Author: 
Soft Skills- are they really ‘soft’?
I recently attended a conference on innovation in education. Some of the topics covered included entrepreneurship, technology and jobs of the future. Alongside the techspeak and global focus, there was the common thread of ‘soft skills’. This has caused me to reflect on the term ‘soft skills’. Soft skills include the following- integrity, dependability, effective communication, team-work, problem solving, critical thinking, organisation, adaptability, willingness to learn and empathy. Now I don’t know about you, but I read that list and I don’t consider it ‘soft’. I consider these essential.
At the recent Year 10 Spring Soiree, I witnessed our young people displaying many of these soft skills. Dependability- they showed up, on time and followed the given dress code. Team-work and the willingness to learn were all displayed at the event and in the lead up as the students learned some formal dancing. They adapted when their dance partner had two left feet and communicated effectively when dancing with staff whose skill set lies elsewhere.
Although there may be many hard skills required for the jobs of the future, my take-away is that these are of little use without the (not so) soft skills.
Sarah Stockton-Rice
Deputy Head of Secondary
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2022
On Friday 11 November students, staff and community members came together in the Primary Forum to commemorate Remembrance Day. As is the tradition, those who died and suffered while serving in Australia’s armed forces in war and conflict were remembered.
CARRAMAR 2023 CAPTAINS
Congratulations to the following students who have been appointed Captains for 2023. The Captains will be officially announced and given their badges at Presentation Evening.
SPRING SOIREE
Last week the Year 10 students attended the annual Spring Soiree. It was a beautiful evening organised by Gillian Erasmus. Mr Batten filled the big shoes left by Mr Gilchrist and took on the role of dance instructor. The students danced the night away, showing off their new dancing and etiquette skills.
The staff at AQWA were very impressed with our students and commented several times on the manners displayed throughout the night.
Sarah Stockton-Rice
SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Years 7 to 12)
The State Government through the Western Australian Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs.
The allowance consists of two components:
▪ $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.
▪ $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school.
To be eligible Parents or Guardians must hold one of the following cards:
▪ Centrelink Health Care Card
▪ Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
▪ Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
Applications are to be completed at school during Term 1 only (2023)
Applications close Thursday 6 April 2023
Ask school Reception for more information
LEGO TEAM NEWS
Another fantastic effort from our FRANKENBRIK LEGO team on Saturday 12 November.
We just missed out on the top prize for the robot run but receiving the second place trophy is our best result so far.
We also received the runner up trophy for the Core Values task.
The Carramar and Duncraig Primary teams also had a great day both getting winner trophies and making it through to the nationals.
Congratulations to the following secondary students on an awesome achievement.
- Aden Randell
- Luke Shirdon
- Steven Trinh
- David Bejan
- Elijah Bosma
- Jackson Proctor
- Fateh Hundal
- Jacob Stapleton
Tim Drake
CARRAMAR PRESENTATION EVENING
Booking link Carramar Secondary: https://events.humanitix.com/cspe2022
HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
BASEBALL
Carramar year 7 and 8 students competed in the Baseball WA championships today at the Baseball Stadium in Thornlie. Both teams played very well and there was an amazing amount of improvement throughout the day. One of the teams nearly went through the day undefeated, losing to the eventual winners Mazanod in the last round to leave them in 2nd place.
-Adam Dwyer
A NIGHT ON THE GREEN
It is with great excitement that we invite our school community to the inaugural “Night on The Green” on Saturday 3 December from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. If you would like to be involved and give a couple of hours of your time to help on the day, please contact Bronwyn (bronwyn.doak@yahoo.com) or Karen (hinder@internode.on.net ).
This parent led event is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, but also for everyone to get some Christmas shopping done! Many of our Christmas Markets stall holders will have Eftpos machines, but some may only accept cash (something to keep in mind).
Students will be able to get their picture taken in our special Santa’s Grotto this year! A lovely souvenir to share with family and friends. Please note that the photographer in charge will be able to take cash only ($5).
A lot of time and effort have been invested by parents to ensure that this event is a memorable one for all. We look forward to our community get-together and hope to see you there!
RESOURCE LIST 2023 (Yr 7-12)
Students are supplied with a list of essential items and texts which have to be purchased for school. This is handled by Campion Education WA.
Resource lists will be available online through the Campion website.
From Friday 11 November – Friday 2 December 2022
(If ordered after this date, the goods may not arrive on time for the new school year and a charge of $8.00 per order will be incurred.)
Order online at www.campion.com.au
Click on “Online ordering for parents and students”
Create your account
Select St Stephen’s School – Carramar and enter the Resource List code, BCY7
Select the year level and then choose the items you wish to purchase
‘Personal items for student use’ and ‘Parents to Supply’ is a personal choice as to avail from Campion or from your preferred stationery stockist. Please note that items ticked as “Compulsory Subscriptions” need to be purchased directly from Campion.
Understanding that “back to school” can be an expensive cost to families, our staff have made a conscious effort to keep the cost to a minimum.
Date of delivery is the week ending Friday 20 January 2023 (only for orders placed prior to the cut-off date).
Campion is located in Malaga (Monday – Friday) on telephone 6240 2778
NEW BUS ROUTE
WAAPA SUMMER SCHOOL 2023
Join us at WAAPA in January 2023 for fun, new friends and lots of performing! This summer WAAPA is offering a range of performing arts courses as part of our school holiday program for secondary school students. Classes for young people from Year 7 to 12 in Acting, Dance, Screen performance, Jazz and Music Theatre means there is something for everyone with a passion for the arts. Our wonderful staff cater for all abilities and experience levels. For information about the many courses on offer please visit Summer School 2023 or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or 9370 6775.
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services if required.
2023 JANUARY HOLIDAY CLASSES
St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an ad for their services if required.