Welcome to Term 3 Week 7 2024

Principal's Report

Thank you for all the support from the Parent Engagement Group (PEG) for the Father's Day Breakfast and Stall. What an amazing effort. We hope all the fathers and significant adult carers in our families had a wonderful day last Sunday :) YOU are all amazing!

RE News

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel 

Gospel - Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

Children have learned the importance of following rules. Like the Pharisees in today’s Gospel, they often bring to our attention the infractions of others. Even parents sometimes get caught off guard by their children’s observations: “Why don’t you have to go to bed at 8:00?” or “But I saw you eat a cupcake before breakfast once.” Our rules for our children are not arbitrary. We establish and enforce family rules with the intention of helping our children grow to be healthy and mature adults. We foster this maturity when we also initiate conversations with our children about the purposes behind family rules and teach them the essential values that rules help us observe.

As you gather as a family, list some of your most important family rules. Together, try to write a single, positive statement that captures the essential value behind your family rules. In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus criticise the Pharisees for making their rules about ritual purity equal to the commandments of God’s Law. Read Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23. When we remember the essential element behind our rules, we see that our rules help us be the good people that Jesus wants us to be. Conclude in prayer together that we may always honour God’s Law in our words and deeds. Pray together Sunday’s psalm, Psalm 15.

Loyola Press

Grade Level Liturgy Reflections…

Prep Liturgy

The Prep students gathered to hear the Word of God at Star of the Sea Church. The theme of
the Liturgy was Our Gifts and Talents and sharing these with others.

The word of God – Matthew 25:14–30

One day, Jesus told a story to teach people to use their gifts. A man was going on a long
journey. He called his servants to ask them to take care of his things while he was gone.
He gave the first servant five talents of money. He gave the second servant two talents. He
gave the third man one talent. Each servant was given something precious.
The first servant, with five talents, used his money and got five more. The second servant
used his two talents and made two more. The third servant dug a hole and hid the talent. He
was afraid of losing it. When the master returned, he was very happy with the first two
servants. He gave them even more things. But he was angry with the third man, because he
was lazy and did nothing. The third servant left with nothing.

A Reflection

Today, we heard about how people were given different talents. Just like in the story, each of us
has special gifts from God. Some of us are good at drawing, others at singing, or playing, or being a
friend. Each talent is like a special gift from God.
God made you unique, and that means you have something special to share with the world. Maybe you
are really good at making others smile or helping your friends. Whatever your talent is it is important and
wonderful!
Let’s remember to use our special talents to make others happy and to show God how thankful we are for
the gifts He gave us.

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

Grade Level Liturgy Reflections…

Grade 5 Liturgy

The Grade 5 students gathered to hear the Word of God at Star of the Sea Church. The theme of the Liturgy was Empathy and Kindness.

The word of God – Luke 10:30-37

Jesus said “Go and do the same”

Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way, he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’

“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbour to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

A Reflection

In the story we just heard, Jesus tells us about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On his way, he was attacked by robbers, beaten, and left on the side of the road, hurt and alone. It was a terrible situation, and he needed help.

First, a priest walked by. The priest was someone who people expected to be kind and caring, but when he saw the man, he crossed to the other side of the road and kept walking. 

Then, a Levite, another person who was respected in the community, came by. He also saw the hurt man but chose to walk away without helping.

Finally, a Samaritan came along. Now, it’s important to know that Samaritans were often looked down on and weren’t usually seen as heroes in stories. But this Samaritan did something amazing. He saw the man, and his heart was filled with empathy. He didn’t just feel sorry for him—he acted. He stopped, cleaned the man’s wounds, and bandaged them. He put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he could rest and heal. The Samaritan even paid the innkeeper to take care of the man and promised to return to cover any extra costs.

Jesus told this story to teach us something very important. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we come from, or what others think of us. What matters is how we treat others, especially those who are hurting or in need. The Samaritan showed both empathy and kindness. He felt compassion for the man and went out of his way to help him.

Celebrating Mercy

In the lead up to our school’s Mercy Feast Day in week 10, the whole school is shining a spotlight on Mercy – Kindness and Compassion. To celebrate the kindness and compassion that we see every day at Stella Maris, we are creating a kindness tree. Each time an act of kindness and compassion is seen, a blossom will be added to the branches of our kindness tree. By the end of term, we will have a blossoming tree full of examples of kindness and compassion.

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 are always welcome.

Uniform Shop

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Term 3 Weeks 1-10

Open every second Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm

 Tuesday 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 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

School Hats

Stocks are running low with school hats. As you are aware, hats are to be worn from September until April in line with the sun smart policy. There will be a grace period for children wearing non-uniform hats until the new uniform arrives in Term Four.

We appreciate your understanding while we cross over to the new uniform.

Cheryl Gration
Uniform Shop Assistant

Stella Stars

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

Bookings through Facebook: Stella Stars Early Years Learning

Naplan Results

We are very pleased to share our NAPLAN Results for 2024. As per the summary table below, our Year 3 results are outstanding and reflect the significant work undertaken in the Early Years since 2022 through new programs and teaching practices under Catholic Education's Insight project. Spelling was the only area that was not significantly above the national average and this year we have embedded Spelling Mastery, a direct instruction program in the Year 2 literacy program to further target this area. 

