Looking ahead to Term 4

holly.mason / / 2025

In this newsletter:

  • Principal’s message
  • Ms Dunn’s Digest
  • Mrs Resta’s Reflections
  • Parenting tip from Mr Thomas
  • Public notices
  • Dates for your diary

Principal’s message

Term 4 is always a time of transition and anticipation, a season where students reflect on how far they’ve come and begin to look ahead to what’s next. For some, that means stepping into new challenges: our Year 6 students preparing for secondary school, our Year 11s taking on leadership roles as they become Year 12s, and our Middle School students starting to glimpse what lies ahead in their senior years. 

Change, while exciting, can also bring a few nerves, but it is in these moments that growth happens. With the support of teachers and families, our students will continue to adapt and evolve as they embrace each new step. 

As we look ahead to the upcoming Presentation Evenings, we’re reminded of the hard work and dedication that has brought our students to this point. These occasions give us the opportunity to come together as a community, to recognise achievement, reflect on personal journeys, and celebrate the resilience shown throughout 2025. 

With that in mind, I look forward to a full term of growth and reflection as we travel toward the end of another inspiring year. 

Take care and God bless, 

Donella Beare, Principal

Ms Dunn’s Digest

As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring begins to settle in, there’s a noticeable lift in energy across our campus. The sunshine seems to bring with it a renewed sense of possibility, positivity, and connection. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of kindness—not just towards others, but towards ourselves. 

Kindness is often thought of as something we give away, but it’s just as important to turn that compassion inward. In the busyness of family life, work, and school routines, self-kindness can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Yet, when we take time to care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to support those around us. 

Below are some simple, thoughtful ways to practice self-kindness this season. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a book or a walk in the sunshine, we hope these tips inspire you to pause, recharge, and treat yourself with the same care you so generously offer others. And why not share these ideas with your family? Kindness is contagious—and a beautiful habit to grow together. 

TIPS FOR SELF-KINDNESS 

  • Carve out time for yourself to do something that feels good – go for a coffee, have a bath, read a good book; do something that brings you joy. 
  • Notice your self-talk and cut yourself some slack. Everybody makes mistakes, and nobody is perfect. Speak to yourself as you would a friend. 
  • Discover JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out) and give social media a miss for a while. Everybody posts their best selves and it can make us feel bad that our lives don’t match up. Be kind and have a day free of social comparison. 
  • Acknowledge your successes. We’re always quick to do that for others, so why not take a few minutes and consider all you’ve achieved. Well done you! 
  • Hang out with your cheerleaders. Spend time with the people who uplift you and support you. The ones that fill your tank. 
  • Take your daily ‘MEDS’ (Mindfulness, Exercise, Diet and Sleep). Looking after your mind and body is a great form of self-kindness.  

 

Is there something you can do to be kind to yourself today? Is there something you can do right now? 

Rosemarie Dunn, Head of Campus

Mrs Resta’s Reflection

Last term we said farewell to our Graduating Class of 2025. The last week of term was a special week of revisiting memories, celebrating friendships, acknowledging that teacher that made the difference, embracing challenges past, present and future. I personally would like to thank the Graduating Class of 2025 for your work, your service, your company and your friendship. It has been a pleasure to share the journey with you. 

Remember you have what you need to make it in the world. You have made it to the next stage. You are well equipped for the journey. As we farewelled you, we felt great pride, we know you are ready for whatever life may bring.   

Term 4 has many exciting opportunities for our remaining students, many will be fine tuning those last few assessments, Year 11s are patiently waiting in the wings to become the next Year 12s, wearing their leaver’s jackets and going through all those final rites of passage. 

We have welcomed a new student leadership team with the announcement and commissioning of our new School and House Captains 2026. Look out for some new ideas and initiatives in this space. 

At the other end of the school, we are set to welcome our new Year 7 2026 with information evenings and orientation days. I am excited to meet our future Graduating Class of 2031. 

Look out for our Rite Journey Sols and Calling ceremonies which are taking place this Term. Rite Journey is a highlight for all our students school and is fondly remembered by our Graduating Classes as the year that boys become men and girls become women.  

Finally we’ll fit in Inter House Triathlon and Presentation evening, this term is fun filled and action packed. Enjoy the ride. 

Year 12 Graduation Highlights

Mrs Nicola Resta, Deputy Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning

Parenting tip

with Mr Craig Thomas, Carramar Deputy Head of Secondary – Care

Managing Assessment Stress in Young Students 

Term Four is usually a busy one as teachers look to finalise their teaching programs for the year and as a result schedule a number of assessments during this time.  This period can be stressful for children, but with the right support, they can approach it with confidence. Parents play a key role in helping children manage this pressure and being aware of changes in behaviour will help you provide a supportive environment for your child. 

Students experiencing anxiety and stress will often exhibit: 

  • Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite 
  • Irritability or emotional outbursts 
  • Avoiding schoolwork or talking about assessments 
  • Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches 

As parents what can we do? 

  • Keep routines steady: Regular sleep, meals, and study times help children feel secure, also ensure they have a quiet place to study.
  • Focus on effort: Praise persistence and progress, not just results. 
  • Encourage breaks: Short play or movement breaks refresh the mind. 
  • Teach calming strategies: Deep breathing or quiet time can ease nerves. 
  • Listen and reassure: Let your child express their worries and remind them it’s okay to feel nervous. 

Remember that assessments are challenges and every challenge is a chance to grow. With your ongoing support and care, your child can build resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. 

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Dates for your diary

Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates and you can check full details of the 2025 term dates on our website.

Please note the following key dates for Term 3 in the 2025 academic year:

  • Wednesday 22 October to 27 October – Synthesis Exhibition (Opening Night 22 October)  
  • Friday 24 October – Interhouse Triathlon  
  • Monday 27 October – Piano Recital  
  • Tuesday 28 October to 29 October – Year 9 Rite Journey Camp Girls  
  • Wednesday 29 October to 30 October- Year 9 Rite Journey Camp Boy  
  • Wednesday 29 October to 20 November – SCSA ATAR Written Exams  
  • Thursday 30 October – Year 11 Career Conversations  
  • Tuesday 4 November – Year 10 MADD Night  
  • Tuesday 11 November – Rite Journey Homecoming  
  • Wednesday 12 November – Middle School Music Concert  
  • Tuesday 18 November – Year 8 Specialist Performing Arts Production  
  • Friday 21 November – Year 11 Vietnam Service Learning Tour Departs  
  • Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November – Year 10 Work Experience  
  • Tuesday 2 December – Presentation Night  
  • Friday 5 December – Term 4 Ends