Filter Content
As Term 2 draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible school community for a truly wonderful term. Your partnership, dedication, and support have been instrumental in making this a successful and enriching period for all our students.
This term, we’ve also had the important opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week. It's a time for us to learn more about the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to reflect on the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures within our school.
As we head into the holiday break, I am reminded of the words from the Gospel of Matthew: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This is a beautiful reminder that we are all deserving of rest and renewal. I pray that you all find peace and rest in the company of your loved ones during this holiday period.
To our amazing parents, thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and for being such an integral part of our school's vibrant atmosphere. We truly appreciate everything you do.
Wishing all our families a very safe, relaxing, and happy holiday break. We hope you enjoy quality time with loved ones, recharge, and make wonderful memories. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 3!
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
Last night, students in Year 6 celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with Nazareth and surrounding public school students. It was a beautiful liturgy led by Bishop Brian, Father Joe, and Fr Hung. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and support staff who supported the students through their preparation, by leading workshop sessions and assisting at the ceremony on the night. I know the students and their families appreciate the guidance and time our teachers provide them. A true example of the Holy Spirit at work in our community. Thank you!
Enjoy the break
|
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Interfaith or inter-religious – A meeting of people of differing religions in an atmosphere of mutual respect, freedom and openness in order to listen to the other, to try to understand that person’s religion, and hopefully to seek possibilities of collaboration. |
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
Grandparents Day: 25th July - SAVE THE DATE!
Invitation to Grandparents
Each Grandparent is unique and irreplaceable. As society changes, the role of grandparents changes. But some things about grandparents are constant. Join us in celebrating the gift they are in our lives!
Friday 25th July 2025
Lunch with the children 1:00 pm -1:30 pm
Liturgy at 1:40 pm under the COLA followed by Open Classrooms before dismissal
Stella Maris’ Feast Day - The Assumption 15 August
Celebrate with us the day Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Parents and caregivers are invited to share with us the following activities:
- 9 am -11 am K-6 Mass with Nazareth at All Saints (Students will travel as a school by bus)
- 12 pm -1 pm K-2 Novelty Games on the Stella Playground
- 12 pm -1 pm 3-6 Teacher Vs Year 6 Game on the Stella Playground
- 1 pm - 2 pm K-6 Lunch on the Stella Playground - Bring a picnic lunch!
- 2 pm-2:35 pm Open Classrooms K-6
- 2:50 pm Dismissal
Grade Masses at Stella Maris
Grade Masses take place at our Stella Maris Church on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Parents, grandparents, and carers are most welcome to attend. Please find below a schedule of the Masses for Term 3, 2025:
Yr 1 Week 2 - 29 July
Yr 2 Week 3 - 5 Aug
Yr 3 Week 4 - 12 Aug
Yr 4 Week 5 - 19 Aug
Yr 5 Week 6 - 26 Aug
Kinder Week 8 - 9 Sep
All Saints Catholic Parish NEWS
All Saints Church Mass Times: 19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 5.00 pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00 am & 5.00 pm
Programme for the Sacrament of Communion (Year 3 Students)
Timetable of Events after the Vigil/Sunday Masses: TBC
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au
Please always check the parent calendar for any changes or the most up to date information, as well as Compass alerts and notifications.
|
Week 1 |
|
|
Week 2 |
|
|
Week 3 |
|
|
Week 4 |
|
|
Week 5 |
|
|
Week 7 |
|
|
Week 10 |
|
Book Week 2025
This year at Stella Maris we will be combining our Book Week and Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrations for one action-packed morning of fun on Friday 22nd August (Week 5). Please see the below invitation and join us for our annual Book Week parade where students can dress as their favourite book characters or to the theme "Book an Adventure". After the parade, families will be invited into the classrooms to participate in a variety of challenging maths games with our students, followed by a picnic morning tea for recess.
Science Week
Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day
Some of our Year 6 students recently participated in a meaningful and engaging Confirmation Retreat Day in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The day began with students attending Parish Mass and reflecting on the expectations and importance of the ceremony.
Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of activities designed to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament and strengthen their relationship with the Holy Spirit. These included exploring the Apostles’ Creed, learning about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and reflecting on their chosen Saint names. They also enjoyed interactive elements like singing, praying, group games, and decorating doves for the church.
The day concluded with a large group session in the church, where students practised and prepared for the Confirmation celebration. It was a joyful and faith-filled day that brought the students closer together and supported them in their spiritual journey.
Expectations - Hair
A reminder that as we enter the holidays, it is critical that we maintain the high standard of uniform expectations, in particular hair styles and cuts. Please use the holidays to tidy hair styles and return to school in Term 3 in line with the school policy.
