Welcome to Term 1 Week 3 2024
Principals Report
IMPORTANT: Online Safety for Parents and Carers
The eSafety Commissioner and the eSafety website have been designed to empower all Australians to have safer, more positive online experiences. Below are two links for parents and carers to access to assist with online safety for their children.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Online & Offline Safety: We need your help, please!
As a school, we are constantly reminded of the power and influence of social media, both positive and negative, through the discussions and issues that students bring to our teaching staff. We are reaching out to the first educators of our students, you, our parents & carers, to help prioritise our students' online and offline safety.
We have been made aware of social media chats where students talk to each other and possibly use derogatory and expletive language in their general conversations. They may not understand the lasting impact of their digital footprint and the effect these conversations may have on their peers and reputations.
Our Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) ICT Policy (Students) explicitly states acceptable and unacceptable use of ICT and Social Media.
The ICT Policy (Students) is available via this link: https://catholic.tas.edu.au/policies
Adherence to this CET ICT Policy (Students) and the signing of our Stella Maris Grade 3 - 6 Student Technology Agreements is designed to foster digitally responsible students. As a school, we will provide regular educational sessions based on advice from the e-Safety Commissioner. This week, we discussed online and offline expectations with the Grade 6 students, highlighting the importance of being brave, curious and kind in all our interactions with peers and adults.
Parents and carers will be able to support and discuss the topics and advice we cover as we will update you via Compass. Thank you for your support as we endeavour to empower our students to become responsible digital citizens.
RE News
Reflection on the Sunday Gospel – Mark 1:12-15
In Sunday’s Gospel, the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness for 40 days.
During this time, Jesus was tempted by Satan but was looked after by angels. This time was a very challenging time for Jesus. He drew on his strength and faith to see him through the 40 days.
Lent encourages us, too, to challenge ourselves. We are invited to reflect and live out our faith by praying more, almsgiving – giving to others and giving up something. It is a special, reflective time for us to be the person of Jesus to others by the way we greet, speak and treat those around us. During Lent, we are invited to strengthen and renew the promises that we made at our Baptism, to reject Satan and sin and to live as children of God. Through the grace of God that we received at Baptism, we follow the Holy Spirit and know that with Jesus’ help, we will be victorious over sin. During Lent, we renew the promises of our Baptism, turning again from sin and promising to follow God.
https://www.loyolapress.com/
Ash Wednesday Liturgies– To mark the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, children participated in class Liturgies. In these Liturgies, the children listened to the Word of God and reflected on the importance of being kind and compassionate to all. They received the mark of the cross using blessed ashes on their foreheads.
Shrove Tuesday
Uniform Shop
Opening Hours
Each Tuesday, 8.30 am - 12.30 pm
(Closed Tuesday 27th February - Open Wednesday 28th February)
Orders placed via Qkr after 10.00 am on a Tuesday and before 10.00 am cutoff the following Tuesday will be processed when the shop is open and sent home with children on the day.
Alternatively, orders can be collected after 11.00 am on Tuesday during opening times if you prefer.
Stella Stars
Sessions: 9.15 am - 10.45 am & 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm
Bookings through Facebook: Stella Stars Early Years Learning
First Session: Wednesday, 14th February 2024
Grade 1 Room 5 First Day Fun
Bubble fun in Grade One! Our new Grade Ones had a fantastic first day. We spent some time in the sunshine, blowing bubbles and having fun.
Grade 4 Formation Day
Last Monday, Grade 4 students travelled to Camp Clayton for their start of year Formation Day. They participated in a number of team-building activities, with the highlights being the giant swing and the rock climbing wall. It was great to see the students (and teachers) push themselves outside their comfort zone.
Parent Resources
CATHOLIC EDUCATION COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT PROCESSES
Complaints Management Process for Parents
Complaints Management Process for Students
BASKET CASE
by Steve (Mr P.) Puccetti
Our very clever Mr Puccetti has been busy creating this wonderful new book with the help of former student Chia Gbenga's amazing illustration talents.
Books are available from the school office for $20 (cash only)
Important Upcoming Dates
CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR
Tuesday 5th & Thursday 7th March - Parent Teacher
Monday 11th March - Public Holiday (Eight Hours Day)
Tuesday 12th March - Kindergarten & New Families: Welcome to Stella BBQ (4 pm - 5 pm)
Tuesday 12th March - School Advisory Board Meeting No. 1 (5 pm - 6 pm)
Tuesday 12th March - NW Swimming Carnival (selected students)
Friday 29th March - Good Friday (public holiday)
Monday 1st April - Easter Monday (public holiday)
Tuesday 2nd April - Easter Tuesday (public holiday)
Monday 8th April - Kinder Athletics (TBC)
Wednesday 10th April - Stella Maris Athletics Carnival
Thursday 11th April - Last Day of Term 1
Monday 29th April - First Day of Term 2
BNA Netball Winter Roster - Saturday 4th May: Starting
Friday 24th May - Stella Maris Cross Country Carnival
Friday 7th June - NW Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival (selected students)
Monday 10th June - King's Birthday (public holiday)
Tuesday 18th June - All Schools Cross County Symmons Plains (selected students)
Monday 1st July - School Photo Day
Friday 5th July - Last Day of Term 2
Tuesday 23rd July - First Day of Term 3
Friday 27th September - Last Day of Term 3
Friday 4th October - Burnie Show Day (public holiday)
Tuesday 15th October - First Day of Term 4
Wednesday 20th November - NW Athletics (selected students)
Friday 22nd November - All Schools Triathlon Devonport
Tuesday 17th December - Last Day of Term 4 : For Staff & Students
Outside News
