A School of Choice

Stella Maris College is a Good Samaritan Education (GSE) school in Manly. Established in 1931, Stella Maris is an independent RIPJP [Religious Institutes (RI) and Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) School Authorities] school offering a Catholic education for girls on the Northern Beaches. Currently, there are 1020 students from Years 7 to 12. Our reputation as an inclusive school with academic success across diverse subject areas, is well known on the Northern Beaches. We are well-regarded for our strong sense of community, diverse curriculum, and our holistic approach to wellbeing and personal growth.

Student wellbeing is founded on positive education principles and Benedictine values that uphold the dignity of each student. This is evident in our teaching practices, approach to student management, and community engagement. Students connect each morning in Pastoral Care (PC) groups with their PC teacher, who is with them on the journey from Year 7 to Year 12. Each year cohort is led by a Head of Year who, with the Wellbeing Team, guides and supports each student’s growth and development.

Significant improvements in teaching and learning outcomes have been fostered by high expectations and current evidence-based pedagogy. The embedding of professional learning sessions into teachers’ timetables has allowed cross-curricular groups to develop whole-school strategies for improvement. As a result of these and other whole-school initiatives, the school is now ranked in the top 10 Catholic independent schools in NSW.

Staff at Stella Maris rate their workplace satisfaction highly (AIS Perspectives Survey 2023). Staff see the school as offering an authentic, positive school environment with strong collegial relationships. Staff recognise the value placed on teaching and learning, professional development, and the fostering of both community and leadership skills.

Our People

Staff at Stella Maris College recognise St Benedict’s call to provide a place where ‘the strong have something to strive for and the weak, nothing to run from’ (RB:64). We embrace diversity so that there is a place for everyone in our community. Care is taken to value each person’s strengths. We provide opportunities for growth and take time to recognise and express gratitude for contribution. Our appreciation is shown in different ways and includes the benefits below.