In this newsletter:
- Acting Principal’s message
- Mr Andrews Almanac
- Carramar highlights with Mrs Stockton-Rice
- Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist
- Dates for your diary
Acting Principal’s message
It is a joy to see our Houses and ovals filled with energy once again as we warmly welcome everyone back for the start of Term 2 at St Stephen’s School.
The cooler weather has gently signalled the change in seasons, and it has been lovely to see our students embracing the winter uniform. A special highlight has been our Year 12 students proudly wearing their Rite of Passage jackets — a meaningful tradition that marks an important milestone in their final year.
I hope the holiday break provided you all with some time for rest and renewal, and that you are feeling refreshed for the busy and exciting term ahead. We have made a positive and productive start, with our senior students already focused on preparing for their upcoming semester exams, and all students engaging wholeheartedly in their learning, projects, and assessments.
For the first half of this term, I also have the privilege of serving as Acting Principal on behalf of Mrs Beare while she enjoys a well-deserved sabbatical. I am very much looking forward to supporting our wonderful students, staff, and families during this time and continuing to build on the strong sense of community that makes St Stephen’s School so special.
There is much to look forward to this term, with a range of events and opportunities for us to come together. We are excited for all that lies ahead and wish everyone a happy, rewarding, and successful Term 2.
Take care and God Bless,
Rosemarie Dunn, Acting Principal and Duncraig Head of Campus
Mr Andrews’ Almanac
Faith, Identity and Belonging in the Teenage Years
In short: “Our brief harkens back to our roots as a Christian school. Parents can contribute in many ways—by showing up, listening without fixing, and sharing their own beliefs, values, and vulnerabilities.”
Anyone raising a teenager today knows they’re growing up in a world far more complex than the one we knew. With constant exposure to online culture and rapidly evolving social norms, adolescence has become a time of significant experimentation and change. Just as their parents did before them, young people are exploring who they are, testing boundaries, and seeking where they fit. But unlike previous generations, they don’t always slot neatly into categories “surfer,” “gamer,” or “sporty kid” no longer define the full picture. Identity is more fluid, multi-layered, and changing rapidly.
In this space of uncertainty, one thing remains constant: the deep human need to belong. At St Stephen’s School, we place great value on cultivating a consistent, safe environment where every student feels known, valued, and loved. Belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of a healthy adolescent journey. It’s the difference between isolation and connection, between confusion and courage.
This commitment to belonging is part of our origin story. As a school founded by the Uniting Church in Western Australia, we are rooted in a Christian tradition that champions inclusion, grace, and community. We honour the teenage search for identity by providing a steady foundation—where students are invited to explore faith, ask big questions, and wrestle with doubt without fear of judgment. Our Biblical Studies curriculum, worship and devotions, and our I.G.N.I.T.E pastoral care framework are designed to be spaces of reflection, encouragement, and connection.
Parents continue to play a vital role. By showing up, listening without trying to fix, and sharing your own values and faith, you help anchor your teen through this formative stage. I encourage you to reflect on this—advice I, too, need to remember as a parent.
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus
Carramar highlights
with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary
Term 2 is off to a fantastic start! Our Year 11 and 12 students recently returned from their Retreats at Ern Halliday and the Swan Adventure Centre, where they had the chance to connect, reflect, and recharge.
The Propel Program was officially launched by Craig Thomas welcoming our largest group of enthusiastic Year 11 students, who are set to thrive and grow through this exciting leadership journey.
Our Year 10 Share the Dignity Committee also kicked off their annual campaign—we’re confident they’ll surpass their goal of collecting over 130 bags.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for the K–12 Cross Country Carnival in week 3, and our House Athletics Carnival in week 8. Both events are sporting highlights on the school calendar.
Year 10 students are beginning their subject selection process, which includes their MESH assessment week, while our Year 11 and 12 students prepare for their upcoming ESTs and Exams. We wish all of these students the very best for all of their upcoming assessments.
To wrap up the term on a high note, our House Captains are busy organising a fun and sustainable Thrift Ball for Year 11 and 12 students—an exciting new event that celebrates creativity, community, and a great cause!
Year 11 Retreat – Ern Halliday Recreation Camp
Year 12 Retreat – Swan Valley Adventure Centre
Propel Launch with Ange Stannett, Fremantle Dockers AFLW Captain
Parenting tip
“… age shall not weary them, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Whilst attending a recent ANZAC Day Remembrance service, I was reminded of the wonderful gift of service and sacrifice paid by so many. Thousands of Australian men and women paid the ultimate price so that we may live in freedom.
Living in a safe and prosperous country like Australia means that we can, at times, become complacent regarding the importance of providing service to others and we sometimes don’t recognise that we as individuals can make a positive impact in the lives of others in many and varied ways. Research shows that helping others is linked to increased feelings of well-being, reduces isolation, and strengthens social connections. Acts of kindness can also have a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and strengthening community bonds. Volunteering has been linked to improved physical and mental health, including lower rates of depression and anxiety.
There are many groups in society who volunteer their time and talents to benefit the wider community. Groups like the RSL, Lifesaving Clubs, The Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross are just a few of the agencies where people can offer help. The St Stephen’s School motto is Serve God. Serve One Another.
Finding a place where your skills and passions can be shared with others is something well worthwhile. If your child is thinking about volunteering and doesn’t know where to start, ask them what they like doing, maybe it is working with the environment, with animals, social justice or sports and leisure. Whatever the activity, serving others makes our world a better place!
COMMUNITY 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.
Please note the following key dates for Term 2 in the 2025 academic year:
- Tuesday 13 May – House Cross Country
- Wednesday 14 May – Careers Expo
- Thursday 5 June – ACC Cross Country
- Wednesday 11 June – Parent Series: Male Toxicity
- Thursday 12 June & 13 June – Senior Production
- Monday 16 June – Yr 10 Reporting Evening
- Tuesday 17 June – House Athletics Carnival
- Friday 20 June – Music camp
- Wednesday 25 June – Makuru Showcase
- Saturday 28 June to Tuesday 8 July – Bali Tour
- Sunday 29 June to Sunday 6 July – HASS Tour
- Friday 4 July – Term 2 Ends