the dove issue 85

THE DOVEWinter 2013 Edition 85

Bethany Home Malaysia Tour

WACE Results & Awards 2012

30th Anniversary Ball

Ride for a Reason

Sporting Results

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Cover Photo: Isabella Dunne (Year 11) with Gail from Bethany Home Malaysia.

Editors: Keira Millin Kerry-lee Riley

Design and Layout: Kerry-lee Riley

Printer: East Perth Print 4/93 President Street Welshpool, WA 6106

Photographers: Kerry-lee Riley, Image Seven, Photo Hendricks, Urban Creations Photography and St Stephen’s School staff

Address: Duncraig (Year 3 - Year 12) 100 Doveridge Drive, Duncraig WA +618 9243 2100

Early Learning Centre (K - Year 2) 9 Brookmount Ramble, Padbury WA +618 9243 2480

Carramar (K - Year 12) 50 St Stephens Crescent, Tapping WA +618 9306 7100

[email protected] www.ststephens.wa.edu.au

A free publication produced by St Stephen’s School

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Contents

From the Principal ...................................................................................................................................................3

St Stephen’s School Tour Mornings .......................................................................................................... 4-5

WACE Results & Awards 2012 .................................................................................................................. 6-7

2012 Annual Report ..............................................................................................................................................8

The St Stephen’s Institute ...................................................................................................................................9

Changing the World ............................................................................................................................................10

30th Anniversary Ball .........................................................................................................................................11

New Building Construction .....................................................................................................................12-13

Primary Wheels Day ...........................................................................................................................................14

Ride for a Reason .................................................................................................................................................14

Year 6s Meet Colin Barnett ............................................................................................................................15

Governor McCusker Visits St Stephen’s School ..................................................................................15

Safest School ...........................................................................................................................................................16

Destined for Big Things ......................................................................................................................................17

Soaring to new Heights ....................................................................................................................................17

Duncraig and Carramar Sports Results ............................................................................................18-19

Year 10 Mural..........................................................................................................................................................20

Year 12 Perspectives ...........................................................................................................................................20

Young Ambassadors Art ...................................................................................................................................20

Carramar Arts Day ..............................................................................................................................................21

Antigone - Duncraig Year 12 Drama Production .................................................................................22

Brokenville - Carramar Year 12 Drama Production ............................................................................23

Taste of China Music Tour ................................................................................................................................24

Barbershop Big Day Out ..................................................................................................................................25

Carramar Autumn Music Concert .............................................................................................................25

Duncraig and Carramar Year 12 Ball ..................................................................................................26-27

Parent Connect......................................................................................................................................................28

30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service ....................................................................................................30

The Reptile Man Visits the ELC ....................................................................................................................30

Our Story, Our Community ...........................................................................................................................31

Alumni Events 2013 ............................................................................................................................................32

Past Student News .......................................................................................................................................32-33

St Stephen’s School Anniversary Book ....................................................................................................35

Bethany Home Malaysia ...................................................................................................................................36

Winter Edition 2013 - 3The Dove

From The Principal

Real and Meaningful Education

We sometimes hear that Perth is the most isolated city in the world, a claim that is challenged by Honolulu. Isolation is an unusual badge of honour, for it stands in stark opposition to that which is fundamental to humanity, namely community and otherness. It is little wonder, then, that when our children grow up in a city that claims to be so isolated, their desire may be to aspire to a life somewhere else, a place that is less isolated and more connected.

Contrary to political and popular belief, however, I would suggest that this claim of Perth’s isolation ought to be challenged. For starters, our particular timezone (GMT +8) is the most populated timezone in the world – there are more people awake when we are awake than at any other time in a 24 hour day. Further, Perth is the only Western city on the Indian Ocean Rim, a region that, while only a quarter of the world’s circumference, contains two-thirds of the world’s population in its timezone. Rather than being the most isolated city in the world, I believe that Perth is perhaps the most strategically placed Western city in the world.

Australia has one of the best education systems in the world, and arguably the best in the region of the Indian Ocean Rim. Perth also has more universities per head of population than any city in Australia or the Indian Ocean Rim and leads the way in many areas, including mining, agriculture and technology. If we add to these factors our social, economic and political stability together with our standard of living, Perth stands out as a leader within the region of the Indian Ocean Rim. Rather than being isolated geographically, Perth is strategically positioned geographically to contribute to one of the most educationally, economically, politically and socially diverse and growing regions of the world. As one of the largest schools in the most strategically positioned Western cities in the world, the opportunities for our graduates are significant.

However, with any position of privilege and opportunity comes great responsibility. Our students are at risk of becoming increasingly materialistic, selfish and secular. History has shown that the more introspective and selfish a country becomes, the more it is prone to moral, ethical, economic, political and social decline. However, it is when we look to the good of others that we rise beyond our own expectations and limitations and strive for and achieve excellence. It is perhaps one of the great contradictions of humanity, that when we strive for the betterment of others, we in turn become our best.

Our interest in contributing toward the betterment of others in the region of the Indian Ocean Rim is not merely altruistic, as honourable as that may be. It is simply getting back to basics of what it is to be human and to the heart of real and meaningful education. Educational philosophers such as Alasdair MacIntyre wrote plainly last century (1981) about the need for education to return to a foundational understanding of its role in teaching

human virtues. More recently (2008), Howard Gardner of Harvard University, famous for his book on multiple intelligences (1993), has proposed five minds for the future. Gardner argues that we each need to master five minds – the disciplined mind, the synthesizing mind, the creating mind, the respectful mind and the ethical mind. Gardner places the disciplined mind at the simplest level and the ethical mind at the most abstract, whereby the ethical mind “conceptualises how workers can serve purposes beyond self-interest and citizens can work unselfishly to improve the lot of all”.

