In this Edition
From the Principal
Welcome to our first Stella News for 2026.
Celebrating Community Leadership – Sara Trimboli (Class of 2025)
On Monday 2 February, we were delighted to recognise Sara Trimboli (Class of 2025) as the recipient of the Freshwater Community Bank $2,000 Scholarship. Sara was presented with her acknowledgement and cheque in recognition of her outstanding contribution to both College and community life.
This award honours young people who demonstrate leadership, generosity of spirit, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Throughout her time at Stella Maris, Sara consistently embodied these qualities — contributing thoughtfully to the life of the College while also giving generously of her time and talents beyond the school gates. Her engagement reflects the very best of our Good Samaritan and Benedictine values: service, responsibility, and care for the wider community.
We are immensely proud of Sara and grateful to the Freshwater Community Bank for their continued support of young people who make a positive difference. Sara’s recognition is a wonderful reminder of the impact our students can have when they lead with purpose and compassion.
Sara’s example reminds us that leadership is not defined by position, but by the way we choose to serve others.
A Year of Celebration: Stella Maris Turns 95
This year, Stella Maris College celebrates 95 years of educating young women. This significant milestone offers us a valuable opportunity to pause and give thanks — for the vision and faith of those who came before us, for the remarkable achievements that have shaped our College, and for the many generations of students, staff, and families who have contributed to the story of Stella Maris. As we honour our past, we also look forward with hope, embracing the opportunities and responsibilities that will shape the next chapter of our College’s journey.
2026: The Year of Hospitality
Our College theme for 2026 is Hospitality. In the Benedictine and Good Samaritan tradition, hospitality is far more than kindness or welcome — it is a way of being. It calls us to notice one another, to listen deeply, and to respond with generosity and respect. At Stella Maris, hospitality shapes the way we learn, teach, lead, and live together. It invites us to create spaces where every person feels known, valued, and safe to be themselves, and where strong minds and open hearts can truly flourish.
A Moment to Remember Our Roots – 2 February
As we look ahead to the year with excitement, it is also important to pause and reflect on the rich foundations of our College. February 2 provided an opportunity for our community to reflect on the establishment of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of Saint Benedict. On this day in 1857, Agnes Clark, Margaret Byrne, Mary Anne Adamson, Agnes Mary Hart, and Margaret Clark responded to the call of Archbishop Polding and, under the guidance of Sister Scholastica Gibbons, formed the first Australian congregation of the Good Samaritan Sisters.
Their courage to begin something new, their willingness to respond to need with compassion, and their vision for a more just and generous world continue to inspire us today. This legacy reminds us that Stella Maris is more than a place of learning — it is a community committed to forming young women who act with integrity, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility for others.
Flourish: Our Path Towards 2030
We are delighted to share that our College Strategic Plan, Flourish: Our Path Towards 2030, has now been launched. Flourish sets a hopeful and compelling direction for the future of Stella Maris, guiding how we will continue to grow learning, wellbeing, community, and stewardship in ways that are faithful to our identity and responsive to the needs of young women today. As this path unfolds, we deeply value our partnership with families and look forward to working together to ensure every student is supported to flourish — with confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.
Opening College Mass
Our Opening College Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 12 February at 9:30am on the College grounds and will mark our first official celebration of Stella Maris’ 95th birthday. We are honoured that the Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Anthony Randazzo. This celebration will be a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community, giving thanks for the year ahead and for the life and mission of our College.
Combined Youth Mass – This Sunday
This coming Sunday 8 February marks the beginning of our Combined Youth Mass with St Augustine’s at St Kieran’s Church at 5:00pm. All are warmly welcome, and we encourage families to attend and support this opportunity for our young people to gather in faith and community.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Hope
As we begin this new year, I am filled with gratitude — for our dedicated teaching and support staff who have prepared so thoughtfully, for our students who bring such life and purpose to our College, and for you, our families, whose trust and partnership we deeply value.
