Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
Today we come together to celebrate Harmony Day. Created in 1999 to celebrate unity and diversity, Harmony Day was originally an Australian celebration but is now marked worldwide.
Harmony day is about how we can be better friends with our neighbours or stand in the shoes of another, and unifying ideas to make our Harmony Day a picture of peace.
Whilst Harmony Day is still predominantly an Australian holiday, people celebrate it worldwide by reflecting on the ways they can live in harmony with their neighbours, regardless of their background or circumstances.
At Stella our vision is Reverence the story of all people a perfect link to the sentiments of Harmony day. Today classes will engage in learning activities about Harmony day and we will conclude with a liturgy as a community.
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
Holy week is just around the corner but before we celebrate engaging in our Church’s most important events, let us join together in solidarity to celebrate 
Australia’s cultural diversity. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. We will celebrate Harmony Day on the 21 March at 1:45pm with a liturgy under the COLA organised by Year 4. Please join us!
Harmony Day 21 March 1:45pm
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. It is a commemoration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, coming in peace and riding on a donkey. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem coincided with the Jewish festival of the Passover. He was met by crowds of followers and supporters who lined the road into the city and waved branches cut from palm trees. They laid palm fronds on the road and even laid down cloaks for Jesus to ride over. This entry into Jerusalem fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, promising that God's Messiah would enter the holy city and go to the temple.
'Triduum' is a Latin term (meaning three days) used by the Catholic Church to denote the three days from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper and ends after evening prayers at sunset on Easter Day.
Holy Thursday, a holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.
Good Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of mourning for all Christians.
The third day of the Easter Triduum is called Holy Saturday. Stage 3 students in Years 5 and 6 are encouraged to attend the Vigil Mass at 6pm at All Saints Parish. This is the Church’s night of nights!
On Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the risen Christ!
Everyone at Stella Maris would like to wish all our readers a blessed Easter, and a safe and relaxing break.
|
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Resurrection of Christ – The rising from the dead of Christ on the third day after his death and burial. Christ's Resurrection is a basic truth of Christianity, which is expressed in all the Creeds and in all rules of faith of the ancient Church. |
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
Holy Week & Easter Liturgies 28 March & 5 April at 1:45pm
We would like to invite parents, grandparents and friends to our Holy Week and Easter Re-enactments under the COLA. The liturgies will be presented by the Leaders of Vision and Mission and each grade.
On 28 March we have Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 performing with Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 on 5 April.
Mini Vinnies ‘Project Cakepassion’ Cake Stall 28 March at Recess
The Mini Vinnies group are proud to present our first fundraising project for 2024,
the Project Cakepassion Cake Stall. This year Mini Vinnies are supporting Project Compassion.
Families of children from years 3 to 6 are invited to get baking and bring along something for the stall. Please note that all cakes/slices/biscuits etc must not contain nuts. Also, every item submitted for the cake stall must include a list of ingredients used in the recipe so that anyone with an allergy can make an appropriate choice.
Please drop food items off at the school office on the morning of the cake stall. All cake, slice, and biscuit items will cost just a gold coin donation.
Anzac Day Liturgy 3 May 1:45pm
Due to the holiday break, parents, grandparents and friends are warmly invited to attend a special Anzac Day Liturgy presented by Year 5 on the 3 May at 1:45pm.
Project Compassion
DONATE NOW - LINK
https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/stella-maris-catholic-primary-school-shellharbour
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Stella Maris’ vision as ‘a faith-filled, respectful community of learners’ engages us in our mission to ‘reverence the story of all people’ and as such lead us to raise funds to support all future generations. Our Year 6 Leaders of Vision & Mission have led this year's Project Compassion campaign for the school. Students are getting involved this year in classes by watching the stories of Project Compassion and helping with fundraising.
Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations.
Each child at school should now have brought a box home to assist with fundraising. Please encourage family members to give generously. Once your box is full, bring it back to school and we will add the funds to the on-going total. Together, we can make a difference!
