Student Learning Conferences

Student Learning Conferences (SLCs) are an opportunity for parents, teachers and students to meet and discuss progress so far in 2025 and to identify learning goals and strategies to achieve these.

MS Teams

This year’s SLCs will again be conducted through MS Teams. In preparation, your daughter(s) will be instructed as to how it will work.

SLC sessions are available to all students:

• Wednesday 9 April (4:00 – 7:00pm)
• Tuesday 6 May (2:30 – 7:30pm)
• Wednesday 14 May (2:30 – 7:30pm)
• Wednesday 21 May (2:30 – 7:30pm)

For the sessions starting from 2:30pm, students will be dismissed after Period 4. Period 5 students will be learning remotely with all lesson work being on SEQTA.

Login instructions

Interviews are booked online through an external provider, PTO. Please do not attempt to use login details for PTO from a previous year or your Stella Online login, as neither will work. Instructions for obtaining login details will be emailed the day before bookings open. Please look out for this email. If you do not receive it, contact College Reception.

We highly recommend that you leave a gap between interviews (i.e. do not make bookings back-to-back).

Use a computer to access PTO, not a phone or tablet.

One set of interviews

Currently only one parent (Carer 1 registered on our records) has been set-up in PTO to avoid both parents making a booking. Once the booking is made however, both parents can attend the interviews on separate devices. In this case, the teacher will “call” the student’s laptop, and any parent not physically sitting with the student will be waiting in the MS Teams lobby (more info to follow). While the preference is that only one set of interviews be made per student, if the second parent/carer needs an entirely separate interview, please email Mark Cruise (mark_cruise@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au) and your login details can be provided upon request.

You will receive an email from Mark Cruise (Head of Operations) with further information.

Project Compassion

Every year, Stella joins Project Compassion, the annual Lenten fundraising and awareness campaign by Caritas Australia. This year's campaign runs from Ash Wednesday (5 March) until Monday 4 April.

The theme of Project Compassion 2025 is ‘Unite Against Poverty’, because together we can take action to make a lasting difference!

By donating to Project Compassion, Caritas Australia (the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development), can work with local communities around the world to:

• End poverty
• Promote justice
• Uphold dignity

To make donating easy, students can contribute in the following ways:

1. Online via your PC’s QR code
2. By placing cash/coins in your PC’s donation box
3. By donating cash/coins at Student Reception

Families are encouraged to donate online to their daughter's specific PC class via the 'Our Teams' list on the main Stella Maris College Project Compassion 2025 webpage.

Head Above Water - calling all swimmers!

Parent and Stella Fellas co-ordinator, Nick Poutney, is organising a Stella team to participate in the annual Head Above Water 24-hour swim. Details below:

Parents/carers and daughters are encouraged to participate in the Head Above Water 24-hour swim at the Collaroy Ocean Pool over the weekend of March 22 - 23. The team at Head Above Water raise funds to promote mental health and resilience initiatives that support the Stella community. This is a great event to be part of.

Swimmers of all abilities are welcome, from beginners to casual swimmers, weekend warriors, and experienced pros. The idea is to pick a one hour time slot to swim at a time that suits you.

1. Use this registration link to buy your ticket for the swim - https://headabovewater.grassrootz.com/headabovewaterswimathon25/tickets

You can choose any time and any lane. If you want to swim with friends, coordinate amongst yourselves which time slot you're going to swim in (the lane doesn't matter.) On the first page of the registration form, you'll see all the available times and how many places are still available in each lane.

2. When you get to the question "Are you fundraising in a team?" please select Yes - Join an Existing Team from the dropdown menu and select the Stella Maris team.

3. Use the code TEAM2025 at checkout to pay only $20 (if you forget the code, you'll pay $40!)

Mathspace - Parent and Carer Information Night

Mathspace is hosting a webinar for parents and carers to show how you and your child can use the platform to track their progressive mathematical learning.

Two Zoom seminars will be run on Wednesday 26 March at 6.00pm and 9.00pm.

Community Notices

12 Angry Jurors - coming to Star of the Sea Theatre

Point Break Theatre Company is super excited to announce their upcoming production of the brilliant American play, "12 Angry Jurors" (men and women) at the Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly, from 27 March to 6 April.

This week, Stella Maris College had the pleasure of hosting 20 students from Osaka Seikei Girls' High School, who joined us for a four-day cultural and English immersion experience. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for both our students and our guests to engage in language learning, cross-cultural connections, and shared experiences.

To support their integration into school life, our Year 8 Japanese students were assigned as buddies to the visiting students. They spent time together in lessons, practising their language skills and exchanging insights about each other’s cultures. These interactions created meaningful friendships and strengthened our students’ appreciation for the Japanese language and traditions.