Western educational systems, including Australia, have focussed predominantly on the first of these, the disciplined mind with its achievement in particular learning areas or disciplines. Indeed, we have seen Australian education become increasingly reductionistic, focussing almost exclusively on literacy and numeracy as evidenced in our preoccupation with NAPLAN and the WACE. However, while NAPLAN and the WACE are both necessary and important, they are by no means sufficient for education. Gardner challenges us as parents and educators to consider more than simply the disciplined and synthesizing mind, and strive to grow people who are creative, respectful and ethical.

At St Stephen’s School, we believe that academic achievement is important and essential for education. However, while the disciplined mind is necessary for education, it is not sufficient. Our Christian heritage together with our unique place within the Indian Ocean Rim affords us great opportunities for growing people with minds that are disciplined, synthesizing, creative, respectful and ethical.

At St Stephen’s School our expectation is that every person will strive to be their very best for the sake of others. It is not simply about a balance between achievement and service; we achieve in order to serve. Gardner’s thinking maps the connection between disciplinary achievement and ethical service. Further, to look out at God’s world and see that we can make a significant contribution fires both our motivation and our imagination. You have no doubt heard it said, “Necessity is the mother of all invention”, for it is here that we find the age-old link between need and motivation – a fundamental human characteristic. To see and experience the needs of others motivates us to be our best for them, and is the basis of much of recent educational literature on the value of service learning in schools. Some schools such as the World Leadership School have established themselves on this very philosophy.

Our interest in the region of the Indian Ocean Rim is that our graduates might be those who look beyond themselves – morally, ethically, economically and socially. This is a source of both great motivation and engagement: motivation, in that our students are empassioned to live lives of purpose; engagement, in that the Indian Ocean Rim is our home, important and relevant to who we are.

Our motto to Serve God and serve one another is not merely a platitude; it is the very heart of our philosophy of education. We do more than merely educate students, we grow people, we grow faith, and in doing so we are changing the world one mind at a time. Our students are alive in the adventure of learning, aspiring to live lives of purpose.

Tony GeorgePrincipal


Join us for Tour Day

Duncraig campus Early Learning Centre, K - 2 9 Brookmount Ramble, PadburyThursday 22 August, 2013Tour commences 9.30 am

Duncraig campus, Years 3 - 12 100 Doveridge Drive, DuncraigTuesday 20 August, 2013Tour commences 9.00 am

Carramar campus, Kindergarten - Year 12 50 St Stephens Crescent, TappingWednesday 21 August, 2013 Tour commences 9.00 am

Register at [email protected] the adventure of learning at ststephens.wa.edu.au

Information on current and future enrolment opportunities available from the School website or phone 9243 2108.

St Stephen’s School Tour Mornings


WACE RESULTS & AWARDS 2012St Stephen’s School had 17 students achieve an ATAR score of 97 or above, placing them in the country’s top 3% according to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

Outstanding Achievements for the Year 12 CohortThe St Stephen’s School community is very encouraged by the continuing achievements of our students. Our congratulations go to all our students who have achieved so well, including their families and the teachers who have encouraged and nurtured them through many years of schooling.

Nicole Parrotte (99.15) Katrina Keegan (99.05)

Tessa Neilsen (98.90) Lauren Drage (98.60)

Kooper Delacy (98.45) Dylan Pegoraro (98.15)

Ashley Roberts (98.05) Joshua Wright (98.05)

Jarrad Russell (98.05) Jessica Bartels (98.00)

Jasmine Ruscoe (97.95) Carina Roberts (97.90)

Sarah Flynne (97.80) Heather MacKay (97.55)

Jayden Kennedy (97.40) Tori Wilson (97.40)

Jonah Gannon (97.30)

The Duncraig campus median ATAR was 84.6 and the Carramar campus was 78. Excellence is something that we encourage all our students to strive for ; not merely that they might enjoy the accolades of others, but that they might in turn be excellent for and towards others.

Certificates of DistinctionAwarded to the top 0.5 % of students in a WACE course.

Tori Wilson – EnglishJessica Bartels – Physical Education Studies

Certificates of CommendationAwarded to students who obtained at least 20 ‘A’ grades in their course units.

Lauren Drage Katrina Keegan Heather Mackay Tessa Neilsen Nicole Parrotte Ashley Roberts Carina Roberts Jasmine Ruscoe

Vocational Education & TrainingThe percentage of students undertaking one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications was 33%. The total number of VET qualifications attained in 2012 was 326. (Note: Some students achieved multiple qualifications.)

Year 12 ProfileNicole Parrotte, St Stephen’s top student achieved an ATAR score of 99.15 and a Certificate of Commendation for attaining 20 A’s in Year 11 and 12.

Nicole who was also the Dux of the School placed in the top 1% of all Western Australian graduating students, and plans to follow a career path in risk management and Actuarial Science at Curtin University.

Student Destinations

• 76.51% are enrolled at University

• 13.25% are enrolled at TAFE

• 6.62% have deferred study to work or travel, including one student on exchange.

CareersAdvice to students is provided regularly during Years 10, 11 and 12 on careers, post-school education and development and tertiary application procedures. Information is also shared on other opportunities including scholarships, exchange, employment and training opportunities as well as interstate and overseas university opportunities.

The Careers Advisors, together with Vocational Education & Training Coordinators and House Deans, work together with the Deputy Head for Curriculum to support students with their careers pathway.

