.  Parents, log into the Parent portal using your parent username (e.g. 12345@parent.ststephens.wa.edu.au) and parent password.

Please go to https://password.ststephens.wa.edu.au if you need to reset/modify your password.

If you require further assistance, please contact the ICT Parent helpdesk at help.ststephens.wa.edu.au or on 9243 2160.

Interviews will take place in the ELC Forum and the Primary Village.

Booking sessions are open now, but close this Friday 13 March at 4pm.

Teachers are available are as follows:

ELC Traffic

Dear Parents,

As we start the new school year, it is important to review the drop off and collection of our students at the ELC. Over the past couple of weeks, several parents have been parking in the Kiss and Drive area of the ELC during peak times. This has caused problems for other parents that are trying to drop their children off. Please, at no time during the hours of 8.15 – 8.45 and 3.20 -3.45 leave your car unattended in this space. If you need to come into the school or assist your child, you should not use the Kiss and Drive lane.

When you are using the Kiss and Drive lane to collect your child, please ensure you have a sign with your child’s name and class visible. Unfortunately, if you come out of your vehicle this slows down the movement and flow of traffic. If your child still needs support in securing themselves safely, do not use the kiss and drive lane. Please park and collect your child. Parking spaces are available opposite Kindy and Pre Primary play areas and surrounding the oval. Parking is not permitted on any of the paved walkways. Several vehicles have been parking by the Kindy side entrance gate which has limited access for students and families in using this entry point. Walkways must remain clear for students to safely walk around the ELC. Please do not park by the bins as this area has to be kept free. Vehicles parked here can impact the flow of traffic and make it difficult for vehicles to pass through easily.

Thank you for keeping our children and our community safe and for assisting us with the smooth flow of traffic through our school.

Coffee and Chat with Mr Steven at the ELC tomorrow

Mr Steven will be running another Biblical Studies Coffee and Chat morning, this time at the ELC on Tuesday 10 March between 8.45 – 9.45am in the ELC Staff room. Please feel free to come along for an interesting chat about themes we will be covering at K-6 Worship Gatherings and information about Biblical Studies lessons. This is a very informal and relaxed event so please come along to find out how we are supporting you in your endeavour to raise resilient and happy children. Questions are most welcome – all K-12 parents welcome.

ELC Prayer Group

There is a group of parents who meet each Tuesday to pray for the school and people in the school. If you have something you would like us to pray for, please fill in a little prayer note and put it in the prayer box located at the front office or library. These can be anonymous if you prefer.

We’d also love to invite anyone who would like to, to come along to the prayer group.

  • Tuesday mornings from about 8:45-9:15 (Kindy parents welcome to join at 9am)
  • ELC staff room
  • Come regularly or whenever you can
  • Toddlers/babies are very welcome
  • Its very informal, and you don’t have to pray out loud if you don’t want to.

Any queries to Karen Schneider 0423 353 711

Prayer Groups Across St Stephen’s School

Lost Property

Did you leave anything behind at the swimming carnival last Friday? Please come and have a look in the Primary lost property box.

Recycling

Our recycling centre’s can be found in both the ELC and Primary Reception areas.

 

 

 

Term 1, Week 4 Notices

Parent Interview Days and Times 2020: Monday 16 March – Thursday 19 March

This is an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to meet and discuss how 2020 has commenced. Appointments are in 10 minute intervals.

The Parent Portal can be accessed using this link. https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au

From the Parent Portal, go to the Plan the Term menu list and click on Interview Bookings tab. Then select Login to EdInfo to book an interview. Once in EdInfo click on the Interviews tab and select your preferred time with the teacher.  Parents, log into the Parent portal using your parent username (e.g. 12345@parent.ststephens.wa.edu.au) and parent password.

Please go to https://password.ststephens.wa.edu.au if you need to reset/modify your password.

If you require further assistance, please contact the ICT Parent helpdesk at help.ststephens.wa.edu.au or on 9243 2160.

Interviews will take place in the ELC Forum and the Primary Village.

Booking sessions open today, Monday 24 February at 4pm and close on Friday 13 March at 4pm.

Teachers are available are as follows:

Coffee with Mr Steven this Wednesday

Just a reminder that Mr Steven will be hosting a Biblical Studies coffee morning on Wednesday 26 Feb from 8.30am – 9.30am in the Village Green at the Primary School. All parents from K-6 are welcome to come and hear what happens at Worship Gatherings, how Biblical Studies lessons are presented to students as well as how we ‘Serve God, Serve One Another’ here at St Stephen’s School. Come along for a relaxed chat and a cuppa!

