Welcome to Term 3 Week 5 2024

Principal News

Twenty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Gospel Reading
John 6:60-69
Simon Peter confesses his faith that Jesus alone has the words of the eternal life.

Family Connection

When a child is baptised, the parents speak on behalf of the child in professing the faith in which the child is to be baptised. The parents promise to teach their child this faith so that they may one day accept this faith as his or her own. In the example of Simon Peter, we learn that each person must also make his or her own profession of faith in Jesus as the one sent by God to save us. We pray for our children as they mature in the faith that they may learn that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life and that they may choose to follow the way of Christian discipleship.

As you gather as a family, talk about the promise that parents make at their child’s baptism to teach their child about Jesus and the faith of the Church. Talk about the importance of this promise to your family and about some of the things that you are doing to try to honour this commitment. In Sunday’s Gospel we hear Simon Peter speak about what he has come to believe about Jesus. Together read Sunday’s Gospel, John 6:60-69. Pray together that each person in our family will grow in his or her faith that Jesus is the one sent by God who alone has the words of eternal life. Pray together the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed.

Ref: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/

RE News

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel – Gospel - Jn 6:51-58

Jesus teaches that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever.

Our faith teaches us that when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, Jesus himself is present to us. Through the actions of the Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is what we mean by the word transubstantiation. Jesus makes himself present to all who receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

If there are children in your family who have already celebrated their First Communion, invite them to share their memories of this special day. If you have family photos from this occasion, bring them out and share them. Adults in the family may also share memories or photos of their First Communion. Then read together today’s Gospel, John 6:51-58. Reflect together on what Jesus means when he calls himself the “living bread.” Recall that every time we receive the Eucharist, Jesus keeps the promise he made in today’s Gospel. Perhaps family members can share what it means for them to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Together, thank God for this gift of Holy Communion. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer or today’s psalm.

Loyola Press

Grade Level Liturgy Reflections…

Grade 3 Liturgy

The Grade 3 students gathered to hear the Word of God at Star of the Sea Church with Fr. John. The theme of the Liturgy was celebrating the gift of Jesus and asking God to help us be more like Him.

The word of God – Luke 19:1-10

The Story of Zacchaeus

He entered Jericho and was passing through. ² And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. ³ And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. ⁴ So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. ⁵ And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. ⁷ And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” ⁸ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.” ⁹ And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.”

A reflection

              Jesus is a friend of children. He shows us how to treat others.

              Lord, we ask you to,

              Help us to get on well with our brothers and sisters.

              Help us to listen to our parents.

              Keep us interested in our work.

              Help us to make new friends.

              Comfort us when we are sad.

              Help us to be sorry when we are cranky.

              Help us to forgive when someone hurts us and

              Help us to love ourselves.

Thank you to Fr. John and all the families that came to celebrate the word of God with us.

Grade Level Liturgy Reflections…

Grade 4 Liturgy

The Grade 4 students gathered to hear the Word of God at Star of the Sea Church with Fr. John. The theme of the Liturgy was planting the seeds of growth.

The word of God – Matthew 13:31-32, 3-9

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."

"Then he told them many things in parables (which are like stories that teach us a moral lesson), saying: 'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no roots. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seeds fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred times what was sown. 

A reflection

 Just as Jesus taught us with the parable of the mustard seed, today we will plant seeds to remind us of our own growth. The soil represents the foundation laid by our families and teachers. They have nurtured us with love, wisdom, and knowledge, preparing us for new growth.

When we plant a seed, it begins to grow into a plant. This plant needs good soil, water, sunlight, and care to become strong and healthy. Similarly, as students, you have been given a strong foundation through the lessons, values, and love from your families and past teachers.

Now, as you continue to grow, you must start to act your age and take on new responsibilities. Just as a plant reaches toward the sky, you should aim to reach new heights in your behaviour and actions. Be role models of good behaviour, showing kindness and respect to others. Stand up for what is right, just as a plant stands tall and firm.

Support your friends and classmates, helping them grow just as the branches of a tree support birds and provide shelter. Display the qualities of Jesus in your everyday life—show love, patience, and forgiveness. Remember, the values you have learned from the Bible are like the sunlight and water that help your seed grow.

Catholic Education Week

The Grade 6 students were invited along to attend Mass with His Grace, Archbishop Julian Porteous to celebrate Catholic schools in Tasmania.

