Dear Parents

The school canteen is now open for orders for all our Year 3 to Year 6 students and staff.  Ordering is available every day and should be placed using Quickcliq online ordering system https://www.quickcliq.com.au/

All canteen staff are required to follow Foodsafe Food Handler Training Guide so rest assured all necessary precautions are taken whilst preparing orders.

If you require assistance with your Quickcliq account please contact Quickcliq on 1300 11 66 37.  If you have a query regarding food please contact the canteen on 9243 2434.

Initially we may be low on some stock items, hopefully it won’t take too long to get things back to normal.  However it would be a huge help if you could put a second choice in the instructions section when you are placing your order.

Thanks again for your continued support.

Dear Parents,

We are so excited to see you! The staff have been very busy preparing for the students’ return. We have certainly enjoyed making videos and resources online and calling you, but we are also very happy to see the children face to face and back at school.

As we return to school this term, there are still some restrictions and modifications that we will need to adhere to, to keep our students and community safe. As outlined by Mrs Beare in her letter to the school community, we are asking parents to please drop their children at the Kiss-and-Drive in the morning and have them walk into school on their own. We will certainly have staff out on duty to assist with any students who may need it.

After school, we understand that not having parents come on site will increase the traffic in the Kiss and Drive so in looking to address this, we will be having the staff park elsewhere, allowing us to have a double-lane Kiss and Drive (see diagram below). We will be having the Year 3 and 4 students waiting on the ‘normal’ side, while our Year 5 and 6 students will wait on the grassed area opposite. One minor alteration to this is that Year 5/6 students who have a sibling in Year 3/4 will wait with them on the normal side.

Cleaning throughout the school has increased, high traffic areas and shared resources will be repeatedly cleaned throughout the day. Dedicated hand-washing times and the use of hand sanitiser throughout the day will still continue.

At the moment, due to government recommendations, unfortunately our playground equipment is not able to be used, so we are asking that children stay off of these for the time being.

As always, we ask you to help us in keeping all students safe. If your child is unwell please do not send them to school.

Information and updates from The Department of Health and the Department of Education regarding COVID 19 is sent to the school regularly. Any changes regarding restrictions or modifications that impact the school are implemented. As you are aware, things are changing quickly and as a school we are agile in responding to the necessary changes or modifications that are needed.

I am aware that this has been, and continues to be a challenging time for our community. We understand that these new changes to drop off and pick up may be difficult for some children to navigate. We will care and support your child as they return in Term 2.

Lastly, as a staff, we thank you whole-heartedly for your support and care. Over the last four weeks, we have seen an outpouring of kindness from our community. It is fantastic and highlights the amazing community we have here at St Stephen’s School, which makes it such a special school to be part of.

Yours sincerely

Jarrod Heglund

Deputy Head of Primary (3-6)

Notice for Parents of 3 – 6

Whilst we navigate the changes around the School at this time, if you are collecting you child/children during school hours, please continue to email their teacher and absenteedunpri@ststephens.wa.edu.au with the particular information.  When it is time to collect your child, drive to Kiss and Drive and phone 9243 2102 and Alison or Joy will ensure your child walks to your car.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

3 – 6 Kiss and Drive – Collection of your child/ren

In the afternoon, to ease the traffic congestion as much as we possibly can, please display your child’s name and class on a piece of paper on the side passenger front windscreen.

Thank you

For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of stress, change and uncertainty. Clinical Psychologists Dr Matthew Sanders and Dr Vanessa Cobham have written an informative guide entitled ‘Parenting during COVID-19’, to assist parents to support their children and take care of their own wellbeing during this time. The guide includes information about:

·      Providing reassurance to your child

·      How parents can look after their own wellbeing

·      Reminding your child that you are available to talk to him/her

·      How to respond to children’s questions about COVID-19

·      Maintaining everyday routines

·      Having a family plan

·      Helping children to find interesting activities to do at home

·      Praising positive behaviour

·      Assisting your child to tolerate times of uncertainty

·      Ways to connect with loved ones

Below is the link to the Triple P Parenting page where the full parenting guide as well as a helpful summary poster can be freely downloaded.

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au-uken/get-started/parenting-during-covid-19/

I would like to commend the efforts of students that were involved in raising money for the Leukemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave. The students pictured below were able to raise the incredible and highly beneficial amount of $8075.21. The money raised will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of families impacted by blood cancers. Thank you to the students, friends and families that gave of their time, efforts, money and hair for this cause.

