Duke of Edinburgh News - silent auction now live!

As we head into the final term of the school year, the Duke of Ed program is tightly packed with upcoming hikes and other events.

A very significant event on the Duke of Ed program is our annual trip to Cambodia involving 17 Year 12 Stella girls and three staff. Every year, a group of Year 12 students travel to Cambodia to visit the Happy Days School and Propel Primary, where they help children living in poverty. This year we hope to raise enough money before leaving to purchase 60 bikes for the students at Happy Days Primary School and fund the construction of a classroom at Propel Primary School. This is an incredible opportunity for our school to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others who aren’t as fortunate, while also teaching valuable life lessons.

Before the students leave at the end of November, we aim to raise as much money and gather as many donations as possible to give to the children. One way we raise funds is through an auction site, which has just gone live! You and your family can browse and purchase items such as gift vouchers, jewellery, and other products. If nothing catches your eye, you can also donate directly through the site to support our cause.

In addition to raising money, we will be holding a Cambodia drive, where we will collect items to take directly to the children. This year, we are looking for:

• Clothing
• Football boots
• Dominoes
• Thongs (flip-flops)
• Pens and pencils

These items don’t have to be new! The goal is to go through your closet and find things that may be old, no longer fit, or that you no longer need. Your generosity could truly make their year. We will be collecting as much as you're willing to give, so please take a moment to look through your belongings or consider making a financial donation to help us make a difference.

Olivia S, 2025 Duke of Edinburgh Prefect

Opportunity to join Stella Sailing

We have a few spots available for students who would like to join our Stella Sailors on Wednesday afternoons 4:15pm – 6:30pm at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. For the next five Wednesdays students will sail with experienced sailing instructors on the Melges sports boats. No sailing experience is needed. Please contact Ann O’Brien for more information - ann_obrien@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Term 4 Extra Curricular Timetable

The Term 4 Extra Curricular Timetable is now available. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved in activities or seek academic support.

Connecting as Dads and Carers - workshop

Adrian Workman will lead this two night interactive forum (Wednesday 6 and 13 November) from 7.00 - 9.00pm at the Seaforth Village Community Centre. Further details are available via the flyer below.

Community News

"Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark'

The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet’s uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet.

Shakespeare's classic tale is presented by Point Break Drama Theatre Co now playing at the Star Of The Sea Theatre until 27 October.

An edgy and contemporary take on arguably Shakespeare's most famous play. Don't miss out on tickets. Use the discount code STELLA to take advantage of an exclusive 10% discount for all Stella parents/carers, students and staff. Tickets available from the website.

Save Lives - Give Blood

One in three people in Dee Why will need blood during their lives — and without the support of the community, that blood may not be there at the crucial moment.

The Mobile Blood Donor Centre is now in Dee Why until Wednesday 30 October:

Dee Why Beach car park
Cnr Dee Why Pde and The Strand

Australian Mathematics Competition

Year 9 and 10 Mathematics students participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition in Term 3. The Maths Competition is run by the Australian Maths Trust and is Australia’s longest running and largest Maths competition for school students. It contained unique problems to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills.

This is an example of the types of questions included in the competition:

A special congratulations to Amy H of Year 9 who placed in the top 5% of all candidates, receiving a Distinction certificate.

Distinction certificates were also achieved by Ivy V (Year 9) and Alissa L (Year 10).

Congratulations also to Credit certificate recipients:

Year 9:

• Philippa Q
• Isla R
• Eve S
• Lyla S
• Ruby T

Year 10:

• Zara D
• Tara K
• Georgia M
• Zara S
• Cecilia Z

Congratulations to all students who participated.

Cape York Immersion: A Journey of Connection and Learning

Seven Year 10 students recently returned from an incredible eight-day immersion trip to Cape York, hosted by the Red Earth organisation. This journey allowed us to experience the rich culture, history, and traditions of Indigenous Australians while connecting with Traditional Owners and their homelands of Gumbirr (Loggy Crossing) and Wurrey.

