Author: marie.hoy

Coming to the end of Term 1 already!

marie.hoy / / 2024

In this newsletter:

  • Principal’s message,
  • A message from Mr Andrews,
  • A moment of appreciation for parents
  • Dates for your diary,

Principal’s Message

We’ve had a beautiful start to our 40th anniversary year, with such a lot happening in every part of our school.

I’m delighted to see our students settling in positively in a new academic year, and some wonderful inter-House spirit alive and well in our swimming carnivals. Congratulations to all our swimmers who put in such a fantastic effort for their Houses, to our staff who organised and ran the carnivals and to everyone who was able to come along and support them.

Our music staff and students are busily rehearsing for our Night of Giving Thanks which is coming up on Tuesday 26 March. If you haven’t already done so, please book your free tickets. This is one of the most beautiful events of the School year as we celebrate and give thanks which is especially apt in our anniversary year. I hope to see you there.

We’re also looking forward to our Guinness World Record attempt which has been re-scheduled for Friday 19 April – the end of the first week of Term 2.  The schedule will be the same as our original date, with some additional reminders coming out in the first week of term. If you have any questions, though, please reach out to our Community Relations team 

We’re now just one week away from Easter which is one of the most important seasons of the year for my family, and I am very much looking forward to an opportunity to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Easter. No matter how you celebrate, may it be a time of rest, relaxation, peace and stillness.

Take care and God bless,
Donella Beare

Mr Andrews’ Almanac

As parents, each year we bear witness to the cycle of House school carnivals – swimming, cross-country and athletics – and everything that comes with that. We celebrate success in many forms and encourage participation in turn, depending on the abilities and various proclivities of our children. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the true nature of these events. It is a common thread and collective goal that the real victory lies not in the winner’s circle but in the shared experiences of participation.

All schools work to protect the qualities of their carnivals. They are not just about races and competitions; they are celebrations of camaraderie, personal growth, and the joy of movement. Embracing the value of participation reinforces a culture where every student, regardless of skill level, finds a place on the podium of personal growth.

At St Stephen’s School, our strengths are that we run events that build on a foundation of House spirit, teamwork, inclusivity and sportsmanship in a fun and low-pressure environment. Our carnivals are more about active participation and safe risk-taking than it is about achievement in general and yet we still devote significant effort towards recognising achievement, skill development and personal improvement. For many of our students, the House carnivals are the launch-pad on to School representation… and perhaps further.

For both students and parents, it is easy to forget the broader aims amongst the spirit of healthy competition. Beyond the thrill of competition, the carnival experience teaches invaluable life skills. Students learn the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. For some, medals and trophies come naturally with the territory. For others, the mere idea of attending an event like this is anxiety inducing. As in every facet of the student experience, we continue to recognise the diverse skills and talents amongst our students whilst always working to extend students beyond their comfort zones.

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

A moment of appreciation for parents

 

As parents and carers, we often find ourselves making sacrifices for our children. Driving the kids to football or netball training, an extra music concert or drama performance may arise, perhaps it is spending extra time helping our kids with their homework or supporting their learning. The list of sacrifices is never ending and whilst we do these things because we care, they do come at a cost. A sacrifice of time, of finance or perhaps to our own opportunity to find rest and recoup ourselves from our own daily grind. 

Young people don’t always know how to express their appreciation for all that parents do as an expression of their love and whilst we don’t sacrifice for the accolades, be encouraged that they do appreciate your efforts and hopefully one day, they too will understand the importance of sacrifice for the sake of others.

Finally, as Easter draws near, I am reminded of the incredible sacrifice Christ made for each one of us. He made himself nothing so that you and I might spend eternity with Him in heaven if only we would ask Him into our lives. Happy Easter! 

All the best,
Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care (Duncraig Campus)

Secondary photo highlights

Art excursions, pancake day, interhouse swimming carnivals, camps, Harmony Day bake sales and so much more, we’ve packed a lot into this short 9 week term!

 

Dates for your diary

Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates

  • Tuesday 26 March – St Stephen’s School Night of Giving Thanks 
  • Thursday 28 March – last day of Term 1
  • Tuesday 16 April – students return for Term 2 – Winter uniform
  • Friday 19 April – Guinness World Record attempt
  • Tuesday 23 April – K-12 Interhouse Cross-country

Welcome to 2024!

marie.hoy / / 2024

In this newsletter:

  • Principal’s message,
  • A message from Mr Andrews’,
  • Tips for parents at the beginning of a new school year,
  • Year 12 Commissioning
  • Parents’ Series 2024 – Hot Topics: an invitation to our first event,
  • School-based immunisation,
  • Absentee procedure,
  • Safety on e-rideables
  • Dates for your diary,

Principal’s Message

It’s been a wonderful – albeit very warm – start to 2024.

