IT’S ALMOST HOLIDAYS – HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN! As we approach the end of another busy term, I am reminded of the importance rest, to relax and revitalise. The bible reminds us in Isaiah 40:28-31“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” God understands that we do tire and sometimes even burn out. In these times, we can be assured that God is there to support and uphold us.
The July holidays allow both students and staff to re-energise for the second half of the academic year. It is important that we each take the opportunity to do what brings us happiness, joy and brings a sense of purpose and value. Catching up with friends, going to the movies, visiting the local skate park or simply “hanging out” and connecting, is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
So, these holidays I encourage all our families to celebrate a well-earned rest. Reports will soon be released, and early next term parent interviews will provide opportunity for families to discuss their academic progress with teachers. Semester 2 provides an opportunity for a fresh start and I encourage all students to refocus and set new goals for Semester 2.
So, on behalf of St Stephen’s Carramar, may I wish all families a wonderful rest. Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing you soon.
God bless.
Russell Gilchrist (Dean of Parresia)
YEAR 9 OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP
The Year 9 Outdoor Education group attended Kaadadjan on the 9 and 10 of June as part of their Semester 1 assessment. They hiked from Dwellingup into the campground, carrying all their equipment they needed for the two days. Despite the weather forecast, the students were blessed with blue skies and were able to sit back and appreciate all that Kaadadjan has to offer. Using the skills they learnt during class, they set up their tents and cooked themselves a nutritious meal with their trangias and played some camp games. The following day the group hiked back out of the campsite and returned to Dwellingup. The camp was extremely successful and all students have made some lifelong memories.
Stephanie Ransom – Health & Physical Education
FRENCH IMMERSION DAY
On Friday 24th June, students of French in Years 9 to 12 took part in the first ever Carramar French Immersion Day.
The language and culture of France and the French speaking world was top of the menu for the day as students enjoyed a variety of activities to build cultural and linguistic understanding.
After a delicious French breakfast of les croissants and la confiture maison (home made jam) washed down with le jus de pomme (apple juice) and le jus d’orange (orange juice), students worked together to create posters to answer the question ‘pourquoi apprendre le français ?’ (why learn French?). Much discussion and ideas were flowing, and all done just using French with one another.
La cuisine was next on the menu as students prepared a French lunch with baguettes, du jambon (ham) and du fromage (cheese) followed by freshly cooked crêpes.
After lunch in a local park, and a fiercely fought pétanque party, the students played a board game which kept their linguistic skills sharp with questions such as ‘ give 3 pieces of advice when going on holiday, and name 5 fruits in French’.
The day concluded with a viewing of the award winning French film ‘Les Choristes’ (the Chorus).
It was wonderful to see students deepening their cultural and linguistic understanding and working across year levels to celebrate and strengthen their knowledge of France and the French language.
Merci Madame Kuntz for creating this day of immersion which was a learning experience the students will never forget.
Nicola Harris and Laurence Kuntz – Teachers of French
SSWA SNR VOLLEYBALL
St Stephen’s Carramar competed in the N/E division of the SSWA volleyball championships on Friday 24 June. It was a great day and all our teams competed really hard and came away with some great results. Both the boys and girls A division teams finished in 4th place.
Adam Dwyer – Health & Physical Education
ART WORK IN PROGRESS
St Stephen’s alumnus and current Art Technician, Tessa Dorotich, is at it again – leaving her creative mark on the St Stephen’s landscape. This time in Science.
Tessa has created an innovative underwater scene, incorporating surprising elements from a range of Science disciplines.
Come up to Science and have a look at her amazing work.
Elizabeth Kirby – HOLA Science
COUNTDOWN TO CREATE
There’s just a few days left to register your interest in entering the St Stephen’s School Alumni Exhibition! If you are an Alumni and budding artist or professional, we would love to hear from you and include your piece in the exhibition. Contact Tessa Dorotich (Carramar ’15) to express your interest or find out more about sponsorship opportunities – tessa.dorotich@ststephens.wa.edu.au
MAKURU MUSIC
Carramar musicians celebrated the change of seasons at the Makuru Music Showcase, delighting the audience with wonderful performances throughout the evening. From classical instrumental pieces, to captivating vocal ensembles and a rocking rendition of ‘Life is a Highway’ our Primary and Secondary musicians showcased their amazingly diverse talents on stage.
SSWA JNR NETBALL
St Stephen’s School had two Year 8-10 netball teams make it through to the elimination finals at the Fremantle Netball Centre. It was a challenging day with some great displays of netball. Both teams had a win but fell short to make it through to the next round. Well done girls!
Stephanie Ransom – Health & Physical Education
AI SEMINAR FOR FEMALE ATHLETES
We are very fortunate to be able to host Professor Sophia Nimphius PhD at Athletic Institute.
Professor Sophia will discuss the menstrual cycle and how it can be seen as a barometer for health.
This important seminar is highly valuable for all females who will benefit from the science and psychology behind the menstrual cycle and how to control it to your benefit.
This one-off special event is free for AI members and only $20 for non-members.
To book, visit https://athleticinstitute.com.au/product/sophia_nimphius_seminar/
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services if required.
SCHOOL BASED IMMUNISATION PROGRAM
School Based Immunisation Program – using VaccinateWA
The School Based Immunisation Program (SBIP) is a well-established service that offers National Immunisation Program immunisations to students in Years 7 and 10.
This year, the SBIP will also offer COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible students in Years 7 through to 12 at selected schools as part of the regular schedule of immunisations based within schools.
The VaccinateWA system is now to be used by parents/carers to complete the vaccination consent form in order to consent to their children/dependents receiving vaccinations whilst at school. (Note: VaccinateWA is not being used to book appointments for the School Based Immunisation Program).
To provide consent for vaccination, the first step is to register the child/dependant on VaccinateWA. Log into your VaccinateWA account and follow the steps to “Add or manage dependants”. If you do not have a VaccinateWA account, you will need to create one for yourself first.
Step by step information for using VaccinateWA is available on the HealthyWA website. Please call 13 COVID (13 26843) if you have any technical issues with VaccinateWA.
If you are unable to complete the online consent form – and you have not already handed in a paper consent form – the school will have forms available for you to use. If the information you provide needs to be clarified, you may be contacted by a staff member from the vaccination team.
If you have already completed and returned a paper consent form, the SBIP team are currently uploading the information into the VaccinateWA system. This process may take several weeks, and you will receive an email confirming once it has been done.