Catering to all abilities—from those aiming to compete at the highest levels to those who simply enjoy playing with friends—our program supports physical fitness, wellbeing, and confidence, which research shows can also boost academic success. Blessed with beautiful natural surroundings and local facilities, students have access to well-maintained fields, tennis courts, an aquatic centre, and nearby beaches and Sydney Harbour for water activities like sailing and surfing. Sports run on a term or semester basis, with training before or after school and games typically on weekday afternoons (and some on Saturday), plus opportunities to compete in gala days and tournaments during the school day. Stella offers a wide variety of sports for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to our online prospectus. The brochure included in your keep cup gift provided a mere snapshot of Stella. This webpage however is designed to offer a more comprehensive guide of topics that parents have told us they most want to learn about, with links that allow you to explore areas of interest in even greater depth.
Choosing a school is not simply choosing a place of learning — it is choosing a community that will walk alongside your family during some of the most important years of your daughter’s life.
At Stella Maris, our purpose is not simply to educate girls. It is to help young women grow in confidence, character and purpose so that they can take their place in the world with courage and conviction. When families visit a school, they are often looking for many things — academic excellence, strong facilities, opportunities in sport, music, and leadership. But if I am honest, there is something far more important that families are searching for.
You are searching for a place where your daughter will grow in confidence. A place where she will discover who she is, what she believes, and what she is capable of becoming. Because confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can give a young woman. Not the kind of confidence that depends on praise or success, but a deeper confidence that says, my voice matters, my ideas matter, I belong here and I have something to contribute.
We invite you to become part of this extraordinary journey, where every girl is empowered to truly flourish.
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
Read more about our Principal
Academic Life
Academic life at Stella Maris College is shaped by a commitment to excellence, curiosity and personal growth. Our students are challenged to think deeply, work diligently and approach learning with confidence, supported by dedicated teachers who know them as individuals. A broad and engaging curriculum, combined with high expectations and strong pastoral care, ensures that each girl is encouraged to discover her strengths, pursue her interests and achieve her personal best. At Stella, academic success is not measured solely by results, but by the development of capable, independent learners who are prepared to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Curriculum Overview
Stella Maris College offers an extensive range of subjects across 16 academic departments, providing students with the opportunity to shape a course of study that reflects their interests, strengths and aspirations. Our broad curriculum supports girls pursuing traditional academic pathways while also opening doors to creative fields and emerging professions and industries. From the sciences, mathematics and humanities to the performing arts, technologies and vocational pathways, students are encouraged to explore widely and discover where their passions lie. This breadth of choice, combined with expert teaching and individual guidance, ensures every girl can follow a pathway that challenges her, inspires her and prepares her for the future.
HSC Results
Stella Maris College continues to achieve outstanding results in the Higher School Certificate, reflecting a consistent culture of academic excellence and high expectations. In recent years, the College has maintained its place among the top-performing schools on the Northern Beaches, ranking within the top 100 schools in New South Wales and among the leading Catholic girls’ schools in the state.
Our Year 12 students’ Major Works across Drama, Dance, Music, and Textiles and Design are regularly selected for inclusion in the HSC Showcase, recognising them among the state’s most outstanding works.
These achievements reflect not only the dedication of our students, but also the expertise of our teachers and the strong focus on wellbeing and personalised support that underpins success at Stella.
Extension and Support
Stella Maris College is committed to meeting the learning needs of every student through both its Gifted and Talented Program and its Inclusive Learning Program. Students identified as gifted are provided with opportunities for extension, enrichment and academic challenge within and beyond the classroom, ensuring their abilities are nurtured and their curiosity inspired. At the same time, our Inclusive Learning team works closely with students who require additional support, providing personalised strategies, small-group assistance and individual learning plans to help each girl build confidence and achieve her potential.
Wellbeing
Our aim is to ensure our students are supported socially, pastorally and spiritually in order to achieve academically. We believe that student wellbeing is paramount and goes hand-in-hand- with academic success and growth.
Every student has key staff members who will support her for the duration of her time at Stella. Her Pastoral Care teacher(s) and her Head of Year stay with her from Year 7 to Year 12. They develop exceptional relationships with students in their care and are a key resource for parents and carers. The counselling team comprises a Registered Psychologist and two Counsellors, who are available to all students.
Through age-appropriate wellbeing programs, retreats, camps, leadership opportunities and access to a wide range of support services and resources, students are guided to develop healthy relationships, positive habits and the skills needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Read more about our Positive Education approach
What our community says...
