Providing a Term's Notice

Families are reminded that the College requires one term’s notice of any move to another school or learning environment (please note that international enrolments require two terms’ notice). There are several reasons for this notice period. Firstly, budgets are set on current numbers, and, as the annual budget is set in September, we need to ensure that we are calculating costs and student numbers accurately. Secondly, once school returns in January, we are unlikely to make up numbers of any students who choose to leave without providing the required notice.

Please ensure that if your daughter is leaving at the end of 2024, you have informed the Registrar (registrar@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au) by the end of Term 3.

National Finalists

Congratulations to Year 8 students Charlotte S, Chiara D, Ruby M and Cailey A who have made it into the National Finals in the Future Problem Solvers competition. The finals are being held in Melbourne on the first weekend of Term 4. The topic they will be exploring in the finals is ‘Autonomous Transportation’.

Community Notices

Learner Drivers Seminar

Northern Beaches Council is hosting another free online webinar for supervisors of learner drivers and learner drivers on October 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.

Give Life

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Dee Why will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 27 September to 6 October. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

HSIE News

“History is what the present chooses to remember about the past.”

The Year 9 Elective History class recently honed their critical thinking skills in examining how historical film shapes our views of the past. Among the films chosen were Marie Antoinette (2006), The Help (2011), The Great Escape (1963), Oppenheimer (2023) and One Life (2023). Students researched the historical events and people to assess the accuracy of their portrayal and delved into how modern perspectives, directorial choices, and contemporary values can affect the way history is portrayed.

Students found that Sophie Coppola’s Marie Antoinette’s (2006) clever use of modern elements like Converse shoes and pop music re-frames Marie Antoinette as a teenager, encouraging empathy for this otherwise widely criticised historical figure.

Students critiqued The Help (2011) for failing to fully convey the harrowing experiences of African American maids. As the director, Tate Taylor, explained, the film was kept "light" to maintain its entertainment value.

The students produced insightful and beautiful research portfolios (see examples from Ava W's portfolio below) and fabulous final essays or videos. You can watch Harper F’s outstanding video about Marie Antoinette here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT6-PPW_QFM

Well done 9 Elective History!

Bridie Docevski - Teacher of History

Visual Arts News

Bodies of Work Night

It was wonderful to see the impressive Year 12 HSC Bodies of Work from Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Multimedia and Textiles on display this term at the Senior Benedict Campus.

The exhibition was a great success with a steady flow of students, family, friends and the public coming to view the impressive work of these young ladies throughout the evening. The opportunity to display the students practical HSC works in a gallery style situation is a privilege and an important component of the making process for all students involved.

To accompany the atmosphere of celebration we were spoilt with some delicious food and drink offerings from the Year 11 Hospitality students.

We were thrilled to welcome for question time one of our ex-students Charlie Rose Gerry: a contemporary practising artist. Creative and Performing Arts Captains Vianney S and Kate N posed thoughtful questions to Charlie on her art practice and her experiences. Charlies' speech was thoughtful and relevant to our impressionable creative students.

In addition to the HSC works we also displayed the Year 11 Eco lights from Design and Technology and portraits by the Year 10 Visual Arts students. So much talent!

A huge thank you to all the students, parents/carers, teaching staff, maintenance and support staff involved. It was a team effort and a great night was had by all.

Marisa Quick - Head of Visual Arts

Sleep Out Results

On Friday 6 September we had a record number of students participate in our simulation of “sleeping rough” to gather a deeper insight into the plight of people experiencing homelessness. 72 students gathered for a night of games and activities in amongst the serious side of the overarching purpose. The night was a mild and balmy one with the wind picking up later. Everyone was safe and sound on the deck area. We were able to listen deeply to a presentation of the facts of this social justice issue and realised that it is an extremely complex issue. It was important to identify stigma and stereotypes and to learn ways to break these down. Ms Carolyn Collins generously shared her knowledge regarding the Bacolod Kinder School in the Philippines and how the money raised is life changing for so many people in that community alone. Money raised by Stella has gone directly towards the purchase of a minivan through which the Sisters of the Good Samaritan give out the nourishing meals to people.

The night would not have been such a success without the integral help of key students and staff. A big thank you especially goes to Olivia S, the incoming Duke of Edinburgh Prefect who led the group with entertaining ice-breaker activities and camaraderie building games. Current Social Justice Prefect, Belle C and incoming Social Justice Prefects Ruby A and Audrey H did amazing work to build a fun atmosphere with music and games. Year 11 student Caitlin T was instrumental in helping to ensure the night ran smoothly with her technical support and initiative.

A big thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Gallagher and her Year 11 Hospitality students and to Nora Daly for prepping and cooking the delicious pumpkin soup, to which one Year 8 student commented:

“I don’t usually like pumpkin soup – but this was yum!”

A big thank you to the supervising staff on the night, Ms Laura Manson, Ms Margaret Heraghty, Ms Christina Burke, Mr Phil Nicotra and his young daughter Aurora, Ms Amy Smith and Ms Karen Dennison and of course to Miss Collins.

Despite the creaky bones, bleary eyes and delirium due to the intermittent alarms and sensor lights breaking our sleep, everyone’s spirits were bright and cheerful. One student commented to me that:

“Even though I had fun being here with my friends, I can’t imagine having to do this night after night”.

Finally, through the excellent fundraising efforts of the whole of Year 10 and supported by their Head of Year, Mrs Mia Callanan, the students were able to raise a tidy lump sum of $1425.10 through their chocolate raffle. The lucky student was Leyla O from Year 8.

The money raised contributed to the overall total of the Sleep Out fundraiser to be an amazing amount reflecting the generous spirit of the Stella community!

We managed to raise:

Athletics

Well done to the Stella Athletics Squad who finished the interschool carnival season with amazing results!

The Broken Bay Athletics Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park on September 3. The Stella team recorded absolutely amazing results!

• Overall Champion School
• Junior, intermediate and senior champions
• Won all three relays:

1. Junior team: Emily C, Pilard S, Sophie R, Karina O
2. Intermediate team (in a new Broken Bay record!): Avie R, Ellie F, Ellie E, April U
3. Senior team: Sophie B, Zoe B, Chanel H, Matilda B

• 15 students selected to represent Broken Bay at the NSWCCC Championships later this month

• Stella students broke four records:

1. Intermediate relay: Avie R, Ellie F, Ellie E, April U
2. Avie R: 14 years 200m
3. Pip Q: 15 years 1500m and 800m
4. Elisabeth P: 16 years discus

• One Age Champion: Cara F - 12 years
• Two Runner up Age Champions: Emily C - 12 years; Sophie B - 17 years

These are exceptional results, and all members of the team were rewarded for their hard work over the athletics season. Well done to all members of the squad.

Good luck to the 15 students who have been selected to represent Broken Bay at the NSWCCC Championships on Monday 16 September:

Pip Q, Andrea N, Piper B, Pilard S, Erin H, Cara F, Emily C, Amelia M, Elisabeth P, Zaylee Z, Lyla R, Zoe B, Sophie B, Avie R, Ellie F.

Congratulations also to the three Stella students who represented NSW at the recent Athletics Australia Cross Country Championships in Tasmania.

Pip Q finished 8^th in the U16 event, Madi R was 51^st in the U15 event and Amelia M was 9^th in the U14 event. Well done to these students and congratulations on representing your state!

Broken Bay Golf

Congratulations to Jade B (Year 10) who competed at the Broken Bay Golf Championships at Gosford Golf Course on September 5.

Jade is a talented golfer, and she performed very well at this event, finishing second overall in the Open Championship! Congratulations Jade on this outstanding achievement!

Year 7 Water Polo

The Year 7 water polo competition is coming to an end. It has been a great season for the Stella teams, with both improving immensely over the term.

This week is the finals series, with both Stella teams playing.

• Stella Red will play in the GOLD MEDAL match against Brigidine.
• Stella Green will play-off for 7^th/8^th place.

Best of luck to both teams!

Peninsula Cup Soccer

We are also nearing the end of the Term 3 Peninsula Cup soccer competition. Stella has had three teams playing in the junior division. All three teams have played some great soccer and have shown much improvement over the season. Well done to all three teams!

Term 4 Sport Registration

Earlier this week an email was sent to students and parents/carers with information about registering for Term 4 sports.

Next term, there are a number of extra-curricular sports on offer, including:

• Surfing
• Group Fitness
• Pilates
• Rugby 7s competition
• Run Club
• Tennis lessons
• Tildesley tennis training
• IGSA tennis competition
• IGSA touch
• Basketball (continued from Term 3)

Students have been emailed the link to register interest in these sports by Wednesday 18 September.

There are also a number of representative sport opportunities next term, including cricket, water polo, volleyball, gymnastics, aquathon, tennis and touch. Separate emails will be sent to students about representative sports as they approach.

HSC Dance Excels

Congratulations to the HSC Dance students who ALL received two CALLBACK nominations for their practical works. CALLBACK is a selective showcase of outstanding performances and projects from HSC dance students and will be held at the Seymour Centre in February 2025 (similar to Art Express for Art). The girls have worked very hard, choreographing all of their own pieces, and deserve this recognition of their exemplary performances. The following girls have been nominated and await final selection:

Callback Nominations

Roisin C - Major Study Performance
Roisin C - Core Performance
Ella D - Major Study Performance
Ella D - Core Performance
Vianney S – Major Study Performance
Vianney S - Core Performance

Auditions for Extension Jazz Company

Auditions for Extension Jazz Company will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday 11 September – 7:30am – 8:30am – Combo
  I will teach a combo which you will learn and perform in small groups of 3-4.

