In this Edition
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 3, Term 4.
Celebrating 150 Years of Faith and Community
Mary Immaculate Church, Manly – “Waves of Grace: 150 Years of Faith, Community and Service”
In 2026, Mary Immaculate Church, Manly—affectionately known as the “Church of the Beaches”—will celebrate 150 years of continuous service to the Northern Beaches community. A spiritual home for generations and for the Stella Maris College community, the Church has marked countless milestones and gatherings over the years.
To ensure it continues to serve future generations, a major restoration is underway, including painting, new carpets, weatherproofing, modern sound and AV systems, and essential roof and security upgrades. The goal is to raise $750,000.
“150 for 150” Legacy Gift: 150 families are invited to contribute $1,000 each. Donors will be acknowledged on a Wall of Thanksgiving.
Ways to participate and make your mark: donate any amount, join the “150 for 150” campaign, sponsor a project, attend anniversary events, volunteer your time or skills, or lift the parish in prayer.
There are two options should you wish to donate: Scan the QR code or use direct deposit::
QR Code
Account Name: Manly Freshwater Parish
BSB: 062-784
Account Number: 100002025
This is more than a restoration—it is a celebration of faith, gratitude, and community. Together, Stella Maris College and Mary Immaculate Church stand in hope and generosity as we build for the future.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
As Term 4 continues, may we celebrate the achievements, growth, and generosity of our students, and give thanks for the vibrant spirit of our College community. We are truly grateful for the partnership of our parents and carers, which nurtures young people who are compassionate, confident, and ready to make a difference in the world. Let us embrace this term with joy, hope, and gratitude for all the blessings it brings.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
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Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Peninsula Cup Soccer
Well done to the Stella Year 8 and 9 Soccer team who played in the Grand Final of the Peninsula Cup Soccer Competition last week. After a very interrupted season, due to lots of wet weather, the grand final finally went ahead against Mater Maria. It was a close game from start to finish, with the Stella team finishing with the silver medal after a 3 – 2 loss. Well done to the Stella Red team on a fantastic season!
Mountain Bike
Congratulations to Kate S (Year 11) who has had a very busy few months competing in a number of state and national mountain bike events. Kate has participated in the majority of the NSW/ACT State Enduro (EDR) and Downhill (DHI) MTB series in the U19 female category, and finished the series ranked number 1! Kate also competed in the Sea Otter Australia Schools Champs and finished with the silver medal 🥈! Well done Kate on these outstanding achievements!
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Performing Arts News
Sunset Series tickets on sale!
Hot Potato Band
On Friday 7 November there will be a workshop taking place in Period 4 featuring the Performance Band, String Ensemble, and selected singers. This will be followed by a concert in Period 5 to all Year 7. This incursion is an excellent opportunity for Performance Band, String Ensemble and some selected singers to experience a music workshop with a professional band.
Performing Arts: 2025 Sunset Series
Term 4 has a number of performance evenings taking place here at Stella to which tickets are already selling fast!
The Drama Gala
Tuesday 11 November at 6:00pm
A Celebration of Dance
Friday 14 November at 5:00pm and 7:15pm (sold out)
Music Ensembles Evening
Tuesday 18 November at 6:00pm
‘Fig Day Out’ Showcase of Music
Wednesday 26 November at 6:30pm
Private Tuition
In 2026, there will be a small $5 increase to private tuition fees, bringing them in line with the recommended rates set by the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW (MTA). This adjustment ensures we can continue to engage and retain our highly qualified, professional, and dedicated tutors, whose expertise and commitment provide outstanding musical opportunities for our students.
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 3, Term 4.
Celebrating 150 Years of Faith and Community
Mary Immaculate Church, Manly – “Waves of Grace: 150 Years of Faith, Community and Service”
In 2026, Mary Immaculate Church, Manly—affectionately known as the “Church of the Beaches”—will celebrate 150 years of continuous service to the Northern Beaches community. A spiritual home for generations and for the Stella Maris College community, the Church has marked countless milestones and gatherings over the years.
To ensure it continues to serve future generations, a major restoration is underway, including painting, new carpets, weatherproofing, modern sound and AV systems, and essential roof and security upgrades. The goal is to raise $750,000.
“150 for 150” Legacy Gift: 150 families are invited to contribute $1,000 each. Donors will be acknowledged on a Wall of Thanksgiving.
Ways to participate and make your mark: donate any amount, join the “150 for 150” campaign, sponsor a project, attend anniversary events, volunteer your time or skills, or lift the parish in prayer.