The focus and celebration of this years Catholic Education week was Joyful in hope, faithful in prayer.

The Grade 6 students represented the school with reverence and grace.

Parent Engagement Group

Thank you to the parents that were able to make our recent meeting.

Our next meeting will be in the staff room on Thursday, 12th September 3.15pm - 4pm.

New members always welcome.

Uniform Shop

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Term 3 Weeks 1-10

Open every second Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm

3rd September, 17th September

Alternatively, orders can be collected after 11.00 am on Tuesday during opening times.

Uniform Update

22nd August 2024

Dear Parent & Guardians

We are excited to announce that our new Stella Maris Uniform will be available from mid-October. Below is an attached to a welcome letter from Midford. 

Uniform Design 

Please see attached our final design which includes the addition of a beanie. Our intended timeline was pushed out by several weeks due to design amendments made in the final stages of the review.

Uniform Shop 

Midford will offer online shopping as well as an in store option in East Devonport. Stella Maris will also hold a line of each clothing item in all sizes in our current uniform shop for families to access for sizing purposes. 

Prior to the beginning of the school year in 2025, Midford will also open a ‘Pop Up’ shop for two weeks at Stella Maris to assist with ease of purchasing the new uniform. 

Uniform Policy 

The school is currently working on a revised uniform policy to accompany the launch of our new uniform. This will be released prior to the end of Term 3. 

Stock & Old Uniform 

The school is working with a church group to arrange the donation of stock from the previous uniforms to primary schools in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. There will likely be an opportunity for clean, good condition used uniforms to be returned to school later in the year to be included in the shipment. 

Change-over Period 

A reminder that there is over a two year period to transition into the new uniform.  This extended period will allow time for families to acquire the necessary uniform items and adjust to the new dress code. 

For your reference see key correspondence below that outlines timelines and transition periods which now come into effect from Term 4, 2024.  

Kind regards,

Stella Maris Leadership Team

Father's Day

Father's Day Breakfast & Stalls

Thursday 29th August

Breakfast 8:00 am – 9:00 am

The Parent Engagement Group would appreciate it if you could please bring along a plate of food to share for breakfast.

Children are welcome to join their fathers or significant other for breakfast, a game or a chat. 

Please RSVP via Google Form. See link below.

https://forms.gle/4jB9SYKhT6SmrWVX9

Stalls 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Following breakfast, the Parent Engagement Group will be hosting a Father's Day stall where children can buy gifts. 

The gifts will be $5.00 each, with a limit of 2 gifts per child. Please send children with the appropriate money. Funds should be in an envelope clearly marked with your child's name.

Children will be invited to return at the end of the day to spend any left over money they may have.

Volunteers

We would be very appreciative of any time parents and carers could spare to help the day run smoothly from 8.00 am - 1.20 pm on the 29th of August. Please let our office team know if you are available. If you are able to assist and have not already done so this year, please call into the office to complete our Volunteer Safety Briefing prior to the 29th of August.

Stella Stars

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

Bookings through Facebook: Stella Stars Early Years Learning

Assembly Awards

Just Like Jesus 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 Kennedy, Mrs Mckenna and students from Grade 3 Room 10 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

School Captains 

Congratulations to Stevie Turnbull and Lennon Reynolds-Hamisi who will be our school captain for

Term 3 and 4.

Grade 5 Drama Performance

We were all entertained at our last assembly by Mrs Robertson's drama students who performed Tu Tu The Spectacular. 

Gone Green Award

Congratulations Chanu & Sanvi for earning your  'Gone Green' award for consistently answering all times tables facts in lesson than 4 seconds!

SRC News

Our SRC had another busy day last week making hot chocolates for all to enjoy. 

Funds raised will go toward building our new Gaga Pit which has been ordered. 

Thank you to Mrs Wickham and the SRC for organising. 

Library News

AUTHOR VISIT

This week we welcomed Author/Illustrator Christina Booth into our school and each grade enjoyed a Q&A session followed by a story. 

Christina's thoughtful stories, her picture books, vary from a noisy rooster, Kip, who annoys the neighbours all day long; to a bag of wartime potatoes a family receives by trading their piano. She writes about purinina, or Tasmanian devils, thylacines and whales to name a few. She illustrates her own and others' books.

Through Christina, our students learnt about the process of making books, how to grow an idea and how to draw. Christina encouraged students to keep storytelling alive, in whatever form they can. 

