Filter Content
Welcome back to Term 2! I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful break with family and friends and all children were recharged and ready to begin an exciting term of learning and fun. The holiday break is always a reminder to us of how precious time is with the people we love and cherish.
Last week I had the privilege of attending a course in Brisbane with leaders from Wollongong and across Australia. It was a great opportunity to network with other colleagues from across the nation, all from Catholic schools or Diocesan offices. The first part of the course focused on Governance and Ethical Frameworks. Although this may seem a little dry it was a practical course with wonderful opportunities for further learning. I look forward to returning in June for another 3 days to complete the full course.
Vale: Bishop Peter Ingham
Peter William Ingham, the fourth bishop of Wollongong, died peacefully in the late evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and almost 60 years a priest. His warm and welcoming, happy and caring nature were evident in his engagement with each person.he always remembered your name and had an anecdote or joke to share. He was compassionate and approachable, faith-filled and prayerful—in essence, a servant leader. He will be greatly missed. On Friday I will be representing Stella Maris at his Funeral.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mother’s Day
This Sunday we celebrate and recognise all the mother figures in our lives. It is an opportunity to show gratitude and compassion to our mums, grandmothers, nannas and aunties. Thank you for the special gifts you share and I wish you a Sunday filled with love, laughter and family. Happy Mother’s Day!
I also wanted to acknowledge and thank the army of parent volunteers who helped to put together the Mother's Day breakfast and stall. It was such a joy to see so many families come together to celebrate the mother figures in our lives.
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
We hope our Stella community enjoyed the holiday break and we welcome everyone to Term 2.
We rejoiced with the risen Christ at the end of last term with an Easter Liturgy
Last week, Stella Staff had an opportunity to learn about the Sparking Life Foundation and its vision of helping people in need. We were honoured to have a fellow educator, Kate Spark join us to share Jess’s Story and the importance of donating Blood. Stella Staff are a true example of Solidarity, standing together to ‘Reverence the Story of All People’.
|
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Solidarity – a firm and persevering commitment to the common good. It is not just a vague feeling of compassion. When we exercise solidarity we see other people and groups as sisters and brothers whom we are called to love, care for and stand with. It is not only a matter of recognising our common humanity, but also of accepting and valuing others in their differences from ourselves. |
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
On Friday 3 May, we remembered with special visitors from the Warilla RSL, the anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli with a beautiful liturgy led by Year 5. Anzac Day is a day when we give thanks for all that our war veterans and heroes have sacrificed so that we can call “the lucky country” - Australia - home. Anzac Day also inspires our nation to strive for peace in our homes, in our country and in the world. We recognize that it is through the successful pursuit of peace, that we can truly live a content, happy and Christ-filled life.
May - The Month of Mary
For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May to honour Mary, Mother of God. Not just a day in May, but the entire month. She has a unique role in salvation history as the Mother of God, conceived without Sin, who by her own free will, agreed to bring the “Word made flesh", (John 1:14) our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ into the world. Her life in the Gospel years was one of service and great devotion to Jesus, from the stable in Bethlehem where she gave birth to Him, to Calvary in Jerusalem where she stood by His cross in His Crucifixion. Mary was a woman of great faith and courage. May we all follow in her example.
Mother’s Day
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We would like to wish all our Mums, Grandmothers and Carers a day filled with love, joy and happiness. May you all be blessed by our most Holy Queen of all, the Mother of God, Mary.
Proverbs 31:31: "Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Psalm 139:13-14: "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
Foundation Day Liturgy
Parents, grandparents, family and friends are warmly invited to our Foundation Day celebrations on Monday May 20 at 11am. This day celebrates the day our school was founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1958. Every year we celebrate Foundation Day with the Mary Aikenhead Awards. The Awards Ceremony will be preceded by the Year 2 presentation of the Story of Mary Aikenhead. Following the awards, from 12-1pm we will have open classrooms where parents, grandparents and carers are invited to visit their child’s classroom.
Mary Aikenhead Award Nominations
Every year we celebrate Foundation Day with the Mary Aikenhead Award. This award is in recognition of the ministry of Sisters of Charity at Stella Maris Catholic School 1958-2009.
We are now calling for nominations from Parents/Teachers/Students. You may only nominate one student using the following Criteria:
- Exhibits qualities that reach out to those in need e.g. regularly contributes to missions, regularly prays petitions for others, helps other children in the classroom or playground, helpful to teachers
- Excellent application during RE lessons.
- Knowledge of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity.
- Displays reverence during Mass and liturgies and shows a willingness to always play a key role in these, for example reading at Mass/liturgies, offertory procession, role play, choir.
Please return all nomination forms to the office by 10th May. Using the criteria, a panel will decide on the winners of this award. The Awards Ceremony will be on Monday 20th May at 11am preceded by the Year 2 presentation of the Story of Mary Aikenhead.
A nomination form follows or one can be picked up from the school office.
Mary Aikenhead Award Nomination - For Parents & Students
This award is in recognition of the ministry of Sisters of Charity at Stella Maris Catholic School 1958-2009.