We are delighted to welcome a new group of Year 7 students to Secondary with all the energy, enthusiasm and potential they bring. Welcome back to all our returning students, and to any new families joining us for the first time. We also acknowledge our Year 12 students, the Class of 2024, and the important leadership role they play in our School community. May each of you carry a strong sense of the support of our community throughout this important year.

In our 40th year, we celebrate our shared history as one community across two campuses. In each of these forty years, generations of staff and students have contributed their own entries to the story of St Stephen’s School, and in this anniversary year together we will together create many more memories.

Our first whole of community event is our Night of Giving Thanks on Tuesday 26 March. Please mark this date in your diary and keep an eye out for booking details closer to the event. I hope to see you there as we celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings with which our School has been graced.

Until then, take care,
Donella Beare

Mr Andrews’ Almanac

Embarking on the journey of high school will be at times exciting and daunting for our Year 7 students. To ease this transition, many schools, including St Stephen’s School, organise a series of unique and crucial experiences early in the school year. Your child, whatever their age, will remember orientation to high school and those first days setting foot on campus. Coming up very soon is the Year 7 Camp.

The intentional timing early in Term 1, holds value in fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among students.

For those transitioning from our Primary School, the camp serves as a bridge, allowing them to forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones in a different environment. Simultaneously, for students arriving from local, regional, or international destinations, the camp becomes a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, creating a tapestry of cultures and perspectives.

The early timing of the camp ensures that students build a support system right from the start. Engaging in team-building activities, sharing laughs in the dining hall, and navigating challenges together creates lasting bonds that extend beyond the camp. This sense of unity not only enhances the overall high school experience but also contributes to a positive and inclusive school culture.

Some students will feel some nerves at the prospect of going on camp. We make camp a compulsory activity as we see the value of participation every year, when the newest cohort to our Secondary School return with a stronger sense of self, bonds and group identity. This is also true of all of our camps and retreats. Please encourage your child to see camp in a positive light in the lead up.

I want to take this chance to thank our Dean of Parresia House, Mrs Suzy Mettam who has made preparations for this group of Year 7s.

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

Tips for parents at the beginning of a new year

The beginning of a new academic year brings new experiences for each of our students. Work at school will be different from earlier years. Perhaps the content is more difficult, the workload greater or the time constraints tighter.

Friendship groups change, relationships can become complex and as a result, it is important that parents and carers provide support for our students, addressing these changes not with anxiety, fear or apprehension but rather address the experiences head on as challenges and opportunities to grow. 

We know that a safe and supportive home life, where health and wellbeing are encouraged, is paramount in helping to provide a solid foundation on which students can prepare for academic success. Here are a few hints that might assist you to support your children throughout this year.

All the best,
Russell Gilchrist, Deputy Head of Secondary – Care (Duncraig Campus)

Year 12 Commissioning

In the first week of term, we held our Year 12 Commissioning, which is one of many beautiful traditions in our School. It’s an opportunity for the Year 12s, as the most senior students in our school, to publicly commit to their role as leaders, mentors and role-models in their final year. Their red Year 12 ties are a symbol of this commitment and a reminder of what it means to be a true servant leader in our school.

 

Parents’ Hot Topics 2024 – Learn more about our pastoral care system in our first session

In 2024, we are introducing a series of parent seminars entitled “Hot Topics”.

Feedback from our parents/guardians through our satisfaction surveys has indicated interest in more opportunities for parents to be involved in the life of the school. While this has been challenging between 2020 and 2022, we are excited to re-engage with parents in our 40th anniversary year. “Hot Topics” will be a practical series, covering a variety of contemporary issues in K – 12 education, providing you with an opportunity to grow your understanding of our philosophy and response to a range of current educational issues. The first “Hot Topic” will look at our approach to contemporary K-12 pastoral care. Incorporating our Six Pillars of Care, this seminar will have an emphasis on our IGNITE pastoral program, and will be presented by members of our leadership team, our Deans and other members of our pastoral care support team.

Each Term we’ll address a different “Hot Topic” and alternate between or a morning or afternoon session.

Tickets are free but booking is essential – click here to reserve your seats.

