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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today is our school’s Feast day; The Feast of the Assumption. What a thrill that our school community was able to come together to celebrate this significant feast day with joy and reverence. The Feast of the Assumption, which honours the Blessed Virgin Mary's ascent into Heaven, is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on faith, unity, and our shared values.
Our celebrations included a special Mass, enriching activities for our students, and a festive gathering where families joined in the joy of the day. This day not only marks a sacred tradition but also strengthens the bond within our school community. We are so blessed to have so many members of our community join us today and be part of this meaningful event
Thank you for your commitment and for the time you were able to spend with us today celebrating a special day in our school’s identity. Thank you to the staff and to Fr Joe for playing a significant role in our celebrations today and thank you to Mrs Sanchez-Levine for her leadership in coordinating another successful day.
Wishing you a blessed Feast of the Assumption!
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
Staff Professional Learning - Day 1 Term 3
Stella Maris is working towards a number of strategic goals as part of our School Improvement Plan (4 year plan), which we have broken down into annual goals. Our first goal is that By the end of 2027, explicit, purposeful evaluative inquiry of assessment drives instruction, from which we have set the 2025 goal of ensuring we have quality assessment tasks developed to monitor growth. As we are implementing two new syllabuses, with new outcomes and new content, we decided it made sense that while we work towards knowing these documents thoroughly, we should look at assessment practices now to allow for an authentic implementation of these syllabuses from the start.
As such, on our Staff Development Day on Monday 22nd July, teachers worked through current research on Modern Assessment Theory, from the work of Pr Jim Tognolini (UOS) and Dr Christine Mae (SCS) and the NESA guidelines on assessment. This work allowed us to reflect on our current practices in relation to the ideas presented, and have a firm shared understanding of how we can make our variety of assessment practices as efficient and effective as possible. Teachers had collaborative time to unpack the common grade scale, and the NESA assessment requirements as well as evaluating how well (or not) individual tasks demonstrate the outcomes.
For the afternoon session, teachers continued work towards our second goal - Students will consistently produce writing of a high standard and demonstrate growth. This goal is being addressed regularly through our Collaborative Inquiry processes, but on this day, we addressed the whole writing process, creating authentic purposes for writing, considering who the audience for our writing is, and fine-tuning our shared understanding of High Impact Strategies for teaching writing.
Both sessions were purposeful and strategically targeted towards helping us achieve our whole school goals, and was well-received by teachers.
On 6 August, Year 6 students from Stella Maris joined with students from other schools in our southern cluster for Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at St John the Evangelist Parish Church, Dapto. Meeting the Bishop was a memorable experience, as was the opportunity to mix with children from our neighbouring schools prior to high school.
On Monday, I had the opportunity to join the Stella Maris’ Mini Vinnies group at the Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood, where we followed the footsteps of refugees and people seeking asylum in a simulated experience. We encountered the journey of a refugee and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they face as they arrive in Australia. It was an amazing experience that Mr Dodds, the students, and myself will always remember. We are grateful to have such a dedicated chaplain at the school who engages our students in such valuable encounters. Thank you, Mr Dodds!
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
|
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Human Dignity – The Catholic social teaching principle of human dignity is about understanding that each of us is made in God’s image. Every person has an innate human dignity no one can take away. Human dignity is given freely to all human beings; whether saint or sinner, imprisoned or freed, powerful or marginalised. Christ died for all, so all can have fullness of life and therefore every human life is considered sacred. Our common humanity requires that we respect and uphold the dignity of every human being. All our other rights and responsibilities flow from this dignity. This principle is deemed as the central aspect of our Church’s social teaching. The idea that each life has value is shared with International Human Rights which are also universal, inviolable, and inalienable. (Source: Caritas Aotearoa NZ) |
Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Thusrday 8 August marked the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint who was born in Australia to poor Scottish immigrants. When she was 14, MacKillop began working, and she was often her family’s main source of support. In 1860, she moved to the small rural town of Penola to serve as governess for the children of her aunt and uncle. There MacKillop provided her cousins with a basic education and soon extended this to the poor children of the town.
