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.

Stella Sailing Begins Week 1, Term 4

There are limited spots available for students who would like to join the Sailing Program. It will run for seven Wednesday afternoons from 4:00pm- 6:30pm at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. It is run by Australian Sailing qualified Instructors. No sailing experience is required, just a hearty appetite for adventure.

Please contact Ann O’Brien for more information - ann_obrien@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Second Hand Books and Uniforms

A reminder to all our departing Year 12 families, that Stella uniforms and textbooks can be sold or donated via the P&F Buy/Sell/Swap Facebook page.

SHAPE Nominations

Our congratulations to the following Year 12 students who have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE 2024. SHAPE is a selection of outstanding works from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students and will be held at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from March 2025.

The following eight Design and Technology students have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE. Congratulations!

Design and Technology

• Laura B
• Isabelle C
• Millie D
• Billie H
• Lily M
• Matilda P
• Eloise P
• Philippa Y

The following two Industrial Technology students have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE. Congratulations!

Industrial Technology

• Holly B
• Samantha W

The following nine Textiles and Design students have been nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE. Congratulations!

Textiles and Design

• Milla C
• Madeline E
• Naomie H
• Madeleine K
• Stella L
• Elouise M
• Bethany M
• Ava M
• Caitlin T

Year 7 Debating

Congratulations to the Year 7 debaters who reached the SDN Semi-Final! It was a huge achievement to make it that far and is testament to the team’s dedication and enthusiasm for debating! Well done girls!

The topic for the debate was: That we should oppose the stigmatisation of laziness.

Year 7 Debating Team:

• Genevieve O
• Alana H
• Mabel B
• Sophie M
• Millicent C

Food Technology News

Year 9 and 10 Food Technology have been working extremely hard and well this week in their Food for Special Occasions Assessment Task. They were required to decorate three cupcakes in class, including making the buttercream. Their cupcakes had to include a variety of decorating techniques and fit within their chosen theme for the celebration they planned as the written component.

Elyse Connolly - Teacher of Food Technology

Good Samaritan Foundation Incursion

Last week students participated in the Good Samaritan Foundation Conference and learnt where our fundraising efforts go. Here are some reflections from Year 7:

"This touching seminar helped us change our mindset, helped us realise how privileged we are and how many opportunities we are given and take for granted. Seeing these children show so much respect, love and hope for their poverty-stricken environment helped us gain a clearer perspective of what our world is facing. Throughout this seminar I experienced so many different emotions including sadness, awareness, gratitude but most of all hope; hope that the Good Samaritan Sisters (who we donate to) will change this environment for the better. Overall, this seminar affected all of us in such a positively enriching way."

Ella C - Year 7

"It was amazing to see the positive impact that the Sisters of the Good Samaritan have made. We were able to witness the many children whose lives the Sisters of the Good Samaritan have helped, which taught us a lot about how privileged we are and how we could express more gratitude in our own lives.

This whole experience was incredibly empowering, and I wish that everyone could witness the impact our donations have, because I believe that it would inspire us all to make the most of our very privileged lives and strongly consider donating a little more for our fundraisers. I was incredibly touched and will forever be grateful for this experience."

Mabel B - Year 7

"We were shown countless lives being changed and impacted positively through the Sisters, to say it was uplifting would be putting it simply. While it’s upsetting to see the unfortunate circumstances young children have to go through, with little to no help, it's fascinating to find out how grateful they are for the little they have, and how they have the ability to still smile.

I for one have a lot to learn after seeing their pure and stress-free smiles, regardless of the trauma and hardships they face in a day-to-life life. It showed me just how much I need to be grateful for, whether it’s the food on my plate, or my clean and happy home. Seeing those kids and the people with the passionate drive to help them, really shows us how bright our future is, and how much good there is left in the world."

Amalia W - Year 7

"We have learnt and understood that as Stella Maris students, we are so privileged compared to many kids. Perhaps all the students of Stella Maris will begin to be more grateful for what we have and be more generous to the Good Sams Foundation and take on Social Justice. Look forward to school, try your best, use your opportunities in Stella, thank your parents for the meals they made, donate those extra few coins, and make a difference."

Maya H, Year 7

No matter how poor these people were, they were so happy and content, and took only what they needed. I saw where our donations went and why it's so important that we continue fundraising for the foundation. I learnt how grateful we should be for what we have been given in life as some people who are less fortunate go without having three meals a day or a safe home to go to.

Sophie M - Year 7

Here is a link to the video (about 45 mins in total).

