In this newsletter:
- Principal’s message
- Carramar highlights with Mrs Stockton-Rice
- Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist
- Dates for your diary
Principal’s message
Term 4 is always a time of transition and anticipation, a season where students reflect on how far they’ve come and begin to look ahead to what’s next. For some, that means stepping into new challenges: our Year 6 students preparing for secondary school, our Year 11s taking on leadership roles as they become Year 12s, and our Middle School students starting to glimpse what lies ahead in their senior years.
Change, while exciting, can also bring a few nerves, but it is in these moments that growth happens. With the support of teachers and families, our students will continue to adapt and evolve as they embrace each new step.
As we look ahead to the upcoming Presentation Evenings, we’re reminded of the hard work and dedication that has brought our students to this point. These occasions give us the opportunity to come together as a community, to recognise achievement, reflect on personal journeys, and celebrate the resilience shown throughout 2025.
With that in mind, I look forward to a full term of growth and reflection as we travel toward the end of another inspiring year.
Take care and God bless,
Donella Beare, Principal
Carramar highlights
with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary
As we begin Term 4, it’s hard to believe just how much we will be packing into this short eight-week stretch. From leadership milestones to outdoor adventures and creative showcases, our students are already embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm and spirit.
We began the term with the commissioning of our Year 12 Captains, a proud moment that marked the beginning of their leadership journey. Their commitment to representing the student body and fostering a positive school culture is already making an impact.
Outdoor Education will be a major feature this term, with our Year 9 and 10 students heading off on camp to explore and challenge themselves in nature. Year 8s go off to Rottnest in week 3, to enjoy the unique environment and build lasting memories, while Year 9s spend time at Kaadadjan, experiencing teamwork and time in nature.
Creativity and innovation will be on full display at the Kambarang Showcase, where students share powerful stories and artistic expressions, and at the opening of Fusion, our dynamic space for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
With so many events packed into such a short term, it’s going to be a whirlwind—but one filled with growth, connection, and celebration. We’re proud of everything our students and staff achieve.
Year 12 Graduation Highlights
Parenting tip
with Mr Craig Thomas, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care
Managing Assessment Stress in Young Students
Term Four is usually a busy one as teachers look to finalise their teaching programs for the year and as a result schedule a number of assessments during this time. This period can be stressful for children, but with the right support, they can approach it with confidence. Parents play a key role in helping children manage this pressure and being aware of changes in behaviour will help you provide a supportive environment for your child.
Students experiencing anxiety and stress will often exhibit:
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
- Irritability or emotional outbursts
- Avoiding schoolwork or talking about assessments
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches
As parents what can we do?
- Keep routines steady: Regular sleep, meals, and study times help children feel secure, also ensure they have a quiet place to study.
- Focus on effort: Praise persistence and progress, not just results.
- Encourage breaks: Short play or movement breaks refresh the mind.
- Teach calming strategies: Deep breathing or quiet time can ease nerves.
- Listen and reassure: Let your child express their worries and remind them it’s okay to feel nervous.
Remember that assessments are challenges and every challenge is a chance to grow. With your ongoing support and care, your child can build resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
COMMUNITY 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 3 in the 2025 academic year:
- Monday 27 October to Tuesday 28 October – Year 10 OED Camp
- Wednesday 29 October to 20 November – SCSA ATAR Written Exams
- Wednesday 29 October to 31 October – Year 8 Camp
- Wednesday 5 November to 7 November – Year 9 Camp
- Monday 3 November – Year 7 and 10 Immunisation Catch Ups
- Tuesday 4 November – Kambarang Showcase
- Wednesday 5 November to 11 November – Fusion
- Thursday 13 November – Year 10 Spring Soiree
- Monday 17 November to 19 November – Captains Challenge
- Friday 21 November – Year 11 Vietnam Service Learning Tour Departs
- Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November – Year 10 Work Experience
- Monday 24 November – Instrumental Recital: Percussion & Bass Guitar
- Tuesday 25 November – Instrumental Recital: Brass, Flute, Wind & Vocal
- Wednesday 26 November – Instrumental Recital: Strings
- Thursday 27 November – Instrumental Recital: Piano
- Friday 28 November – Year 7-9 Social Justice Day
- Monday 1 December – Presentation Night
- Friday 5 December – Term 4 Ends