 

Why Mr Parker is so passionate about the World’s Greatest Shave

There are many worthwhile causes to support throughout the year and this is one that I would like to draw your attention to. In 2014, my then three year old daughter, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Thanks to a privileged medical system and God’s mercy, my daughter is fit and well. She is in her fourth year since treatment finished and her recovery has been very positive.

Throughout that treatment period and even beyond, the support for families dealing with blood cancers has been amazing. Fundraising initiatives like the Greatest Shave helped our family through a difficult time of our lives. We are extremely grateful to all of the selfless people who have generously given to this cause.

To further the cause, I would like to support the World’s Greatest Shave at St Stephen’s School. For those interested in supporting this fundraising effort, these are the details…

1.       Our Greatest Shave Day will be held on Thursday 9 April(last day of term 1)

2.       Participating on the day can be done in the following ways

a.       Register online with parent permission (parents please email me at Daniel.parker@ststephens.w.aedu.au to express consent), fundraise and then have hair shaved or cut(you must be registered and have sent in parental permission and fundraised to do the shave or cut)

b.      Don’t register online and colour hair at home or wear a wig and then bring a donation on the day

3.       Students/staff/parents can support by giving online or registering as a participant at the link below

https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=117216#&panel1-1

I am fully aware that there are many worthwhile causes to support, particularly in light of the fires and droughts.

Please do not feel any obligation to give to this fundraising, but of course we welcome it if you are willing and able.

Volunteers Please

With much excitement, some new reading books have arrived in our libraries, both ELC and Primary 3-6!  We would love some parent volunteers to help us cover with contact to protect them. If you think that you could help, even if you would like to learn how to cover books (we can show you how! ), please contact either:

Belinda Bastion in the Primary Library on 9243 2424 or

Bernadette Matera-Stacy in the ELC Library on 9243 2620

2020 South African Service Tour

Donation boxes are available at the reception desks in both the ELC and Primary offices.

Terracycle and St Stephen’s School

Term 1, Week 3 Notices

A Great Start to 2020

Thank you for such a wonderful start to 2020. While there have been, of course, a few nerves around the place, there has been an incredible shared joy amongst the whole community. In the lead up to the first day back, I talked to so many staff who were just keen to have the students back and get the year going.

I wanted to also thank you for having your children looking so great in their uniforms. They are wearing them with pride and this reflects their love of the school.

When talking to the students on the first day back, Dr Pretorious and I encouraged them to aim to adopt an attitude of appreciation throughout this year. By intentionally recognising the positives that are happening around us, we can help to build up others as we thank them for their contributions to the community. The phrase “If you think it, thank it” is something that I learned from a friend, and is a wonderful reminder to take the time to let people know that you appreciate what they do. I really look forward to building that idea with our community as the year progresses.

I pray that the rest of 2020 can be a year filled with thankfulness, as we truly blessed to have such a wonderful school.

Kind regards,

Mr Jarrod Heglund

Parent Representatives

Dear Parents

Thank you for your attendance at our class information sessions last week. It was a joy to see you, and hear from all our classroom teachers.

As indicated at the meetings our classroom teachers would appreciate the support of a Class Representative in organising social events and get togethers for families. The Class Rep also welcomes new families and offers guidance and support to new members to our community. Class Reps meet once a term with leadership and can also serve on the Social Coordinators’ committee led by Julie Wookie, regarding whole school events. A copy of the Class Representative guidelines and information was sent out on the Primary Blog last Monday. Please let your classroom teacher know if you are available to be their Class Rep.

With thanks!

Darnelle, Jarrod and Hannah.

Biblical Studies Coffee Morning 

Have you ever wondered why we teach Biblical Studies here at St Stephen’s School? Further to that, how do we teach the Bible to our students? What resources do we use? What format do lessons have?

If you’ve got any questions about Biblical Studies and how it is taught, you are invited to a morning tea held in the Village Green in the primary school on Wednesday 26 February between 8.30am – 9.30am. Mr Steven will be giving an overview of what is being taught throughout the school in this area as well as answering any questions about the program. Please join us!

Duncraig Junior Chess Club

Register at:  http://totalchess.com.au/clubs/duncraig-junior-chess-club/

More information: info@totalchess.com.au or 0432 935 088

 

Term 1, Week 2 Notices

Primary Parent Information – 2020

Worship: Primary Worship Gathering Years 3 – 6 every Monday 8.35am – 9.20am. Worship at the ELC every second Friday 9am – 9.45am.

