Welcome to Term 2 Week 4 2025

Principal Report

Dear Families,

We are pleased to announce that Mrs Abbey Wagner will join Stella Maris Catholic School as our new STEM Teacher (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Mrs Wagner will commence on Tuesday, June 3rd, and teach classes each Tuesday and Thursday from Tuesday, June 10th. Congratulations, Abbey, we look forward to working with you very soon.

A big shout out to the Parent Engagement Group (PEG) for another successful Mother’s Day Breakfast and stall. Providing this for our Stella Maris Catholic School community is a blessing, and the group of volunteers that come together to enable this event to occur is fantastic. There is always a lot of preparation in the months before, which we would like to acknowledge too.

With just over 14 weeks until Father’s Day 2025 (Sunday, September 7th), I can attest that the PEG is already in full swing with ordering items for the Father’s Day stall. Please keep Thursday, September 4th, free for our super Father’s Day Breakfast, 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. in the MPR. 

Our Vision at Stella Maris Catholic School is to Be Brave, Curious and Kind, just like Jesus. A reminder to be kind to our students and families by entering and exiting the school through the correct driveway. The safety of our students and families is a priority, and this requires road rules to be followed, even when driving on our school site. Thank you for understanding.

Congratulations to all the students and families involved in the Burnie Musical Society’s Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR. What a commitment and outstanding achievement! We are super proud of you all.

Have a great week.  

Ms Hynes 

Principal

Learning & Teaching Updates

Preliminary NAPLAN Results

We are very pleased to share our Preliminary NAPLAN Results for 2025. Across Grades 3 and 5, initial data indicates that each of these cohorts are achieving an average result of ‘strong’ across the domains of Reading, Grammar and Punctuation, Spelling, and Numeracy. As more data is released, we will continue to update you on our results. 

Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 

Recently, some of our Grade 3 and 4 students had the opportunity to participate in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. This is a fun and engaging international Mathematical challenge involving over 2.9 million students from 60 countries. We will congratulate the participants at our next assembly and present them with a certificate. Well done to all of those who participated!

Student Free Days

Friday 23rd May: Discernment Day  

This year, Stella Maris is a Wave One school implementing a new approach to strategic planning. To support this process, Catholic Education Tasmania has mandated a student-free day for staff to work collaboratively. 

Friday 6th June: Report Writing/Planning Day

Due to the new Enterprise Agreement, Catholic Education Tasmania has mandated a student-free day for report writing and planning. 

RE News

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel

Jn 13:31-35

Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: love one another.

Is love the first word your family members use to describe their interactions? Love is difficult. Jesus' sacrifice for us is an example of this. Yet because of love, the glory of God is fully revealed in Jesus. God's glory is revealed in us when we act as the Body of Christ, as individuals and as a community. In the love we have for one another—difficult, challenging, sacrificial love—we find Jesus.

Choose one or two occasions when your family was together during the week. Describe the family's interactions from an outsider's perspective. When is it less difficult to show love to family members? When is it more difficult? When love is difficult, what do we do?

Jesus didn't just tell us to love one another. He showed us how to love one another. In what ways did Jesus show us how to love? (in his acts of healing and forgiving; at the Last Supper as he washed his disciples' feet; in the gift of the Eucharist; through his death on the Cross)

Loyola Press

Project Compassion 2025

Lent, in particular, is a sacred time for us as Catholics to deepen our prayer life, practice self-discipline by making sacrifices, and extend kindness to those in need. These acts of devotion can take many forms, ranging from significant commitments to small yet meaningful gestures. Project Compassion provides us with an opportunity to focus on almsgiving—supporting those less fortunate. Each family received a Project Compassion box to collect spare change, which will be used to assist others in need.

Now that the season of Lent has concluded, we ask that all Caritas boxes be returned by the end of the week. All monies donated by the families in our school will be forwarded to Caritas Australia to assist in providing support for those in need.

Thank you all for your generous donations

Prep Liturgy

Prep children and their families gathered in prayer to celebrate Mary and Mothers.

The children listened to a story about Mary and then spent some time wondering –

I wonder what Mary was like as a little girl?

I wonder why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

I wonder how Mary felt about being the mother of Jesus?

I wonder how our mothers are like Mary?

How are our mums like Jesus?

How can we show we are thankful for all that our mums do for us?

The children then offered special prayers to God for our mums and other significant women

in our lives and prayed the Hail Mary.

Thank you to all those who could join us in this special prayer experience.

Grade 4 Liturgy

Grade 4 students and families joined together in St. Anne’s Hall to celebrate the word of God. Their focus on the liturgy was Family.

