Visual Arts Department

Out Front Exhibition

Congratulations to Millie Herrmann, graduating student from 2025 on her HSC Visual Art works being selected for the ‘Out Front’ exhibition at Manly Art Gallery which opens on Friday.

‘Out Front 2026’ is an annual selection of artworks by HSC Visual Arts students, from the 20 secondary schools across the Northern Beaches curated and displayed at the Manly Art Gallery. The exhibition “aims to explore the contemporary themes which are of importance to young people today and has been a part of MAG&M’s program since 1995. Presented in partnership with the Theo Batten Trust and MAG&M Society, the program has provided Youth Art Awards to aspiring artists for 30 years. The program demonstrates the galleries ongoing commitment to connecting with secondary schools across the region and to supporting visual arts education”

This Friday’s opening night is an opportunity for teachers and artists to preview the exhibition and celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity of young local emerging artists.

The Theo Batten Bequest Youth Art Award, and the KALOF People’s Choice Award are presented as part of this exhibition.

The art works are always of a very high standard and we are thrilled for Millie as this is a great accomplishment and a recognition of all her hard work.

We also are grateful for the excellent guidance from the Visual Art teachers.

The Exhibition is open from Friday 20 February until Sunday 5 April at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum.

Pop along if you can!

Art Club

Art Club commenced with lots of keen creativity last week! Our budding artists from Year 7 and Year 8 joined us on Wednesday lunch to spend some time drawing, painting, making and creating in general!

All students are welcome, on a ‘drop in’ basis. All materials are supplied. Bring your lunch and a friend - Wednesdays at lunch in G302.

Year 7 Visual Arts

We were excited to welcome ‘Kindifarm’ to Stella this week for a Year 7 Visual Arts incursion: ‘Animals Alive’!

Our budding artists spent the morning developing their drawing and observation skills as well as learning a little about ‘life drawing’ (drawing something in real life) and in this case a two month old calf named Arthur, as well as goats, ducklings, chickens and guinea pigs: those life drawing models were very wriggly!

Our students experimented with a variety of materials: charcoal, graphite, and white pencil on black paper to experience the different results, and experiment with tone, texture and composition.

The students had a lovely time and were thoughtful with the animals, being quiet and calm as well as doing a wonderful job focusing on the task in hand. We have some wonderful drawings from the morning which the students can develop upon in class.

It was so lovely to have the animals visit and a bit of a treat for the other year groups (and teachers!) to come and say hello as well.

Library News

Parental Support Via the Information Centre Website

Every Stella student is different, with her own interests and curiosity. Through Encyclopedia Britannica, students have access to engaging, high-quality articles.

We encourage you to read an article together and use the 20 reflective questions provided to spark thoughtful conversation at home.

Encyclopedia Britannica non-fiction article & 20 reflective questions

You’ll find the article and the login for Encyclopedia Britannica on the Information Centre Reading page:
https://stellamarisinformationcentre.com/index.php/our-work/

Log in details - School ID: stellam Passcode: school

Sharing reading time, even briefly, helps nurture curiosity, comprehension and a love of learning.

Stella's Unsung Heroes

The edition's Unsung Heroes are those many students and staff helping Year 7 settle into the Stella school community.

The installation celebrating Galentine’s Week feels especially fitting in this Year of the Benedictine Value of Hospitality. (Making room for others)

The Galantine’s Display honours the new friendships our Year 7 students have formed at Stella. Galentine Week recognises the many moments of kindness and connection that have helped make Year 7’s beginning at Stella a positive and welcoming experience.

Purple Book Challenge

Congratulations to Harper D who is the first Stella student to complete the 2026 Purple Bookmark Challenge.

Harper has also read six classics for the Classics Challenge: The Wizard of Oz, Heidi, The Secret Garden, Ann of Green Gables, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, and The Diary of Ann Frank.

Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse

We are fortunate to have our Chinese and international students regularly in the library, sharing the vitality, adventure, determination, and warmth that symbolise the Horse.

Their presence enriches our community through cultural sharing and a spirit of hospitality.

Cecilia Z, Cindy L, Maggie L, Ellen C (International Students Prefect)