A young priest, Father Julian Tenison Woods, encouraged her to continue this work, assuring her that educating the poor would be an ideal way to serve God. In 1866, MacKillop and Woods founded Australia’s first order of nuns, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and also established St. Joseph’s School in a converted stable in Penola, providing free education to children from the area. In 1867, MacKillop took vows and became the first mother superior of the sisters. The following year, the sisters opened schools in other Australian cities, as well as an orphanage and a refuge for women.
A Prayer for Saint Mary of the Cross,
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in
bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the
intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request to keep safe at these times.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so
that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust, and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Mary MacKillop
Amen.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
On the 9 August each year, we celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. We give thanks for the sacredness of the traditions and cultures of our Indigenous sisters and brothers, who through their example have enlightened our way to walk gently upon this earth which our Creator has gifted us.
As we go forth with grateful hearts thanking God for the blessings we enjoy we pray together…
Religious Literacy Assessment
Last week, our Year 4 students completed the Religious Literacy Assessment. This assessment provides a systematic Diocesan approach to the documentation and reporting of students’ learning in the Key Learning Area of Religious Education across the diocese and in particular, aspects of religious literacy. It is a means of celebrating and sharing the good news about students’ learning in Religious Education and enables the story to be told on a continuing basis.
The ‘St Francis of Assisi’ Environmental Award
This year, teachers at Stella will be involved in nominating students for the St Francis of Assisi Environmental Award. This annual award is presented to a student in each year from K-6 who exemplifies outstanding environmental stewardship and aligns with the values of St Francis of Assisi. The Award will be presented at a special liturgy presented by Year 3 on 6 September at 2 pm under the COLA. The liturgy will celebrate the ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and Season of Creation 2024’.
Grade Masses at Stella Maris
These 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, 2024:
Yr 2 Week 5 20 August
Yr 3 Week 6 27 August
Yr 4 Week 7 3 September
Yr 6 Week 8 10 September
Uniform expectations - Focus Jewellery & Presentation
This week our focus is on Jewellery and presentation.
Acceptable jewellery:
- a watch (no smart watches), one set of plain earring studs or sleepers, one plain ring, and a necklace with a religious symbol if worn under uniform
- No nail polish or makeup
- Fingernails to be kept at a safe length
- No wrist or ankle chains or bands.
For 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 - Leave and Extended Leave
This week our focus is on Leave and Extended Leave.
All families are encouraged to make medical appointments and holiday plans during student vacation periods where practicable. Where this is not possible, any leave of any duration must be applied for using the Extended Leave application form. This may include regular specialist appointments as well as vacation leave.
The application is made to the Principal or Principal delegate in their absence and approved accordingly. For leave that is 50 or more days a meeting is required with the Principal and the class teacher/s.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require further information regarding attendance and the requirements.
Extended Leave Forms
PB4L News
What is PIVOT?
Last term and this term students in 3-6 at Stella Maris are involved in PIVOT wellbeing check-ins every Monday.
PIVOT is an Australian-based Education Technology business that has collaborated with wellbeing, education, and mental health experts to identify the key components of wellbeing and the impact these have on a student’s ability to learn at school.
They have developed a wellbeing tool to measure, track, and support student wellbeing. The students participate in a wellbeing check-in on a Monday which takes less than 5 minutes. They are asked a range of questions on the following:
Pivot creates a report based on students' answers to provide insight into the student's well-being. All survey data collected by Pivot is securely stored in their AWS Sydney-based servers and is only accessible to those with the highest levels of permission. When students complete their weekly check-in, they can let their teacher know if they are struggling and would like some help with their wellbeing.
Pivot also provides school leaders and teachers with comprehensive, evidence-based resources to support meaningful wellbeing interventions with students at school. These resources are used to support students in the classroom or in small groups where they participate in activities based on their needs.
