This week marks the start of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference, where 200 countries are being asked to outline their plans to cut emissions.
Science has proven beyond a doubt, that human activity is a key contributor to climate change. We are witnessing the impacts of this change in real time. Bushfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Extreme weather events are on the rise.
It is disheartening then, to find that our country is not committing to doing its part, as a global citizen, to help reduce emissions. According to Lesley Hughes, a climate scientist at Macquarie University and a councillor at the Climate Council “Australia has an absolutely terrible international reputation on climate action and that’s been laid out in report after report after report” (2021). Thankfully most states and territories have taken up the challenge and there are many good strategies being implemented.
It is easy to get frustrated with the difficult. To dismiss what feels too hard. But there is still much that we can do. We can control our own individual actions in reducing our carbon footprint. We can opt to put on a jumper instead of switching on the heating, walking, or riding on those short journeys rather than opting for the car.
We also have a responsibility to question our leaders and the decisions they make on our behalf. The consequences of not doing so are simply too great. God calls upon mankind to be stewards of the Earth and to take measures to protect the environment.
Our leaders must be called to account and must lead us all towards a better future. And if they can’t then we need to consider carefully if they are worthy of the roles that we have given them.
Mark Batten (Dean Makaria)
YEAR 10 OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP
Last week the Yr 10 OE class participated in an overnight camp to Lancelin where they had the opportunity to put their surfing skills to the test. For many of the students this was their last OE camp and one where they were able to utilise the many skills that they have learnt over the past two years. Thankfully the bad weather seemed to pass above and below us so the only time we got wet was when we were in the water.
Craig Thomas
YEAR 8 ROTTNEST CAMP
On Wednesday 27 of October the Year 8’s set sail over the rough waters bound to Rottnest for their 2021 camp.
Three days full of adventure, activities, learning and new experiences really challenged the students but they all rose to the occasion, managing to not only budget their money but test new skills which they may not normally be exposed to.
As a Science and HASS based camp, students were asked to test pH levels, discuss sustainability projects as well as participate on a guided tour focusing on Rottnest’s importance in protecting WA during WW2.
The rough waters of day 1 soon cleared which allowed students to discover the beauty that lay beneath the ocean. Students loved snorkelling and exploring Rottnest’s hidden gems.
All year 8 students should be congratulated on navigating this year’s camp. We hope the learning, experiences and new skills that students were able to form over these three days are just the beginning for their growth and continual development.
Mr Torquato and Miss Glacken
SECONDARY PRESENTATION EVENING
The St Stephen’s Carramar Secondary Presentation evening will be held on Monday 6 December 2021 in the Sports & Learning Centre at Carramar beginning at 6.45pm. Parents will be advised if their child will be receiving an award, in the week prior to the event. Please follow the link below to secure tickets for your family: https://events.humanitix.com/csp2021
REMEMBRANCE DAY POPPIES
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, 11 November poppies are available to purchase at Reception for a gold coin donation.
All Poppy Appeal donations go directly into assisting veterans, and their families, in need. The importance of these funds continues to be highly relevant as we support veterans of recent conflicts, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor, alongside the ageing population from past conflicts
Donna Lund (Service Learning Coordinator)
CHRISTMAS BACKPACK APPEAL
Please donate items to help fill backpacks for those students that will be facing a new year without the necessary stationary. Your child’s Homeroom teacher will have a list of allocated items for students to donate.
Backpacks will be donated to the Smith Family and No Limits.
Donna Lund (Service Learning Coordinator)
IS A LIBRARY BOOK LURKING IN YOUR HOUSE?
Could families please have a look at home for library books that may have been forgotten and return them to the library? We will be very appreciative of these lost books returning to the library so they may be read again.
Library books will have stickers on the spine showing letters, numbers or genre symbols. The book will also have a Carramar Library stamp in one of the first pages.
We would love to have these books back.
Amanda Roberts (Teacher Librarian – Carramar Secondary)
AUSTRALIAN GIRLS CHOIR
SSS DANCE COMPANY AUDITIONS
Application forms are available from Reception
WAAPA SUMMER SCHOOL 2022
Join us on campus at WAAPA in January 2022! This summer WAAPA is offering a range of performing arts courses as part of our school holiday program for secondary school students. Classes for young people from Year 7 to 12 in Acting, Drama, Screen performance, Jazz and Music Theatre mean there is something for everyone with a passion for the arts. Our wonderful staff cater for all abilities and experience levels. For information about the many courses on offer please visit waapa.ecu.edu.au/summer-school or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or 9370 6775.
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services