Category: Uncategorized

May God bless you and your family over the holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all next term when students return April 20, Term 2 2021.

YEAR 9 OUTDOOR EDUCATION COOKING

In Year 9 Outdoor Education we have been learning how to cook a variety of cuisines using trangias to get us ready for our first camp.

Steph Ransom

BOYS & GIRLS SENIOR BASKETBALL

On Friday 26 March our boys and girls senior basketball teams competed in the SSWA one day competition. Both teams had a great day with the boys managing to get a couple of wins on the day and the girls have now made the knockout phase of the competition.

Adam Dwyer

SWIM CAMP

Year 7 – 12 Students attended swim camp to get them ready for the ACC carnival – on day 2 the physical  education crew organized a fitness circuit to start the day.

Steph Ransom

UNIFORM SHOP HOLIDAY OPENING

We are experiencing delays with the delivery of some of our winter stock – COVID has disrupted supply and shipping chains.

We plan to open: Carramar – Wednesday 14th April from 12.00pm to 4.00pm 

BLAZER COLLECTION

If your child has bought their blazer in for embroidery it will be available for collection from Reception during normal office hours on Monday 19 April or prior to class on Tuesday 20 April.

PARENT CYBER SAFETY

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR TEEN

Celebrations are a time that remind us each, to recognise important days or events. They are often associated with social gatherings and enjoyable activities.

According to Professors Dr. Robert Q. Emmons (University of California) and Dr. Michael McCullough (University of Miami), one of the main reasons for celebrating is because it reflects an overall attitude of gratitude and helps remind us to enjoy what we have, instead of focusing on what we don’t have or only on what we want in the future.

Celebrations actually boost our well-being and finding ways to celebrate regularly is very important. As a school, we are intentional in taking the time to celebrate, both with a school focus e.g. St Stephen’s Day, Thanksgiving Service and Polar Bear Day, school productions and camps; but also celebrating significant state and national occasions that remind us on how blessed we are to live in our wonderful country. We have just celebrated Harmony Day, sharing foods from around the world and participating in a wonderful ‘Colour Run” organised by our Year 12s. This day reminds us of the importance of inclusiveness, celebrating diversity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of the fact that Jesus came to earth to show us each how to live with one another. In John 15:12 Jesus says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Jesus loves us each so much that he gave his life as a sacrifice for all mankind”. In John 3: 16 it goes on to say, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is my prayer that during these Easter time celebrations, that we would each be reminded of and grateful for, His sacrifice for us all.

Russell Gilchrist (Dean of Parresia House)

ACC SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Congratulations to all students that represented the school at the ACC Swimming Carnival on Monday 22 March. The school is exceptionally proud of their efforts. To be as competitive as we were against much larger schools is a credit to the students attitudes and effort. All results can be found on the ACC website at: https://www.accsport.asn.au/carnivals/swimming/results/2021

We are currently in E grade (for now!). Bring on next year, I firmly believe we can bring home the shield in 2022!!!

The following students achieved exceptional individual results.

Aiden Isgar 3rd U/13 male
Talei Perry 2nd U/13 Female
Harry Blair 2nd U/14 Male
Eleanor Williams Champion U/14 Female
Jaxon Callcott 3rd U/15 Male
Caitlyn Lloyd-Watters 2nd U/15 Female
Ethan Isgar 2nd Open Male

Adam Dwyer

COLOUR RUN

On Friday 19 March as part of Harmony Day & St Stephen’s Day Yrs 4-12 enjoyed an afternoon of games incorporating a colour run. It was a huge effort for the students to pull this event together and whilst it was a group effort Tahlia Beckitt, Jiyona Jipson, Tegan Shirdon and Cameron Kiss took on significant organisational roles that required them to meet with school executives regularly as well as with their peers. It has been a big commitment from them juggling the project with their studies. Just to give some context this had been a project 6 months in the making. It initially started out as a much smaller event for the end of last year but is now a major component of the Harmony/St Stephen’s Day celebration with all of the Carramar campus involved.

SERVICE LEARNING

On Tuesday 16 March a group of Y11 and 12 students went to Balga Salvation Army as part of the school’s Service Learning program. The aim of the visit was for us to cook and serve a three course meal for 28 less privileged members of the Balga community. In the space of three hours the girls made from scratch a potato and bacon soup for entrée; lasagna, salad and garlic bread for mains; and meringue, whipped cream and fruit for dessert. The students were phenomenal and did a truly wonderful job. The meal was greatly appreciated, and many positive comments were made by both the people attending the lunch and the staff at the SALVOS.

