PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers,the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation.Their very special love sets them apart.Through happiness and sorrow,through their special love and caring,Grandparents keep a family close at heart. (Author unknown)

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

One of the highlights of our annual school calendar is Grandparents’ Day. On Tuesday we were graced with the presence of over three hundred visitors, many of whom travelled considerable distances to join us. The day commenced with a beautiful prayer service, with one of the highlights being children sharing their favourite memories of their nans and pops. The class visits were also well received and some rooms were full to overflowing. Finally lots of grandparents enjoyed morning tea and having the chance to have a chat. I would like to thank our staff for being so welcoming and helping in so many ways. I especially thank Kindergarten and Mrs Shelton and Miss Agius for preparing the liturgy, with the guidance of our Religious Education Co-ordinator, Mrs Sanchez-Levine. It was a great day and it was a perfect example of what a vibrant and happy school community we have here at Stella.

RETIREMENT NEWS

I would like to sincerely thank those who have extended their best wishes to me on the news that I will be finishing up as Principal as Stella Maris at the end of the current school year. There will be time in the next two terms for me to share an insight on my time here at the school, especially over the last seven years. I am truly grateful to have served our community and worked alongside wonderful staff, students and parents. I know that I will be leaving at a time when the school is highly appreciated and valued by so many people. The recruitment process for the selection of a new Principal will be expected to commence this term.

NAIDOC WEEK LITURGY

Last Tuesday we held our annual Naidoc Week Liturgy, which was led by our Year Four students. It was well attended by many parents and grandparents who came to celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their inspiring contributions to Australia. Students were involved in Aboriginal song and dance and our school choir and Kindergarten students performed with pride. A highlight was the unveiling of the school’s new flagpole, which allows us to fly the three flags (Australian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander) together in unity. We are grateful for the support we receive in this area from Aunty Jo and Uncle Mark as well as the leadership of Mr Chris Price, our Aboriginal Coordinator. We also thank Miss Sullivan and her mother for making costumes for the liturgy. They looked amazing!

PARENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE

As mentioned in the last Term 2 Newsletter, we have decided to re-introduce an initiative we were undertaking pre-Covid-19 days and that was to have a Parent Education Committee. This involves inviting parents each term to a meeting at school where we will present information on key learning focus areas, perhaps visit a classroom to see effective learning and teaching practices and also providing parents with an opportunity to ask questions related to learning at our school. The first topic we will explore is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), where our facilitator Chris Price will inform parents of the great work we are doing across the school in this area. This will take place on Wednesday Week 4, 10 August. at 9.15am. If you would like to take part in this opportunity please RSVP by emailing the school office by Tuesday 9 August.

WET WEATHER PICKUP

The recent heavy rain has resulted in many wet weather pickup arrangements.

Whilst we endeavour to notify parents of this change around 2pm via Compass when it’s raining, sometimes it starts to pour at 2.30pm so rather than have people waiting in the rain, they are invited to collect children from the classrooms. When it is wet weather pickup, there is a window of time where children can be collected from 2.30-2.50pm. Parents are not required to be at the school right on 2.30pm if that isn’t suitable. The children will be supervised in their classrooms until they are picked up. Just a reminder that normal pick up arrangements (non-wet weather),  involve the gates being opened on the first bell at 2.45pm and the children will be brought down to lines for a second bell (2.50pm) dismissal.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

We are hopeful of holding our School Athletics Carnival at Myimbarr Sports Complex next Thursday 4 August. As a precaution Mrs Sablowski will be conducting selection trials for events for Juniors (9s/10s), 11s and 12 year students tomorrow in the event that the carnival is cancelled. If it goes ahead next Thursday, the results on the day will be used for Regional selection.

MACKILLOP CROSS COUNTRY

Congratulations to Reid Coelho on his performance at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Carnival at Eastern Creek last Friday. Competing for the Mackillop Team, Reid was placed 31st in his race, an outstanding performance. Well done Reid.

