Last Weeks for Year 12

These next few weeks for Year 12 2024 mark several lasts for Year 12 students. Last assembly and last year meeting, last classes with favourite teachers, last sporting games and school social events, last visit to the canteen and the library and the last time wearing a Stella uniform.

Leaving school brings significant change for our young people. The routines of six years suddenly are gone. Those regular catch ups with friends which are part of that daily routine are no longer locked in, but must be arranged and planned out, whilst balancing the needs of studies and work. Suddenly, life seems much more complicated.

Nevertheless, there is excitement for our students who are standing on the threshold of future opportunities. There is anxiety as examinations loom. There are hours of study to complete before that and yet 2025 looms brightly ahead with a myriad of possibilities and opportunities.

Father Ross Jones SJ shared some clear messages to the graduation year at St Aloysius College this month. He highlighted the lasts that will mark the end of their schooling but also noted that some might fear that future, ‘..those who cannot let go, cannot grow.’

My hope is that our Stella Stars who leave us this year, have the courage to face those fears, knowing they are supported by our Benedictine, Good Samaritan values of Peace and Justice, Community, Stewardship and Hospitality, which have fostered their growth. We stand beside them during these final weeks, knowing that they are well prepared for a future beyond high school.

Thank you

To the staff who have assisted with the 2027 Year 7 Interviews over the past week, I thank you for your support. Stella has a strong reputation as now both the top performing Catholic school on the Northern Beaches and the top performing girls’ school on the Northern Beaches, based on recent HSC results.

So many families are now seeing Stella as the best option for their daughter and the prospective parents/carers and daughters who participated in the interviews overwhelmingly spoke of seeing Stella girls in the community representing their school with pride. It is such a privilege to be part of such a positive learning community.

Year 11 Exams

Good luck to Year 11 as they commence their Preliminary Examinations. We hope you do well, and the feedback provides you with guidance for your final year at Stella.

A Blessing for Year 12 2024

No one is here by accident.
Each one of us was sent here for a special destiny.
You were not consulted on the major questions which shape your destiny.
There is a unique destiny for each person.
Each one of us has something to do here that can be done by no one else.
Rhythm is the secret key to balance and belonging.

John O’Donohue Anam Cara