The immersion began with a long journey to Gumbirr, a six-hour drive north from Cairns, where we received a Welcome to Country by Traditional Owners Dora and Trevor. Despite a challenging start, setting up tents in the fading light, we immediately embraced the outdoor adventure. A black cockatoo sang to us overhead and later we were to learn that this was one of the Totems of the Gumbirr clan. The girls were broken up into duty groups. The one that I helped to lead was named after the Dugong, a sacred bush tucker, known as Girr Bathi. We got the chance to eat delicious campfire cooked food, we shared stories and reflections which helped us ease into the rhythm of life on country.

Over the next few days, the students participated in a range of cultural activities. From traditional basket weaving with Aunty Esme where the skill range varied but the enjoyment did not. The making of damper with the added non-traditional element of Nutella was fun!

Trevor guided everyone to construct a traditional shelter called a Gunyah (like a humpy). This was surprisingly strong and built from native materials and flexible enough to withstand cyclonic winds.

Dora and Trevor’s son, Shane (real name Thuga meaning scrub turkey) lead the girls in the ancient practice of dot painting. Eventually our girls' contributions resulted in a final art work in this traditional style. Shane showed us through his dot painting that this medium was a continuation of the way his ancestors lived by the visual medium and by storytelling rather than through what was written down.

A highlight for many was learning about bush tucker and medicines. It was incredible to see how attuned Trevor was to nature and his land. He explained to me that during the Covid lockdowns that it was fine as they had all the food they needed right there to hand. Trevor pointed out numerous plants and animals, for example, the native green ants. After crushing them in his hand (whilst being bitten, but not minding this), Trevor invited me to inhale nature’s Vicks Vapor Rub from the lemon scented fumes given off by the ants. He then invited me to eat them, and I can best describe them as "nature’s Sour Patch Kids!”

Trevor later taught us about the ancient practice of traditional spear making and throwing. We were thoroughly impressed with his spear throwing skills with the whistling sound of the spear breaking through air waves as the sound of death to a kangaroo 70 metres ahead. We all got the chance to participate in a spear throwing competition and the talented Zoe M hit the bull’s eye, which was no mean feat! Trevor showed us how using the Woomera helped to accelerate the spear’s lethal direction and speed.

We got the opportunity to meet and get to know the extended family members of Dora and Trevor from their sons and daughters to their grandchildren and cousins and aunties and uncles. It was incredible to see how a young baby of nine months was happy to be picked up and held by multiple people, as though they were used to this. We also marvelled at the fact that the younger primary aged kids, such as Hazel and Nova occupied themselves with multiple games and toys directly from nature, they were so busy and happy. They proudly performed a traditional corroboree dance emulating their clan’s totems of the Black Cockatoo and White Cockatoo and the Sea Eagle. It was humbling to witness their dancing and the pride beaming out of their faces as they performed for us.

A trip to Hope Vale provided a poignant reminder of the intersection of Aboriginal culture and western Christian religion, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities due to colonisation. It became apparent to the girls that the disadvantages and racist government policies that they have recently learnt about in Year 10 History in the Changing Rights and Freedoms unit are still playing out to this very day. Through many of the stories shared by the Traditional Owners, there was a repetitive theme relating back to mistreatment and injustice in their experiences. The students were able to make a connection of the theories learnt in class to real people, with lived experience currently now in the present tense. A people who was so incredibly welcoming and generous to us when they did not need to be, considering the injustices in recent history. For example, Aunty Esme who shared her knowledge of traditional weaving skills explained to us that she didn’t know who her own father was due to being stolen as a child. Aunty Esme and I had some serious “yarns” together over multiple cups of tea while I tried to weave. I soon realised that these touch-stone moments were the spring board to deeper connections with the Elders. The simple act of a cup of tea opened a path to hearing lots of stories that the Traditional Owners were keen to share about their rich and vibrant culture that is living and still thriving today.