Mr Daniel Parker

Daniel Lynn:

Ryder Kemp:

Ryan Gostlow:

Oscar Ponosh:

Wesley & Tyson Jones

Josiah Kessner:

Charlie Jacob:

Kyan Bozich:

Bradley Coetzer:

Harry Caporn:

Tilly Raymond:

Tom Harries:

Jacob Shadbolt:

Dear Year 3-6 Parents,

I hope that the school holidays were a wonderful break for you and your children. We are looking forward to starting a new term with the students returning to us on 11 May (Year 3-6). There a just a few points that we wanted to raise with you.

TEAMS

As we look to use Microsoft Teams to offer a greater connection between the teachers and students, please do make sure you have downloaded and/or access Teams as per the instructions previously sent out. While we understand that the use of this platform might only be for a short time, it will certainly enhance the engagement and learning over this time, as well as prepare us for its potential future use.

As a starting point for its use, we will be asking that all students log in to Teams at the times below every school day, as an opportunity for the teacher to check ‘attendance’ as well as briefly catch up with students and answer quick questions.

• Year 3 and 4 – 9:00-9:30am
• Year 5 and 6 – 9:30-10:00am

Please know that the students don’t need to be online for that entire time, but the teacher will be available. It would be best if the students could read through the day’s blog before logging on, just in case they need clarification on any tasks.

LEARNING PACKS

As you know, next Wednesday (6 May) we are having a device-free day so the teachers have put together learning packs that the students can use on that day. These packs can be collected on Friday 1 May from 8:00-9:00am or 2:30-3:30pm. Please drive through the Kiss and Drive area, where staff will be on hand to pass the packs to you in your car. If you are unable to come to collect the work, please contact your child’s teacher as they may be able, although not preferred due to the intent of the day, to send a digital copy of the task. However, please know that some packs contain other physical resources that obviously cannot be sent digitally.

KISS AND DRIVE

This is just a quick reminder that we are asking that, when your children to return to school, they will need to walk to their classroom on their own. The staff on duty in the morning will be keeping an eye out for students who might need a bit of assistance.

UNIFORM SHOP

With the change of season, please remember that there is also a change in uniform. The Duncraig uniform shop is open from this term as follows:

Tuesday 8.00 am to 11.30 am  and 

Thursday 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Order forms are available under the Uniform Shop tab on the Parent Portal.

Please also remember that, as of Term 3 this year all Year 3-6 students will be required to wear standard ‘leather’ lace-up school shoes.

Kind regards,

Jarrod Heglund

Deputy Head of Primary

The Duncraig ID Books are now available to view and purchase on the schools Web Gallery.

To access the gallery, follow the below procedure:

1.        Go to www.photohendriksgalleries.com

2.        Click on the St Stephen’s School – Duncraig logo

3.        Enter password :  powa11

Please note: all orders made in the next 4 weeks will be delivered to the school and distributed to the relevant people. Any orders after that will be posted and a fee will be incurred.

If the you have any queries, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@photohendriks.com.au

Prayer Groups Across St Stephen’s School

Dear Parents,

What an incredible week we just had. It was a week full of firsts and learning curves for all. As a staff, we grew a lot through the week and learned so much about how to deliver lessons on line. Also, thank you so much for taking the time to complete the online survey that went out last week. Your feedback, both positive and constructive, is greatly appreciated.

As you know, tomorrow is a ‘pupil free day’, in the sense that there won’t be any online lessons delivered. Please know that if you are an essential worker, you may certainly still bring your children in. For tomorrow, our staff will be spending time being upskilled in their use of online platforms to enhance the delivery of lessons and connections with students in Term 2. While we haven’t had official decisions from the government, it is only wise that we at least plan for this new style of education to continue for at least part of next term. As we continue to learn more, I’m sure there will be adjustments to how we are delivering and experiencing school.

I thought I should also take this opportunity to briefly discuss the amount of work that your children are expected to do each day. As you are well aware, each child is different, as is each home circumstance. With the work being sent home, we are not looking to fill a full six and a half hour school day for the children at home. This would be an unreasonable expectation on them and on you as parents. We are also aware that the amount of work that students get through in a set time, in a home environment, will often be more than in a classroom. Physical activity, break times, creative sessions etc. are all valuable parts of the day that may not specifically come through the blogs.

I want to thank you all for your support to the teachers and learning assistants who are showing their sincere dedication to your children’s education and care.

Kind regards,

Hannah Lockwood-Jones and Jarrod Heglund

The Duncraig ID Books are now available to view and purchase on the schools Web Gallery.

