Students and staff held house assemblies to mark this special day. At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
A wonderful time was had by all on the recent HASS Canberra Tour. This tour was made possible due to the funding and support of the Australian government. The financial support provided through the PACER contribution alleviated financial stress and allowed more students to participate in this excellent learning experience.
Students were privileged to have a personal meeting with the Governor General of Australia, His Excellency, the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove. Immediately after, Sean MacMillian played a beautiful piece of music in the Drawing Room. Recent guests to this room include former President, Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. Our students then lost themselves in the Australian War Memorial and followed this with a visit to New and Old Parliaments. Other Canberra highlights included CSIRO, Anzac Walk, Mount Ainslie, Australian Institute of Sport and Questacon.
Students then travelled to Melbourne and after a night walk in central Melbourne and Federation Square, woke up early to visit the Islamic Museum. Students were given the opportunity to see the contributions of the Islamic community and were interested to find Muslims have been in Australia before Federation (1.1.1901). Students asked engaging questions which dispelled many myths they had about the Muslim community. Students then went to the Melbourne Gaol to experience the grim history of the colonial prison system. Students were then impressed by the lights of Melbourne via the Eureka Skydeck. Our second last day involved a visit to Sovereign Hill where students saw gold poured and went down an old mine. They were also excited to see see the original Eureka Stockade Flag. We ended our trip with a tour to the MCG and shopping at the Victorian Markets.
Verity Palmer and Matt English both agreed that they felt privileged to be involved on this tour and enjoyed themselves due to the excellent behaviour of our students. The students were joyous, courteous and an excellent representation of St Stephens. I hope parents and the school are as proud of their behaviour and care shown to each other on this trip as I was.
Leeanne Shanks
Humanities and Social Sciences
“The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” – Proverbs 18:15
St Stephen’s students showed their Courage to Care by attending an exhibition at ECU. Students were instructed how a closed mind and a closed society led to the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews and 5 million ‘undesirables’. Students completed practical and engaging activities which challenged their concept of being an upstander instead of a bystander. The concept of being an upstanding citizen is an idea which Australian’s have often expressed as many believe everyone should get a ‘fair go’. Student realised that by becoming a bystander, horrible and irreversible damage can be caused within a society. As Edmund Burke stated ‘the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’.
Leeanne Shanks
Humanities and Social Sciences
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
The Year 10 Entrepreneurship and Business LIFT week participants spent two days working on innovative business ideas aided by industry mentors, start-up specialists and Spacecubed staff. Spacecubed is a start up ecosystem spread over two buildings in the Perth CBD. The students pitched their ideas to a team of judges from industry and gained some wonderful experience in thinking in a blue sky business environment. Congratulations to our winning team with their pitch of solar panel blinds!
Matthew English
Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher
Year 9 student Zac Grosser raised more than $2300 for the Heart Foundation when he ran the 12km City to Surf last month.
The race was Zac’s first ever long distance race and he did it with his uncle who has had a heart condition.
Zac raised the money as part of his EBA project for Rite Journey.
We salute you Zac!
‘The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
Pictured below is some incredible art work produced by Year 10 students in Biblical Studies. This term they have been doing an Overview of the Bible to see how the whole Bible when read in the light of Jesus’ work on the cross for us, points to God’s plan to save us from our sins and give us eternal life through his Son. The drawings depict different key characters and events in the Bible. Their pictures speak a thousand words!
Ms Andrea Tinney
Biblical Studies Teacher
Year 11 Students have been on an excursion for Biblical Studies. They are studying World Religions. The photos are of a visit to a Hindu Temple, Buddhist Temple and a Synagogue.
HASS students enjoyed a thought provoking visit from Mr Ephraim Kaye the Director of International Seminars at The International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem.
Yad Vashem, is the national Authority for the Remembrance of the Holocaust in Israel.
Mr Kaye’s talk was gripping and students were encouraged to engage. Students were shown rare video footage and photos of original Nazi documents.
The visit was coordinated by HASS teacher, Matthew English and HASS HOLA, Leeanne Shanks.
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.” – Elie Wiesel, Night
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
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.
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
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
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 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.