Another way to donate is to use this LINK
https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/stella-maris-catholic-primary-school-shellharbour
Grade Masses at Stella Maris
These Masses take place at our Stella Maris Church on Tuesdays at 9:30am. Parents, grandparents and carers are most welcome to attend. The last Mass for Term 1 is for:
Yr 1 Week 9 on 26 March.
Please find below a schedule of the Masses for Term 2, 2024:
K Week 3, - 14 May
Yr 6 Week 4, - 21 May
Yr 4 Week 6, - 4 June
Yr 3 Week 7, - 11 June
Yr 2 Week 8, - 18 June
Yr 1 Week 9, - 25 June
Yr 5 Week 10, - 2 July
All Saints Catholic Parish NEWS
|
All Saints Church Mass Times 19 College Ave, Shellharbour Saturday 6.00pm vigil Sunday 9.00am, 5.00pm |
Programme for the Sacrament of Penance - Reconciliation (Year 3 Students)
Last week we concluded the Reconciliation Workshops at Stella Maris and the Grealy Centre. Thank you to all the teachers who volunteered their own time to lead these important sessions and the parents who continue to support their children in faith development.
The ceremony for First Reconciliation occurred on the 16 March. We congratulate the children who received this holy Sacrament and pray…
Loving God,
Help us to teach our children that You love us totally and unconditionally.
Help us to encourage our children to grow in love and to learn how to say sorry, knowing that You always forgive.
Give us the courage to pray with our children and to share our faith with them as We journey together.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Programme for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 6 Students)
An information session will be held on Thursday 11 April 7-8pm for information and name recording at the All Saints Parish Hall.
Timetable of Events after the Vigil/Sunday Masses:
27/28 April: Information forms will be distributed and names recorded
4/5 May: Distribution of Enrolment forms and names recorded
11/12 May: Commitment Mass for Parents and Candidates
Enrolment forms will be collected with the $25 program cost
Preferences collected for workshop groups
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au
This week we introduce our leaders of Aboriginal Culture
WINTER UNIFORM
The winter uniform will formally come in from week 3 of term 2. Weeks 1 & 2 of the term will be transition weeks where students can wear either summer or winter uniforms, as the weather starts to cool down. Please ensure that all children are wearing the correct winter uniform.
A reminder that the second hand uniform shop is open Friday morning (non assembly week) and Friday afternoon (assembly weeks) if you require any extra items.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING
Positive Behaviours 4 Learning (PB4L) is an organisational framework for behaviour support to enhance respectful relationships and engagement of students in their learning. It is an evidence-based framework that is implemented at Stella Maris and all CEDow school communities (K-6). The PB4L framework incorporates a three-tiered continuum system of both academic outcomes and behaviour support for all students, consisting of universal, targeted and intensive support.
TIER 1
Universal prevention for all students – systems and practices that include differentiated approaches that meet the needs of all students, and are implemented consistently across all school settings, non-classroom and classroom.
TIER 2
Targeted interventions for some students with identified additional needs – achieved through specific programs and targeted support.
TIER 3
Intensive individualised interventions for a few students with identified substantial and extensive needs – achieved through targeted intensive support, and case collaboration.
Non-Classroom Procedures
Each Monday morning at assembly, a different non-classroom procedure is discussed and explained to all students, unpacking the expected behaviours and rules whilst outside of the classroom. These procedures include; the safe movement around the school, canteen expectations, walking to and from the oval, dismissal procedures and much more. These ensure students are aware of the expectations and aim to keep everyone safe, creating consistency across the school.
ATTENDANCE
What if my child has to be away from school?
On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:
- being sick, or having an infectious disease
- having an unavoidable medical appointment
- exceptional or urgent family circumstance (e.g. attending a funeral)
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
Our school will be participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge.
