Visual Arts News

by Marisa Quick, Head of Visual Arts

The Memory Project 2025 – ‘Portraits for a kinder world’

Over the last term, 45 students and staff have been busily working on their portraits of children from Malawi for The Memory Project. The Memory Project is a non-profit organisation that delivers digital, hand drawn or painted portraits and name art to children living in difficult situations in various parts of the world. Their aim is to help children feel valued and important, remind them that many people care about their well-being, and build feelings of international friendship and solidarity. This is the 5^th year that Stella Maris College has participated in this wonderful social justice program.

Thank you to everyone who participated, encouraged and supported The Memory Project during this time. I am thrilled with the results and I am sure the Malawian children will be delighted with their portraits when they receive them.

Students who participated:

Francesca U, Mabel B, Ella M, Amelia S, Ava W, Poppy F , Eve S, Katie C, Zara B, Stella M, Amelia C, Harriet P, Olivia J, Harper F, Maya H, Roisin O, Kate C, Cayleigh S, Penny S, Erika K, Hanni A, Sophia G, Annabel M, Sanna M, Bella P, Alana R, Juliette C, Xanthe M, Rose T, Leili M, Emma B, Tilly B, Erin R, Pema S, Lila B, Ella C, Lola W, Lili S, Lilou M, Saba T, Olivia C, Josie C, Akira A, Ms C, Ms Silburn, Ms Quick.

For more information: https://www.memoryproject.org/

Library News

by Jocelyn Christensen, Teacher Librarian

Unsung Hero Award

Goes to...

Thank you, Grandad, for sharing your love of Harry Potter. He lovingly bought the entire collection for his granddaughter to enjoy. Every book cover in the set is stunning, and L. was thrilled to begin the magical/heroic adventure.

By connecting with L.’s interests and sharing his love of Harry Potter, Grandad helped make reading a loving, exciting, and meaningful experience.

For this wonderful act of encouragement, we’re naming Grandad our Unsung Hero and awarding a special merit in her house colour. 😊

When parents, grandparents and Stella work together, amazing things happen!

Tool	Use	Prompt(s)	Image	Section	Date
Deeplmg	Generic picture of student and her Granddad, Stella’s unsung heroes.	Create cartoon of a grandad and granddaughter with blonde ponytail sharing a love of the Harry Potter series.		Unsung Hero	8.6.2025

This table is provided as an example of the proper assessment referencing required when using A.I. tools. See below for additional information about A.I. referencing guidelines at Stella.

Stella’s A.I. Guide - available on the Information Centre Website

Want to learn more?

Scroll down for information about A.I. resources available on the website.

Still curious?

Click the image to access Stella’s Referencing guide and tools.

A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)

If your assignment says you can use AI tools (like ChatGPT), you must say where you got the information from. If you don’t, it might be seen as cheating (this is called Academic Misconduct).

You should clearly show:

• Which parts of your work came from an AI tool
• Where you used it in your assignment

Sometimes, it's hard to get the same answer again from an AI tool just by asking the same question. So, if the AI gives you a link to share the answer, include that link when you explain where your information came from (OpenAI, 2025; University of Queensland, N.D).

Always be honest about what’s your own work and what came from somewhere else.

EXAMPLE:

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (April 25 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/

Author of AI model used. (Year of AI model used). Name of AI model used (Version of AI model used) [Type or description of AI model used]. Web address of AI model used

Year 7 2028 - Enrolling soon!

Parents and carers with daughters currently in Year 4 are advised that enrolment applications for Year 7 2028 will open on Monday 16 June. All prospective students (including siblings of current students) participate in the enrolment process at Stella with the submission of an enrolment application and a family interview.

Please note the following important dates:

• Enrolment applications close: 25 July 2025
• Enrolment interviews: 6 - 11 September 2025

The first step in the process is completing the Enrolment Register via the link below. If you have already completed this online form, you will be emailed the link to the application form on Monday 16 June.

We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2033!

School Photos - it's not too late to order!

Group and portrait photographs taken last week can be purchased using the link below.

Community News

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 13 to 23 June . Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

Battle of the Bands at Stella Day

To complement Stella Day’s annual ‘Lip Sync Battle’, this year we hosted our first ever ‘Battle of the Bands’. There were seven bands from Years 8-12 performing: ‘4^th Fret’, ‘Redbosè’, ‘Oops’, ‘Senior Contemporary Band’, ‘GAME4’, ‘The Avenue’, ‘Tapeworms and Ladders’ and ‘Miss Adventure’. There was even a special appearance from ‘The Academic Afternoons’ (teacher band) featuring a very special guest performing ‘Teenage Dirtbag’.