Our Year 5 results are in line with the national averages across all areas except Spelling. Since the beginning of 2023, Grade 3-6 students have participated in Spelling Mastery. This year, multi-age groups take place in Grade 2 and 3 and across Grades 4-6. We believe our results in the domain will continue to improve as this approach becomes embedded in the school. 

When viewing student 'growth' from Year 3 NAPLAN in 2022 to Year 5 NAPLAN in 2024 there were also pleasing results in Numeracy and Writing. Another focus area for the school will be in further supporting reading instruction from Grades 4-6. 

Student ICT Policy

Attached is the new Tasmanian Catholic Education Commission (TCEC) Student ICT Policy; the TCEC rescinded the TCEC Cyberbullying Policy as cyberbullying is built into several system-level policies, and a stand-alone policy for cyberbullying is no longer required. 

Click on this link to access TCEC policies:https://catholic.tas.edu.au/policies

Booklist Update for 2025

The school is in the process of arranging booklist orders for 2025. As communicated at the end of last year we have conducted a thorough review and audit of booklist items. Our focus has been to minimise over ordering, build consistency in approaches across the Early Years and Grades 3-6 and to ensure materials reflect recent changes in teaching practice (e.g, use of mini-whiteboards). 

Some book lists have been reduced in cost by two-thirds which will be welcomed by parents. Where practicable, we will ensure surplus from this year is passed up to the following grade level to minimise wastage. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding with this matter. 


Ben McCulloch

Deputy Principal

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 Mr House and Mrs Triffett and students from Grade 4 Room 12 for their positive behaviours in last week's  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

Father's Day

A huge thank you to our PEG committee and their team of parents who helped create a wonderful morning for our fathers and special people to enjoy breakfast with their children, it was a wonderfully supported event and the children were delighted to spend time with their special people.

The PEG committee and helpers also put together a wonderful display of gifts for students to purchase a special gift for their father or special person. 

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SRC News

Library News

MS READATHON

Congratulations on a very successful MS Readathon! This year we had a phenomenal number of points accrued across the school house colours. With students spending lunchtimes and library lessons reading away. Bringing tallies full of book titles into the school time and time again. Staff also helping out, giving their teams points with every book and chapter read. It was a lot of fun!

But there can be only one winner and it is the students from Hollows, or the Red team, who will enjoy an epic afternoon of play and an icy pole. Well done Hollows and don't despair Green, Gold and Blue - you can be proud of yourselves, there were a crazy high number of books read. 


DONATIONS WELCOME

Please remember, the Readathon is primarily a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. You can send donations into the school for the next couple of weeks or log onto the MS Readathon webpage to make a donation. 
As promised, Angelise read The Wonky Donkey to Belle last week and in doing so she helped raise funds for MS. Great job girls.

Drama News

Bernie’s performance!

This afternoon, we were privileged to have Bernie, an entertainer, perform for us! He was absolutely sensational. Bernie performed Polynesian and Maori dances such as the Haka which represents pride, strength, and unity. He also presented us the poi, which is weights on the end of tethers that are used for dances and storytelling. Bernie introduced a native hula hoop dance from native America. All of the hula hoops represented a challenge in life that you can overcome, making it a very sacred part of their culture. Finally, Bernie taught us a Polynesian clapping game that he teaches to every school. It was very catchy and fun. We will remember the strong messages that Bernie presented as we head into high school. Thank you Bernie!  

Your friendly school captains, Stevie and Lennon.

School Visitors

Djucker

This year, we have been very blessed to have many visitors come to our school. One of these visitors was Djucker, an Aboriginal artist, who came to show us his skills and to talk about his heritage. He played the didgeridoo and showed us some dances that represented the emu, kangaroo and eagle. Djucker also told us about his childhood and his life growing up with his brothers. 

Djucker grew up experiencing and sharing his culture. His Dad was a cultural teacher across Australia and he believes that it is up to us to share our own family's stories.

Djucker taught us a lot about Aboriginal history and another way to dance and sing. At Stella Maris, we continue to grow and learn. Thank you Djucker.

Your friendly SRC members - Elliott and Jenson     

Active Squirts Kindergarten Program

This term Kinder have been participating in the ‘Active Squirts’ program during our weekly Purple Time (Kinder Blue + Kinder Red) sessions.

‘Active Squirts’ promotes physical activity and gives children the opportunity to learn about healthy food choices while going on theme-based adventures.

We have had lots of fun moving and learning with Ms Karlin, while using our imaginations to transform ourselves into dinosaurs and superheroes.

Grade 1 Room 6 Pen Pals

Grade 1 Room 6 were very excited to receive responses from our Pen Pals in Zambia. We look forward to continuing this connection and writing back again before the end of Term 3.

Green Team News

The Green Team has been busy harvesting our produce and getting the gardens ready for the warmer months. Last Friday we had a great harvest of silverbeet, spinach, rainbow chard and radish. Members of the Green Team took some home and we shared the rest with families and staff. We still have plenty of worm juice available for $2 a bottle, which is great to add when you are watering your garden. 

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 Noah, Abel and Elijah Fitzmaurice! They wanted to tell the school of their achievements over the weekend. They competed in the Tasmanian Submission Championships in Devonport, Noah achieving 1st and 2nd place, Abel 2nd and 4th, Elijah 1st and 2nd.

Outside News

Important Upcoming Dates

CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR

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

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

Friday 20th September - Grade 6 Metro Burnie Cinemas Excursion

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

17th December - Term concludes - Final day for students & teachers

Parent Resources

Outside News