Stella Day - one sleep to go!

Don’t forget: tomorrow we celebrate our favorite tradition — Stella Day! It is one of our big fundraisers of the year. Funds raised will go to the Good Samaritan Foundation and then be dispersed to the Sisters’ ministry work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (in Santa Teresa) and to Kiribati, to help build a new classroom and assist the locals dealing with the effects of rapidly rising sea levels. Students have been asked to donate $10 through Consent2Go, which covers the cost of some activities such as guessing contests, chocolate toss and face painting.

Students should bring cash (in small denominations) for the cake stall. Other food purchases can be made using debit cards or via phone.

Each year group has been assigned something to donate for the day. Thank you in advance for your donations!

• Years 7 and 8 - cakes or baked goods for the cake stall. They need to be brought into the Hospitality room (near the Canteen) on the day.
• Years 9 and 10 - individually wrapped chocolates and lollies to students' PC teacher.
• Years 11 and 12 - soft drink cans to students' PC teacher.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) has been working hard to organise these activities, in addition to a couple of contests. There will also be a lip-sync battle and new Battle of the Bands! The theme this year is DECADES, so students should have their costumes ready! Ideas could include dressing as musicians, actors of characters who represent a specific decade, or embracing iconic fashion trends from the past.

A reminder that students should wear conservative mufti to Mass and change into dress-ups/costumes when back at school. We are looking forward to sharing this day with you all.

From the SRC

Year 7 2028 - Enrolling soon!

Parents and carers with daughters currently in Year 4 are advised that enrolment applications for Year 7 2028 will open on Monday 16 June. All prospective students (including siblings of current students) participate in the enrolment process at Stella with the submission of an enrolment application and a family interview.

Please note the following important dates:

• Enrolment applications close: 25 July 2025
• Enrolment interviews: 6 - 11 September 2025

The first step in the process is completing the Enrolment Register via the link below. If you have already completed this online form, you will be emailed the link to the application form on Monday 16 June.

We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2033!

School Photo Days - photo orders due now!

Our school photo days will be held next week.

• Wednesday 4 June (individual and PC group photos)
• Friday 6 June (siblings and absentee/catch-up photos)

Group and portrait photographs can be purchased using the link below. If you prefer to order using an envelope, please visit Student Services, collect an order envelope and hand your payment to the AdvancedLife photographer on school photo day.

Study and Play USA Information Session

St Augustine's is hosting US College sports recruiting company 'Study & Play USA' who will conduct an information session for Years 9 - 12 parents/students on Wednesday 4 June from 6.00pm in the Goold building. Further details, including how to register, can be found in the flyer below.

Community News

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Dee Why will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town from 13 to 23 June . Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

Entertainment News

Excursion to MJ the Musical, STC and Vivid

by Mitchell Smith - Theatre Manager and Teacher of English, Drama and Entertainment

Our Year 12 Entertainment Industry class recently had an unforgettable experience getting up close with the real world of live performance and production. From the high-energy spectacle of MJ the Musical to an amazing backstage tour at Sydney Theatre Company (STC), the students were fully immersed in what it means to work in the industry. The biggest highlight was being part of VIVID 2025, where we were lucky enough to go behind the scenes into the actual control rooms that light up Sydney each night.

Walking through the lighting and projection displays around the Harbour Bridge, MCA, Customs House and Opera House left everyone absolutely mesmerised. Getting to chat with industry professionals gave students a real sense of how to break into the industry and left many of them feeling inspired and excited about the future.

A huge shoutout to Ziggy and Nadine Ziegler for helping make the behind-the-scenes access possible – the students were absolutely blown away by the whole experience!

Here’s what some students had to say:

We began our excursion with a viewing of MJ the Musical — a truly phenomenal experience. By watching MJ we got to see how audio, lighting, vision and staging departments come together to produce such an amazing production. After the musical we went to Sydney Theatre Company (STC) where we had a backstage tour. We saw the props, set and costume department. We also went into the theatre! To round out the excursion, we visited VIVID and toured ‘backstage’ to see where all the magic happens. We were shown how everything works, is controlled and synced together which was very cool. Staff answered all of our questions, which was very helpful as it provided us with more insight into this industry.

