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In this Edition
From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 2.
I trust that students enjoyed a refreshing break and are well rested to tackle a busy Term 2....
Anxiety in Teens
Over the recent term break, I noted an increase in media coverage regarding school refusal and the rise in the presentation of anxiety-related behaviours in teens. Psychologist Karen Young (www.heysigmund.com) provides great online resources for teachers and parents to navigate some of the more challenging concerns of adolescents and has some ideas to help.
In a recent article, Anxiety isn’t the problem, but the response to anxiety can be, Karen made some great points.
She begins by outlining what anxiety is: ‘Anxiety is a normal human response designed to warn us of danger. If there is true danger, the drive to avoid means anxiety is doing its job. When this happens, our job is to help them move to safety. Most often though, anxiety means we are about to do something safe and brave, important, hard. When this happens, our job is to help them to learn that they can feel anxious and do brave.’
Karen recommends that we avoid pathologising anxiety, as it can send the message that anxiety is something to be avoided and when teens avoid situations that could make them anxious, we limit their experience and capacity to deal with anxiety in the future.
Karen advises that it is important to persist in our targeted support. What matters is being intentional, making sure your teen doesn’t feel alone and knows that every time they handle the discomfort of anxiety, it moves them towards developing greater capacity to cope.
We need to believe that they ‘can’.
Remember that you can always reach out to the College community for assistance in supporting your daughter. Our Wellbeing Team is ready with strategies and suggestions.
Athletics Carnival
Thank you to the participants, Year 12 and staff who assisted with the Athletics Carnival on Wednesday. Unfortunately due to the inclement weather, it was limited to participants only. Thanks to Mrs Wickham and Ms Rudolph for their great organisation and congratulations to the successful sportswomen in the various events.
Prayer
Last Sunday, Manly Freshwater Parish prayed for children in the parish preparing for the Rite of Confirmation.
O God Creator of us all, look upon these children and welcome them...may they experience the joy of being part of our Catholic community. Help them to remember the words of your faithful love: “I have called you by your name. You are mine.”
AMEN
Let us keep these young people in our prayers.
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Shrek Tickets - Now on sale!
Tickets to Stella's 2024 production, Shrek the Musical are now on sale!
You are warmly invited to Stella Maris College's 2024 production of Shrek the Musical.
Fall in love all OGRE again!
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…”
And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Your favourite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle ready to deliver a joyful, colourful and engaging production that leans into the humanity in all of us and celebrates our differences.
Join us for one of the following performances:
- Monday 3 June - 11.30am (community show)
- Wednesday - Friday 5/6/7 June - 6.30pm
- Saturday 8 June - 1.30pm and 6.30pm.
Tickets are $40 each or $140 for a family of four.
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Notices
Mother's Day Breakfast
We have over 700 Stella mums, grandmothers and special female figures already registered to attend our traditional Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 10 May from 7.30am. Please note that RSVPs close tomorrow, Friday 3 May. Don't miss your chance to win one of over 30 prizes (valued at more than $10,000) in the P&F Mother's Day raffle. Thank you to our very generous prize donors. The raffle will be drawn just after the breakfast and winners notified by email.
Stella App
Are you one of the 1000 Stella community members who have downloaded our new app? A reminder to download the Stella App asap as from Term 2, the App will be used exclusively for general College communications.
Click here to download from the App Store
Click here to download from Google Play
Be mindful of our neighbours
Please take note of the No Stopping zone (spanning two driveways) opposite the Stella Maris College carpark on Eurobin Avenue. Cars are not permitted to stop here at all – please drop your daughter further up the street, or at the Kiss and Drop zone in Iluka Avenue.
Special Stella Offer - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Theatre Tickets
The North Sydney Kids Theatre Company has extended a special offer to Stella families for discounted tickets to its production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, playing in Stella's Star of the Sea Theatre from Thursday 2 May to Sunday 5 May. To secure discounted tickets ($20 off the usual adult price), following the link below, click on the Adult ticket and enter the promo code 'schoolgold' (all in lowercase) at checkout.