School Income broken down by Funding Source

Commonwealth Grants 35%

State Grants 17%

Tuition Fees 44%

Application and Enrolment 1%

Other Income3%


2012 ANNUAL REPORTStudent NumbersSt Stephen’s School is one of the largest schools in Australia and one of the largest school providers of Vocational Education and Training (VET). Student numbers as at the August 2012 census date were 2615, combining our Duncraig and Carramar campuses.

Staff NumbersIn 2012, there were 308 staff involved in student learning. This included executive staff, teachers, specialist teachers and assistants (including those who are part-time and have dual roles).

70% of our teachers have reached Step 14, the highest level in teaching that is reached after 8 years of teaching experience. Our total number of staff was 405, which includes Administration and Ancillary staff.

National Plan for School ImprovementWhile governments have predominantly focussed their attention on curriculum (National Curriculum, NAPLAN) and funding issues (Gonski Review) over recent years, neither of these has been shown to significantly improve educational outcomes. The educational literature consistently indicates that it is the quality of teaching and learning that makes the difference. Consequently, it is encouraging to see some efforts being explored by government to encourage the improvement of teaching and learning. Of particular note is the National Plan for School Improvement which focuses on five key areas: quality teaching; quality learning; empowered school leadership; meeting student needs; and, transparency and accountability. Throughout 2012, St Stephen’s School has performed well, and continues to improve, in each of these areas.

Quality TeachingThe development and implementation of the St Stephen’s Institute has been a significant development in the School’s commitment to Quality Teaching as evidenced in more than a doubling of expenditure on professional development, the establishment of Leadership and Staff Development Conferences of an international standard, the establishment of cadetships for newly trained teachers, wellness coaching, and research and development initiatives throughout the School.

Quality LearningThe commitment to quality learning and its improvement has been evident in the successful implementation and rollout of the School’s Many2One technology program and the development and provision of online resources and facilities throughout the School including the Collinson Library. The School has also sought to develop and introduce flexible learning environments, both within and beyond the classroom environment.

Empowered School LeadershipThe School’s commitment to developing an understanding and practice of distributed leadership has served to empower School Leadership through to department levels in the School. Departments have become more responsible for the development and management of budgets together with a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning practice. The development and implementation of Triennial Planning, together with a detailed and comprehensive Strategic Plan, has enabled every leader to effect decisions that are aligned with the School’s direction and purpose.

Meeting Student NeedsWhile government has tended to focus on funding as the key to meeting student needs, St Stephen’s School has re-established its focus on leadership in differentiated teaching and learning in every classroom. The School is continuing to develop and implement a school-wide commitment to and practice of learning enrichment for all students.

Transparency and AccountabilitySt Stephen’s School is a large school with more than 3,000 staff and students, and consequently the effective use of technology is important in ensuring timely and effective communication that facilitates transparency and accountability. The School’s introduction of a new website, online reporting and Knowledge Management System are important steps towards improving the School’s communication.

2013 and BeyondAs St Stephen’s School enjoys its 30th Anniversary in 2013, the School has been formally recognised as one of the safest schools in Australia and, in looking to the future, continues its development and implementation of a school-wide Master Plan and its exploration of educational partnerships and opportunities in the region of the Indian Ocean Rim.


At St Stephen’s School “we grow people”. Our focus is on improving teaching and learning in an environment that encourages all students and staff to thrive and flourish in what they do, how they learn and who they are.

Recently our leadership group and our whole School staff were engaged in a range of professional learning opportunities at our annual LeaderCon and StaffCon events, organised by the St Stephen’s Institute. Both events attracted international and national speakers who challenged and stimulated staff in their thinking of what an innovative, creative and socially aware 21st century school looks like and how the navigation of space, place and on-demand information lead to better teaching and learning outcomes. Our speakers spoke about “learning landscapes” and what this meant to a school community.

Our landscapes relate to our individual spaces, our collective spaces, the spaces in our class rooms, the spaces that we share with our community, the virtual spaces we inhabit through social media and online learning and to understand that each person’s “learning landscape” is determined by the values and vision that we are aligned with.

Andrew Douch, a leading education consultant and teacher with 22 years experience, enthralled us at both LeaderCon and StaffCon as he presented engaging, informative and inspiring ideas on how we can better use technology to transform classrooms and learning opportunities. His message is simple - we need to re-think 20th century paradigms and understand that the world of instantaneous information has forever changed the learning landscapes of the digital native student as we have at St Stephen’s School.

Professor Celia Hammond, Vice Chancellor at Notre Dame University, questioned what the landscape of the 21st century leader is and how we inspire our communities to thrive in a positive and active manner despite the often negative messages that bombard educators.

Erika Jacobson and Jen George provoked us to go beyond our boundaries when considering how we use space to

communicate. Erika is an experienced trainer and facilitator in community development who is undertaking a PhD in authentic transformation. Her demonstration of the ways in which non-verbal communication enhances or damages learning was pivotal for many staff, as they applied many of the theories surrounding this area of study to their classes and students. Jen is a leading Environmental Planner and Landscape Architect who made us question how we use space to teach and how community spaces, if not thought through, can actually inhibit collaboration and learning. Peter Lippman, Associate Director at EIW Architects and a university lecturer, reminded us that learning environments and landscapes need to be interrogated if we are to truly engage students in their own learning.

Gretchen Lumsden and staff members Brian Plowman, Liz Criddle and Alex Wakefield spoke to us on the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and how this cascades in the ways in which we relate to one another. Emeritus Professor Bob Conway consolidated the idea that teaching and learning is about including all students in the educational landscape and finally Michael Jensen, Senior Associate at Lavan Legal, demonstrated that it is through authentic conversations that change can take place. His role playing scenarios at LeaderCon were a highlight for all who attended.

