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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 2! I sincerely hope that you all had a wonderful Easter break and were filled with plenty of joy, love, and quality time with friends and family.
We have had a great start to the term. Tomorrow we celebrate, acknowledge and recognise all the mother figures in our lives. Thank you to the parents who have spent countless hours preparing for tomorrow, so that the mums in our community can have a lovely breakfast with their children and grandchildren. The opportunity for the children to purchase something for their mums is a special time that the students love. Thank you again to all the parents who are giving up their time to ensure that the students have this opportunity.
Vale Pope Francis
Over the Easter weekend, Pope Francis passed away. It is a time to remember the legacy that he leaves behind. One of compassion, love, non-judgment, and care for the marginalised. Classes have acknowledged his great work and celebrated his life in age-appropriate ways. We pray that the conclave is able to work through the discernment and voting process with the spirit guiding them for the good of all.
Building Update - P&F Meeting
As you may have read in a recent Compass alert, at the next P&F meeting, we are excited to be able to share the progress on the upcoming building works, which are progressing nicely. Representatives from the CEO properties team will be present to share updates and answer questions that you may have about the project. All are invited, and we look forward to sharing this milestone with you all - Monday 19th May, 6 pm start.
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
Principal
We hope our Stella community enjoyed the Easter holiday break, and we welcome everyone to Term 2.
Before the break, we remembered the true meaning of Easter with two amazing liturgies celebrating Holy Week and Easter. They were beautiful celebrations of our most important Church season. Thank you to all the teachers and support staff who make these special events so memorable, and to our amazing community who shared it with us.
This week, as we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we are also grateful as we remember and honour the legacy of a remarkable man and a remarkable pope. He was a shepherd who led with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the Gospel of justice and mercy. Throughout his papacy, Francis inspired millions with his joyful witness to the Gospel, his loving concern for the poor and marginalized, his passionate care for all of creation, and his desire to move the Catholic Church closer to the inclusive vision of Jesus. Together we pray…
Loving God,
Today we remember with sorrow and gratitude
your servant Pope Francis,
who returned to You after a life poured out in love and service.
Even in his final days, he brought hope to the world—
blessing us on Easter Sunday,
speaking words of peace, freedom, and compassion.
We thank You for his courage, humility,
and tireless work for justice, unity, and care for the poor.
May his example guide our hearts,
and may his spirit of mercy live on in our words and actions.
Welcome him into the light of Your presence,
and comfort Your Church as we journey forward in faith.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
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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 2 May, with our special visitor, Kim Kearney from the Warilla RSL, we remembered 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.Project Compassion
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your amazing support of Caritas’ Project Compassion. From Shrove Tuesday pancakes, Harmony Day celebrations to fundraising boxes and our Staff Breakfast, thank you for truly uniting against poverty and reverencing the story of all people!
Stella Star
At the end of last Term, we learned of the amazing fundraising of former Stella Maris student Bryce Crosswell.
Touched by his cousin’s leukemia, Bryce has been raising funds for him and his family, with the condition that he shaves his head. In reverencing his cousin’s story, Bryce has raised over $26,000 of his $30,000 goal.
Bryce had the big shave in front of the whole school as well as his family. His house leader spoke about him and mentioned that Bryce is a credit to his former primary school Stella Maris. Former Corpus student - Jacob Sterjovski donated his time and skills to cut Bryce's hair.
Stella Maris is so very proud of you Bryce! Thank you for continuing to reverence the story of others.
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."
Please join us at the All Saints Mother’s Day Mass Saturday 10 May 5 pm - Kindergarten and Year 1 will sing a special song!
Foundation Day Liturgy
Parents, grandparents, family and friends are warmly invited to our Foundation Day celebrations on Tuesday 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, we will have open classrooms where parents, grandparents and carers are invited to visit their child’s classroom. You are then welcome to have a picnic lunch on the playground with your child/children and watch the Teachers versus Year 6 Student game in the afternoon.
Mary Aikenhead Award Nominations
Every year we celebrate Foundation Day with the Mary Aikenhead Award. This award is in recognition of the ministry of the 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 9th May. Using the criteria, a panel will decide on the winners of this award. The Awards Ceremony will be on Monday 20th May at 11 am, 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 the Sisters of Charity at Stella Maris Catholic School, 1958-2009.
