Welcome to Term 4 Week 3 2024
Principal's Report
Dear Families,
Thank you for supporting Monday's fantastic Stella Maris Art Exhibition, What Artists Do, curated by Lynne Fergusson. What a tremendous turnout of families, staff and friends of Stella Maris Catholic School. We would like to thank local artist Partick Grieve for opening the exhibition. Our appreciation extends to our Arts Department team, which includes Lynne Fergusson, Varieta McKenna, Ali French, and their many helpers—a big shout-out to the young team of five former Stella Maris students for their hospitality support: Amara, Chia, Elsie, Lucy and Sophia. Thank you, Marist Regional College, for loaning the display boards. It was a great evening to unite as a community to showcase and celebrate our talented students and staff.
RE News
Reflection on the Sunday Gospel
Gospel - Mark 10:46-52
Jesus restores sight to the blind man, Bartimaeus
Sunday’s Gospel offers us a powerful example of faith and persistence in prayer. Those around him rebuked Bartimaeus for his efforts to attract Jesus’ attention. When silenced by the crowd, however, Bartimaeus called out all the more. He is persistent and bold in his confidence that Jesus will show mercy on him and do what he asks. His persistence and great confidence that Jesus would help him remind us of the confidence with which our children bring to us their needs. In their faith and trust, we can find an example of the attitude with which we might approach God in prayer.
As a family, recall a request that has been made repeatedly by one family member to another. Talk about why the request continues to be made if the answer continues to be no. Then read together today’s Gospel, Mark 10:46-52. After reading the Gospel, pose questions such as these to your family: Why must Bartimaeus be persistent in calling out to Jesus? (Some people in the crowd are telling him to be quiet.) What does Bartimaeus do when some try to stop him? (He calls out to Jesus all the more.) When Jesus stops and calls for him, what does Jesus do and say? (He restores Bartimaeus’s sight; Jesus tells Bartimaeus his faith has saved him.) When we pray, God wants us to be so confident he will help us that we don’t permit anyone to keep us from bringing our needs to God in prayer.
Grandparents Day 2024
The school was abuzz with excitement as we celebrated Grandparent's Day. It was heartwarming to see the children eagerly engaging with their grandparents, creating cherished moments together. The classrooms were filled with the sounds of laughter and joy as the generations bonded over board games, hand massages, art and craft projects, and captivating storytelling.
We are deeply grateful to all the wonderful grandparents who visited our school. It was truly a remarkable turnout! Your presence brought immense happiness to our students, and we hope you enjoyed making lasting memories with your grandchildren just as much as they did. Thank you for being a part of this special celebration!
Stella Stars
Sessions: 9.15 am - 10.45 am & 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm
Bookings through Facebook: Stella Stars Early Years Learning
Uniform Update
It is wonderful to see the new uniform starting to transition into the school. We have welcomed feedback on its quality, comfort, and presentation and are currently working with Midford to explore an additional/alternate-fitting shape for the polo top to ensure comfort and presentability for all students.
As the remaining items (i.e., track jacket) become available, we will update you.
Fitting Appointments
Wednesday 5th November 10.30 am - 5.00 pm
The booking link is available via your Compass App
We will publish future dates for fittings via Compass as they become available
Grade 5 Students - Graduate Jacket Fittings
Monday 11th and Monday 18th of November 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
The booking link is available via your Compass App
Kindergarten 2025 Fittings
Will be held on orientation days in November (15th, 22nd & 29th November)
Please keep an eye out via your emails and Compass for further details next week
Coins For Cambodia
Grade two is organising a coin drive to raise money to help those less fortunate than us.
Please bring coins and fill up your Mercy box in your classroom.
Grade 5 Camp
Last Monday, Year Five set off on their three-day camp to Camp Banksia in Port Sorell. When they arrived, they were tested with their first team-building activity, delivered by Mrs D. They were tasked to create a recyclable materials bridge that withstood the weight of some everyday objects. After playing on the AMAZING playground at the facility, the group went bowling, where they were tasked with earning points for their cabin by competing against others from different rooms. No one seemed exhausted by the time bedtime came around, as there were many conversations and laughs once lights out had been called.
On Tuesday, the group headed off to Tasmazia, where they split into different groups and worked their way through nine different mazes. At the time the group was meant to be leaving, the Variety TasBash cars were heading past. Some stopped while most honked their horns and waved to the students. What a special treat! We played some more games and had karaoke in the afternoon before settling in to watch a movie that night. Again, everyone seemed to have plenty of energy when lights out were called, having many laughs and creating lots of memories. On Wednesday, the students did a remarkable job of cleaning their rooms and headed off to Wings Wildlife Park. Each student got to feed some of the animals and even danced with the marmosets!
