A flourishing community is built not only through achievement, but through welcome, encouragement and shared purpose.

Hello Stella Maris Community,

As we move into the latter weeks of Term 1, there is a quiet but unmistakable sense of momentum across the College. The early excitement of the new school year has matured into confidence, focus, and growing independence among our students.

Educating girls is one of the most powerful ways we shape the future, because when a young woman grows in confidence, knowledge and courage, she carries that influence far beyond herself. At Stella Maris, it is a privilege to witness this journey each day — as our students challenge themselves in their learning, support one another with generosity of spirit, and discover the many possibilities before them.

This year we are celebrating our Year of Hospitality, a reminder that the spirit of welcome, generosity and care lies at the heart of our community. Each day we see this lived in simple but meaningful ways: in classrooms where ideas are shared openly, in friendships that deepen, and in the many moments where students encourage and support one another.

In many ways, these everyday experiences reflect the aspirations of our strategic plan, Flourish: Our Journey Towards 2030. Flourishing is not only about achievement; it is about creating an environment where every young woman feels known, supported and challenged to grow.

As the term progresses, students are engaging deeply in their learning and preparing for assessments that invite them to consolidate their understanding and demonstrate their progress. While these moments can sometimes bring a sense of pressure, they are important milestones in the learning journey. Through preparation, perseverance and reflection, our girls continue developing the confidence and resilience that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

The wider life of the College remains equally vibrant. Sport, music, drama, clubs and community initiatives continue to offer rich opportunities for students to contribute their talents and discover new passions. As this newsletter is being published, our girls are proudly competing in the IGSA Tildesley Cup for Tennis, representing Stella Maris with determination, teamwork and school pride. We wish them every success.

Open Evening

On Wednesday 18 March, we welcomed many families to Stella Maris for our Open Evening — a wonderful opportunity to share the life of the College.

The day was a vibrant reflection of who we are. Classrooms, learning spaces and displays showcased the depth of our academic programs alongside the breadth of opportunities that support student wellbeing and growth. Most importantly, it was our students who brought the day to life — speaking with confidence, warmth and genuine pride about their experience of Stella Maris.

I extend my sincere thanks to our staff for the care, preparation and generosity of spirit that ensured such a welcoming and engaging experience for all who attended. Open E is always a powerful reminder that it is the people of Stella Maris who leave the most lasting impression.

St Patrick’s Day – Caritas Fundraising

Our St Patrick’s Day celebrations this week were filled with joy, colour and a strong sense of purpose as we came together to support Caritas.

The enthusiasm of our students and staff created a wonderful atmosphere across the College, with the day reflecting not only a spirit of fun, but also a deep commitment to supporting those in need. Through their participation and generosity, our students demonstrated the importance of acting with compassion and contributing to something beyond themselves.

These moments are a meaningful expression of our Year of Hospitality — where generosity, community and care for others are lived in practical and visible ways.

Lent: A Time to Listen, Reflect and Renew

In his Lenten message this year, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, invites us to see Lent as a sacred season of renewal — a time to place God once again at the centre of our lives.

In the midst of busy schedules and daily demands, Lent offers a gentle but powerful invitation: to slow down, to listen more deeply and to allow God’s word to shape our hearts.

The Pope reminds us that listening is the beginning of transformation. When we truly listen — to God, to one another and to those who are experiencing hardship — we begin to see the world with greater compassion and understanding. In a world often filled with noise and urgency, Lent calls us to cultivate moments of quiet attentiveness.

He also encourages us to consider fasting in a broader sense — not only from food, but from attitudes and behaviours that distance us from others. One powerful example is fasting from words that harm, choosing instead language that brings kindness, encouragement and peace within our families and communities.

Above all, Lent reminds us that faith is not a journey we walk alone. As families, schools and communities, we are invited to travel this path together — listening more carefully, living more simply and caring more deeply for those in need.

May this Lenten season renew our faith and deepen our compassion as we continue building communities where hope, generosity and love flourish.

