Building Community this term @ Stella

The experience of Stella Day this year was amazing! It reminded me how important community days are for us at the College. For the girls, there were many opportunities to be involved. Some were engaged in the Stella Day mass with Fr Chima. Others were part of the SRC team who set up for the games and lunch activities. Students were challenged by Brooke Prentice’s presentation, where she explained what being Indigenous means for her today. Brooke spoke strongly of the importance of young people in creating a nation that offers a positive future for indigenous Australians. Having worked in many schools, the atmosphere we have at Stella is so collaborative and supportive. We hope that this articulates into learning environments that allow our students to challenge themselves in a space that encourages experimentation and discovery.

Last week we were enchanted by the musical production of Shrek the Musical. Again, for me it highlighted the opportunities we have to build community. To see over 80 staff and students involved in the production was fantastic. The audience was most appreciative of the entertaining performances by the students. Thanks to all involved in making this production such a fun one!

Congratulations

Congratulations to 2025 College Captain Róisín Thompson and College Vice Captains Violette Russell and Destiny Juul who were elected to their leadership roles by the College community. When speaking with the girls about the challenges of the roles, it was heart-warming to hear of their love of the the school and their desire to be servant leaders, listening to the needs of the community. I look forward to hearing what other leadership roles are appointed in the next round of voting. Thank you to Ms Smith, Ms Boyde and Mr Ford for the measured and considered process allowing student and staff to discern who is best placed to take on these roles.

It was an honour to be present at Fr Chima’s installation as parish priest for Manly Freshwater parish last Sunday. Bishop Anthony presided, and our own Year 12 student Teresa H was one of the altar servers, assisting the bishop during the ceremony. Fr Chima presided at our Stella Day mass and made a great connection with our students.

Prayer - A Winter Blessing

Blessed are you, winter, dark season of waiting,

you affirm the dark seasons of our lives anticipating the weather of waiting in hope.

Blessed are you, winter, you faithfully guard a life unseen,

calling those who listen deeply to discover winter rest.

Blessed are you, winter,

frozen and cold on the outside, you warmly welcome all that longs for renewal.

Blessed are you, winter, you teach us valuable lessons about waiting in darkness with hope and trust.

Amen.

https://www.sosj.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/04898.pdf