In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message
- Mr Andrews Almanac
- Carramar highlights with Mrs Stockton-Rice
- Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist
- Dates for your diary
Principal’s message
As we reach the end of a rich and rewarding first term, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the commitment and endeavour displayed by staff and students at St Stephen’s School. We are a community and work together to provide opportunities for all. It has been wonderful to watch our students, both new and old, take on the year with enthusiasm and determination.
This week, we came together for our Night of Giving Thanks – a truly special occasion where we reflected with gratitude on the people and moments that shape our community. This year’s event had particular significance as we bade a special farewell to our outgoing Chair of Council, Mr Kevin Smout, and welcomed the incoming Chair, Mr John Sobolewski.
As we approach Easter, a time of deep significance, I hope you find the opportunity to pause, reflect, and devote time to loved ones. May this season bring you rest, renewal, and peace.
Take care and God Bless,
Donella Beare, Principal
Mr Andrews’ Almanac
I would like to acknowledge the work of Dr. Helen Street in her recent article on the importance of teacher-student relationships. Her exploration of the universally held belief that relationships matter in schools is at the core of how we operate here at St Stephen’s School. Today, I would like to shed some light on Dr Street’s work, and in turn provide some insight into how good teachers go about their practice, and what we can in turn expect from our students.
The relationships teachers have with their students significantly impact classroom experience, student engagement, and overall wellbeing. Teachers typically view healthy relationships as those involving:
- emotional connection,
- availability, and
- time investment, emphasizing care and strength-based feedback.
However, this approach, (whilst best practice), can be emotionally taxing for teachers, especially when dealing with many students or those with significant challenges.
Conversely, students interviewed by Dr Street listed support for their agency, teacher competency, and the sense that they belong as key to a profitable student / teacher relationship. They value teachers who listen to their perspectives and maintain fairness in the classroom.
Students also emphasize the importance of teachers’ enthusiasm for their subjects and belief in their students’ potential. Engaged teachers can ignite student enthusiasm and support self-efficacy. Constructive feedback that offers opportunities for improvement and resubmission is crucial for positive relationships and academic growth. Additionally, students value having ownership over their learning, with autonomy in time, tasks, techniques, and team choices.
In summary, while teachers focus on emotional investment, students seek fairness, support for their voices, and autonomy. All these ingredients have a place at the table in contemporary education.
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus
Carramar highlights
with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary
The recent Carramar swim carnival was a resounding success, with Makaria House emerging victorious. The students showcased their swimming capabilities and team spirit, making it a memorable event for all participants.
The Captain’s Pancake Day event was a hit with both primary and secondary students. Our House Captains cooked and served delicious pancakes to students and staff. This event not only satisfied everyone’s tastebuds but also raised funds for charity, demonstrating our community’s generosity.
We were delighted to host a group of Japanese students who visited our school as part of an exchange program. This visit provided an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and fostering international friendships. Our students and the visiting students engaged in various activities, enhancing their understanding of each other’s cultures.
Our Mock Trial team is off to a great start in 2025 and we looked forward to seeing how they progress throughout the year.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming Arts Tour. We wish all participants a fantastic time as they see the sights, explore and further expand their creative horizons. This tour promises to be an enriching experience for everyone involved.
As we approach the next term, we remind our Year 11 and Year 12 students about their upcoming retreats. These retreats, scheduled for the first three days of the term, offer a valuable opportunity for students to connect with their peers and reflect on their personal and academic journeys. We encourage all students to make the most of this time and enjoy the experience.
Parenting tip
Thanks to Mr Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care (Duncraig) for this piece.
The Hidden Risks of AI: What Parents Need to Know
With an ever changing world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the way children learn, play, and interact with technology. While AI offers many conveniences, it also presents risks that parents should be aware of.
Misinformation & Deepfakes
AI-generated content can be misleading or entirely false. From chatbots providing incorrect answers to deepfake videos that appear real but aren’t, children may struggle to distinguish fact from fiction. Teaching our kids to verify sources and think critically is crucial.
Privacy Concerns & Inappropriate or Harmful Content
Many AI-powered apps and websites collect data on users, including children. This information can be misused or sold, leading to privacy breaches. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s online activity and review privacy settings on AI-based platforms.
AI-generated media isn’t always child-friendly. Some AI chatbots and image-generation tools have been known to produce inappropriate, violent, or disturbing content, even when safeguards are in place. Additionally, AI-curated social media feeds can expose kids to mature themes. Parents should use parental controls and talk to their children about reporting unsafe content.
Addiction & Overreliance
AI platforms are designed to keep users engaged, which can lead to excessive screen time. Moreover, AI tools that assist with writing or problem-solving may cause young people to rely on technology instead of developing their own skills.
What can I do to help your children?
- Encourage critical thinking – Teach your child to question what they see online.
- Set digital boundaries – Limit screen time and monitor AI interactions.
- Use parental controls & remind students to think before you do! – Restrict access to age-appropriate content and the importance of responsible technology use.
- Stay informed – Keep up with AI trends and general safe online practices to better guide your child’s online experience. Sites such as: https://www.esafety.gov.au/ and https://www.safeonsocial.com/
Wishing you and your children a safe and joyous holiday break.
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 2 in the 2025 academic year:
- Monday 28 April – Year 11 and 12 Retreats
- Tuesday 6 May – Year 12 Parent Information Evening
- Friday 9 May – Year 9 Compass Day
- Tuesday 13 May – House Cross Country
- Wednesday 14 May – Careers Expo
- Thursday 5 June – ACC Cross Country
- Wednesday 11 June – Parent Series: Male Toxicity
- Thursday 12 June & 13 June – Senior Production
- Monday 16 June – Yr 10 Reporting Evening
- Tuesday 17 June – House Athletics Carnival
- Friday 20 June – Music camp
- Wednesday 25 June – Makuru Showcase
- Saturday 28 June to Tuesday 8 July – Bali Tour
- Sunday 29 June to Sunday 6 July – HASS Tour
- Friday 4 July – Term 2 Ends