In this Edition
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 5!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
With just under three weeks remaining until the school year concludes for our students on Tuesday 1 December, there is a wonderful sense of energy, anticipation and excitement across Stella Maris College! While the end of the year is fast approaching, we are certainly not slowing down. In fact, some of our most engaging and memorable experiences are still to come.
From the excitement of our Year 10 Advancement Program to the creativity of our Summer Series and the tremendous success of our P&F Thrift & Thrive Market Day, these final weeks are a celebration of all that makes Stella such a vibrant community. There are opportunities to learn, to perform, to lead, to discover new strengths and, importantly, to enjoy the friendships and connections that make school life so special.
As we approach the final stretch of 2026, I encourage our students to make every day count. There is still much to learn, much to contribute and certainly much to celebrate!
Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget
On 11 November, we paused to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served our nation in times of war and conflict, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Remembrance Day invites us to reflect not only on the cost of war, but also on our shared responsibility to work towards a world of peace, justice and compassion.
This year, three of our Year 9 students, Bailey B, Maylea C and Alexandra S proudly represented Stella Maris College at the Manly Council Remembrance Day Service, with Alexandra S given the special honour of reciting the moving poem In Flanders Fields. We thank these young women for representing our College with such dignity and respect, and for helping to keep the spirit of remembrance alive for future generations.
Assessments May Be Finished, but Learning Continues!
With formal assessments now concluded for many of our students, it is timely to remind ourselves that learning does not begin and end with an assessment task, a mark, or a report. These are important milestones, but they are only one part of a much richer and more meaningful journey.
Indeed, some of the most valuable learning occurs when the pressure of formal assessment is lifted and students have the opportunity to explore ideas more deeply, ask questions, make connections and develop a genuine curiosity for the world around them. Learning is not simply about demonstrating what we know; it is about continually extending what we understand and discovering what we are capable of achieving.
As we move through these final weeks, I encourage every student to maintain her focus, engagement, and commitment to learning. The completion of assessments is certainly something to celebrate, but it is not a signal that learning has finished. Every lesson remains an opportunity to strengthen understanding, develop skills, and build the habits of perseverance, independence and intellectual curiosity that will serve our students well beyond the classroom.
The way we finish matters just as much as the way we begin. Let's make these final weeks count!
The Summer Series – Let the Performances Begin!
The rehearsals are underway, the excitement is building and the stage is almost set! Over the coming weeks, Stella Maris College will come alive with music, dance and drama as we celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of our students through our Summer Series of Performing Arts.
There is something truly special about seeing our young women step onto a stage and share their talents with confidence, enthusiasm and joy. Whether through movement, music or storytelling, the performing arts provide wonderful opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth.
And what a fantastic program we have ahead!
Dance Night – Friday 13 November
We kick off our Summer Series this Friday with Dance Night, promising an exciting evening of movement, energy, creativity and performance. Our dancers have been working hard to prepare, and we look forward to celebrating their talent and dedication.
Music Ensemble Evening – Tuesday 17 November
Our musicians will take centre stage as our ensembles showcase the results of their commitment, practice and collaboration. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of the musical life of the College.
Drama Gala – Thursday 19 November
The spotlight then turns to our talented drama students, who will bring stories, characters and ideas to life through the power of performance. We look forward to an evening of imagination, expression and theatrical creativity.
Fig Day Out – Wednesday 25 November
Our Summer Series will culminate in one of the most delightful gatherings on our College calendar, Fig Day Out. Set on our beautiful deck beneath the magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees, this special event provides the perfect opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the talents of our student musicians and celebrate the joy of music in a truly beautiful setting.
Behind every performance are countless hours of rehearsal, perseverance, collaboration and the courage to step forward and share something of oneself with an audience. These experiences are about so much more than the final performance. They build confidence, strengthen friendships, nurture creativity and provide opportunities for our students to discover talents they may not have known they possessed.
My sincere thanks go to our dedicated Performing Arts staff, whose passion, expertise and encouragement make these opportunities possible, and to the families who continue to support our students in their creative pursuits.
I warmly encourage our families to come along, enjoy the performances and celebrate our remarkable Stella talent. There is something for everyone, and I have no doubt we are in for a wonderful few weeks of entertainment!
Looking Ahead – Finishing Strong, Celebrating Together
As we approach the final weeks of 2026, I am reminded that the richness of school life is found not only in the achievements we recognise or the events we celebrate, but in the experiences that shape who our young women are becoming.