KINDERGARTEN EXCURSION

Good luck to our Kindergarten students for their Shoalhaven Zoo excursion tomorrow. It is an important event for the children as they go outside the classroom environment to extend their learning.

NAPLAN RESULTS

It is expected that parents of Years 3 and 5 students who participated in NAPLAN this year will receive their results later this term.

CLASS OF TERM 2

Congratulations to Year 4 Blue, who were awarded the Class of Term Two. They received this award for lining up and leaving the assembly area quietly and for paying attention during liturgies and assemblies.

NETBALL NSW SCHOOLS CUP

Good luck to our senior netball team who will be competing in the NSW Netball Cup at Broulee next Tuesday. Thank you to Mrs Shelton, Mrs Downing and Miss Young for preparing the team.

P & F PIE DRIVE

Thank you to the many families who supported the P & F Pie Drive this year. Orders can be collected from school next Friday. If people can help placing the orders in bags on Friday 5 August at 12.15am please contact the P & F secretary Kate Mace at parents@smsdow.catholic.edu.au

SCHOOL DISCO

A school disco will be held at Nazareth School Hall on Thursday 11 August with children in Kinder, Years 1 & 2 coming from 5.00- 6pm and Years 3-6 from 6.30-8pm. The P & F will be assisting, however we ask that parents drop their children off and do not stay as teachers will be supervising the children.

WORKING BEE

The P & F Working Bee will be held on Friday 19 August after school from 3-5pm. for those who are able to help. A variety of jobs will be performed including garden, tidying up, clearing drains and gutters. Parents are asked to bring their own gardening tools. A big thank you to the Roche and Randall family for giving up their time in the holidays to apply wire to the fence so that handballs do not go outside the school grounds.

This Sunday’s Gospel

Lk 12:13-21

Parable of the rich man with a good harvest.

All Saints Catholic Parish Shellharbour

Mass times:

All Saints Church 

19 College Ave, Shellharbour City

Saturday  5.00pm Vigil 

Sunday    9.00am 

               5.00pm 

Mass at Stella Maris 

Grade Masses take place at our Stella Maris church on Tuesdays at 9:30am.  Parents, Grandparents and carers are most welcome to attend.  Please find below a schedule of the Masses this Term.

Week 5 - 16 August, Kinder

Week 6 - 23 August, Year 1

Week 8 - 6 September, Year 4

Week 9 - 13 September, Year 6

Week 7 - 30 August, Year 2

Join us for a Cuppa!

Additionally, we would like to invite parents, grandparents and carers to please join us for a cup of tea or coffee after Mass in the school staffroom.  Simply follow the students and Mrs Sanchez-Levine through the gates after Mass to join her, Mr Sykes, Fr Joe and Sr Kerry for a 30 minute informal gathering.

The Sacraments

Communion - Year 3 or Older 

Enrolment for First Holy Communion will occur on the weekend of 17 and 18 September 2022.  

If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.au

Naidoc Week Celebrations

On Tuesday 19 July, Stella Maris participated in Naidoc Week with a special liturgy to celebrate the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heroes who have championed change for equal opportunities and basic human rights. The 2022 theme is encouragement to maintain this momentum and continue the fight for change.  Everyone can take action to amplify the message.  NAIDOC Week gives all Australians the opportunity to celebrate and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heroes, communities, cultures, and histories.

On Tuesday 26 July we celebrated the gift grandparents are in our lives with a heart warming liturgy presented by Kindergarten, followed by open classrooms and a wonderful morning tea prepared by our parents and friends committee.  It was a truly magnificent event with over 200 grandparents, parents and carers attending the celebration.  A huge thank you to all the teachers and support staff who played a part in preparing the students, as well as to Seth Harsh for sharing the Gospel and a beautiful homily on the important role grandparents have to play in the sharing of our faith.

