Best wishes Class of 2024...
Elizabeth Carnegie
Principal
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.
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.
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.
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
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
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.
Congratulations to Year 8 students Charlotte S, Chiara D, Ruby M and Cailey A who have made it into the National Finals in the Future Problem Solvers competition. The finals are being held in Melbourne on the first weekend of Term 4. The topic they will be exploring in the finals is ‘Autonomous Transportation’.
Northern Beaches Council is hosting another free online webinar for supervisors of learner drivers and learner drivers on October 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.
Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Dee Why will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 27 September to 6 October. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.
News from our History and Visual Arts departments...
The Year 9 Elective History class recently honed their critical thinking skills in examining how historical film shapes our views of the past. Among the films chosen were Marie Antoinette (2006), The Help (2011), The Great Escape (1963), Oppenheimer (2023) and One Life (2023). Students researched the historical events and people to assess the accuracy of their portrayal and delved into how modern perspectives, directorial choices, and contemporary values can affect the way history is portrayed.
Students found that Sophie Coppola’s Marie Antoinette’s (2006) clever use of modern elements like Converse shoes and pop music re-frames Marie Antoinette as a teenager, encouraging empathy for this otherwise widely criticised historical figure.
Students critiqued The Help (2011) for failing to fully convey the harrowing experiences of African American maids. As the director, Tate Taylor, explained, the film was kept "light" to maintain its entertainment value.
The students produced insightful and beautiful research portfolios (see examples from Ava W's portfolio below) and fabulous final essays or videos. You can watch Harper F’s outstanding video about Marie Antoinette here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT6-PPW_QFM
Well done 9 Elective History!
Bridie Docevski - Teacher of History
It was wonderful to see the impressive Year 12 HSC Bodies of Work from Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Multimedia and Textiles on display this term at the Senior Benedict Campus.
The exhibition was a great success with a steady flow of students, family, friends and the public coming to view the impressive work of these young ladies throughout the evening. The opportunity to display the students practical HSC works in a gallery style situation is a privilege and an important component of the making process for all students involved.
To accompany the atmosphere of celebration we were spoilt with some delicious food and drink offerings from the Year 11 Hospitality students.
We were thrilled to welcome for question time one of our ex-students Charlie Rose Gerry: a contemporary practising artist. Creative and Performing Arts Captains Vianney S and Kate N posed thoughtful questions to Charlie on her art practice and her experiences. Charlies' speech was thoughtful and relevant to our impressionable creative students.
In addition to the HSC works we also displayed the Year 11 Eco lights from Design and Technology and portraits by the Year 10 Visual Arts students. So much talent!
A huge thank you to all the students, parents/carers, teaching staff, maintenance and support staff involved. It was a team effort and a great night was had by all.
Marisa Quick - Head of Visual Arts
Congratulations to our sleep out students...
Sarah Metcalfe
Social Justice Program Coordinator
On Friday 6 September we had a record number of students participate in our simulation of “sleeping rough” to gather a deeper insight into the plight of people experiencing homelessness. 72 students gathered for a night of games and activities in amongst the serious side of the overarching purpose. The night was a mild and balmy one with the wind picking up later. Everyone was safe and sound on the deck area. We were able to listen deeply to a presentation of the facts of this social justice issue and realised that it is an extremely complex issue. It was important to identify stigma and stereotypes and to learn ways to break these down. Ms Carolyn Collins generously shared her knowledge regarding the Bacolod Kinder School in the Philippines and how the money raised is life changing for so many people in that community alone. Money raised by Stella has gone directly towards the purchase of a minivan through which the Sisters of the Good Samaritan give out the nourishing meals to people.
The night would not have been such a success without the integral help of key students and staff. A big thank you especially goes to Olivia S, the incoming Duke of Edinburgh Prefect who led the group with entertaining ice-breaker activities and camaraderie building games. Current Social Justice Prefect, Belle C and incoming Social Justice Prefects Ruby A and Audrey H did amazing work to build a fun atmosphere with music and games. Year 11 student Caitlin T was instrumental in helping to ensure the night ran smoothly with her technical support and initiative.