I look forward with hope to all that 2026 will bring — a year of hospitality, celebration, and growth — as together we continue to nurture a community where each young woman is known, challenged, and inspired to flourish.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
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Notices
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Counselling News
Regular school attendance plays a vital role in student learning, wellbeing and long-term success. Even small amounts of missed time can quickly add up—occasional lateness or a few days away each term can mean hours of lost learning over a year. The graphic below, produced by Stella's Counselling team, highlights how attendance patterns impact learning and reinforces the importance of arriving on time, every day, to make the most of every learning opportunity.
Update your App Subscriptions
To ensure you continue to receive relevant information for your daughter(s), we kindly remind parents/carers to update your App subscriptions for her 2026 year level and any extra-curricular activities.
To update your subscriptions:
- Tap the three dots (More) at the bottom right of the App screen
- Select Settings
- Select Subscriptions (please ensure Notifications are also enabled)
- Turn on the subscriptions relevant to your daughter(s)
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VIEW less
Curriculum News
News from our English and Library Departments
English Extension Day
The senior Extension English students started their academic year early, spending a day in the library warming up for 2026. With great enthusiasm the students spent the day discussing their holiday reading, working on discursive writing, and taking a deep dive into their contextual research. All this, combined with some delicious catering, made for a great start to their studies in English this year.
Library News
Welcome back!
Unsung Heroes of 2025
Our former Year 7.3 RE students, now in Year 8, created the Welcome - Hospitality display, bringing colour, warmth, and joy to our first week back at Stella Maris.
In this Year of Hospitality, their message is clear: make room for all species — and for every person who enters our community.
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VIEW less
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
NSWCCC Blues Awards
Congratulations to Ellie F (Year 10) and Amelia M (Year 9) who were awarded with the prestigious NSWCCC Blues Award at the CSNSW Sports Awards, which was held at the SCG in December.
Ellie was presented with this award for her achievement in touch football in 2025. She had a very successful year, representing Stella at the NSWCCC, NSW All Schools and the School Sport Australia touch football championships. After playing an instrumental role in helping her NSW team to win the grand final against Queensland, Ellie was selected into the Australian merit team!
Amelia received her award for her outstanding results in Cross Country. She had a fantastic year, winning medals at the NSWCCC, NSW All Schools and School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships.
Well done to both Ellie and Amelia on this outstanding achievement!
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P&F News
Sunset Social tickets on sale!
Stella Sunset Social - tickets on sale now!
The sun is shining, the school year is underway, and it’s time to celebrate!
The Stella P&F and the College are thrilled to invite you to our favourite event of the season: The Stella Sunset Social.
Whether you are a new Year 7 parent looking to meet your cohort, or a returning family catching up after the break, this night is for you. Come enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the College as the sun sets, establish new friendships, and strengthen your network within the Stella family.
(Year 7 parents/carers - please note that your welcome session with your daughter's Pastoral Care teacher will be held prior to the Sunset Social from 5.00pm. Please look out for your invitation to this from the Head of Year 7. You will be required to respond separately to each event).
The Night Includes:
🥂 Drinks and Eats: Delicious canapés and a selection of beverages.
🎶 Atmosphere: Live acoustic music setting the summer mood.
🤝 Community: A chance to relax and connect without the kids (this is a parent-only event).
When and Where:
🗓 Date: Wednesday 25 February
⏰ Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
📍 Location: Stella Maris College
🎟️Tickets: $29
Year 7 Parent Mixer - Save the Date
This event, exclusively for Year 7 parents and carers, is hosted by your incredible Year 7 parent representative volunteer, Rosa Papallo (who has been doing an amazing job answering all your questions in the WhatsApp group - thanks Rosa). This is always a great night and another opportunity to meet the parents you'll be spending the next six years alongside.
🗓 Date: Thursday 26 March
⏰ Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
📍 Location: Freshwater Brewing Company
Please save the date and look out for further details shortly.
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
From the Principal
Welcome to our first Stella News for 2026.