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop

On Thursday 11 August, Year 6 students from Stella Maris will be joining with students from other schools in our southern cluster for Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord at All Saints Catholic Church, Shellharbour City.  This will be a memorable experience for the children to meet with our Bishop. It is also an excellent opportunity to mix with children from our neighbouring schools prior to high school.

Children will travel by bus, leaving school at 9.30am and returning by 2pm. They are asked to bring their own recess, lunch and drink in lunch boxes rather than bags. The children are required to wear their full school uniform (including school hat) on the day. They are able to arrive at school at their normal time and will be back at school in time for buses.

God Bless

Alicia Sanchez-Levine

Religious Education Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students from Years 3-6 who have completed the PRC  Years 3-4: Madin U, Ava B, Laila K, Summer B, Sianna M, Isaac K, Sophie D, Nicholas N, Grace D, Lucy B, Sione A, Alfin A, Tom J, Blake L, Torren S, Zoie T, Harry T, Flynn B, Alanah T, Bruce T, Heath P, Amari P, Ava C, Emily B, Aaron P, Carter C, Amelia S,

Years 5-6: Sienna P, Ocean M, Abbey M, Lennox H, Bella L, Ivy D, Alexis C, Esther F, Mia B, Sophie G, Mia S, Charlotte W, Sienna L, Halle S, Savannah R, Scarlett J, Isabella C, Harper R, Max C, Lilli R, Harvey V, Sierra F

We continue to look forward to acknowledging all students who are participating in the challenge this year.

BOOK WEEK Term 3, Thursday 25th August.

The theme for Book Week this year is ‘Dreaming With Eyes Open’'. The Book Week event is a celebration of books, knowledge and reading and special book related activities for the school community.

At Stella Maris we will be having a special event dedicated to Book Week at 9am. On Thursday 25th August students will come to school dressed as their favourite book character and take part in a whole school parade. Year 6 students will parade with their Kinder buddies. Students are discouraged from wearing costumes or masks that might frighten other students.

More information will be forthcoming early next term.

Some costume ideas https://www.bountyparents.com.au/expert-advice/easy-book-week-costumes/

Mrs Jo Love

Librarian.

Thank you to all our school families and friends, for your wonderful support in our Pie Drive. We are please to announce that we raised $3110.00 for our school, thank you for your amazing efforts with this fundraising event, we could not have raised this much with out you all.

Please don’t forget if you have any spare plastic or brown paper bags, we would love to take them off your hands to pack all the pies that were ordered, please drop these off to the office.

PIE ORDER COLLECTION DAY

Friday – 5 August – from 2pm at the School Library.

Please head to our school library from 2pm to collect your orders, our helpers will be ready to distribute your pies.

Please Note

We are urgently needing some volunteers to help on site from 12.15pm that day, to sort out pies and distribute. If you are able to assist please let the office know or email the P&F or text me on 0431 202 288 (Marysol) we truly appreciate all your help.

SCHOOL DISCO

Thursday – 11 August

Get Ready to Dance the night away...

Please note that we have made some minor adjustments to the times, but rest assured all your children will sleep well that night.

Session 1 : 5pm – 6pm

Session 2 : 6.30pm – 8pm

WORKING BEE

Friday 19 August – 3 to 5 pm

Its that time of the year again, where we need some helpers to get our children’s school area looking good...our school grounds need some TLC and we need to get rid of some items to make space at our school. Love to see as many parents as possible helping out if available, even 30 min of your time will make a huge difference, if you can spare some time please email the P&F or let the office know, again your help is greatly appreciated.

The P&F thank all our families for their on going support.

Please see below a request from a neighbour of our school.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could read the notice:

'Could I please ask school parents not to park on the grass outside private property in the street near the school. Someone has parked outside our family property and dug up the grass today. We regularly have people parking across the driveway as well.'

Thank you for your attention to this.

Canteen News

We are a school run canteen and rely on volunteers to operate.

Canteen is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to make and prepare lunch orders and serve the children over the counter.

Online orders can be made via the My School Connect app - www.myschoolconnect.com.au/stellamarisps click on create account.