• Wednesday 18 September – 7:30am – 8:30am – Technique & Same Combo
  You will be taken through corner technique exercises in kicks, jumps and turns and will then perform the same combo from the week before.

• Wednesday 25 September – 7:30am – 8:30am – Callback
  I will call back any students who I need to see again.

If you would like to audition but cannot make each of these Wednesday’s then I would suggest coming to the first day – 11 September – as this is the most important day. However, the more you can attend, the better I can get to know your skills and ability.

If you would like to audition but cannot attend this term, there will be a small window of opportunity to audition for this group at the start of next year. However, you will have a better chance if you can attend this term.

Please Note: All other Extension Company Groups (Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop etc), Company Groups, and Ensemble Groups, will be auditioned at the start of 2025.

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me via email.

Happy dancing!

Miss Jones -Teacher of Dance

Last chance to grab your tickets for the Stella Ladies Long Lunch

• Last chance - Ladies Long Lunch

• Save the date - Term 4 Barefoot Bowls

Ladies, join us on Friday 20 September at 1:00pm at Teddy Larkins, Freshwater, for an experience designed just for you. For $60 per ticket, indulge in delicious entrées and a main course while unwinding with other amazing women from our Stella community.

We can cater to allergy requirements/vegetarians; please specify at registration.

Based on your feedback, we’ve chosen the perfect time and setting—Teddy Larkins offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for mingling and enjoying great company. If you're attending solo, no worries—let us know, and we'll connect you with others from your year.

We can't wait to see you there!

• Friday 20 September
• 1:00pm at
• Teddy Larkins, Freshwater
• $60 per ticket

Menu

On arrival: House-Made Rosemary Focaccia, sun-dried tomato, goat’s cheese, pistachio (n)(v)

Entreé

• Salt & Pepper Squid, herb salt, aioli (gf)(df)
• Chorizo Meatballs, roasted garlic & tomato sauce, parmesan, baguette

Mains

• Tajima Wagyu Rump MBS4+, 400 days grain-fed, red wine jus (gf)(df)
• Wild Barramundi, cauliflower purée, lemon caper butter (gf)

Sides

• Shoestring Fries, rosemary salt, aioli (gf)(df)(v)
• Sautéed Broccolini, shaved ricotta, lemon sumac dressing (gf)(v)

The menu choice is for the table as a whole, with dishes/boards portioned accordingly for the number of guests and all designed for sharing.

A Huge Thank you!

Thanks to everyone participating in the Stella Maris P&F Father’s Day Raffle and Live Auction! Your incredible support helped us raise $2,220 for Head Above Water.

We are grateful for your generosity. Together, we've made a significant contribution to a fantastic cause.

The Raffle ticket winners can be found here.

Congratulations to James A and Heath M on their successful bids in the live auction!

Where does the money go that the P&F raises?

In full transparency, we have raised funds to support different initiatives this year. So where does the money go?

• $5040 raised in the Mother’s Day raffle
• $2520 donated to Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter
• $2000 donated to support Shrek the Musical
• $5256 raised at the Trivia Night
• $4440 raised at Father’s Day Breakfast Raffle & Live Auction
• $2220 donated to Head Above Water

The remaining funds will subsidise ticket prices for the Stella Sunset Social (welcome back to school event) at the start of the year and provides some catering at the first Year 7 Parent/Carer Mixer in 2025.

A full report is always available at the P&F General Meetings.

Save the Date: Barefoot Bowls

Mark your calendars for Sunday 17 November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Join us for an exciting afternoon of Barefoot Bowls, an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Stay tuned for more details on the venue and pricing before the end of Term 3!

The Uniform Shop will not be open during the October holidays. If summer uniforms are required, these will need to be purchased before the end of this term.

Online orders placed during the holidays can be collected from Recess on the first day of term.

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

Year 9 have been asked to purchase their senior dress online before the end of this term at:

Students who joined Stella from Term 2 will also need to come and purchase their dress or shorts before the end of this term so they are ready for Term 4 when summer uniform is worn.

Stockings and gloves are still available online until the end of term.

Black socks $3 (to wear with pants and as an alternative to stockings with the skirt) are available in store. We do hold limited stock as these can be purchased elsewhere.

Year 12 2025 Campion booklist is now available. The current Year 11 can order online at www.campion.com.au using the code QWWK. Orders should be placed by 15 September for delivery during the holidays to start Year 12 subjects in Term 4.

Sport Representative Hoodies are available for selected teams. These can be worn at the representative sport events and the associated training. Cost is $75.

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:

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. It’s that time of year when I 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 16 September

Week commencing Monday 23 September

Term 3

Term 4