It is found in the student who discovers the confidence to try something new, the young entrepreneur who turns an idea into reality, the performer who finds her voice on stage, and the learner who continues to challenge herself even when the assessments are finished. It is equally evident in the generosity of our families, the dedication of our staff and the many small acts of kindness that strengthen our sense of belonging.
As we count down these final weeks, my message to our students is simple: don't simply count the days; make the days count. Stay curious, remain engaged, support one another, take every opportunity to participate and finish the year knowing you have given your best.
To our staff and families, thank you for the extraordinary care, encouragement and commitment you continue to bring to our College. The energy, warmth and generosity of this community are what make Stella such a special place to learn and grow.
There is still so much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see all that our girls will achieve, create and celebrate before we farewell another wonderful school year.
Strong Minds and Open Hearts – living, learning and flourishing together.
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
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Notices
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
Community News
The Outsiders (PG) – coming to Star of the Sea Theatre
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DPQDD
Presented by Point Break Drama Theatre Co, The Outsiders is a powerful coming-of-age story about seeing beyond the labels society places on us.
- Directed by Paul Winchester & Blair Cutting.
- Costume Design by Marisa Newnes & Lighting Design by Michael Arnott
- Stage Mgt / Sound - Jarrah Whiteford / Leo Charkos
The Outsiders play set in the 1950's is written by Christopher Sergal, based on S.E Hinton’s 1967 Novel will be performed by an all-teen cast. The Outsiders follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his fellow Greasers, a group of working-class teenagers caught in a bitter rivalry with the wealthy Socs. At its heart, the play explores belonging, identity, family, class and the destructive nature of violence.
Triggers/ Warnings - Depictions of street fighting, bullying, mention of domestic violence
An incredible talented group of young actors!
Cast includes: Gilbert Bradman, Max Stores, Isabella Clyde, Dan Andrews, Violet Carding, Andreas M Hermosilla, Oscar Youman, Leon Ritch, Emma Williams, Daisy Belle Tarpey, Jasmine Fleming, Vaughn Newcombe, Ava Sarkany, Leo Charkos
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VIEW less
Duke of Edinburgh News
Welcome to Duke of Ed News!
Student Spotlight
by Emma D - Year 9 Bronze level 2026
Chosen activities:
- Physical recreation – Pilates
- Skills – Aslan
- Volunteering service – crochet club
- Adventurous journey – Bouddi National Park Hike
What made you inspired to sign up and pick your chosen activities to work on throughout the term?
I was inspired to sign up to the Duke of Ed program because it sounded really fun, and also a way to give back to the community, develop new skills and try new things. Having had an older sibling who went through this program, I knew how rewarding it was. I chose to learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language) because it has always interested me and is such an incredible skill. Over the course of the program, I have learnt how to sign so many new words and am looking forward to continuing this skill into my silver award.
Explain what you did on your hike (whether it was bronze, silver or gold). Include the best part, an interesting/challenging part, and a humorous moment.
On my bronze hike, we walked 16 km along the Bouddi Coastal Walk on the Central Coast. It was really amazing, with incredible scenic views but it was also a really challenging hike. The best part was going for swims in the ocean along our hike, especially because it was really hot. A challenging part was that we climbed up so many stairs! They felt never-ending, but we did it in the end. A humorous part was how we ate almost all our pre-prepared packages on the first day, when they were meant for breakfast!
Student Reflection
by Amy H - Gold level 2026
For my Gold Residential Journey, I had the privilege to go to Cambodia. This was an incredible experience, in which I created the most amazing connections with the children and students at the local schools, and in particular at Happy Days. It was so special to connect so deeply despite the language barrier and to just have so much fun with them, singing, dancing, and playing games. The experience was also very eye-opening, seeing the kids’ overflowing generosity and joy despite having little, and it revealed to me how important relationships and gratitude are, rather than possessions. I will forever cherish the memories made on this trip and highly recommend it to everyone!
Student Achievement
Well done to Lucinda K, who has been knitting squares together for charity Wrapped With Love! Well done Lucinda! (Gold level 2026)
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Performing Arts News
Sunset Series Tickets on Sale!