All in all, it was such a great trip and the kids behaved fantastically. We are so proud of their politeness and how they listened and followed instructions. A big thank you goes to Mrs D, Ms Gibson, Ms Hynes, Jeremy, Keira and Aleisha for accompanying us on our trip. Your supervision, guidance and laughs were much appreciated by all students and staff.
Mrs Hart and Miss Bradley
Stella Maris Art Exhibition
Thank you to all who came along to our highly successful Art Exhibition "What Artists Do". It was attended by hundreds of families during opening night and the days following.
A great big congratulations must go to Mrs Lynne Fergusson for curating the exhibition.
Lynne's vision was for each child to see their own work displayed and valued as equally as those pieces around it.
Children are born with creativity and imagination. Lynne's aim over the past 23 years has been to nurture, foster and develop that natural talent and make children aware of their artistic potential, which we have seen during this Exhibition.
Grandparents & Special Person Day
How wonderful it was to have so many grandparents and significant others join us last week to celebrate the special bonds they have with their grandchildren. The children loved showing their grandparents their school and classrooms, and the grandparents enjoyed their hand massages, playing board games and sharing stories.
State Chess Finals
Stella Maris Chess Team Shines at State Finals in Hobart
Ten students from The Stella Maris Chess Team recently showcased their skills and dedication at the State Finals held in Hobart, where they finished an impressive 11th out of 25 schools competing. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and commitment throughout the year, as they battled against 170 schools in total to earn their spot in the finals.
The State Finals provided an excellent opportunity for the team to compete against some of the best chess players in the state, allowing them to refine their skills and gain experience in high-pressure situations. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as each match unfolded.
As the team reflects on their journey, they are eager to build on this experience for future competitions. Their dedication to the game and sportsmanship has not only made them proud representatives of Stella Maris but has also inspired younger students to take an interest in chess.
Congratulations to the Stella Maris Chess Team for their outstanding performance at the State Finals! We look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the coming seasons. Mr Carlon.
Hurricane Cricket Day
Our children were treated to a fun session with the Tasmanian Hurricanes on Wednesday, learning new skills in the glorious sunshine.
A big thank you to the Hurricanes for making time to visit our Stella students.
Schools Cricket Blast Program
* Cricket TAS would like to run a Cricket Blast Program at Stella Maris
* Afterschool Program commencing at 3.05 pm until 4 pm
* $75 for a 6-week program commencing on Wednesday 6th November - Wednesday 11th December
* All gear supplied by Cricket TAS
Outside News
Important Upcoming Dates
CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR
Monday 28th October - Grade 4, 5, 6 Swimming Programs - 2 weeks
Monday 4th November - Recreation Day Public Holiday
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th November - NW BTas Schools Championships (selected students)
Monday 18th November - Grade 1 Movie & Park Excursion
Wednesday 20th November - NW Athletics (selected students)
Thursday 21st November - Kinder Red & Grade 3/9 Teddy Bears Picnic Excursion
Friday 22nd November - All Schools Triathlon Devonport
Wednesday 27th November - PREP Wings Wildlife Excursion
Thursday 28th November - Grade 4 Movie Excursion
Thursday 28th November - Kinder Blue & Grade 3/10 Teddy Bears Picnic Excursion
Friday 29th November - It Takes A Spark STEM (Selected Students)
Monday 2nd December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day
Monday 9th December - Book Packs Home with Children
Monday 9th December - End of Year Reports Home
Tuesday 10th December - Grade 6 Fun Day
Thursday 12th December - End of Year Concert 2024
Friday 13th December - Grade 6 Awards Assembly
Monday 16th December - Grade 6 Liturgy and Dinner Celebrations
Tuesday 17th December - Last Day of Term 4: - Final Day for students & teachers
2025
Friday 7th February - Term 1 2025 commences
Monday 10th March - Eight Hour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 10th April - Term 1 concludes
Monday 28th April - Term 2 commences
Monday 9th June - Kings Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 4th July - Term 2 concludes
Tuesday 22nd July - Term 3 commences
Friday 26th September - Term 3 concludes
Tuesday 14th October - Term 4 commences
Monday 3rd November - Recreation Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 17th December - Term 4 concludes - Final day for students & teachers
Outside News