What to do if your child is late to school or absent: When your child is going to be absent, please send email to absenteedunpri@ststephens.wa.edu.au Please email your child’s teacher as well. Alternatively, you can phone the ELC office on 9243 2480 or Primary Office on 9243 2102. Please provide this information as soon as you possibly can, as the class role is called at 8.50am. If a student arrives after the 8.35am bell, a parent must sign them in on the green form at the Primary office. If a student has a music lesson and arrives after 8.35am, they must come to the office and advise staff of their arrival.

General Communication: For all general enquiries in regards to Pre-Kindy to Year 6, please use the Administration email address adminduncraigprimary@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Primary Office staff are, Alison Mckillop who works in the mornings and Joy Ford works in the afternoon.

The Office is open between 8.00am – 4.00pm.

The contact number is 9243 2102.

ELC Office staff are Nic Carrigg who works on a Monday and Tuesday and Tracey Hazelden Wednesday to Friday.

The Office is open between 8.00am – 4.00pm.

The contact number is 9243 2480.

Canteen Services: Primary Canteen orders only available online. All information can be viewed on their website www.quickcliq.com.au ELC Canteen (Tuesday only) orders only available online. All information can be viewed on their website www.quickcliq.com.au

Assembly: Primary Assembly is held every second/third Friday from 2.20pm – 3.10pm. A list of which classes are performing can be found on the school calendar. ELC Assembly is held every second Friday from 9am – 9.45am. A list of which classes are performing can be found on the school calendar.

Lost Property: Primary Lost Property basket is located outside the Office doors. We stress the need to please label all items of school uniform, lunch boxes, drink bottles and pencil cases. ELC Lost Property basket is located at Reception.

SSS Website and Blogs: All events/information throughout the year may be viewed on the School website www.ststephens.wa.edu.au Parents are encouraged to view the School Calendar on the website. Also, when accessing the Parents Portal on the website, parents can view Seqta Engage, Dovetales, book parent/teacher interview, SSS blogs, etc. All health updates and contact detail updates must be updated on the Parent Portal.

All year level class blogs are updated on Friday and can be accessed through the following link, using the password: sssdp (for all blogs) https://blogs.ststephens.wa.edu.au/sssduncraigprimary/

All parents have been registered for each year group’s blog.

The Primary blog is updated on a Monday afternoon. Parents are sent an email advising a new blog issue is available.

Looking forward to a fantastic year with St Stephen’s School in 2020.

Photo Day at the ELC – Tomorrow, Tuesday 11 February

Photos at the Primary 3-6 – Tomorrow, Tuesday 11 February

9.00am 5B

9.30am 4D

10am 3F

Recess 10:40 – 11am

11.05am 3B

11.35am 4B

12.05pm 6LK

12.25pm 6T

Lunch 1 – 1.40pm

1:45pm 6LT

2:15pm 5W

2:45pm 5L

Class Representatives

What is a Class Representative?

The purpose of the Class Representative is to build a positive community by fostering communication through its members. They provide another means of uniting the school community, enhance the quality of relationships and channels of communication between teachers, parents and students in the organisation of social and community-based events.

How it works

At the start of each school year, the classroom teacher will ask for a parent to nominate as the rep for the year. Note this can be shared between two people.

All families are given the opportunity at the Parent Information Night at the start of Term 1 to join the class group and provide their personal information. If parents are not in attendance on the night, the school will distribute a letter introducing the Class Rep and invite parents to join the class group.

Guidelines

· Class Representatives should have a tenure of one year. This is to allow more parents to get involved and guard others from fatigue.

· Class Representatives from each year level are nominated voluntarily.

· At least one parent from each class / year level where possible.

Social Coordinators

Class Reps are supported by the Social Coordinators chair, who will:

· Organise an informal “coffee and chat” meeting each term with Head of Campus and Primary and Secondary Deputies. K – 12 Class Reps are invited to attend. Venue alternates between Village Green, ELC and Community Room in Secondary. An hour is allocated.

· Liaise with the group regarding calendar events, the planning thereof and calls for assistance.