We are very proud of the fact that for the past seven years, 100% of children from Kindergarten to Year 6 have successfully completed the Challenge. The Challenge aims to encourage students to develop a love of reading for leisure and pleasure, and to enable students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.
The Challenge is available for all children from Kindergarten to Year 6 and finishes on the 24 August. Kinder to Year 2 children need to read 30 books and Year 3 to Year 6 need to read 20 books to complete the Challenge. All students who successfully complete the Challenge will receive a Certificate at the end of the year.
Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will have books read during Library and in class. These books will be entered on the PRC website by Mrs Love.
Year 4 to Year 6 students will receive User IDs and passwords to enter the books they have read on the PRC website. Instructions for how to enter the books will be given to all students in class.
If you would like to view the PRC list please head to our Oliver home page: oliver.dow.catholic.edu.au/sms for the PRC links.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs Jo Love
Annual School Cross Country Carnival
On Thursday the 14th of March, the 2024 Stella Maris School Cross Country Carnival was held at Keith Hockey Oval. A memorable event, showcasing the incredible talent, resilience, and sportsmanship of our students.
Students from all year levels, adorned in their house colours, lined up eagerly at the starting line, ready to embark on the challenging course that awaited them. The morning kicked off with the annual War Cries led by our Year 6 Sports Captains. Despite the gallant efforts of Smyth, Mackillop and Aikenhead, Weatherall claimed the top spot in this event.
After hours of intense competition and impressive displays of athleticism, it was Weatherall House that again emerged victorious, as the overall winning House, claiming the highest total points. Despite Weatherall’s winning streak, every participant deserves recognition for their outstanding efforts. Whether they participated in the competitive or participation events, each runner displayed courage, perseverance, and a true passion for sport.
As we reflect on the success of the 2024 Cross Country Carnival, let us not only celebrate the achievements of our athletes but also acknowledge the dedication of our teachers and the support of our parents for making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all students.
Congratulations to all participants on their outstanding efforts and see below a list of students who will have the opportunity to compete at the Cross Country Championships on Tuesday the 7th of May:
U8/9 – U12/13’s
U8/9 Girls: Banksii Spencer, Mahli Creighton, Quinn Beaton (Reserve – Mia Bailey)
U8/9 Boys: Leo Jimenez, Joel Thompson, Casey Sanson (Reserve – Trae McConnell)
U10 Girls: Lola Jimenez, Pearl Coelho, Evie Guiterez (Reserve – Dakota Tolley)
U10 Boys: Oscar Creighton, Riley O’Shea, Oliver Cunningham (Reserve – Karlos Yalda)
U11 Girls: Ivy Paillas, Alani Waters, Ava Botica (Reserve – Ella Sanson)
U11 Boys: Mason Jimenez, Carter Crosswell, Davey McMullen (Reserve – Karmichael Fosteris)
U12/13 Girls: Chelsea Santana, Alyra Muller, Marli Kissell (Reserve – Jessica Van Kessel)
U12/13 Boys: Reid Coelho, Harry Thomson, Nate Hayman (Reserve – Blake Langendam)
All Carnival Results
Kindergarten Girls
1st – Siena Rich
2nd – Isabella Oxenford
3rd – Alessia Vescio
4th – Madeline Avery
Kindergarten Boys
1st – Rylan Badger
2nd – Bowie Merlino
3rd – Owen Attenborough
4th – Luke Thompson
Year 1 Girls
1st – Marlee McConnell
2nd – Waverley Spencer
3rd – Georgia Nowakowski
4th – Evie Mansbridge
Year 1 Boys
1st – Mason Atherton
2nd – Ari Beaton
3rd – Tom Broadhead
4th – Frankie Farrugia
U8 Girls
1st – Banksii Spencer
2nd – Mahli Creighton
3rd – Quinn Beaton
