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.

Community Mass

The next Community Mass will be held on Sunday 8 September from 5.00pm at St Kieran's Manly Vale. "Feel the joy. Be part of it." A barbecue meal will follow Mass. Duke of Edinburgh hours are available.

The Good Oil

The August edition of the Good Samaritan e-magazine is now available.

The Good Oil

Luna Park Family Day and Ladies Long Lunch

Tickets are now on sale for two P&F events. For further details, click here.

Luna Park Family Day - Saturday 14 September - click for tickets

Stella Ladies Long Lunch - Friday 20 September - click to register

Education Showcase in Vietnam

Stella Maris will participate in the NSW Education Showcase in Hanoi (10 September) and Ho Chi Minh City (14 September) to meet future students and families. Our International Program Manager will present a seminar focusing on “How high school education in NSW benefits overseas students to achieve a global success”. If you know anyone who might benefit by attending this event, please forward them the link below for further information.

Beach2Beach Success

Thank you to everyone who joined the Stella team for last Sunday's Beach2Beach. With a total of 216 Stella students, staff, family and friends - forming a ‘sea of pink’ - Stella smashed our own previous ‘biggest team’ record.

Stella won overall largest group and largest school group at the event and received a total of $6K in prize money, all of which will all be donated to local legend Mike Pawley’s ‘Happy Days’ charity (a charity that supports children at the Happy Days Village School located in Siem Reap Cambodia).

We also had some incredible individual results in the actual run with Ms Wickham winning the 14km female event and student Pip Q coming 3rd in the 6km event.

Community Notices

Bell Shakespeare: Shakespeare is Dead Review

Emma D and Millicent C review Shakespeare is Dead – a Year 7 Bell Shakespeare Learning Incursion held in the Theatre.

Year 7 had the privilege of watching the Bell Shakespeare Company Performance of Shakespeare is Dead in our school theatre. This comedic performance encompassed all things Shakespeare and helped us gain a better understanding of who he was, what he did, and what life was like back in those times. This witty performance included an analysis of his key themes and choices, and Shakespearian language presented in an original narrative. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable morning for the Year 7 students. Thank you to our English teachers for organising such a fun and informative performance.

Emma D - Year 7

Shakespeare. Do we really know who he is? In this play by Bell Shakespeare Players, we delve into multiple plays of Shakespeare, and hear a bit about the bard himself in the process. Well, it sounds like a bore you might say. Well, as a Year 7 student who is not a fan of literary analysis (and thought this play would be uninteresting), I was thinking - boring! However, this play portrays Shakespeare in fun, interesting ways. All the Year 7s were laughing along and listening intently.

What is for you in the play? Well, the play revolves around a girl who doesn’t understand Shakespeare and is uninterested in him, so if you are bored by Shakespeare then the storyline is easy for you to follow and relate to. Don’t worry, if you love Shakespeare there is also something for you. There is another actor who is shocked, angry and hurt at someone insulting Shakespeare and is determined to change her opinion. There is something for everyone in this play to relate to and learn from. How do the Bell Shakespeare Players make the play interesting? Personally, my highlights were when the actors jumped off the stage to interact with the students in the audience or when they invited students to help them with a fight scene. I loved the jokes they made around our language now and the similarities to the old language. They made jokes about the word, ‘rizz’ and how it was like a word people might not understand easily in a few years’ time, just like Shakespeare and how he wrote.

Bell Shakespeare is the national company of Shakespeare of Australia and have been doing their plays since 1990 (34 years!). I think the company performs their plays brilliantly and I give the company a perfect five out of five-star rating!

Millicent C – Year 7

VET Success

Last Wednesday, two Stella students received Excellence in VET Awards. Sienna S was recognised for her work in Entertainment, and Catelyn M for her contributions in Hospitality. Their excellent work ethic and skills in the workplace were highly praised. Mrs Clemesha and Mrs Gallagher attended the event, held at Dee Why RSL.

Stella Students Honour Vietnam Veterans at Manly War Memorial

On Vietnam Veterans Day, Sunday 18 August, Stella students Lucinda O, Ruby T and Cheriese E represented our school community with great respect and honour at the Manly War Memorial. The students laid a wreath to commemorate the brave men who served during the Vietnam War. The date marks the significant Battle of Long Tan where the Australian Army Force, D Company, consisting of 108 men were isolated and came under intense attack by 2500 enemy Viet Cong soldiers resulting in the loss of 18 lives.

