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What a wonderful year it has been! I have had the most amazing year at Stella Maris. At the beginning of the year I said how I have such fond memories of Stella as a child and that my hope for all students is that they leave Stella with the best experience possible.
With the year of learning, community, sporting and prayerful experiences we have had I can say that all children have had the opportunity to end the year with plenty of memories and life giving experiences. Thank you to all the staff who have showed compassion and care for the children and gone above and beyond all year, your time and effort is truly appreciated and does not go unnoticed.
A sincere thanks to the parent and carers who have supported us and the children to have a fabulous year. Your trust in us as a school and as a staff is not taken lightly and we appreciate all that you do to work with us for the best for all of the children.
Finally I wish you all a Merry and Holy Christmas filled with love and joy. I pray that you all have the time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas surrounded by loved ones. Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you in the new year refreshed and ready for another great year.
God Bless
Belinda
School News
Change to the Opening Mass Date
Please note there has been a change to the date and time of the Opening School Mass. It will now be celebrated on:
Tuesday 20 February 10am at All Saints
Uniform Expectations - Focus Hair Cuts
As we approach the end of year and the school holidays, many families will be looking at getting the hair cuts done before the return to school. When considering hair cuts and styles, all families are asked to follow the school uniform expectations of hair cuts and styles that do not invite comment or are outrageous. This includes no mullets, undercuts, mohawks, rats tails (or any tails), coloured braids, or coloured hair. All hair that is shoulder length must be tied back.
Any students who do not follow the school expectations the school procedures are:
- Class teacher will follow up with families
- If it is not rectified, it will be passed on to the stage leader to follow up with families
- If it continues to be an issue it will be referred to the Assistant Principal or Principal to follow up.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
Christmas Picnic
We hope you are able to join us on the school grounds for the Christmas Picnic tomorrow. You may join your children for a picnic, there will be fun games, the children will sing their carols. A lovely way to end the year.
Year 6 Farewell
After our picnic the school will gather to farewell the Year 6 students. Their Kinder buddies will give them a blessing and the school will cheer them on as they transition on to their next adventure. This is a significant tradition at Stella Maris and is expected that all children will remain for this event.
Year 6 Graduation
Last week we celebrated the Year 6 students at their graduation. The mass was a wonderful way to bless and farewell the students. Families then gathered at the civic centre to celebrate with awards, dinner and a disco. Plenty of fun was had by all. Thank you to Mrs Hanns, Mrs Sanchez-Levine and the Year 6 teachers for organising a fabulous evening.
School News
Congratulations and all the best to our Year 6 students! Last week, they attended their Graduation Mass and DInner. The students enjoyed a marvellous celebration supported by staff, students and their families. We would like to thank everyone who had a part to play in the organisation o
f this important event, especially the Year 6 teachers and parents, for all their hard work into preparing this special occasion.
Additionally, thank you to everyone who came to the Christmas Carols and Mass last Saturday. The students were amazing and really enjoyed performing at All Saints with the parish community. It is truly wonderful that we have the opportunity to join in the celebration of the coming of our Lord with each other.
Thank you to those of you who were able to make it. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate Eucharist on our school grounds. During this service we also formally farewelled amazing colleagues who have walked with us on our journey here at Stella; Mrs Kim Downing, Ms Julie Hopkins, Mr Jack Richardson, Mr Jayden Allen, Miss Niamh Carroll and Miss Sarah Napier. On behalf of all the teachers and students at the school, we would like to thank them for all their wonderful work. They have been shining lights for us at Stella Maris and they will surely be missed. We wish them the very best on their new paths. A huge thank you also to all the students and teachers who assisted in the celebration.
Lastly, all of us here at Stella Maris would like to wish you all a very joyous Christmas filled with faith, hope and love. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to the new year ahead.
Mass at Stella Maris
Yr 6 Week 2-6 February
Yr 5 Week 5-27 February
Yr 4 Week 6-5 March
Yr 3 Week 7-12 March
Yr 2 Week 8-19 March
Yr 1 Week 9-26 March
Kinder in Term 2, 2024
Join us for a Cuppa!
Additionally, we would like to invite parents, grandparents and carers to please join us for a cup of tea or coffee after Mass in the school staffroom. Simply follow the students, Mrs Sanchez-Levine or Mrs Hughes through the gates after Mass to join us for a 30 minute informal gathering.
Staff Spirituality Day
On Friday 1st December, Stella staff had a chance to reconnect and reflect on life and purpose. With the amazing leadership and guidance of Robyn Gallagher from the CEO, we were able to explore our understanding of “Purpose” and contemplate the values we wish to live by.
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
Parish News
This Sunday’s Gospel
The priests and Levites question John's identity.
All Saints Catholic Parish Shellharbour
Mass times: All Saints Church
19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 5.00pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00am, 5.00pm
The Sacraments
Reconciliation - Year 3 Students in 2024 (Current Year 2 Students in 2023)
Timetable of Events after the Vigil/Sunday Masses:
16/17 December: Group preference sheets will be distributed and parents will be required to provide preferences for the workshop days and times. Allow 15 minutes after Mass.
3/4 February: The assignment of families to workshops will be distributed. Allow 15 minutes after Mass.
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au
Recently, the Catholic Education Office have updated our school's website to include staff photos on our 'contact us' section of the Stella Maris website. This will help put a face to the name, especially when your children are meeting their new teachers.
Please have a look on our website:
Primary school Compass access for parents of Year 6 2023 students, will cease from 30 January 2024. For students who are attending Catholic High Schools in our Diocese, reports will flow into the high school Compass.
We recently had some very sad news regarding our Crossing Supervisor - Ray, who passed away suddenly, whilst on a cruise with his wife.
Ray was a much loved crossing man, who will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to Ray's family and friends at this time.
Starting from the beginning of Term 1, 2024, we will be transitioning to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications. The online application form will be accessible from the home page of our school website;
Canteen News
We are a school run canteen and rely on volunteers to operate.
Canteen is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to make and prepare lunch orders and serve the children over the counter.
Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps click on create account.