Hear from those whose voices matter most...
Carolyn Collins
Director of Professional Learning and Pedagogy
Hear what Carolyn says.
Maya M
College Vice Captain
Olivia L
Year 8 student
Georgia M
College Vice Captain
Luella D
Year 7 student
Extra Curricular
At Stella Maris College, our extracurricular program is all about giving every girl a chance to get involved, no matter her ability or experience. From sport and performing arts to service projects and a range of clubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Joining in is not just about learning new skills—it’s a chance to make friends, be part of a team, and feel connected to our community. Along the way, students build confidence, stay active and have fun while exploring their interests and passions.
Performing Arts
Stella offers a broad array of extra-curricular music ensembles to cater to all types of musicians.
Students may join the following groups which rehearse weekly:
- Performance Band
- Jazz Band
- String Group
- Contemporary Band
- Junior Choir
- Senior Choir
- Guitar Ensemble
- Drum Club
- Tune Up
We also offer private instrumental/ vocal tuition at the College. Lessons take place during the school day on a rotating timetable so students do not miss time in the same class. Lessons are available on Violin, Viola, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Drum kit, and Voice.
In addition to our Drama elective course through the Years 9–12 curriculum, Stella offers extra-curricular Drama opportunities for students to develop stagecraft and performance skills.
Drama students are encouraged to join our extra-curricular programs, which includes weekly ensembles available for students from Years 7–11. These include:
- Year 7 Drama Ensemble
- Year 8/9 Drama Ensemble
- Musical production (The Addams Family in 2026)
Stella Maris is known among Australian high schools for its excellence in Dance, both in the classroom and through its ensemble program. Consistently strong eisteddfod results and regular HSC Callback nominations highlight the quality of choreography and performance within the program.
Stella offers a four-tier dance program, catering to all skill levels from beginner to elite. Students can enjoy engaging beginner classes during lunchtime, as well as competitive groups for those seeking more challenge. We offer a diverse range of styles including jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre and commercial styles. Students have the unique opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading choreographers and showcase their talent in a minimum of two major annual concerts.
Performance Group
For beginner to intermediate students, from any year, who want the opportunity to be part of a dance team. These groups perform throughout the year, with a focus on improving skills and having fun. This is a non-competition group.
Junior Dance Ensemble
Intermediate level students from Years 7 to 9 who wish to explore dance, build technique, and gain performance experience. These teams compete and perform throughout
the year.
Junior & Senior Dance Company
For advanced students in Years 7 - 9 (Junior) and Years 10 - 12 (Senior) who are wanting to compete at a high level against other secondary schools. These teams compete throughout the year in both local and national competitions.
Dance Extension Company
For elite students in Years 7 to 12 who are interested in pursuing a dance career. These students will have the opportunity to work with guest choreographers currently in the industry. These teams compete throughout the year in both local and national competitions.
Service Activities and Clubs
Engagement in activities outside the classroom enhances social interactions, promotes a sense of belonging and builds lasting friendships – all so important in fostering positive self-image and creating well-rounded young women.
Students can become involved in Social Justice initiatives, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Debating, and a variety of leadership and service activities that foster confidence, teamwork and a spirit of contribution. In addition, there are 18 clubs, groups and academic support programs available, catering to a diverse range of interests and abilities.
These include (and are updated every year):
- Anime Club
- Anything English (English help)
- Art Club
- Breakfast Club
- Book Club
- Homework Help
- Leaders’ Lounge - (Year 7 + Year 12)
- MAD (Making a Difference) Social Justice
- Origami Club
- Sailing
- Senior History Help
- Senior Science (Science subjects help)
- Stellamatics (Maths help)
- Studies of Religion Help
- Sustainability Club
- Writers’ Club
Our Values
At Stella, our values follow the Benedictine traditions of Community, Hospitality, Peace, Justice and Stewardship, which shape the way we learn, lead and care for one another each day. We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive community where every student feels known, valued and supported.
The spirit of Stella Maris has been shaped by the legacy of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Their vision of education was grounded in a profound belief: that education should form both the mind and the heart, and that young people should grow not only in knowledge, but in compassion, courage and a deep sense of responsibility for the world around them.
We encourage respect and compassion in our relationships, and we challenge our students to use their gifts. With a strong sense of responsibility for one another and for the environment we share, Stella students are guided to act with integrity, live with purpose and contribute positively to their communities.
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