4th – Maggie Herbert
U8 Boys
1st – Liam Dimitriev
2nd – Massimo Di Nunzio
3rd – Cooper Tasevski
4th – Ellis Dries
U9 Girls
1st – Mia Bailey
2nd – Alex Thompson
3rd – Ariana Vescio
4th – Emily Branchi
U9 Boys
1st – Leo Jimenez
2nd – Joel Thompson
3rd – Casey Sanson
4th – Trae McConnell
U10 Girls
1st – Lola Jimenez
2nd – Pearl Coelho
3rd – Evie Guiterez
4th – Dakota Tolley
U10 Boys
1st – Oscar Creighton
2nd – Riley O’Shea
3rd – Oliver Cunningham
4th – Karlos Yalda
U11 Girls
1st – Ivy Paillas
2nd – Alani Waters
3rd – Ava Botica
4th – Ella Sanson
U11 Boys
1st – Mason Jimenez
2nd – Carter Crosswell
3rd – Davey McMullen
4th – Karmichael Fosteris
U12/13 Girls
1st – Chelsea Santana
2nd – Alyra Muller
3rd – Marli Kissell
4th – Jessica Van Kessel
U12/13 Boys
1st – Reid Coelho
2nd – Harry Thomson
3rd – Nate Hayman
4th – Blake Langendam
* A training squad including all top 4 placegetters in the U8/9 - U12/13 age groups will be invited to attend training sessions in the lead up to the Cross Country Championships. This training will commence in Week 9, times and days TBC.
Diocesan Representative Sport
Rugby League - On Friday the 8th of March, the U11 & U12/13 Rugby League trials were held at St Gregory’s College. We had 11 students attend the trial with 6 students successful in their selection. Congratulations to the following students on their selection into the Wollongong Diocesan Team:
- Reid Coelho
- Hugo Manns
- Heath Paulissen
- Cooper Roche
- Harry Thomson
- Sione Amone
These students will trial for the Mackillop Team on the 10th of May, we wish them the best of luck.
AFL - Good luck to Karmichael Fosteris who trials for the Mackillop AFL Team in Wagga on Tuesday the 26th March.
NSW Cricket School Girls Breakfast Program
We are two weeks into the four week breakfast program. It has been fantastic to see all the girls getting involved, having fun and learning some skills. Just a reminder that the program will not be held on Good Friday (29th of March). It will continue in Week 10 for the final week.
Sporting Schools AFL
The Sporting Schools AFL program is underway for students in Years 4 & 5. These lessons are offered during their PE timeslot and held at the oval. For those students who are interested in joining a local AFL club, please check out the flyer below from the Shellharbour Swans, or head to their website.
Wollongong & Mackillop Swimming Selection Trials
On 11 March, 20 students represented Stella Maris at the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials. Stella Maris had some outstanding results all day, with many 3rd place finishes, just missing selection into the team (the first two place getters qualified for the Wollongong team). Congratulations to the following students who will now compete for the Wollongong Diocesan Team at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) on the 3rd of April:
- Senior Girls Freestyle Relay (Alivia Jarvis, Hunter Halilovic, Georgia Mulligan, Harper Beaton)
- Quinn Beaton (8yrs Girls 50m Freestyle)
- Marli Creighton (8yrs Girls 50m Freestyle)
- Georgia Mulligan (Senior Girls 50m Backstroke)
- Leo Jimenez (9yrs Boys 50m Freestyle)
- Oscar Creighton (10yrs Boys 50m Freestyle)
- Lachlan MacKay (Senior MC 50m Freestyle, Senior MC 100m Freestyle, Senior MC 50m Breaststroke, Senior MC 50m Backstroke)
CEDOW Instagram
The Sports Council at the CEO DOW have 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.
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.
If you are available to help from 10am - 2pm or even for a few hours, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact the office or call into the canteen during pick-up time. Sharon, the canteen manager is usually at school until 3pm.
Your time is would be very much appreciated and your children or grandchidren would love to see you in the canteen.
Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps click on create account.