First place ended up going to ‘The Avenue’ from Year 10, with their cover of Paramore’s ‘Ain’t it Fun’. The event was a roaring success and will no doubt be making a comeback in 2026.

The Drama Gala

On Tuesday evening, the Drama Gala launched our Winter Performing Arts Concert Series with an unforgettable showcase of talent, humour, and theatrical flair. The evening featured three standout ensembles: the Play Production Ensemble opened with a hilarious performance of When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors, followed by the Theatresports and Improvisation's take on Whose Line is it Anyway and concluding with a range of high-energy Broadway numbers from the Musical Theatre Ensemble. The night was a true celebration of the hard work, creativity, and dedication of all our Semester 1 Drama ensembles. A big round of applause to all of our performers and backstage crew and huge thanks to Ms Nicola and her hard work in preparing the event.

Winter Concert Series

A reminder that there are limited tickets available for the final two nights in our Winter Performing Arts Concert Series.

Showcase of Music
Wednesday 18 June
Time: 6:30pm

Showcase of Music tickets

Celebration of Dance
Friday 20 June
Early Show: 5:00pm
Late Show: 7.00pm

5.00pm show tickets 7.00pm show tickets

Cross Country

We are nearing the end of a very successful Cross Country season. The team has been training since Term 1 and competed in the IGSA and CGSSSA carnivals, as well as a number of students progressing through to the NSWCCC and NSW All Schools Carnivals.

The CGSSSA Carnival was held on Thursday 29 May at Bicentennial Park. Stella had a big team competing at this event and had fantastic results, winning medals across almost every age group. Congratulations to the students who finished in the top six and progressed through to the NSWCCC Carnival:

• 12 years: Sarah C: Gold Medal 🥇
• 13 years: Bella R: Gold Medal 🥇; Emily C 4^th; Piper B 5^th
• 14 years: Amelia M Gold Medal 🥇; Andrea N 6^th
• 15 years: April U 4^th; Zaylee Z 6^th
• 16 years: Pip Q Gold Medal 🥇
• 18 years: Mia Sams 6^th; Eadie P 7^th.

All of these students were selected to compete at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships which were held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre on June 11. They all ran so well and should be proud of their fantastic results. All of the Stella students finished in the top 25 places – an amazing achievement at State level. Special mention to the students who finished in the top ten and have been selected into the NSWCCC team to run at All Schools in Term 3:

• Sarah C 1^st 🥇; Bella R 2^nd 🥈; Amelia M 2^nd 🥈; Pip Q 3^rd 🥉, Eadie P 9th

Well done also to the students who won the Gold Medal in the teams event:

• Sarah C, Bella R, Emily C, Piper B, Amelia M, Andrea N, April U, Zaylee Z 🥇

Netball

Congratulations to the Stella netball teams who played at the NSW Netball Schools Cup at Curl Curl on Thursday 5 June. Both Stella teams played well all day, with the Year 9/10 team going through the day undefeated, and the Year 7/8 team only losing one game. The final placings were determined on for/against, with Stella finishing 2^nd and 4^th overall.

The Peninsula Cup competition is coming to a close, with one week left of round games. The season has been great this year, with all Stella teams playing well and improving over the season.

Basketball

It is finals time for the MWBA basketball competition! All of the Stella teams have had a great season, with 7 of our 9 teams progressing through to the semi finals next week! Good luck to 7 Green, 7 Red, 7/8 White, 8 Red, 9 Red, 10 Red and 10 Green.

Grading days for the Semester 2 competition will be held at Curl Curl Youth Centre at 7.15am on June 24 (Year 8) and June 26 (Year 7).

Soccer

Congratulations to Jade G and Amber K who have been selected into the NSWCCC Football team. This is an outstanding achievement as it is a very competitive sport with only one team selected. Good luck to both when they play at the NSW All Schools Tournament in Lake Macquarie next week.

Stella is entering a number of teams into the Peninsula Cup Soccer competition in Term 3. Grading trials will be held before the end of Term 2 at Keirle Park at 7.15am on 18 June and 23 June for all players in Years 7 – 9.

Good luck to our Futsal teams who will play at the CGSSSA and NSW Futsal Schools Championships in the coming weeks.