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Nominated By ______________________________ |
Nominations due to Mrs Sanchez-Levine (or school office) by 10 May
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Grade Masses at Stella Maris
Our Stella Maris Church has reopened! Grade Masses will 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 2, 2025:
Yr 3 Week 2 6 May
Yr 2 Week 3 13 May
Yr 4 Week 5 27 May
Yr 5 Week 6 3 June
Kinder Week 8 17 June
Yr 1 Week 9 24 June
Yr 6 Week 10 1 July
All Saints Catholic Parish NEWS
All Saints Church Mass Times: 19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 5.00 pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00 am & 5.00 pm
Programme for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 6 Students)
THIS WEEKEND IS THE LAST DAY TO ENROL IN THE SACRAMENT FOR YR 6 STUDENTS!
Timetable of Events after the Vigil/Sunday Masses:
10/11 May:
- LAST MASSES TO ENROL!
- Commitment Mass for Parents and Candidates.
- Enrolment forms will be DISTRIBUTED & collected with the $25 program cost.
- Preferences collected for workshop groups
17/18 May: Families will be advised of their workshop group allocation
24/25 May: Books for workshops will be distributed to all candidates
26-29 May: First Week of Workshops
31/1 June: Preferred time indicated for Sacrament
2-5 June: Second Week of Workshops
7/8 June: Times distributed for the Sacrament
9-12 June: Third Week of Workshops
(The Monday workshop will take place on Tuesday due to the Public Holiday)
14/15 June: Blessing & distribution of Confirmation Medals
16-19 June: Fourth Week of Workshops
Thursday 19 June: Retreat Day 9 am-2 pm, All Saints Parish Hall
21/22 June: Rehearsal Saturday 5 pm for 1 July session; Sunday 9 am for 2 July session
Tuesday 1 July 7 pm Celebration of Confirmation
Wednesday 2 July 7 pm
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au
The Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians invites you to join us for the Corpus Christi Event! If you're seeking a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, the origins of the Mass or want to deepen your faith, then this day is for you! You will never celebrate Mass again the same way! Join us Sunday 22 June (10 am to 3:30 pm) at Our Lady Help of Christian's St. Joachim Hall (adjacent to the Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School) (80A Demetrius Rd, Rosemeadow).
Please note: We welcome all adults over 18. Any person under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Due to the content and nature of material, the minimum age of attendees is 14 years. For more information on the day and to register, please use the QR code provided.
Staffing News And Updates
This term, we welcome to the Stella Community the following staffing changes:
- Year 1G - Ms Rochelle Downs (Monday-Thursday); Mrs Maryanne Heddles (Friday)
- Congratulations to Mrs Shari Mayo, permanent Middle Leader 2 - Literacy. Mrs Krystle Caires will teach Year 1B on a Wednesday.
- Congratulations to Mrs Shelton, acting Middle Leader 2 - PB4L.
- Year 6G - Ms Heidi Gruber
- Year 4G Thursday & Friday - Miss Laura Burling
- Miss Courtney Marsh - new SSO on a Friday, through the CEO step up to teaching program
Uniform
The winter uniform will formally come in from Week 3, 12th 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 (non-assembly week) and Friday afternoons on even weeks (assembly week). Tomorrow, 9th May, the uniform shop will be open in the morning and the afternoon.
Walk Safely To School Day 2025
Stella Maris is excited to be taking part in Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 16th May 2025! This important national event encourages children to build healthy habits, stay active, and most importantly, create greater awareness about road safety.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to walk to school together, enjoy some fresh air, and have valuable conversations about how to be a safe and responsible road user. Let’s work together to help our students develop lifelong skills for travelling safely.
We encourage as many families as possible to join us and make Walk Safely to School Day a fun and positive start to the day!
Positive Behaviours For Learning (PB4L)
At Stella Maris, we are always looking for ways to make our school community even more inclusive, supportive, and fair. We’re excited to announce two important updates to our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) procedures, commencing this term!
Firstly, all students will now have the opportunity to participate in the End of Term Reward celebrations. In the past, students who had received a number of High or Low behavioural incidents throughout the term missed out. After reviewing our approach, we believe it’s important to celebrate the growth and efforts of every student, and we look forward to seeing everyone come together for these special events!
Secondly, we have updated our processes around High Behaviours to ensure consistency and fairness across the school:
- For a 1st High incident, students (K–6) will now receive 1 day off the playground.
