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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the 2023 school year. I hope that you were able to find time to rest, recharge and reconnect with loved ones during the break.
Firstly I would like to thank you for the warm welcome I have received this week. From the staff, the students and yourselves as the parent community. I have been made to feel very welcome and a part of the community.
One of the first things that has struck me is the beautiful manners of the students and their willingness to come and say hello, introduce themselves and engage in conversation. Although it will no doubt take me some time to learn all the names, I am enjoying getting to know them all and listen to their stories.
A walk through the classrooms and it is clear to see the commitment of the staff to the wellbeing and academic experiences for our students. The deliberate focus on getting to know your children by the teachers and to provide a safe and supportive environment is highly valued and evident.
Stella Maris holds a special place in my heart, as an ex student myself, my own primary school experience is held dearly. I spoke with the children on their first day, how my hope for them is that they leave Stella Maris with the same fondness and pride as I have. I look forward to joining you on the journey and supporting you and your family through the primary schooling years.
God Bless in Faith, Hope and Love
School News
School Uniform Expectations
The students have returned to school looking smart in their summer uniform, complete with new, polished school shoes. Thank you to parents for assisting in maintaining the high standard of uniform that exists in the school. Just a reminder, that joggers should be predominantly white, with white laces and worn with white sport socks (not anklets). Long hair is to be tied back with green or gold hair ribbons/ elastics and alternate hairstyles such as mullets, mohawks or shaved symbols in hair are not acceptable. Bracelets/ bangles and nail polish are also not part of school policy. Where there are concerns and breaches of the school’s policy, I will make written contact with you. If a situation arises and the children are unable to be in correct uniform for a short period of time, could I please ask that a letter is sent into the class teacher.
Attendance Requirements and Legislation
The NSW Education Act (1990) and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) require Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If children are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, within seven days of the absence.
After seven days, absences will automatically be recorded as Absent - unexplained / unjustified if the school is not provided with an acceptable explanation from Parents/Carers. Parents wishing to provide the school with an acceptable explanation after the seven day period, will need to contact the school and the school will adjust the attendance register. Parents are unable to enter the absence through the parental portal in Compass after the seven day period.
The school will continue to support Parents/Carers and frequently send home letters giving Parents/Carers the opportunity to provide the school with an explanation for absences. There may be instances where parents may receive a pastoral phone call in support of regular attendance and/or receive a further letter at the end of a term indicating emerging attendance concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require further information regarding attendance and the requirements.
Principal
Belinda Hughes
Welcome to a new year at Stella Maris. As we reverence the story of all people, may we work together as a community to fill our hearts and those of others, with faith, hope and love.
God Bless
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
This Sunday’s Gospel
Salt of the earth, light of the world.
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 for Term 1, 2023.
Yr 6 Week 3 7 February
Yr 5 Week 4 14 February
Yr 4 Week 5 21 February
Yr 3 Week 6 28 February
Yr 2 Week 7 7 March
Yr 1 Week 8 14 March
Kinder Week 9 21 March
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 us for a 30 minute informal gathering.
The Sacraments
Reconciliation (5 April 2023) - Year 3 Students in 2023 (Current Year 2 Students)
4/5 February: The assignment of families to workshops will be distributed. Allow 15 minutes after Mass.
11/12 February: The books for workshops will be distributed after Mass.
18/19 February: Examination of the children’s ability to recite the Our Father and Hail Mary. Please assist the children to learn these prayers before this weekend.
20 February: Workshops begin at Stella and Nazareth. These workshops will continue for 4 consecutive weeks.
If there are any questions related to any of the Sacraments, please contact the parish office via email shellharbourcity@dow.org.a
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.