Performing Arts Sunset Series
Celebration of Dance
- Friday 13 November
- Tickets: $10
- Early Session: 5:00pm; Late Session: 7:30pm (Limit: 4 tickets per sale)
Ensembles Evening
- Tuesday 17 November
- Tickets: free event
- Time: 6:00pm
Drama Gala
- Thursday 19 November
- Tickets: $10
- Time: 6:00pm
Showcase of Music - Fig Day Out
- Wednesday 25 November
- Tickets: $10
- Time: 6:30pm
(Purchase your ticket on the seating plan in this link because in the case of wet weather, this event will pivot to the Theatre)
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VIEW less
Uniform Shop News
Welcome to the Stella Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop News
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
On Tuesday 24 November, the Uniform Shop will open at 8.30am. This is the final day of trading for the Uniform Shop for the year. Please ensure online orders are collected by then.
Booklists
- All booklists for 2027 are now published. Go to www.campion.com.au
- Use code Q6TP when ordering.
- Orders for Year 9, 10 and 11 should be delayed until the Maths Department has specified the level of Maths your daughter is doing next year. This should be communicated to parents before the end of term.
- Orders should be placed by 13 December 2026.
Holiday Closure
The Uniform Shop will close for the year on Wednesday 25 November for stocktake.
New item!
For girls playing extra-curricular sports, there is a new large sports bag available. The cost is $32 and they are available online or in the Uniform Shop.
Year 10 can purchase the Senior Bag online. Collection is strictly from Advancement on Thursday 12 November.
Junior and senior dresses are now available online. Year 9 will need to buy the senior dress before 24 November for Year 10 2027.
Online Uniform Orders
The Online Store can also be found on the Stella app by following “Links”.
2026 Pricelist
Second Hand Uniforms
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VIEW less
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 5!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
With just under three weeks remaining until the school year concludes for our students on Tuesday 1 December, there is a wonderful sense of energy, anticipation and excitement across Stella Maris College! While the end of the year is fast approaching, we are certainly not slowing down. In fact, some of our most engaging and memorable experiences are still to come.
From the excitement of our Year 10 Advancement Program to the creativity of our Summer Series and the tremendous success of our P&F Thrift & Thrive Market Day, these final weeks are a celebration of all that makes Stella such a vibrant community. There are opportunities to learn, to perform, to lead, to discover new strengths and, importantly, to enjoy the friendships and connections that make school life so special.
As we approach the final stretch of 2026, I encourage our students to make every day count. There is still much to learn, much to contribute and certainly much to celebrate!
Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget
On 11 November, we paused to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served our nation in times of war and conflict, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Remembrance Day invites us to reflect not only on the cost of war, but also on our shared responsibility to work towards a world of peace, justice and compassion.
This year, three of our Year 9 students, Bailey B, Maylea C and Alexandra S proudly represented Stella Maris College at the Manly Council Remembrance Day Service, with Alexandra S given the special honour of reciting the moving poem In Flanders Fields. We thank these young women for representing our College with such dignity and respect, and for helping to keep the spirit of remembrance alive for future generations.
Assessments May Be Finished, but Learning Continues!
With formal assessments now concluded for many of our students, it is timely to remind ourselves that learning does not begin and end with an assessment task, a mark, or a report. These are important milestones, but they are only one part of a much richer and more meaningful journey.
Indeed, some of the most valuable learning occurs when the pressure of formal assessment is lifted and students have the opportunity to explore ideas more deeply, ask questions, make connections and develop a genuine curiosity for the world around them. Learning is not simply about demonstrating what we know; it is about continually extending what we understand and discovering what we are capable of achieving.
As we move through these final weeks, I encourage every student to maintain her focus, engagement, and commitment to learning. The completion of assessments is certainly something to celebrate, but it is not a signal that learning has finished. Every lesson remains an opportunity to strengthen understanding, develop skills, and build the habits of perseverance, independence and intellectual curiosity that will serve our students well beyond the classroom.
The way we finish matters just as much as the way we begin. Let's make these final weeks count!
The Summer Series – Let the Performances Begin!
The rehearsals are underway, the excitement is building and the stage is almost set! Over the coming weeks, Stella Maris College will come alive with music, dance and drama as we celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of our students through our Summer Series of Performing Arts.
There is something truly special about seeing our young women step onto a stage and share their talents with confidence, enthusiasm and joy. Whether through movement, music or storytelling, the performing arts provide wonderful opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth.
And what a fantastic program we have ahead!
Dance Night – Friday 13 November
We kick off our Summer Series this Friday with Dance Night, promising an exciting evening of movement, energy, creativity and performance. Our dancers have been working hard to prepare, and we look forward to celebrating their talent and dedication.