Celebrating Community Leadership – Sara Trimboli (Class of 2025)
On Monday 2 February, we were delighted to recognise Sara Trimboli (Class of 2025) as the recipient of the Freshwater Community Bank $2,000 Scholarship. Sara was presented with her acknowledgement and cheque in recognition of her outstanding contribution to both College and community life.
This award honours young people who demonstrate leadership, generosity of spirit, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Throughout her time at Stella Maris, Sara consistently embodied these qualities — contributing thoughtfully to the life of the College while also giving generously of her time and talents beyond the school gates. Her engagement reflects the very best of our Good Samaritan and Benedictine values: service, responsibility, and care for the wider community.
We are immensely proud of Sara and grateful to the Freshwater Community Bank for their continued support of young people who make a positive difference. Sara’s recognition is a wonderful reminder of the impact our students can have when they lead with purpose and compassion.
Sara’s example reminds us that leadership is not defined by position, but by the way we choose to serve others.
A Year of Celebration: Stella Maris Turns 95
This year, Stella Maris College celebrates 95 years of educating young women. This significant milestone offers us a valuable opportunity to pause and give thanks — for the vision and faith of those who came before us, for the remarkable achievements that have shaped our College, and for the many generations of students, staff, and families who have contributed to the story of Stella Maris. As we honour our past, we also look forward with hope, embracing the opportunities and responsibilities that will shape the next chapter of our College’s journey.
2026: The Year of Hospitality
Our College theme for 2026 is Hospitality. In the Benedictine and Good Samaritan tradition, hospitality is far more than kindness or welcome — it is a way of being. It calls us to notice one another, to listen deeply, and to respond with generosity and respect. At Stella Maris, hospitality shapes the way we learn, teach, lead, and live together. It invites us to create spaces where every person feels known, valued, and safe to be themselves, and where strong minds and open hearts can truly flourish.
A Moment to Remember Our Roots – 2 February
As we look ahead to the year with excitement, it is also important to pause and reflect on the rich foundations of our College. February 2 provided an opportunity for our community to reflect on the establishment of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of Saint Benedict. On this day in 1857, Agnes Clark, Margaret Byrne, Mary Anne Adamson, Agnes Mary Hart, and Margaret Clark responded to the call of Archbishop Polding and, under the guidance of Sister Scholastica Gibbons, formed the first Australian congregation of the Good Samaritan Sisters.
Their courage to begin something new, their willingness to respond to need with compassion, and their vision for a more just and generous world continue to inspire us today. This legacy reminds us that Stella Maris is more than a place of learning — it is a community committed to forming young women who act with integrity, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility for others.
Flourish: Our Path Towards 2030
We are delighted to share that our College Strategic Plan, Flourish: Our Path Towards 2030, has now been launched. Flourish sets a hopeful and compelling direction for the future of Stella Maris, guiding how we will continue to grow learning, wellbeing, community, and stewardship in ways that are faithful to our identity and responsive to the needs of young women today. As this path unfolds, we deeply value our partnership with families and look forward to working together to ensure every student is supported to flourish — with confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.
Opening College Mass
Our Opening College Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 12 February at 9:30am on the College grounds and will mark our first official celebration of Stella Maris’ 95th birthday. We are honoured that the Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Anthony Randazzo. This celebration will be a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community, giving thanks for the year ahead and for the life and mission of our College.
Combined Youth Mass – This Sunday
This coming Sunday 8 February marks the beginning of our Combined Youth Mass with St Augustine’s at St Kieran’s Church at 5:00pm. All are warmly welcome, and we encourage families to attend and support this opportunity for our young people to gather in faith and community.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Hope
As we begin this new year, I am filled with gratitude — for our dedicated teaching and support staff who have prepared so thoughtfully, for our students who bring such life and purpose to our College, and for you, our families, whose trust and partnership we deeply value.