We hope that through the stories of LeaderCon and StaffCon, you are able to walk with us through the spaces that make St Stephen’s the School that it is; a Christian community inspiring learning that transforms and empowers lives.

Donella Beare,Director of the St Stephen’s Institute

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30th Anniversary Ball - Raising Funds for Bethany Home

The Anniversary Ball, supported by 250 guests including Principal Tony George, Chair of Council Michael van Drunen, local City of Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard, past Principal Glenda Parkin, Council members and a number of staff, parents and alumni was not only a big celebration for our School, but also provided a wonderful opportunity to donate proceeds to Bethany Home as part of our Change the World program.

As a School we have raised more than $12,000 for Bethany Home in Malaysia through the efforts of the 30th Anniversary Ball and events coordinated and supported by our primary and secondary students this year. Funds raised as part of the School’s Change the World program will help support Bethany Home’s educational program, provide iPads in classrooms, and support the development of sporting facilities at Bethany Home in Malaysia.

Our Change the World program connects and supports educational communities of the Indian Ocean Rim where students may be socially, financially or physically disadvantaged, and in need of a better quality of education. The Indian Ocean Rim is significant in that while only taking up a quarter of the world’s circumference, its time zones include two thirds of the world’s population. Perth is the only Western city on the Indian Ocean Rim, and St Stephen’s School as the largest independent school in Western Australia is well placed to offer support, encouragement and development in strengthening Christian educational communities throughout the Indian Ocean Rim.

There is still the opportunity to support Bethany Home by donation through our Change the World program. Please visit our website for further information.

Bethany Home Tour 2013

In July, two groups of staff and students left St Stephen’s School and travelled to Malaysia to work with, and assist, the staff and students of Bethany Home.

Bethany Home is a Christian organisation that provides children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to receive an academic education, experience a sense of community, receive therapy and achieve life skills. Bethany relies on donations and volunteers from around the world to support and maintain their programs.

The first St Stephen’s group that visited Bethany was an educational team consisting of Mrs Darnelle Pretorius (Head of Primary) Mrs Celeste de Villiers (Learning Enrichment Teacher) and Mrs Jenny Mallis (Technology Integrator).

Due in large part to the generosity of our School community, the team were able to take a gift of 10 iPads complete with apps in bright colourful cases. Introducing these iPads into this environment will enable the students of Bethany to experience the auditory and visual stimulation that only these mobile devices can provide. The ease of use will ensure the students will have the opportunity to enhance their learning and the potential to experience the world in the palm of their hands. The St Stephen’s staff trained the Bethany staff and students to use the iPads and to set up procedures that will enable these devices to be sustained, built upon and added to once we returned home.

The School also supplied Bethany with teaching staff, who will provide training, and ready made resources to support and enhance the teaching of literacy and numeracy. The team took many resources with them to be used in the classrooms, to reinforce the teaching and learning of foundation building, phonological awareness skills and mathematical concepts.

Our second St Stephen’s group arrived in Malaysia a few days later and consisted of a team of teachers and ten Year 11 students from both campuses, who volunteered their time to support and assist the Bethany staff in the care, teaching and upkeep of the wonderful children, and young adults.

The relationship that has been built between St Stephen’s School and Bethany Home represents a unique collaborative opportunity.

The WorldChanging

30th Anniversary

Ball


Summer Edition 2012 - 12The Dove

New

Building Construction

CREATIVELearning SpacesInnovativeModern DesignsARCHITECTURE

NatureAdventurous Learning

TechnologyVISION

Kindergarten Opening at Carramar campus

St Stephen’s School Carramar officially opened its new Kindergarten building on Friday 22 March.

The School’s 56 Kindergarten students have been enjoying the wonderful new facilities from the start of the school year. Play-based learning is an important element at St Stephen’s School and the design of the nature playground and environment of the Kindergarten have been built to provide an adventurous learning experience that allows children to develop and grow while having fun.

Kindergarten to Year 2 students and their families celebrated together at the official Opening Ceremony which included worship, followed by the official opening by Tracey Roberts, Mayor of Wanneroo, in the gardens of the Kindergarten.

Each Kindergarten student creatively painted, coloured and glittered their own butterfly design, which were then collated, framed and unveiled at the Opening.


The Refurbished Collinson Library at Duncraig campus

The Secondary Library renovations and additions were completed in time for students for the start of Term 3, 2013. The Library has been designed as a dynamic learning area which supports the use of traditional resources such as books, as well as a place that supports all new and emerging learning technologies. The Library now has many bright colours and ideas to provide a vibrant, exciting and flexible area for students. It is both a physical and virtual space and students have many “break out” areas for independent learning, small group discussions, research classes and the traditional quiet spaces for study or reading. Wi-Fi is available both inside and outside on our large deck areas so that flexible learning can happen anywhere. The open plan design makes it a place where teachers can demonstrate the very best teaching and learning practices and others can observe excellence in action. Many of our resources are now available online through our Library website and Library catalogue so we are open 24/7, 365 days a year.


Primary Wheels DayThe first Primary School Wheels Day fundraiser was held in Term 2, a concept developed by Year 6 Captain Joshua Morris-Parmer. The concept was discussed in the Primary Captains meetings (held each week) and students decided that all funds raised would go to the three Dalit Children under the Operation Mercy India Foundation. The Captains thought it would be a great opportunity to serve others as well as encourage students to be active.