Music Ensemble Evening – Tuesday 17 November
Our musicians will take centre stage as our ensembles showcase the results of their commitment, practice and collaboration. This promises to be a wonderful celebration of the musical life of the College.
Drama Gala – Thursday 19 November
The spotlight then turns to our talented drama students, who will bring stories, characters and ideas to life through the power of performance. We look forward to an evening of imagination, expression and theatrical creativity.
Fig Day Out – Wednesday 25 November
Our Summer Series will culminate in one of the most delightful gatherings on our College calendar, Fig Day Out. Set on our beautiful deck beneath the magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees, this special event provides the perfect opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the talents of our student musicians and celebrate the joy of music in a truly beautiful setting.
Behind every performance are countless hours of rehearsal, perseverance, collaboration and the courage to step forward and share something of oneself with an audience. These experiences are about so much more than the final performance. They build confidence, strengthen friendships, nurture creativity and provide opportunities for our students to discover talents they may not have known they possessed.
My sincere thanks go to our dedicated Performing Arts staff, whose passion, expertise and encouragement make these opportunities possible, and to the families who continue to support our students in their creative pursuits.
I warmly encourage our families to come along, enjoy the performances and celebrate our remarkable Stella talent. There is something for everyone, and I have no doubt we are in for a wonderful few weeks of entertainment!
Looking Ahead – Finishing Strong, Celebrating Together
As we approach the final weeks of 2026, I am reminded that the richness of school life is found not only in the achievements we recognise or the events we celebrate, but in the experiences that shape who our young women are becoming.
It is found in the student who discovers the confidence to try something new, the young entrepreneur who turns an idea into reality, the performer who finds her voice on stage, and the learner who continues to challenge herself even when the assessments are finished. It is equally evident in the generosity of our families, the dedication of our staff and the many small acts of kindness that strengthen our sense of belonging.
As we count down these final weeks, my message to our students is simple: don't simply count the days; make the days count. Stay curious, remain engaged, support one another, take every opportunity to participate and finish the year knowing you have given your best.
To our staff and families, thank you for the extraordinary care, encouragement and commitment you continue to bring to our College. The energy, warmth and generosity of this community are what make Stella such a special place to learn and grow.
There is still so much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see all that our girls will achieve, create and celebrate before we farewell another wonderful school year.
Strong Minds and Open Hearts – living, learning and flourishing together.
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
Notices
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
Community News
The Outsiders (PG) – coming to Star of the Sea Theatre
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DPQDD
Presented by Point Break Drama Theatre Co, The Outsiders is a powerful coming-of-age story about seeing beyond the labels society places on us.
- Directed by Paul Winchester & Blair Cutting.
- Costume Design by Marisa Newnes & Lighting Design by Michael Arnott
- Stage Mgt / Sound - Jarrah Whiteford / Leo Charkos
The Outsiders play set in the 1950's is written by Christopher Sergal, based on S.E Hinton’s 1967 Novel will be performed by an all-teen cast. The Outsiders follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his fellow Greasers, a group of working-class teenagers caught in a bitter rivalry with the wealthy Socs. At its heart, the play explores belonging, identity, family, class and the destructive nature of violence.
Triggers/ Warnings - Depictions of street fighting, bullying, mention of domestic violence
An incredible talented group of young actors!
Cast includes: Gilbert Bradman, Max Stores, Isabella Clyde, Dan Andrews, Violet Carding, Andreas M Hermosilla, Oscar Youman, Leon Ritch, Emma Williams, Daisy Belle Tarpey, Jasmine Fleming, Vaughn Newcombe, Ava Sarkany, Leo Charkos
Curriculum News
News from our academic departments...
Social Justice News
Welcome to Social Justice at Stella!
Wear It Proudly This November for AusMusic Month🎶
Supporting Aussie artists, performers and crew who bring music to life. SUPPORT ACT has their back. You can too!
Grab a Tee. Show Your Support.
November is AusMusic Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contribution that Australian musicians, performers and crew members make to our communities. Behind every concert, festival and performance is a dedicated network of people whose work often involves irregular hours, contract employment and, at times, inconsistent income marked by the nature of the gig-economy.
Support Act is Australia's leading charity for music and entertainment workers, providing crisis relief, mental health support and wellbeing services for those facing hardship within the industry.