Careers Expo
St Augustine's College extends an invitation to Year 10 - 12 students and their parents/carers to attend their inaugural Careers Expo on Monday 6 May from 4.00pm - 7.00pm. Visitors will access up-to-date information from a vast and diverse array of Institutions that will assist students with study options and career pathways post school.
This event is free to attend. Students are required to attend in full school uniform. Further details in the flyer below.
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Campus Development Update
The campus has been a hive of activity during the recent holidays.
During the holiday Kane Constructions (Kane), our contractor responsible for the Design and Construct phase of the Creative Arts Centre commenced site preparation works. Kane worked with the College in 2016-2018 delivering the Science facility in our Scholastica Building and recently completed projects in the Northern Beaches such as the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club and Paramedic Response Centre (SAMIS). Kane has also recently completed education projects at Wenona School and Rainbow Street Public Schools.
In line with the College’s efforts to maintain a campus which is fit for purpose for students and staff, the College undertakes regular maintenance works on campus. During this holiday period key maintenance works were completed at our Main Campus and St Benedict Campus. On Main campus these included a refresh of outdoor student seating, replacement of carpet in several classrooms, repainting of walkways in K Block, air conditioning installation in G2-13, and the installation of a new oven in Food Technology. At the St Benedict Campus, key works included the addition of new student seating at the entrance, a refresh of the undercroft area, and an update to the accessible bathroom.
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Athletics Carnival 2024
Jenny Wickham
Sports Coordinator and Teacher of PDHPE
The athletics carnival was held at ES Marks on the first day of term: Tuesday 30th April. The weather wasn’t very kind to us, so we had to make the difficult decision to hold a ‘competitors only’ carnival. This meant that just those students who chose to attend and enter in the competitive events, along with all of year 12, came along to participate in the carnival.
On the day, we were hopeful that the rain might stay away long enough for us to get through all the events. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and we dealt with some heavy showers and windy conditions throughout the day.
Despite the weather, the students had a great day! Between the rain showers, the students got involved in the races and we even managed a Year 12 tug-o-war event! The students participated enthusiastically regardless of the rain and we had some excellent performances on the track.
Well done to the students who broke records on the day:
Pip Q in the 15 years 1500m and Amelia M in the 13 years 1500m.
Congratulations to Avie R who won the Champion of Champions race – the fastest 100m event. This is a great achievement for Avie – who is only in year 8!
Due to the wet weather, it was unsafe to hold our field events on the day. We will plan to hold a ‘field event carnival’ at Narrabeen one afternoon later in term 2.
Carnival results and age champions will be calculated after we have held our field events.
A huge thank you to all of the staff who came along and stood out in the rain for the day – it was not the most pleasant day to be at an athletics carnival!
Well done to all of the students on their positive attitude and resilience shown on the day. They should all be proud of the way they participated and cheered each other on throughout the day. The year 12s were fantastic and despite the poor weather, they had a fun time at their final school sport carnival.
More information about our field event carnival will be sent out in the coming weeks.
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Visual Arts News
Marisa Quick
Head of Visual Arts
Bundanon 2024
We are still abuzz after our Year 11 Visual Arts camp to Bundanon at the end of Term 1. It was a great success once again.
Nestled in the countryside overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Bundanon represents a remarkable act of philanthropy by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, who gifted the property in 1993 to the people of Australia. The vision to create a cultural institution for artistic enjoyment has grown through the years and thrives today for school groups and the public.
Our students stayed in the Glenn Murcutt designed Boyd Education Centre. The group delved into a variety of art practices led by the Bundanon educators and Stella’s teachers.
This experience is fundamental in offering our Visual Arts students an opportunity to really explore their art practice and is often a foundation for inspiration leading to their major works for the HSC. The students produced a large body of work including painting ‘en plein air’, charcoal drawings, architectural studies, night drawing and eco dying. We didn’t stop making art!