Our second homeland was Wurrey, further inland from Cooktown. Out tents were pitched in a rain forested area away from the harsh valley winds that pummelled the landscape of Traditional Owner Bernie Hart’s land. Bernie was rightfully proud of his country and revealed a great affection for all the trees and plants on his land. He proudly took us on a journey to various bush tucker and medicinal plants, often commenting along the way “I just love this tree”. We learnt about which trees are best for making fire, which trees are best for bees to make their hives in. We sampled strange fruit that tasted like potato, and we took note of the Blood Wood Iron Bark trees that were best for constructing spears. We learnt that if we were lost in the bush, we could look for a certain type of spiralled palm which indicated that water was nearby in the vicinity. Our experience at Wurrey was eye opening and a privilege. Bernie Hart’s gentle and humble manner enabled us to listen deeply to his stories. The concept of tuning into nature and being mindful through deep listening known as dadirri (daa- di- di) became a reality for us. Bernie revealed to me that he was extremely proud of his own father Roger Hart and the work to keep his clan’s language alive. There are only four people in the world who can speak his native language. Bernie was happy to share his knowledge and cultural practices and felt great hope for the next generation of students who he feels will be the change makers to come to increase equality for Indigenous Australians in the future. The group was able to listen to dreamtime stories about Bernie’s land around the camp fire at night. We learnt about his great ancestor, Old Man Fog who was a protective force over his land and the people. The students were incredibly busy at this homeland where they contributed back by building by hand a sturdy picnic table. It was great to see the student’s hard work come to fruition and their work was truly something to be proud of.

The immersion concluded with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, where students snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters and encountered vibrant sea life. The trip ended on a reflective note, with students expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the connections made. We all got to share toasted marshmallows and deeply reflect upon all the experiences that we had and the new friendships that had been forged.

This immersive experience has left a lasting impact upon the students, teaching them not only about Indigenous culture but also about respect, vulnerability, and the importance of preserving Indigenous People’s cultural heritage. It’s a journey they will cherish for a lifetime. Jocelyn Christensen and I as the accompanying teachers felt incredibly proud of the seven Stella girls, Zoe M, Ashleigh G, Olivia R, Olive C, Imogen M, Jemma L and Maya R. These girls were standouts and pushed through some challenging moments and totally engaged with the full experience from cooking, cleaning, multiple tent set ups and pack downs, dealing with mother nature and the creatures all great and small that were encountered. Jocelyn and I felt honoured to have shared this journey with such excellent girls.

Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal 2024

Next week marks the beginning of our Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal. Stella will be driving participation in this venture through the Pastoral Care classes.

We are asking for specific food donations to make up a quality Christmas hamper from each PC class, this should equate to approximately 60 hampers that will go out to individuals and families in need this coming Christmas season.

Through the direct action of the Christmas Hampers we aim to provide a little bit of joy, happiness and dignity at a time that can ironically be filled with deep despair and loneliness for a lot of people.

PC Teachers will be discussing the donation items and collecting them in their classes over the next four weeks. The final date for the collection is Monday 25 November.

We kindly ask that donations are:

• Chocolate and nut free
• Not out-of-date
• Have ring pulls on any tin items

Some items are notoriously difficult to source, such as the quality tinned ham and Christmas puddings and biscuits.

If families would prefer to donate a Gift Voucher instead of a hamper item, please consider a monetary amount on a Gift Voucher from the following stores only:

• Coles
• Woolworths
• Kmart
• Big W

Donations for the hamper items required are the following:

• Christmas pudding
• Christmas cake
• Fruit mince pies
• Leg ham (tinned - like Plumrose / Spam)
• Bon Bons
• Tinned fruit (ring-pull only)
• Tinned vegetables (ring-pull only)
• Tea
• Coffee
• Long life milk

Upcoming Performance Evenings

There are a series of Performing Arts evenings taking place this term including:

• The Drama Gala: Tuesday 12 November @ 6:30pm
• A Celebration of Dance: Friday 15 November with two shows @ 5.00pm and 7.00pm

Links to reserve tickets to these shows will be available shortly.

Auditions for Music Night (Wednesday 27 November) are taking place in Week 4. To book an audition please click here or follow the link in the email you would have received from Mr Browett last week.

Athletics

Congratulations to the Stella students who competed at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships during the holidays. Stella had seven students competing at this high level event. Well done to Sophie R, Emily C, Cara F, Avie R, Elisabeth P, Karina O and Pilard S on their excellent results.

Special mention to the following students who made finals:

• Elisabeth P – 3^rd in Discus
• Avie R – 4^th in 100m and 5^th in 200m
• Cara F – 7^th in Javelin and 8^th in Long jump
• Emily C – 8^th in 800m

Big congratulations to Pip Q who finished 2^nd in both the 1500m and 3000m. She has now been selected to represent NSW at the Australian All Schools Athletics in Brisbane in December.

