Welcome to Term 3 Week 4 2025

Principal Report

Brave, Curious, and Kind in Our Busy Lives

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to rush from one task to the next without pausing to reflect on what's truly important. Yet, at Stella Maris Catholic School, we believe some of the most important lessons aren't just found in textbooks; they’re found in how we live each day: bravely, curiously, and kindly.

Being brave doesn’t always mean taking significant risks; sometimes it's simply putting up your hand in class, trying something new, or standing up for what’s right. Curiosity helps us grow, asking questions, exploring ideas, and wondering "what if" fuels both learning and creativity. And in a world that often feels too fast, kindness is a quiet strength; a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word can make all the difference.

Even in our busiest moments, there is always time to be brave, curious, and kind. These values shape who we are and who we are becoming. Let’s continue to encourage our students to live by them, not just at school, but everywhere life takes them.

Together, let’s lead with heart, wonder, and courage.

Sacramental Program

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents for your continued support of our sacramental program. Your commitment, encouragement, and partnership play a vital role in nurturing your children's faith journey, and we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us throughout this important time.

We would also like to sincerely thank our Sacramental Coordinator, Mrs Keiran Mathews, for her dedication, leadership, and thoughtful guidance. Her commitment to ensuring a meaningful and faith-filled experience for all families is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you to our fantastic support team of Claire, Kim, and Fr. Jesse, whose efforts, time, and pastoral care have been instrumental in making this program both spiritually enriching and smoothly run.

Together, your combined efforts and unwavering support have created a strong and caring community of faith. We are blessed to share this journey with you all.

Pick Up & Drop Off Parking

Dear Families,

Kindly please keep our neighbours driveways clear by 1m either side of their entry/exit at all times.

Also a reminder that you are not allowed to park in 'No Parking' spaces and bus zones on public streets. Police patrol the area regularly.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

RE News

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel - Lk 12:32-48

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Years ago, most families had only one or two clocks in their homes. Today, we have clocks everywhere—on our walls, on our microwave ovens, on our DVD players, on our cell phones, and so on. As a family, go through the house and count how many clocks (time-telling devices) your family has. Talk about important events for which family members need to be on time. Recall experiences of being late for something, either as individuals or as a family. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about how important it is for us to be aware and alert, otherwise, we will miss something.

Read aloud Luke 12:32-48. Talk about the parable that Jesus told and discuss how the master will feel if he arrives to find his servant doing his job. Discuss what our job is as disciples of Jesus. Explain that, just as we need to be aware of the time so that we don't miss anything important, we also need to be alert and focused on our jobs, our responsibilities as followers of Jesus.

Encourage each family member to place a sacred symbol near the clock that they use most in the house and to use the symbol and the clock as a reminder that it is always “time” for us to be acting like disciples of Christ.

Loyola Press

Catholic Education Week

Last week, Catholic schools across the state joined together in the celebration of Catholic Education Week. Our Grade 6 students were privileged to attend Mass with the outgoing Archbishop, Julian Porteous, alongside fellow students from schools along the North West Coast. The students represented the school with pride and should be proud of their reverent participation in the Mass.

Within our own school community, we marked the occasion on Friday afternoon by reflecting on what it truly means to be a Catholic school. The celebrations began with a whole-school liturgy, followed by buddy time where students collaborated to create a school-wide mural depicting ways we can embody the presence of Jesus in our everyday lives. The afternoon concluded with a variety of engaging activities, fostering joy, connection, and a shared sense of faith.

Grade 2 Liturgy

This term, our students will be celebrating their grade-level liturgies at Star of the Sea Church. Recently, our Grade 2 students, together with their families, gathered in the church to reflect on and give thanks for the gift of friendship.

The Book of Sirach reminds us:

"Faithful friends are like a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a rare treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price—no amount of wealth can equal their value."

Students shared prayers and reflected on how to be a loving friend.

Thank you to the families that joined us in this special prayer time.

School Uniform Expectations

SmartPlay Uniform Update:

How fantastic our SmartPlay uniform looks when worn correctly! It’s wonderful to see so many students taking pride in their appearance and representing our school community with confidence and respect.

While we are still within the transition period, we kindly encourage families to follow the SmartPlay School Uniform Guidelines as closely as possible. These guidelines promote consistency and presentation across our school, helping students feel a sense of belonging in a cohesive and supportive learning environment.

A few key reminders:

• If students have a school jacket, long-sleeved thermals are not permitted under the polo, in accordance with our guidelines. If thermals are worn under the uniform, they must not be visible.

• We are currently in the process of adding a long-sleeved polo to our uniform.

• We’ve now added school-approved hair accessories, available online through Midfords. More items will be added over the coming weeks.

• Students are welcome to wear school beanies to and from school, and during recess and lunch in Terms 2 and 3. Please note that beanies should not be worn indoors.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. The full SmartPlay School Uniform Guidelines are attached for your convenience—please take a moment to read through them and support your child in meeting these expectations.

Kind Regards,

Sue Drane 

Student Support Coordinator

Updated Behaviour Matrix

Introducing Our New Behaviour Matrix

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Stella Maris Behaviour Matrix, developed collaboratively with both staff and students.

