English Department

Welcome back! I hope everyone is feeling well rested and ready for a fantastic year academically in 2026.

Here’s what we have to offer this term in addition to all the work going on in our busy English classrooms.

• Anything English - every morning at 8.00am at Bennies, every lunch time 1:45pm in the library, and Tuesday afternoons 3:30pm – 4:30pm in the library. All are welcome. Please drop by if you have any questions about your English work, or if you need help with anything. An English teacher is rostered on every day and would love to help you.
• Classics Challenge – read 16 classics before you turn 16. See your English teacher or Mrs Christensen in the library for information.
• Read for Your House – every book you read will earn points for your House. See your English teacher or Mrs Christensen in the library for information.
• Enrol for Debating in Term 2 – keep an eye on the newsletter over the coming weeks when details about the enrolment process for the debating program in Term 2 will come online.
• Writing Club – enter writing competitions, or keep a writing journal by completing the writing prompt each week. See your English teacher or email me alison_tedman@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au for details.
• NEW – Education Perfect for Years 7, 8 and 9 – we are rolling out this online literacy program over this term in all junior classes. It’s an exciting new way to brush up on grammar, spelling and writing, and replaces the grammar books previously used in English classes.
• NEW – Atomi for Year 10. Year 11 and 12 have been doing very well using Atomi as their online enrichment resource over the past couple of years, so this year we are also rolling it out for Year 10. Stay tuned – you’ll be up and running with it soon.

I encourage all students to do their very best in English this term, come along to Anything English whenever you need help, and get involved in one of the extra curricular activities on offer.

Please email me or one of the English team if you have any questions.

Alison Tedman – Head of English alison_tedman@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au
Chloe Christensen – Assistant Head of English chloe_christensen@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au
Jocelyn Christensen – Teacher Librarian Jocelyn_christensen@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

English Extension Day

The senior Extension English students started their academic year early, spending a day in the library warming up for 2026. With great enthusiasm the students spent the day discussing their holiday reading, working on discursive writing, and taking a deep dive into their contextual research. All this, combined with some delicious catering, made for a great start to their studies in English this year.

Library News

Welcome back!

Unsung Heroes of 2025
Our former Year 7.3 RE students, now in Year 8, created the Welcome - Hospitality display, bringing colour, warmth, and joy to our first week back at Stella Maris.

In this Year of Hospitality, their message is clear: make room for all species — and for every person who enters our community.

After School Stella Tutors

Stella offers free after school tutoring to students in the Library. The tutors are ex-students who have achieved exceptionally high results in the HSC. Two tutors are currently confirmed, with a full team of eight tutors expected by the next newsletter. Watch this space!

Monday to Thursday 3:20pm - 5:30pm
Booking slots are 20 minutes in length

How to book a tutor
Bookings are to be made by students - they simply write their name on the booking sheet found at the library desk. Students may also request a future date.

Attention Seniors at Bennies
Students should email library_notices@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au and a 20 minute slot will be reserved for you.