Welcome to Term 3 Week 6 2025
Principal Report
Book Week Brings Stories to Life!
Last week, our school was buzzing with excitement as we celebrated Book Week, a joyful event that brought the magic of reading to life! The theme, “Book an Adventure”, inspired students and staff to dive into their favourite stories and explore the endless adventures books can offer.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the Book Week Parade on Thursday. The school grounds were filled with colourful costumes as students and staff dressed up as beloved book characters, from Harry Potter and Matilda to superheroes, dragons, and pilots! Parents and carers gathered to cheer everyone on, making it a true community celebration.
Book Week was a resounding success, reminding us all of the joy and power of reading. Thank you to our staff, families, and students for making it such a memorable event. We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Until then, happy reading!
A big shout out to Mrs Boon and her organising team for making Book Week the special event that it is.
Leave a Sparkle Wherever You Go
In a world that often feels rushed and routine, it’s still possible to leave a little sparkle wherever you go, whether at school, home, or in your community. And it doesn’t take magic. It just takes being brave, curious, and kind.
At school, being brave means standing up for someone who’s being left out, or answering a question even when you’re unsure. It shows others that courage isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up.
Being curious can turn an ordinary day into an adventure. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and listen to different opinions. Curiosity helps you grow and encourages those around you to stay open-minded and inspired.
At home, kindness shines the brightest. Helping with chores without being asked, leaving a thoughtful note for a family member, or simply saying “thank you” can light up someone’s day.
Leaving a sparkle doesn’t mean being the loudest or the best. It means making people feel better because you were there for them. So whether you’re in the classroom, at the dinner table, or walking down the street, let your brave heart, curious mind, and kind actions speak louder than words.
You never know who might need a little sparkle today.
RE News
Reflection on the Sunday Gospel - Lk 13:22-30
People will come from north and south, east and west, and take their place in the Kingdom of God.
Families take advantage of certain days throughout the year to celebrate individuals in the family and ensure that they know they are not taken for granted. As a family, recall all of the days that someone in the family was celebrated in the past year—birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, graduations, and so on. Next, challenge each individual to recall what gifts were received on the day(s) on which he or she was celebrated.
Emphasise that these days are intended to express appreciation in a special way, but are not meant to replace the appreciation that we should always show. Point out how, at times, families can take one another for granted. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells a story about some people who took something for granted and paid a price. Read aloud Luke 13:22-30. Explain that, in this story, some people took it for granted that they could enter the house whenever they wanted, but the master locked the gate and would not let them in after hours. Point out that Jesus was warning his listeners not to assume that they will have eternal life in heaven and not to take this invitation for granted.
As a family, commit to showing appreciation for one another in the days ahead, striving not to take for granted any of the many things that family members do in their roles as parents and children.
Grade 3 Liturgy
This term, our students will be celebrating their grade-level liturgies at Star of the Sea Church. Recently, our Grade 3 students, together with their families, gathered in the church to reflect and celebrate the gift of Jesus and ask God to help us to be more like Him.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke. Students listened to the story of Zacchaeus and then reflected on the message from God’s special book. What are the messages in the story of Zacchaeus? What is Jesus showing us about how to treat others?
The children shared their wonderful reflections and concluded their liturgy by praying for others in need. Thank you to the families that were able to join us.
Grade 4 Liturgy
Our Grade 4 students, together with their families, gathered in the church to reflect upon the Power of words – Speaking life, not harm.
The students listened to multiple readings from the Bible, including –
Reader 1: Proverbs 3:5-6, 9-10 – “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Just like a small spark can set a forest on fire, our words can cause great harm. With the tongue we praise God, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s image. My friends, this should not happen.”
Reader 2: Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Reader 3: Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Reader 4: Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Reader 5: Matthew chapter 12, Verse 36-37 – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
And then spent some time reflecting on the following questions: What do these passages tell us about the importance of our words?
How can our words help others instead of hurting them?
Why is it important to think before we speak, especially online or in person?
The children shared their wonderful thoughts and finished their liturgy, praying for others in need.
Thank you to the families that were able to join us.
PEG Update
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
Assembly Awards & Guest Speakers
Classroom Awards
Well done to the students who were recognised for their efforts and application in their learning in the classroom.
