Assistant Principal Students

Working in Partnership

 Welcome back to another great year ahead of working with parents, students and staff in unison. I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our college family's new and returning members. As the Assistant Principal of Students, I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of support, compassion, and holistic growth for each community member. 

This year marks a significant milestone for me personally, here at St Stephen’s, as I embark on my 10th year as a staff member at our college. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of education, the crucial alignment between pastoral care and academia, and the profound impact it has on the lives of our students and staff. I have felt honoured and blessed to work at such an outstanding school with fantastic students, staff and parents.  I look forward to seeing what this year brings as we continue to work together.

At the core of our approach to pastoral care is the importance of restorative practices. 

 These practices are grounded in the belief that when harm occurs, it is an opportunity for healing, growth, and building stronger, more resilient relationships.  By prioritising empathy, accountability, and community building, we can create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.  We are now in the third year of our partnership with Real Schools. They support and resource us to develop our College’s behaviour management process and provide practical tips and tools via professional learning days and online resources. In term two, our consultant, Cassie Katani, will run a parent session again. Furthermore, as part of our partnership, our community has access to all the resources.  Head to the Member Login tab at www.realschools.com.au and use the following login/password. 

Username: ststephenscc 

Password: ststephenscc 

At Stephen’s, we believe that a neat and tidy appearance reflects personal pride and contributes to a positive learning environment for our students. Our uniform and grooming guidelines have been modified this year to keep up with current changes, be more inclusive and implement student feedback. For more details, please check out our college website or your child’s student record book. We kindly request your support in ensuring your child adheres to our guidelines. 

Some uniform and grooming expectation reminders:

• Navy blue College hat
   
• Hairstyles to be compatible with the uniform
  • Natural single hair colour
  • Conservative haircut 
  • Hair that touches the collar must be restrained (female students)
     
• Skirt length (knee length)
   
• College sports shorts (appropriate fit and mid-thigh in length) 
   
• Female shorts may be worn any term.
   
• Year 10 to 12 female students must wear formal skirts or navy trousers for formal events.
   
• Jewellery: 
  • two earrings permitted 
  • no rings or bracelets
  • chain must have a Christian medallion or Christian crucifix 
     
• Nail polish or fake nails are not accepted
   
• Lash extensions or make-up are not permitted.

Alternatively, please get in touch with your child’s head of house if you have any questions.

Pastoral Team - Head of House

Augustine: Ms Sonya Barnes - sbarnes2@cns.catholic.edu.au

Deacon: Mr Keith Pelka - kpelka@cns.catholic.edu.au

McAuley: Mrs Sam Malcolm - smalcolm@cns.catholic.edu.au

Muluridji: Mrs Michelle Brammer - mbrammer@cns.catholic.edu.au

As we embark on this new academic year, I am optimistic and excited about the journey ahead. Together, let us embrace the opportunity to cultivate well-being in all its forms – physical, emotional, social, and academic. Whether through mindfulness practices, community-building initiatives, or fostering a culture of open communication, we will continue to prioritise the pastoral care of our entire college community. Together, we will continue to nurture a supportive and inclusive environment where all can thrive.

Kind regards,

Jayarani Salerno

jsalerno@cns.catholic.edu.au

A little more about Mrs Salerno!