Waves of Grace – Schools Variety Concert

On 14 March, Stella Maris proudly hosted Waves of Grace, a Schools Variety Concert that launched the celebrations of St Mary’s Parish’s 150th anniversary.

This joyful evening brought together students and families from:

• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

• St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School

• St Paul’s Catholic College

• Stella Maris College

Through music, dance and drama, students from across the four schools shared their talents in a vibrant celebration of parish unity and youthful creativity.

A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Waves of Grace Logo Competition winner, with warm congratulations to Heidi R (Year 8) for her outstanding design.

Events such as this are made possible through the dedication of many people. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr Evan Browett, Mr Rob Sutcliffe, Mr Mitch Smith and Mr Mike Arnott for the extraordinary preparation behind the scenes that helped bring the evening to life.

To the students who performed — your enthusiasm, commitment and generosity in sharing your gifts with the community were truly inspiring. The joy on stage reflected the many hours of rehearsal that made the evening possible.

I would also like to acknowledge the students in our Year 11 Entertainment class, whose organisation, creativity and teamwork ensured the event ran seamlessly. From preparation and staging to the smooth running of the evening and final pack-down, their professionalism created a welcoming and memorable experience for all who attended.

International Women’s Day Breakfast – Stella Style

Earlier this month, our International Women’s Day Breakfast was held at Manly Golf Club, bringing together mothers, daughters and members of our community for a morning of inspiration and celebration.

The event sold out quickly — a wonderful reflection of the strength and enthusiasm of our Stella Maris community.

We were privileged to hear from two remarkable alumni:

• Leigh Mackay (Class of 1996) - Head of Corporate Affairs & Marketing at Lendlease and former College Captain

• Lauren Gilbert (Class of 2005) - Former Deputy Commissioner for Austrade in China

Both speakers were thoughtful, engaging and deeply inspiring. Through their stories of leadership, courage and perseverance, they reminded us of the extraordinary opportunities available to young women and the importance of lifting one another as we rise.

They exemplified the spirit we seek to nurture at Stella Maris — women who lead with confidence, integrity and purpose.

International Women’s Day invites us to celebrate the achievements of women across generations while continuing the work of shaping a more just and hopeful future. For us at Stella, this message resonates deeply within the Good Samaritan tradition, which for more than 160 years has championed the dignity, education and empowerment of women.

Through education grounded in compassion, justice and service, we continue this legacy by forming young women who will contribute thoughtfully and courageously to the world.

NAPLAN – Recognising Effort and Growth

Over the past two weeks, our Year 7 and Year 9 students have approached NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) with focus and commitment. I congratulate our students for the way they have engaged with these assessments and for the effort they have shown in giving their best.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our parents for recognising the importance of understanding where their daughter is in her learning journey. NAPLAN offers families a helpful snapshot of progress against national benchmarks and, when viewed alongside classroom learning, contributes to a deeper understanding of each student’s development.

For the College, the results assist us in identifying strengths, recognising areas for growth and continually refining our teaching programs to ensure they remain both rigorous and responsive.

Most importantly, NAPLAN is about growth over time. We encourage students to approach these assessments calmly and confidently, trusting in the skills they are developing each day in their learning. Giving their best effort is what truly matters.

Looking Ahead, A Final Reflection

As the term continues, the many moments of learning, effort and encouragement across the College remind us why schools matter so deeply. In classrooms, on the stage and on the sporting field, our students are discovering that growth comes through persistence, support and the courage to keep trying.

Our Year of Hospitality calls us to remain attentive to the way we accompany one another — through welcome, generosity and genuine care. When these qualities shape a community, it becomes a place where young people feel confident to grow and belong.

Guided by the vision of Flourish: Our Journey Towards 2030, we continue working together to form young women of wisdom, courage and compassion.

Thank you for the trust you place in our College and for the many ways you support the life of our community. It is a privilege to share in the education of your daughters.

With warm regards,

Sharyn Quirk
Principal

At Stella Maris we believe every young woman can flourish — with strong minds and open hearts.