2024 Presentation Ceremonies

We warmly invite you to join us online for the 2024 End of Year Awards Presentation ceremonies for Year 7-11 students. Below is the formal invitation which includes the link for viewing each year group's ceremony online. The link(s) will be activated on the day of the presentation.

Members of our Dance and Music cohort have prepared a special performance for this event.

Parents/carers of award winners and performers will be contacted by separate email with further information.

We look forward to sharing in this celebration of excellence with you.

Student Travel Survey

The College is gathering information from families as to how students travel to/from school each day. The information provided will assist the College with future planning and identify potential areas for improvement. Families who use the public transport system are encouraged to submit feedback, which may be shared with the transport providers to determine where there is an opportunity to enhance the overall student travel experience. Please submit a response by Friday 15 November using the link below. Your participation is appreciated.

Community Youth Mass - this Sunday!

The last community Youth Mass of the year will be held at St Kieran’s Parish, Manly Vale at 5.00pm on 10 November. Dinner will be served afterwards.

Students have been asked to see Ms Chin if they would like to join in the community choir or help out serving dinner, as these activities can help out with Duke of Edinburgh hours.

Good Samaritan Education Virtual Kiribati Immersion

This week the network of ten Good Samaritan Schools gathered to learn about the Social Justice issue that are being faced by the tiny island nation of Kiribati.

The Kiribati Immersion taught me about living in the moment and being grateful for everything you have and not focusing on what you want or don’t have. What struck me most was how even though the Kiribati community have so little, they all come together to create an uplifting community. Chloe A, Year 8

Duke of Edinburgh News - silent auction now live!

Don't forget to get behind the fundraising efforts of our Duke of Edinburgh students travelling to Cambodia as they aim to raise enough money to purchase 60 bikes for the students at Happy Days Primary School and fund the construction of a classroom at Propel Primary School. Browse and purchase items such as gift vouchers, jewellery, and other products via the live site below. If nothing catches your eye, you can also donate directly through the site to support our cause.

Keep those items coming in for the Cambodia Drive.

Term 4 Extra Curricular Timetable

The Term 4 Extra Curricular Timetable is now available. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved in activities or seek academic support.

Community News

Point Break Drama presents - As You Like It

Point Break Drama’s production of As You Like It, will be a warm, fun and contemporary adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies with a cast of teenagers.

"As You Like It follows Rosalind, banished from her uncle’s court and flees to the Forest of Arden, disguised as a young man named Ganymede. She is accompanied by her cousin Celia and the court jester, Touchstone. In the forest, Rosalind meets Orlando, the man she loves. Will everyone find love and happiness, and will old conflicts be resolved?

Five shows only 21 - 24 November.
Directed by Blair Cutting & Paul Winchester.
Costumes Marisa Newnes. Lighting Michael Arnott

From the desk of the P&F President

Below you will find:

• A summary of the recent P&F General Meeting
• Proposed dates for 2025 (for those who like to get things in their calendar early)
• A note from the President about 2025

P&F General Meeting

The P&F GM for Term 4 was held on Thursday 24 October and covered several key areas, beginning with a review of any outstanding business from previous meetings. Reports were presented, including a Principal’s Update and a financial overview of the budget report. The committee also discussed matters arising from the recent executive meeting, focusing on reviewing the 2025 Plan (dates below), which included proposed motions for future initiatives.

The meeting then highlighted upcoming Term 4 events, notably the Year 7 2025 Welcome and Information Evening on October 30.

Looking ahead, Clare and Sue outlined plans to research the PEG (Parent Engagement Group) model and other potential restructuring for future P&F operations.

Dates for 2025 meetings are below, and here is a link to the minutes for those interested.

Events for your diary for 2025

Term 1

• Stella Sunset Social - Thursday 20 February
• P&F General Meeting - Thursday 6 March
• Stella Open Day BBQ - Wednesday 19 March – volunteers needed
• Year 7 Parent and Carer Mixer - Thursday 20 March, 7.00 - 9.00pm
• Stella Fellas Nomad Trivia - Sunday 6 April

Term 2

• Mother’s Day Breakfast Raffle - Friday 9 May – prize donations needed
• P&F General & AGM Meeting - Thursday 22 May
• Stella Trivia Night (200 capacity) - Friday 13 June - prize donations needed

Term 3

• P&F General Meeting - Thursday 14 August
• Luna Park Family event – Saturday 23 August
• Father’s Day Breakfast Raffle - Friday 5 September – prize donations needed
• Stella Ladies (Mums) Long Lunch - Friday 19 September

Term 4

• P&F General Meeting - Thursday 6 November
• Stella Fellas Barefoot Bowling - Sunday 16 November

A note from the P&F President - looking ahead to 2025

As I sit down to write this, I’m reflecting on the journey we've been on together. Serving as P&F President has been one of the most rewarding experiences; it allowed me to get used to being a parent of a high schooler whilst getting to know the Stella staff, teachers, parent and carer body better, making some new friends along the way. The role has been about more than just events or meetings—it's been about rebuilding our Stella community post-COVID. With the support of Linda, Catherine, Nicole, and Gayle, we’ve created great connected community moments that I’ve been so proud to witness and that define our Stella family.

