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In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message
- Ms Dunn’s Digest
- Mrs Resta’s update
- Parenting with Mr Gilchrist
- Dates for your diary
Principal’s message
As we reach the end of a rich and rewarding first term, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the commitment and endeavour displayed by staff and students at St Stephen’s School. We are a community and work together to provide opportunities for all. It has been wonderful to watch our students, both new and old, take on the year with enthusiasm and determination.
This week, we came together for our Night of Giving Thanks – a truly special occasion where we reflected with gratitude on the people and moments that shape our community. This year’s event had particular significance as we bade a special farewell to our outgoing Chair of Council, Mr Kevin Smout, and welcomed the incoming Chair, Mr John Sobolewski.
As we approach Easter, a time of deep significance, I hope you find the opportunity to pause, reflect, and devote time to loved ones. May this season bring you rest, renewal, and peace.
Take care and God Bless,
Donella Beare, Principal
Ms Dunn’s Digest
As the holidays draw near, I always look for interesting reads or podcasts. Mel Robbins never fails to deliver practical, sage strategies in making life easier whilst offering a balanced approach to achieving success. My latest Mel podcast didn’t disappoint and one that can be applied to yourself or your family. Here is the link if you are interested in listening.
I would also like to wish all our community a safe holiday and let the beauty of Easter fill your heart with faith, hope and love. May your Easter be a time for you to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life and surrounded by love.
Rosemarie Dunn, Head of Campus
Mrs Resta’s Reflection
We have a few changes to our Graduation 2026 (this will affect our current Year 11 students.) A communication has already been sent to parents of the cohort, but we have amended for a recent update:
- Term 3 2026 will be dedicated to Teaching and Learning – no graduation events will take place during this term.
- Exams and work experience will continue to be held in the second week of the October term break.
- Graduation celebrations will be held in Week 1 of Term 4, 2026.
Week 1 (13-16 October 2026)
- Examination Students: Final preparation for the final WACE exams with Revision Seminars Monday – Thursday a.m. Students will receive feedback on mock exams and guidance for upcoming WACE exams.
- General & VET Students: Dedicated time to complete any outstanding work in scheduled catch-up sessions.
Thursday 15th October 2026
- Graduation Fun Events 12.00pm – 3.20pm
Friday 16th October 2026
- Graduation Day (Worship, Assembly, House Farewells)
- Graduation Dinner
Put a note in your 2026 diaries this will certainly be a great day!
Mrs Nicola Resta, Deputy Head of Secondary – Teaching and Learning
Parenting with Mr Gilchrist
The Hidden Risks of AI: What Parents Need to Know
With an ever changing world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the way children learn, play, and interact with technology. While AI offers many conveniences, it also presents risks that parents should be aware of.
Misinformation & Deepfakes
AI-generated content can be misleading or entirely false. From chatbots providing incorrect answers to deepfake videos that appear real but aren’t, children may struggle to distinguish fact from fiction. Teaching our kids to verify sources and think critically is crucial.
Privacy Concerns & Inappropriate or Harmful Content
Many AI-powered apps and websites collect data on users, including children. This information can be misused or sold, leading to privacy breaches. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s online activity and review privacy settings on AI-based platforms.
AI-generated media isn’t always child-friendly. Some AI chatbots and image-generation tools have been known to produce inappropriate, violent, or disturbing content, even when safeguards are in place. Additionally, AI-curated social media feeds can expose kids to mature themes. Parents should use parental controls and talk to their children about reporting unsafe content.
Addiction & Overreliance
AI platforms are designed to keep users engaged, which can lead to excessive screen time. Moreover, AI tools that assist with writing or problem-solving may cause young people to rely on technology instead of developing their own skills.
What can I do to help your children?
- Encourage critical thinking – Teach your child to question what they see online.
- Set digital boundaries – Limit screen time and monitor AI interactions.
- Use parental controls & remind students to think before you do! – Restrict access to age-appropriate content and the importance of responsible technology use.
- Stay informed – Keep up with AI trends and general safe online practices to better guide your child’s online experience. Sites such as: https://www.esafety.gov.au/ and https://www.safeonsocial.com/
Wishing you and your children a safe and joyous holiday break.
Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care
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 2 in the 2025 academic year:
- Wednesday 30 April – ANZAC Day Assembly
- Tuesday 6 May – House Cross Country
- Wednesday 7 May – Senior Music Concert
- Wednesday 14 May – Careers Expo
- Monday 19 May to Friday 30 May – Semester 1 Exams (Year 11 and 12)
- Wednesday 4 June to Friday 6 June – Senior Music Camp
- Thursday 5 June – ACC Cross Country
- Friday 13 June – House Surfing
- Wednesday 18 June – Hot Topics
- Wednesday 18 June to Friday 20 June – Year 11 and 12 Retreats
- Friday 20 June – Rookie Debating Grand Final
- Saturday 28 June to Tuesday 8 July – Bali Tour
- Sunday 29 June to Sunday 6 July – HASS Tour
- Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July – Year 12 Lift Week
- Friday 4 July – Term 2 Ends