In this newsletter:

• Principal’s message
• Ms Dunn’s Digest
• Mrs Resta’s update
• Parenting with Mr Gilchrist
• Dates for your diary

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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

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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.

Let Them Theory

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

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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

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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?

1. Encourage critical thinking – Teach your child to question what they see online.
2. Set digital boundaries – Limit screen time and monitor AI interactions.
3. Use parental controls & remind students to think before you do! – Restrict access to age-appropriate content and the importance of responsible technology use.
4. 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

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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

In this newsletter:

• Principal’s message,
• Social media shake up – important information for all parents,
• Ms Dunn’s Digest,
• Mrs Resta’s Reflections,
• Parenting with Mr Gilchrist,
• A note from our school nurses,
• Public notices,
• Dates for your diary,

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Principal’s message

I am delighted to see our Houses and ovals brought back to life by the presence of our students for what I am sure will be another wonderful St Stephen’s School year! 

I trust that you have all had a restful and restorative holiday break and are ready for a jam-packed term. It’s certainly been a busy start for us all and there are a lot of events to bring us together. Please keep an eye on our school calendar linked below so you have every opportunity to participate. 

One of the key issues parents speak to our pastoral care team about is social media and with the imminent changes to the age limit for social media access (see full details below) it is vital that we all stay up-to-date on what this means for our young people and inform ourselves about the broader issues relating to young people and online engagement. To that end, I am really pleased that we have been able to secure Kirra Pendergast to present on “Staying safe on Social” on Thursday 6 March at 7pm in the Duncraig Theatre. Kirra is an international online expert, with experience in advising young people, families and governments so I am extremely interested to hear what she has to say. Please book now as places are limited.  

I look forward to seeing you there and wish you well for an enjoyable term. 

Take care and God Bless, 

Donella Beare, Principal

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Social Media Shake-up

On November 28, 2024 the Australian Federal Government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill. The new legislation will make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to use certain social media platforms starting in 2026.  

This includes Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X.  

The legislation aims to protect young Australians from online harms and ensure their safety and well-being. Social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to enforce this age restriction. In good time, the Government has indicated they will provide guidance for parents, carers, and children to help them navigate this change. 

This means that if your child will be 15 or younger in 2026, it is advisable to start preparing now by removing their access to social media. Additionally, if you have not yet given permission for your child in this age range to use social media, we strongly advise against doing so. 

This legislation aims to protect young people in Australia at a critical stage of their development. As a School we support this new Bill, which has largely bipartisan support from both major parties. 

The Bill will place the responsibility on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place. This is about protecting young people – not punishing or isolating them – and letting parents know who is in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing. The evidence on the potential and real harm caused by poor social media conduct and online victimisation is extensive. 

From the introduction of this Bill onwards, our school will face significant limitations in addressing pastoral concerns that originate on social media. If a student has a social media account which contravenes the new legislation, our capacity to intervene in issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or other social media-related concerns will be more restricted. 

We understand that for some, this may be a significant adjustment, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. By taking proactive steps now, you can help your child transition smoothly and comply with the upcoming regulations. 

We will continue to provide updates and government materials throughout 2025 to help you and your family navigate this legislative transition.  

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Ms Dunn’s Digest

Welcome back to all returning families, and a very special welcome to students and families joining our community for the first time. I am always extremely grateful to our St Stephen’s School community for the positive support we receive and share with students, parents and the broader community. This was showcased at our annual Year 12 Ball held on 23 January and we look forward to all the great things 2025 will bring through the year.   

Over the next few weeks there will be several events to provide an opportunity to meet current families and staff. Please check the school calendar for these events through the year.    

A gentle reminder that students are to wear their summer uniform throughout Term 1. The Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays 8am-4pm and Thursdays 1pm-4pm.  Details of uniform requirements can be found in the Parent Handbook on the Parent Portal.  

Like most schools, we have roads and drop-off/pick-up areas that become extremely busy. Before and after school in particular, are bad times for traffic congestion. The safety of students, staff, parents and visitors is our priority. Please make use of the drop-off zones to minimise congestion in these areas. We also ask drivers to please keep traffic flowing and avoid stopping for prolonged periods.    

