Welcome to Term 2 Week 9 2024

Principal Report

Prayer for Refugee Week 2024

16-22 June marked Refugee Week and in light of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russian-Ukraine War I felt that it was relevant and meaningful to share the following thoughts and prayer which came to me from Dianne Murray (Subject Matter Expert: Religious Education). The magnitude of the challenges in our own lives can be put in context when we reflect on the experiences of some other communities at this time. 

This Refugee Week 2024, we are called to reflect on the powerful theme of ‘Our Home’.  For refugees, the journey to find a new home can often be fraught with challenges and danger. Our faith teaches us to welcome the stranger and provide refuge to those in need, reflecting the compassion and hospitality of Christ.

Compassionate Creator,

As we gather in unity for Refugee Week, we reflect on the theme of ‘Our Home’.

We give thanks for the places where we share meals and sleep safely. We remember those whose homes have been lost or shattered by conflict, persecution, and hardship.

Grant us the wisdom to welcome all who seek sanctuary, transforming our communities into havens of safety and belonging. Let our homes be places of compassion and understanding, where every individual finds dignity and hope.

We pray for strength and resilience for refugees worldwide. May they find new

homes filled with kindness, opportunity, and peace. Guide us to be their steadfast supporters, embodying the true spirit of humanity. In the warmth of our shared home, may we all find comfort, unity, and the courage to stand together.

Amen.

Columban Missionaries in Britain

Kind regards,

Ben McCulloch

Acting Principal

RE News

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel –Mark 4:35-41

Jesus calms the storm

Worries and concerns are part of human life. Jesus teaches us, however, that we ought not to let worries and concerns consume us. Jesus teaches us that our faith ought to lead us to trust in God's protection and love, no matter how strong the whirlwind going on around us. Like the disciples, we can bring our worries and concerns to Jesus in prayer. Jesus will hear our cries for help. He knows that our faith can be fragile, and he will act so that our trust in God will be strengthened.

As you gather as a family, invite each family member to talk about something that might be worrying them. Talk about how important it is to share worries and concerns with other people. When we do this, we learn to see our worries from a different perspective.

As you the Gospel, Mark 4:35-41, Ask your family questions such as these: Why were the disciples worried about the storm? Why wasn't Jesus worried about the storm?

When we bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, Jesus can help us see things from God's perspective. Invite family members to name again a worry or concern and pray together that Jesus will help us have faith in God's love and protection.

Loyola Press

Grade Level Liturgy Reflections…

Grade 6 Liturgy

The Grade 6 students gathered to hear the Word of God. The theme of the Liturgy was friendship. True friendship is something very valuable. It doesn’t come along very often but, when it does and when it is a lasting friendship, it is something special. Jesus had close friends. People were drawn to him. Three of his closest friends were Peter, James and John. We remember that Jesus offers us his friendship too.

The Word of God

The Book of Sirach tells us;

“Faithful friends are like a sturdy shelter: Whoever finds one has a rare treasure. Faithful friends are priceless. No amount of money can balance their worth.

A Reflection

Picture in your mind the people you think of as friends. These may include family friends, relatives, friends your own age, younger and older friends and God who is our greatest friend of all. Think of some of the characteristics and attributes of your friends. 

Think of your friends and what it is that makes them your friend.

What is it that you like most about your friends?

How long have you known each other?

What is the most important gift your friends give you?

What is the most important gift you give to your friends?

How do you keep in touch?

How do you ensure that your friendship continues to grow and develop?

The gift of faithful friends is a most precious and priceless treasure. It is one of God’s greatest gifts of love to us. Real friendships can last a lifetime.

Grade 1 Liturgy

Grade 1 students and families gathered at the Marist Chapel to listen to and hear the Word of God. The theme of the Liturgy was Seeds of Love.

The word of God

Matthew 13:31-32 Parable of a Mustard Seed.

One day, a man took a mustard seed and planted it. The mustard seed grew slowly. The rain came, the sun shone, the seed grew bigger and bigger and bigger. After many years it had grown into the biggest shrub of all. It was like a tree. The birds of the air came and built their nests in it. The mustard seed had become what it was meant to be.

A reflection

Jesus told people stories to help them understand how to be more loving and kind to others. One of Jesus’ stories was about a mustard seed – the smallest seed of all.

Have you ever seen a mustard seed? The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. It is so small that if you were holding one in your hand and you dropped it you would have a very hard time finding it because it is so hard to see. Even though the mustard seed is so small when it is planted in the ground, it grows into a tree large enough for birds to stand on its branches and to make their nests in it.

When you look at this little seed, before planting it in the ground, you might think it would be impossible for a seed so tiny to grow into a tree. But our God turns that tiny seed into a wonderful place for birds to come and rest and sing.

When Jesus told this parable he compared it to loving God. When children, like you, or adults begin to love Jesus, their love is like a tiny mustard seed before it is planted in the ground. It starts out very small at first. Then when you keep on listening to what Jesus says and obeying Him, then the love grows bigger and bigger. Soon it will grow like the big mustard tree. 

