Over the course of the couple of weeks, we have celebrated, acknowledged and reflected. 2024 is now almost over and we have lots to be proud of. The third Advent candle – the candle representing Joy was lit at Sunday’s masses over the weekend. It is quite apt that we light this candle at this time of our school year. Joy is the unstoppable feeling of happiness. I feel very privileged to be able to see and feel joy every day at school. This year has been extremely busy, but also extremely enjoyable and successful.
As the 2024 school year comes to a close and I reflect on what we have achieved, I feel and great sense of pride and admiration for our whole school community.
I thank all of our very dedicated staff for their willingness and ability to put the kids first, to work far beyond the school day and far beyond the school term. I thank them for their dedication and professionalism and I thank them for their ability to provide an education that is holistic and developmental. Most of all I thank them on your behalf for the care and compassion they show to all the students in our community. I say it often, but we have an exceptional staff group here at Stella Maris and I could not be more grateful for each and every one of you.
I again thank and acknowledge those staff who are leaving us at the end of the year. To Josh Page, Rebecca Churchman-Hope, Sean Jenkinson, Rose Conte and Emma Rainsford – thank you for what you have brought to our school community in your time with us.
We wish you all God’s blessings and the very best of luck as you move into another direction in your lives.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents of our school for your support and involvement this year. A school can only be successful if it is in strong partnership with families and you truly provide a great partnership. I thank all those parents particularly who have volunteered their time for our school in both formal and informal ways. Your involvement in our school community, your encouragement of your children, and your trust in us to guide them through their academic and personal growth is invaluable.
Over the last week or two, our staff have also been inundated with gifts and presents from our parent community. Your generosity and appreciation is certainly something we don't take for granted, and your words of support and love are so very much appreciated.
And finally I thank the students. You are what makes our school great. Once again, they have stepped up to the mark and continue to impress me with their attitude, pride and joy while at school. Stella Maris is a very special place to live in and this is due in large part to the great gifts that our students bring to school each day.
We also celebrate and acknowledge an outstanding group of students who graduated from our school and will move on to their next secondary education journey. We thank them for their contribution to our school, and we also acknowledge and thank those families who will be leaving Stella Maris at the end of the year.
I’d like to take this final opportunity to wish all families a very peaceful and happy Christmas and a very relaxing, restful and enjoyable holiday. I hope that you celebrate Christmas this year for all the great joy it brings. For those who are heading away, travel safe and we look forward to seeing all families and students back for another great year in 2025!
Kind regards and see you next year,
Ella
Farewell Stella Maris – and Thank You
I wish to thank the Stella Maris Community for welcoming me, and for your support across the past three terms in my role as Acting Deputy Principal. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working collaboratively as a leader of this wonderful school to work in partnership with you to support your child to flourish in their education.
It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Acting Deputy Principal this year. Leading such an amazing community has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I feel truly blessed to have shared in the achievements and milestones of our students and staff.
As the 2024 school year closes, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in your children’s education. Your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in shaping their learning journeys, and I am truly grateful for all you do.
As we prepare for the festive season, I wish each of you a safe, peaceful, and joyous Christmas. May this special time be filled with love, laughter, and that you can take some opportunities to have some quality family time to recharge and have fun, ready to return to Stella Maris in 2025 for another terrific year.
Whilst this is farewell from me for now, thank you once again for your trust and support throughout the year. I will always look back fondly on my time here at Stella, and I know that because of this wonderful community I walk from here a better teacher, colleague and leader and for that I am truly grateful.
Kind Regards,
Josh Page
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