- For Kindergarten students, each High incident will continue to result in 1 day off the playground.
- For a 2nd or subsequent High, students will be given 2–3 days off the playground, at the discretion of the Leadership Team.
We are confident these changes will continue to support positive behaviours, strengthen our community, and help every student grow into a respectful and responsible learner.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making Stella Maris a wonderful place for everyone!
Reconciliation Walk
Throughout the year, we will come together to celebrate and recognise key events in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, including National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week. Our school community values the opportunity to connect with families and elders to honour and share culture.
Supported by Mark Mongta and Jo Ball, some of our students will proudly participate in the Reconciliation School Flag Walk at Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra, on Monday, 2 June 2025, from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm. While we will be taking and supervising selected students from Years 5 and 6, this is a community event open to everyone. As we are unable to supervise all students, we encourage families to attend with their child if they would like to participate. Please be aware that if you decide to bring your child to this event, they will be marked absent from school.
If you could please take 5 minutes to complete the survey, that would be greatly appreciated.
This year Stella Maris has entered a team of ten mathematicians into the APSMO Maths Olympiad competition. The Olympiad is an exciting inter-school competition created specifically for high potential and high achieving students in Mathematics. Open to schools across Australia and New Zealand, this prestigious event gives students the chance to engage in challenging and meaningful problem solving activities while developing reasoning skills, critical and independent thinking, creativity, and perseverance. It provides another opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the curriculum in an engaging way.
Through this competition, students are given a platform to showcase their talents, receive recognition for their achievements, and build confidence in their abilities—setting them on a strong academic path for future success.
Unlike many other maths competitions, the Olympiad consist of four separate contests, held approximately six weeks apart, between May and September. Stella's Maths Enrichment team took part in the first of the four Maths Olympiad challenges yesterday. Stay tuned for our team’s results later in the year!
Mini Vinnies
Introducing Our 2025 Mini Vinnies Team!
On Monday the 5th of May, our school gathered to celebrate the Commissioning Ceremony for the 2025 Mini Vinnies team. It was a special occasion as each member received their Mini Vinnies badge, symbolising their commitment to living out the values of compassion, service, and social justice by following the example of St Vincent de Paul.
Congratulations to the following students who have formed our 2025 Mini Vinnies team:
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Grace De Hosson |
Henry Griffiths |
Sienna Cole |
Ellcie Harvey |
Lily Harrington |
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Isaac McDonnell |
Dekoda Tolley |
Lucy Bartlett |
Lillian Pike |
Delwyn Langendam |
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Eve Piccirillo |
Georgie Grove |
Mia Bailey |
Alani Waters |
Karmichael Fosteris |
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Addison Gelfius |
Finn Heycox |
Anabella Condy |
Annabel Sayle |
Florence Fackender |
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Violet Riquelme |
Daniella Noakes |
Abbie Chapman |
Grace Healey |
Summer Barthelmess |
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Grace Shepherd |
Macey Hodgson |
Quinn Zareba |
During the ceremony, we were also proud to introduce this year’s Mini Vinnies leadership team: our President, Vice President, and Media Officer. Congratulations to Isaac McDonnell (President), Dekoda Tolley (Vice President) and Daniella Noakes (Media Officer). These students will play a key role in guiding the group, leading initiatives, and helping to communicate the important work Mini Vinnies does within our school and wider community.
Mini Vinnies gives our students a chance to put their faith into action and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Congratulations to all of our Mini Vinnies students! We look forward to seeing the wonderful things this passionate and dedicated team will accomplish throughout the year.
Cyber Safety & Gaming
As we transition back into school routine from holiday break, it is timely to revisit the concept of monitoring what your children are doing online at home. Here are some key questions for reflection:
- Do you know what games your child plays online? Are they age-appropriate?
- Do you know who your child is communicating with online?
- Do you monitor their access to apps such as YouTube, Snapchat, etc?
- Does your child have access to social media, recognising that they are below the legal age?
Take some time to know what your child is accessing online and support them in making safe choices.
We welcome another busy term in all things sport! Please find below a list of key dates that our students may be involved in.