The students listened to the Gospel of Matthew -

"Then people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples questioned him. Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there."

Participants then spent some time reflecting on the word from God –

"Daniel’s Special Gift"

Daniel was a boy who sometimes got annoyed with his younger sister, Emily. She would borrow his toys without asking and always wanted to follow him around. One day, Daniel got really upset when Emily accidentally broke his favourite toy car. He shouted at her and stomped off to his room.

That evening, their grandmother told them a story about how Jesus always welcomed children and taught everyone to forgive. She said, “Families are like a garden. If we only focus on the little weeds—like small mistakes and annoyances—we miss seeing the beautiful flowers of love, laughter, and kindness.”

Daniel thought about this and decided to forgive Emily. The next morning, he found a little box on his pillow. Inside was a note from Emily that said, "I'm sorry, Daniel. I love you." She had placed her favourite teddy bear inside as a gift. Daniel smiled and gave her a big hug.

Later that week, Daniel noticed that his mum looked really tired after a long day at work. Remembering what his grandmother had said, he decided to do something kind. He helped set the table for dinner without being asked and even cleaned up afterwards. His mum was so grateful and gave him a big hug, saying, "Thank you, Daniel. That means so much to me."

Over time, Daniel realised that family is not just about being together but about loving and supporting each other, just as Jesus taught us. Every small act of kindness, no matter how simple, helps to build a stronger, happier family.

Children were challenged to take the messages from the Gospel and try really hard to help out more at home.

School Awards

Stella Cup

We would like to congratulate Miss Bradley and her students from Grade 5 Room 14 for their positive behaviours in last week's  assembly and showing: 

 -Reverence when entering/exiting the 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

Parent Engagement Group

We would like to thank all families who supported our Mother’s Day Stall. We loved seeing the children making decisions with love to provide a gift for their mother on Mother’s Day. The fundraising will assist with making ongoing purchases that will be of benefit to our children.

Thank you to the mothers and children who were able to attend the Mother’s Day Morning Tea. It was wonderful to see the Multi-Purpose Room filled with love and laughter. 

We would like to acknowledge the local businesses that provided support to our Mother’s Day Stall.

• Coles Burnie
• Banjos Burnie
• Kmart Burnie
• Rosey Walker
• Kazie Jo
• Emma Burr
• Tracey Turner
• Cassie House
• Roylene Dyson
• Pat Bisset
• Sam Galpin
• Lorraine
• Kym (Photographer)
• Kirsty Mansson

Thank you also to the Stella Maris Staff for their help with preparing and supporting the Parent Engagement Group. We would like to thank Noah for taking the photos.

The Parent Engagement Group would like to thank those who assisted with setting up, running the stall, or cooking for the event. A particular thanks to Floe, Sam G, Beck, Carla, Rosey, Jo, Jenny (Jo Mummy), Courtney, Alysha, Kazie-Jo, Kirsty, Jenna W, Laine, Kat and Kendra.

Regards
Parent Engagement Group

Next Meeting

The next meeting of our Parent Engagement Group will be on August 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the staff room. 

Stella Stars

Sessions for 2025 

Every Wednesday 9.15 am - 10.45 am and  12.00 pm - 1.30 pm 

See our Facebook Stella Stars Early Years Learning for more information

Uniform Update & Ordering

New Uniform Items Available

We are pleased to introduce the following additional uniform items, now available for purchase:

• Navy tights (to be worn under skorts) – $15
• Legionnaires hat – $20
• Art smocks – $15
• Beanies - Midford to advise us of the estimated time of arrival, not currently in stock
• Longer Socks - Arrival 10--12 weeks

Please note: Specialty orders are to be made directly through Midford.

Stella Maris Shop

• The uniform shop will be open every Monday from 2:30 to 3.30 p.m. This will allow families to try on stock and then order online.

Midford East Devonport Trading Hours:

Orders are processed online, through their Website: https://www.midford.com.au

• Monday 8.30 am - 12.30 pm
• Wednesday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
• Friday 8.30 am - 12.30 pm
• Saturday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
• If you have any ordering enquiries or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Midfords at info@midford.com.au or 0410684589.
  

National Walk Safely To School Day

Last Friday, our students enjoyed a crisp morning walk to school for National Walk Safely To School Day. This annual event encourages children to walk and commute safely to school, promoting road safety, health, and environmental awareness.

Thank you to Mr Carlon, Miss Denman, Mrs S and Mrs Armstrong for supervising the morning walk.