School-based immunisation program for Year 7 and 10 students

  Year 10 students are scheduled to receive MenACWY (Meningococcal ACWY) vaccine on Wednesday 21 February 2024. 

  •  Year 7 students are scheduled to receive HPV (Human Papilloma Vaccine) and dTpa (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis) vaccines on Tuesday 6 August 2024. 

More details will be emailed directly to parents and guardians

Source: Katie Farmer, Nurse – Carramar Campus

What to do if your child is absent or running late for school

If your child is running late, leaving early or will be absent from school for the day please let our friendly team at Student Services (Reception) know.  You can:

Remember that, if students arrive late or leave before the end of the school day, they need to sign in and out at Student Services. Full details of our procedures can be found on p. 32 of our Parent Handbook.

Source: Student Services – Carramar Campus

Safety on e-scooters

Technology is changing rapidly, and the use of e-scooters and other electric rideable devices are being used for commuting and recreational purposes. New rules have now been introduced to keep e-riders and other West Australian road users safe. 

Please have a look at the Road Safety Commission website for information related to e-rideables and young people.

 

Dates for your diary

Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates

  • 12 February – Interhouse Swimming Carnival, Challenge Stadium
  • 13 February – Pancake Day: a whole of campus event run by House Captains
  • 14 February – R U Legal: Year 11 and 12, Year 5 and 6
  • 14 – 16 February – Year 7 Camp
  • 26 March – St Stephen’s School Night of Giving Thanks 

Closing out 2023 – have a happy holiday!

marie.hoy / / Uncategorized

In this newsletter:

  • Principal’s message,
  • A message from Mr Andrews’,
  • Secondary highlights,

Principal’s Message

The end of another school year is upon us and with that comes a myriad of emotions. Anticipation of the upcoming summer break, quiet contemplation about what was achieved over the course of the year, regret that perhaps we didn’t achieve all that we wanted to, excitement at seeing another group of students graduate from St Stephen’s School and sadness as we say goodbye to staff and students who leave us at the end of this year. Each emotion reflects a part of life in a school and we give thanks for the opportunities that this year has provided. Thank you to our school community of parents, students and volunteers for your ongoing support. Our community is at the heart of St Stephen’s School and makes it the Christ-centred, student-focussed, community-based school that it is. I wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you in 2024. 

Until then, take care
Donella Beare

Mr Andrews’ Almanac

Just as a ship drops its anchor to secure a safe mooring, so too should we anchor ourselves in the practice of rest during this holiday.  This idea of taking a break might seem counterproductive. However, it is crucial to recognise that rest is not simply the absence of work; rather, it is a deliberate act that rejuvenates our minds, bodies, and spirits. The Christmas break offers a precious opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect—a chance that we should embrace wholeheartedly.

Amidst the joyful chaos of festivities and reunions, it’s easy to set aside the importance of rest. Yet, it is during this time that we must consciously drop anchor, finding moments of tranquillity amidst the celebrations.  

Research consistently highlights the immense benefits of rest on our overall well-being. It enhances our cognitive abilities, boosts creativity, and improves our emotional resilience. By giving ourselves permission to rest, we not only recharge our batteries but also pave the way for greater productivity and success when we return to our endeavours. It is an act of self-care. 

Therefore, as we approach this holiday season, I urge each one of us to drop anchor deliberately. Embrace the gift of rest with open arms, recognising its transformative power in restoring our spirits and preparing us for the upcoming year.  

May this Christmas break be a time of joy, peace, and rejuvenation for each member of our school community. I look forward to greeting all students, parents and staff as they return in the new year refreshed, recharged, and ready to embark on new challenges with renewed vigour.  

Wishing you all a restful and joyous holiday season.  

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

Secondary highlights

Phew! What a busy term!
It’s been an incredibly busy few weeks as we round out 2023. As well as exams and final assessments, our Year 11s went on Retreat, we had our final Service Learning sessions for the year, announced our new House and School Captains and our Year 9s had an awesome camp at Rotto. 

As always, Presentation Evening was a fitting celebration of excellence in all its forms at St Stephen’s School. Congratulations to Shailin Mandalia for receiving the “Best All Rounder Award” for his contribution to all aspects of school life. Our Sports Awards recipients for 2023 are Alistair Cross and Serian Lockwood-Jones.

The Dux of Vocational Studies is Jacinta Randell, and the Dux of Qualitative Studies – the top overall student in the humanities subjects – is Serian Lockwood-Jones. The Dux of Quantitative Studies – the top overall student in all areas of Mathematics, Science and Technology – is Diemont Ferriera.