Overall, it was a great excursion, strongly enjoyed by the entire Year 12 Entertainment class. A MASSIVE shout out to Mr Smith for making such an inspiring day possible.

Adelene W
Year 12

Last night I had the privilege to go to both MJ the Musical, Sydney Theatre Company and VIVID Sydney with our Entertainment class. We started our day at MJ at the Lyric Theatre, where the Year 12 Dance class had the opportunity to speak with members of both performance and production crew. We spoke to Brooke Almond who is a production manager, Sebaga Neumann who is both a swing and dance captain for the children in the show and Elysha Manik who is the resident dance supervisor. They gave us incredible insight into the running of the show and the rehearsal and audition processes that all led to the amazing show we saw. Every member of the cast was incredible to watch onstage and based on the cheers of the girls, I think everyone had a great time.

We then moved onto the Sydney Theatre Company, where we were guided through a backstage tour of the building. We looked through various departments and their process of putting a show together, including scenic arts, props and costuming. We learnt that all departments are able to work together under one roof all the way from planning to the final show. We then went to Pancakes on the Rocks for a very fun dinner!

Next up, we had a very special look into the running of VIVID. We witnessed both the control booth for the entire event and some of the projection towers used for lighting up the bridge pylons. Looking inside the control booth was an amazing experience, seeing the complex system used to run every light all the way from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour. The projection towers and the inner workings of such powerful systems were amazing to see . TDC, the company who provides the systems, taught our class about the wide variety of technologies used on projectors, especially for VIVID.

Speaking to industry professionals about working on such an important event like VIVID was an incredible opportunity for our class. We were able to take away lots of knowledge and experiences as well as great memories and plenty of laughter. It was fitting to end the night with a ferry trip surrounded by fireworks!

Thank you so much to Mrs Haines for organising the excursion to MJ (we know how much went into it). What a great show it was! Thanks also to Mr Smith for spending a night out and putting together our visits to VIVID and STC - we are super lucky to have had these awesome experiences!

Sahara Z
Year 12

Library News

by Jocelyn Christensen, Teacher Librarian

Unsung Hero Award

A big shout-out to the Year 7 dad who sparked a love of reading by chatting books with his daughter – and even recommended the hit series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder! Last week, she was unravelling a mystery; this week, she’s surfing via a book – all thanks to a great book suggestion and a dad who meets his daughter right where she’s at. You connected with her interests and helped make reading exciting.

For that, we’re naming you our Unsung Hero and awarding a special merit in her house colour. 😊

Because when parents and Stella team up, amazing things happen!

Click on the covers of these books to take you to the Goodreads review.

Reluctant Readers

If your daughter is a reluctant reader at home, supporting her is a long-term journey.

As parents, we don’t always see immediate results or receive instant appreciation—whether we’re guiding our children with healthy eating, sleep routines, study habits, social life, or screen time.

Still, we keep going.

For helpful tips and encouragement to support reading at home, please visit the library website.

English Department News

Award Winning Author, Will Kostakis, Inspires Year 12 Students

The Year 12 cohort had the pleasure of participating in a collaborative writing workshop with acclaimed Australian author Will Kostakis, who visited our school to share his insights into the world of creative writing. Known for novels such as We Could be Something, Kostakis brought both energy and honesty to his discussion, offering a candid look into the life of a writer and the power of storytelling. His presentation directly linked to our current study of Craft of Writing.

Throughout his talk, Will emphasised the importance of writing from personal experience and finding authenticity in one’s voice. He shared his own journey as a young writer, including the lessons he learned along the way. His stories, both humorous and heartfelt, resonated with many of us and sparked thoughtful reflections about creativity, resilience, and self-expression.

For many students, the visit was not only inspiring but also a reminder that writing is a craft anyone can develop with passion and persistence. We left the session feeling motivated to embrace our own stories and to see writing as a powerful tool for connection and change.

We are grateful to Will Kostakis for taking the time to speak with us and for encouraging the next generation of storytellers.