Earlier this year, during a behaviour-focused staff meeting, we reviewed our existing matrix and recognised the need for a fresh approach.

To ensure student voices were central, each class took part in activities to co-create expected behaviours for different areas of the school. This led to our first draft for 2025. With ongoing valuable feedback from staff, we refined it into the Final Draft, which can be seen below.

Our aim is for the Behaviour Matrix to be a simple, achievable guide that students can easily apply every day. We look forward to embedding it into our school culture and working in partnership with families to live out our values of being brave, curious, and kind, just like Jesus. 

Stella Stars

Sessions for 2025 

Every Wednesday 9.15 am - 10.45 am and  12.00 pm - 1.30 pm 

See our Facebook Stella Stars Early Years Learning for more information

PEG Meeting Invitation

Dear Families,

We warmly invite you to attend our fourth PEG (Parent Engagement Group) meeting for 2025.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, 14th August, from 10 am to 11 am at Stella Maris, in the staff room.

Agenda Items will be:

• Father's Day Preparation
  

Thank you

Abbey Walters

Acting Deputy Principal

St Vinnies Winter Woolies Appeal

We are so proud of our students for their incredible generosity in supporting our St Vinnies Winter Woolies Appeal. The mission of St Vincent de Paul is to offer a hand up to those in need, and our school community has embraced this cause with open hearts.

Thanks to the overwhelming number of donations received, the SRC rewarded all students with a Casual Clothes Day as a way of celebrating their kindness and commitment to helping others.

The real winners are those in our community who will be warmer this winter because of your compassion and generosity.

Thank you for helping make such a positive difference.

Mrs Jackie Wickham

The Resilience Project

Dear Parents,

Please follow this link to hear about a recent independent evaluation from Monash University highlighting the impact of The Resilience Program.

We are certainly very pleased to be running this program here at Stella Maris and look forward to running a parent information session in the coming months.

www.theimperfects.com.au/episode/a-game-changing-study-of-the-resilience-project/

Library News

GUEST READERS

To help celebrate Book Week, we are inviting guests into our classrooms to read to the children! 

If you are interested in coming along, please contact your child's teacher with your name, available days and your WWVP number.

BOOK WEEK PARADE

This year’s Book Week parade will be held on Thursday, the 21st of August at 10 am. 

The theme is "Book an Adventure"! Celebrating 80 years of Book Week, this theme conjures characters trekking through jungles, flying aeroplanes and making fantastical journeys abroad. 

Spectators are invited to come along to watch from 9:30 for a 10 am start. Please stand either outside the library or on the basketball court. Wet weather plans TBA. 

See you there!

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE

All students from Prep to Grade 6 have been signed up for the Premier's Reading Challenge. The goal is to read 10 books in 10 weeks. Every book is logged and will earn points for the students' House Team. 

Competitors have until August 25 to return their logbooks to their teacher. 

The winning House will enjoy an Epic Afternoon of Play and an icy-pole at the end of Term 3. 

Fathers Day

Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday 14th August - PEG Meeting 10.00 am-11.00 am Staff Room

Thursday 14th August - Casual Clothes Day 

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August - Book Week

Wednesday 20th August - Grade 4 Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church

Thursday 21st August - Book Week Parade

Wednesday 27th August - Grade 5 Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church

Wednesday 27th August - Dockers Football Begins 4 Weeks 

Saturday 30th August - BNA Spring Roster Begins

Monday 1st - Friday 12th September - Learn To Swim Grade 2 & 3

Wednesday 3rd September - PREP Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church

Thursday 4th September - Father's Day Breakfast and Stalls

Wednesday 10th September - Grade 1 Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church

Friday 26th September - Term 3 concludes

Monday 13th October - Student Free Day

Tuesday 14th October - Term 4 commences

Monday 20th - Friday 31st October - Learn To Swim Grade 4,5,6

Monday 3rd November - Recreation Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 12th November - NW Athletics (selected students)

Friday 21st November - Schools Triathlon Challenge

Monday 1st December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day

Wednesday 17th December - Term 4 concludes - Final day for students & teachers

2026

Friday 6th February -Term 1 commences for students

Monday 9th March - Eight Hour Day Public Holiday

Easter - Friday 3rd April - Public Holiday 

Monday 6th April - Public Holiday

Tuesday 7th April - Public Holiday

Thursday 16th April - Term 1 concludes for students

Monday 4th May - Term 2 commences

Wednesday 21st May - Grade 3 Madagascar JR Excursion

Thursday 22nd May - Grade 1   Madagascar  JR Excursion

Monday 8th June - King's Birthday Holiday

Friday 10th July - Term 2 concludes

Tuesday 28th July - Term 3 commences for students

Thursday 1st October - Term 3 concludes 

Monday 19th October - Term 4 commences

Recreation Day - Monday 2nd November

Thursday 11th December - Christmas Concert PM

Friday 18th  December - Term 4 concludes

* Stella Stars Early Years Learning - Every Wednesday - bookings via Facebook

Outside News