Author: holly.mason

Term 2 in Motion

holly.mason / / 2025, Uncategorized

In this newsletter:

  • Acting Principal’s message
  • Mr Andrews Almanac
  • Carramar highlights with Mrs Stockton-Rice
  • Parenting tip from Mr Gilchrist
  • Dates for your diary

Acting Principal’s message

It is a joy to see our Houses and ovals filled with energy once again as we warmly welcome everyone back for the start of Term 2 at St Stephen’s School.

The cooler weather has gently signalled the change in seasons, and it has been lovely to see our students embracing the winter uniform. A special highlight has been our Year 12 students proudly wearing their Rite of Passage jackets — a meaningful tradition that marks an important milestone in their final year.

I hope the holiday break provided you all with some time for rest and renewal, and that you are feeling refreshed for the busy and exciting term ahead. We have made a positive and productive start, with our senior students already focused on preparing for their upcoming semester exams, and all students engaging wholeheartedly in their learning, projects, and assessments.

For the first half of this term, I also have the privilege of serving as Acting Principal on behalf of Mrs Beare while she enjoys a well-deserved sabbatical. I am very much looking forward to supporting our wonderful students, staff, and families during this time and continuing to build on the strong sense of community that makes St Stephen’s School so special.

There is much to look forward to this term, with a range of events and opportunities for us to come together. We are excited for all that lies ahead and wish everyone a happy, rewarding, and successful Term 2.

Take care and God Bless, 

Rosemarie Dunn, Acting Principal and Duncraig Head of Campus

Mr Andrews’ Almanac

Faith, Identity and Belonging in the Teenage Years
In short: “Our brief harkens back to our roots as a Christian school. Parents can contribute in many ways—by showing up, listening without fixing, and sharing their own beliefs, values, and vulnerabilities.”

Anyone raising a teenager today knows they’re growing up in a world far more complex than the one we knew. With constant exposure to online culture and rapidly evolving social norms, adolescence has become a time of significant experimentation and change. Just as their parents did before them, young people are exploring who they are, testing boundaries, and seeking where they fit. But unlike previous generations, they don’t always slot neatly into categories “surfer,” “gamer,” or “sporty kid” no longer define the full picture. Identity is more fluid, multi-layered, and changing rapidly.

In this space of uncertainty, one thing remains constant: the deep human need to belong. At St Stephen’s School, we place great value on cultivating a consistent, safe environment where every student feels known, valued, and loved. Belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of a healthy adolescent journey. It’s the difference between isolation and connection, between confusion and courage.

This commitment to belonging is part of our origin story. As a school founded by the Uniting Church in Western Australia, we are rooted in a Christian tradition that champions inclusion, grace, and community. We honour the teenage search for identity by providing a steady foundation—where students are invited to explore faith, ask big questions, and wrestle with doubt without fear of judgment. Our Biblical Studies curriculum, worship and devotions, and our I.G.N.I.T.E pastoral care framework are designed to be spaces of reflection, encouragement, and connection.

Parents continue to play a vital role. By showing up, listening without trying to fix, and sharing your own values and faith, you help anchor your teen through this formative stage. I encourage you to reflect on this—advice I, too, need to remember as a parent.

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

Carramar highlights

with Mrs Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary

Term 2 is off to a fantastic start! Our Year 11 and 12 students recently returned from their Retreats at Ern Halliday and the Swan Adventure Centre, where they had the chance to connect, reflect, and recharge.

The Propel Program was officially launched by Craig Thomas welcoming our largest group of enthusiastic Year 11 students, who are set to thrive and grow through this exciting leadership journey.

Our Year 10 Share the Dignity Committee also kicked off their annual campaign—we’re confident they’ll surpass their goal of collecting over 130 bags.

Looking ahead, we are gearing up for the K–12 Cross Country Carnival in week 3, and our House Athletics Carnival in week 8. Both events are sporting highlights on the school calendar.

Year 10 students are beginning their subject selection process, which includes their MESH assessment week, while our Year 11 and 12 students prepare for their upcoming ESTs and Exams. We wish all of these students the very best for all of their upcoming assessments.

To wrap up the term on a high note, our House Captains are busy organising a fun and sustainable Thrift Ball for Year 11 and 12 students—an exciting new event that celebrates creativity, community, and a great cause!

Year 11 Retreat – Ern Halliday Recreation Camp

Year 12 Retreat – Swan Valley Adventure Centre

Propel Launch with Ange Stannett, Fremantle Dockers AFLW Captain

Parenting tip

“… age shall not weary them, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Whilst attending a recent ANZAC Day Remembrance service, I was reminded of the wonderful gift of service and sacrifice paid by so many. Thousands of Australian men and women paid the ultimate price so that we may live in freedom.

Living in a safe and prosperous country like Australia means that we can, at times, become complacent regarding the importance of providing service to others and we sometimes don’t recognise that we as individuals can make a positive impact in the lives of others in many and varied ways. Research shows that helping others is linked to increased feelings of well-being, reduces isolation, and strengthens social connections. Acts of kindness can also have a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and strengthening community bonds. Volunteering has been linked to improved physical and mental health, including lower rates of depression and anxiety.

There are many groups in society who volunteer their time and talents to benefit the wider community. Groups like the RSL, Lifesaving Clubs, The Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross are just a few of the agencies where people can offer help. The St Stephen’s School motto is Serve God. Serve One Another.

Finding a place where your skills and passions can be shared with others is something well worthwhile. If your child is thinking about volunteering and doesn’t know where to start, ask them what they like doing, maybe it is working with the environment, with animals, social justice or sports and leisure. Whatever the activity, serving others makes our world a better place!

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 2 in the 2025 academic year:

  • Tuesday 13 May – House Cross Country
  • Wednesday 14 May – Careers Expo
  • Thursday 5 June – ACC Cross Country
  • Wednesday 11 June – Parent Series: Guiding Children Towards Organised Independence
  • 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

Goodbye Term 1

holly.mason / / 2025

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.

Carramar Term 1 Highlight

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?

  1. Encourage critical thinking – Teach your child to question what they see online.
  2. Set digital boundaries – Limit screen time and monitor AI interactions.
  3. Use parental controls & remind students to think before you do! – Restrict access to age-appropriate content and the importance of responsible technology use.
  4. 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: Guiding Children Towards Organised Independence
  • 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