Destiny J
Year 12

GIFT Cook

On Thursday 22 May, a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students gave up their chance to stay at home on a cold and rainy night to come down to the St Kieran’s Parish Church kitchen to help make 100 servings of spaghetti bolognaise. The girls were amazing and adept with chopping up all the fresh produce. They were a cohesive team working well together to take turns with the stirring and simmering, to the less glamourous tasks of washing up the big pots and helping in the overall clean up and bin run procedures. A big thank you to Summer B, Anna-Bella L, Penny N, Heidi H, Sophia S, Carys P, Isabella S, Zara B, Amelia S and Amira S.

Brigidine Social Justice Forum

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Social Justice Forum hosted by Brigidine College. Joined by students from a range of other schools, we were welcomed into a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. We were divided into smaller groups and took part in various workshops, each highlighting a different charity supported by the college.

One workshop that really stood out to me was Days for Girls, a global organisation that creates sustainable, reusable period products for disadvantaged communities. What inspired me most was how their mission not only meets a critical need but also helps to break down the stigma surrounding periods especially powerful in the context of an all girls school, where normalising these conversations is so important.

It was a truly eye-opening experience, and I feel incredibly lucky to have taken part. The forum reminded me that even small actions like raising awareness or supporting a cause can have a meaningful impact.

Ruby A
Year 12

On 14 May, Ruby, Audrey and I had the opportunity to attend the Brigidine Social Justice Forum. We connected with students from a range of year groups and schools across Sydney. The event showcased a number of impactful charities, including Hope in a Suitcase, Dignity and Days for Girls. Hearing from these organisations was incredibly moving, sending the message that by working together, we can make a significant positive difference in the world. I really enjoyed the experience, especially the chance to engage with so many passionate individuals, and I hope we can bring that same commitment to social justice back at Stella.

Hannah G
Year 12

Hi everyone!

As usual, the Duke of Edinburgh program is packed at this time of year! Students have recently returned from several hikes including the Snowy Mountains and Tasmania which all the girls and staff enjoyed immensely.

Some of our upcoming events include:

• The Bronze Practice and Qualifying Journey on June 12
• Fundraising Beach to Beach Walk on August 26
• The Gold Residential to Cambodia departing on June 25

As Cambodia approaches, we’re running several donations drives and a live auction. This is an incredible opportunity for our school community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children living in poverty. Before the group departs, we’re aiming to raise as much money and gather as many donations as possible to take with us. One major way we’re raising funds is through our online auction, which went live on May 26 and will run for two weeks. You and your family can browse and purchase items like gift vouchers, jewellery, and various products. If nothing catches your eye, you can also donate directly through the site to support the cause. In addition to fundraising, we’re also holding three donation drives.

Stationery Drive

As we prepare to support Good Samaritan schools in Cambodia, we’re collecting general stationery including pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, rulers, anything small and useful for school. Our goal is to make around 300 pencil cases full of school supplies for the children. If you have any of these items lying around at home, bring them in! Drop them in the box at Student Reception and let Student Services know it's for the Duke of Ed Stationery Drive.

Sanitary Drive

Before we leave for Cambodia, we are holding a sanitary drive where we will be collecting tampons, pads, and especially new period underwear to support young girls in Cambodia. These items are going to make a huge difference in the lives of women and girls in Cambodia. Thank you for your contribution.

Clothing Drive

As we approach our Cambodia trip, we’re also running a clothing drive to support local families in need. Please consider donating clean, summer-appropriate clothing in good condition. Your generosity can make a real difference. Every contribution is truly appreciated — thank you for your support.

Olivia S
Duke of Edinburgh Prefect

Performing Arts Winter Series - tickets now available!

Our Performing Arts Winter Series is fast approaching with performance opportunities planned for Music, Drama and Dance students in the final weeks of term in the Star of the Sea Theatre. Tickets to these events are now on sale (all $5.00).

Drama Gala
Tuesday 10 June
Time: 6:30pm

Showcase of Music
Wednesday 18 June
Time: 6:30pm

Celebration of Dance
Friday 20 June
Early Show: 5:00pm
Late Show: 7.00pm

MJ The Musical

What a thrilling and inspiring day for our 145 Performing Arts students from Years 9–12, who had the incredible opportunity to experience MJ the Musical live at the Lyric Theatre! From the electrifying choreography to the powerful storytelling through music and movement, students of Dance, Drama, and Music were immersed in a world-class production that brought the legacy of Michael Jackson to life on stage. Witnessing such a high-calibre performance firsthand allowed them to see the impact of stage presence, energy, and narrative through performance - elements they explore in their own studies. This unforgettable experience has fuelled their passion even further and given them a deeper insight into the world of professional performance - empowering them to refine their skills and grow both on and off the stage.