The ceremony featured a poignant speech by An Ngo Lang, a South Vietnamese refugee who fled Saigon at the age of four. An’s journey to safety was fraught with danger, but she survived thanks to the kindness of a U.S. Marine, who shared his rations and a single aspirin during the perilous sea voyage.

An's speech highlighted the devastating impacts of the Vietnam War, particularly the lasting trauma experienced by veterans and their families. She addressed the physical and psychological toll of war, exacerbated by the nature of chemical warfare in Vietnam with exposure to toxic poisoning from Agent Orange, which continues to affect countless lives to this day.

In her powerful reflection, An emphasized that it is not the futility of war that shapes who we are, but the choices we make in the face of adversity. Her words resonated deeply with all in attendance, urging us to reflect on the importance of peace.

Thank you, Lucinda, Ruby and Cheriese, for paying great respect at this important event.

Stella Sleep Out

Students are invited to grab their PJs and friends for the Stella Sleep Out. We will be sleeping out from Friday 6 September to Saturday 7 September to raise money for the Good Sam Kinder School in Bacolod, the Philippines, the Vinnies Winter Appeal, The Good Samaritan Inn and Women’s Domestic Violence Shelters.

A full program of events includes games, activities, presentations, a movie, dinner and breakfast in the morning. It's also a great way for Duke of Ed students to tick off community service hours.

Cost of entry is $50 and students are encouraged to find sponsors to support the appeal.

Water Polo

Congratulations to our Year 8 and 9 water polo teams who have finished the NSSWPA competition with great results!

Stella had three teams in the competition which was played at the Warringah Aquatic Centre throughout Terms 2 and 3. The Stella Red team had a fantastic season and made it all the way to the grand final. It was an exciting grand final against Pymble Ladies College, with the Stella team winning 7 – 5!

Congratulations to Stella Red – 2024 NSSWPA Premiers:

Bonnie B, Charlotte C, Ella B, Freya C, Grace C, Heidi H, Keiley B, Leili M, Liv M, Rose R

Athletics

The Stella Athletics team has had a very busy few weeks, competing at a number of major interschool carnivals. All of our athletes have had outstanding results, improving immensely over the season.

The CGSSSA Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 16 August. Stella had a big team competing at this event. We had great results, with a Stella student on the podium for nearly every event! Special mention to a few athletes who had exceptional results at CGSSSA:

Avie R: won gold in the Queen of the Track event – the fastest 100m of all age groups on the day

Emily C: won 6 medals on the day! 5 gold and 1 silver

Gold medallists: Piper B, Lyla R, Emily C, Zoe B, Matilda B, April U, Avie R, Lara M, Cara F, Elisabeth P, Charlotte C, Ellie F, Junior relay (Pilard S, Beatrix B, Emily C, Sophie R), Ellie E.

The IGSA Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park on the 22 and 23 August. This is the biggest of our championship carnivals, with lots of talented athletes from 27 schools. The Stella team performed exceptionally well! We had many students in finals, and placed second overall in our division!

Congratulations to Avie R and Elisabeth P who won medals on the day. Well done to all of our finalists:

Emily C, Cara F, Avie R, Sophie B, Erin H, Lara M, Elisabeth P, Pilard S, Zoe B, Ellie F, Amelia M, Ellie E, April U.

Congratulations to our three relay teams who all made the finals:

Junior: Olivia Pi, Pilard S, Emily C, Avie R

Intermediate: Zoe B, Chanelle H, Matilda B and Ellie E

Senior: Sophie R, Sophie B, April U, Ellie F

The highlight of the day was the outstanding performances from Avie R! Avie won the 14 years 100m and 200m finals, and won silver in the 14 years long jump. She was awarded the Junior Champion Athlete from IGSA! This is a remarkable achievement – the first time a Stella student has won this award - well done Avie!

Best of luck to our athletics team who will compete at Broken Bay on Tuesday 3 September.

NSWCCC Netball

Congratulations to the Stella netball teams who competed at the NSWCCC Netball Championships at Penrith on Wednesday 28 August. It was a hot and windy day, but that didn’t stop the Stella teams from playing some outstanding netball!

Our senior team had a great day, with many of our Year 12s enjoying their final sport carnival! With a close loss in the first game, they went on to win the rest of their games to finish in second place. The junior team had a hard draw, but finished in 3^rd with four wins and two losses.

Our intermediate team went through the day undefeated! They had some tough games and close wins, but were very happy to come away with the gold medal!

