Dear Families, Parents and Carers,
Welcome to 2022!
A new academic year has begun and, with this new year, comes the opportunity to set a new direction; a new course, for 2022. It is a short period during which goals and aspirations can be set to facilitate a healthy outcome for the school year ahead.
Recently, I read an article entitled, “Things I Wish I Knew Sooner”. The article had a list of habits, attitudes and practices that, if adopted, would lead to greater success in the future. The advice that most grabbed my attention was this: “Attach yourself to a mission, a future, and a set of values.” In 2022, this will be our encouragement to each St Stephen’s School student.
To this end, we will encourage students to devote themselves to strong academic progress and mastery in their course of study. We will challenge them to commit to engage with the co-curricular life at St Stephen’s School including, carnivals, Service-Learning, theatre productions, sporting teams, music ensembles and choirs, as well as a variety of academic clubs and competitions. Involvement in these aspects of school life will increase their capacity and their appreciation for community values. Also, in 2022, students will be encouraged to explore their future pursuits in life. A clearly defined, long-term goal can have a significant, positive effect on achievement and well-being.
The school year has begun in a richly diverse manner. Already, there has been a number of significant events that have occurred. These include:
- The Year 12 School Ball
- The Year 12 Commissioning Service
- 90’s Club / VET High Achievers Assembly
- “Welcome Back” House Assembly
- Year 7 Orientation Day
- School Photos
- Parent Information Evenings for Years 10, 11 and 12
Whilst Covid-related repercussions may impact the school’s agenda, we will continue to focus on our intended and planned quality educational programme for all students and their families. Should adjustments be required, the school will communicate such changes to families in good time.
We embark on 2022 with enthusiasm and good expectation, as we seek to grow young men and women of faith with the capacity and confidence to change the world. We look to foster maturity, independence, a commitment to purpose and achievement, as well as a heart to Serve God, Serve One Another.
Stephen Meagher (Deputy Head of Secondary)
YEAR 12 BALL
Last Friday night our Year 12 students enjoyed a fabulous evening at the 2022 School Ball. It was a perfect night filled with good food and even better company. Dressed in their suits and glittering ballgowns, they danced the night away at Fraser’s, King’s Park. A truly memorable night.
Sarah Stockton-Rice
CROSS-CURRICULAR PRIMARY-SECONDARY SCIENCE COLLABORATION
Last week, Year 6 students visited the Secondary Science building, in the first of many cross-curricular learning activities facilitated by Mrs Smoker in S2. Year 6’s are learning about Earth and Space this term and, in last week’s activity, created a model of the layers of the Earth using Oreo biscuits, chocolate sauce and M&M’s. Year 6’s had lots of fun with this activity. In fact, one might say, they ate it up!
TOUR OUR SCHOOL
See what St Stephen’s School has to offer your family at our Twilight Tours. We welcome the wider community to register for the tour to explore the campus and facilities. Register here: https://loom.ly/lbXwnvw
AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS
YEAR 8-11 ST STEPHENS SCHOOL DIARIES – DELAYED
There has been a supply chain issue which has led to the diaries being delayed. It is hoped they will arrive by the end of this week.
If you have any further queries please contact Sarah Stockton-Rice.
TRAFFIC CROSSING WARDEN
The WA Police Force Children’s Crossing Unit have advised they have a shortage of Traffic Wardens which has left quite a few crossings being unattended. If any parent/grandparents etc are interested in becoming a Traffic Warden they can contact the Children’s Crossings Unit direct on 6274 8731 for an application pack. If successful in applying for the position and passing the training, you may be placed at the school crossing, if it is one of the unmanned crossings only. It is also a paid position . It would be highly recommended that any potential candidate on a pension contact Centrelink to discuss. The current pay rate is around $25.58 per hour – two hours per day/five days per week.
SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME
The State Government through the Western Australian Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs.
Parents/guardians must apply for the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) each school year (annually) – applications do not carry forward to future years.
To be eligible for the allowance the parent/guardian must hold a Services Australia (Centrelink) or Veterans’ Affairs card that represents a statement of income for the family.
The allowance consists of two components:
$115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.
$235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school.
Application is made by the parent or guardian for student/s enrolled in Years 7–12 studying a full-time secondary course at a Western Australian non government (private) school.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Parent or Guardian must hold one of the following cards:
Centrelink Health Care Card
Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
PLEASE NOTE: The only Veterans’ Affairs Card that meets the criteria is a blue card that is issued each year and expires in December each year. This card is income means tested.
Further Information and application forms can be obtained from Reception.
Applications close: 8 April 2022
MASKS
Please ensure students carry spare masks in their school bags as back up for broken or misplaced masks.