The Captain’s Challenge Camp
Our newly elected House Captains for 2023 recently spent three days and two nights in Dwellingup immersed in the Captains Challenge. As the name suggests, this camp incorporates a series of activities designed for participants to be pushed beyond their comfort levels both mentally and physically. All students carried their own food, cooking equipment and sleeping bags, as well as clothing, in their backpacks for the duration of the Captains Challenge. Effective teamwork and communication skills were paramount for the success of the camp. Even prior to attending, it was necessary for the students to consult with each on decisions such as meals and the distribution of the cooking equipment.
Hiking and canoeing were the main activities of the camp and each presented challenges that our students were required to problem solve individually and as a team. Day 1 saw our students throw their shoes to the opposite side of the river and form a chain in the water enabling each backpack to be passed safely across. Day 2 required our students to waterproof their backpacks and all the items in them for the canoeing journey. The rapids ensured a thrilling and fun day with a less than expected number of backpacks falling overboard. The true test was how well these floated owing to effective waterproofing. Day 3 set a cracking pace of hiking through the Bibbulmun Track though the rains from the day and previous night set the scene for a slippery and muddy encounter. In addition, both nights were spent on different campsites making it necessary to unpack and pack each day; this was particularly the case for the hoochies.
In true Captain spirit, our students embraced every minute of the camp with positivity and a ‘can do’ attitude that was inspiring. They showed an incredible capacity to adapt as the weather turned from fine and sunny to cold and wet, all the while, investing themselves fully in the camping experience. On our return to school, the House Captains, their families, Mrs Stockton-Rice, the Deans and Mr Kirby, were afforded the opportunity to reflect on the past few days over afternoon tea. Students had clearly gained personal insights and enthusiastically shared their thoughts on leadership and teamwork. We would like to acknowledge the outstanding attitude, contribution, and performance of each of the House Captains on their camping challenge.
Suzy Mettam – Dean of Parresia
SPORTS PRESENTATION EVENING
The annual Sports Awards Night was once again a roaring success on Tuesday 15 November. We have had another very successful year on the sporting field. It was great to see so many students and parents there to congratulate all the school team award winners, state representatives, ACC champions, All stars, school record breakers, Athlete Development Program winner (courtesy of the Athletic Institute) Colours, Emblems and Wreath recipients.
-Adam Dwyer
FRENCH CULTURAL IMMERSION
On 15 November the Year 9 and 10 French students enjoyed a gourmet escape at Maison St Honoré in the Swan Valley. During this excursion to a French Café and Macaron Factory, students put their knowledge of French language to good use by ordering their lunch and tasting the delicious homemade macarons.
Laurence Kuntz
YEAR 9 COMPASS PROGRAM
Year 9 completed their compass program on Monday 28 November with a breakfast together with parents and families. They had a fantastic time with Adam and Matt from Armed for Life, who helped students prepare for life as adults with a particular focus of resilience, relationships and decision making.
It also included a lot of fun!
David Bosma
YEAR 9 COMPASS KAADADJAN CAMP
Last week the Year 9 students ventured down to the Kaadadjan Centre for their Compass camp. The themes of “Adventure, Connection and Challenge” set the tone for the three days with opportunities to experience mountain biking, archery tag, high ropes course and hiking. Students were encouraged to reflect on their growth over the year and set goals for the type of adult they wished to become. Cooking their meals and sharing tents allowed them to build stronger connections with their peers, whilst the activities gave them a chance to be supportive friends. Unfortunately, the students could not break the hoodoo of the yearly “spotlight” challenge, with the teachers easily defending their flag and maintaining the title for another year.
At the end of the three days, students hiked out of the Kaadajan Centre with all their equipment back to Dwellingup and “civilisation”. It was a great location and occasion to celebrate this milestone of the Compass Program for the students.
Craig Thomas
MUSIC & COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
St Stephen’s School is offering a range of new Scholarship opportunities in 2024. From instrumental music to community excellence, academic and regional Scholarships, there is a variety of programs on offer which aim to encourage and recognise students in their pursuit of excellence.
For further information and how to apply click here: https://www.ststephens.wa.edu.au/enrolments/enrolment-information/scholarships/
2023 SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
In 2023, similar to 2022, Parents / Guardians will not be required to re-select a preferred payment method and frequency at the start of the school year.
The payment method (direct debit, or credit card, or BPAY) and frequency of payment (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, three or four instalments or annual upfront) that you had in place in 2022 will continue automatically in 2023.
The dates to note for payments (based on frequency) next year are:
1 upfront payment due on 31 January 2023 (2% discount); or
43 weekly payments starting on 2 February 2023; or
22 fortnightly payments starting on 2 February 2023; or
22 fortnightly payments starting on 9 February 2023; or
10 monthly payments starting on 2 February 2023; or
10 monthly payments starting on 17 February 2023; or
3 instalments on 18 February 2023, 18 May 2023 and 18 August 2023; or
4 instalments on 2 February 2023, 2 April 2023, 2 July 2023 and 2 October 2023.
You will not be required to take any action, unless you would like to change the method of payment or frequency of payments. In which case, please contact the Accounts Receivable team on 9243 2103 or email accountsreceivable@ststephens.wa.edu.au as soon as possible. Please note that there will be a surcharge of 0.9% on all credit card payments.
If you wish to change your credit card, or bank account details, you are able to do this at any time throughout the year via the Parent Portal. Click on the ‘School Payments’ tab and select login under Manage stored cards and direct debits to bank accounts or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/ManageStoredCards.aspx
In January 2023 your annual fee invoice will be available for you to view on the Parent Portal in the ‘School Payments’ tab by logging into Statements and receipt history or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/fin.aspx
All the best for the holidays and wishing you a Happy Christmas,
From the Accounts Receivable Team
PRESENTATION EVENINGS 2022
Booking link Carramar Secondary: https://events.humanitix.com/cspe2022
A NIGHT ON THE GREEN
CARRAMAR RESOUCE LISTS 2023 (YEARS 7-12)
Students are supplied with a list of essential items and texts which have to be purchased for school. This is handled by Campion Education WA.
Resource lists will be available online through the Campion website.
From Friday 11 November – Friday 2 December 2022
(If ordered after this date, the goods may not arrive on time for the new school year and a charge of $8.00 per order will be incurred.)
Order online at www.campion.com.au
- Click on “Online ordering for parents and students”
- Create your account
- Select St Stephen’s School – Carramar and enter the Resource List code, BCY7
- Select the year level and then choose the items you wish to purchase
‘Personal items for student use’ and ‘Parents to Supply’ is a personal choice as to avail from Campion or from your preferred stationery stockist. Please note that items ticked as “Compulsory Subscriptions” need to be purchased directly from Campion.
Understanding that “back to school” can be an expensive cost to families, our staff have made a conscious effort to keep the cost to a minimum.
Date of delivery is the week ending Friday 20 January 2023 (only for orders placed prior to the cut-off date).
SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Years 7 to 12)
The State Government through the Western Australian Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs.
The allowance consists of two components:
▪ $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.
▪ $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school.
To be eligible Parents or Guardians must hold one of the following cards:
▪ Centrelink Health Care Card
▪ Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
▪ Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
Applications are to be completed at school during Term 1 only (2023)
Applications close Thursday 6 April 2023
Please ask school Reception for further information.
STEM WORKSHOP 2023
