In this Newsletter:

Principal’s Message,
A message from Mr Andrews,
Secondary Highlights,
Upcoming events,
Noticeboard

Principal’s Message

At St Stephen’s School we believe in the ethos of ‘lifelong learning’ and so staff began this term with our annual whole school StaffExpo. Two days of professional development underpinned with the philosophy of professional development and personal growth. This year our theme for StaffExpo was on Stewardship – A Global, Professional, Personal Perspective.

A range of guest speakers addressed topics including sustainability, environmental building design, wellness, nutrition and resilience. Our staff spent time in learning areas across the School developing curriculum, addressing changes in educational practices and looking at ways to improve teaching and learning for our students.

There have been many events for our students to embrace over the first half of this term beginning with the exciting HASS tour for 50 Year 9 students from our Carramar and Duncraig campuses. Thank you to all the staff involved in providing our students with these experiences. The Term 3 Newsletter has more on this event.

Some of our secondary students have enjoyed volunteering to help our younger students succeed. Including assisting with the Duncraig primary musical Seussical, as part of the backstage crew and the Year 12 students at Carramar who helped with the inaugural Kindergarten athletics carnival.

This is a snapshot of the variety of events and opportunities that our St Stephen’s School staff and students have taken part in during the term. As we look towards the end of term and the upcoming break our focus moves to Year 12 exams, completion of VET certificates, final assignments and Year 12 graduation. Good luck to everyone.

God Bless,

Donella Beare

Mr Andrews Almanac

Embracing Error: The Priceless Lessons of High School

High school is an invaluable time in a young person’s life, marked by academic challenges, social growth, and self-discovery. Amid the whirlwind of adolescence, it is inevitable that mistakes will be made. But far from being something to dread, these mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning, making high school a truly “cheap” place to stumble and rise again.

The phrase “school is a cheap place to make mistakes” is a reminder of the safe and supportive environment that high schools provide. Unlike the realities of adulthood, where errors may carry significant consequences, the school years offer a unique cushion of understanding and guidance. This nurturing space allows students to experiment, try new things, and occasionally falter without the burden of long-term repercussions.

One of the most critical aspects of embracing mistakes in high school is the invaluable life lesson of resilience. Every stumble and setback is a chance for students to build their mental fortitude and develop coping strategies. Learning to pick themselves up after a fall fosters a sense of perseverance that will serve them well in the face of future challenges.

Moreover, making mistakes exposes students to new experiences and broadens their perspectives. It encourages them to venture beyond their comfort zones, discovering hidden talents and passions they might not have otherwise explored. In the safe cocoon of the school environment, they can test various paths and uncover their true interests and strengths.

High school also serves as a laboratory for decision-making. It is a time when students must navigate a myriad of choices, both academically and socially. Some choices may lead to unfavourable outcomes, but this process helps them hone their critical thinking skills and better understand the consequences of their actions.

Educators and parents play a crucial role in instilling this mindset. By reframing mistakes as stepping stones toward progress, teachers can encourage a growth mindset in students. Parents can also support their children by being understanding and guiding them through the lessons they can learn from, their missteps and critically, not ‘swooping’ in to help them avoid any misstep.

Importantly, the acceptance of mistakes promotes a culture of open-mindedness and empathy in schools. When students witness their peers making mistakes and bouncing back, it fosters a sense of understanding and support. This atmosphere of compassion creates a positive learning environment where everyone feels encouraged to learn, grow, and share their experiences without fear of judgment.

Take care,

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

Secondary Highlights

We are so proud of our PE students who provided support to the Primary students at their Athletics Carnival, these students embody the St Stephen’s School spirit of helping one another. Well done to all volunteers!

Our Year 11’s danced the night away on their annual river cruise

House Captain elections! The votes have now been counted by the West Australian Electoral Commission, so the House Deans will use the information to make the selections for Captains in 2024!