For a gold coin donation, Kindergarten to Year 6 students were invited to participate by bringing their choice of ‘wheels’ to school to ride or play with during recess and lunch. Wheels included bicycles, scooters, roller blades and remote control cars. It was a buzz of excitement around the Primary School grounds as students could be seen scooting across the footpaths or whizzing around the School on bikes.

A total of $398.35 was raised thanks to the efforts of students, staff and parents.

Sarah Kent, (Class of 2007, Carramar) World Champion Cyclist, together with her father led a journey across Africa in May this year to raise funds and awareness for the World Bicycle Relief program (WBR). WBR is a non-profit organisation that transforms impoverished individuals and their communities through the Power of Bicycles. Their aim is to provide bikes as transport so that people can access healthcare, education, and increase their economic opportunities, which all lead to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Sarah successfully completed the trip with her father, riding 1500 kms through Africa making memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Sarah wrote on her blog, “Mission accomplished: To ride from Victoria Falls to the shores of Lake Malawi in support of World Bicycle Relief targeting 100 Buffalo bikes for school children, but not stopping there. Never stopping there. The power of a bicycle in the hands of school children, Volunteer HIV/Aids workers, farmers and local entrepreneurs is too valuable to ever stop helping.”

To raise funds to assist them on their mission, St Stephen’s School held the first annual Ride for a Reason on 15 March, open to all students in Years 5 - 12. The ride catered for all fitness levels with 9 km, 16 km and 32 km routes and included 160 students, 25 parents and 30 staff who raised an amazing $2610. This allowed WBR to buy an additional 20 bicycles to donate to African communities.

For more information about WBRP and Sarah’s journey or to get involved, visit her blog at http://projectafricaride.tumblr.com/.

Ride For A Reason“THE JOURNEY is aimed at creating a ‘ripple effect’, to educate others and inspire them to initiate action. It only takes one person to do something, and it can spread like wildfire.” - Sarah Kent

Mr Brian Plowman and students participating in the Ride for a Reason.

Year 6s Meet Colin BarnettOn Tuesday 19 March, Year 6SB ventured off to Parliament House to consolidate and enrich their learning on the topic ‘Government’. Their visit coincided with a non sitting day, which meant that they were able to participate in a role play debate on the topic ‘Drugs in Sport’ in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Students learnt about the history of some of the people in Parliament, and had an added bonus of meeting Mr Colin Barnett as he arrived at Parliament House.

Governor McCusker visits St Stephen’s SchoolOn 12 April our Duncraig Primary staff and students were privileged to be visited by His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, Governor of Western Australia, together with Mrs McCusker and their daughter Mary.

Our Principal, Mr George, along with the Head of Primary at Duncraig, Mrs Benson and our Deputy Heads of Primary, Mr Philpott and Mrs Gray, welcomed the guests at the Early Learning Centre where they joined staff and students for an assembly conducted by Pre-Primary students. After an enjoyable visit which included a tour of the ELC, the party visited our Duncraig campus where they joined the Year 6 Captains and primary staff for morning tea.

At both venues Mrs McCusker spoke to the students about their recently launched Kids Who Give WA program which strongly aligns with the hopes and aspirations of our School’s Change the World program by encouraging young people to strive to be excellent for the sake of others. Both programs aim to raise young people’s understanding of the importance of ‘giving back’ to the community.

The Kids Who Give program aims to inspire acts of care, kindness and giving by children. The program has been designed to encourage and nurture the social conscience of young people aged 12 and under, celebrating and rewarding outstanding acts of care, kindness and giving by young West Australians. Mr and Mrs McCusker hope that by encouraging young people to develop ‘giving projects’, young West Australians will be imbued with a philosophy of giving that will last them a lifetime.#

Our Change the World program has been established to meet the need for children to grow up in an environment where they are encouraged to achieve excellence for the sake of serving others. Giving to others is paramount to their development and growth as people, and lies at the very heart of our School culture.

At both venues the students listened attentively as Mr McCusker described the role of a Governor and answered questions. It was wonderful for the Governor and Mrs McCusker to take an interest in St Stephen’s School and we look forward to working together to change the world for the better.

# Reference: The Weekend West, Saturday 2 February 2013, Tonya McCusker



Safest School“The contribution the School is making towards education in Australia through providing a safe school has been a sustained characteristic of the School over its 30 years. While we are one of the largest schools in Western Australia we are also one of the safest schools,” - Mr Tony George

St Stephen’s School has been recognised as one the safest schools in the country.

As part of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, School Education Minister Peter Garrett invited schools across the nation to highlight what they are doing to make their school a safe and supportive place in which bullying, violence, harassment and discrimination are prevented.

St Stephen’s Principal Tony George praised the efforts of staff and students for this initiative, commenting that it is the people who make a school and St Stephen’s School has long been recognised for the quality of its people. This recognition follows on from the School’s Mind Matters National Award in 2012 for the development of the website www.bullyssstoppers.com.

While St Stephen’s School has been implementing these safe school programs right across its campuses, this award recognises the efforts of the Duncraig Secondary campus. The CyberPlus program, implemented by Year 10 student cyber leaders and staff, covers a range of initiatives including peer-support and mentoring and a cyber disco.

The School is continuing to seek ways of improving and as such has launched the St Stephen’s Institute, a research and development centre of the School, which includes a Director of Wellbeing to promote health and wellness among staff and students across all of its campuses.