Burnie 321 - GO Kids Race Launch
Stella Maris was selected to host the launch of the 2025 Burnie 321-GO Kids Race, building on the school's history of high participation in this popular running event for children.
Mayor Brumby, on behalf of the Burnie City Council; Mr Nigel Tapp, on behalf of the Burnie 321 Go Kids Race; and Andrew de Bomford, on behalf of Harcourt Real Estate, attended our last assembly to launch the 2025 event.
Medication at School Parent Responsibilities
Prime Minister's Spelling Bee
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 11 outstanding students from Stella Maris who have successfully progressed to the State Finals of the National Prime Minister's Spelling Bee.
Congratulations to:
- Arlo H - Room 9 Year 3
- Rory B - Room 10 Year 3
- Harlo M - Room 10 Year 3
- Chanuthri S - Room 12 Year 4
- Ayla B - Room 10 Year 3
- Max B - Room 15 Year 6
- Piper-Rose J - Room 14 Year 5
- Patrick K - Room 16 Year 6
- Phoebe R - Room 16 Year 6
- Lars B - Room 15 Year 6
- Anna Z - Room 16 Year 6
This remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and love of learning. We are immensely proud of the spirit, confidence, and enthusiasm they have demonstrated throughout the competition and commend them for representing our school with such distinction.
We wish each of these talented participants every success as they compete in the State Finals on Monday, 1st September.
Book Week Parade
Thank you for another year of dressing up. A lot of effort goes into it, and all for the right reason. The children looked incredible as they paraded around the school. But what's a parade without an audience?
Thank you to those hundreds of people who managed to come along to smile and wave at the children.
Library News
Guest Readers
Some of our students enjoyed having guest readers visit last week. What a privilege. Thank you for daring to be brave and sharing your love of reading with us. Children emulate what they see, so the more people they see reading, the better! One of these special readers was a student accompanied by his two sisters. While he read the picture book Violin and Cello by Catherine Greer, his sisters played the accompanying music, followed by questions. Bravo!
Library Activities
Library lessons have been free choice for the past two weeks. Students chose to participate in craft activities, play with LEGO, or simply curl up somewhere with a book and a cushion. After the parade, Mrs Nairn's entire Grade 3 class chose to curl up somewhere and read silently for the entirety of the lesson!
What a beautiful end to a busy day.
Premier's Reading Challenge
This 10-week challenge is now over. Congratulations to all the students who participated and earned points for their team. The winning house will be announced at the school assembly on Friday.
Green Team News
The Green Team have been busy preparing for the spring, planting raspberry canes. We look forward to watching them grow in our beautiful space and hope to enjoy some delicious berries this summer.
Thank you to Katrina for setting up the structures and donating the canes.
We will be installing four new raised garden beds in the coming weeks. A big thank you to our wonderful PEG group for their support of this project.
Fathers Day
Important Upcoming Dates
Wednesday 27th August - Dockers Football Begins 4 Weeks
Saturday 30th August - BNA Spring Roster Begins
Monday 1st - Friday 12th September - Learn To Swim Grade 2 & 3
Wednesday 3rd September - PREP Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church
Thursday 4th September - Father's Day Breakfast and Stalls
Thursday 11th September - Inter School Chess (selected students)
Wednesday 17th September - Grade 1 Slipstream Circus Excursion
Tuesday 23rd September - Grade 4 HIVE and Penguin Composites Excursion
Wednesday 24th September - Grade 1 Liturgy at Star Of The Sea Church
Thursday 25th September - Grade 6 Graduation Photo Day/ Catch Up Day
Friday 26th September - Term 3 concludes
Monday 13th October - Student Free Day
Tuesday 14th October - Term 4 commences
Monday 20th - Friday 31st October - Learn To Swim Grade 4,5,6
Monday 3rd November - Recreation Day Public Holiday
Tuesday/Wednesday 4th-5th November - Grade 5 Camp
Thursday/Friday 6th-7th November - Grade 6 Camp
Wednesday 5th November - Hobart Hurricanes Clinic @ Stella (Prep-Gr 4)
Wednesday 12th November - NW Athletics (selected students)
Friday 21st November - Schools Triathlon Challenge
Monday 1st December - Grade 6 Marist Orientation Day
Friday 12th December - Hobart Hurricanes After School Program Commences
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
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
Friday 23rd October - Student Free Day
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