Hockey

Congratulations to Isla S (Year 7) who was part of the NSW U14 hockey team. Isla played at the National Championships in Perth over the holidays and helped the NSW team bring home the GOLD medal!

Well done Isla on this outstanding achievement.

Volleyball

Stella competed at the CGSSSA Volleyball Gala Day on Tuesday 22 October. The Stella teams had a fantastic tournament, improving immensely over the day. Well done to all members of the teams.

What's on in Sport in Term 4

Term 4 Representative Carnivals

• October 29: NSWCCC Junior Water Polo
• October 30: NSWCCC Open Water Polo
• November 1: CGSSSA Cricket
• November 1: IGSA Gym:
• November 5: CGSSSA Aquathon
• November 6: Broke n Bay U13 Touch
• November 19: CGSSSA Tennis
• November 20: CGSSSA Open and U15 Touch
• November 1: NSWCCC Cricket: Round 1 Knock-out
• November 26: Broken Bay Tennis:

8 – 13 November: Fiji Touch Football Tour

Term 4 Extra Curricular Sport

• Monday morning: Tennis lessons
• Monday morning: Run Club
• Monday afternoon: Year 7/8 Basketball
• Monday afternoon: Rugby games
• Tuesday morning: Touch training
• Tuesday morning: Surfing
• Wednesday morning: Rugby training
• Wednesday afternoon: Year 9/10 Basketball
• Thursday morning: Surfing
• Thursday morning: Pilates
• Friday morning: Group Fitness
• Friday morning: Tildesley Tennis
• Saturday: IGSA Touch
• Saturday: IGSA Tennis

Last Saturday, our overseas students had an exciting day out exploring two of Sydney’s iconic locations. The outing began with a Mandarin-guided tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, where students learned about its history, architecture, and cultural significance. The guide's captivating stories and insights, delivered in Mandarin, helped bring the Opera House to life for our students, making the experience even more meaningful and accessible.

Following the Opera House tour, the group ventured to The Rocks for a 2.5-hour smartphone photography course. The workshop offered students a chance to develop their photography skills while discovering the historic charm of the area. Guided by a professional instructor, students learned techniques for capturing the perfect shot, using natural light, and editing photos on their devices. The hands-on course encouraged creativity, and the students eagerly applied their new skills, snapping away at the picturesque surroundings.

Overall, the outing was a fantastic opportunity for our international students to connect with Sydney's rich cultural heritage and enhance their photography skills. The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from all who attended reflected the enjoyment and engagement throughout the day. We look forward to organising more activities that offer valuable learning experiences and cultural immersion for our students.

Below is a list of creative pictures taken by our International student.

Keys dates for Term 4

• Join us tonight: P&F general meeting – Thursday 24 October
• Year 7 2025 Parent Welcome and Information Evening - Wednesday 30 October (5.30pm - 7.00pm) - can you volunteer to help?

📅 JOIN US TONIGHT: P&F General Meeting – October 24 📅

📅 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!

Volunteer Opportunity - Help us serve at the Year 7 2025 Parent Welcome and Info Evening

Can you believe it was this time last year that you came to hear more about what it would be like for your daughter in Year 7 at Stella? Well, we are here again for our 2025 cohort, and we are excited to host the upcoming Parent Welcome & Information Night on Wednesday 30 October, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. We could use your support!

We’re looking for four volunteers to help serve food and drinks during the event. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to contribute and ensure our new families feel welcomed into the Stella community. You could also tell them a bit more about how it was for you.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Wednesday 30 October
⏰ Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
📍Where: Stella Maris College - on the deck at Stella, under the tree

If you’re available and willing to assist, please click here, and we would be very grateful.

The Uniform Shop will close for the year on Thursday 14 November at 4.30pm.

Please collect all online orders by this date.

Online orders placed after November 14 can be collected in January.

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 10 can purchase the senior bag only online at:

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 now.

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:

It’s that time of year when we 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 28 October

Week commencing Monday 4 November

Term 4

2025

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4