Road Safety
Safety on School Buses
Students at Stella Maris catch a variety of buses. Premier Illawarra operates these buses under the guidelines of NSW Transport. They ask that all students behave on buses under the specifics of the code of conduct:
Code of conduct for school students on buses
It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes:
Behaviour on buses
- Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language
- Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted
- No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.
- Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers
- Do not push or shove other people
- Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver
- Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency
- Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.
Safety on and near buses
- Obey reasonable directions from the driver (for example, where to sit or to remain in the bus)
- Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily
- If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and always keep a secure hand hold
- Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle
- Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time
- Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges
- Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop
- Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line
- Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop
- Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.
Legal considerations on buses
- Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available
- Obey the law that bans smoking on buses
- Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, graffiti and window etching, to the driver
- Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage
- Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.
Using bus passes:
- Show travel passes or tickets to the driver on boarding and to Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, NSW Police Officers or bus company representatives when requested
- Use the travel pass only for its intended purpose - do not lend your pass to other students or borrow a pass from them
- Swipe or 'dip' passes in ticket readers if available when boarding
- If issued with a School Opal card, always tap on when boarding and tap off when leaving the bus.
Safety Riding to School
Many students at Stella Maris ride their bikes to school. Ensuring the safety of children riding bicycles to school is crucial for their well-being and development. According to the NSW Department of Education, riding a bike to school offers numerous benefits, including improved physical health, environmental awareness, and the development of independence. However, it is essential to prioritize safety by ensuring that children wear a properly fitted helmet and that their bicycles are in good condition, with well-pumped tires and functioning brakes. Safety Town, a resource dedicated to teaching children about safe practices, emphasizes that these measures are vital in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe, enjoyable journey to school. Parents play a key role in this by regularly checking and maintaining their child's bicycle and reinforcing the importance of helmet use.
Please find attached a helpful resource for parents and families about maintaining safety around roads.
Resource: https://www.safetytown.com.au/families/
There are many stories and activities to celebrate the Olympics & Paralympics, including a story read by Matilda’s goalkeeper, Lydia Williams. Shortlisted books for Book Week have also been included.
StoryBox Hub inspires reading in children of all ages plus improves language and literacy skills.
School families can download the app and enjoy Storytime, please see the flyer for login details.
At Stella Maris, we will be having a special event dedicated to Book Week on Thursday 26th September at 11 am. Students may come to school dressed as their favourite book character or costume appropriate to the theme and take part in a whole school parade. Students will need to wear appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes as this is a safety issue. They may bring a change of clothes if their costume is too uncomfortable to wear for the entire school day.
Year 6 students will parade with their Kinder buddies. Students are discouraged from wearing costumes or masks that might frighten other students.
There will also be a presentation for The Book Competition entrants and Stage 3 will be performing a play.
You are most welcome to stay and have a picnic lunch with your child/children.
Message from Illawarra Health
Schools have been asked to forward the guidelines and requirements for parents when a child returns to school after an injury or hospitalisation. The requirements are designed to assist in planning a smooth transition to school and allow schools to implement any support strategies that may be needed.
Communicating with Schools After Your Child's Hospital Visit
Key Sport Dates:
Week 4 - Tuesday 13th August - South Coast Athletics Championships - Beaton Park
Week 4 - Thursday/Friday 15th & 16th August - NSW All Schools Boys Netball U12’s Championships - Sydney (Cooper R, Heath P, Harry T, Mason G)
Week 5 - Tuesday 20th August - Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Selection Trial - Beaton Park
Week 5 - Friday 23rd August - South Coast Soccer Gala Day - Terry Reserve, Albion Park
Week 7/8 - Saturday 7th - Friday 13th September - Australian All Schools Boys Netball U12’s Championships - Victoria (TBC)
Week 9 - Thursday 19th September - South Coast Basketball Gala Day (JUNIORS, Years 3/4) - Shellharbour Sports Stadium
Week 9 - Friday 20th September - South Coast Basketball Gala Day (SENIORS, Years 5/6) - Shellharbour Sports Stadium
Representative Sport
Touch Football
Congratulations to Reid Coelho who competed as part of the MacKillop team at the NSWPSSA Touch Football Boys Championship in Wollongong in Week 3. We commend Reid on his achievement, proudly representing Stella Maris and the MacKillop region with an outstanding display of teamwork and sportsmanship.
