In this Edition
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 5!
2027 Student Leadership
One of the significant features of Term 3 has been our 2027 Student Leadership selection process.
The journey began with our Leadership Formation Day, where students were invited to consider deeply what it means to lead at Stella Maris. Through conversations with staff, guest speakers and Stella Maris alumni, our students were reminded that authentic leadership is not defined by a badge or title. It is found in service, responsibility, courage and the willingness to use one's gifts for the benefit of others.
What followed has been a rigorous process of discernment and selection. Students submitted applications, sought staff endorsement and participated in interviews for their nominated positions. Those shortlisted then had the additional challenge of speaking before their peers and staff, articulating not only why they wished to lead but the contribution they hoped to make to our College. Year 10 and Year 11 students and staff then participated in the voting process.
I particularly want to acknowledge every student who put herself forward.
It takes courage to step forward, to articulate your aspirations, to be interviewed, to speak publicly and to place yourself in a process where the outcome is uncertain. Leadership is demonstrated as much in how we participate in such a process—and how we respond to its outcome—as it is in ultimately being appointed to a position.
I congratulate all students who participated and thank them for the maturity, generosity and commitment they have shown.
We are delighted to announce our 2027 Student Leaders for the Profile positions:
Congratulations to each of these young women. With the privilege of leadership comes the responsibility to listen carefully, serve generously and contribute positively to the life and future of Stella Maris. I look forward to seeing the individual and collective contribution they will make.
Our leadership process now continues with the selection of our House Prefects. These positions will provide further opportunities for students to exercise meaningful leadership and will be integral to building community, advancing social justice and igniting House spirit across the College. Our House Prefects will play an important role in strengthening connection, encouraging participation and creating opportunities for students to contribute, serve and experience a genuine sense of belonging within their House and the wider Stella Maris community.
95th Anniversary Legacy of Lights Gala Ball
One of the highlights of our 95th anniversary celebrations is fast approaching—our Legacy of Light Gala Ball.
This special evening will bring together parents, alumni, staff and friends to celebrate 95 years of Stella Maris College—honouring our rich history, the generations who have shaped our College and the community we continue to build together.
It promises to be a wonderful evening of celebration, connection, dining, entertainment and dancing, and I warmly encourage you to join us for what will be a memorable occasion in Stella's 95th year.
If you haven't yet purchased your tickets, now is the time. Gather some friends, book a table and join us as we celebrate this significant milestone together.
I very much look forward to seeing many of you there.
Ticket sales close on Friday 28 August, so don't miss your chance to be part of this wonderful celebration of Stella!
$95 for 95 — Giving Day
Our 95th anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Stella’s remarkable history, but also to invest in its future. On Thursday 10 September, we will come together for our inaugural $95 for 95 Giving Day.
What makes this initiative so special is the opportunity for our entire Stella community to participate. Giving Day is not about the size of any individual contribution; it is about the collective impact we can make when many people choose to support a shared purpose.
With the generous support of our matching donors, contributions made on the day will go even further, strengthening what we can provide for Stella students now and into the future.
I encourage our families, alumni, staff and friends to be part of this important first for our College. Whether you give $95, more or less, every contribution will add to what we can achieve together.
I look forward to seeing our community come together on 10 September and make Stella’s first Giving Day one to remember.
Flourishing Together
There is a common thread running through so much of what has taken place during these first five weeks of Term 3.
For Year 12, flourishing means being prepared to learn from feedback and continuing to strive towards their potential. For our Year 9 students, it has meant stepping beyond the familiar, embracing challenge and strengthening their relationships with others. For our aspiring student leaders, it has required the courage to step forward and offer themselves in service to their College.
Each reflects the aspirations of Flourish: Our Journey Towards 2030.
At Stella Maris, flourishing is not about perfection, nor is it about comparison with others. It is about growth: having the courage to challenge ourselves, the humility to learn, the perseverance to continue when something is difficult and the generosity to use our gifts in service of others.
As parents and educators, we share the privilege of encouraging these qualities in our young women. Our partnership matters enormously in helping them understand that success is not simply measured by an examination result, a leadership position or an achievement. It is also found in who they are becoming through the journey.
As we move into the second half of the term, I encourage every student to consider one simple question: What can I do now to make the most of the opportunities still ahead of me?
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Stella Maris College.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
Notices
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
Father's Day Breakfast - Tickets Now Open
Stella dads, grandfathers and male carers are warmly invited to join their Stella student(s) for our annual Father's Day Breakfast as we celebrate the important role you play in our community.
Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast, tea and coffee, and the opportunity to spend some quality time together before the school day begins.
Please note: Be sure to include your daughter/s when booking to assist with catering.
We look forward to welcoming our wonderful Stella fathers, grandfathers and carers for what promises to be a fun and memorable morning.
Date: Friday 4 September
Venue: The Deck, Main Campus
Time: 7.30am – 8.30am
Tickets: Via the link below
RSVP: Friday 28 August
Stella Sleep Out
- When: Friday 28 August, 5.00pm to Saturday 29 August, 7.00am
- Where: Stella basketball court and canteen deck area (for shelter)
- What: Bring along your sleeping bag and cardboard/ yoga mat/ camping mat for a bed base/ pillow / water bottle/ torch
- How: This is a voluntary event and students sleeping out will be required to purchase a $50 ticket to enter the event.
- Why: We are raising money for three key communities that suffer the most from cycles of poverty and violence from the local to the international level
Community News
Mary Immaculate Church Musical
Kids Giving Back
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
Curriculum News
News from our academic departments...
A Taste of Languages at Stella Maris
Our Year 7 students are currently enjoying a taste of the languages offered at Stella Maris. Over the past few days, they have had the opportunity to experience introductory lessons in Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Spanish.
These fun and engaging sample lessons allow the girls to become familiar with each language, explore different cultures and get to know the teachers who will guide them in their language-learning journey.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for students to discover which language resonates with them and which one they would most enjoy pursuing in Year 8 and beyond.
All students in Year 8 study a language for that year and then have the opportunity to select a language as an elective in Years 9 and 10 and for further study at HSC level. What a great opportunity!
Ana Gonzales
Head of Languages
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Bill Turner Cup
Our Bill Turner Soccer Team continues to make history in the 2026 Bill Turner Trophy, progressing to the Quarter Finals of this prestigious national competition after an outstanding victory in the Round of 16.
In a closely contested match against a strong PLC Sydney side, our team demonstrated composure, determination and quality from start to finish. While the scoreboard remained tight throughout the game, Stella was the stronger team for the majority of the match and was rewarded with a hard-fought 4-3 victory.
This result is a remarkable achievement for our team. By advancing to the Quarter Finals, we have secured our place among the top eight teams, an incredible accomplishment in one of the country's most competitive school football competitions.
The challenge continues next Thursday 27 August, when we take on Westfields Sports High School in the Quarter Final. Westfields has won this tournament on many occasions, and we know it will be a tough contest. However, our team has shown exceptional skill, resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament and is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
We congratulate all players on their efforts and commitment and wish them the very best as they continue their exciting Bill Turner Cup journey. We look forward to supporting them as they strive for a place in the national semi-finals.
Good luck!
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
Performing Arts News
The Addams Family Musical - tickets on sale now!
ONE WEEK TO GO!!! - The Addams Family young@part Musical - tickets on sale!
We are thrilled to invite you to experience The Addams Family young@part, a dark comedy, delightfully deviant, and absolutely thrilling production coming this August! Our students have been rehearsing with incredible energy and passion, and we cannot wait for you to witness the magic they've created on stage.
Show Dates and Times
Wednesday 26 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Understudy Cast)
Thursday 27 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Main Cast)
Saturday 29 August @ 2:00pm (Matinee - Main Cast)
Saturday 29 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Main Cast)
Stella Singers Live with The Cat Empire & Sydney Symphony Orchestra
We are very excited to announce that 10 Stella Maris College students have been offered the opportunity to join The Cat Empire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House for their three performances in August. Selected students have been notified and tickets are currently on sale.
https://www.sydneysymphony.com/events/the-cat-empire-with-the-sydney-symphony-orchestra
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
P&F News
Welcome to Term 3!
Last Call for Father's Day Raffle Prize Donations
Can you help make our Father's Day Raffle a winner?
The Stella Maris P&F is making a final call for prize donations for this year's Father's Day Breakfast Raffle. If you own a business, work for a company that could donate, or can contribute a voucher, product, experience or service, we'd love to hear from you.
Donating is also a great opportunity to showcase your business to our active Stella Maris parent and carer community, while helping us raise valuable funds for our school.
Prize donations close soon, so please submit yours today.
VIEW MORE
VIEW less
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 5!
2027 Student Leadership
One of the significant features of Term 3 has been our 2027 Student Leadership selection process.