Jonathan Langley

HORTICULTURAL CLUB

The Year 7 and 8 Horticultural Club have now had three afternoon sessions (as well as a fairly informal roster of regular watering). We have planted over 100 of the Woolworths seed packs and have already begun to transfer our first sprouts into pots. Our immediate goal is to get some appropriate edible flowers, herbs and vegies into the garden outside our commercial kitchen, for the hospitality class. We intend to grow in different directions (if you will pardon the pun).

Our group would like to thank all of the people in our community who have brought in their Woolworth Seed packs for us to plant we hope to bring some fresh vegies to the community in the future.

Rob Crewe

CAREER CHATS

On 26 February Carramar alumni, Chelsea Lee, now a Murdoch University graduate, gave a lunchtime talk as part of our ongoing Career Chats. The talk was attended by many Year 10, 11 and 12 students.

Chelsea graduated Murdoch University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism Studies. She was able to dispense some very clear advice to students about what her six pillars of success were and spoke around issues relating to resiliency, networking, accountability and authenticity to an enraptured audience.

We wish Chelsea well on her future endeavours.

Rob Crewe (Careers Advisor)

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL EXCURSION

Year 10 and 11 ‘French’ students were invited to attend a school screening at Luna Cinemas in Leederville for the French Film Festival on Friday 12 March.

The French film ‘Of Love and Lies’ gave the students an opportunity to test their knowledge, to further train their ears to French language and gain exposure to French culture in an entertaining way.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.

The French film festival is in Perth until 7 April.

Laurence Kuntz

POLAR BEAR WEEK 8 – 12 MARCH

The week commencing 8 March was the start of our annual Parresia Week celebrations. All things Parresian, “Polar Bearish”, cold and blue were celebrated with all funds raised going towards helping support the work of our service learning trips to Bethany Home in Malaysia, South Africa and the Kimberly.

On Monday, students from Years 5 – 12 shared in a Sausage Sizzle
Tuesday was our annual Polar Bear Day morning tea
Wednesday provided free face painting
And finally, Thursday involved making Ice Cream Polar Bears

Thanks to the Parresian House Captains and Mrs Kerry Cross for all their preparation and hard work and thank you to all students and families for supporting our Parresian initiatives.

Go Bears!

Russell Gilchrist (Dean of Parresia House)

WINTER UNIFORM TERM 2

Please note winter uniform is required to be worn during Terms 2 & 3. If you require winter uniform items please ensure they are purchased from the uniform shop prior to the commencement of Term 2.

SCHOOL PHOTO ORDER DUE DATE

The due date for returning school photo envelopes is 3pm Monday 29 March. Orders placed after this date will need to be placed online directly with Photo Hendriks. The school will not accept photo envelopes after this date.

RHINOCEROS BY EUGENE IONESCO

CAMPUS DAY OUT – MURDOCH UNIVERSITY 7-9 APRIL 2021

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE OPEN DAY 2021

In conjunction with the University of Western Australia (UWA), St George’s College’s  OPEN DAY is SUNDAY 28 MARCH 9am  – 2pm.

It will be an opportunity for interested students and families to discover and experience the St George’s College community.  It doesn’t matter if you’re still undecided on which Uni you’re planning  to attend,  St George’s College welcomes students from UWA, Notre Dame Uni, Murdoch Uni, ECU, WAPAA & Curtin Uni.

ECU SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING STEM HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Following successful programs held in the school holidays in 2020 and January this year, we are pleased to announce the ECU School of Engineering STEM School Holiday Program – CREATE will be offered in April 2021 and the dates are 6 April, 7 April, 8 April 9 April and 14 April. This program is offered at no cost to participating students. CREATE is designed to support the teaching and learning of STEM subjects for students interested in STEM studies, and is suitable for students currently enrolled in Years 9 to 12.

Over the past few weeks, I have helped a few high school students with their time management skills. Many of us struggle with this. Feeling short of time can lead to frustration and it can become very overwhelming.

Recently, I came across an article by Daniel Wong, author of ‘The Happy Student’. He outlines simple, practical time management tips that are easy to employ. They can help your child remain focused on the task they are working on, reduce stress associated with school-work and free up time for other activities.

If you’re feeling unmotivated, set a timer for two minutes. It’s easier to focus on an activity knowing that it’s only for a short amount of time. Sometimes this is all that’s needed to get started.

Keep a time log for a few days. If your child is going through a period where they feel particularly unproductive, help them keep a time log for a few days. It may highlight areas where they can manage their time more effectively.