Role of Class Representative

· Support parents, particularly new ones, by providing advice on where to go or who to ask for information when required

· Welcoming and introducing new families to the class and class families

· Coordinate social activities/get together for the class. e.g. arrange a student and parent social at beginning of the year for families to get to know each other (voluntary)

· Coordinate volunteers for parent run activities such as disco, sausage sizzle, fete stalls

· Coordinate gestures to show gratitude to classroom teachers and assistants e.g. birthday, end of year thank you, baby showers etc.

· Be advocates of the school, its staff and its ethos.

What not to do

· The Class Rep should not be sending weekly emails repeating the blog and school calendar. The school blog is the single source of clear communication between the school and families. If a blog message needs further clarification the update should come from the teacher/School and not the Class Rep.

· The Class Rep is not a representative of parents of the class regarding issues to the teacher or senior staff.

· The Class Rep should not lead commentary on school operations via email or the year group social media group.

Confidentiality

It is important for Class Representatives to acknowledge that they will have email contacts and possibly phone contacts. The Class Rep needs to ensure that parents are aware that when providing email contacts that they could be visible on the distribution list. It is also important to ensure that when using the class distribution list, it is used only for school matters. Disseminating information such as the promotion of business matters, sharing personal values, etc. should not be done through this forum; parents have provided their details for class matters only.

Guidelines for email communications

Think carefully before sending emails. Please note that all group email communications particularly between Class Reps and the parents on the class contact list must be as follows:

· The email must be sent ‘TO’ yourself (your email address)

· The parents’ contact email addresses must be put in the ‘BCC’ section (i.e.: “blind CC”).

This is to help maintain parents’ privacy and ensure that parents on the contact list do not receive any emails other than those supported by the school. Also, if any parents ‘reply’ to you, the only person that will receive the reply is you.

As parents often receive many communications from the school, please keep your emails succinct but friendly and positive in tone. Please keep group emails within your class for information dissemination only and do not allow them to become a forum for debate. Please refrain from repeating Blog news and updates in emails to parents.

Guidelines for Facebook Communication

At St Stephen’s School we encourage you to use Facebook respectfully and we do not:

· Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights of others. We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit, hateful or racial comments.

· Publish, post, distribute or disseminate any defamatory, infringing, indecent, misleading or unlawful material or information.

· Use offensive language

All users must comply with Facebook’s Terms of Use and inappropriate posts should be removed by the Facebook page administrator.

The School appreciates the role of Class Representatives and is grateful for the parents who take up this role.

Thank you!

Parking around our school

Spectacular Audio System

During the recent school holidays, we have been fortunate to have had Redcat Access audio systems installed in all of our Pre-Primary through Year 6 classrooms. These are an amazing system that fills the room with amazingly intelligible speech, enabling all students to hear every word that is said by the teacher. Regardless of where the teacher stands, or where students are sitting, the Redcat system simply adds more of the teacher’s voice to the room without necessarily just increasing the volume – it really is quite remarkable. The benefits are obviously present for the students as instructions and teaching are received more easily, but the teachers are also finding that they are able to reduce the effort and strain on their voices, which is also wonderful.

We would sincerely like to thank the 2018 fete committee who, from the proceeds of the fete, allocated a significant portion of the funds required to purchase the Redcat systems. They have been a great addition to the classrooms and we look forward to the benefits that they will continue to bring.

Primary 3-6 Assembly Roster, Semester 1

Term 1

Week 2                           14 February                   5L

Week 4                           28 Feb                            4D

Week 6                           13 March                       3B

Week 9                           3 April                           ANZAC Service with Mr Heglund & House Captains

Term 2

Week 3                           15 May                            5B                          

Week 6                           5 June                             6T

Week 8                           19 June                           4B

Week 10                          3 July                             Mr Heglund & House Captains (announcing Semester 2 House Captains)

School Inter-House Swimming Carnival

Dear Parents and Guardians

This email contains information regarding the upcoming Inter House Swimming Carnival to be held on Friday 6 March. All students from year 3 to 6 are expected to attend.

There are two links below. The first link(copy and paste to browser) has detailed information regarding the carnival and I highly recommend that you read this before filling in the online nomination form. The second link will take you to the nomination form. This form must be filled in for your child to participate.

Inter-House Swimming Carnival Information: https://ststephensschool-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/daniel_parker_ststephens_wa_edu_au/Ec_VLM4CtgpDsTmygjKc5kIBrCE9wJ2AQJ1F5YWfQ-BS9A?e=cYCbPz

Nomination Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hw50rawTTSV4883NXPpl50R2IbeNZMd6d8L8FZf9ArM

Primary – World’s Greatest Shave 2020

There are many worthwhile causes to support throughout the year and this is one that I would like to draw attention to. In 2014, my then three year old daughter, was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Thanks to a privileged medical system and God’s mercy, my daughter is fit and well. She is in her fourth year since treatment finished and her recovery has been very positive.

