In this Newsletter:

Principal’s message,
A message from Ms Dunn,
Parenting note,
Secondary highlights,

Principal’s Message

The end of another school year is upon us and with that comes a myriad of emotions. Anticipation of the upcoming summer break, quiet contemplation about what was achieved over the course of the year, regret that perhaps we didn’t achieve all that we wanted to, excitement at seeing another group of students graduate from St Stephen’s School and sadness as we say goodbye to staff and students who leave us at the end of this year. Each emotion reflects a part of life in a school and we give thanks for the opportunities that this year has provided. Thank you to our school community of parents, students and volunteers for your ongoing support. Our community is at the heart of St Stephen’s School and makes it the Christ-centred, student-focussed, community-based school that it is. I wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Until then, take care,
Donella Beare

Ms Dunn’s Digest

It is always a pleasure to join together with parents, our partners in learning, to acknowledge important milestones in the students’ lives and to celebrate their successes. Both the Primary and Secondary Presentation Evenings were joyous acknowledgements of the collective efforts of our students. The achievements of the year give a sense of pride in goals met, challenges surmounted and optimism as we look forward to what can be achieved in the New Year.

To the Class of 2023, thank you for being advocates and leaders of the School. We wish you well in your future endeavours.

As the holidays begin and Christmas approaches, we wish all parents and students a restful holiday and well-earned break, with time spent enjoying family and friends.

Take care,
Rosemarie Dunn – Head of Campus

Parenting note

As we finish another school year, take time to rest and recuperate, the Christmas holidays allow families to spend valuable time together. The business of the year means that time with loved ones can often be reduced to a quick phone call or text message when what we really need to do is sit down and chat face to face with one another. This Christmas holidays, take the time to organise to catch up over coffee and cake, meet on the golf course, spend time playing board games with the kids. Whatever you choose, it does not matter but make a concerted effort to build relationships with those who matter. Spending time together allows us to build stronger connections and support networks.

All the best,
Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care

Secondary highlights

The annual secondary Presentation Evening was a showcase of student talent across the breadth of teaching and learning at the school. Several musical items were enjoyed by the school community and a number of different awards were presented. Students were recognised for academic achievement, for their willingness to serve their community as an involved citizen, and for extensive commitment to learning areas.

Awardees included Ben Lyon the inaugural recipient of the Maths Medal, Kayla Allmark and Amberley Grace for the Athlete Development Program Scholarships, Victoria Hill and Nathasha Ruiz were recognised for leadership, and Abbey Carpenter and Maichael Noye for citizenship. Major award winners included –

Sportspeople of the year: Tahlia Papworth, Oliver Bridgman, Hayden Windsor
The Vocational Dux Proximae: Hollie Dalwood
The Vocational Dux: Sholai Cantwell
Academic Dux Proximae: Nathasha Ruiz
Academic Dux: Thomas McIntyre

The St Stephen’s School Award recognises an individual who demonstrates noble characteristics and attitudes such as respect, empathy and gratitude within our community. This year’s recipient is committed to learning, shows a willingness to serve and endeavours to empower the people around them – we congratulated Braden Gostlow on achieving this award.

While we are incredibly proud of our awardees, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the work of all our students. The significant efforts of our students and their ability to keep a growth mindset is fantastic. I encourage all our students to continue to strive to be their best.

Dr Liz Criddle
Deputy Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning

Coming in September 2024

We are excited to announce that the historic Lou Morrison Kimberley Tour for Year 8s will have a new look next year, exploring more back to country opportunities for our students and reconnecting with old acquaintances.

We are currently working on a new itinerary that will hopefully include visits to Larrawa Station, a fully operational cattle station, Mimbi Caves where we will tour the amazing caves and engage with their local community, camp at Merry Pool and Parry’s Lagoon, participate in a Welcome to Country, dot painting and Aboriginal language lessons at Laarri Gallery as well as enjoy the gallery art display, and return to Frog Hollow where we will camp and participate in activities with the students of Purnululu School. Before flying home, you will be able to enjoy a visit and dinner at Lake Argyle. These are just some of the new additions to the tour. Further information to come early in Term 1 2024.

Source: Donna Wilson – Service Learning Tours Officer

2024 School fee payment options

In 2024, similar to 2023, parents/guardians will not be required to re-select a preferred payment method and frequency at the beginning of the school year. The payment method (direct debit, or credit card, or BPAY) and frequency of payment (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, two or three or four instalments or annual upfront) that you had in place in 2023 will continue automatically in 2024.

The dates to note for payments (based on frequency) next year are:

1 upfront payment due on 29 January 2024 (2% discount); or
43 weekly payments starting on Monday 29 January 2024; or
22 fortnightly payments starting on Monday 29 January 2024; or
22 fortnightly payments starting on Monday 5 February 2024; or
10 monthly payments starting on Friday 2 February 2024; or
10 monthly payments starting on Saturday 17 February 2024; or
2 instalments on 18 February 2024 and 18 July 2024; or
3 instalments on 18 February 2024, 18 May 2024 and 18 August 2024; or
4 instalments on 5 February 2024, 22 April 2024, 29 July 2024 and 14 October 2024.

(Where a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will be processed on the next business day.)

You will not be required to take any action, unless you would like to change the method of payment or frequency of payments. In which case, please contact the Accounts Receivable team on 9243 2103 or email accountsreceivable@ststephens.wa.edu.au as soon as possible.

If you wish to change your credit card, or bank account details, you are able to do this at any time throughout the year via the Parent Portal. Click on the ‘School Payments’ tab and select login under Manage stored cards and direct debits to bank accounts or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/ManageStoredCards.aspx

In January 2024 your annual fee invoice will be available for you to view on the Parent Portal in the ‘School Payments’ tab by logging into Statements and receipt history or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/fin.aspx

Source: Accounts Receivable team

Dates for your diary

Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates
See our website for 2024 term dates

From 12.30pm Wednesday 6 December – Monday 15 January – Student Services reception closed
Wednesday 20 December 2023 – Wednesday 3 January 2024 – St Stephen’s School administration closed
From 15 January 2024 – click here to view Duncraig Uniform Shop opening times
29 January 2024 – Pre-Primary – Year 6 return
30 January 2024 – Years 7 – 12 return

Closing out 2023 – have a happy holiday!