In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message,
- Social media shake up – important information for all parents
- A message from Mr Andrews,
- Upcoming events with Mrs Stockton-Rice,
- Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist,
- Highlights from around the campus,
- Dates for your diary,
Principal’s Message
I am delighted to see our Houses and ovals brought back to life by the presence of our students for what I am sure will be another wonderful St Stephen’s School year!
I trust that you have all had a restful and restorative holiday break and are ready for a jam-packed term. It’s certainly been a busy start for us all and there are a lot of events to bring us together. Please keep an eye on our School Calendar linked below so you have every opportunity to participate.
One of the key issues parents speak to our pastoral care team about is social media and with the imminent changes to the age limit for social media access (see full details below) it is vital that we all stay up-to-date on what this means for our young people and inform ourselves about the broader issues relating to young people and online engagement. To that end, I am really pleased that we have been able to secure Kirra Pendergast to present on “Staying safe on Social” on Thursday 6 March at 7pm in the Duncraig Theatre. Kirra is an international online expert, with experience in advising young people, families and governments so I am extremely interested to hear what she has to say. Please book now as places are limited.
I look forward to seeing you there and wish you well for an enjoyable term.
Take care and God Bless,
Donella Beare, Principal
Social Media Shake-up
On November 28, 2024 the Australian Federal Government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill. The new legislation will make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to use certain social media platforms starting in 2026.
This includes Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The legislation aims to protect young Australians from online harms and ensure their safety and well-being. Social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to enforce this age restriction. In good time, the Government has indicated they will provide guidance for parents, carers, and children to help them navigate this change.
This means that if your child will be 15 or younger in 2026, it is advisable to start preparing now by removing their access to social media. Additionally, if you have not yet given permission for your child in this age range to use social media, we strongly advise against doing so.
This legislation aims to protect young people in Australia at a critical stage of their development. As a School we support this new Bill, which has largely bipartisan support from both major parties.
The Bill will place the responsibility on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place. This is about protecting young people – not punishing or isolating them – and letting parents know who is in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing. The evidence on the potential and real harm caused by poor social media conduct and online victimisation is extensive.
From the introduction of this Bill onwards, our school will face significant limitations in addressing pastoral concerns that originate on social media. If a student has a social media account which contravenes the new legislation, our capacity to intervene in issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or other social media-related concerns will be more restricted.
We understand that for some, this may be a significant adjustment, but it is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. By taking proactive steps now, you can help your child transition smoothly and comply with the upcoming regulations.
We will continue to provide updates and government materials throughout 2025 to help you and your family navigate this legislative transition.
Mr Andrews’ Almanac
Welcome to the start of another exciting year at St Stephen’s School! It has been wonderful to see students returning with enthusiasm, reconnecting with friends, and embracing the opportunities ahead.
The year has begun on a high note, with a great sense of morale and a positive tone across the student body. We appreciate the support of our families in fostering this strong and welcoming school culture, making the prospect of returning to school a positive experience for your children.
Our Year 12s have already enjoyed their School Ball, an important rite of passage, and have been commissioned in our assembly this week as leaders of the school. Our challenge to them, having made a public pledge to serve as leaders, is to take that responsibility seriously and commit to leaving a positive legacy as they prepare to graduate from St Stephen’s School.
We appreciate the support from parents who attended our Parent Information Evenings. We always welcome feedback from these events and encourage you to reach out and share your reflections to help us make them even more valuable in the future.
We are also excited to welcome three immersion students to our community. They join us from China and Japan and will be with us for several weeks. I extend my thanks to the students and staff who have worked to make them feel welcome.
Thank you for your continued partnership in making our school a thriving and supportive environment for all. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus
Carramar highlights
with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary
Year 12 School Ball
On Friday 27 January, the Year 12 students enjoyed a magical evening at the Joondalup Resort for their school ball. The event was filled with glamour, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Students arrived in stunning attire, and the venue was beautifully decorated. The night included a three-course dinner, dancing and an enormous number of photographs taken! It was a fitting celebration for our senior students as they embark on their final year of secondary school. Many thanks go to Steph Ransom for organising this fantastic event.
Year 7 Orientation
On Tuesday 28 January we welcomed our new Year 7 students with an orientation day that was both informative and fun. The new students had the opportunity to meet their classmates, explore the school grounds, and participate in team-building activities. The students were welcomed by Mrs Beare and Mr Andrews before going to their Houses with their Deans, Homeroom teachers and House Captains. We are excited to see our Year 7 students grow and thrive in their new environment.
As we begin the 2025 academic year, we extend a warm welcome back to all our students. This year promises to be filled with learning, growth, and new experiences. With a range of exciting programs and events planned, we are confident that it will be a fantastic year for everyone. Let’s make the most of every opportunity and strive for excellence in all that we do. Here’s to a great year ahead!
Parenting tip
Thanks to Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care (Duncraig) for this piece.
As the new academic year begins, a fresh start with new goals is often front of mind for both students and staff alike. When setting goals for 2025 it is important that students apply the ‘SMART’ goal principle.
What exactly is the goal? Be specific. Perhaps it is achieving a “B grade” for maths at the end of 2025 or maybe it is to become involved in more co-curricular school activities.
Is this goal measurable? Knowing what percentage equates to a B grade is helpful and being aware of when the many co-curricular opportunities run is essential. Last year your child may have achieved 65% and knowing that 68% was the cutoff for a B is perhaps the motivation for that 3% increase. Improving that small amount may be possible by ensuring that the student is diligent in double checking their work and submitting all tasks on time. The jump in the grade may be achievable by the end of Semester 1 but it may take until the end of the year. Further involvement with co-curricular events may require some rearranging of other tasks so you can do more.
Whatever the goal, be it academic or personal, as parents you can support your child by regularly checking in with them regarding the hopes and dreams for 2025.
I encourage parents to take the time to find out what goals your child has for 2025 and in doing so, working together, we can help our students to achieve both their short-term and long-term aspirations.
Public notices
Dates for your diary
Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates and you can check full details of the 2025 term dates on our website.
Please note the following key dates for Term 1 in the 2025 academic year:
- Monday 10 February – secondary photo day
- Wednesday 19 February – Year 7 Camp
- Tuesday 25 February – The Arts Tour information evening, 6.45 – 7.30pm Cousins Hall Duncraig Campus
- Thursday 6 March – Parent Series, Kirra Pendergast “Safe on Social”
- Monday 10 March – House Swimming Carnival
- Monday 24 March – Year 11 and 12 Reporting Evening 6.45 – 8pm Makaria House
- Friday 28 March – ACC Swimming Carnival
- Monday 31 March – Year 7 Reporting Evening – MESH Subjects 6.45 – 8pm
- Tuesday 8 April – St Stephen’s School worship. Ticket release mid-term.
- Thursday 10 April – The Arts Tour departs
- Friday 11 April: ANZAC Day service 7.50am, Term 1 ends