South Coast Athletics Championships
On Tuesday of Week 4, 44 students attended the South Coast Athletics Championships at Beaton Park. Students competed in a variety of track and field events throughout the day, braving the challenging weather conditions. Below is a summary of the results from the day.
|
Event No |
Event Name |
Name |
Result |
|
1 |
Male Junior 800m |
Kenneally, Harry |
2nd |
|
2 |
Female Junior 800m |
Jimenez, Lola |
9th |
|
3 |
Male 11 Years 800m |
Jimenez, Mason |
7th |
|
4 |
Female 11 Years 800m |
Paillas, Ivy |
9th |
|
5 |
Male Senior 800m |
Coelho, Reid |
3rd |
|
6 |
Female Senior 800m |
Santana, Chelsea |
5th |
|
7 |
Junior Boys Relay |
Kenneally, Harry Kristevski, Isaac Oshea, Riley Yalda, Karlos |
2nd |
|
8 |
Junior Girls Relay |
Condy, Anabella Jimenez, Lola Nowakowski, Alexia Tolley, Dekoda |
3rd |
|
9 |
Senior Boys Relay |
Paulissen, Heath Hayman, Nate Jimenez, Mason Thomson, Harry |
9th |
|
10 |
Senior Girls Relay |
Kissell, Marli Mendis, Brylee Muller, Alyra Santana, Chelsea |
4th |
|
11 |
Male 8 Years 100m (Heat) |
Garcia, Xavier Jakimoski, Levi |
14th 16th |
|
12 |
Female 8 Years 100m (Heat) |
Spencer, Banksii Creighton, Mahli |
3rd 6th |
|
13 |
Male 9 Years 100m (Heat) |
Sanson, Casey Barthelmess, Odin |
33rd 20th |
|
14 |
Female 9 Years 100m (Final) |
Bailey, Mia Branchi, Emily |
16th 31st |
|
15 |
Male 10 Years 100m (Heat) |
Kenneally, Harry Yalda, Karlos |
4th 15th |
|
16 |
Female 10 Years 100m (Heat) |
Condy, Anabella Jimenez, Lola |
3rd 22nd |
|
17 |
Male 11 Years 100m (Heat) |
Jimenez, Mason McMullen, Davey |
12th 23rd |
|
18 |
Female 11 Years 100m (Heat) |
Waters, Alani Benson, Harper |
4th 27th |
|
19 |
Male 12 Years 100m (Heat) |
Hayman, Nate Thomson, Harry |
14th 20th |
|
20 |
Female 12 Years 100m (Heat) |
Santana, Chelsea Mendis, Brylee |
3rd 8th |
|
27 |
Male Junior 200m (Heat) |
Kenneally, Harry Creighton, Oscar |
4th 25th |
|
28 |
Female Junior 200m (Heat) |
Jimenez, Lola Condy, Anabella |
23rd 7th |
|
29 |
Male 11 Years 200m (Heat) |
Jimenez, Mason McMullen, Davey |
25th 21st |
|
30 |
Female 11 Years 200m (Heat) |
Waters, Alani Benson, Harper |
8th 25th |
|
31 |
Male Senior 200m (Heat) |
Coelho, Reid Hayman, Nate |
15th 11th |
|
32 |
Female Senior 200m (Heat) |
Santana, Chelsea Muller, Alyra |
9th 10th |
|
47 |
Male Junior High Jump |
Yalda, Karlos |
3rd |
|
48 |
Female Junior High Jump |
Condy, Anabella |
1st |
|
49 |
Male 11 Years Long Jump |
Jimenez, Mason |
8th |
|
50 |
Female 11 Years Long Jump |
Grove, Georgie |
13th |
|
51 |
Male Senior Shot Put |
Manns, Hugo |
9th |
|
52 |
Female Senior Shot Put |
Van Kessel, Jessica |
8th |
|
57 |
Male Junior Discus |
Kenneally, Harry |
5th |
|
58 |
Female Junior Discus |
Bremner, Mollie |
10th |
|
59 |
Male Senior High Jump |
Gutierrez, Mason |
4th |
|
60 |
Female Senior High Jump |
Santana, Chelsea |
6th |
|
61 |
Male Junior Long Jump |
Barthelmess, Odin |
13th |
|
62 |
Female Junior Long Jump |
Gutierrez, Evie |
11th |
|
63 |
Male 11 Years Shot Put |
Lachlan, Olly |
3rd |
|
64 |
Female 11 Years Shot Put |
Rospara, Sienna |
6th |
|
65 |
Male Senior Discus |
Manns, Hugo |
5th |
|
66 |
Female Senior Discus |
Griffiths, Grace |
12th |
|
67 |
Male 11 Years High Jump |
Jimenez, Mason |
4th |
|
68 |
Female 11 Years High Jump |
Waters, Alani |
5th |
|
69 |
Male Senior Long Jump |
Coelho, Reid |
5th |
|
70 |
Female Senior Long Jump |
Santana, Chelsea |
11th |
|
71 |
Male Junior Shot Put |
Riddell, William |
3rd |
|
72 |
Female Junior Shot Put |
Jackson, Isabella |
2nd |
|
73 |
Male 11 Years Discus |
Ursino, Patrick |
ND |
|
74 |
Female 11 Years Discus |
Tasevski, Zoie |
5th |
Congratulations to all students who gave it their all on the day. The following students will get the opportunity to trial for the Wollongong Diocesan team next Tuesday.
Junior Girls Relay - Lola Jimenez, Anabella Condy, Dekoda Tolley, Alexia Nowakowski
Junior Boys Relay - Isaac Kristevski, Riley O'shea, Karlos Yalda, Harry Kenneally
Senior Girls Relay - Brylee Mendis, Chelsea Santana, Marli Kissell, Alyrra Muller
Harry Kenneally
Reid Coelho
Banksii Spencer
Anabella Condy
Alani Waters
Chelsea Santana
Karlos Yalda
Mason Gutierrez
Olly Lachlan
Mason Jimenez
William Riddell
Isabella Jackson
Pearl Coelho
Gala Days
Soccer
The Soccer Gala Day is coming up next Friday, Week 5 (23rd August). Teams are being finalised. Please note that it is a ‘one in all in’ protocol for shoes and as such, all students will need to wear runners/joggers to play soccer in. Students will be unable to wear soccer boots. All students must wear shin pads and will bring their own pair of long socks to place over shin pads. If your child is unable to obtain a pair of shin pads, please let their classroom teacher/ office staff know as soon as possible and we will source some additional pairs (we will also monitor responses on the consent form).
CEO DOW Sports Website
For more information on any of the upcoming Diocesan carnivals, or representative sports 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 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.
Casey Sablowski
Sports Co-ordinator
Our Father's Day Celebrations are back!
Canteen News
The canteen is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The canteen menu is on our website.
Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps and click on Create account.
Jag Dearie
Ava Molo
Kai Pascot
Oliver Cunningham
Eve Piccirillo
Claudia Blair
Sione Amone
Jude Bartle
Alanah Toskoski
Hugo Manns
Mason Jimenez
Reid Coelho
Ryan Correa
Sophia Comacchio
Logan Moncrieff
Molly Mansbridge
Patrick Shillito
Zoie Tasevski
Summer Sport
Looking for sports to play in the Summer? Here are a couple of local options with registrations closing soon.