27th May - South Coast Cross Country Championships - Willandra Cross Country Course,
29th May - School Athletics Carnival - Myimbarr Athletics Centre
30th May - Central Legends Rugby League Gala Day
Representative Sport
Swimming
Mackillop Swimming Trials
At the end of Term 1, we had several students representing the Wollongong Diocesan Team at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) on Wednesday the 2nd of April for the Mackillop Trials. Here are the results from that trial:
Junior Boys Relay (Brooklyn Roche, Duke Monkley, Eden Mace & Leo Jimenez) - 10th
Senior Girls Freestyle Relay (Ivy Paillas, Hunter Halilovic, Alani Waters, Lola Jimenez) - 8th
Senior Boys Relay (Karmichael Fosteris, Olly Lachlan, Lachlan Mackay, Oscar Crieghton) - 6th
Lachlan MacKay
- Senior MC 50m Freestyle - 2nd
- Senior MC 50m Breaststroke - 1st
- Senior MC 50m Backstroke - 2nd
- Senior MC 50m Butterfly - 1st
- Senior MC 100m Freestyle - 2nd
Mahli Creighton
- 9yrs Girls 50m Freestyle - 3rd
A special mention to Mia Veleski who was a member of this group in the lead up to these trials and unfortunately broke her finger leading in and was unable to swim. Alani Waters was called up and confirmed on Tuesday, the day before the event, and swam incredibly well to support this team, so a big thanks to Alani, her parents and Mrs Halilovic who took Alani to and from Homebush so that she could compete.
NSWPSSA Swimming Championships (TERM 2)
In the final week of school, Mahli Creighton represented Mackillop at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships in Homebush, competing in the U9 Girls 50m Freestyle race.
Mahli placed 27th overall which is an outstanding achievement given that she was competing against the best swimmers from all over the state. Congratulations Mahli on your efforts.
Australian Age and Multi-class Age Championship - Brisbane
A huge congratulations to Lachlan Mackay who attended the Australian Age and MC Age Championships in Brisbane at the end of last term. Posting PB's throughout the meet, he finished with a 1st place in the 100m breaststroke, 2nd place in the 50m breaststroke, 4th place in the 50m freestyle, 7th place in the 50m backstroke and 8th place in the 100m freestyle. Way to go Lachlan!
Softball
On Wednesday of Week 1, Jett and Carter braved the chilly conditions to attend the Mackillop Softball Trials, held in Seven Hills. Congratulations boys on your efforts!
Rugby Union
On Friday of Week 1, seven students attended the boys Rugby trial at St Greg’s. Congratulations to the following students who made the Wollongong Diocesan team and will now travel to Forbes to trial for the Mackillop Rugby team, late June: Olly L, Spencer G, Spencer T, Oscar C, Patrick U and Sione A.
South Coast Cross Country Championships
The South Coast Cross Country Championships that were scheduled for Willandra on Tuesday the 6th of May have been postponed with a new date confirmed for Tuesday the 27th of May.
Gala Days
Nominations are open for all Gala Days. The closing date for nominations is Friday of Week 2 (9th May). Nominations were sent out via a Google Form at the end of last term. If you are not able to access this online form, please see the staff in the office for a printed form and complete this ASAP.
A separate form was sent out for expressions of interest for the Central Legends Rugby League Gala Day. Please have this completed by the end of Week 3 (16th May).
Athletics Carnival 2025
Our annual School Athletics Carnival will be commencing on the 29th of May at Myimbarr Athletics Centre. This will be a whole school carnival, similar to that run last year. A canteen will once again be in operation throughout the day.
* 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.
P&F Meeting
Our next meeting will be held on the 19th of May at 6pm - it would be great to see as many parents (new & old) in attendance as possible. We want to hear your ideas for future events for the school this year! If unable to attend please email the P&F with any ideas you may have for future events or anything you would like discussed at our meeting.
Mother's Day 2025
We are very grateful to all who have volunteered their time already. A friendly reminder that this will be helping us decide what events will be going ahead this year so if you are able to volunteer your time for any event please see the link below. Let’s continue to make 2025 a great year for the children of Stella Maris.
We hope everyone has a beautiful Mother’s Day.
Thank you
P&F Association
The canteen is now open from Tuesday 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
CatholicCare's counselling service provides support to children, adults, couples and families who are experiencing:
- Grief and loss
- Family, relationship and marriage difficulties
- Stress/anxiety/depression
- Changes in personal or family situations
- Pregnancy loss.
Our skilful and compassionate counsellors are qualified professionals experienced in couple, family and individual counselling.
The first session is free and subsequent sessions are charged at a flexible, mutually agreed fee.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. See this link for more information.