A special highlight of the visit took place on Tuesday morning, when our Principal, Sharyn Quirk, warmly welcomed the Osaka Seikei students and teachers. As a gesture of gratitude and friendship, the lead teachers from Osaka Seikei gifted her with three stunning pieces of Japanese artwork, a thoughtful way of expressing how art transcends language and borders, connecting people through shared appreciation and creativity. Our guests also spoke in this week’s College assembly, and shared their excitement of studying at Stella Maris for the four days.

Fittingly, this visit coincided with Harmony Week, a time when we celebrate inclusivity, cultural diversity, and respect for different backgrounds. The presence of our Japanese guests truly embodied the spirit of Harmony Week, reminding us of the power of international friendships and learning beyond borders.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the teachers and students of Osaka Seikei Girls' High School for visiting us, and to our Stella Maris students and staff for making them feel so welcome. We look forward to future opportunities to continue this wonderful cultural exchange!

Upcoming Hikes

Best of luck to the 40 Year 11 girls heading to the Snowy Mountains in a few weeks. They will be completing a 4-night hike in the mountains.

We also extend our best wishes to the 13 girls flying to Tasmania during the holidays to complete the famous Three Capes Walk.

Upcoming Meeting Dates

Upcoming Duke of Edinburgh Events

Languages News

At Tuesday’s Harmony Day College Assembly, Languages students welcomed all, especially our visiting Japanese students from Osaka Seikei Girls’ High School. Our students spoke confidently and enthusiastically in the languages that they have been learning.

• Eva L (Year 12 French)
• Sophie L (Year 11 Italian)
• Cyann V (Year 12 Korean)
• Winnie W (Year 12 Mandarin)
• Keiley B (Year 10 Spanish)
• Roisin O (Year 10 Spanish)

Congratulations Millie

Congratulations to Year 12 2024 graduate, Millie Duemmer. Millie's major project in the Design and Technology course, was one of only 40 exemplary works by students across New South Wales to be selected for the 2024 SHAPE exhibition which is now showing at Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from 17 March to 12 April 2025.

Millie designed and created a therapeutic tool to support the "many people" she knows living with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, and is often very painful.

The therapeutic tool sits under a desk and can be used throughout the day to relieve symptoms and strengthen muscles to aid in treatment. Students undertaking Design and Technology major works are required to identify and address a genuine and real need for the community.

Tildelsley Tennis

The Tildesley Tennis tournament was held at Pennant Hills Park on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 March. This is a prestigious tournament against the Independent Girls' Schools Association (IGSA) schools. The Stella team has been training since Term 3 last year and their hard work definitely paid off! Stella achieved their best results ever in Tildesley!

In the singles event, we had a number of students progress through a number of rounds. Filippa S (Year 7) had an amazing tournament, winning all the way through to round 4! We have not had a student progress this far for over five years, and what makes it even more special is the fact that Filippa was playing against much older students in this open age event.

Bella C (Year 12), our Tildelsley captain, also had an exceptional tournament, making it to round 3. Alex W (Year 9) and Eliza A (Year 12) also won their way through to round 3. Zoe N had a great 8-0 win in round one!

In the doubles, our Year 12 pair of Sara T and Alice K had an exciting win in a tie break and made it all the way to round 3!

These are outstanding results in a very tough competition and all members of the team should be proud of their effort, determination and dedication. Well done to all members of the team:

Eliza, Sophia, Bella, Orla, Mila, Maya, Filippa, Lucy, Ivy, River, Chloe, Zoe, Bianca, Sara, Winnie, Alex, Georgia and Ella

Swimming

The IGSA Swimming Championships was held at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 14 March. The Stella team had some outstanding performances on the day! Congratulations to Zara D, who made the final in every event; as well as Chloe W and Mila C who made finals. Well done to the team who finished second overall in their division!

The CGSSSA Swimming Championships was held at Ryde Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 18 March. This is the first time Stella has competed at the CGSSSA Swimming, which is now our pathway event. The Stella team performed brilliantly, winning lots of medals in so many different events! Congratulations to the team who finished 3rd overall and to the many students who will progress through to the NSWCCC Championships later this term. The full list of students who progressed is being finalised and will be published soon.

Special congratulations to Zara D, who was 17+ age champion and also swam the qualifying time to swim at the World Championship selection trials! Congratulations also goes to Chloe W who was runner up 12 years age champion and Jess O who was third in the16 years age champion.

Congratulations to all members of the swim team for two fantastic carnivals:

Ella B, Piper B, Zoe B, Vegas B, Olivia C, Charlotte C, Freya C, Charlie C, Saskia C, Mila C, Sarah C, Serena C, Chiara D, Zara D, Ellie F, Gabi H, Alexis H, Heidi H, Charlotte H, Amelia J, Eve K, Piper K, Lily L, Amelia M, Ashleigh M, Keavy M, Millie M, Leili M, Lara M, Jess O, Harriet P, Jemima P, Filippa S, Eve S, Amira S, Charlotte S, Flo W, Chloe W, Alice W, Emma C.