There are two options should you wish to donate: Scan the QR code or use direct deposit::
QR Code
Account Name: Manly Freshwater Parish
BSB: 062-784
Account Number: 100002025
This is more than a restoration—it is a celebration of faith, gratitude, and community. Together, Stella Maris College and Mary Immaculate Church stand in hope and generosity as we build for the future.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
As Term 4 continues, may we celebrate the achievements, growth, and generosity of our students, and give thanks for the vibrant spirit of our College community. We are truly grateful for the partnership of our parents and carers, which nurtures young people who are compassionate, confident, and ready to make a difference in the world. Let us embrace this term with joy, hope, and gratitude for all the blessings it brings.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
Notices
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
Community News
Social Justice News
Details of Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive
Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive via PC Classes
Final Collection Day: Monday 24 November
As Christmas approaches, our Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive invites every PC class to contribute to making the festive season brighter for families in need.
Please see the attached list for what’s required to make up a thoughtful and quality hamper consisting of non-perishable food items and festive treats.
The Bigger Picture: Poverty in Australia Today
- 127,680 Australians are experiencing homelessness; an increase of more than 5,000 since last year.
- 1 in 3 households struggle with food insecurity, and 2 million people skip meals or go entire days without food.
- Poverty isn’t a choice; it’s complex and can be the result of job loss, illness, injury, or rising living costs that tip families into crisis.
Our Response in the Spirit of Christmas
At Stella, we respond not with pity, but with action and compassion. The Hamper Drive is a tangible way to share hope and restore dignity for families who face a difficult Christmas this year.
Beyond the Hamper
Giving isn’t just about material gifts; it’s about connection. Students have considered the following actions to deepen community connection:
- Writing a Christmas card of hope.
- Performing a random act of kindness.
- Talking about poverty at home to break the silence.
Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree, but who’s around it. Let’s bring light to those living in the shadows of poverty. Together, we can make this Christmas one of dignity, joy, and hope.
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Peninsula Cup Soccer
Well done to the Stella Year 8 and 9 Soccer team who played in the Grand Final of the Peninsula Cup Soccer Competition last week. After a very interrupted season, due to lots of wet weather, the grand final finally went ahead against Mater Maria. It was a close game from start to finish, with the Stella team finishing with the silver medal after a 3 – 2 loss. Well done to the Stella Red team on a fantastic season!
Mountain Bike
Congratulations to Kate S (Year 11) who has had a very busy few months competing in a number of state and national mountain bike events. Kate has participated in the majority of the NSW/ACT State Enduro (EDR) and Downhill (DHI) MTB series in the U19 female category, and finished the series ranked number 1! Kate also competed in the Sea Otter Australia Schools Champs and finished with the silver medal 🥈! Well done Kate on these outstanding achievements!
Performing Arts News
Sunset Series tickets on sale!
Hot Potato Band
On Friday 7 November there will be a workshop taking place in Period 4 featuring the Performance Band, String Ensemble, and selected singers. This will be followed by a concert in Period 5 to all Year 7. This incursion is an excellent opportunity for Performance Band, String Ensemble and some selected singers to experience a music workshop with a professional band.
Performing Arts: 2025 Sunset Series
Term 4 has a number of performance evenings taking place here at Stella to which tickets are already selling fast!
The Drama Gala
Tuesday 11 November at 6:00pm
A Celebration of Dance
Friday 14 November at 5:00pm and 7:15pm (sold out)
Music Ensembles Evening
Tuesday 18 November at 6:00pm
‘Fig Day Out’ Showcase of Music
Wednesday 26 November at 6:30pm
Private Tuition
In 2026, there will be a small $5 increase to private tuition fees, bringing them in line with the recommended rates set by the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW (MTA). This adjustment ensures we can continue to engage and retain our highly qualified, professional, and dedicated tutors, whose expertise and commitment provide outstanding musical opportunities for our students.
Canteen News
Thank you to our Canteen volunteers.
Uniform Shop News
Welcome to the Stella Uniform Shop
Calendar Dates
Term 4 Calendar Dates
Social Justice News
Details of Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive
Sarah Metcalfe
Social Justice Program Coordinator
Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive via PC Classes
Final Collection Day: Monday 24 November
As Christmas approaches, our Vinnies Christmas Hamper Drive invites every PC class to contribute to making the festive season brighter for families in need.
Please see the attached list for what’s required to make up a thoughtful and quality hamper consisting of non-perishable food items and festive treats.
The Bigger Picture: Poverty in Australia Today
Our Response in the Spirit of Christmas
At Stella, we respond not with pity, but with action and compassion. The Hamper Drive is a tangible way to share hope and restore dignity for families who face a difficult Christmas this year.
Beyond the Hamper
Giving isn’t just about material gifts; it’s about connection. Students have considered the following actions to deepen community connection:
Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree, but who’s around it. Let’s bring light to those living in the shadows of poverty. Together, we can make this Christmas one of dignity, joy, and hope.