In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message,
- A message from Mr Andrews,
- Our WA Charity Direct Student Committee needs your help,
- Upcoming events with Mrs Stockton-Rice,
- Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist,
- Highlights from around the campus,
- Dates for your diary,
Principal’s Message
It’s an exciting and invigorating time of year on so many levels.
The sun is shining, the mornings are brighter, trees are in bud and there is excitement for the warmer months ahead after an especially wet Winter.
For our Year 12s and their families there is a similar sense of anticipation for what comes next. Of course, there is the challenge of final exams, assessments and completing certificate requirements for our VET students, although there is also the expectation of the innumerable options and opportunities for our students after graduation. They have all come so far, and we are very proud of all of them.
As parents and educators, we have done all we can to nurture and develop our young people and now must trust them to step forward with greater independence than ever before. They have all come so far, and we are very proud of all of them.
As we head into the last week of term, Year 12s, I encourage you all to continue carrying yourselves with dignity while enjoying this wonderful time of celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families.
Take care and God bless,
Donella Beare
Can you help? The WA Charity Direct Student Council needs you
Would you like to support children undergoing cancer treatment, assist women experiencing homelessness, enable research into melanoma or help to foster literacy by funding a “Story Dog”? By making a donation to the St Stephen’s School WA Charity Direct Student Committee you can help fund a range of important not-for-profit projects. Read the full story and find out how you can help here.
Mr Andrews’ Almanac
International Day to Protect Education from Attack
International days and weeks serve as opportunities to inform the public about important issues, rally political support and resources to tackle global challenges, and celebrate humanity’s accomplishments. While these observances existed before the United Nations was founded, the UN has adopted them as effective tools for advocacy.
One such observance was the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 9th. This day underscores the importance of safeguarding educational environments, especially in conflict-affected areas. Education is a fundamental human right, and protecting it ensures that children and youth can continue learning even in the most challenging circumstances. This day reminds us of our collective responsibility to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
Reflecting on this day in our local context can be challenging. For us, attending school is not a dangerous activity that defies an ideology or government order, nor does it attract the risk of harm or death. This is a privilege that is all too easy to overlook. Understanding the context for whom this day is set aside can be almost impossible.
“Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.” This is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein.
It is undeniable that we belong to Einstein’s privileged cohort, especially when we consider the educational challenges faced in places like Gaza, Sudan, or Congo. While taking action to help those who risk their safety to attend school may seem like a lofty objective, simply being aware of and considering these issues fosters empathy and lays the foundation for social action and change.
If you’d like to know more about International Day to Protect Education from Attack, perhaps to discuss it in an age-appropriate way with your children, please visit the website of the United Nations.
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus
What’s coming up at Carramar
with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary
Year 11s Mentoring Year 8 Students
This term, our Year 11 students have taken on the role of mentors for the Year 8 cohort. This initiative has fostered a supportive environment where younger students can seek guidance and build confidence. The mentorship program has been a great success, with both year groups benefiting from the shared experiences and knowledge.
Makaria’s Dragon Boat Victory
Congratulations to Makaria House for their triumphant win in the annual dragon boat race! The Makarian team showed teamwork and determination, securing the win. This victory is a testament to their hard work and spirit. Well done, Makaria!
Bake Sale Success
Our recent bake sale was a huge success, raising over $3000 for the Melanoma Institute. This charity is close to everyone’s hearts, and the funds raised will go a long way in supporting their vital work. A big thank you to everyone who baked, bought, and donated. Your generosity is truly inspiring.
House Captains’ Efforts and Upcoming Colour Run
The 2024 House Captains have shown incredible dedication and leadership throughout the year. Their final event, the Colour Run, promises to be a fun and vibrant celebration. Let’s make this event a memorable one!
A Note to Year 12 students
To our Year 12 students, you are just one week away from your high school graduation. This is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of all you have achieved. As you prepare to embark on new adventures, remember that you will always be a part of our school community. Best of luck in your future endeavours!
Parenting tip
Thanks to Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care (Duncraig) for this piece.
With the changing of the seasons and the arrival of warmer weather, more and more opportunities to get out and about arise. The school holidays are just around the corner and it is a good opportunity for families to reconnect away from the busy-ness of life.
During these holidays I encourage families to plan to make the time to ‘do something together’. Perhaps you could go to a movie, go camping, ride your bikes or go for a walk to the beach. For some, going out for a meal together may be the opportunity to catch up and simply ‘chew the fat’. It doesn’t matter what we do to connect, what works for some families won’t work for others. The key to connection is being intentional, being relational and creating multiple opportunities to engage with one another outside the hum drum of everyday experiences. It is these shared activities, both the big events and little simple things, that strengthen our relationships, building trust and a sense of belonging. Enjoy catching up with your loved ones.
Campus highlights
Makaria came up trumps in the dragon boat event. A fitting outcome for the House of the dragon!
Our budding entrepreneurs at the Certificate IV in Business marketing expo
Our Year 12 Food General and Certificate II in Hospitality students also outdid themselves in their final practical session at St Stephen’s School – even making all the preserves from scratch!
Dates for your diary
Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates and full details of the below events.
- Wednesday 18 September – Graduation Dinner
- Thursday 19 September – Grads worship, House farewells, Year 12 parent and student morning tea and sausage sizzle
- Friday 20 September – last day of Term 3
- Tuesday 8 October – first day of Term 4 – see page 30 of the Parent Handbook for guidance on uniform
- Thursday 5 November – Fusion exhibition opening night