However, my tenure as President will be wrapping up in May 2025, and at this point, I’m hoping we get an enthusiastic individual to take over. While it’s bittersweet to think about stepping down, I’m also excited about the future of our P&F. This role needs someone who’s passionate about community, someone with fresh ideas, and most importantly, someone who cares deeply about the Stella spirit.

If you’ve ever considered becoming more involved or if you have ideas to contribute, this could be your time to step into the role! It’s a beautiful way to contribute and trust me when I say—you’re never doing it alone. Our fantastic committee and school community make this job both manageable and meaningful.

Please reach out if you're curious, want to chat, or have questions. I’d love to discuss what it’s like and how you could help continue our work together—either contact Sue Homann (our Community Engagement Manager) via community@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au or myself at pandf@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to welcoming new faces to the fold!

Warmest regards,

Clare Cahill
P&F President

NSWCCC Water Polo

Congratulations to the junior and open water polo teams who competed at the NSWCCC Water Polo Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October.

The Stella teams performed very well against tough competition. Our team numbers were greatly affected by the clash with exams, but we managed to place fourth in both competitions! Well done to both teams on a fantastic effort!

IGSA Gymnastics

Congratulations to Cara F in Year 7 who competed at the IGSA Gymnastics Championships at Sydney Gymnastics Centre on Friday 1 November. Cara competed in the level 5 competition on all apparatus. She performed extremely well, finishing in the top 15 of all of her events! Well done on this fantastic achievement!

CGSSSA Cricket

Well done to our Year 7 cricket team who played at the CGSSSA Cricket Championships on Friday 1 November. The team was playing in an open age competition and played some excellent cricket throughout the day. Well done to all members of the team for playing so well against much older teams!

CGSSSA Aquathon

Congratulations to the 24 students who competed at the CGSSSA Aquathon on Tuesday 5 November. The Aquathon is a run/swim event. Students may complete the event as an individual, or as part of a team. The Stella students had some outstanding results, finishing on the podium in both junior events!

Well done to Piper B, Chloe A, Eve K and Liv R who competed as individuals.

Congratulations to Piper who won the bronze medal in the junior individual event, and to Charlie C and Andrea N who won the bronze medal in the junior team event.

Basketball

Congratulations to Amelia F and Zoey H (Year 7) who played at the National Basketball Championships in Victoria. These students finished as the top NSW team and in the top 8 of Australia. Well done!

Fiji Touch Touch

Good luck to the 21 students who are heading off on the Fiji Touch Football tour on Friday 8 November. The teams will play against a few schools and clubs in Fiji, as well as visiting schools and villages around Fiji. Good luck and have a fantastic time!

Live at Sunset Performing Arts Series

Tickets are now on sale for our Semester 2 Live at Sunset Performing Arts Series.

Drama Gala Evening: Tuesday 12 November at 6:30pm (Star of the Sea Theatre)

Celebration of Dance 2024: Friday 15 November: Show 1 at 5:00pm (Star of the Sea Theatre)

Celebration of Dance 2024: Friday 15 November: Show 2 at 7:00pm (Star of the Sea Theatre)

Showcase of Music 2024: Wednesday 27 November at 6:30pm (Under the Figs):

Energy Express Eisteddfod Results

Last weekend, the Stella Ensembles, Company and Extension Hip Hop Groups had their final competition for the year.

It was a very early start with most of us up by 5.00am to get ready, leave by 6.00am and arrive at 7.00am in Seven Hills. I am so proud of the girls for not complaining about the early morning, especially after a long week at school.

The Ensemble groups were competing at half capacity but deserve to be commended on their performance, especially the Lyrical Ensemble which was down to six dancers – the show must go on!

Congratulations to all our dancers!

• 1^st Place – Jazz Company “Lose My Breath”
• 1^st Place – Lyrical Company “How Do I Say Goodbye”
• 2^nd Place – Lyrical Ensemble “Use Somebody”
• 2^nd Place – Ext Hip Hop Company “Rumble”
• 3^rd Place – Contemporary Company “Toxic”
• 3^rd Place – Jazz Ensemble “Little L”
• Highly Commended – Contemporary Ensemble “Take Me To Church”
• Highly Commended – Hip Hop Ensemble – “Kiti”

It’s that time of year when we start preparing next year’s roster. If you haven’t already, can you please let me know if you would like to return to your current day and if not, another preference/frequency, or not at all. We hope to see you all back!

Week commencing Monday 11 November

Week commencing Monday 18 November

The Uniform Shop will close for the year on Thursday 14 November at 4.30pm.

Please collect all online orders by this date.

Online orders placed after 2.30pm on November 14 can be collected in January.

January Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm during term and can be emailed on:

uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Years 8 - 11 2025 Booklists

The 2025 Stella Maris Years 8-11 booklists are now online for student ordering. Please find below the link which will take parents/students directly into the Campion website for ordering:

If Parents order via the Campion website, the School Code is QWWK.

Year 9 can purchase their senior dress online:

Year 10 can purchase the senior bag only online at:

Collection is from Thursday 14 November.

Please ask your daughter to collect online orders from Recess after the order has been placed. Reminders are generally not sent. Please use your daughter’s name on the order. There is space under ‘Billing Address’ on the order for your daughter’s name.

Please follow this link to the P&F Facebook second hand page:

Term 4

2025

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4