- Coloured hair is not permitted
- Hair cuts that do not invite comment (including mohawks, tails, mullets, etc)
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a high standard with our school uniform policy.
Key Sport Dates (Term 3):
Week 3 - Tuesday 5th - Thursday 7th August - NSWPSSA Rugby- Newcastle (Spencer T)
Week 4 - Tuesday 12th August - South Coast Athletics - Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre, Beaton Park
Week 4 - Thursday/Friday 14th & 15th August - NSW All Schools Boys Netball U12’s Championships - Sydney (Olly L, Spencer G)
Week 5 - Tuesday 19th August - Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Selection Trial - Beaton Park
Representative Sport
Rugby League
In Week 8, Spencer T proudly represented the Mackillop team at the NSW PSSA Championships, showcasing his talent and determination on the big stage. His outstanding performance has earned him a place in a 34-man squad, with the exciting opportunity to attend a training camp over the school holidays. From there, a final 17-man team will be chosen to compete at the Australian Championships in Queensland at the end of July. We are incredibly proud of Spencer and wish him all the very best as he chases this next big goal.
Rugby Union
Earlier this week, Patrick U, Spencer T, Spencer G, Olly L, and Oscar C travelled to Forbes to take part in the Mackillop Rugby Union Trials. After a strong performance, Spencer T was then selected for the Mackillop Rugby Union Team – a fantastic achievement, continuing to showcase his exceptional talent in another sporting code! Congratulations to all the boys for their outstanding representation of both our school and the Diocese. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and the way you conducted yourselves on and off the field.
Gala Days
Netball
The South Coast Netball Gala Day was held on Tuesday, the 24th of June. Students in Years 3-6 had the opportunity to play a series of friendly matches against other students within the Wollongong Diocese. This day brought together 119 teams, approx. 1190 participating students and 98 secondary student umpires. It is a great cross-section of our primary and secondary communities. It was a fun day for all students who participated with all teams demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Thank you to all the teachers and parent volunteers who assisted throughout the day. A special mention to Mrs Shelton who coordinated the day for our students.
Remaining Gala Days
These are the dates for the remaining Gala Days:
Week 6 - Term 3 - August 29th - Soccer Gala Day
Week 9 - Term 3 - 18th September - Basketball Gala Day - Juniors (Years 3 & 4)
Week 9 - Term 3 - 19th September - Basketball Gala Day - Seniors (Years 5 & 6)
TBC - Cricket (Senior, Years 5/6 only)
TBC - Oz Tag
Just a reminder that the Soccer, Basketball, and Cricket Gala Day has a small charge per team which is spread across the students who attend. For Soccer and Cricket, it is approximately $5 per student, and for Basketball, it is approximately $10 per student. These are payable when giving online consent. Students are also required to make their own way to and from the venues.
SPORT PATHWAY FOR MULTICLASS STUDENTS
Please view the following website for further information on Multiclass sporting opportunities.
https://csnsw.sport/students-with-disability/student-with-disabilities-links/multi-class
The Multiclass Pathway is for students with a physical or intellectual disability. Athletics, Swimming, and Cross Country provide Multiclass events and provide a pathway for students in the school system. Students will need to have a classification in order to progress through the sports pathway as a multiclass athlete. This can take some time to organise so if you are considering this option for your child, please act as soon as possible. If you have any question,s please see Mrs Sablowski.
CEODoW Website
CEODoW has released a new website. You can access this new website via the following link. To navigate to the sport section please follow the below process:
Go to the CEODoW website: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/
Click on the three lines in the yellow box at the top right hand side of the page
Click on ‘Student Experience’
Click on ‘Sport’
Click on ‘Primary Sport’
Navigate through the options
CEDOW Instagram
Don’t forget, the Sports Council at the CEO DOW has set up an Instagram account to help spread the news about sport in our Diocese. Please follow @cedow.sport to keep up to date with all the latest news and information.
School Disco - Thursday 31st July
We hope to see lots of the children there having fun on the night
If you can assist on the night, please use the Just One Thing Link
Just One Thing
We are very grateful to all who have volunteered their time already. We have lots of fun events coming up in Term 3 & 4 and would love to have as many volunteers as possible. If you are able to volunteer your time for any event please see the link below.
Upcoming Events
31st July - Disco
5th September - Father's Day Breakfast
5th September Father's Day Stall
5th December - Colour Run
We hope everyone has a lovely school holiday and we look forward to all the fun events we have coming for Term 3 & 4.
The canteen is now open from Tuesday to Friday.
The canteen menu is also on our website.
Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps
Click on Create account.
Take A Break Tuckshop advertises canteen news, specials and updates via their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/takeabreaktuckshop