Nomination Name Nominated By
____________________________________________________________________
Nominations due to Mrs Sanchez-Levine (or school office) by 10 May
|
Indicator |
Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. Please find below a schedule of the Masses for Term 2, 2024:
Kindergarten - 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
Stage Masses are celebrated at All Saints Church with Nazareth students. Please join us on the following dates were students will be involved in participating and celebrating in together:
Sunday 12 May 9am Kindergarten Mother's Day
Sunday 28 July 9am Years 1 & 2 Grandparents Day
Sunday 1 Sept Years 5 & 6 Father’s Day
Sunday 3 Nov 9am Years 3 & 4 Ordinary Time
Programme for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 6 Students)
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 share with you a summary of our school priorities for this year. This is a visual of what we shared last year. Each fortnight we will share some progress and work we have been undertaking to address our school improvement priorities.
TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY
It is that time of year again where every school in the Diocese implements the Tell Them From Me Survey. The survey last year was used as an instrument to help inform the School Cyclic Inquiry Process. Every other year it is used to assist the school in responding to the school’s priorities and monitor growth from year to year. The response from our parent community last year was outstanding and I am very grateful that so many of you took the time to complete the short survey.
May I please ask you to again take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey anonymously for this year. We look forward to reading through your insights and feedback. All surveys need to be completed by: Friday 24 May
http://tellthemfromme.com/parent24
CHANGES TO SEMESTER 1 REPORTS 2024
Due to the new syllabuses in English and Mathematics K-6, as well as decisions made by Catholic Education, Wollongong, there will be some changes to Semester reports this year. At Stella Maris, all grades will be reported using these new syllabus outcomes in English and Mathematics.
In Semester 1, all grades, including Kindergarten will receive a semester progress report. These will no longer contain grades from A-E, but descriptors, and will not include a general comment. The descriptors outline the depth of a student’s understanding, as well as the skill level required for each achievement level. These are determined through professional teacher judgement, with close analysis of the syllabus outcomes, a range of work samples and assessments, as well as teacher observational evidence. Students achieving at a sound level are achieving their stage outcomes at the expected depth of understanding for their grade.
Kindergarten descriptors are Thorough, Sound and Basic, while all other grades have 5 descriptors - Extensive, Thorough, Sound, Basic and Elementary. Please note the explanations for these descriptors here:
Reports will still display individual Learning Gains in Religious Education, English and Mathematics, and Areas for Growth for English and Mathematics. For each other Key Learning Area, students will receive an Overall Achievement descriptor, as well as descriptors for each skill area as per the syllabus outcomes.
MATHEMATICS INTERVENTION
WINTER UNIFORM
The winter uniform will formally come in from Week 3, Monday 13 May. Please ensure that all children are wearing the correct winter uniform. A reminder that the second hand uniform shop is open each Friday morning on odd weeks and Friday afternoons on even weeks if you require any extra items.
UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS FOCUS HAIRCUTS
Just a reminder 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.
ATTENDANCE REQUIRMENTS AND LEGISLATION
Over each newsletter we will provide some information and graphics to support school attendance. Please look out for the helpful tips and reminders.
The NSW Education Act (1990) and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) require Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If children are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, within seven days of the absence.
After seven days, absences will automatically be recorded as Absent - unexplained / unjustified if the school is not provided with an acceptable explanation from Parents/Carers. Parents wishing to provide the school with an acceptable explanation after the seven day period, will need to contact the school and the school will adjust the attendance register. Parents are unable to enter the absence through the parental portal in Compass after the seven day period.
The school will continue to support Parents/Carers and frequently send home letters giving Parents/Carers the opportunity to provide the school with an explanation for absences. There may be instances where parents may receive a pastoral phone call in support of regular attendance and/or receive a further letter at the end of a term indicating emerging attendance concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require further information regarding attendance and the requirements.
PB4L NEWS
As a school we implement the Diocesan PB4L policies and procedures. To assist families to understand the procedures and to facilitate positive conversations at home we have developed an infographic that outlines the school’s procedures and practices. We anticipate this will provide clarity and a shared understanding across the Stella Maris community.
Living in Australia, we understand the importance of being ready for unexpected challenges, such as bushfires, floods, or even unwelcome visitors. By participating in these drills, our students, teachers, and staff learn valuable skills, including how to remain calm, follow procedures, and evacuate or secure the school efficiently.
These drills not only enhance our preparedness but also foster a sense of unity and responsibility within our school community. Together, we work towards creating a safe and secure environment where everyone feels protected and supported.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to ensuring the safety of all members of our school community.
Stella Maris WHS Committee
WORKS COMPLETED IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Over the school holiday period there were more works completed on the facilities of Stella Maris. The toilet block has finally been completed! The colourful, significant renovation has now provided our students with additional clean and contemporary bathroom facilities.
Also along the stairwell leading down from the Counsellor's room a handrail has been installed along the wall, providing the extra measures needed to support the safety of students and adults at our school.
WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY - FRIDAY 10 MAY
- improved health and wellbeing
- cleaner air (reduced air-pollution)
- increased awareness of road safety rules
We welcome another busy term in all things sport! Please find below a list of key dates that our students may be involved in.