A big thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Gallagher and her Year 11 Hospitality students and to Nora Daly for prepping and cooking the delicious pumpkin soup, to which one Year 8 student commented:
“I don’t usually like pumpkin soup – but this was yum!”
A big thank you to the supervising staff on the night, Ms Laura Manson, Ms Margaret Heraghty, Ms Christina Burke, Mr Phil Nicotra and his young daughter Aurora, Ms Amy Smith and Ms Karen Dennison and of course to Miss Collins.
Despite the creaky bones, bleary eyes and delirium due to the intermittent alarms and sensor lights breaking our sleep, everyone’s spirits were bright and cheerful. One student commented to me that:
“Even though I had fun being here with my friends, I can’t imagine having to do this night after night”.
Finally, through the excellent fundraising efforts of the whole of Year 10 and supported by their Head of Year, Mrs Mia Callanan, the students were able to raise a tidy lump sum of $1425.10 through their chocolate raffle. The lucky student was Leyla O from Year 8.
The money raised contributed to the overall total of the Sleep Out fundraiser to be an amazing amount reflecting the generous spirit of the Stella community!
We managed to raise:
Welcome to this fortnight's Sports News.
Jenny Wickham
Sports Coordinator and Teacher of PDHPE
Well done to the Stella Athletics Squad who finished the interschool carnival season with amazing results!
The Broken Bay Athletics Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park on September 3. The Stella team recorded absolutely amazing results!
These are exceptional results, and all members of the team were rewarded for their hard work over the athletics season. Well done to all members of the squad.
Good luck to the 15 students who have been selected to represent Broken Bay at the NSWCCC Championships on Monday 16 September:
Pip Q, Andrea N, Piper B, Pilard S, Erin H, Cara F, Emily C, Amelia M, Elisabeth P, Zaylee Z, Lyla R, Zoe B, Sophie B, Avie R, Ellie F.
Congratulations also to the three Stella students who represented NSW at the recent Athletics Australia Cross Country Championships in Tasmania.
Pip Q finished 8th in the U16 event, Madi R was 51st in the U15 event and Amelia M was 9th in the U14 event. Well done to these students and congratulations on representing your state!
Congratulations to Jade B (Year 10) who competed at the Broken Bay Golf Championships at Gosford Golf Course on September 5.
Jade is a talented golfer, and she performed very well at this event, finishing second overall in the Open Championship! Congratulations Jade on this outstanding achievement!
The Year 7 water polo competition is coming to an end. It has been a great season for the Stella teams, with both improving immensely over the term.
This week is the finals series, with both Stella teams playing.
Best of luck to both teams!
We are also nearing the end of the Term 3 Peninsula Cup soccer competition. Stella has had three teams playing in the junior division. All three teams have played some great soccer and have shown much improvement over the season. Well done to all three teams!
Earlier this week an email was sent to students and parents/carers with information about registering for Term 4 sports.
Next term, there are a number of extra-curricular sports on offer, including:
Students have been emailed the link to register interest in these sports by Wednesday 18 September.
There are also a number of representative sport opportunities next term, including cricket, water polo, volleyball, gymnastics, aquathon, tennis and touch. Separate emails will be sent to students about representative sports as they approach.
Exceptional results for HSC dancers...
Evan Browett
Head of Performing Arts
Congratulations to the HSC Dance students who ALL received two CALLBACK nominations for their practical works. CALLBACK is a selective showcase of outstanding performances and projects from HSC dance students and will be held at the Seymour Centre in February 2025 (similar to Art Express for Art). The girls have worked very hard, choreographing all of their own pieces, and deserve this recognition of their exemplary performances. The following girls have been nominated and await final selection:
Callback Nominations
Roisin C - Major Study Performance
Roisin C - Core Performance
Ella D - Major Study Performance
Ella D - Core Performance
Vianney S – Major Study Performance
Vianney S - Core Performance
Auditions for Extension Jazz Company will be held on the following dates:
If you would like to audition but cannot make each of these Wednesday’s then I would suggest coming to the first day – 11 September – as this is the most important day. However, the more you can attend, the better I can get to know your skills and ability.