The final presentation of the evening was the St Stephen’s Award which goes to the student who embodies all the St Stephen’s School stands for from Years 7 -12. In 2023 the very deserving St Stephen’s Award winner is Bridie Le Cornu. Congratulations to you all, and to all students from Years 7 – 12 who were recognised for their achievements and contributions.

Coming in September 2024 

We are excited to announce that the historic Lou Morrison Kimberley Tour for Year 8s will have a new look next year, exploring more back to country opportunities for our students and reconnecting with old acquaintances.  

We are currently working on a new itinerary that will hopefully include visits to Larrawa Station, a fully operational cattle station, Mimbi Caves where we will tour the amazing caves and engage with their local community, camp at Merry Pool and Parry’s Lagoon, participate in a Welcome to Country, dot painting and Aboriginal language lessons at Laarri Gallery as well as enjoy the gallery art display, and return to Frog Hollow where we will camp and participate in activities with the students of Purnululu School. Before flying home, you will be able to enjoy a visit and dinner at Lake Argyle. These are just some of the new additions to the tour.  Further information to come early in Term 1 2024. 

Source: Donna Wilson – Service Learning Tours Officer 

2024 School fee payment options 

In 2024, similar to 2023, parents/guardians will not be required to re-select a preferred payment method and frequency at the beginning of the school year.  The payment method (direct debit, or credit card, or BPAY) and frequency of payment (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, two or three or four instalments or annual upfront) that you had in place in 2023 will continue automatically in 2024. 

The dates to note for payments (based on frequency) next year are:  

  • 1 upfront payment due on 29 January 2024 (2% discount); or 
  • 43 weekly payments starting on Monday 29 January 2024; or 
  • 22 fortnightly payments starting on Monday 29 January 2024; or 
  • 22 fortnightly payments starting on Monday 5 February 2024; or 
  • 10 monthly payments starting on Friday 2 February 2024; or 
  • 10 monthly payments starting on Saturday 17 February 2024; or 
  • 2 instalments on 18 February 2024 and 18 July 2024; or 
  • 3 instalments on 18 February 2024, 18 May 2024 and 18 August 2024; or 
  • 4 instalments on 5 February 2024, 22 April 2024, 29 July 2024 and 14 October 2024. 

(Where a due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will be processed on the next business day.) 

You will not be required to take any action, unless you would like to change the method of payment or frequency of payments. In which case, please contact the Accounts Receivable team on 9243 2103 or email accountsreceivable@ststephens.wa.edu.au as soon as possible. 

If you wish to change your credit card, or bank account details, you are able to do this at any time throughout the year via the Parent Portal. Click on the ‘School Payments’ tab and select login under Manage stored cards and direct debits to bank accounts or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/ManageStoredCards.aspx 

In January 2024 your annual fee invoice will be available for you to view on the Parent Portal in the ‘School Payments’ tab by logging into Statements and receipt history or use the following link https://edinfo.ststephens.wa.edu.au/fin.aspx 

Source: Accounts Receivable team

Dates for your diary

Remember you can always visit the St Stephen’s School calendar for key dates
See our website for 2024 term dates

  • From 12.30pm Wednesday 6 December – Monday 15 January – Student Services reception closed
  • Wednesday 20 December 2023 – Wednesday 3 January 2024 – St Stephen’s School administration closed
  • From 16 January 2024 – click here to view Carramar Uniform Shop opening times
  • 29 January 2024 – Pre-Primary – Year 6 return
  • 30 January 2024 – Years 7 – 12 return

Carramar Secondary Snapshot – Week 6, Term 4

marie.hoy / / Uncategorized

In this Newsletter:

  • Principal’s message,
  • A message from Mr Andrews,
  • A note from Mrs Stockton-Rice,
  • Secondary highlights,
  • Noticeboard

Principal’s Message

Term Four is most definitely the pointy end of the School year, with exams, final assessments, reporting and a whole host of end-of-year events. As we round out all the activities associated with 2023 preparations are also well-advanced for 2024 with orientation for Year 6 students moving into secondary and the appointment of our 2024 School Captains. 

It can be a stressful time of year for parents and young people alike. When we look at our calendars and the volume of commitments associated with the end of year it can be overwhelming. If we pause, though, and look at what each event represents it can help put things into perspective. End of year events are about celebrating relationships strengthened, experiences shared and both individual and team achievements. My hope is that we can all find enjoyment in what the next few weeks of term have to offer us. I look forward to celebrating with you all that 2023 has given us when we gather for Presentation Evening on 4 December.