She was impressed with how beautifully our students behaved. 

Thank you Christina for helping us celebrate Book Week and CBCA Tasmania Branch for supporting Christinas program!

BOOK WEEK READERS

Thank you to everyone who visited this week to read to the students. You create a simple magic by reading to a child. To share that magic is something special. 

We enjoyed a visit from Mayor Mrs Brumby last week who visited many classes throughout last week to read a story, and then helped us present some awards at our assembly. 

MS READATHON

All of our students, from Kinder to Grade 6, have been given a MS READATHON form, to record their books read.

This year, as the students will tell you, there are many incentives to complete the Readathon, but our key incentive is to get our students interested in reading.

In our current world of texting, emails and Internet, being literate is more important than ever. Once a child starts reading for fun, that child is set to succeed.

But how do we get them to read for fun? We talk to them, sing to them and we read to them. Even if they think they’re too big and we think we’re too busy.

Children's author, Mem Fox says reading aloud to children exposes them to print and language and general knowledge: the three secrets to becoming good readers.

That’s why our students have been given a tally for the MS Readathon and asked to write down every book they read as well as every book that is read to them.

MS READATHON FUNDRAISING

The MS Readathon is also an important fundraiser.

Go to https://www.msreadathon.org.au/join/stellamariscatholicprimaryschooltasmania to register your child. Thank you to all of the families who have already registered.

BOOK WEEK PARADE

Thank you to all families and staff for your efforts in contributing to the success of our Book Week 2024 Parade. The school corridors were full of excitement this morning, the weather was perfect and it was wonderful to see so many families come along to enjoy the parade this morning. 

A big thank you to our librarian Mrs Tanya Boon, who has worked very hard to ensure Book Week was a huge success, we are very grateful to Mrs Boon. 

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Jump Rope For Heart

Jump Rope for Heart kicks off this term at Stella Maris!

Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s primary school skipping challenge that helps kids move more, have fun, and raise funds for life-saving research and programs.

This year we’ve got an audacious goal to see our student Heart Heroes at Stella Maris to log 40 hours of skipping throughout the program!

Register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be skipping throughout weeks 5,6,7 & 8 in PE lessons, play breaks and at lunch and recess, during this time you can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause.

We will hold our school Jump Off Day on 13/9/2024 (further details to follow), this will mark the end of the program and is a chance for everyone to come together to skip and show off their newly learned skills.  During assembly on that day a team will present a display of skipping skills.

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Samika and Anna who represented Tasmania recently in the National Primary School Tennis Championships 2024 - Darwin. Such a wonderful experience for the girls and recognition of  the dedication to their sport. 

Grade 1 Room 6

Grade 1 Room 6's pen pal letters have arrived in Africa!

We are living out the gospel and caring for others, just as Jesus did.

Science Week

Science Week 2024! 

More than just sustainability. 

Happy Science Week everyone! This is a little update on our Design and Technology activities in the S.T.E.M. Room at Stella Maris. Our student learning brings to life skills like collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking. We want everyone to be equipped for the jobs of tomorrow! 

Sustainable tree house.

Trees are really important for our planet and for us too! They have superpowers that help make our lives better and healthier. 

Imagine that you are given an unlimited budget to design and build your dream treehouse. What would your treehouse look like? What special features would you include to make your treehouse unique? Our students learned about different native tree species and designed a sustainable treehouse.

Train to Code!

Intelino delivers learning in an original, yet very familiar way - with a programmable robotic train! It’s intuitive and not intimidating for students and teachers alike. Through colour coding students learn the foundation of programming. It’s sure to keep our students engaged and eager to learn!

Wings and Wildlife

Have you ever wondered how a plane weighing thousands of pounds can stay in the air? Have you ever stood in amazement of birds in flight and questioned why they can fly but wondered why we can’t? In this unit students discovered how air interacts with the world around us and how moving air can even support things in flight!

It is all electric!

Electricity is remarkably different from all other types of energy. We can’t hold it in our hands, and we can’t see it directly. Yet, it can accomplish incredible work! Our students have discovered how every day electronic devices work.

Mastering isometric drawing

With the very durable and recyclable ‘SPLAT’ tool our student’ architects discover hands-on engineering design projects that support students to identify 3D objects and to construct and add design elements.

Earthquake Engineering Challenge

With scientists predicting a possible ‘megaquake' in other parts of the world last week we focussed on designing an earthquake resistant building that can withstand the tremors of an earthquake.

