ONCE IN A LIFETIME
Never again! A once in a lifetime opportunity. A must see and do experience! These are the types of comments and hype that Perth and Western Australia, has experienced over the past few weeks as the 2021 AFL Grand Final closes in at Perth Stadium, on Saturday 25 September.
Without doubt the upcoming grand final promises to be an event that will be well worth the wait. A time of celebrating the game, played at the highest level, in our home state has never been seen before. Last year the issues associated with COVID-19 saw Brisbane afforded the rights to this special attraction and it was thought that 2021 would see everything back to normal in 2021 and the grand final would return to its true home, the MCG, Victoria. Unfortunately for Victoria, COVID has continued to wreak havoc and as such WA has received the honour of holding this momentous event. There will be 61,000 seats, filled mainly with WA residents at this auspicious occasion. People who just could not let the opportunity of being there slide. A chance to experience the excitement and absorb the atmosphere firsthand, will be something they will never forget.
This sort or passion and desire to be a part of something big and so memorable is wonderful but it makes me wonder, how many times do we miss out on the smaller “once in a lifetime experience”? Those experiences that happen every day yet can be deemed as less important. Every new day is an opportunity for us all to grab with both hands. These experiences are gifts afforded to us by God. St Stephen’s provides its students the opportunity to experience great things every day. Perhaps it is representing the school in a sporting team, attending a service-learning function, working, and studying in tandem through VET programmes, learning a musical instrument, practising public speaking, performing in a drama production, attending camps and excursions, developing leadership skills or perhaps simply learning to critically analyse and reflect on world issues. Whatever the case may be, these opportunities like the AFL grand final, are once in a lifetime experience. Experiences where if you fail to engage right here and now in 2021, either through choice or circumstance, are opportunities that will not be the same in 2022 and beyond. My encouragement is that we celebrate and take every opportunity that comes our way. To engage with and experience all, that school has to offer and finally, to ensure that “our once in a lifetime experiences” are received over and over and over again. In doing this I believe our lives will truly be enriched
Mr Russell Gilchrist
Dean of Parresia
STUDENT ABSENCES
Parents/Guardians are required to advise Student Services of any anticipated or unexpected absences, late arrival to school or the need for students to leave prior to the end of the school day. Notification can be sent via email to absenteecarramar@ststephens.wa.edu.au, by SMS to 0428 863 144 or by phone 9306 7100.
ACC ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
On Tuesday 7 September many students participated in the ACC Athletics Carnival at HBF stadium. The following message was sent out by Adam Dwyer (Sports Coordinator) to all students that attended.
I just wanted to write a quick email to let you know how proud we are of you for your efforts today. I was once again amazed at your attitude and effort when it comes to the sporting field.
To those who helped out as student officials, thank you. To each and every one of the 92 students who were a part of the team, thank you. To the students who took on extra events or participated in events that are not their favourite, thank you. To Ella and Kushi who participated out of their age group, thank you.
Whilst you all put in amazing individual performances that were a major contribution to the schools overall success a big congrats to the junior boys for winning the shield and to Kayla, Dylan, Lachlan, Mitchell, Simba and Eleanor for achieving Champion or Runner up Champion for their age group.
Thanks to all the parents who were able to make it today and to all the parents for all their support during the athletics season, it was certainly a successful one.
If you would like to have a look at all the results follow the link below:
https://www.accsport.asn.au/system/files/sportstrak/athletics/2021/athsf/page1.htm
YEAR 12 ATAR POLITICS & LAW
On Tuesday 7 September, students from the Carramar Year 12 ATAR Politics & Law class visited the local office of the Federal MP for Cowan, Dr Anne Aly.
The students had questions covering a wide ride of topics, all linked to their course syllabus. As the photo indicates, it was an excellent Q&A session and the class was enthusiastic to hear Anne’s thoughts on issues such as ministerial accountability and the protection of rights within Australia.
Josh Plummer
FRENCH LANGUAGE
International Writing Competition in French language for Year 10 students
Year 10 French students have recently entered the Education Perfect Writing Competition. They submitted their entry on 10-September – a 300 words report in French Language -reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of young people.
Early Term 3, students chose to participate to this international inter-school language competition and selected one of the writing topics available.
This work offered them the opportunity to research topics such as Youth health and online learning, explore new vocabulary and grammatical structures in the target language, as well as draw some comparisons between Australia and France.
SSS Year 10’s entry will compete against other finalists across Australasia. Their writing will be judged by a panel of experts at Education Perfect on the following criteria: use of the target language, development of ideas, how the topic is addressed and text type.
Laurence Kuntz
SYNTHESIS FILM COMPETITION 2021
Inspired by the latest clip on your socials? Love how imagery can tell a story? Attend a Secondary School in WA? Why not showcase your creativity by entering a short film in the much-anticipated Synthesis Arts, Design and Technologies Exhibition. More information about the Synthesis Film Festival is available at www.synthesisfilmfestival.com.au