3rd May - Rugby Union Wollongong Diocesan Selection Trials - St Gregory’s College (completed)
7th May - South Coast Cross Country Championships - Willandra Cross Country Course, Nowra (postponed - rescheduled for 28th May)
10th May - Mackillop Rugby League Trial - Canberra
30th May - School Athletics Carnival - Myimbarr Athletics Centre
5th June - Mackillop Cross Country Trials - Venue TBC
14th June - Mackillop Touch Football Trials - Wagga
25th June - Netball South Coast Gala Day - Fred Finch Park Berkely
1st July TBC - NSW Combined Primary School (CPS) Rugby Union Finals - Sydney
NSWPSSA Swimming Championships
On the 11th and 12th of April, we had 3 students representing Mackillop at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships at the Sydney Aquatic Centre. All three students should be commended on their efforts, both in the lead up and on the day of competition. Here are the final results from the championships:
Mahli Creighton - 8th Overall in the U8 Girls 50m Freestyle
Quinn Beaton - 21st Overall in the U8 Girls 50m Freestyle
The girls competed against 39 other competitors in their race, and these placings are those among all competitors from all schools in the state which is an outstanding achievement.
Mahli Creighton also competed as part of the Mackillop team in the All Age Relay and her team placed 3rd, again an amazing achievement.
Lachlan Mackay - 1st 11-13’s 50m MC Breaststroke, 6th 11-13’s 50m MC Backstroke and Freestyle and 8th 11-13’s 100m MC Freestyle.
A very busy schedule for Lachlan with some outstanding results. His first placing in the 50m Breastroke now sees him progress to the School Sports Australia National Swimming Championships, held on the Gold Coast in late July. We wish him all the best for this competition.
NSW Cricket School Girls Breakfast Program
On the final Friday of school, we concluded our 4 week Cricket Breakfast Program, organised by Cricket NSW. Cricket NSW were able to deliver this program due to funding allocated through ‘Growing Cricket for Girls’ fund which was provided by Woolworths and Cricket Australia. Overall we had 86 registrations for students in Years 1-6 with the majority of these students trying cricket for the first time. It was evident that the students had a fantastic time, developing and improving their skills throughout the 4 weeks. Thanks again to the parents and carers for providing your children with this opportunity and staff members who assisted with supervision and first aid. Photos from the event can be found in the following folder.
Diocesan Representative Sport
Rugby Union - Our first Diocesan trial for Term 2 commenced on the 3rd May (Friday Week 1). A handful of Stage 3 students attended the Rugby Union Selection trial at St Gregory's College. Congratulations to Cooper R, Reid C and Olly L for their selection into the Wollongong Diocesan Team who will now trial for the Mackillop Rugby Team in Forbes at the end of the term. Good luck boys!
Rugby League - The Mackillop Rugby League Trial is being held on Friday the 10th of May. We send our best wishes to Reid C, Hugo M, Heath P, Cooper R, Harry T, Sione A and Patrick U for the day.
South Coast Cross Country Championships
The South Coast Cross Country Championships that were scheduled for Willandra on the 7th of May have been postponed with a new date confirmed for Tuesday the 28th of May. At the end of Term 2 we began lunchtime training sessions on Wednesday and Friday. This will continue to be offered until the championships on the 28th of May. If you have already completed your online permission you do not have to complete this again, however, if you are unable to attend the rescheduled date can you please contact the school at your earliest convenience. Mrs Shelton is now unavailable for the rescheduled date so Mrs Sablowski and Mrs Flood will be taking the team away.
Gala Days
Our first lot of team submissions (Netball) for the 2024 CEO Gala days are due at the end of Week 2. A link for the nomination form was sent out at the end of last term and a reminder was sent out early in Week 1, Term 2. Students will be notified in the coming weeks if they have been successful in their nominations. Please remember that not every student who nominates for a Gala day will be able to attend. There are restrictions to the number of teams that we are allowed to send (sometimes late changes can be made to accommodate another team). Priority is given to students in the higher grade in each stage, for example, Year 6 students in Stage 3 teams as well as the listed student preferences.
Please note that the CEO run these Gala days in lieu of knockout tournaments offered by the DoE schools. The Gala Days operate in a round robin format that supports student participation. The school will send at least one teacher to each gala day, with more dependent on student numbers and we usually require parent volunteers to help coach teams. If you are able to assist we will send out an additional notice later in the term.
Athletics Carnival 2024
Our annual School Athletics Carnival will be commencing on the 30th of May at Myimbarr Athletics Centre. This will be a whole school carnival, similar to that run last year. More details will follow. There should not be any major changes, however, there may be some changes to lunch orders to help streamline the ordering process.
CEO DOW Sports Website
For more information for any of the upcoming Diocesan carnivals, or representative sport please visit the following website. For further information regarding Gala Days please click on the link ‘About Primary Sport’ link on the above website.
CEDOW Instagram
Don’t forget, 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.
Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps click on create account.
The P & F have a General Meeting - 20 May - 6pm