Throughout that treatment period and even beyond, the support for families dealing with blood cancers has been amazing. Fundraising initiatives like the Greatest Shave helped our family through a difficult time of our lives. We are extremely grateful to all of the selfless people who have generously given to this cause.

To further the cause, I would like to support the World’s Greatest Shave at St Stephen’s School. For those interested in supporting this fundraising effort, these are the details…

1.       Our Greatest Shave Day will be held on Thursday 9 April(last day of term 1)

2.       Participating on the day can be done in the following ways

a.       Register online with parent permission(parents please email me at Daniel.parker@ststephens.w.aedu.au to express consent), fundraise and then have hair shaved or cut (you must be registered and have sent in parental permission and fundraised to do the shave or cut)

b.      Don’t register online and colour hair at home or wear a wig and then bring a donation on the day

3.       Students/staff/parents can support by giving online or registering as a participant at the link below

https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=117216#&panel1-1

I am fully aware that there are many worthwhile causes to support, particularly in light of the fires and droughts. Please do not feel any obligation to give to this fundraising, but of course we welcome it if you are willing and able.

South African Tour 2020

Collection points for all donated items are available at both ELC and Primary 3-6 reception areas for your convenience.

2020 Term 1, Week 1 Notices

Welcome to 2020 School Year

Music Information 2020

Mrs Rebecca Thorne teaches Years 3 and 4 classroom music and conducts Chamber Choir, Primary Chorale and Middle School Ensemble. She is based at Primary on Mondays and Fridays and ELC on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Rebecca.thorne@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Mrs Sonya Elek teaches years 5 and 6 classroom music and conducts Middle School Ensemble and The Minstrels. She is at Primary on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Sonya.Elek@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Ms Jeanette Teh is responsible for the year 3 string program and Violin and Viola Tuition. She conducts the 3 school orchestras. She is at Primary on Mondays and Tuesdays and High School on Thursday afternoons.

Jeanette.teh@ststephens.wa.edu.au

The classroom music program at St Stephen’s School is based on the Kodaly methodology that focuses on learning the concepts of music by singing. These concepts of reading, writing and composing music are then extended to tuned and untuned percussion, recorder, ukulele, and other instruments. All Year 3 students participate in a string program where they are given the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello or double bass in small group lessons for a term. Some Year 5 students are given the opportunity to take up tuition in a brass and woodwind program.

All students can be involved in the Instrumental music Tuition program through paid individual lessons on orchestral brass, woodwind, string, percussion instruments, classical guitar and classical voice. Instrumental lessons will recommence in Week 2 and tutors will be in touch to let you know lesson times.

Enrolment forms are available here

https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au/parent-and-student/learning-resources/performing-arts.html

Enquiries can be addressed to the Head of Music andrea.stimson@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Canteen Information

Please use this link: www.quickcliq.com.au

Primary 3-6 Canteen Menu, Term 1ELC Photo Day – Tuesday, 11 February 

Children are to wear their normal school uniform (not their sports uniform) on this day.

Primary Photo Day – Tuesday 11 February 

 

Digital Learning

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to a wonderful and exciting New Year.

Throughout the year we will continue to provide Parent Workshops on relevant topics such as Digital Literacy, Digital Citizenship and Cyber safety, with the first to be held on Thursday 26th March 2020 in the Primary Village on “Supporting Your child in the Digital World”. Below you will find some common sense information relating to technology in a child’s development.

Primary:

Title: Kids and Tech: The New Landscape

Source: Common Sense Education

Duration: 3:29 mins

Link: https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/kids-and-tech-the-new-landscape

Summary: What is the role that media and technology play in children’s development? If used safely and wisely, media and technology can support a child’s growth. Apps, games, and websites can help kids with problem-solving, cooperation, handling emotions, social skills, creativity, learning difficulties, and more. Through active engagement and using media wisely, parents and educators can support healthy child development.

Please Label Clothing to Minimise Lost Property 

Sponsor Children and Ice-cream

Information about colour blindness in children

Joey Leap 2020

For more information, please visit: www.joeyleap2020@gmail.com

School Bus Services – Primary students (3 – 6 only)

Please use this link: www.horizonswest.com.au/eticketing/