Thank you to those families who were able to come along and celebrate with us during this special prayerful time.

Recess and Lunch Time Update

Change of Eating Time Feedback

This year, changes were made to the school's eating schedule. The adjustments included two main changes: 1) allowing students to play before eating, and 2) scheduling their main meal during the first eating time and their snack during the second.

Feedback from staff regarding these changes was gathered recently. A significant majority (83%) of the staff expressed a preference for the new practice of having playtime before meals. Additionally, all staff members (100%) favoured the idea of students consuming their main meal during the first eating time. Staff noted that this arrangement allowed students to settle down after play and become more focused on their learning activities. It also allowed the resolution of playground disputes to occur during this time, preventing the encroachment on instructional time as in the past. 

Ongoing monitoring will focus on two key areas: assessing whether these changes positively influence playground behaviour, given that two-thirds of the staff reported no noticeable changes so far, and evaluating whether the allocated ten-minute eating times are sufficient for students to finish their meals.

Canteen Manager: Jimmy Bos has been engaged in conversations regarding these changes and is supportive of the direction. We continue to work in partnership and monitor impacts on the canteen and the supports or solutions required that ensure its effective operation. 

In conclusion, the initial feedback indicates several positive outcomes associated with the revised eating and play schedule. Therefore, this format will continue for the remainder of the year/term and will be revisited for the 2025 school year.

Parent Teacher Interviews

We have Parent Teacher Interviews scheduled for week 10.

Please see the following dates:

• Tuesday 2nd  July - Grade 4 Room 12 and Kinder Blue
• Wednesday 3rd July - All Classes
• Thursday 4th July - All Classes - Excluding Grade 4 Room 12 and Kinder Blue
• Please book an interview through Compass/Conferences

Parent Engagement Group

Our next Parent Engagement Meeting is Thursday 1st of August 9.45am - 10.30am in the staff room or via a Zoom link. Please let us know if you would like to join in on Zoom.

Uniform Shop

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Term 2 Week 8-10

Tuesday 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm

Orders placed via Qkr after 10.00 am on a Tuesday and before 10.00 am cut-off 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.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Term 3 Weeks 1-10

Open every second Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm

23rd July, 6th August, 20th August, 3rd September, 17th September

School Photo Day

Monday 1st of July

Family photos that have been booked will be taken between 8.30am and 8.55am in the MPR.

The uniform for photo day will be our current sports uniform (black shorts or tracksuit) with the rugby top on. We will provide a rugby top to any student who does not have one for their photos on the day.

Stella Stars

Sessions: 9.15 am - 10.45 am & 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm

Bookings through Facebook: Stella Stars Early Years Learning

Parking Outside of School

We understand that drop off and pick up is an extremely busy time for our families. We do ask that you be mindful of parking over the entrances of our neighbours as we have had some feedback from them regarding not being able to enter and exit their driveways when they need to.

Kindergarten 2025

If you have children ready to enrol in Kindergarten in 2025, our Kindergarten applications close on Monday 1st of July 2024. At this time, families will recieve correspondance detailing the next phase of the enrollment process. 

Please see the office for a copy of the Enrollment Application Form or download here:

Assembly Awards

Congratulations to the students who received Achievement Awards and the "Just Like Jesus" award in our recent assembly.

Our "Just Like Jesus" award recognises those who have been 'caught' treating others with extra respect.

Stella Cup

We would like like to congratulate Miss Stribbling's Grade 2 class for their positive behaviours in last weeks  assembly and showing:

 -Reverence when entering/exiting assembly

-Clapping in a responsible/respectful way (no yelling or screaming)

-Standing up/sitting down silently for the National Anthem

- Right Time Right Place (RTRP) when watching the PBS videos

Grade 4 Dance Performance

We were entertained at our last assembly by our Grade 4 students  performing a dance act.

Ms Hynes & Mrs Dranes Pilgrimage

Camino de Santiago

Ms Hynes & Mrs Drane have been having a great time on their pilgrimage walking the Camino de Santiago. They have been walking 20-30km each day and catching some incredible scenery along the way. We wish them safe travels as they complete their trip and journey home. 

Inter-schools Chess Tournament

On Friday in week 7, students from the Stella Maris chess team hosted the latest round of the inter-schools tournament. Our team successfully took out first place, which means we have an additional 3 spots available at the state finals in Term 4.

Congratulations to all involved. 

Mr Carlon

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Student Achievements

Congratulations to Leonna who achieved 1st place in the piano solo in her age category and Mia Chen for winning first place in her piano recital at the Burnie Music Eisteddfod on Monday. 

Grade 1 and 5 Buddies

Grade 5 and Grade 1 Buddies reading and drawing together!

Grade 1 Room 6 Pen Pals

Grade 2 & 6 Buddies

Grade 2 Room 7 enjoying time with their buddies and drawing portraits of each other. 

Grade 2 HIVE Excursion

Grade 2 had a wonderful time exploring the HIVE Ulverstone on their recent excursion.