To show our support, students are invited to visit the deck at recess and lunchtime on Wednesday 25 November, the same day as the Fig Day Out to create their own Support Act AusMusic Month T-shirt.
- Simply purchase a white T-shirt for $5
- Choose your poster
- Iron onto a special Support Act transfer
- Wear your creation proudly for the day!
- Alternatively, wear a T-shirt with an Aussie music theme you already own
- The day will be Mufti with $5 due through Consent2Go
By taking part, you'll not only be celebrating Australian music but also raising awareness of the challenges faced by the talented artists and entertainment workers who enrich our lives every day.
By creating and wearing your own Support Act shirt you will be helping to back Australia's music and entertainment workers.
Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive
The Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive is currently underway. Families are encouraged to support the drive by bringing in items from the list below to PC classes.
Collection deadline is:
Wednesday 26 November
Reminders:
- Vinnies has requested that a focus is on food donations. Optional gift cards and/ or socks would be appreciated if possible.
- Please ensure food items have a used by date with a minimum of 6 months left until the expiry.
- Please avoid chocolate and nut items
- Ring pull tins are very helpful, especially for elderly people
Duke of Edinburgh News
Welcome to Duke of Ed News!
Student Spotlight
by Emma D - Year 9 Bronze level 2026
Chosen activities:
- Physical recreation – Pilates
- Skills – Aslan
- Volunteering service – crochet club
- Adventurous journey – Bouddi National Park Hike
What made you inspired to sign up and pick your chosen activities to work on throughout the term?
I was inspired to sign up to the Duke of Ed program because it sounded really fun, and also a way to give back to the community, develop new skills and try new things. Having had an older sibling who went through this program, I knew how rewarding it was. I chose to learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language) because it has always interested me and is such an incredible skill. Over the course of the program, I have learnt how to sign so many new words and am looking forward to continuing this skill into my silver award.
Explain what you did on your hike (whether it was bronze, silver or gold). Include the best part, an interesting/challenging part, and a humorous moment.
On my bronze hike, we walked 16 km along the Bouddi Coastal Walk on the Central Coast. It was really amazing, with incredible scenic views but it was also a really challenging hike. The best part was going for swims in the ocean along our hike, especially because it was really hot. A challenging part was that we climbed up so many stairs! They felt never-ending, but we did it in the end. A humorous part was how we ate almost all our pre-prepared packages on the first day, when they were meant for breakfast!
Student Reflection
by Amy H - Gold level 2026
For my Gold Residential Journey, I had the privilege to go to Cambodia. This was an incredible experience, in which I created the most amazing connections with the children and students at the local schools, and in particular at Happy Days. It was so special to connect so deeply despite the language barrier and to just have so much fun with them, singing, dancing, and playing games. The experience was also very eye-opening, seeing the kids’ overflowing generosity and joy despite having little, and it revealed to me how important relationships and gratitude are, rather than possessions. I will forever cherish the memories made on this trip and highly recommend it to everyone!
Student Achievement
Well done to Lucinda K, who has been knitting squares together for charity Wrapped With Love! Well done Lucinda! (Gold level 2026)
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Performing Arts News
Sunset Series Tickets on Sale!
Performing Arts Sunset Series
Celebration of Dance
- Friday 13 November
- Tickets: $10
- Early Session: 5:00pm; Late Session: 7:30pm (Limit: 4 tickets per sale)
Ensembles Evening
- Tuesday 17 November
- Tickets: free event
- Time: 6:00pm
Drama Gala
- Thursday 19 November
- Tickets: $10
- Time: 6:00pm
Showcase of Music - Fig Day Out
- Wednesday 25 November
- Tickets: $10
- Time: 6:30pm
(Purchase your ticket on the seating plan in this link because in the case of wet weather, this event will pivot to the Theatre)
P&F News
Uniform Shop News
Welcome to the Stella Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop News
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
On Tuesday 24 November, the Uniform Shop will open at 8.30am. This is the final day of trading for the Uniform Shop for the year. Please ensure online orders are collected by then.
Booklists
- All booklists for 2027 are now published. Go to www.campion.com.au
- Use code Q6TP when ordering.
- Orders for Year 9, 10 and 11 should be delayed until the Maths Department has specified the level of Maths your daughter is doing next year. This should be communicated to parents before the end of term.
- Orders should be placed by 13 December 2026.
Holiday Closure
The Uniform Shop will close for the year on Wednesday 25 November for stocktake.