Congratulations to players in all three teams:

Junior: Mila C, Izzy H, Celyn E, Maya H, Eve K, Audrey R, Sophie R, Ava S, Asher S

Inter: Summer B, Holly G, Emily G, Mia L, Claudia P, Ana T, Olive W

Senior: Sophie B, Lara B, Millie D, Lily H, Poppy H, Bethany M, Ava M, Lea T, Indi W

Congratulations also goes to Summer B and Lily H who played at the NSWCCC Open Netball selections at Penrith on Tuesday 27 August.

Rugby 7s

The Stella junior and intermediate rugby teams played at the Broken Bay round robin at North Narrabeen on Wednesday 21 August. While the day was shortened due to a lack of team entries, the Stella teams still had an excellent day, with both teams going through the day undefeated! They played well as a team, defending well and scoring lots of tries!

Stella will be entering a competition for Rugby 7s in Term 4, which will be held at Keirle Park on Monday afternoons.

Cross Country

Congratulations to Pip Q who competed at the School Sports Australia Cross Country Championships in Melbourne last week. Pip raced in the 15 years age group, finishing 5^th in Australia! She also won a silver in the teams event. Well done Pip.

Best of luck also to Pip, Madi R and Amelia M who will be representing NSW at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Tasmania this weekend.

Basketball

Congratulations to the Stella Intermediate basketball team who played at the Broken Bay Championships at Terrigal on Monday 26 August. The Stella team had close games all day, and ended up winning the final game for fourth place.

Well done to all members of the team:

Olive W, Keira M, Keeley D, Ivy H, Lara F, Riley M, Indie C, Holly G and Yasmina H

Stella Maris Music @ Bucketty’s

On Wednesday 28 August, the Year 12 Music 1 and Music 2 classes had their performance evening at Bucketty’s. It was our first show at the venue and it was a roaring success. Performances from students on guitar, flute, piano, violin, vocals and drum kit were fantastic and the students should be most proud of themselves. It was particularly pleasing to see so many up-and-coming musicians (perhaps with future performances in mind), siblings, parents and families attending the event – a lovely example of the Stella community. A huge thank you to our tutors, Emma Gelding, Pete Covington and Greg Arnold as well as to our Music teachers, Mr Rob Sutcliffe and Ms Leanne Haines for their hard work leading up to the event. Hopefully the lively energy and raucous applause from this event will energise the girls as they head into their HSC performance examinations on Monday 9 September.

Stella vocalists performing with The Cat Empire and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra

On Thursday 5 September, 12 of our elite vocalists will be performing as part of a larger choir with The Cat Empire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Asha B, Isabella C, Kate C, Daisy F, Bailey H, Charlee H, Ava J, Bronte M, Leili M, Amelie R, Erin W and Ava Z will all grace the stage for this wonderful opportunity. The show is taking place in the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera house and will feature world-class flamenco artists Richard Tedesco, Johnny Tedesco and Chantelle Cano. Our girls have been working hard on selected repertoire and have additional weekend rehearsals in front of them in preparation. A huge thank you must go to Ms Ines Paxton for organising as well as Ms Lotus-Rose Kypriotis and Ms Leanne Haines for their hard work in preparing the girls. Details of the (sadly sold out) show can be found here.

Dance Troupes Shine at Competitions

A huge congratulations to Leili M in Year 9 who has been awarded a scholarship with the Australian Girls Choir. Later this month the group will be taking part in a three-week international tour through Paris, Regional France, Switzerland and Singapore. Congratulations Leili, we are incredibly proud of you (and a little bit jealous).

The Dance Ensembles, Company, and Extension Company Troupes, have outdone themselves at the latest competitions. With three competitions over the last two weeks it has been a very busy time for everyone. I am so proud of all the girls who continuously give their all, remaining enthusiastic, and supporting each other to succeed. I could not ask for a better group of girls to work with, and I am grateful to have so much talent at Stella Maris.

Highlights of the past three competitions include the Extension Jazz Company “Criminal” taking out 1st Place at Dancelife Unite, and the Extension Hip Hop Company “Rumble” winning 1st Place at both the Dance Spec Challenge, and The Hills Dance Spectacular. This is only the second year we have had a Hip Hop Troupe and they are already making a name for themselves. In very exciting results, the Beginner/Intermediate Lyrical Ensemble placed higher than the Intermediate Lyrical Company for a second time, showing that hard work and practice really does mean success. It was a wonderful two weeks with every group that competed placing at Dancelife Unite.