Green Team News

Our Green Team have been enjoying the Autumn sunshine and the growth of their new seedlings.

NW All Schools Athletics

What a fantastic day at the NW Combined Cross Country! Our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and school spirit from start to finish. They tackled the course with enthusiasm and represented our school with pride.

Special congratulations to Piper Gleeson, Meg Rawnsley, and Druss McKenna for their outstanding individual performances. Each took first place in their events! What an incredible achievement!

A big thank you to Mike and Varieta McKenna, and Liz Murton for their invaluable help setting up and running the event. Your support made the day run smoothly and successfully.

Selected students will represent Stella Maris at the All Schools Cross Country at Symmons Plains on June 17th. 

Well done to all who participated!

National Simultaneous Storytime

Now in its 25th successful year, the National Simultaneous Storytime is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

Thank you to our Grade 6 readers who enthusiastically read Deborah Frenkel's - Truck Cat to their peers this afternoon.

Madagascar Excursions

Our Prep, Grade 1 and 3 classes have all enjoyed the local Burnie Musical Society Production Madagascar A Musical Adventure Junior. Lots of fun was had on the bus rides and at the show.

Many of our talented Stella Maris students have been cast in the production and have been working very hard rehearsing. Their dedication has been inspiring, and they have contributed to a very professional, engaging production.

Well Done!

Mrs Pinner: Our Prep students had a fantastic time on their excursion to see the Madagascar musical. The show was full of energy, laughter, and great music, and the students were thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It was especially exciting to see so many talented Stella students performing on stage, which made the experience even more meaningful.

The bus ride with their friends was also a highlight of their day.

Grade 1 & Grade 5 Buddies

Grade 1 and Grade 5 buddies made a huge gratitude paper chain together last week. It was great to see students writing down all the things they're grateful for.

Cancer Council Fundraiser

Family Resources

Student Achievements

Congratulations to our Stella Maris student, Isla Rice, who has been in Orlando, US, with The Wynyard Wildcatz.  On the 2nd and 3rd of May, Isla and her team competed in a cheerleading competition called ‘The Finals’, which is a major cheerleading competition in the United States and included teams from all over the world. The team qualified for a place in ‘The Finals’ after winning first place at a Cheercon competition last August in Hobart. On the Saturday the team took out First Place and became Champions in their Division.

An amazing experience for Isla and the girls in her team.

Important Upcoming Dates

CLICK TO SYNC TO YOUR CALENDAR

Thursday 22nd May - Grade 1 Madagascar Musical Excursion

Friday 23rd May - Student Free Day: Staff Discernment Year Day

Friday 13th June - Grade 2 Burnie Library and Museum Excursion

Friday 6th June - Student Free Day: Staff Planning Day 

Monday 9th June - King's Birthday Public Holiday

Friday 13th June - Grade 2 Burnie Library & Museum Excursion

Tuesday 17th June - Tas All Schools Cross Country 

Friday 20th June - Netball Tasmania Primary School Championships

Monday 30th June - School Photo Day

Monday 30th June - Student Reports Live On Compass

Tuesday 1st July - Parent Teacher Night 1

Thursday 3rd July - Parent Teacher Night 2

Friday 4th July - Term 2 concludes

Monday 21st July - Student Free Day

Tuesday 22nd July - Term 3 commences 

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August - Book Week

Friday 26th September - Term 3 concludes

Monday 13th October - Student Free Day

Tuesday 14th October - Term 4 commences

Monday 3rd November - Recreation Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 12th November - NW Athletics (selected students)

Friday 21st November - Schools Triathlon Challenge

Monday 1st December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day

Wednesday 17th December - Term 4 concludes - Final day for students & teachers

2026

Friday 6th February -Term 1 commences for students

Monday 9th March - Eight Hour Day Public Holiday

Easter - Friday 3rd April - Public Holiday 

Monday 6th April - Public Holiday

Tuesday 7th April - Public Holiday

Thursday 16th April - Term 1 concludes for students

Monday 4th May - Term 2 commences

Wednesday 21st May - Grade 3 Madagascar JR Excursion

Thursday 22nd May - Grade 1   Madagascar  JR Excursion

Monday 8th June - King's Birthday Holiday

Friday 10th July - Term 2 concludes

Tuesday 28th July - Term 3 commences for students

Thursday 1st October - Term 3 concludes 

Monday 19th October - Term 4 commences

Recreation Day - Monday 2nd November

Thursday 11th December - Christmas Concert PM

Friday 18th  December - Term 4 concludes

* Stella Stars Early Years Learning - Every Wednesday - bookings via Facebook

Outside News