The journey began with our Leadership Formation Day, where students were invited to consider deeply what it means to lead at Stella Maris. Through conversations with staff, guest speakers and Stella Maris alumni, our students were reminded that authentic leadership is not defined by a badge or title. It is found in service, responsibility, courage and the willingness to use one's gifts for the benefit of others.
What followed has been a rigorous process of discernment and selection. Students submitted applications, sought staff endorsement and participated in interviews for their nominated positions. Those shortlisted then had the additional challenge of speaking before their peers and staff, articulating not only why they wished to lead but the contribution they hoped to make to our College. Year 10 and Year 11 students and staff then participated in the voting process.
I particularly want to acknowledge every student who put herself forward.
It takes courage to step forward, to articulate your aspirations, to be interviewed, to speak publicly and to place yourself in a process where the outcome is uncertain. Leadership is demonstrated as much in how we participate in such a process—and how we respond to its outcome—as it is in ultimately being appointed to a position.
I congratulate all students who participated and thank them for the maturity, generosity and commitment they have shown.
We are delighted to announce our 2027 Student Leaders for the Profile positions:
Congratulations to each of these young women. With the privilege of leadership comes the responsibility to listen carefully, serve generously and contribute positively to the life and future of Stella Maris. I look forward to seeing the individual and collective contribution they will make.
Our leadership process now continues with the selection of our House Prefects. These positions will provide further opportunities for students to exercise meaningful leadership and will be integral to building community, advancing social justice and igniting House spirit across the College. Our House Prefects will play an important role in strengthening connection, encouraging participation and creating opportunities for students to contribute, serve and experience a genuine sense of belonging within their House and the wider Stella Maris community.
95th Anniversary Legacy of Lights Gala Ball
One of the highlights of our 95th anniversary celebrations is fast approaching—our Legacy of Light Gala Ball.
This special evening will bring together parents, alumni, staff and friends to celebrate 95 years of Stella Maris College—honouring our rich history, the generations who have shaped our College and the community we continue to build together.
It promises to be a wonderful evening of celebration, connection, dining, entertainment and dancing, and I warmly encourage you to join us for what will be a memorable occasion in Stella's 95th year.
If you haven't yet purchased your tickets, now is the time. Gather some friends, book a table and join us as we celebrate this significant milestone together.
I very much look forward to seeing many of you there.
Ticket sales close on Friday 28 August, so don't miss your chance to be part of this wonderful celebration of Stella!
$95 for 95 — Giving Day
Our 95th anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Stella’s remarkable history, but also to invest in its future. On Thursday 10 September, we will come together for our inaugural $95 for 95 Giving Day.
What makes this initiative so special is the opportunity for our entire Stella community to participate. Giving Day is not about the size of any individual contribution; it is about the collective impact we can make when many people choose to support a shared purpose.
With the generous support of our matching donors, contributions made on the day will go even further, strengthening what we can provide for Stella students now and into the future.
I encourage our families, alumni, staff and friends to be part of this important first for our College. Whether you give $95, more or less, every contribution will add to what we can achieve together.
I look forward to seeing our community come together on 10 September and make Stella’s first Giving Day one to remember.
Flourishing Together
There is a common thread running through so much of what has taken place during these first five weeks of Term 3.
For Year 12, flourishing means being prepared to learn from feedback and continuing to strive towards their potential. For our Year 9 students, it has meant stepping beyond the familiar, embracing challenge and strengthening their relationships with others. For our aspiring student leaders, it has required the courage to step forward and offer themselves in service to their College.
Each reflects the aspirations of Flourish: Our Journey Towards 2030.
At Stella Maris, flourishing is not about perfection, nor is it about comparison with others. It is about growth: having the courage to challenge ourselves, the humility to learn, the perseverance to continue when something is difficult and the generosity to use our gifts in service of others.
As parents and educators, we share the privilege of encouraging these qualities in our young women. Our partnership matters enormously in helping them understand that success is not simply measured by an examination result, a leadership position or an achievement. It is also found in who they are becoming through the journey.
As we move into the second half of the term, I encourage every student to consider one simple question: What can I do now to make the most of the opportunities still ahead of me?
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Stella Maris College.
Warm regards,
Sharyn Quirk
Principal
Notices
Don't miss this edition's important notices...
Father's Day Breakfast - Tickets Now Open
Stella dads, grandfathers and male carers are warmly invited to join their Stella student(s) for our annual Father's Day Breakfast as we celebrate the important role you play in our community.
Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast, tea and coffee, and the opportunity to spend some quality time together before the school day begins.
Please note: Be sure to include your daughter/s when booking to assist with catering.
We look forward to welcoming our wonderful Stella fathers, grandfathers and carers for what promises to be a fun and memorable morning.
Date: Friday 4 September
Venue: The Deck, Main Campus
Time: 7.30am – 8.30am
Tickets: Via the link below
RSVP: Friday 28 August
Stella Sleep Out
- When: Friday 28 August, 5.00pm to Saturday 29 August, 7.00am
- Where: Stella basketball court and canteen deck area (for shelter)
- What: Bring along your sleeping bag and cardboard/ yoga mat/ camping mat for a bed base/ pillow / water bottle/ torch
- How: This is a voluntary event and students sleeping out will be required to purchase a $50 ticket to enter the event.
- Why: We are raising money for three key communities that suffer the most from cycles of poverty and violence from the local to the international level
Community News
Mary Immaculate Church Musical
Kids Giving Back
Curriculum News
News from our academic departments...
A Taste of Languages at Stella Maris
Our Year 7 students are currently enjoying a taste of the languages offered at Stella Maris. Over the past few days, they have had the opportunity to experience introductory lessons in Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Spanish.
These fun and engaging sample lessons allow the girls to become familiar with each language, explore different cultures and get to know the teachers who will guide them in their language-learning journey.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for students to discover which language resonates with them and which one they would most enjoy pursuing in Year 8 and beyond.
All students in Year 8 study a language for that year and then have the opportunity to select a language as an elective in Years 9 and 10 and for further study at HSC level. What a great opportunity!
Ana Gonzales
Head of Languages
Sports News
Welcome to Sport at Stella!
Bill Turner Cup
Our Bill Turner Soccer Team continues to make history in the 2026 Bill Turner Trophy, progressing to the Quarter Finals of this prestigious national competition after an outstanding victory in the Round of 16.
In a closely contested match against a strong PLC Sydney side, our team demonstrated composure, determination and quality from start to finish. While the scoreboard remained tight throughout the game, Stella was the stronger team for the majority of the match and was rewarded with a hard-fought 4-3 victory.
This result is a remarkable achievement for our team. By advancing to the Quarter Finals, we have secured our place among the top eight teams, an incredible accomplishment in one of the country's most competitive school football competitions.
The challenge continues next Thursday 27 August, when we take on Westfields Sports High School in the Quarter Final. Westfields has won this tournament on many occasions, and we know it will be a tough contest. However, our team has shown exceptional skill, resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament and is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
We congratulate all players on their efforts and commitment and wish them the very best as they continue their exciting Bill Turner Cup journey. We look forward to supporting them as they strive for a place in the national semi-finals.
Good luck!
Performing Arts News
The Addams Family Musical - tickets on sale now!
ONE WEEK TO GO!!! - The Addams Family young@part Musical - tickets on sale!
We are thrilled to invite you to experience The Addams Family young@part, a dark comedy, delightfully deviant, and absolutely thrilling production coming this August! Our students have been rehearsing with incredible energy and passion, and we cannot wait for you to witness the magic they've created on stage.
Show Dates and Times
Wednesday 26 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Understudy Cast)
Thursday 27 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Main Cast)
Saturday 29 August @ 2:00pm (Matinee - Main Cast)
Saturday 29 August @ 6:30pm (Evening - Main Cast)
Stella Singers Live with The Cat Empire & Sydney Symphony Orchestra
We are very excited to announce that 10 Stella Maris College students have been offered the opportunity to join The Cat Empire and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House for their three performances in August. Selected students have been notified and tickets are currently on sale.
https://www.sydneysymphony.com/events/the-cat-empire-with-the-sydney-symphony-orchestra
P&F News
Welcome to Term 3!
Last Call for Father's Day Raffle Prize Donations
Can you help make our Father's Day Raffle a winner?
The Stella Maris P&F is making a final call for prize donations for this year's Father's Day Breakfast Raffle. If you own a business, work for a company that could donate, or can contribute a voucher, product, experience or service, we'd love to hear from you.
Donating is also a great opportunity to showcase your business to our active Stella Maris parent and carer community, while helping us raise valuable funds for our school.
Prize donations close soon, so please submit yours today.
Uniform Shop News
Welcome to the Stella Uniform Shop
Canteen News
Thank you to next fortnight's volunteers!
Calendar Dates