Our students used two or more design strategies to minimise the impact of the earth shaking during an earthquake.

The students came up with some remarkable solutions. They applied symmetry, strong columns and X-bracing into their designs. Their designs were tested on the Earthquake Shake Table.

Learn to Code

Learn to code by drawing, using blocks, or writing JavaScript text with the Sphero Bolt. You may have a younger sibling who enjoys copying you, or maybe you are that younger sibling who likes to mimic your older sibling. Either way, we’re not the only ones who mimic-animals also copy the behaviour or appearance of other species.In this task students used block programming to program the Sphero robot to mimic the way an animal moves, looks, and sounds.

Wiebren Veenstra

Design and Technology Teacher

Chess News

The Stella Maris Chess Club has been lucky enough to have Jonty from Black Square Chess come and run weekly coaching sessions. This is in preparation for the State Finals, which will be held in Hobart in October. Everyone in the team is working hard to learn new strategies and techniques. 

MRC Frozen Excursion

Reflection from Leona Yap & Adelynn van Tholen (Year 3) 

La, la, la! Woohoo! Do you like music? If you do, you will definitely love the Frozen musical. It was phenomenal! I went with my class last friday to see the Marist students perform with character and feeling, at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre.

It took me to paradise as they sang like professionals. After they sang an angelic song, two girls acted out as Anna and Elsa. The first setting was in the castle. Elsa covered the castle with white snow, but accidentally struck Anna with a magic strike. They had to call on the healing trolls…who healed Anna with their magic.

A few lonely years later, it was coronation day. Elsa was very worried about the ceremony, but she made it through without any ice or snow. Alas, her sister spoiled it when she asked for a blessing of marriage for a man she had just met! With that, she made an eternal winter, in the middle of summer.

A couple of days later, Anna found Elsa in a majestic ice castle. By that time, she had gathered some friends, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf (the snowman). But when Anna went in she started annoying Elsa, so Elsa struck Anna in the heart. The only thing that can fix a frozen heart is true love. Kristoff helped Anna down the mountain to her true love - Prince Hanz. When she arrived, Prince Hanz locked her in a cold room. But Olof saved her by picking the lock with his carrot nose. Else then gave her a hug, which unfroze her.

I thought Frozen was absolutely incredible!

Outside News

Parent Resources

Important Upcoming Dates

CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR

Friday 23rd August - Dockers Cup Competition begins (4 weeks on Fridays)

Wednesday 28th August - Prep Liturgy

Thursday 29th August - Kinder Students Fathers Day Celebrations

Thursday 29th August - Fathers Day Breakfast & Stall

Friday 30th August - Grade 5 Marist School Visit

Monday 2nd September - Grade 2 & 3 Swimming Program - 2 weeks Excluding Tuesday 3rd & 10th

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

Wednesday 4th of September - Grade 5 Liturgy

Monday 9th September - Inter School Chess - Selected Students

Thursday 12th September - PEG Meeting 3.15pm - 4.00pm - Staff Room

Thursday 12th September - Kinder Liturgy

Tuesday 17th September - Uniform Shop Open 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Wednesday 18th September - Grade 1 Liturgy

Thursday 19th September - Kinder Wonder Walk

Saturday 21st September - BNA Winter Roster Concludes

Monday 23rd September - Grade 6 - Camp Banksia - 2 nights

Wednesday 25th September - Whole school Mercy Feast Mass

Thursday 26th September - Footy Colours Day

Friday 27th September - Last Day of Term 3

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

Tuesday 15th October - First Day of Term 4

Monday 21st October - Grade 5 - Camp Banksia - 2 nights

Monday 21st October - State Chess Finals Hobart (selected students)

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

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

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th November - NW BTas Schools Championships (selected students)

Wednesday 20th November - NW Athletics (selected students)

Friday 22nd November - All Schools Triathlon Devonport

Monday 2nd December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day

Thursday 12th December - End of Year Concert 2024

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

Outside News

Families and Friends, get ready to dive into the heart of our vibrant community at our upcoming NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK event on Sunday 25 August!

This isn't just any gathering, MINI MAKERX is a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and hands-on fun that celebrates the unique spirit of our region.

In line with this year's National Science Week theme, "...species survival" we're putting our adorable local little penguins in the limelight.  To register, go to utas.edu.au/mini-makerx