Year 12 Commissioning ceremony – Friday 31 January

Rosemarie Dunn, Head of Campus

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Mrs Resta’s Reflection

We are starting 2025 with the roll out of our wellbeing program which has been rebranded IGNITE. This program acknowledges that academic success and student wellbeing are intertwined. Our IGNITE whole school approach is research-based and aimed a nurturing the holistic development of our students. 

The program is based on six pillars. 

I – Individual Student Voice The program provides opportunities for student advocacy and seeks to empower students to take ownership of their education. 

G – Growth through Leadership Through leadership experience provided in the program students learn to collaborate and make a positive impact on their community. 

N- Nurturing inclusivity and diversity Our inclusive environment values individual difference and promotes a culture of empathy and acceptance. 

I-Integrated community partnerships While partnering with organisations we enrich student experiences by providing real world opportunities. 

T- Thriving through active engagement We encourage our students to put their faith into action by actively engaging in service and outreach. 

E- Empowerment for a sustainable future We empower students to take ownership of their future world. Equipping them to make a positive impact on our global environment. 

Make sure to look at your child’s timetable and ask them about IGNITE! 

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

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Parenting with Mr Gilchrist

As the new academic year begins, a fresh start with new goals is often front of mind for both students and staff alike. When setting goals for 2025 it is important that students apply the ‘SMART’ goal principle. 

What exactly is the goal? Be specific. Perhaps it is achieving a “B grade” for maths at the end of 2025 or maybe it is to become involved in more co-curricular school activities.  

Is this goal measurable? Knowing what percentage equates to a B grade is helpful and being aware of when the many co-curricular opportunities run is essential. Last year your child may have achieved 65% and knowing that 68% was the cutoff for a B is perhaps the motivation for that 3% increase.

Improving that small amount may be possible by ensuring that the student is diligent in double checking their work and submitting all tasks on time. The jump in the grade may be achievable by the end of Semester 1 but it may take until the end of the year. Further involvement with co-curricular events may require some rearranging of other tasks so you can do more. 

Whatever the goal, be it academic or personal, as parents you can support your child by regularly checking in with them regarding the hopes and dreams for 2025.  

I encourage parents to take the time to find out what goals your child has for 2025 and in doing so, working together, we can help our students to achieve both their short-term and long-term aspirations. 

Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care

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A note from our School Nurses 

We have noticed a number of students arriving at school in the morning requesting medication. To ensure the smooth operation of our Health Centre, we kindly request that medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines, and ibuprofen be administered at home before school or be provided by parents for minor ailments. Please note that these medications will only be dispensed as determined by the School Nurse, and not from the Health Centre before recess. 

Public 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.

Welcome Year 7 Parents 

A warm welcome to all the new families who have joined St Stephen’s School in 2025.  

To help you connect with other families you’re invited to join the ‘Class of 2030 SSS’ Facebook group. You will be asked to answer some security questions but once you’re part of the group it will serve as a useful way to communicate with one another, ask questions and organise social get togethers like parent nights or family days.  

Please note this group is not run by the school but by volunteer parents however the School’s parent code of conduct applies to all users of the Facebook group. To remind yourself of the code please visit the Parent Portal: Plan the day>Policies, forms and handbooks>Parent Policy, Form and Handbook Centre>Parents and Wider School Community Code of Conduct Policy. 

To join the group simply follow this link – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MMpbcyPHK/ or scan the QR code. 

The parent volunteers are also organising a parent sundowner. All Class of 2030 parents are welcome. Details below.

Please note the following key dates for Term 1 in the 2025 academic year:

• Wednesday 12 February – Secondary School photo catch up day 

• Thursday 13 February – ATAR, General and VET Information evening 6.30 – 7.30pm 

• Wednesday 19 February – Year 7 Camp, Year 8 Camp 

• Friday 21 February – ACC Swim Camp 

• Tuesday 25 February – The Arts Tour information evening, 6.45 – 7.30pm Cousins Hall

• Thursday 27 February – ACC Swimming Carnival 

• Thursday 6 March – Parent Series, Kirra Pendergast “Safe on Social” 

• Wednesday 5 March – Year 7 SEQTA evening 6.30 – 7.30pm 

• Tuesday 25 March – Music ensemble photos, 7.45am 

• Tuesday 8 April – St Stephen’s School worship. Tickets available mid-term.

• Thursday 10 April – The Arts Tour departs 

• Friday 11 April – Term 1 ends