I look forward with hope to all that 2026 will bring — a year of hospitality, celebration, and growth — as together we continue to nurture a community where each young woman is known, challenged, and inspired to flourish.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
Notices
****
Counselling News
Regular school attendance plays a vital role in student learning, wellbeing and long-term success. Even small amounts of missed time can quickly add up—occasional lateness or a few days away each term can mean hours of lost learning over a year. The graphic below, produced by Stella's Counselling team, highlights how attendance patterns impact learning and reinforces the importance of arriving on time, every day, to make the most of every learning opportunity.
Update your App Subscriptions
To ensure you continue to receive relevant information for your daughter(s), we kindly remind parents/carers to update your App subscriptions for her 2026 year level and any extra-curricular activities.
To update your subscriptions:
- Tap the three dots (More) at the bottom right of the App screen
- Select Settings
- Select Subscriptions (please ensure Notifications are also enabled)
- Turn on the subscriptions relevant to your daughter(s)
Curriculum News
News from our English and Library Departments
English Extension Day
The senior Extension English students started their academic year early, spending a day in the library warming up for 2026. With great enthusiasm the students spent the day discussing their holiday reading, working on discursive writing, and taking a deep dive into their contextual research. All this, combined with some delicious catering, made for a great start to their studies in English this year.
Library News
Welcome back!
Unsung Heroes of 2025
Our former Year 7.3 RE students, now in Year 8, created the Welcome - Hospitality display, bringing colour, warmth, and joy to our first week back at Stella Maris.
In this Year of Hospitality, their message is clear: make room for all species — and for every person who enters our community.
Mission News
Welcome to Mission at Stella!
Duke of Edinburgh News
Welcome to Duke of Ed News!
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
NSWCCC Blues Awards
Congratulations to Ellie F (Year 10) and Amelia M (Year 9) who were awarded with the prestigious NSWCCC Blues Award at the CSNSW Sports Awards, which was held at the SCG in December.
Ellie was presented with this award for her achievement in touch football in 2025. She had a very successful year, representing Stella at the NSWCCC, NSW All Schools and the School Sport Australia touch football championships. After playing an instrumental role in helping her NSW team to win the grand final against Queensland, Ellie was selected into the Australian merit team!
Amelia received her award for her outstanding results in Cross Country. She had a fantastic year, winning medals at the NSWCCC, NSW All Schools and School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships.
Well done to both Ellie and Amelia on this outstanding achievement!
P&F News
Sunset Social tickets on sale!
Stella Sunset Social - tickets on sale now!
The sun is shining, the school year is underway, and it’s time to celebrate!
The Stella P&F and the College are thrilled to invite you to our favourite event of the season: The Stella Sunset Social.
Whether you are a new Year 7 parent looking to meet your cohort, or a returning family catching up after the break, this night is for you. Come enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the College as the sun sets, establish new friendships, and strengthen your network within the Stella family.
(Year 7 parents/carers - please note that your welcome session with your daughter's Pastoral Care teacher will be held prior to the Sunset Social from 5.00pm. Please look out for your invitation to this from the Head of Year 7. You will be required to respond separately to each event).
The Night Includes:
🥂 Drinks and Eats: Delicious canapés and a selection of beverages.
🎶 Atmosphere: Live acoustic music setting the summer mood.
🤝 Community: A chance to relax and connect without the kids (this is a parent-only event).
When and Where:
🗓 Date: Wednesday 25 February
⏰ Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
📍 Location: Stella Maris College
🎟️Tickets: $29
Year 7 Parent Mixer - Save the Date
This event, exclusively for Year 7 parents and carers, is hosted by your incredible Year 7 parent representative volunteer, Rosa Papallo (who has been doing an amazing job answering all your questions in the WhatsApp group - thanks Rosa). This is always a great night and another opportunity to meet the parents you'll be spending the next six years alongside.
🗓 Date: Thursday 26 March
⏰ Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
📍 Location: Freshwater Brewing Company
Please save the date and look out for further details shortly.
Canteen News
Thank you to this fortnight's Canteen volunteers!
Uniform Shop News
Welcome to the Stella Uniform Shop
Calendar Dates
