Monthly Archives: April 2017

New kiss ‘n’ drive bays

April 7, 2017

Dear Parents,

Each morning and afternoon the turning circle outside the secondary area can become congested as parents/guardians drop off and pick up their children.

In the interests of easing this congestion, we would like to advise that we will be making changes to this area to enable parents to safely and efficiently pick up and drop off their children at secondary.

Please be advised that over the coming weeks, the ‘no parking bays’ located at the top of the turning circle will be reallocated as ‘kiss ‘n’ drive bays’ (maximum 1min stop).

Kiss ‘n’ drive bays are designed to maximise traffic flow to and from the pickup area, respecting the needs of all parents to collect their children.

Parents can greatly assist this process by arriving when School is dismissed which helps reduce waiting times and ensures the process is smooth.

We ask that you please acknowledge this change to ensure the benefits are passed on to our community.

Thank you

Mr Bruce Titlestad
Duncraig Head of Secondary

NEW HOLA ROLES

April 6, 2017

Deputy Head of Secondary, Dr Liz Criddle, welcomed our Acting Heads of Learning Area to their new roles this week.

Ms Leeanne Shanks will take on the position of Acting Head of Humanities (HASS and Biblical Studies). Ms Shanks joined SSS six years ago and says that she has enjoyed many challenges and special moments over the years. She says “I personally believe leadership is more than a title; it is a privilege and a role I embrace with the highest level of responsibility. At SSS we are blessed to realise that we serve something greater than ourselves. It is this in mind that I aim to recognise the skills and talents in others and bring out the best in them. I look forward to enhancing the Biblical Studies and HASS learning area over the upcoming months.”

Mr Matt Richmond will be Acting Head of Health and Physical Education, and has been at St Stephen’s School for ten years. Mr Richmond has taught from Pre – Primary right the way through to Year 12. He has always been keen to learn how sport and Physical Education was developed from foundation level right the way through to elite performers and is a qualified coach in a wide range of sporting activities, seeing how different techniques are used in sport development, across two different countries. He says that his vision for the HPE learning area is to“Maximise levels of participation and strive for excellence in everything we do; Maintain and develop our high standards of teaching and learning in all PE lessons; Maintain and improve our performances at ACC carnivals & CAS sport competitions. It is a real privilege and honour to be acting HOLA and I have appreciated all the support from staff, students & parents, which emphasises the positive impact sport has on the St Stephens’s community.”

Jade MacDonald-Razul : Super effort

April 6, 2017

A heroic effort, that included Duncraig ex-student Jade Macdonald-Razul, saved a man’s life at the Craigie Leisure Centre last Monday.

Phil Prosser’s heart stopped while he was swimming.

Pictured below is the article from The West Australian.

“Next to creating a life the finest thing a man can do is save one.” – Abraham Lincoln

Olympic Hopes Team Announcement

April 6, 2017

Australian Canoeing has announced the 2017 Olympic Hopes Teams following the conclusion of the 2017 Sprint National Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.

Duncraig student Caitlin Ribbons has been selected for the Olympic Hopes Team for Sprint Kayaking. This means that she will now be training with Ramon Anderson (multiple olympian) and WAIS Coach. She will also be travelling to Prague in September to compete at an international sprint kayaking competition.

We congratulate Caitlin on this superb achievement.

New Era for St Stephen’s School

April 6, 2017

At the recent Thanksgiving service our new Principal Donella Beare was officially bestowed the honour of guiding our wonderful School.

We wish her all the very best as we begin this exciting journey together.

Year 7 Lightning Carnival

April 5, 2017

The Lightning Carnivals aim at providing a sporting event, which gives students of all abilities the opportunity to participate in their chosen sport and to represent their school.

Below are a few action shots from the day.

Archaeological skills in Year 8 History

April 5, 2017

This week students used their archaeological skills in Yr 8 History. They determined which ‘poo’ belonged to which historical figure. They did this by identifying the extra ‘items’ that had not been digested.

Students said:

‘I think looking and touching poo to see who it might be from was an awesome activity and I would love to see more like it. – Joshua Silverlock

‘The H.A.S.S. Lesson where we investigated what fake poo belong to who was VERY FUN :)’ – Lachlan Harrold

‘I found yesterday’s lesson really interesting, really fun and a bit gross’. – Liam Mascok

“Archaeology holds all the keys to understanding who we are and where we come from.” – Sarah Parcak

Farewell to staff

April 4, 2017

Words are inadequate to express our gratefulness and appreciation of the incomparable work performance and attitude the following staff have displayed during their tenure with St Stephen’s.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially to people who have been such valued team members.

We wish you all the best now and into the future.

Head of Learning AREA – Health & Physical Education Nerina Cordner

Nerina joined St Stephens 21 years ago in 1996. She leaves us for an overseas teaching post.

“Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” – Judy Blume

Senior Math Teacher Frank Bell

Frank joined St Stephen’s in 2009, eight years ago. He is retiring and about to embark on a long overseas trip.

“You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr Seuss

Head of Learning Humanities & Biblical Studies Matt Lovell

Matt joined St Stephen’s in 2013, three years ago. He is moving on to a promotional position at another independent school.

“I have loved working with a great team of professional teachers – I have learned so much and grown more than I could have imagined. Thanks everyone for being part of my journey!” – Matt Lovell

Nessa Carey English Teacher

Nessa joined us a year ago and she is moving to a promotional position at another independent school.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God, hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Career Information for Senior Students and Parents

April 4, 2017

Year 10 students will soon be making subject selections for senior secondary. Details have been emailed to parents this week. Our Careers Advisor, Mr Kernutt is providing information to students in Education Plus. Parents can access a number of supportive websites, such as mhscareers, which is a collection of all the careers news of interest to Careers Advisors, High School Students and their Parents in Australia.

mhscareers collate the careers news into sections, such as for Universities and for TAFE and Apprenticeships; this makes it easy to go to the section that most interests you. Newsletters are specific for each State and Territory. The site is:

WA Newsletter 170403-230jc8e

Yiyili Aboriginal Community School (YACS)

April 4, 2017

St Stephen’s partnership with Yiyili Aboriginal Community School (YACS) in the Kimberley has seen us loan some e-books to the local students this term.

Great to see the learning opportunities this partnership is bringing for SSS and YACS.