Week 2, Term 2 2022

Last week I had the privilege of being involved in the ANZAC service in the Perth CBD. This day is one that brings so much pride to so many, a day where we reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is a day where we acknowledge the fallen and remember how blessed we are to live in a country like Australia. A country where we appreciate the freedoms and privilege of a democratic country. The freedom to vote for our country’s leaders, the privilege of living in a place where medical care is accessible to all and the security of living in safe environment. Our country is far from perfect, but we are indeed very blessed to live in Australia and of course one of our greatest privileges, is the access to excellent education for our children.

So, Term 2 is well and truly here, and with a new term comes new opportunities to reset and reflect on how the academic year is progressing. For many, Term 2 is both a busy and significant time of the year. For our senior students in Year 11 & 12, Term 2 is a time of examinations. Our Year 7 & 9 students begin NAPLAN testing, whilst the Year 8s & 10s must continue to work at their very best, as they plan for appropriate subject choices in 2023! Amongst all this and many, many more academic activities, with COVID restrictions easing, camps, service-learning activities, sporting competitions and many other activities are returning to our normal school routine! Yes Term 2 promises to be a busy term – they all are – but I want to encourage all our students and the St Stephen’s community at large, to embrace the busyness as an opportunity. The ANZAC spirit of mateship, of giving of your best for others, is a great example for us each and a reminder that we should make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

I for one am very thankful for every freedom that has been forwarded to me by those who sacrificed their own lives so that we could live and thrive in our country today. I pray that we each make the most of the opportunities provided for us by those who fought for our freedom.

Russell Gilchrist (Dean of Parresia)

STEM DESIGN CHALLENGE – YEAR 7 SCIENCE

In the final week of Term 1, Year 7 students tackled a design challenge in Science. Working in pairs, students were given 10 marshmallows and 40 sticks of spaghetti, and, using only these materials, they had to build the tallest tower they could in 20 minutes. The tallest tower was built by Noah Hancock and Eishan Patel. Well done, boys.

Elizabeth Kirby

Winners are grinners. Noah Hancock & Eishan Patel celebrate their marshmallow-spaghetti tower

SPOTLIGHT ON READING

Researcher, Dr Judith Seaboyer says that unless the cognitive skills required for deep reading are developed and nurtured, new generations of readers may not learn to venture beyond the shallows of the reading experience.

Seaboyer adds that adult readers can be easily distracted by the availability of digital information, consuming media in short grabs as they click from page to page. Deep reading, in contrast, is a learned skill that requires the development of particular neural networks.

From ‘Adults Engaging in reading for Pleasure’ Teacher Magazine (03.07.2022)

Amanda Roberts

ANZAC DAY 2022

Silence rang through the grounds of the Carramar campus during the ANZAC Day commemorative service held on Friday of last week.

In an accurate reflection of our times, our campus paid it’s respect in a very moving way.

Lest we forget.

MOVING ON

Alumnus and Carramar Music Tutor Gina Craven (Gina Bella on stage, class of 2014) released an EP last weekend called ‘Moving On’ (found on all music platforms). It’s an engaging mix of genres which highlights Gina’s multi-faceted skill, and she has written, recorded and mixed it all herself! Congratulations Gina!

More info is on her Facebook or Instagram under Gina Bella Music.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Sfu6BuOkCuFxuBpbY6Im2…

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/album/moving-on-ep/1616915809

Bandcamp: https://ginabella.bandcamp.com/album/moving-on-ep

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist…