Please find below important dates of Term 1, 2018. It is important to note that other important dates and details of events are available via the Parent Portal: https://portal.ststephens.wa.edu.au/
Duncraig Secondary Term 1 2018 Important Dates-1702o5j
Term 1 (11 weeks)
Dear Parents
With every student owning a tablet or laptop, the role for mobile phones at school is negligible. We strongly believe in our three guiding principles regarding the use of technology:
In the use of technology, users agree to be responsible for their own actions, comply with relevant laws and comply with the School’s code of conduct. Personal behaviour, in online environments, must not compromise the good reputation of the School.
In the School Handbook, the following points are made:
During 2018, there will be very little reason for any students to use a phone during the school day. No phones will be used in class unless the teacher specifically asks students to use phones, e.g. to photograph something on an excursion. We will be strongly discouraging the use of phones during recess and lunch: these are great opportunities to grow relationships with friends. No student should be on (or posting to) social media during the school day, or using their phone to film teachers or fellow students. No student should be viewing Netflix or YouTube instead of socialising. It makes complete sense for a child to have their phone on public transport before and after school.
We would appreciate your assistance in 2018 in strongly discouraging the use of mobile phones during the school day. Our children do not need the distraction or the anxiety of having to check what others might be posting. This is not a change to policy, but a chance to affirm what our School policy is with an emphasis on student well-being. Phones are not banned: they have a safety function. They are not needed during the school day and we do not want to see students using phones at school unless instructed by their teacher.
A huge welcome to our new Year 7 cohort, starting today at St Stephen’s School. We look forward to having you as part of our school community for the next 6 years.
Our Year 7s arrived looking excited and a little bit nervous in readiness for an action-packed day.
They started off with a Orientation Morning in the Secondary Library which included bookmarking important sites, SEQTA access, Office 365, and their school email account.
Here are a few snapshots of the morning.
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” – Psalm 20:4
Dear Parents and Students
Welcome to 2018! A new year is filled with new possibilities for all of us – in our roles as teachers, parents and as students. We also have a point from which to grow personally as well. It is strange that the 1st January becomes an arbitrary point from which to start, but the new year comes after a rest and after a time for reflection. New Years are important. Many of our plans may be focussed around our families, our work and our relationships.
Within a few weeks we will each know whether we have thought about what we would like to achieve and how we might do that – or whether we have lapsed back into 2017 and that 2018 is looking more like a repeat of 2017.
The School has released its new Strategic Plan which will carry us through the next 3 years and beyond. Our focus is threefold and simple: People, Purpose and Place: the best teaching and learning possible; students and staff in strong healthy, constructive and respectful relationships; and the best possible teaching environment.
Our children are not all the same. Half of our 2017 uni-bound ATAR bound students achieved rankings in the top 20% in the state and we are very proud of all of our students who achieved what they hoped. Last year rather unusually, 91% (against the usual 80%) of all Year 12 students at the Duncraig Campus worked towards ATAR rankings, yet many had not planned on university as a destination or on using their ATAR for university entry. Some of our students who planned on using a Certificate 4, in conjunction with 4 ATAR subjects, for that purpose have felt very stressed through the time they pursued a “joint” strategy and had to let go their ATAR plans to focus on the Certificate 4. The Cert 4 worked, the ATAR did not.
There are two things students often say that I find worrying: the first is that they want to go to university without knowing what they might even be interested in – and the second is the hope to be famous, again without any idea of why and in what field.
Together, as parents and teachers, we are blessed to have another year to work with our children. We have a year in which to work out whether what might be best for each child is what we had planned and dreamed. Between us we can create the conversations, the attitude of positive growth and enough realism to make happier, resilient and less worried children.
Students: your parents and your teachers have runs on the board, they have valuable experiences and advice for you to consider as you enjoy their support this year. There will be hard work and the satisfaction of knowing you have done your best at something wisely chosen.
Best wishes for 2018
Bruce Titlestad
Head of School
Students Kai and Darcie Richards created a Sunshine Beach Run team with the aim of winning the Largest School Team trophy.
They are well on their way to achieving their goal – and are raising some important funds for Red Nose along the way.
To be a part of the team, get your running shoes on and sign up at Register now (use the team name “St. Stephen’s Duncraig” during registration).
Early this morning the first St Stephen’s School Service Tour of 2018 left for Cambodia. The tour is organised through Raw Impact who aim to empower families through innovative and sustainable projects.
We wish them a safe journey and a blessed tour.
Keep updated with their journey and adventure on the St Stephen’s Global Blog or Facebook:
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – Peter 4:10
As we look towards another action-packed School year, we hope you enjoy the rest of the School holidays before we return in Term One.
Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh COMMITMENT. Welcome 2018 !
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – Corinthians 5:17
Wishing our community a safe and blessed Christmas. There’s no better time to unwind, relax and spend time with family during this special time.
Christmas has come early, with more great WACE results for our graduating Class of 2017.
See more here: 2017 WACE Results
In case you missed it, St Stephen’s School’s pilot program with WA Charity Direct was celebrated on tonight’s Channel Ten news. Great work for all involved in such a wonderful program that teaches our students the greatness of service and giving.