Apart from the educational benefits the camp offers our students, they also experience a wonderful bonding time together, forming new connections with each other and their teachers in a truly inspiring environment.
Our Stella girls were, as usual, hardworking, polite, enthusiastic and a delight to be with.
The new addition of Kerstin Thompson and Associates designed ‘Bridge’ was stunning to visit, as well as the new subterranean Art Museum embedded in the landscape.
If you get a chance to visit Bundanon you will not regret the experience. It’s certainly breath-taking. It is open to the public from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Mosman Youth Art Prize
We were thrilled to have six of our talented Visual Arts students enter their art works into the Mosman Youth Art Prize this month. Congratulations to Year 11 student, Millie H whose artwork 'Cutting Ties' has been Highly Commended in the senior division of the Prize.
Out Front Exhibition
We were also delighted to learn that Josie Fowler's (Class of 2023) artwork, 'The Sum of Us' won the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Out Front exhibition at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum! The Exhibition showcases a selection of artworks by HSC Visual Art students from schools across the Northern Beaches. Congratulations Josie!
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Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Jenny Wickham
Sports Coordinator and Teacher of PDHPE
RUGBY 7s:
The Peninsula Cup Rugby 7s gala day was held at North Narrabeen Reserve on the 11th April. The three Stella teams had been training and preparing for the gala day throughout Term 1.
The day was a great success, with all three Stella teams playing some great rugby and having lots of fun. There was some tough tackling, great tries and lots of fantastic team work shown throughout the day.
Well done to all three teams on their great results:
Juniors: Gold Medalists!
Intermediates: 3rd Place
Seniors (our amazing Year 12 team who were all playing rugby for the first time!): Silver medallists.
NSWCCC SWIMMING:
Congratulations to Jess O, Zara D, Mila C and Zoe B who competed at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic park in April. The Stella girls all swam extremely well and had amazing results.
The four Stella students competed as a team in the intermediate 4 x 50m medley relay and the 4 x 50m freestyle relay, placing second in both races. This means that they have now qualified to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Championships later this term! Zara and Jess also placed in their individual events, so will also swim in individual races at All Schools. Congratulations on such an outstanding achievement!
NSWCCC TOUCH:
The NSWCCC touch championships were held at Tuggerah on the 10th and 11th April. Stella had an amazing 9 students in the Broken Bay teams playing at this event!
The U15 team played well over both days and made it all the way to the grand final, but had a close loss, finishing in second place. The open team only lost one game over the two days, but were unlucky to miss the semis on a count back.
Congratulations to the Stella girls who played at this event:
U15: Charlotte B, Giselle B, April U, Zsa Zsa B,
Open: Summer B, Grace F, Sophie B, Mia S and Jemma K.
Special mention and well done to Grace F who was selected into the NSWCCC Open Touch team!
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Over the holidays we had a number of students represent at various National Sport events, including Australian Junior Athletics Championships, Australian Little Athletics Championships, Australian Age Swimming Championships and Aussies Surf Lifesaving. Congratulations to the students who competed at these events and well done on your amazing results. Some of the outstanding results included:
Australian Junior Athletics Championships:
Avie R: 6th U15 100m, 9th U15 200m, 14th U15 Long jump
Pip Q: Bronze medal in U16 1500m, 4th in U16 3000m
Lyla R: 4th in U15 2000m steeplechase
Erin H: 9th in U18 high jump
Australian Little Athletics Championships:
Avie R: Gold in U14 100m
Australian Age Swimming Championships:
Zara D: 44th in the 16 years 50 backstroke and 32nd in the 16 years 100 backstroke
Jess O: top 20s in 15 years 400m and 200m free
Aussies Surf Lifesaving:
Jess O: Bronze in 2km Ocean Swim
Chanel H: Gold in the U14 Champion Lifesaver
Zoe B: Bronze in the U17 Champion Lifesaver
SYDNEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AFL REPRESENTATIVE GAME:
Congratulations to Mia S and Chloe K who were selected to play in the Sydney Indpendent Schools AFL Representative game. This was held at Lionel Watts Oval on April 10th.