Hi everyone!

Upcoming Events

As usual, the Duke of Ed program is packed at this time of year! Some of our upcoming events include:

• The Bronze Practice and Qualifying Journey on June 12
• The Gold Residential to Cambodia leaving on June 25
• Fundraising Beach to Beach Walk on August 24

Cambodia

As the Cambodia trip approaches, we’re running several donations drives and a live auction. This is an incredible opportunity for our school community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children living in poverty. Before the group departs, we’re aiming to raise as much money and gather as many donations as possible to take over.

One major way we’re raising funds is through our online auction, which went live on May 26 and will run for two weeks. You and your family can browse and bid on items like gift vouchers, jewellery, and various products. If nothing catches your eye, you can also donate directly through the site to support the cause.

In addition to fundraising, we’re also holding three donation drives.

Stationery Drive

As we prepare to support Good Samaritan schools in Cambodia, we’re collecting general stationery including pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, rulers, anything small and useful for school. Our goal is to make around 300 pencil cases full of school supplies for the children. If you have any of these items lying around at home, bring them in! Drop them in the box at Student Reception and let Student Services know it's for the Duke of Ed Stationery Drive.

Sanitary Drive

Before we leave for Cambodia, we are holding a sanitary drive where we will be collecting tampons, pads, and especially new period underwear to support young girls in Cambodia. These items are going to make a huge different in the lives of women and girls within Cambodia. Thank you for your contribution.

Clothing Drive

As we approach our Cambodia trip, we’re also running a clothing drive to support local families in need. Please consider donating clean, summer-appropriate clothing in good condition. Your generosity can make a real difference.

Every contribution is truly appreciated, so thank you for your support. Final donations are due Tuesday 17 June.

Olivia S
Duke of Edinburgh Prefect

Week 7 – Trivia Night coming up!

As we head towards the end of the term, we have the Trivia Night ahead of us. Watch out in the last newsletter for Term 2 for the details on Term 3 events.

Stella P&F Trivia Night – Raffle tickets now on sale!

Not attending the Trivia Night but still want to support the cause? You can still get involved by purchasing raffle tickets! 🎟️ Funds raised will go towards the Stella "Raise the Roof" appeal, helping us create a vibrant new space for students, parents, and alumni. Every ticket sold makes a difference—buy yours today and be part of something special!

Prizes will be drawn at 10.00pm on Friday. If you aren’t there, we will inform you by email on Monday.

Term 2 P&F General & AGM Meeting

Thank you to all those who attended the AGM. The minutes will be in the following edition. We are delighted to welcome/welcome back the following P&F team onto the newly elected committee.

• Vice President – Linda Rowe – Year 9 Parent
• Secretary, Marketing Communications Officer – Catherine Fitzgerald, Year 7 and 9 Parent
• Treasurer – Cecilia Lee – Year 7 Parent
• Events Officer – Stu Frank – Year 9 Parent
• Fundraising Officer – Jo Reid - Year 7 and 9 Parent
• Graphic Design – Clare Cahill - Year 9 Parent

A huge thank you to Nicole Bruin, who has been our Treasurer for four years and would have continued if we hadn't had a willing candidate.

We are still searching for the head honcho, the leader who can help pull this all together. Here is the job description:

The President provides leadership and direction for the P&F by working collaboratively with the Principal and Executive Committee to support the school community. They chair meetings, ensure agendas are prepared and minutes endorsed, and promote the aims of the P&F in all dealings. The President supports fellow committee members, ensures meetings run efficiently, and presents the annual President’s Report.

If you are interested, please reach out to Sue Homann at the College.

Please be patient as the new team get to grips with their roles. I’m not completely disappearing, just taking a smaller role whilst I work on a personal passion project.

The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm during term and can be emailed on:

The Uniform Shop will be closed on 25th and 26th June for stocktaking. No purchases will be possible.

Please collect online orders prior to this.

uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Winter uniforms are available during Terms 2 and 3. Items not listed online can be purchased instore.

Year 7 parents whose daughters are doing Art next term have been emailed details to purchase the Art Pack. Art Packs are to be ordered and collected before June 25.

Many online orders are to be collected. Orders are ready for collection from Recess after the order has been placed. Reminders are only sent as a last resort.

Please follow this link to the P&F Facebook second hand page:

Week commencing Monday 16 June

Week commencing Monday 23 June

2025

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4