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Dear Parents and Carers
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of yet another term at school. As a new
staff member, here at Stella Maris this year, it is hard for me to fathom just how fast the
year has progressed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of this
great school, for welcoming me with open arms into the fold of Stella Maris.
As the term quickly comes to an end, it is timely to reflect on the magnificent achievements
of our students this term as well as the many significant events afforded to our students and
families. It has been a particularly busy term but we have experienced many moments to
celebrate student success both in and out of the classroom. Just to list these events clearly
exuberates the amazing staff, who work tirelessly to enable all of these things to happen to
ensure our school continues to be the vibrant learning community that it is. The many key
events this term included, Sacrament of Confirmation, Grandparents day, Diocesan MBot
Challenge, Chess Competition, NAIDOC week, School Masses, Basketball Gala days, Father’s
Day breakfast and stall and, the many excursions afforded to our children to broaden their
worldly experiences. So, I believe that as the term comes to an end, let’s celebrate a sense
of gratitude for all that life affords us.
Confirmation
During Term 3, many of our Year 6 children prepared to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation. This week, the eligible children received the sacrament from Bishop Brian
Mascord. Receiving such, completed all that was given at Baptism and the candidates
became full members of the Catholic church. In receiving the Holy Spirit, the children are
called upon to participate in the ministry and mission of Jesus, strengthening their capacity
to follow Jesus more closely. Throughout the liturgy, the children experienced several
symbolic actions:
1. The Laying of the Hands. Here, the Bishop raised his hands above the children and
prayed for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This ritual is connected to Baptism,
strengthening the Holy Spirit in their vocation to follow the way of Jesus.
2. Anointing with oil. The anointing of the children at Confirmation, recognised that
they were sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Bishop anointed the candidate’s forehead
with the Oil of Chrism, saying ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’.
3. The Sign of Peace. At the end of the rite, the Bishop placed his hand on the side of
the candidate’s face and said, ‘Peace be with you’ to which the children responded,
‘And with your spirit’. This symbolised the children’s place within the Church
community.
Congratulations to all children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In doing so,
they are now ready to live out their missionary life, calling on the gifts of the Holy Spirit to
live out the mission of Jesus. As a Catholic community, it is important for us as parents and
educators, to continue to discuss with our young people how they can use their gifts to be
the face of Christ in our world, how they can be fully alive and present in living their faith,
and to be fully alive in being a gift to others.
Compass
As you are aware, Stella Maris has transitioned to the web based administration system called Compass. The Compass Parent Portal is an integrated, online portal that allows you to access up-to-date and meaningful information about our school and your child's progress. Parents are now able to go directly into their Parent Portal and submit reasons for absence either on the day of absence or after the absence. This will hopefully eliminate the need for paper notes or emails explaining absences.
Every family received a separate login to Compass, which was provided to you by the school earlier in Term 3. If you haven’t done so yet, you will need to be registered with Compass by the end of this week as all school correspondence including childen's reports, newsletters, excursion notes, alerts etc will no longer be pushed out on the Skoolbag App or through hard copy. If you are having trouble finding the Compass link for Stella Maris, you can go to http://schools.compass.education where you can search for and find our school's direct URL.
School Photos
School photos will be taken on Wednesday 23 October. Can you please ensure that your child’s envelopes are returned on the day of photos as these will be handed directly to the photographers. As it is a Wednesday, some classes will have Physical Education lessons. However, your child is asked to wear their full summer uniform for the day.
Mathematics Challenge
Recently, several children from Stage 3 participated in the Mathematics Challenge offered by the Australian Mathematics Trust. This required children to work on four complex problems over a four-week period. They had the choice of either working on their own or, with others who were also completing the challenge. This prompted a level of persistence, trial and error and much mathematical discourse as they attempted to solve the problems. Overall, the children involved did extremely well and are to be congratulated for their efforts. The results are as follows:
Proficiency – Alan K and Scott B
Credit – Aleighsha R, Lachlan M, Arielle C, Montanna M, Sibeal Mc, Chloe Mc, Milly D, Elitia T, Joshua L, Caiden J, Isabella M, Kye L and Ryan B
Distinction – Emily R, Keegan Mc, Egan L and Elizabeth B
Congratulations to all students who participated in this challenging but rewarding learning opportunity.
On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank you for your continued support of the school during Term 3 and I hope the students find some time for some rest before the commencement of Term 4.
Angela Crandell
Acting Principal
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Social Justice Sunday
This Sunday’s Gospel,
Lk 16:19-31
Parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
All Saints Catholic Parish Shellharbour
Mass times: All Saints Church
19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 6.00pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00am inc. Children’s Liturgy
5.00pm (6.00pm daylight saving)
Feast Days
27th September- St Vincent De Paul
29th September -Sts Michael, Gabriel, Raphael (archangels)
4th October- St Francis of Assisi
World Mission Month Launch
The school Captains travelled with Mr Sykes to St John’s Nowra for the launch of World Mission Month. The theme of World Mission Month 2019 is;
‘Do Not Fear For I Am With You’
Our focus country is Ghana, where the Church seeks to provide shelter, food, education, and life fulfilling opportunities for children in need, especially those with disabilities. Ghana is a country of great natural beauty, with forests and waterfalls. Yet millions of people live in extreme poverty.
We will have a Liturgy for World Mission Month on Tuesday 22nd October at 2.00pm. Our fundraiser this year will be a Skipathon. Miss Fry will be running the ‘Skipathon’ during PE Lessons on Wednesday and Thursday of week 2. We are asking each child to donate $5 to the missions for participating in the Skipathon.
Activate Fire
In preparation for their Confirmation, Year 6 students took part in Activate Fire, a day of reflection where they were immersed in a Spiritual experience based on ‘Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit’. This day was an opportunity for students to encounter Christ with students from neighbouring schools who they will be attending High School with next year.
Confirmation
On the 24th and 25th September, 43 Year 6 students from Stella Maris were confirmed at All Saints Church by Bishop Brian Mascord. The Bishop engaged the students in conversation explaining that we are all ’Children of God’ no matter what our age. The reason for this is that we are all still learning about God, learning to be more like Jesus.
Through Confirmation, the students received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, giving them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.
SEASON OF CREATION
September 1 - October 4
WAYS FOR YOU TO REFLECT
- Watch the sun rise and set
- Take flowers to a shut in person.
- Step outside and look at the stars
- Have a digital device free day
- Read an article addressing environmental concerns
- Purchase less of what you need
- Be conscious of the water you use
- Pray for people who are victims and survivors of extreme weather events
- Take your family for a picnic
Julie Hopkins
Acting Religious Education Coordinator
We will stop using Skoolbag on the last day of this term - 27 September and will continue with Compass for all communications from now on.
Thank you for your patience whilst we transition into Compass.
Could we please ask that if you arrive at school after the bell has gone, that you come to the office to sign in, as your child may already have been marked as absent and will stay as absent unless you sign them in.
To sign a child out early, please inform the teacher in writing that you will be taking your child out and the time, then on arrival at school, come to the office, sign your child out, then proceed to the classroom to pick up your child. Please do not use compass to sign your child out of school, this will be done by the office staff on your arrival.
Thank you for your assistance with this.