To access the gallery, follow the below procedure:

1.        Go to www.photohendriksgalleries.com

2.        Click on the St Stephen’s School – Duncraig logo

3.        Enter password :  powa11

Please note: all orders made in the next 4 weeks will be delivered to the school and distributed to the relevant people. Any orders after that will be posted and a fee will be incurred.

If the you have any queries, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@photohendriks.com.au

FIRETECH HOLIDAY COURSES

Firetech are taking their courses online these school holidays. Visit the Firetech website to explore the course options available:
– Live Tutor-led sessions
– Secure and moderated online classroom
– Rolling start times
– Small groups (maximum eight students per group)

Firetech are offering 50% off for this inaugural run. Join them at www.firetechcamp.com.au

Notice from CommBank School Banking

Prayer Groups Across St Stephen’s School

Dear 3 – 6 Parents

There have been a number of discussions around potential plans for what a student’s day might look like at home.  While you can certainly develop your own schedule for what suits your family, we thought it might be helpful to send through one simple example that you might chose to follow.

Article from the Sunday Times

FIRETECH HOLIDAY COURSES

Firetech are taking their courses online these school holidays. Visit the Firetech website to explore the course options available:
– Live Tutor-led sessions
– Secure and moderated online classroom
– Rolling start times
– Small groups (maximum eight students per group)

Firetech are offering 50% off for this inaugural run. Join them at www.firetechcamp.com.au

“Supporting Your Child In a Digital World” 

Considering the current climate and our School’s approach to being proactive in the care of our students and our community, we are making the prudent decision to postpone this event with the intention of rescheduling later in the year. I will be in touch with more information when we know it is safe to proceed.

Thank you
Digital Learning Team

The ELC Sausage Sizzle Term 1 has been postponed.

Any money collected will be utilised in Term 2.

Thank you for your understanding.

GALA POSTPONED – NEW DATE!

To protect our community and to be able to present the St Stephen’s School Foundation’s Gala as the full spectacle that has been planned – amid the Government’s ban of indoor events over 100 people for the time being – we have had to postpone the highly-anticipated event until later in the year.

We are excited to announce the new date for the Gala on November 7 at Crown Perth. We hope you are still able to celebrate with us. It is set to be a great evening of food, drinks, entertainment and exciting announcements. See https://www.trybooking.com/BHKWP for more.

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

Notice from CommBank School Banking

Self Isolating Families. 

Several members of our School community have now opted to self-isolate for a number of different reasons. As outlined by the Prime Minister in his address yesterday evening, this is now an option to all parents. As a school, we will be remaining open and providing teaching and learning until such time that we are directed to close by the Western Australia Premier, The Department of Education or The Department of Health. Whilst the school remains open, our staff are not expected to offer  both in-class learning and a similar level of online learning. We understand that children who are in isolation need to continue with their learning. As such, we will be sending an email each week to those families that are self-isolating. It will provide activities for you to do at home. These activities will replicate some of the activities that are happening in the classroom. Further information about concepts being taught in class can be obtained through the term overview which is on your class blog.  The Department of Education has also provided a ‘Learning at Home’ website with a number of resources and activities available. https://www.education.wa.edu.au/learning-at-home

If you are self-isolating and need assistance or help with an activity or task please contact your class teacher. Please be aware during the day time class teachers will be working with students in their classroom and may need time to answer emails.

Parents please be mindful not to enter classrooms in the mornings as we allow our students to be more self-reliant and avoid unnecessary times of close contact.

Hannah Lockwood-Jones

Deputy Head of Primary

“Supporting Your Child In a Digital World” 

Considering the current climate and our School’s approach to being proactive in the care of our students and our community, we are making the prudent decision to postpone this event with the intention of rescheduling later in the year. I will be in touch with more information when we know it is safe to proceed.

Thank you
Digital Learning Team

The ELC Sausage Sizzle Term 1 has been postponed.

Any money collected will be utilised in Term 2.

Thank you for your understanding.

GALA POSTPONED – NEW DATE!

To protect our community and to be able to present the St Stephen’s School Foundation’s Gala as the full spectacle that has been planned – amid the Government’s ban of indoor events over 100 people for the time being – we have had to postpone the highly-anticipated event until later in the year.

We are excited to announce the new date for the Gala on November 7 at Crown Perth. We hope you are still able to celebrate with us. It is set to be a great evening of food, drinks, entertainment and exciting announcements. See https://www.trybooking.com/BHKWP for more.

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

Notice from CommBank School Banking

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

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.

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.

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