Ms Leeanne Shanks, one of a team of staff members involved in the CyberPlus program said the School was using a two prong integrated approach across the Secondary School. At the Year 10 level, cyber leaders have been involved in disseminating information

at assemblies for the entire Secondary School, Year 9s have been involved in the Rite Journey program, and the Year 7 Health program has been developed to support education with practical assessments. One of these assessments included the making of a movie about ‘not being a bystander’ where students developed bullying scenarios and ways to combat bullying. In addition to this program, the cyber disco and mural initiative where each student pledges they are not going to be bystanders of bullying has been the primary focus of the program. “Our focus is on the bystander as it has been proven to be more productive and more empowering,” Ms Shanks said.

The National Safe Schools Framework is recognised as the first of its kind in the world and offers guiding principles that can help school communities develop positive and practical student safety and wellbeing policies. “Everyone has a role to play in keeping our schools safe and these schools are leading the way in showing the wider community what it means to stand together against bullying and violence,” Mr Garrett said.

Dr Glenn Chinen and Ms Leeanne Shanks with student cyber leaders.


Destined for Big Things“You get the feeling 15-year old schoolboy Damian Fyfe is destined for big things”

- Bridget Lacy, The West Australian (9 April 2013).

Damian Fyfe juggles study as a Year 11 student at St Stephen’s School Duncraig, trains nine times a week with the WAIS high performance squad and speaks with maturity beyond his years.

In April 2012 Damian became the National Champion for 400m freestyle and won the 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly events for his age group at the Australian Age Championships. In January this year, he was the sole WA representative at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival held in Sydney, where he won gold in the 4 x 200m freestyle team relay, and broke the Youth Olympic Festival record.

Fyfe is one of WA’s best young swimmers. The West Coast Swimming Club member got serious about the sport four years ago, with dreams of the Olympics. “I would really hope so but I have just got to stay focused and keep looking at present goals,” He said.

Breaking the 400m freestyle record in his age group was a huge accomplishment for Damian who competed with an outstanding time of 3:58:65. Damian also took out the bronze medal in the under 16 years age group for the 4 x 100m freestyle relay event. The records he broke at National Age Championships were WA state records for all events except the 100m butterfly. Damian’s other results from the Australian Age Championships 2013:

Boys 15 200m Backstroke – Silver (2:02:68)Boys 16 and U 4 x 100m Medley – Gold (Backstroke leg – 58:09)Boys 15 200m Butterfly – Silver (2:02:14)Boys 15 400m Freestyle – Gold (3:58:65)Boys 15 100m Backstroke – Silver (57:63)

Damian, as part of the Australian Youth Team has also been selected to participate in the Japanese Junior Olympic Cup to be held in Tokyo this month.

As a School, we are extremely proud of Damian’s outstanding results, his passion and dedication for the sport, and for representing the School proudly.

Soaring to New HeightsAbbie Watts (Year 11) has a passion for the unique sport of Trampoline and with achieving wonderful results at National and International competitions has a promising future ahead.

Trampoline is a sport that requires core stability, spacial awareness, physical strength and mental awareness. Abbie has excelled at this sport, working extremely hard to meet the demands of School whilst competing at a National level.

Her achievements are outstanding and include;

• Representing Australia at the Australian Youth Olympics Festival in Sydney where Abbie was also named captain for Trampoline at this event - a wonderful achievement and honour.

• At the recent Australian Gymnastics Championships held in Queensland, Abbie became a Triple National Champion. She won the following titles: 2013 Junior National Champion, 2013 U17 National Champion 2013 U17 National Synchronised Champion, 2nd JNR Women’s Synchronised Trampoline and 4th JNR/SNR Team Final.

• Abbie has qualified for the Australian team for the World Age Championships 2013 in Bulgaria and is awaiting selection as this article goes to print.

Abbie featured in an interview about the Australian Olympic Festival where she talked about ‘trying to do her best’, ‘enjoying the competition’ and in the ‘long run for the Olympics.’ Her dedication and enthusiasm to do her best is evident in her chosen sport and is also acknowledged by the staff at St Stephen’s School. She has contributed positively to School sport and is a wonderful role model. We are very proud to share her journey and congratulate her on her success.


Duncraig Sports ResultsACC Interschool Swimming Carnival(A Division)Fifth Place

House Swimming CarnivalFirst: Carana HouseSecond: Alethea HouseThird: Timae House

House Cross CountryFirst: Timae HouseSecond: Alethea HouseThird: Carana House

Phoebe Russell (Year 7) was selected in the State Cross Country and will be travelling to Tasmania to represent WA later this year.


Carramar Sports ResultsACC Interschool Swimming Carnival

(B Division)Fifth Place

House Swimming CarnivalFirst: Makaria House

Second: Charis HouseThird: Parresia House

House Cross CountryFirst: Charis House

Second: Parresia HouseThird: Makaria House

Joseph Guest-Knight (Year 8) was selected in the State Cross

Country and will be travelling to Tasmania to represent WA later

this year.


Young Ambassadors Art

Year 10 MuralEarly this year, Goodstart Learning Childcare Centre in Tapping approached the Art Department at Carramar about the possibility of painting a mural on a three panel wall in their outdoor play area, with hopes of creating a beautiful art piece to further enhance the stimulating, fun and adventurous atmosphere.

The Year 10 Art Major class were very excited to take on this community project. The students got to work developing individual plans and designed ideas based on nursery rhymes, fairy tales and childrens stories. Each student completed a design and the children and parents of the childcare centre voted for their favourite. The winning entry, by Gabriella Romano, was based on Alice in Wonderland. The project took the whole Semester to complete, and all students were able to contribute.

The students greatly benefited from the experience, which not only allowed them to improve their knowledge and skills of painting, techniques such as edging, creating depth and form, and mixing colours, but also provided them with the opportunity to work as a team and contribute to the community.

