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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing holiday break, filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and enjoy precious time with your loved ones. It's always so lovely to see our students' smiling faces return to school, full of energy and ready for another term of learning and growth.
This term we have already had plenty of opportunities to celebrate significant events. Our Grandparents' Day was an overwhelming success, and it was a joy to witness so many of our beloved grandparents sharing in the school experience with their grandchildren. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and connection, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a memorable afternoon. The liturgy was a gift from Kindergarten that was shared with us all.
We also took important time to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week, learning about the rich history, diverse cultures, and incredible achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was a powerful week of education and recognition, fostering a deeper understanding and respect within our school community.
Supporting Our Children's Wellbeing
As we embark on Term 3, I also want to address an important observation we've made as a school community. We've noticed a recent increase in anxiety among some of our children, as well as a rise in instances of inappropriate online activity. In this ever-evolving world, it's more crucial than ever that we equip our students with the tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Our commitment to nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit – means we are continually looking for ways to best support their emotional and social development.
To further support our students and our families, I am delighted to share that our School Counsellor, Emma is introducing herself and explaining the role of a school counsellor in our newsletter today. Emma has been a valuable resource for our students, providing a safe and confidential space for them to discuss any concerns they may have. Furthermore, to assist you in supporting your children at home, we will be including helpful support material for parents on various topics in our fortnightly school newsletter. We hope these resources will empower you with practical strategies and information to navigate the complexities of modern childhood.
We look forward to a productive and enriching Term 3, working together to ensure every child thrives in our Catholic school environment.
God Bless
Belinda Hughes
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Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Solidarity Solidarity means that we are all part of one big human family, no matter where we come from or what we believe. It means looking out for each other, whether we're close by or far away. Being kind to others isn't just something we do locally; it's something that reaches across the globe. At its heart, solidarity is about working for fairness and harmony. As Pope Paul VI said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel encourages us to be peacemakers, showing love and promoting peace in a world that often faces conflict and violence. |
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
Stella Maris’ Feast Day - The Assumption 15 August
Celebrate with us the day Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Parents and caregivers are invited to share with us the following activities:
- 9-11 am K-6 Mass with Nazareth at All Saints (Students will travel as a school by bus)
- 12-1 pm K-2 Novelty Games on the Stella Playground
- 12-1 pm 3-6 Teacher Vs Year 6 Game on the Stella Playground
- 1-1:45 pm K-6 Lunch on the Stella Playground - Bring a picnic lunch & a fold-out chair!
- 2-2:35 pm Open Classrooms K-6
- 2:50 pm Dismissal
Grade Masses at Stella Maris
Grade 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, 2025:
Yr 2 Week 3 5 Aug
Yr 3 Week 4 12 Aug
Yr 4 Week 5 19 Aug
Yr 5 Week 6 26 Aug
Kinder Week 8 9 Sep
All Saints Catholic Parish NEW
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 Communion (Year 3 Students)
Timetable of Events after the Vigil/Sunday Masses: TBC
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.auUpcoming Key Dates - Term 3
Please always check the parent calendar for any changes for the most up to date information as well as compass alerts and notifications.
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School Counselling
PB4L
As part of our Social and Emotional Learning program, we use a well-being platform called PIVOT. This tool allows students to complete a quick weekly check-in that helps them and their teachers track and reflect on their well-being across five key areas: general well-being, resilience, sense of belonging, safety, and protective behaviours.
Protective behaviours include how students feel about important areas of their life, such as school, family, friendships, health, and hobbies. The data consistently shows that students feel positive and supported in most of these areas. However, one area that regularly shows a dip is sleep.
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for school-aged children, supporting their learning, behaviour, and overall well-being.
To encourage positive sleep habits:
- Aim for 9–11 hours of sleep each night
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine,
- Limit screen time at least one hour before bed
- A calm, quiet sleep environment
- Daily physical activity can also help improve sleep
- Avoid caffeine and sugary snacks in the evening
- Encourage relaxation techniques like reading or deep breathing.
Healthy sleep routines set children up for success both in and out of the classroom.
Further information can be found at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children or https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/sleep
Communication Channels
The school’s communication processes have been streamlined to assist families with communicating with teachers and the school. A reminder that day to day messages that the class teacher may need to know about are done through Class Dojo. Any significant details, medical reports, requests for meetings etc should be emailed to the school office and this will be passed on to the appropriate person. Communication from the school of whole school events or grade specific events will be communicated via Compass.
Please be mindful that staff will reply to messages and or emails in a timely manner and during school days and appropriate hours. It is not appropriate for staff to be engaging in or replying to messages over a weekend or late afternoons.
In addition to the above communication channels, the school's Facebook and Instagram accounts provide weekly updates of what is happening.
How do I know what is happening in my child’s class?
Teachers are sometimes asked by families, How do we know what my child is doing in the class? Teachers use many ways to communicate and celebrate the great things that are happening in their class. Here a few of the key ways that the school shares with families the learning.