A huge thank you to Mrs Leanne Haines for her outstanding organisation of this event. Her careful planning and attention to detail ensured that the day ran smoothly, with all students safe, engaged, and able to fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.

Read Amali's reflection of the performance below:

On Wednesday, our elective Year 9-12 Dance, Drama, Music and Entertainment Industry students saw MJ the Musical at Sydney Lyric Theatre. The show was outstanding, telling the story of Michael Jackson and capturing the tensions in the lead up to his Dangerous World Tour. There were moments dating back in time to the early stages of the Jackson 5 too. We were impressed with how effortlessly the transitions were; from dancing to Thriller in a different reality, to switching back to the studio setting. The opening song after the intermission was Billie Jean featuring the iconic moonwalk. At the end there was a standing ovation with the whole crowd clapping and singing along to Black and White. Thanks to Mrs Haines for organising such an amazing opportunity, we were all incredibly inspired.

Amali E
Year 10 200h Elective Music

IRDB Competition Results

Our top four Stella dance teams (Extension Company Groups) competed at their first competition of the year last weekend with wonderful results. All four teams placed and represented Stella Maris College with pride.

The stage was huge and challenging for the dancers to manage after rehearsing in our small studio here at school, but they performed like true professionals, making adjustments as they danced. I am so proud of their behaviour and commitment.

Results from the IRBD (I’d Rather Be Dancing) competition are as follows:

Best wishes to our Ensembles, Company and Senior Company Groups who have their first competition next week.

Rochelle Jones
Teacher of Dance

Stella Athletics Carnival Results

This week at assembly we acknowledged our Athletics Carnival award winners. The standard of competition at the Stella carnival was amazing this year, which was highlighted by the incredible number of records broken! Congratulations to the following students and houses on their fantastic effort on the day:

Champion of Champions

• Ellie F

Age Champions

• 12: Louisa O
• 13: Emily C
• 14: Karina O
• 15: Zaylee Z
• 16: Chanelle H
• 17: Zoe B
• 18: Ava S

Best Dressed

• Runaway Brides: Violet R and Izzy P

Records

• Sarah C: 1500m and 800m
• Pip Q: 1500m and 800m
• Leanne B: 100m, 200m and long jump
• Ellie F: 100m and 200m
• Taylor P: Javelin
• Lissy P: Discus and Javelin
• Lara M: Javelin
• Louisa O: High Jump
• Erin H: High Jump
• Zoe B: 800m

Winning House

• 1^ST: Wood
• 2^ND: MacKillop
• 3^RD: Shinnick

Our Athletics Squad will be announced next week with training commencing in early June.

Stellar Sporting Stars

Our Stella sport stars have been excelling at the highest level of sport in NSW Catholic Schools. Over the last few weeks, we have had many students representing Stella at NSWCCC and NSW All Schools events.

Swimming: Congratulations to our open girls relay team who finished 4^th in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships on Thursday 22^nd May. Congratulations to Jess O, Zara D, Mila C and Charlie C on finishing 4^th in NSW!

Rugby 7s: Congratulations to Matisse F and Lara M who were selected into the NSWCCC rugby 7s team. They will play at the NSW All Schools Championships later this term.

Rugby League: Well done to Mia L who played in the Sydney Metro team at the NSWCCC Rugby League Championships. Mia has also been selected into Sydney Roosters Female Academy! Congratulations on these outstanding achievements.

Water Polo: Well done to Olivia M, Flo W and Charlotte H who represented Stella at the NSWCCC water polo. They all played strongly against much older players.

Netball: Good luck to Ana T who will represent CGSSSA at the NSWCCC U15 netball championships on Thursday 29^th May.