If you would like to audition but cannot attend this term, there will be a small window of opportunity to audition for this group at the start of next year. However, you will have a better chance if you can attend this term.
Please Note: All other Extension Company Groups (Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop etc), Company Groups, and Ensemble Groups, will be auditioned at the start of 2025.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me via email.
Happy dancing!
Miss Jones -Teacher of Dance
Final call for Ladies Long Lunch
Clare Cahill
P&F President
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!
Menu
On arrival: House-Made Rosemary Focaccia, sun-dried tomato, goat’s cheese, pistachio (n)(v)
Entreé
Mains
Sides
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.
Thanks to everyone participating in the Stella Maris P&F Father’s Day Raffle and Live Auction! Your incredible support helped us raise $2,220 for Head Above Water.
We are grateful for your generosity. Together, we've made a significant contribution to a fantastic cause.
The Raffle ticket winners can be found here.
Congratulations to James A and Heath M on their successful bids in the live auction!
Where does the money go that the P&F raises?
In full transparency, we have raised funds to support different initiatives this year. So where does the money go?
The remaining funds will subsidise ticket prices for the Stella Sunset Social (welcome back to school event) at the start of the year and provides some catering at the first Year 7 Parent/Carer Mixer in 2025.
A full report is always available at the P&F General Meetings.
Mark your calendars for Sunday 17 November from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Join us for an exciting afternoon of Barefoot Bowls, an event for the whole family to enjoy.
Stay tuned for more details on the venue and pricing before the end of Term 3!
The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm.
Gail Hickey
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop will not be open during the October holidays. If summer uniforms are required, these will need to be purchased before the end of this term.
Online orders placed during the holidays can be collected from Recess on the first day of term.
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 from 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:
Thank you to our volunteers for this coming fortnight.
Bernie McGrath
Canteen Manager
We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. It’s that time of year when I start preparing next year’s roster. If you haven’t already, can you please let me know if you would like to return to your current day and if not, another preference/frequency, or not at all. We hope to see you all back!
Monday 16 September |
Tuesday 17 September |
Wednesday 18 September |
Thursday 19 September |
Friday 20 September |
Jess Ozbay |
Theresa Buchanan |
Catherine Hodson |
Orla Neville |
Lilian Henley |
Agnes Villanyi |
Louise Stedman |
Ruth Richter |
Sarah Bernie |
Duncan Barnett |
Lindie McKay |
Amy Keary |
Elle Weeden |
Nicole Holmes |
Lisa McGregor |
Rechel Bijl |
Emily Brannan |
Nicole Hodgkinson |
Jo Bright |
Marie Watson |
Bridget Cargill |
Nicole Covich |
|||
Amanda Beecham |
Monday 23 September |
Tuesday 24 September |
Wednesday 25 September |
Thursday 26 September |
Friday 27 September |
Lisa Thorpe-Apps |
Jo Robinson |
Peta Alpen |
Jill Sholl |
Carmel MacLeod |
Paul Masluk |
Riany Tanner |
Jude Furniss |
Rosetta Papallo |
Brooke Mountford |
Jo Brown |
Heather Lawson |
Ashleigh Hough |
David Laime |
|
Christine Watson-Brown |
Kim Singleton |
Sharman Walker |
Prue Berne |
|
Belinda Vumbaca |
Important dates for Term 3...
Friday 20 September | P&F Ladies Long Lunch |
Wednesday 25 September |
Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony |
Friday 27 September |
Year 12 Formal |
Tuesday 15 October | First Day of Term 4 |