CGSSSA Netball

The Catholic Girls Secondary Schools Sports Association (CGSSSA) netball gala day was held on Tuesday 11 March at Netball Central. Stella had three strong teams playing at this event. Teams played well all day, with great results in all three divisions. Congratulations to the junior team who won the bronze medal and well done to the intermediate and senior teams who finished fourth.

A special mention to Ana T, Celyn E and Summer B who were selected into the CGSSSA netball squad. They will attend the final CGSSSA netball trial in Term 2.

Well done to all three teams:

Junior:
Charlotte S, Georgie P, Ines G, Lily K, Louisa O, Maya H, Neve K, Olivia H, Olivia P, Piper K

Intermediate:
Ana T, Annie M, Asher S, Audrey R, Ava S, Celyn E, Eve K, Karina O, Mia L, Rosa M

Senior:
Ava M, Claudia P, Emily G, Georgia B, Lea T, Lily H, Rose M, Summer B

CGSSSA Touch

Good luck to the Stella students who have been selected into the CGSSSA touch squads:

Mia S, Summer B, Charlotte B, Giselle B, Ana T, Mia L, Charlotte H, April U, Lara M, Kayla A, Ellie F and Beatrix B. These students will attend the final selection trial at Santa Sabina on Tuesday 25 March. A team will be selected to play at the NSWCCC Championships in Term 2.

Stella Maris Cross Country

The Stella Cross Country carnival will take place on Tuesday 1 April. The carnival will be held at Queenscliff lagoon and along Manly Beachfront. The distances for the races are:

• 12 and 13 years: 3km
• 14 – 18 years: 4km

Please note that the 18 year age group will run 6km at the interschool carnivals.

Students have been emailed the link to sign up for the carnival.

All students are invited to attend cross country trainings which is held on Wednesday morning at 7.15am (meeting at the Scholastica gate).

Term 2 Sports

Registration for Term 2 sports will be sent out in the coming weeks. Expression of interest forms have already been sent for hockey and will be sent for netball early next week. Students are reminded to check emails for information regarding sports that they would like to do in Term 2.

Stella Fellas Barefoot Bowling – Sunday 30 March, at Manly Bowling Club

Chaps, fellas, dads, and significant male caregivers, join the Stella Fellas for an afternoon of barefoot bowls.

📅 Sunday 30 March, 2025
📍 Manly Bowling Club, 59 Raglan Street, Manly, NSW 2095 (just a short stroll from Manly Beach)

Enjoy some friendly competition, connect with other dads and male caregivers, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, we've got you covered with complete instructions and all the necessary equipment.

Looking forward to seeing you on the green!

🎳 Tickets are on sale now for $29
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/stella-fellas-barefoot-bowling

Join us for the P&F General Meeting - Thursday 3 April

📅 Date: Thursday 3 April
⏰ Time: 7:30pm
📍 Location: Library

Please get involved and help shape the future of our community! At this meeting, we will explore exciting opportunities to step into roles within the P&F before the AGM in May. It’s the perfect chance to contribute, connect, and make a difference.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Principal Sharyn Quirk for a special Q&A session. Come along to meet her and hear about her vision for the school.

🔗

Thank You to Our Amazing P&F BBQ Volunteers!

A huge thank you to everyone who stepped up to help with the P&F BBQ at Open Evening! Your time, effort, and enthusiasm made a massive difference—cooking and serving 600 sausages in just three hours is no small feat!

Your support helped showcase the warmth of our school community and made the evening a welcoming and enjoyable experience for prospective families. We couldn’t have done it without you! 💙🔥🌭

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

It is time to start thinking about the Winter uniform! Year 10 students will require a Senior blazer and Senior skirt (these are different to the Junior uniform). Year 10 students are welcome to come in next week for their fitting – before or after school or lunchtime. From Tuesday 18 March, only lunchtime fittings will be available. Students are invited for a fitting at lunchtime.

This also applies to new students this year. If parents/carers cannot attend a fitting, the Uniform Shop is able fit your daughter. Exchanges on sizes can be made the following day if required.

Year 7 winter fittings have commenced. Please ensure you attend your appointment.

Tracktops have now been delivered. These can be purchased at time of winter uniform fitting, or purchased online.

Many online orders are to be collected. Orders are ready for collection from Recess after the order has been placed. Reminders are only sent as a last resort.

Dresses have been packed away to make room for Winter stock. A small number of most sizes can be purchased instore if required.

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

Did you know that the Stella Canteen has introduced new items to our menu in 2025? Items include: nachos, chicken sliders, beef sliders, Greek salad, Caesar salad, lentil and halloumi salad and new bakery items.

We are always looking for new recruits. If you would like to volunteer at the canteen, in any capacity that you can give, we'd love to hear from you. Please email canteen@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Thank you, Majella and Cheryl

Week commencing Monday 24 March

Week commencing Monday 31 March

Term 1

2025

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4