In this Newsletter:
- Principal’s Message,
- A message from Mr Andrews,
- Secondary Highlights,
- Upcoming events,
- Noticeboard
Principal’s Message
The best part of my job is acknowledging student endeavors, and this term we have had an extraordinary number of opportunities to recognise and celebrate the skills, achievements and commitment of our students. We have honoured the contributions of our athletes and our artists, our musicians, our actors, our film makers and our student leaders. I look forward to celebrating the year’s academic achievements at our various Presentation Evenings next term. I may be accused of bias, but I am constantly amazed and impressed by the strength of character, humility and sheer talent of our young people.
It is an especially poignant week as we say goodbye to the Class of 2023. I am so proud to see how each of them has grown and developed over the years and look forward to learning of their progress as they go on to the next stage in their lives. For now, we wish all our 12s well as they complete exams, assessments and their certificate training requirements. As ever, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donella Beare
Mr Andrews Almanac
For the last almanac of the term, as our year 12s depart, I have included a shortened version of my Graduation Dinner address to our leaving class of 2023 and their parents.
Each year, as this season rolls around, amateur and pro crayfish enthusiasts gear up to catch the coveted Western Rock Lobster. While we eagerly anticipate months of devouring these lobsters with garlic butter and sharing them with neighbours, they rarely cross our minds the rest of the year.
The crayfish sports a robust exoskeleton, its armour against threats. But as it grows, this shell becomes restricting. What follows isn’t pleasant. Seeking refuge among the reef, the crayfish absorbs water, exerting pressure on its old exoskeleton, ultimately causing it to crack at designated weak points. Though not painful, it’s undoubtedly uncomfortable.
As the lobster wriggles free from its broken carapace, it becomes its most vulnerable. With the moulting process complete, it patiently awaits the new shell’s growth, one strong enough to protect it in the wild ocean.
This discomfort signifies growth.
To our graduating Year 12s, the strange emotions you’ve experienced recently may indicate that you’re preparing to moult, to shed your skin. You might feel vulnerable and uncertain during this phase, retreating to your caves, perhaps even until very late in the morning.
Growth and change are often accompanied by discomfort. You’ve left the safety of school behind, and not everyone feels liberated. What lies ahead? You may feel adrift, as if you’ve run aground, wondering why the wind has left your sails.
Remember: this discomfort is temporary. It’s the hallmark of growth.
You’ve grown strong during your time at St. Stephen’s. Even when you felt stressed or unsure, you were building an armour that has brought you to this special graduation day.
To the graduating class of 2023, St Stephen’s School wishes you all the best. The best of fun. The best of luck. The best of health. And every joy that can be conjured over many, many years. We look forward to seeing you return in new skins. Congratulations and thank you for your contribution to St Stephen’s School.
Take care,
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus
Secondary Highlights
It’s been an incredibly busy term!
After four weeks of very friendly but fierce competition from basketball to netball, cricket and volleyball our staff took out the 2023 Leavers’ Shield. Year 12 Certificate IV Business students showcased their marketing skills and pitched to prospective customers at the 2023 Marketing Expo. Students developed products and services ranging from holiday-themed cookies to ‘Zen teas’ and an ap dedicated to finding the perfect wave. Our athletics team won the junior boys’ champion shield and placed equal third on 1545 points at the ACC Carnival.
Our Year 11 Outdoor Ed class met every Thursday with their Year 3 buddies. It was an opportunity for our Year 11s to practise their leadership and team building skills and our Year 3s had huge fun with the older students! The Photography Competition has returned, brilliantly bringing to life the Seussian theme, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” while the Drawing Competition is themed ‘From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.’ Visit the SSS Facebook page to vote for your favourites. This term we also welcomed students from Dalton School in Japan who shared some insights into what it’s like to be a high school student in Japan.
Public notices