New item!
For girls playing extra-curricular sports, there is a new large sports bag available. The cost is $32 and they are available online or in the Uniform Shop.
Year 10 can purchase the Senior Bag online. Collection is strictly from Advancement on Thursday 12 November.
Junior and senior dresses are now available online. Year 9 will need to buy the senior dress before 24 November for Year 10 2027.
Online Uniform Orders
The Online Store can also be found on the Stella app by following “Links”.
2026 Pricelist
Second Hand Uniforms
Canteen News
Thank you to next fortnight's volunteers!
Calendar Dates
Social Justice News
Welcome to Social Justice at Stella!
Sarah Metcalfe
Social Justice Program Coordinator
Wear It Proudly This November for AusMusic Month🎶
Supporting Aussie artists, performers and crew who bring music to life. SUPPORT ACT has their back. You can too!
Grab a Tee. Show Your Support.
November is AusMusic Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contribution that Australian musicians, performers and crew members make to our communities. Behind every concert, festival and performance is a dedicated network of people whose work often involves irregular hours, contract employment and, at times, inconsistent income marked by the nature of the gig-economy.
Support Act is Australia's leading charity for music and entertainment workers, providing crisis relief, mental health support and wellbeing services for those facing hardship within the industry.
To show our support, students are invited to visit the deck at recess and lunchtime on Wednesday 25 November, the same day as the Fig Day Out to create their own Support Act AusMusic Month T-shirt.
By taking part, you'll not only be celebrating Australian music but also raising awareness of the challenges faced by the talented artists and entertainment workers who enrich our lives every day.
By creating and wearing your own Support Act shirt you will be helping to back Australia's music and entertainment workers.
Music Students Bring Joy Through Mission Outreach at Mater Dei
Sharing the Gift of Music
On Thursday 5 November, our Performance Band Music students had the privilege of participating in a meaningful Mission Outreach visit to Mater Dei, where they performed two energetic and engaging music sets for students and staff.
Throughout the day, music became a powerful means of connection, bringing together 140 Mater Dei students from diverse backgrounds and intellectual challenges through singing, movement, laughter and shared experiences. The performances created an atmosphere of genuine joy and demonstrated how music can unite people beyond differences in ability or circumstance.
A genuine thank you to staff members Leanne Haines, Evan Browett, Rob Sutcliffe, Lotus Kipriotis and Juliet Ivkovic for helping to make the Outreach at Mater Dei so special.
We thank our students for representing the College with their positive enthusiasm. It was also wonderful to see our own students engaging so openly with young people whose behaviours and ways of interacting may be outside what they normally encounter.
The visit revealed that inclusion is about more than simply welcoming others. It is about recognising the inherent dignity and worth of every person and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.
Stella students came away with a greater understanding that there isn't one version of 'normal' and that everyone deserves to be valued and included.
Student Reflection - Lucy M in Year 9
“On Thursday 5 November, Performance Band students from Years 7-11 had the amazing opportunity to travel to Mater Dei School in Cobbitty, a beautiful, countryside co-educational setting for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Students played various upbeat and engaging songs, which had the Mater Dei students up and dancing throughout the day. Both the Mater Dei students and Performance Band members left smiling at the end of the day, so fulfilled from playing beautiful music and dancing together as one community.”
Year 9 Students Find Their Voice Through the Prophetic Voices Forum
Exploring the Issues That Matter Most
21 Year 9 students recently participated in the national Prophetic Voices Online Forum, joining young people from around Australia to engage with the work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and their commitment to identifying injustice and promoting positive social change in the community.
The forum provided students with the opportunity to discuss issues that are important to them, collaborate with their peers and reflect on ways they can contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
Through thoughtful and respectful discussion, students identified a range of contemporary concerns they believe deserve further investigation. Topics raised included:
These discussions will guide the next stage of the Prophetic Voices journey. Over the coming months, students will continue researching and exploring these issues before gathering at a three-day camp in Term 3. There, they will work collaboratively to develop formal statements and recommendations addressing two key social justice concerns identified through their investigations and with specialist work from leading industry experts.
We congratulate our students on their willingness to engage thoughtfully with complex issues and commend their commitment to becoming informed, compassionate and active advocates for positive change in our world.
Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive
The Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive is currently underway. Families are encouraged to support the drive by bringing in items from the list below to PC classes.
Collection deadline is:
Wednesday 26 November
Reminders: