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Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a time to draw closer to God and reflect on His great love for us. Lent encourages us to pause, repent, and renew our hearts, preparing for the joy of Easter.
This year, Pope Francis invites us to embrace the Jubilee Year of 2025 by becoming "Pilgrims of Hope." He reminds us that Lent is a time to strengthen our faith, seek reconciliation, and bring hope to others, especially those in need. Through acts of kindness, generosity, and deepening our relationship with Christ, we live out our faith as a school community.
Let us walk together on this Lenten journey, guiding our children in faith, hope, and love, as we prepare for the Easter celebration. May this season be a time of renewal and grace for all our families.
This week I had the pleasure of accompanying our School and Vice captain to the launch of Project Compassion at St Francis of Assisi Warrawong, led by our Bishop. Another opportunity to remember the less fortunate and how the little things we do to help others make a big difference in the lives of those who need it.
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
A huge thank you to everyone who bought Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, as well as Woolworths Shell Cove for their kind donation and the Year 6 Leaders of Vision and Mission who served pancakes at the canteen before school to fundraise for Project Compassion. We managed to raise over $417 to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world. Well done everybody!
Welcome to Lent! We've had the pancakes and the ashes, but there's a lot more to this season that ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It can be hard for children to understand a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter so why not sit with them and discuss how they can follow the example of Jesus by helping those a little less fortunate through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
As we paint the town green on the 17 March, let us remember how Saint Patrick devoted his entire life to bring the message of love and compassion of our Lord to the world. Kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland at the age of 16, Saint Patrick escaped only later to return, bringing Christianity to the nation. On St Patrick’s day, we reverence his story.
Please join us on the 17 March under the COLA 2:30pm for some special Irish dancing with Mrs Emma Gallinar and her fabulous dancers.
God Bless,
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator, and Year 5B Teacher
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Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Dialogue – implies speaking and listening, giving and receiving, mutual growth and enrichment. It is based on witness to one’s faith as well as openness to the religion of another. It is not a betrayal of the mission of the Church, nor is it a new method of conversion to Christianity. Source: Catholic Apostolate Centre |
Project Compassion
DONATE NOW - LINK
https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/stella-maris-catholic-primary-school-shellharbour
As we enter Lent, we bring forth our vision, to ‘Reverence the Story of All People’, by considering others, breaking down barriers and supporting those who are on the margins.
On Tuesday 4 March, Stella Maris’ Year 6 Captains Summer and Henry, represented our school with Mrs Hughes at the launch of this year’s Project Compassion. Led by Bishop Brian, we were reminded of our role as the body and hands of God in this world, to help those who need us most, and to raise awareness and funds - ‘Uniting Against Poverty.’
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Stella Maris’ mission as ‘a faith-filled, respectful community of learners’ engages us in our vision to ‘Reverence the Story of All People’ and as such lead us this year to begin raising funds to support those who are on the Margins. Our Year 6 Leaders of Vision & Mission will lead this year's Project Compassion campaign for the school. Students will be getting involved in classes by watching the stories of Project Compassion and helping with fundraising.
Your generous support can help change lives today by ‘Uniting Against Poverty.’.
Each child at school has now 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!
Ash Wednesday 5 MARCH
Yesterday, we celebrated a liturgy under the COLA led by the Leaders of Vision and Mission. The students were extremely reverent and honoured to receive their ashes, making promises to return to God during Lent through acts of love and compassion.
Harmony Day 21 MARCH
Harmony Day is part of Harmony Week, which celebrates Australia’s amazing cultural diversity. On Friday 21 March, Stella Maris will celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional custodians of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world. Students can come to school on this day wearing traditional cultural costumes, showcasing the many countries we belong to. They may also bring their national flag to share in the celebration. Alternatively, students may wear orange as it signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
Students are asked on this day to bring in a gold coin donation for Project Compassion to ‘Unite Against Poverty’, supporting our vision to ‘Reverence the Story of All People’. On this day, students will share their cultural diversity in the classroom and participate in activities that celebrate inclusivity and diversity. Let’s come together to celebrate Harmony Day 2025 and continue building a school where everyone truly belongs.
Mass with the Bishop Years 3-6 March 28 11am
The Bishop will be celebrating Mass with Stella and Nazareth students in Years 3-6. Parents, grandparents and carers are invited to join us at All Saints for this special celebration.
Holy Week & Easter Liturgies 9 & 10 April at 2pm
We would like to invite parents, grandparents and carers 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 9 April we have Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 performing with Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the 10 April.
Anzac Day Liturgy 2 May 2pm
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 2 May at 2pm.
All Saints Catholic Parish NEWS
All Saints Church Mass Times: 19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 5.00pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00am & 5.00pm
Programme for the Sacrament of Penance (Year 3 Students)
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Vigil/Sunday |
Programme |
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8/9 March |
Distribution of Holy Cards with Act of Contrition. Workshops begin at Stella and Nazareth. These workshops will continue for 4 consecutive weeks. |
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15/16 March |
Examination of the children’s ability to recite the Act of Contrition. Parents are also asked to recite the Act. |
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29/30 March |
Parents advised of ceremonies for First Reconciliation. |
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Sat 5 April |
Celebration of Reconciliation 11am Mementos for First Penance distributed to the children at 5pm Vigil Mass and 9am Sunday Mass |
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au
Hope for the Illawarra Inter Church Evangelisation Event 2025
‘I invite Catholics in the Diocese of Wollongong, especially those in the illawarra Region, to attend this Ecumenical Event, inviting others so as to hear the Gospel proclaimed anew. In embracing our Jubilee Year of Hope, consider attending Hope for the Illawarra on March 28-29 in Wollongong.’ Bishop Brian Mascord
Main Events:
Friday 28 March - An Evening for Youth (7pm)
Saturday 29 March - A Morning Event for Children (11am)
Saturday 29 March - A Celebration with Dr Michael Youssef (7pm)
For more information go to https://www.hopefortheillawarra.com.au/
School Priority News and Updates
Over the next few newsletters, we will be introducing our Year 6 leadership teams. This week we will hear from our School and Vice Captains. Enjoy their video about themselves!
2025 P&F Executive
Thank you to all who were able to attend the AGM and General meeting of the P&F. A sincere thanks to the outgoing executive for their work, time and support. It is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to the following who have taken up positions on the executive for 2025. Thank you very much for giving up your time to support the school.
PRESIDENT - Kim Nowakowski
VICE PRESIDENT - Ashleigh Nancarrow
SECRETARY - Jacinda Lindsay
TREASURER - Lucy Timpano
I look forward to working with you all.
Enrolment News 2026
Click on the link to ENROL NOW
Stella Maris Open Day
Click on the link to register your attendance
What is the difference between a sensory tool, a fidget and a toy?
Sensory tools are specifically designed to stimulate one or more of the senses and help a child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they want. Sensory tools are intended to promote regulation, improve focus, and increase participation, therefore enabling students to be available for learning! Some options are a squeezy ball, a weighted item, or a liquid motion timer. They can be used in a set space prior to an activity or after feeling overwhelmed. Sensory spaces are set up in classrooms to meet student needs.
While fidgets are widely sold by stores, this term is often used incorrectly to include sensory tools and things that are really just toys. Fidgets are actually small tactile items that can help children and adults regulate and stop fidgeting.
Fidgets:
- should be small enough to fit in the hand or a pocket
- should not make noise
- should not distract others
- should not interfere with the work of others
Every classroom has a wide variety of sensory tools and fidgets for students to access, so there is no need to purchase and send in these from home.
If your child requires support to focus please discuss the use of sensory tools or fidgets with your class teacher to determine the best type and the most appropriate times at school that this may be needed.
Winter Uniform
The winter uniform will formally come in from the beginning of term 2. Week 11 of this term can be used as a transition week if the weather is cooling 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.
Attendance - Arriving to school on time
The Importance of arriving on time
Arriving at school and class on time:
- Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
- Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- Give students time to greet their friends before class
- Reduces classroom disruption
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.
A message from the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT:
We value every parent's thoughts and opinions!
Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) NSW/ACT would like to know how involved/engaged you feel you are in your child's learning at a NSW/ACT Catholic school, how connected you feel in your child's school, and your thoughts on how schools could enhance family-school partnerships.
This data informs our parent learning program and provides us with valuable information about how our dioceses and schools are engaging with families.
Thank you so much for taking time out to give us your feedback.
Please use the following link to access the survey: https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/survey/71.
Week 8
- Thursday 20th March - School Cross Country Carnival - Keith Hockey Oval
Representative Sport
AFL
On Tuesday of Week 6, Alani Waters attended the Girls South Coast AFL Trial at Batemans Bay.
Netball
On Thursday of Week 6, Summer Barthelmess, Hunter Halilovic, Sophie Dries and Lola Jimenez attended the Wollongong Diocesan Netball trial at Berkeley.
Carnivals
Swimming
On Monday, 17th February 2025, our school community gathered for our annual Swimming Carnival, held at Oak Flats Pool. Despite the overcast conditions, the excitement and enthusiasm of the students shone brightly throughout the day.
A total of 102 competitors swam in the 50m pool races, demonstrating fantastic skill, determination, and sportsmanship across all age groups. The spirit of healthy competition was on display, with students cheering each other on from poolside, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Age Champions
- Junior Girls – Mahli Creighton
- Junior Boys – Leo Jimenez
- 11 Year Girls – Lola Jimenez
- 11 Year Boys – Oscar Creighton
- Senior Girls – Ivy Paillas
- Senior Boys – Lachlan Mackay
Winning House
Congratulations to Mackillop House, who claimed the title of overall champion house, finishing on an impressive 518 points with the combined results from the Swimming Carnival and K-2 Water-based activities.
A Special Thank You
A successful carnival doesn’t happen without the support of our parents and Corpus Christi students who generously volunteered their time to assist throughout the day. Your help was greatly appreciated by students and staff alike.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our teachers, whose efforts ensured the day ran smoothly and was an enjoyable experience for all involved. Special recognition to Mrs Gallinar for her exceptional organisation and detailed data entry before, during, and after the carnival.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Oak Flats Swimming Club for officiating the event and providing expert timekeeping across all races.
South Coast Swimming Championships
On Tuesday, 4th March, a team of talented swimmers from Stella Maris proudly represented our school at the South Coast Swimming Championships, held at Corrimal Pool. Despite facing challenging weather conditions, including periods of intermittent heavy rain, our students showed incredible enthusiasm and resilience, supporting one another throughout the day and demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship.
The day was a resounding success for Stella Maris, with students excelling across both individual and team events. All four of our relay teams performed exceptionally well, securing their places at the upcoming Wollongong Trial, to be held this Friday.
Age Champions and Individual Achievements
Special congratulations go to:
Lachlan Mackay – Multi-class Senior Boy Age Champion
Mahli Creighton – Junior Girls Age Champion
Lola Jimenez – 11 Years Girls Age Champion
Oscar Creighton – 11 Years Boys Age Champion - 3rd Place
It was a particularly proud moment for Stella Maris, with the school earning several prestigious awards:
Champion Girls School
Runner-up Champion Boys School
Overall Champion School
These achievements are a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and talent shown by our swimmers and the unwavering support from their peers and families.
With such fantastic results, our students now look forward to representing Stella Maris at the Wollongong Trial. We are incredibly proud of each and every swimmer for their commitment, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Congratulations once again to all participants — your efforts have made the entire school community proud!
Cross Country
Our annual Cross Country Carnival, scheduled for the 20th of March, is quickly approaching. The Cross Country is a whole school carnival held at Keith Hockey oval. There will be two distances available for the students in Year 2-6. The following distances are available this year for competitors:
Kindergarten - 440m (1 loop of Keith Hockey Oval)
Year 1 - 660 (1.5 loops of Keith Hockey Oval)
8/9 Years - 1km participation race
8/9 Years - 2km competitive race
10 Years - 1km participation race
10 Years - 2km competitive race
11 Years - 1km participation race
11 years - 3km competitive race
12/13 Years - 1km participation race
12/13 Years - 3km competitive race
These competitive distances for the U8/9 Years - 12/13 Years will be the required distances for those students who progress to the Regional Cross Country Championships in Willandra in Term 2.
Students who have turned or turn 7 this year are able to compete in either of the U8/9 races, however, they will be unable to progress through to the following stage.
Volunteers - To ensure the safety for our students as they venture out onto the footpath around Shell Cove, we are seeking parent volunteers to be course marshalls. If you are able and willing to assist for our longer (2km and 3km) events, please contact the office and/or advise on the permission form.
Student Nominations - Just a reminder to please speak with your children about the distances they wish to enter for the carnival and enter them into the appropriate race. Changes on the day into the competitive races will not be allowed so if you are unsure, please nominate them in the competitive race. We will be allocating wristbands to students who are competing in the 2km and 3km events and need to organise this ahead of time.
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 questions please see Mrs Sablowski.
* NEW CEODoW Website
CEODoW have 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.
Mrs Sablowski
Sports Coordinator
The canteen has had a great start to the year, with lunch tubs full each day with orders. There is a lot more variety available to our students and a significant amount of home made healthy options.
After some feedback, you may have noticed that the app has been updated to show all home made products and their ingredients listed. This should assist with managing dietary requirements. Also all options for ice blocks have also been added to the lunch order menu, please note however that an alternative may need to be offered as stock can not be predicted with over the counter sales.
The canteen is now open Monday 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