Principal Message

Welcome back to Term 3. I sincerely hope you all had quality time with family and friends and the opportunity to recharge and create many memories. 

What a way to begin our term, with our NAIDOC liturgy. A wonderful expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, story, tradition and dance. It was a touching and moving liturgy that celebrated our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. We are truly blessed to have Uncle Mark and Aunty Jo as a part of our community and for a short period of time Uncle Kevin. They have shared their gifts and talents and supported all students to understand, celebrate and acknowledge the significant impact and inspiring influence of Aboriginal culture.

This year's NAIDOC Week 2023 theme is “For Our Elders.”

Our First Nation’s People stand on the shoulders of generations of Elders who have paved the way for a better way of life for all. Across every generation, the Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role, and hold a prominent place, in community and families.

During NAIDOC Week, we remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our country and celebrate their rich history, diverse cultures and inspiring contributions to the life of Australia today. We celebrate that Australia has the oldest continuous culture on the planet. 

As a Catholic community, our indigenous brothers and sisters make a priceless contribution. The Indigenous People of Australia have a depth of spirituality that can enrich our non Indigenous spirits in so many ways.

This week our Year 6 students have also received the sacrament of Confirmation. Both liturgies were a special and reverent experience. Our Bishop has the ability to make the children feel comfortable and is able to relate and speak beautifully about the importance of Confirmation. Congratulations to all of our students who have been confirmed this week. May the grace of God continue to guide you on your journey.

God Bless

Principal

Belinda Hughes

Assemblies and Merit Awards

This term assemblies will be held from Week 2 - Week 9. This means that there will be no assembly or awards in Week 1 or Week 10. In line with this adjustment notifications of children receiving awards will be communicated on the Monday of the week of the assembly. It is anticipated that this will provide families with more notice to be able to attend the assembly and be present for your child if they are receiving awards. This will begin on Monday Week 2.

Updated School Facilities

Over the school holidays there was some work completed to continue to upgrade our school site and provide the safest and supportive environment we can for our students.

• The school PA system was upgraded to be compliant with emergency procedures. The school bell has now been changed from the default sound to a more agreeable tone. We are exploring adding music to the morning bell. Watch this space!

• The school security was also upgraded to contemporary school security. When you arrive at the school office please use the buzzer on the right handside of the door (on the brick wall) and the front door will be unlocked for you.

• The gardens were cleaned up and new plants planted at the front of the school as well as down the Wilson street frontage.

• A new door for student entry and exit was installed in the office. This means students have priority access to sickbay when needed and are able to arrive and exit the building in a more efficient manner.

• The sickbay was given a small upgrade and make over. Our students now have access to an industrially approved sick bed if and when required.

• Thank you to the P&F for the installation of the colourful pencils at the front of the school. They add great colour and advertise beautifully our school motto.

Thank you for your support as we continue to work on improving and upgrading our facilities for the safety, wellbeing and learning of our children.

Hair Expectations

Thank you parents for using the holidays to ensure that the children have begun the term with the correct hair styles and cuts. Your cooperation and understanding in maintaining a high standard with our uniform and presentation is much appreciated.  

Upcoming Important Dates - Term 3

Please check the parent calendar and compass alerts for any changes or the most up to date information.

On the 18 and 19 July, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with the Bishop, our Year 6 students, those of Nazareth and our neighbouring Public Schools at All Saints Catholic Church.  We pray that the Holy Spirit will bless the children and guide their hearts and minds.  Let us pray for them so that they may follow in the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and treat others with the love and compassion shown to us.

Come Holy Spirit

Fill the hearts of your faithful

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit

And we shall be created - and you will renew

The face of the earth.

Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit

You have taught the hearts of your faithful.

In the same Holy Spirit

Help us to desire what is right

And always to rejoice in your consolation

We ask this through Christ our Lord

Amen

God Bless

Alicia Sanchez-Levine

Religious Education Coordinator

School News

Naidoc Week Celebrations

On Tuesday 18 July, Stella Maris participated in Naidoc Week with a smoking ceremony and a special liturgy led by our Year 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Uncle Mark .  This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’, which celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. 

Grandparents Day 26 July

Invitation to Grandparents

Each Grandparent is unique and irreplaceable. As society changes, the role of grandparents changes. 

But some things about grandparents are constant. Join us in celebrating the gift they are in our lives!

Wednesday 26 July 2023 at 9:00am, followed by Open Classrooms & Morning Tea

Join your grandchildren for Recess on this day!

Parish News

This Sunday’s Gospel

Matthew 13:24-43

Parables of the weeds in the field and the mustard seed.

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 All Saints

Beginning this term, we will also be participating in weekend stage Masses at All Saints Catholic Parish.  Please come and join us as we celebrate Mass together on the following weekend dates:

Year 5 & 6 (Stage 3) Saturday 9 September 5pm

Year 3 & 4 (Stage 2) Sunday 12 November 9am

Mass at Stella Maris 

Grade Masses also 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 in Term 3

Confirmation Students Wk 2 25 July

Yr 4 Week 3 1 August

Yr 2 Week 6 22 August

Yr 5 Week 7 29 August

Yr 3 Week 8 5 September

Yr 1 Week 9 12 September

Kinder Week 10 19 September

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, Mrs Sanchez-Levine or Mrs Hughes through the gates after Mass to join us for a 30 minute informal gathering.

  

The Sacraments

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

Canteen News

Canteen is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

The canteen menu is on our website. 

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

P&F