23 Term 2 Week 9

It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of week 9 with only one week left until holidays. The end of term two is an exciting (and somewhat tiring) time of year as we conclude a great first semester of learning, fun and friendships and look forward to all that is to come in the second half of the year. For us, that also includes the addition of our Mid-Year reception class. Yesterday was the final transition visit for our new receptions before they start school next term. It was the first opportunity they had for outdoor play at recess and lunch time and the best part was watching how our current students cared for them and included them. Of our class of 24, we welcome 17 new families to Stella Maris. I know you will join us in giving them a ‘Stella’ welcome next term.

Back in My Day- Dance Concert:

Next week we are excited to hold our biannual dance concert- ‘Back in My Day’. This will be an opportunity for us to showcase the talents of our students on stage and we see this as an essential element of our Arts program. The students and teachers have spent a great deal of time perfecting their dances and costumes and we can’t wait to share this with you next week!

There have been a number of emails re: the concert times, which will be held over two days/nights, with each class performing in a Matinee and evening performance on their allocated day. Please ensure you are aware of which day your child is performing. Ticket sales have now opened up for any families wanting to purchase tickets in addition to the original allocation.

Although we will formally thank those involved next week, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all teachers and staff involved in making the concert the success that it will be. A special thank you certainly goes to Kate Mainprize, for her dedication, planning and expertise in teaching all 15 classes their dances.

Please also be aware that following the concerts, we will have a Pupil Free day on Friday 7th July. Camp Australia is open should you need care for your child on this day. Please ensure you have booked in if you require this. 

Reporting- Semester 1

At Stella Maris, we aim to provide you with ongoing information re: how your child is progressing at school. This may be through informal and formal learning conversations, SeeSaw updates, sending work home and the list goes on. In a more official capacity, we also send home formal reports twice a year, in the middle and at the end of the year, which provide a summary of your child’s progress in relation to the achievement standards of the Australian Curriculum.

Our teachers are currently completing the Progress Reports for this semester. In most cases it takes upwards of 80 or so hours to complete these reports. Teachers put a lot of time, energy, thought and discussion into completing these reports. To ensure that you receive the most accurate information about your child’s progress in the first two terms of the year, we will once again be sending home the reports at the beginning of Term 3 (Tuesday- week 1). This timeframe allows our teachers an extra few weeks to assess, evaluate and complete thorough and accurate reports, which are reflective of a full semester of learning. Following the reports, we will also have Parent- Teacher Conversations in Week 2 of term 3, which will be a great opportunity to further discuss any aspects of the report.

This year, our reports will look a little different to previous years. We have begun using a different reporting tool, with CESA schools now reporting via SEQTA. This doesn’t really change anything for families, except the change in the ‘look’ and information within our reports. We have opted for a ‘summary’ report, whereby teachers will provide an overall grade for each subject area, rather than also including a grade for each strand within a subject as we have previously done. You will still receive a printed copy of your child’s report.

As we will be using a new reporting format this semester, we will be seeking parent feedback early next term in relation to your perceptions of the reports and the information you are provided with. We look forward to gathering this data in order to ensure we are providing the information that you value most in regards to your child’s learning journey at Stella Maris.

Psychology Services At Stella:

Please refer to the email sent by James earlier this week re: the commencement of Psychological services here at Stella Maris. We are very excited to be welcoming psychologist, Marnie Stewart, to Stella Maris in term 3.  Marnie will work on site every second Friday and students can be parent of school referred. The letter sent by James outlines the services that Marnie can offer along with the associated costs. Please contact us at school if you have any further questions.

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Girls and Boys Knockout Soccer games - Monday 3rd July
• Festival Choir - Hub Assessment - Monday 3rd July
• School Concert- Wednesday 5^th & Thursday 6^th of July
• Last day of school- Thursday 6^th of July
• Pupil Free Day- Friday 7^th July
• School returns for term 3- Monday 24^th July

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement throughout the first half of 2023. I hope everyone has a great holiday break we look forward to welcoming everyone back in term 3. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if there’s anything you’d like to have a chat about.

Kind Regards

Ella Kirkham

Dear families and friends,

Parish Sacramental Programme – Confirmation and First Eucharist Preparation

Just a reminder to families that preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist begin next term, with the first session scheduled for 7 till 8pm on Tuesday July 25 in the Holy Spirit Church Hall.  The Archdiocese has recently advised that Confirmation will be held at 7pm on Wednesday August 23^rd and that Archbishop Patrick O’Regan will be officiating.

On June 6, Sr Jasmine emailed families who had registered their intention to participate, a letter of Confirmation Information.  The letter included a section to be filled in and returned to the Parish Office by Tuesday June 27^th.  Please email this directly to Sr Jasmine at srjasminepa@adam.com.au or drop in at the Parish Office if you have yet to complete it – many thanks!

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

A big THANK YOU to our community for your generosity in supporting this years’ Vinnie’s Winter Appeal!  On Friday, the Vinnie’s collection team will call by and pick up the donation wheelie bins and the boxes of long life food and ensure that they are all put to good use.

Early next term during August, you will see regular fliers of information in the newsletter from our local St Vincent de Paul Conference.  They are on a recruiting drive for new members, so you are invited to consider whether you may like to become involved in their many and varied good works.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

 Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)

The holiday break is fast approaching and my hope for you all is that you will be able to set aside time to spend  having fun and adventures with your children, not needing to be aware of the time, connected to devices or rushing off to appointments!

Many blessings to you all,

Tanya

• S T E L L A  M A R I S  Q U I Z  N I G H T •

Tickets are now available on QKR. - only 150 spots available so lock your table in early to secure a seat.

▪️ Cheese platter will be supplied for each table
▪️ Don’t forget gold coins for games and raffles
▪️ You can come in from 6pm and have a meal prior to the quiz if you want to