Write down the task you’re going to work on. This serves as a reminder and helps stay focused on the task at hand.

Be realistic. Don’t’ overestimate what you can achieve in the time you have. It’s easy to lose motivation if it seems unachievable from the onset.

Write down test/ assignment dates AND set a reminder for when to start studying. If you only have a note of the test date, the day might come around very quickly and you’ll find yourself studying the night before. A bad habit to get into! Reminding yourself to start studying well before the test date, will help you stay on top of your tests and reduce stress.

Introducing one or two of these tips may help your child stay on top of their schoolwork.  It may also reduce the stress that can be associated with upcoming deadlines.

SARAH STOCKTON-RICE

YEAR 9 COMPASS PROGRAM

The Year 9 Compass Program provides students with skills around personal development, self-reflection and working towards leading themselves as independent adults. To this end Students spent 24 hours on the Compass retreat last week Thursday and Friday.

Students travelled to the schools Kaadadjan Centre for ‘Solo time’ and to be commissioned by the Head of Campus Brett Roberts.  While it was a little wet with intermittent showers the students enjoyed their time away.

David Bosma

GIRLS TENNIS COMPETITION

On Monday 8 March the Year 7 girls participated in the Sun Smart Schools Tennis Cup at Alexander Park Tennis Club. Made up of girls who had never played tennis before the girls did really well. They had smiles on their faces all day. Well done girls

Adam Dwyer

ETHICS OLYMPIAD

On Wednesday 24 February our Western Australian silver medal-winning Ethics Olympiad team from Carramar competed in the Australasian Ethics Olympiad final, competing against first and second-placed teams from their respective heats from around the country and New Zealand via Zoom.  The students were faced with a number of ethical cases ranging from the Covid-19 lockdown in Wuhan to No-platforming protests in universities.  The competition was fierce but our team of Luke Shirdon, Samantha Whittle, Shelby Sirmans, Neha Jim and Ali Bright did the school proud and received an honorable mention from the judges based on their performance.  Congratulations to the team for making it to the Australasian finals and performing so well on the day!

Sarah Phillips

DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAM

In 2021 the Duke of Edinburgh program will be relaunched at St Stephen’s School.

The DOE award has 4 elements being Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey.  To enrol in the Award you need to be between 14 – 24 years of age.  The Award has three levels with the starting Bronze level that can be completed in a minimum of 6 months however you can take longer.

If you would like to know more about earning this internationally recognised Award please put your name down on the Expression of Interest sheet outside Mr Thomas’ office.

AUSTRALIAN ARMY CADETS

The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is a leading national youth development organisation, upholding the character and values of the Australian Army including service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.  We are aimed at young people aged between 13 – 17 years old, in year 8 or higher at school.

The Australian Army Cadets is an equal opportunity organisation that does not discriminate on the ground of race, colour, sex or religion.

It is a program designed to help youth develop their confidence whilst experiencing adventurous training activities conducted in a supportive, safe, supervised and challenging military setting.  We teach leadership, survival, drill, first aid, radio, navigation and fieldcraft skills in both practical and theoretical environments. These skills transfer to building individual resilience, leadership, self-discipline and teamwork skills, which are essential in today’s society in order to become better citizens and prepare our young people for adult life.

There are more than 18,000 Army cadets based in 236 units around Australia.  53 ACU is based at Wanneroo Secondary College and is one of the 236 units. It is the biggest unit in Western Australia with more than 70 male and female cadets across all ages and from multiple schools in the area. We parade on Wednesday evenings from 6pm until 9.30pm.

CONNECTING IN CONVERSATION

APRIL ATAR REVISION & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

• April ATAR Revision Program for Year 11-12

Increase your child’s confidence and start preparing for exam success. We are offering 6-hour ATAR Revision courses in most ATAR subjects, Essay Writing and Study Skills

Running Week 1 & 2 (06^th April – 24^th April 2021) at Churchlands SHS, Rossmoyne SHS, Perth Modern SHS, Duncraig SHS and now available Online.

• April Skills Development Program for Year 7-10

Specialist teachers will build your child’s confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in high school. We are offering 6-hour courses in NAPLAN Preparation, English, Maths, Learning Skills and Essay Writing

Running Week 1 & 2 (06^th April – 24^th April 2021) at Perth Modern SHS and Duncraig SHS.

Enrol online today at www.academicgroup.com.au or call 9314 9500 or email learn@academicgroup.com.au

MASTERMIND

Dear Families, Parents and Carers,

As we commence Week 3 of the term, we pause to position ourselves with purpose, for the task of teaching and learning that lies in the weeks ahead.