Congratulations to all the students involved and a huge thank you to all of our amazing teachers and choreographers – Elle Preece, Shannon Carter, James Maras, Emma Copping, Lauren Elton, Chris Haines and Miss Jones.

DANCELIFE UNITE RESULTS (all groups):

1st Place – Extension Jazz Company
1st Place – Year 9, 200 Hours Elective Dance
2nd Place – Extension Commercial Jazz Company
2nd Place – Extension Hip Hop Company
2nd Place – Contemporary Company
2nd Place – Jazz Company
3rd Place – Extension Lyrical Company
3rd Place – Lyrical Company
4th Place – Jazz Ensemble
4th Place – Lyrical Ensemble
Highly Commended – Contemporary Ensemble

THE HILLS DANCE SPECTACULAR RESULTS (Junior Years 7-9 Groups only):

1st Place – Extension Hip Hop Company
2nd Place – Contemporary Company
3rd Place – Jazz Company
4th Place – Lyrical Ensemble

DANCE SPEC CHALLENGE RESULTS (Junior Years 7-9 Groups only):

1st Place – Extension Hip Hop Company
2nd Place – Jazz Company
2nd Place – Contemporary Company
3rd Place – Lyrical Ensemble
3rd Place – Jazz Ensemble
3rd Place – Hip Hop Ensemble
Highly Commended – Lyrical Company

Last chance - Luna Park plus Ladies Long Lunch now on sale

• Luna Park Family event – Saturday 14 September – Tickets on sale!

• Stella Ladies (Mums) Long Lunch – Friday 20 September – Tickets on sale!

Last Chance! Father's Day Raffle / Live Auction

This is your last chance to join the Stella Maris P&F in celebrating Father’s Day with our thrilling Raffle and Live Auction! Tickets are selling fast, and with 50% of all funds raised going to Head Above Water, you’ll be supporting a fantastic cause while having the chance to win incredible prizes.

The Father's Day raffle will be drawn following the Father's Day Breakfast and all prize winners will be contacted (you don't need to be at the Breakfast to enter).

Our thanks to Cunninghams Real Estate auctioneer and Stella Dad, Mark Byrant (and Sea Eagle's 2008 premiership player) who will conduct a live auction of two incredible prizes at the Breakfast:

1. Waratahs Game Day Experience - four tickets to a 2025 Waratahs home game at Allianz Stadium, including exclusive seating and premium game-day hospitality.

2. Tickets to the Official 2024 Bledisloe Cup Lunch on Friday 20 September: three tickets to the lunch attended by Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt and Wallabies players. Includes a three-course meal and unlimited four-hour beverage package.

Time is running out – last chance Luna Park 2024 Family Day

Unfortunately, we may have to cancel the event if more tickets aren't sold. Although over 100 people expressed interest, only a few have purchased tickets. If we see an increase in sales this week, we can continue the booking.

We will decide on Monday 3 September if it is go-no-go.

Ticket prices are:

🎟️ $42 for adults or daughters/siblings over 14

🎟️ $32 for daughters/siblings under 14.

Click here to purchase tickets

Join us for the Stella Ladies Long Lunch!

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.

Trivia Night Success: From Derry Girls to Daisy Jones & the Six!

Last Friday night’s Trivia Night was an absolute blast! The evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and much fun. One of the night's many highlights was the team, Derry Girls, who showed off their trivia skills and fully embraced the event's spirit by dressing up as Stella Girls. Honestly, the effort that went into dressing the tables and the costumes was outstanding, and it brought energy to the room and certainly a few laughs!

Teams battled it out across various rounds, with everyone showcasing their impressive trivia knowledge. In the end, the team Daisy Jones & The Six emerged victorious, claiming the top spot and bragging rights for the evening.

But the event wasn’t just about winning but coming together as a Stella Community. We’re thrilled to announce that we raised over $5,000! These funds will subsidise the welcome back to school event, the much-anticipated Stella Sunset Social and the first Year 7 Mixer. Your generosity will help ensure these events are accessible and memorable for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made the night so special. Whether you answered questions, cheered on your team, or soaked in the good vibes, you made Trivia Night a success. A huge thanks to the P&F team and Sue Homann from Stella for making it such a great night!

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 in 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:

Week commencing Monday 2 September

Week commencing Monday 9 September

Term 3