The Cat Empire

Last Thursday, 12 of our elite singers from Years 8 to 11 (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) performed in the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House with The Cat Empire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It was an incredible show and an incredible experience for our girls. The Cat Empire had 11 members on stage (featuring flamenco dancers, a horn section and multiple percussionists). There were more than 50 members on stage in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. I express gratitude to Ms Ines Paxton, Ms Lotus-Rose Kypriotis and Ms Leanne Haines for their efforts in organising, rehearsing and performing with these students.

Congratulations to Year 12 Drama

The following Stella Maris students were nominated for consideration to be included for their Group Performances in the 2024 showcase of Outstanding Drama Performances for Onstage in 2025.

Lily B, Fifi D, Scarlett M, Hannah M and Sami W were nominated for their original group performance titled Amygdalas Anonymous. Amygdalas Anonymous followed the trials and tribulations of five brain eating zombies in rehab as they took the required steps to cut brains from their diets so they could return to human form.

Michaela D and Grace O were nominated for their original group performance titled Harmonia. The Original group performance explored the easily corrupted distopian civilisation of Harmonia and the downfall of its errant dictator King Kingsley. Love ...yes ....love ...of course conquered all.

Another special congratulations to...

Michaela D whose Monologue Performance and her portrayal of Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde was also nominated for inclusion in Onstage 2025.

NSWCCC Athletics

Congratulations to the Stella girls who represented Broken Bay at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday 16 September.

The Stella girls had outstanding results in all events. Special congratulations to the Stella girls who won medals:

• April U: gold 14 years 400m
• Pip Q: gold 15 years 800m and 1500m
• Avie R: silver in the 14 years 100m and 200m
• Amelia M: silver in the 13 years 1500m
• Erin H: silver in the 17 years high jump
• Elisabeth P: silver in the 16 years discus

Water Polo

Well done to both Year 7 water polo teams who had a fantastic season in the NSSWPA competition. The teams have improved immensely over the season.

Congratulations to the Stella Red team who made it all the way to the grand final against Brigidine. It was a very exciting game, with the Stella girls in the lead from the start. Despite a couple of late goals from Brigidine, Stella held on to win 6 – 3 to become 2024 premiers. Well done Stella Year 7 red team!

AFL

Stella competed at the Broken Bay AFL Championships at North Narrabeen on Wednesday 18 September. Stella had a team in both divisions – the U14 and U16s. The teams played well all day and had excellent results:

Well done to the U14 team who finished in 4^th place.

The U16 team made it to the grand final against Mount Saint Benedict. The team knew it was going to be a difficult game, having a close loss to Bennies in the round games. However, the Stella team really stepped it up in the grand final, kicking a goal to win the game on the final siren! Well done to this team: Broken Bay U16 AFL Champions for 2024.

Soccer

The Peninsula Cup Soccer Competition concluded for the Stella teams last week. Stella had three teams playing in this competition. All teams improved over the season winning many games amongst them.

Congratulations on a great season and well done to the Year 7/8 team who narrowly lost the semi final 1 – 0 to Oxford Falls Grammar.

Mark your calendars for Term 4

Can you believe we are at the end of Term 3 and have only seven weeks of Term 4 to go before the school year ends?

With Term 4 approaching, we are just putting a couple of things on your radar:

• Save the date: P&F general meeting – Thursday 25 October
• Barefoot Bowls – on sale now – Sunday 17 November

Save the Date: P&F General Meeting

📅 Date: Thursday 24 October

🕒 Time: 7:30pm

📍 Location: Library, Scholastic Building

Join us for the P&F General Meeting, where we'll be discussing exciting plans for 2025! We encourage you to attend in person to enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese while we work through the agenda. The meeting will last approximately 60 minutes.

Can't make it in person? No problem—join us virtually via Teams!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Save the Date: Barefoot Bowls

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of Barefoot Bowls at Dee Why Bowling Club! Enjoy three simultaneous round-robin games with categories for mums, dads, daughters, and male/female carers. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, this is a perfect chance to enjoy friendly competition in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of sport, laughter, and community spirit.

We can't wait to see you there!

Thank you for joining the Stella Ladies Long Lunch!

A big thank you to everyone who came along to the Stella Ladies Long Lunch last Friday at Teddy Larkins. With over 50 mums and female carers turning out, it was a great afternoon of good food, relaxed conversation, and plenty of laughs at Teddy Larkins.

We will definitely put this event on the calendar for 2025!

It was wonderful to take some time out and connect with other women in our amazing Stella community. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did. It looked like some Year 7 ladies kicked on and may be hatching plans for an end-of-year get-together!

The Uniform Shop will not be open during the October holidays.

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 can purchase their senior dress online:

Year 12 2025 Campion booklist is now available. Current Year 11 students 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:

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!

Week commencing Tuesday 15 October

Week commencing Monday 21 October

Term 3

Term 4