The time for students to settle in and set themselves for the demands and expectations of their new courses has passed and a number of important co-curricular events such as the Swimming Carnival and Yr 12 Commissioning Service have been held, setting the scene for our school community to thrive in 2021.

In particular, I want to commend our Yr 7 and Yr 11 students who have handled the two biggest transitions in secondary education with confidence and commitment.

In this article, I want to highlight a couple of special programmes that are of particular focus in the early part of the school year. They are incorporated into our lower secondary teaching and learning programme, impacting and enhancing student outcomes. The first is a programme we have been running for a couple of years, explicitly dealing with digital literacy whilst the second is a new initiative for 2021 and explores personal and character development.

Academic Skills Programme

The Academic Skills Programme is taught in Years 7 and 8 and was born of a recognition that students inhabit a huge digital world and live surrounded by a massive mountain of information. It is an essential need for them to be able to access, evaluate and use this information effectively, critically and purposefully. Our teacher-librarians work in collaboration with Year 7 & 8 classroom HASS teachers to guide students through specific research endeavours to;

• search for relevant and authentic information
• evaluate information for credibility, relevance and suitability
• process, synthesize, evaluate and present information
• cite sources correctly

Students passing through the programme have demonstrated clear improvement in important skill components such as note-taking, reference lists and use of appropriate sources. Ultimately these improvements should lead to higher results and young people better prepared for life beyond school.

Yr 9 Compass

In recent years, students in Year 9 have participated in a program designed to facilitate their maturing towards being independent, responsible and secure adults. It has challenged them by exploring such questions as: “Who will I be?” “What will I value?” “For what will I stand?” “How will I treat people?”, as opposed to the normal questions contemplated such as: “What will I do?” or “What will I achieve?”

The program has been presented in fortnightly sessions and taught as part of the Biblical Studies and Health Education Program. Also, it has been supported by the independent living and reflection components that are embedded in the Year 9 Camp. It has a Christian foundation and is built around biblical knowledge and understanding. In 2021, we have decided to call this Yr 9 program “Compass” and to develop it further, with some added experiences. In particular, because the program merges into the Yr 9 Camp at the end of the year, we will “bookend” the student development with an overnight retreat experience at the start of the program.

To this end, Yr 9 students will have a one-day “Compass Retreat” at Kaardijan on Friday, March 6. It is hoped that the “Compass Program” will provide students with skills around personal development and self-reflection and be part of a student’s continued progression as they mature into the “Propel Program” for Student Leadership in Yrs 10 /11.

These two programmes, amongst others, work alongside our classroom teaching and learning as we aim to enhance the secondary experience of our students, facilitating their growth and maturing into secure young adults who will make a positive difference in their world.

Stephen Meagher

YEAR 12 COMMISSIONING ASSEMBLY

On Friday 19 February, we continued the tradition of commissioning our Year 12 students as leaders of the School. In presenting them with a red tie, to symbolise their seniority and the responsibilities to the community that go with the position, we also asked the group to commit to upholding the School motto (Serve God, Serve One Another), to pursue excellence in all things, to support the core values of SSS (Learning, Faith, Service, Care and Community) and to be role models in courtesy and tolerance. Congratulations, Year 12s, and we ask that many blessings be upon you in your final year at St Stephen’s.

Mr Roberts and Mr Meagher

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

It was great to get back into some sport for what promises to be a busy 2021 on the sporting fields. There were some great results in the pool and it was awesome to see smiles on the students faces. Final results were:

Junior boys: Makaria, Junior Girls: Parresia, Senior boys: Charis, Senior girls: Parressia

Overall winning house: Charis

Adam Dwyer

HORTICULTURE CLUB – Yr 7 & 8 REC PROGRAM

This year Mr Crewe and one of the Year 11’s Henry Baker, who will be undertaking a Certificate in External VET in horticulture this year, have decided to band together and start a horticultural club. The group has met once so-far through the Yr 7 & 8 Rec Program and are very excited about a number of potential plans. Whilst they are still planning exactly how and what they will do, they are determined to plant, grow and produce edible gardens. They aim to engage the community and perhaps raise money for charity.

The group has also received a flood of Woolworths seed packs, from staff,  which they will be starting to plant this week.