Year 12 PerspectivesEach year a small number of the very best WACE students in Dance, Drama and Music are invited to perform in Perspectives at His Majesty’s Theatre.

This year two of our past Music students, Crystal Haig and Tim Newhouse from the Class of 2012, were invited to perform.

Crystal studied Voice in the Music Theatre genre and Tim studied Jazz Saxophone. We are very proud of their dedication to their chosen field of performance and their outstanding performances both in their practical WACE examinations and on stage at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Hannah Schultz and Tabitha Fong (Class of 2012, Duncraig) were honoured with the opportunity to be Perth Festival Young Ambassadors for 2013. The students, who were part of a group of ambassadors, gained valuable experience by going behind the scenes at the 2013 Perth Festival, exploring the amazing work of local and international arts professionals. They shared their experience with the public via their own blog on the Young Ambassadors page at 2013.perthfestival.com.au/Learning/Young-Ambassadors.

“Being a Young Ambassador is exciting because I will have the opportunity to see behind the scenes of Visual Art exhibitions and artworks and appreciate the production process that I otherwise take for granted,” Hannah said.

Tabitha wrote, “I am just a Perthian who is super excited to see where Perth and the arts will go in the future. Being a Young Ambassador is a great opportunity to meet some awesome people, see some amazing things and get inspired.”

Congratulations to both students on being selected to be Young Ambassadors!


Carramar Arts Day

AntigoneDuncraig Year 12 Drama Production


BrokenvilleCarramar Year 12 Drama Production



At 4.30 am on a cold, wintery morning, 53 members of the China Music tour from the Duncraig campus met at the Perth International Airport, eager to depart for Beijing for the Tutti International Youth Music Festival. From the outset, our students were amazing. They checked in their instruments and luggage so efficiently and after a group photo headed upstairs for a final farewell. After a small transit in Singapore it was a six hour flight to Beijing. Arriving at 12.00 am, it had been a long day!

The theme of very little sleep and a great deal of activity was repeated throughout our ten day tour. Highlights included performing with world-class musicians in master classes and formal concert evenings, meeting and making new friends from across the world including South Africa and Queensland, seeing some of the most significant sights in the world such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and The Great Wall of China, eating Chinese food every day, bartering at the markets and, most importantly, working on our own skills as musicians.

We were delighted to have several parents and family members support us on their own tour and to have our Principal, Tony George and his wife, Jen, join us for our final concert at the Beijing Conservatorium. Thank you to three of our alumni who travelled as mentors. Our students were incredible ambassadors for our School and for Australia in general and we felt very proud to be their teachers.

Andrea Stimson, Marion Jamison, André Bourgault, Jeanette Teh and Rebecca Thorne,Music Staff

Taste of China Music Tour

Barbershop Big Day OutSt Stephen’s School Duncraig hosted this year’s Barbershop Big Day Out. Singers from schools all over Perth came and spent the day singing, performing and learning more about the skills and artform of Barbershop singing.

Our male barbershop chorus is now preparing to compete in the National Convention of Barbershop Harmony Australia, which will be held in the Perth Convention Centre in October. This will be an exciting challenge involving barbershoppers from all over Australia.

Carramar Autumn Music Concert


BallEthan de Rosa and Emily Rose

Cary Rowsell and Sean RussellSarah Gerber and Matthew Passmore



Komala Ravendran and Stephen AdkinJasmine Johnson and Madeleine Miller

Ryan Carter and Natasha Gilford Jason Best and Megan Wheelwright


Growing people, growing faith

Connecting parents and the community through social activities and school events

Visit the School website for current news and events

parent Connect

Parents & Friends of St Stephen’s School

St Stephen’s School

P N TNA NTR ECE CO



In May, Year 1 students had a wonderful learning experience with Reptiles and Amphibians. The Science topic was ‘animal coverings and habitats’, and students had a wonderful time learning about these creatures from an Animal Ark incursion.

The children held snakes, felt the skin of frogs and lizards and used magnifying glasses for an up close look at their skin. They also constructed reptile boxes and wrote factual explanations on their choice of reptile. It was such a delight for students to have first hand learning experience with fascinating creatures.

The Reptile Man Visits the ELC

The Reptile Man VisitI liked the frog because it was friends with me and I also liked it because it made my hands wet. I liked the snake because it felt weird when it was around my neck. I really really really loved it when the Reptile Man came and I will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever forget this wonderful day. It was great!Ella Popham,Year 1M

30th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Celebration Service

The first key event of our 30th year celebrations kicked off in March at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more than 1800 parents, staff and students in attendance. The Thanksgiving and Celebration Service acknowledged the Schools’ past, present and future and included a showcase of student performances in choir, band, drama and dance. It also included alumni guest speakers and an alumni band especially formed for the event. Short feature films were presented and more than 15 staff were acknowledged for 10, 20 and 30 years of service to the School.


Homeroom Connect has become an integral part of Carramar’s Secondary School Homeroom program. Every week senior students lead Homeroom activities based on a specific theme. These young leaders have a program to follow which enables every student in the House to experience the same activities. Every leader has an opportunity to personalise the program and deliver it using their leadership and interpersonal skills.

In Term 2 Makaria based their program on the concept of “community”, one of our School’s core values. Mr Batten addressed the House and shared his personal experience of how an entire community came together to help him find his lost dog. From this experience, students went on to find other examples of communities getting together to help each other and the importance of giving and being there for one another.