Until then, take care
Donella Beare

Mr Andrews Almanac

Must weighty things also be heavy? 

Parenting is a profound journey marked by an array of challenges, some light and joyous and others heavy with complexity. Just as the weight of these challenges can vary, so too does the way parents perceive and approach them. Understanding this connection is vital for parents to effectively guide their children through life’s challenges. 

The perception of parenting challenges as difficult or manageable can significantly impact how parents address them. Those who view these challenges as overwhelming may experience stress and uncertainty, while those who see them as surmountable are better equipped to support their children.  

To navigate these challenges effectively, parents should strike a balance between acknowledging the weight of their responsibilities and recognising their capacity to carry them. Similar to breaking down a massive challenge into smaller, more manageable steps, parents can break down obstacles into actionable, bite-sized tasks. Seeking support from others, whether through sharing experiences with friends, family, or consulting with professionals, can further reduce the perceived heaviness of these challenges. 

We come across many different approaches to parenting. One truth that is almost universal is – ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ Parents who can wear the weight of a challenge with apparent ease almost always have children who are able to travel through high school with a similar perception to the roadblocks they encounter. Modelling your capacity to meet the weighty challenges of the world will benefit your children down the track, as they will in turn shrink their own mountains into molehills. 

As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s resilience, problem-solving abilities, and overall well-being. By understanding the interplay between challenge perception and parenting, we can approach these hurdles with empathy, confidence, and strength. 

Take care,
Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

#inthebag – donate to Share the Dignity

For the last few years, our senior girls have been involved in the Share the Dignity‘s – “It’s in the bag” collection. We collect old handbags, backpacks, beach bags and more! We fill the bags with hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, tampons, wash cloths, nappies etc. and donate the filled bags.
These filled bags go to women in crisis. Some have found themselves experiencing homelessness, some are fleeing domestic violence alone or with their children. They are making choices that no women should have to make. They are having to choose between feeding themselves and their children or preserving their dignity.
How can you help? We need your old handbags, clutches, children’s used back packs, anything!! We make use of every single bag donated to us. If you would like to donate items to go into the bags that would be amazing but it’s really the old preloved bags we need.
In addition to gathering donations, our students have also raised more than $300 in a bake-sale which will go towards period products to fill donated bags. If you would like to make any donation, please feel free to drop off to the Carramar Campus reception. Thank you 🙏🏻

Sarah Stockton-Rice, Deputy Head of Secondary

Seeking your feedback – Class of 2025

This note is for students who are currently in Year 10, who will eventually be in the Class of 2025.

We are currently in the planning process of a proposed Service Learning Tour to Vietnam in January 2025 for students who will then be commencing Year 12. We are investigating this option as a replacement for the RAW Impact Cambodia Tour due to costing.

At this stage, our thoughts are that the tour will:

  • Cost between $4200-$4500. (based on current prices and not including fund raising component) Involves working with Hearts for Hue, a local NGO, assisting the construction and decorating of a music room for the Quang phu Kindergarten in Hue.
  • Occur during January holidays prior to the School Ball and run for 11 days.
  • Begin with a flight to Ho Chi Min. We will then travel to Hue for six days of engagement before returning to Ho Chi Minh where we will take in the historic sites such as the war museum, Central Palace, China Town, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and travel along the Mekong Delta to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

 

We would appreciate your feedback on this proposal, so please complete this survey by COB Wednesday 22 November, 2023.

Any questions please feel free to contact Service Learning Tours Officer, Donna Wilson –  089 243 2458 or donna.wilson@ststephens.wa.edu.au

Secondary Highlights

Never a dull moment!
It’s a short term but we’re packing plenty in! We were entertained by our musos at Kambarang and wowed by the student artwork on display for Fusion. We’ve welcomed our new Year 7s who will join us in 2024 and named our House Captains for next year – all pictured below. We look forward to their formal handover at the Presentation Evening in a few weeks. We’ve had Outdoor Ed camps to Kalbarri, Lancelin and Rotto, and we had 21 secondary students represent us in the Secondary Champion Schools Triathlon event. While Year 11 and 12 exams continued for most of this week our 11s have rounded out the week with some respite on retreat in Baldivis and our Year 9s are looking forward to next week’s camp at Rottnest Island! 

Noticeboard