I recently had the opportunity to run a polling booth for the recent Federal election. It was an intense day and at times stressful, but I must admit that being part of the whole democratic process was meaningful. Whilst there were and always will be those who choose not to engage and who don’t want to vote, I witnessed many people in the lead up to the this election who were passionate and who could articulate clear reasons for their choices.
As a HASS teacher, I have had the privilege to teach civics and citizenship and something that makes me feel positive about our future, is that today’s students strike me as more informed, aware and worldly than any generation before them. Their access to information is better now than it has ever been before.
Today’s students are navigating a world that is arguably more volatile than at any point since the end of the second world war. They are enduring a pandemic, worsening effects of climate change and a potential war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. So, it’s no wonder they’re eager to have more of a say in how these crises and the future of their world is managed.
Our job as teachers, parents, and the wider community, is to continue to foster such engagement; to encourage them to actively participate in decision making processes where possible, to question the status quo when required and to know that they can change the world in positive ways.
All changes begin when an individual or a group believe in their own agency. Let us do what we can to develop that.
Mark Batten (Dean of Makaria)
LESS WASTE, FEED MORE
St Stephen’s School food cart collects surplus food from retailers at Lakeside Shopping Centre at the end of the trading day to provide to those in our community that are suffering from financial hardship. We are seeking volunteers in our community to join our team and give a couple of hours weekly, fortnightly, or whatever suits your availability. Email donna.lund@ststephens.wa.edu.au for further details.
NETBALL NEWS
Congratulations to the Carramar Year 7-10 girls who recently competed in the High School Netball Competition at the Perth Netball Association Centre. All five teams were extremely successful on the day, with two teams qualifying for the championship round. Great job girls!
MAKURU MUSIC SHOWCASE
SPOTLIGHT ON READING
Dr Judith Seaboyer, a Senior Lecturer in Literary Studies at the University of Queensland was surprised that even with people living such busy lives, Australians read regularly and a lot of people read as many as 10 books in a year.
From ‘Adults Engaging in Reading for Pleasure’ Teacher Magazine (03.07.2022)
THAT WINNING FEELING
Well done to both our Senior and Junior AFL teams both having wins in their recent games. The Seniors had a convincing 50 point win over Greenwood SHS and the Juniors had a 10 point win over Wanneroo SHS
Adam Dwyer
AUSTRALIAN GIRLS CHOIR
Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. School aged girls are invited to come along to our Open Day on Saturday June 18 to try our fun and inclusive classes and learn more about being part of the AGC! Please visit our website to register to attend our free Open Day: https://ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services if required.
JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAY ATHLETICS CLINIC
School Holiday Athletics Clinic for boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years. Tues 5th & Wed 6th July 2022 . WA Athletics Stadium. 9am-3pm. $95 per day. Or $170 for both days. Includes a T-Shirt or Shoe Bag or Cap and also a certificate. CHOOSE ANY 4 EVENTS PER DAY! More Info: http://sprintingfast.com/
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services if required.