As a Christian school, we value the message the Bible brings us and how this message is practised in our daily life. Senior students shared the following Bible verses and discussed with their groups how this message applied to us, as a community.

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

This session generated some very interesting discussions, and we decided to create our own “Makaria Community 2013 Dragon”. Each Homeroom was given a part of the dragon (our very own House mascot!) and was asked to decorate it using their creativity. The final product was an amazing reflection of how we, as a community, can have many members coming together with different gifts and becoming part of one.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all students and staff who have made our community experience a very memorable one and encourage all St Stephen’s students to embrace the community journey. St Stephen’s School is a wonderful Christian community with exceptional values and all members have a crucial role to play in ensuring that these values are nurtured on a daily basis.

Madame Pilote

Dean of Makaria

Our story, our community


Alum

ni Events 2013

FRIENDSGood MemoriesLaughterCelebratingCATCHING UPNight OutFamiliar Faces

Past Student NewsAmy Hatton (Nee Westwood) – (Class of 2005, Carramar)

Amy married Mark Hatton at a surprise wedding ceremony on 22 June 2013 at Mindarie Marina. The couple invited their family and friends to what guests thought was their engagement celebration, but were surprised when Mark and Amy made a quick outfit change and had a celebrant marry them instead! The newlyweds then enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon in Pemberton.

Amy currently works for the WA Police as an auxiliary officer and has now become step mum to Marks daughter, Marlee (pictured below).

Alex Williams (Class of 2008, Duncraig)

Alex featured in the last Dove Magazine but we thought we would share some more wonderful news about this up and coming actor. Alex was recently nominated for a Logie award in the Best New Talent category for his portrayal of Julian Assange in The Julian Assange Story. While Alex did not win the award, his nomination was recognition of his achievement and talent. Congratulations Alex.

Alumni Committee Meeting

Tuesday 29 October5.00 pm – 6.00 pmBoardroom, Duncraig campusRegistration requiredPlease email [email protected]

Class of 2003, St Stephen’s School Duncraig

10 Year ReunionSaturday 30 November 20138.00 pm - 12.00 midnightSt Stephen’s School Administration Foyer100 Doveridge Drive, DuncraigVisit the School website to purchase your ticket and for further details.


15 Year Sundowner Reunion Saturday 26 October 2013The Breakwater (Reid’s Lounge, upstairs)3.00 pm – 6.00 pmVisit the School website to purchase your ticket and for further details.


20 Year ReunionSaturday 23 November 2013The Carine (Function Room)493 Beach Road, Duncraig7.30 pm – 12.00 midnight.Visit the School website to purchase your ticket and for further details.



Melinda Dempsey (Class of 1990, Duncraig)

Once or twice a year, the girls from the Class of 1990 get together and catch up for a meal. “Even though we all have separate and busy lives we do share a special bond and have so many laughs and good times when we get together. It never seems like 23 years have passed since we left high school! There are 22 children between us, ranging from newborn to 16 years of age and our professions are also diverse from being a teacher, singer, lawyer, police officer, working in insurance and business owners.

We would love for any of the other girls from our year group to join us. It is quite special to still be in each others lives after all this time,” writes Melinda.

Please contact [email protected] with a request to be put in touch with peers from your class, or join the Alumni networks on social media.

Peta Santoro (Class of 1998, Duncraig)

After finishing her law degree in 2006 at the University of Western Australia, Peta worked her way up to the position of Assistant Parliamentary Counsel. Today, Peta drafts the laws for the State of Western Australia with a small group of 15 other lawyers. This is a wonderful achievement as the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office only recruit one new drafter every few years from a highly competitive pool of applicants.

Peta also launched her own photography business earlier this year, Peta Joy Photography.

“I do a small number of paid jobs, but my main objective is to donate photography services to a charitable foundation, The Esther Foundation. I am extremely proud to be affiliated with this amazing organisation that helps young women and girls recover from abuse and addiction.” writes Peta.

Visit Peta’s facebook page to find out more about her work with the Esther Foundation at https://www.facebook.com/PetaJoyPhotography.

Interested in attending alumni events and reunions?

Please update your details at www.ststephens.wa.edu.au/alumni

Send us your news at [email protected]

Join the Alumni Facebook network and Linked In Group

Search ‘St Stephen’s School Alumni Connect’

(Maiden) names L-R: Sarah Lamb, Jenny Teede, Johanna Edwards, Melinda Jones, Val Boggs, Claire Michell, Lia Wearne, Lis Kelly, Kristine Honner, Taryn Richards.


This year, St Stephen’s School proudly celebrates its 30th Anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the School will launch a commemorative publication of the School’s history.

Titled Staying True: A History of St Stephen’s School, this elegantly presented keepsake publication will celebrate the people of St Stephen’s School. It will feature around 250 pages in a quality, hard-cover publication.

Anecdotes and more than 600 photographs supplement the narrative to provide an accurate, insightful and engaging retrospect which chronicles the history of the School and key personalities and events from the first 30 years.

The book has been researched and written by Dr Phil Ridden, and endorsed by Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Bolton AO, Western Australia’s premier historian. A number of past and present students, staff and Council members have contributed to the book.

Limited numbers of this publication will be printed. Please contact Keira Millin via email at [email protected] or on 9243 2446 to place your pre-order. Staying True: A History of St Stephen’s School is on sale now for $50 + GST.

St Stephen’s School 30th Anniversary Book


Bethany Home Malaysia

Changing the world, one mind at a time

the dove issue 85

Documents

st stephens crescent

st stephens institute

duncraig year

stephens school tour

duncraig wa

padbury wa

kerrylee rileyprinter

isabella dunne year