Students from Sydney Independent Schools were selected to play in this representative game. Stella was proud to have two students selected – Mia and Chloe, as well as Ms Isabella Rudolph who was selected as coach of the team. Both students had a fantastic game!
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International Students Holiday Activities
Jiani Chen
International Program Manager
A group of international students participated in a candle making workshop hosted by CandleXchange. During the session, they were introduced to the concept of Circular Economy, which leads to the need of repurposing the candle jar people often have at home. Then they were taught the process of creating a soy wax candle. Pearl, a Year 10 participant commented that "knowing that we can re-purpose the jar makes me feel excited."
Additionally, the students received guidance on the proper and safe way to burn a candle.
- Keep the wick trimmed to 5mm before and after each burn to prevent smoke and large flame.
- burn your candle for at least 45mins the first time and at least 1 hour ongoing to ensure the longevity and a quality burn of your candle. Soy wax has a memory, so if you do not achieve a full burn, your candle is likely to tunnel.
After the workshop, the group enjoyed a delightful lunch at the Eight Chinese Restaurant, and then visited their former language teachers, whom they had studied with for 20 weeks. Their gesture of appreciation towards the teachers, whom they had met on their first day in Australia, was heartfelt and touching. Some students took the opportunity to stand in front of the classroom and offer advice to incoming students. Their actions not only reflected well on Stella, but also showcased their sense of accomplishment and growth.
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P&F News
Welcome back to Term 2! We hope you all managed to get some well-deserved downtime. If not, we're sure your grocery bill will be a little lighter now that you aren't being eaten out of house and home! Plenty is happening this term, so here's a rundown of what's in store:
Important Dates to Remember:
- Mother's Day Breakfast & Raffle: Friday 10 May - get your tickets now!
- P&F Annual General Meeting: Thursday 16 May - details on how to join below
- Stella Fellas Trivia – Nomad Brewery: Sunday 19 May
- Term 3 Parent & Carer Trivia Extravaganza - tickets on sale Friday 31 May
Mother's Day Breakfast - raffle tickets now on sale!
Your generosity has blown us away; over 30 prizes valued at over $10,000. Today, we are thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale!
Tickets are:
- 3 for $10
- 8 for $20
- 25 for $50
Proceeds will be split between the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, and the upcoming school musical, Shrek.
Thanks to all those who have donated prizes. Click here to see what's available and purchase your tickets today!
Thanks in advance for any support.
Stella Fellas, grab your tickets - only two weeks to go!
Hey, fellas, don’t forget to grab your tickets for an afternoon of excitement and friendly competition because it is the first Stella Fellas event of 2024.
Join the crew at Nomad Brewery in Brookvale on Sunday 19 May, 2024, for an unforgettable trivia showdown from 3.00pm to 6.00pm.
This event, exclusively for dads and male carers, promises to be a blast! You'll have a fantastic time with Nick Poutney as our charismatic host and the Nomads team.
Plus, proceeds from your $10 ticket purchase goes directly to supporting the school musical—talk about a win-win!
Secure your spot now by grabbing your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/CPYGG.
Mark your calendars – P&F Annual General Meeting, Thursday 16 May at 7.30pm
Are you interested in the P&F and maybe getting more involved? We have our Annual General meeting on Thursday 16 May from 7.30pm. If you want to attend, watch out for more details next week via the App. If you want to be kept informed, drop us a note at pandf@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au, and we will add you to the list. Click here for the meeting agenda – we would love to see you all there!
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Insights from the College Counsellor
Kylie Andrew
Head of Counselling | Registered Psychologist
As a school counselor, I frequently receive requests for more detailed information on specific topics. In this newsletter, I'd like to share an article about the latest findings on parental concerns across Australia which has resonated with my daily interactions I have with students and their families. I hope you find it informative as well. Additionally, there is a fantastic local event that would be useful for Stella Dads to attend. See details below.