Soccer: Our soccer stars have had a great deal of success again this year! Congratulations to Amber K, Jade G, Indie C, Camille C and Ellie E who represented CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Open Soccer Championships this term (also to Sophie L and Evie M who were selected in the CGSSSA team but had to withdraw due to injury). Results from the tournament will be reported in the next newsletter.

Also, a huge congratulations to the Stella students who have been selected into the NSW football teams (emerging Matildas): Ellie E, Gracie B, Jess P and Charlotte C (train on). These students will attend a training camp and national tournament for a week in the July holidays.

Cross Country

The cross country season is well and truly underway. The Stella team has been training since Term 1, and they showed that hard work pays off with outstanding results at the IGSA Cross Country Carnival.

It was perfect conditions for running at the IGSA Carnival which was held at Frensham on Friday 16 May. The rain held off and the Stella team enjoyed running on a real cross country course at Frensham. The Stella team had outstanding results, with top four finishes in four age groups – an outstanding result at such a high level event. Some of the age groups had more than 150 competitors!

Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top 12:

• Sarah C – 1^st in 12 years (winning by almost 2 minutes!)
• Bella R – 4^th in 13 years
• Amelia M – 3^rd in 14 years
• Zaylee Z – 12^th in 15 years
• Pip Q – 3^rd in 16 years

Best of luck to the team who will compete at CGSSSA Cross Country this Thursday 29 May.

Snow Sports

Stella will be entering teams into the Northern NSW Snow Sport Championships. This will be held at Perisher from July 9 – 11. This is appropriate for students who have good experience in skiing and/or snowboarding. Students who wish to enter will need to travel and stay with their family for the event. All students have been sent an email to express interest. Further details will be sent to those students who complete the form.

Term 3 Sport Registrations

Term 3 sport registrations will be sent out in the coming weeks. At this stage we are finalising our team registrations for a number of our Term 3 sports.

Expression of interest forms for our Term 3 team sports have been emailed to students. Students wishing to play basketball, soccer or water polo (Year 7) in Term 3 should complete the expression of interest form via the link they were emailed.

We are reaching the halfway mark of Term 2, and there are just a few things left to round out the term.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s coming up:

Important Dates to Remember:

• P&F General & AGM Meeting – Thursday 5 June - Time: 7.30pm

• Trivia Night – Friday 13 June

SOLD OUT - Stella P&F Trivia Night

Thanks to your incredible support, tickets for our 2025 Trivia Night have officially sold out!

We're now shifting our focus to fundraising, and we need your help. Funds raised on the night will be donated to the Raise the Roof program. Funds raised will go towards creating a fantastic space. Funds will support the fit-out of the fourth-level outdoor function space, which will be utilised by students, as well as for parent and alumni functions. While the exact donation amount is still under discussion and will be covered in the AGM, the P&F hopes to make a generous contribution with your support.

We’re Still Looking for Prizes!
Help us supercharge the night’s fundraising by donating a prize for the raffle or silent auction. We're after:

• Gift items
• Gift cards
• Services or experiences

Every donation makes a difference!

To donate a prize, please fill out the form: https://forms.office.com/r/LDkvyGddeV.

Register Now: Term 2 P&F General & AGM Meeting

The Term 2 P&F General Meeting will also feature our Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which we will vote in the P&F Executive Committee for the next two years. The upcoming newsletter will provide further details, including the agenda and information on how to get involved. It would be fantastic to see a large turnout and hopefully attract some volunteers for new roles. Please see below.

When: Thursday 5 June at 7:30 PM
Where: Library

The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm during term and can be emailed on:

uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Winter uniforms are available during Terms 2 and 3. Items not listed online can be purchased instore.

School photos are scheduled next week. All students should be wearing the correct blazer. Year 10 students should be wearing the Senior Blazer (this is different to the Junior Blazer).

Year 7 parents/carers whose daughters are doing Art next term have been emailed details to purchase the Art Pack. Art Packs are to be ordered and collected before 25 June as the Uniform Shop will be closed from then for the remainder of term for stocktaking.

Many online orders are to be collected. Orders are ready for collection from Recess after the order has been placed. Reminders are only sent as a last resort.

Please follow this link to the P&F Facebook second hand page:

Week commencing Monday 2 June

Week commencing Monday 9 June

2025

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4