- Each term, in Week 2, a curriculum newsletter is shared by each grade
- This newsletter outlines in detail the learning that will be covered in the term
- Class expectations
- Teacher communication
- Key dates
- Organisational information
- Class dojo
- Open classrooms
- Stella Maris Instagram and Facebook is also used to celebrate and share learning from our classes
If there is a time where you may have questions or queries about your child’s learning or wellbeing please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – 4 August
Each year on August 4, communities across Australia celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. First held in 1988, this special day recognises the importance of culture, family and community in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Every year, a theme is chosen to raise awareness around issues, hopes or celebrations connected to their wellbeing. Schools, community organisations and services are encouraged to take part in acknowledging and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
To learn more or explore ways to get involved, visit:
aboriginalchildrensday.com.au
Reminder: Toys at School
A gentle reminder that personal toys should not be brought to school. While we understand children may be excited to share special items, they can easily be lost, damaged, or cause distraction in learning spaces. We appreciate your support in helping students focus and keep their belongings safe.
Book Week 2025
Term 4 - School Photos
As we prepare for Term 4 school photos, we kindly remind families that only students with photo permission on Compass will be included in whole class photographs.
This is in accordance with Stella Maris' 2025 Consent for the use of student's image.
If you are uncertain about your child’s photo permission status or need to make changes, please contact the school office at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation.
Key Sport Dates:
Week 4 - Tuesday 12th August - South Coast Athletics Championships - Beaton Park
Week 4 - Thursday/Friday 14th & 15th August - NSW All Schools Boys Netball U12’s Championships - Sydney (Olly L & Spencer G)
Week 5 - Tuesday 19th August - Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Selection Trial - Beaton Park
Week 6 - Friday 29th August - South Coast Soccer Gala Day - South Nowra Fields, Nowra (Year 3-6 invited)
Representative Sport
South Coast Athletics Championships
The South Coast Athletics Championships are held on Tuesday, 12th August (Week 4) at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre in Beaton Park. Mrs Mace and Mrs Norris will be attending with the team.
Gala Days
Soccer
Students who have been successful in their nomination for the Soccer Gala Day will have been notified via Compass this week. The Soccer Gala Day is being held on Friday, the 29th of August (Week 6). We will again be following on from last year with micro Gala Days scheduled throughout the Diocese. This year we will be attending the South Nowra venue. Communication was sent out this week in regards to this change. Buses have been organised and there is a $12 fee for students to attend this Gala Day.
Please note the following points:
- Teachers and parents are reminded that the soccer gala days are not formal competitions.
- There will be no scores kept, no finals and no winners awarded.
- The gala day is designed primarily for student enjoyment of the sport, for the promotion of exercise, skills, development of social and emotional capabilities and a positive sporting experience.
- Adults are encouraged to support this philosophy by encouraging students, respecting referees and enjoying the non-competitive nature of the day.
The schools that will be attending the Gala Day will be St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Milton, Ss Peter and Paul, Kiama and St Michael's, Nowra.
* Shin pads and boots - All students are required to wear shin pads and runners/joggers, NO SOCCER BOOTS. This has come from the Department of Education Guidelines and requirements. If your child does not own shin pads or can not source any ahead of the Gala Day, please contact the school and we can look to provide them with a pair.
Basketball
Basketball nominations have been submitted. We have requested additional teams on top of the allocated allowance. This will be subject to approval based on the number of schools and teams that have applied and venue allowances. Once we have confirmation of teams, students will be added to the event in Compass if their nomination was successful. The same process will be applied to this Gala Day with students receiving places based on their preferences and age/stage. This Gala Day will be in Week 9 (Thursday 18th - Juniors, Friday 19th - Seniors).
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.
CEODoW Website
CEODoW has 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.
Welcome back to Term 3 - we hope everyone had a great break and is ready for the second half of 2025!
Disco - TONIGHT!
It is not too late if you want to come along - we hope to see lots of children there having fun
K to Year 2 - 5pm to 6.15pm
Year 3 to Year 6 - 6.30pm to 8pm
Upcoming Events
31st July - Disco
18th August - P&F Meeting
5th September - Fathers Day Breakfast
5th September Fathers Day Stall
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
Sporting Achievements
Hockey
Over the school holidays, Karmichael proudly represented the Illawarra/South Coast in a hockey carnival held in Tamworth. He embraced every moment on the field, showing incredible sportsmanship and making new friends from across the state.
Capping off an amazing experience, Karmichael was awarded MVP (Most Valuable Player) for his team – an outstanding achievement and a testament to his dedication and talent. Well done, Karmichael!
Wishing Joel all the very best as he takes on the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark! What an incredible achievement to be representing at such a prestigious international event. Your school community is cheering you on every step of the way — go Joel!
For more photos and results, click on Southlake Illawarra BMX Club's post
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AuhkKgcQi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