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Grade 5 HIVE Excursion

On Wednesday 26th of June, The Grade 5 students travelled to The Hive in Ulverstone. We had an opportunity to watch an incredible Planetarium show and create and race our cars, as well as explore the Hive. This hands-on learning was closely related to the Space unit we have just completed in Science. This experience certainly made our learning more real than ever! 

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Fire Safety Program

Fireman Craig spent time with our students last week  educating them on the importance of being aware of fire safe procedures in the home. 

St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal

We were so grateful for all the Winter woollies and non-perishable food donations that were generously contributed by our students, families, and the wider community as part of the Stella Maris Student Representative Council Winter Appeal. The outpouring of support truly overwhelmed us, and our hearts are full knowing that these donations will help keep many families warmer this Winter.

The kindness shown by everyone and the difference made through this initiative is truly remarkable, reminiscent of the compassion exemplified by Jesus. It was a pleasure to welcome Chantelle from St Vincent de Paul to our school to receive and acknowledge our donations.

The success of our SRC Winter Appeal is a testament to the strong sense of community and compassion that we are fostering within our school. This is one meaningful endeavour we are taking part in to reach out to our community.

Mrs Wickham

TAS All Schools Cross Country

A team of 42 Stella children took part in the Tas all Schools Cross country at Symons Plains.  This statewide event hosted by TAS Athletics caters for over 2000 children aged 9-12years.  With mass starts of over 150 per age group, it is an achievement to be able to participate. Congratulations to all the Stella runners who participated in the run and enjoyed the experience.

The day was calm, cool and fantastic for cross country running.  The course is very different to the school course offering small hills, some very unseen ground and lots of runners per event.   All the Stella runners worked hard to make their way through the field. Top 10 placings went to Meg Rawnsley 7th in 11years girls and Piper Gleeson 6th 10years girls.  Full results can be accessed on the Tas Athletics website.

Thanks to our excellent bus driver, our wonderful parent support, to Mike & Varieta Makenna and Mr Armstrong.

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HART Sport Netball Championships

Congratulations to the Stella Maris team for winning the first ever NW division of the Statewide HART Primary schools netball championships.  With events taking part in Launceston and Hobart it is hoped this event will grow to in the future offering a State championship finals.

Thanks to Bonnie Bonneville for coaching , to Karen Voss for umpiring and to Duleeka Mihirani for coach support and being team photographer.

Team members
Emilie Bonneville, Chathri Sanathana, Elliot Loring, Brooke Voss, Makenzie Faulkner, Hazel Wells, Bella Kunoth, Ivy Archer, Asha Parke.

Green Team Update

The Green Team had another visit from Michelle from Bunnings Burnie who donated some supplies for our garden.  The Green Team enjoyed the beautiful sunshine today building our new garden bed and preparing the gardens for the new season. 

We have bottled up some worm juice which are for sale from Mr Carlon's room for $2 per bottle. This is great to add to your watering cans when tending the garden. 

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Important Upcoming Dates

CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR

Monday 1st July - School Photo Day

Monday 1st July - Kindergarten 2025 Applications Close

Monday 1st July - Mid Year Reports 

Tuesday 2nd July - Parent Teacher Night 1 for Gr 4 Room 12 and Kinder Blue ONLY

Wednesday 3rd July - Parent Teacher Night 1

Thursday 4th July - Parent Teacher Night 2

Friday 5th July - Last Day of Term 2

Tuesday 23rd July - First Day of Term 3

Tuesday 23rd July - Uniform Shop Open 1.00 - 3.00pm

Thursday 1st August - PEG Meeting 9.45am - 10.30am in Staff Room

Tuesday 6th August - Uniform Shop Open 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Friday 9th August - Grade 2 MRC - MRC Frozen Excursion

Friday 16th August - Prep, Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6 - MRC Frozen Excursion

Tuesday 20th August - Uniform Shop Open 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Monday 2nd September - Grade 2 & 3 Swimming Program - 2 weeks

Tuesday 3rd September - Uniform Shop Open 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Thursday 12th September - PEG Meeting 9.45am - 10.30am  Staff Room

Tuesday 20th September - Uniform Shop Open 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Saturday 21st September - BNA Winter Roster Concludes

Friday 27th September - Last Day of Term 3

Friday 4th October - Burnie Show Day (public holiday)

Tuesday 15th October - First Day of Term 4

Thursday 24th October - PEG Meeting 9.45am - Staff Room

Monday 28th October - Grade 4, 5, 6 Swimming Programs - 2 weeks

Wednesday 20th November - NW Athletics (selected students)

Friday 22nd November - All Schools Triathlon Devonport

Monday 2nd December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day

Tuesday 17th December - Last Day of Term 4: For Staff & Students

7th February - Term 1 2025 commences

10th April - Term 1 concludes

28th April - Term 2 commences

4th July - Term 2 concludes

21st July - Term 3 commences 

26th September - Term 3 concludes

13th October - Term 4 commences

18th December - Term concludes

Term Dates 2025

Outside News