Recommended article
Intro: A new report by mental health service ReachOut identifies the most common issues of concern for parents and carers across Australia, the issues that are having the greatest mental health impacts on their young people and where parents and carers are turning for support.
Supporting Men / Dad's to Connect with their young people
A two night workshop providing tips and tools to support connection with your younger person. Men's counsellor and father of 2 adolescents, Adrian Workman will lead this interactive forum.
DATE: Wednesday 15 May 2024 7:00 PM - Wednesday 22 May 2024 7:00 PM (UTC+10)
LOCATION: Seaforth Village Community Centre, 550 Sydney Rd, Seaforth NSW
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/eve...
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Canteen News
Bernie McGrath
Canteen Manager
Week commencing Monday 6 May
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Monday 6 May |
Tuesday 7 May |
Wednesday 8 May |
Thursday 9 May |
Friday 10 May |
|
Petra Weiss |
Deborah Wilton |
Nell Laime |
Kelly Hindman |
Danielle Bennett |
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Vanda Skavaas |
Melissa Firth |
Amanda Smerdon |
Peta Pickup |
Samantha Campbell |
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Cassie Mappin |
Belinda Vumbaca |
Sandra Suarez |
Marlene Richardson |
Natalie Moschou |
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Sara McHugh |
Daniel/Kate Jones |
Mark Jarvis |
Lisa Hung |
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Nicole Hodgkinson |
Daniela Lopes |
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Daniela Lopez |
Week commencing Monday 13 May
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Monday 13 May |
Tuesday 14 May |
Wednesday 15 May |
Thursday 16 May |
Friday 17 May |
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Emma McIver |
Rebecca Kristensen |
Catherine Hodson |
Orla Neville |
Lilian Henley |
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Vanessa Miles |
Nicole Margetts |
Ruth Richter |
Sarah Bernie |
Duncan Barnett |
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Tracey Fowler |
Eve Harvey |
Anna Anderson |
Nicole Holmes |
Lisa McGregor |
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Leigh Mason |
Kristy McNab |
Joanne Bright |
Marie Watson |
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Nicole Covich |
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Christine Watson Brown |
Bridget Cargill |
Carmel McLeod |
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Term 2 Calendar Dates
Term 2
Monday 6 May | Student Learning Conference #2
(students dismissed at lunchtime, remote learning for Period 5) | |
Thursday 9 - Friday 10 May | Year 10 Retreat | |
Friday 10 May | Mother's Day Breakfast | |
Tuesday 14 May | Student Learning Conference #3
(students dismissed at lunchtime, remote learning for Period 5) | |
| Wednesday 22 May | Student Learning Conference #4
(students dismissed at lunchtime, remote learning for Period 5) | |
Friday 31 May | Stella Day | |
| Monday 3 June | Community Show - Shrek the Musical | |
| Wednesday 5 June | School Photo Day Year 7 Study Skills Evening (via Zoom) | |
| Thursday 6 June | Year 11 Semester 1 reports available on SEQTA | |
| Monday 17 June | Semester 1 Drama Night | |
| Friday 21 June | Semester 1 Dance Night | |
| Wednesday 26 June | Semester 1 Music Night | |
| Friday 28 June | Last day of Term 2
Years 7 - 10 Semester 1 reports available on SEQTA |
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Uniform Shop News
Gail Hickey
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm during term and can be contacted via email:
uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au
Winter uniforms are to be worn from Week 3 of Term 2. During Weeks 1 and 2, either summer or winter uniforms can be worn. If wearing Winter uniform during these weeks, the stockings and blazer must be worn.
Year 11 students can buy the pink senior blouse.
Please ask your daughter to collect her junior skirt if she hasn’t already done so.
Year 10 students will be emailed when their uniform orders have arrived.
Please ask your daughter to collect online orders from Recess after the order has been placed. Please use your daughter’s name on the order.
Please follow this link to the P&F Facebook second hand page:
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