Rob Crewe

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

STUDENT ABSENCES

Anticipated absences should be notified via email to ABSENTEECARRAMAR@ststephens.wa.edu.au or by phone message to 9306 7100 or SMS to 0428 863 144.
Parents are requested to phone Student Services and leave a message on the morning of the Student’s unexpected absence or use the ABSENTEECARRAMAR email or SMS. If for any reason a student must leave the school during the day, parents must advise Student Services by phone, email or a note presented by the student to Student Services. Secondary students must follow the following procedure:
• Notes are to be presented to Student Services prior to the commencement of the school day. Details of student departure will then be recorded for teachers’ information.
• Parents are then requested to collect and sign out students only from Student Services, located in Reception. When students return to School after a temporary absence, they must enter through the Reception and record their return time on the sign out sheet at Student Services.
• If secondary students are late to School they must enter through Reception and present at Student Services with a parent or a signed note explaining their absence. A parent may also phone ahead or email ABSENTEECARRAMAR@ststephens.wa.edu.au advising that their child will be late. Students will be issued with a late slip for entry into class.

2021 SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The State Government through the Western Australian Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs. Parents/guardians must apply for the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) each school year (annually) – applications do not carry forward to future years. To be eligible for the allowance the parent/guardian must hold a Services Australia (Centrelink) or Veterans’ Affairs card that represents a statement of income for the family.
The allowance consists of two components:
 $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.
 $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school.
Application is made by the parent or guardian for student/s enrolled in Years 7–12 studying a full-time secondary course at a Western Australian non government (private) school.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Parent or Guardian must hold one of the following cards:
 Centrelink Health Care Card
 Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
 Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card

PLEASE NOTE: The only Veterans’ Affairs Card that meets the criteria is a blue card that is issued each year and expires in December each year. This card is income means tested.

Further Information and application forms can be obtained from Reception.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Opening night is Wednesday 24 February, limited tickets still available.

SCHOLARSHIPS 2022

NORTHWAY UNITING CHURCH 

Sometime last year, the Beldon Uniting Church and  the Carramar Uniting Church amalgamated to form the NorthWay Uniting Church. The newly appointed Minister is Rev Dr Sonny Rajamoney. The worship services at Carramar will be held in the school auditorium, every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 10.30 – 11.30am, followed by refreshments etc. Rev Rajamoney will be in his office at the school every Wednesday from 9am. Please make an appointment before you plan to meet with him. His phone contact is 0421 332 747, and email address, minister@northwayunitingchurch.org.au

MASTERMIND

Dear Families, Parents and Carers,

Welcome to 2021! I realise you have received a lot of correspondence over recent weeks from our Principal, me and your child’s class teachers so, I will make this relatively brief focusing on a little message and some comments about scheduled events for next week.

Firstly, I am giving a devotion to staff on Friday where I am going to ask them to reflect on what they see. We can view things similarly but, can also view things quite differently. In both instances, we should harness each other’s vision. What do you see?

An old woman or a young woman?

Fish or birds?

In these ever-changing times we must seek to see the positive. Like Captain Sir Tom Moore, recently deceased at 100 years of age, would repeatedly say: “Today is a good day, it has its ups and downs but, it is a good day and tomorrow will be a better day”.

While in the above landscape, we may see a jagged, harsh formation, eroding and attempting not to crumble, I encourage you to ‘see’ through the window and observe a horizon that is green, where waters flow and where the sky is clear – this is us this year! Resilient, agile and knowing that “today is a good day and tomorrow will be a better day”.

My second point is to draw your attention to events that are scheduled for next week. If current restrictions are eased over the weekend (i.e. masks and numbers in venues), I will confirm, on Sunday afternoon, the following:

Monday 15 February

6.30pm            Year 1 & 2      Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 16 February

8.30am            Year 7 – 12     House Swimming Carnival (*see below note)

6.30pm            Year 3 & 4      Parent Information Evening

6.45pm            Year 12           Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 17 February

6.30pm            Year 5 & 6      Parent Information Evening

6.45pm            Year 11           Parent Information Evening

Thursday 18 February

6.45pm           Year 10           Parent Information Evening

Friday              19 February  

10.00am          Year 4 – 12      Commissioning, Awards, 2020 90s Club & Primary Captains Assembly

*Please note: Even with the easing of restrictions, we are unable to have parents in attendance at the Swimming Carnival this year.

Thank you for your support, understanding and positive feedback to the start of 2021 and we continue to look forward to working in partnership with you to seek the best possible outcomes for our students.

Yours in Service

Mr Brett Roberts

Head of Campus, Carramar

Academic Task Force

• Term 1 – Tuition Classes for Years 11-12 and Year 7-10

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• WA’s top ATAR teachers
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