In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message,
- Our WA Charity Direct Student Committee needs your help,
- Ms Dunn’s Digest,
- Mrs Resta’s Reflections,
- Parenting with Mr Gilchrist,
- Highlights from around the campus,
- Dates for your diary,
Principal’s message
It’s an exciting and invigorating time of year on so many levels.
The sun is shining, the mornings are brighter, trees are in bud and there is excitement for the warmer months ahead after an especially wet Winter.
For our Year 12s and their families there is a similar sense of anticipation for what comes next. Of course, there is the challenge of final exams, assessments and completing certificate requirements for our VET students, although there is also the expectation of the innumerable options and opportunities for our students after graduation.
This time is especially poignant for the Duncraig Class of 2024 as we say farewell to our very first class of kindergarten students who began their education journey with us back in 2011 when the ELC was established. They have all come so far, and we are very proud of all of them.
As parents and educators, we have done all we can to nurture and develop our young people and now must trust them to step forward with greater independence than ever before. They have all come so far, and we are very proud of all of them.
As we head into the last week of term, Year 12s, I encourage you all to continue carrying yourselves with dignity while enjoying this wonderful time of celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families.
Finally, congratulations to our athletics team for being crowned B Division Champions at yesterday’s ACC Athletics Carnival! What a feat! Not only were our team overall winners, they were also:
- Junior girls runners up
- Junior boys champions
- Senior boys champions
- Overall boys champions
This is especially remarkable given that we are the smallest school in the Division and had 13 students out with injuries! Thanks to all the students who stepped in at the last minute to compete in their absence. You made us all very proud. Thank you to also to Matt Richmond, Head of HPE and all the HPE staff for their dedication and commitment in training and supporting our students to this exceptional outcome!
Take care and God bless,
Donella Beare – Principal
Can you help? The WA Charity Direct Student Council needs you
Would you like to support children undergoing cancer treatment, assist women experiencing homelessness, enable research into melanoma or help to foster literacy by funding a “Story Dog”? By making a donation to the St Stephen’s School WA Charity Direct Student Committee you can help fund a range of important not-for-profit projects. Read the full story and find out how you can help here.
Ms Dunn’s Digest
Expect More, Achieve More: Lessons from the Paralympics
The Paralympics prove it—greatness isn’t just about ability; it’s about daring to defy expectations.
As the Paralympics light up our screens with some truly awe-inspiring athleticism, I recommend listening to Dylan Alcott.
Dylan’s journey is phenomenal. From winning gold in wheelchair basketball at the 2008 Paralympics to smashing records in tennis—15 singles and 8 doubles Grand Slam titles—he’s proven time and again that limits are meant to be broken.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Dylan is also celebrated for his philanthropy and the impactful work he does through the Dylan Alcott Foundation.
Dylan’s speech was his insight into the real challenge he faces: not his disability, but the low expectations others have about what people with disabilities can achieve.
How often do we, even unintentionally, set the bar too low? With our children, our families, ourselves? By watching these Paralympians, it is a reminder that it’s critical we widen our lens and recognise that every single person has unique strengths just waiting to shine.
With the lead up to the end of year whether you child is studying for exams, going on work experience, competing and following their path we aim to always encourage, support, resource and champion the fullness of their potential as parents and educators to see what extraordinary things unfold.
Rosemarie Dunn, Head of Campus
Mrs Resta’s Reflection
This is always an exciting time of year in the Secondary School. We are walking our Year 12 students through their final weeks of high school. The term will conclude with the culmination of twelve years of schooling, the
Year 12 Graduation. Please take some time to chat to our Year 12’s about their reflections and their future plans. Take a moment to pop into the House Farewells and the Year 12 worship on Thursday. If you have got your tickets enjoy the Grad Dinner at Perth Convention Centre or simply pop down for a photo before the event.
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2024. You have what it takes to make it in the world. You have made it to the next stage. You are well equipped for the next part of the journey. We look at the young men and women you have become with great pride. We know you are ready for whatever life may bring.
Mrs Nicola Resta, Deputy Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning
Parenting with MrGilchrist
With the changing of the seasons and the arrival of warmer weather, more and more opportunities to get out and about arise. The school holidays are just around the corner and it is a good opportunity for families to reconnect away from the busy-ness of life.
During these holidays I encourage families to plan to make the time to ‘do something together’. Perhaps you could go to a movie, go camping, ride your bikes or go for a walk to the beach. For some, going out for a meal together may be the opportunity to catch up and simply ‘chew the fat’. It doesn’t matter what we do to connect, what works for some families won’t work for others. The key to connection is being intentional, being relational and creating multiple opportunities to engage with one another outside the hum drum of everyday experiences. It is these shared activities, both the big events and little simple things, that strengthen our relationships, building trust and a sense of belonging. Enjoy catching up with your loved ones.
Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care
Campus highlights
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
Was it the Carana costumes that led to their triumph in the Interhouse Athletics? You be the judge!
There were some nail-biting moments in the Year 7 boys’ high jump as Hugh Kraut smashed Max McCullogh’s, record.
Bohemian Rhapsody had everyone spellbound at the Arts Assembly
In a St Stephen’s School first, our students produced three books as part of the “Write a book in a day” competition!
Dates for your diary
Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates and full details of the below events.
- Wednesday 18 September – Grads Festival events and Year 12 Graduation Dinner
- Thursday 19 September – Year 12 Grads worship and farewell
- Friday 20 September – last day of Term 3
- Tuesday 8 October – first day of Term 4 – see page 26 of the Parent Handbook for guidance on uniform
- Thursday 17 October – Synthesis exhibition opening night