Open Evening – Wednesday 18 March

Our annual College Open Evening is on Wednesday 18 March from 4.00pm - 7.30pm. This important event welcomes prospective families to explore all that Stella offers.

Student ambassadors play a vital role at Open Evening, serving as tour guides, subject helpers and performers. As tour guides, they lead families along set routes, sharing their love for Stella and its community. As you may know from experience, their voice and authenticity are often what truly persuade prospective families that Stella is the right school for their daughter.

On Monday, we invited Year 8–12 students via email to volunteer as tour guides. Please encourage your child to sign up using the form sent by Ms Christina Burke. We require 150 student tour guides on the night to show families around.

Subject helpers/Musicians/Dancers will have been contacted separately (from their respective teachers) and may also take tours when available.

Student ambassadors will be at school from about 4.00pm to 7/7:30pm, with afternoon tea at 3.00pm and a sausage sizzle during the evening. They will earn house points and must wear full summer uniform with blazer.

Thank you for supporting your student’s involvement as a tour guide. We look forward to a great evening!

Have Your Say Day Youth Survey 2026

Have Your Say Day (HYSD) is an annual platform for young people (aged 12–24) in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area to speak about issues affecting them. Student leaders from across the Northern Beaches advocate to local community leaders, including Councillors and MPs. The survey is now open.

Audience: 12–24-year-olds living, working, or studying on the Northern Beaches

Purpose: Informs topics for HYSD and provides insights for the HYSD Report.

Link: Have Your Say Day 2026 - Youth Survey – Fill out form

Georgia M
College Vice Captain

Teaching and Learning News

Navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education*

As a College, we have taken a balanced, considered and educationally grounded approach to AI. We recognise that AI is not something to fear or ignore — it is a powerful tool that, when used ethically and critically, can enhance learning. However, we strongly believe that it must support thinking, not replace it.

Our Current Position in 2026

Due to the minimum age requirement of most AI platforms (13+) and evolving parental consent expectations for students under 18, we have made the decision to block access to external AI tools at school for Years 7–8.

For Years 9–12, students may use Microsoft Copilot within the school environment. We have chosen Copilot because:

• We are a Microsoft school.
• Copilot integrates securely with our Microsoft 365 environment.
• It can access files stored in students’ OneDrive, allowing it to work within existing school documents.
• It aligns with our data security and privacy requirements.

While tools such as ChatGPT are widely used, Copilot provides a more secure and integrated platform within our systems.

Why We Have Restricted Open AI Tools at School

Our primary responsibility is to preserve academic rigour and ensure students are developing genuine understanding.

AI tools can generate highly polished responses instantly. However, if students default to AI as a shortcut, they bypass the essential cognitive work required for deep learning. Thinking, drafting, refining, evaluating and struggling productively are all critical parts of learning.

In addition, AI plagiarism detection tools are currently unreliable and cannot detect AI-generated content with consistent accuracy. For this reason, we have intentionally designed assessments that include components completed under exam conditions. These in-class components ensure students can independently demonstrate the knowledge and skills reflected in any work produced collaboratively with AI.

Our goal is not to ban thinking tools, but to ensure students do the thinking.

How We Are Educating Students About Responsible Use

Students in Year 7 and 8 currently study Digital Technology where they explore the ethical and responsible use of AI, alongside practical AI tools. Our Teaching and Learning team also actively visit Year Meetings (and plan to continue doing so) to teach students how AI can be used productively at home as:

• A tutor for clarifying difficult concepts
• A feedback tool for improving drafts
• A study partner for revision and questioning
• A brainstorming assistant to generate ideas — not final answers

We explicitly teach students how to:

• Ask high-quality prompts
• Request critical feedback rather than full rewrites
• Fact-check AI responses
• Understand AI limitations and bias
• Maintain academic integrity

AI Tools Students May Use at Home (13+ With Parental Consent)

Below is a brief overview of commonly used tools:

ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Renowned for: conversational explanations, feedback on writing, brainstorming, language support, revision quizzes.
Strength: clear explanations and adaptable tone.

Claude (Anthropic)
Renowned for: longer document analysis, thoughtful summaries, ethical framing.
Strength: handling large texts and nuanced discussion.

Perplexity AI
Renowned for: research support with cited sources.
Strength: providing referenced answers for inquiry tasks.

Magic School AI
Renowned for: education-specific tools (lesson supports, question generation, feedback templates).
Strength: designed specifically for teachers and school contexts.

NotebookLM (Google)
Renowned for: analysing uploaded documents and generating summaries, study guides and podcast-style explanations.
Strength: Audio output and working directly with source materials students provide.

NOTE: All tools require students to be 13+ and, in many cases, parental permission under 18 years of age.

Our Paid Educational Platforms

In addition to AI tools, the College invests in structured, curriculum-aligned platforms including:

• Education Perfect – literacy, languages and subject-specific skill development
• Maths Space – structured mathematics practice and feedback
• Atomi – video-based instruction and revision support across subject areas

• Edrolo – curriculum-aligned video lessons, worked examples and exam-focused revision support, particularly in senior courses

These platforms provide scaffolded learning experiences, explicit instruction and measurable progress tracking — ensuring students build foundational skills systematically.

Our Educational Philosophy in a Nutshell

We are committed to:

• Preserving intellectual challenge
• Building critical and creative thinking
• Teaching ethical and responsible AI use
• Ensuring students graduate not only digitally capable, but intellectually confident

AI will continue to evolve. Our approach will remain grounded in what matters most: deep learning, integrity and the development of capable young thinkers.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting thoughtful, ethical and rigorous learning.

* This article has been coauthored by The Teaching and Learning Team with Open AI (ChatGPT)

Geography News

Year 9 Geography Fieldwork - Changing Places in Action!

On Wednesday 25 February, our Year 9 Geography students headed into the heart of the city for their Changing Places - Australia’s Urban Future Fieldwork excursion to Barangaroo. Despite the very humid Sydney weather (true fieldwork conditions!), students enthusiastically investigated how this once-industrial waterfront has transformed into a dynamic urban precinct. They examined how urban spaces evolve and how environmental change is carefully managed to balance economic growth, social wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Armed with clipboards (and plenty of water bottles!), students gathered primary data through environmental quality assessments, pedestrian counts, field sketches, photographs and interviews exploring how people use and perceive the space. A standout finding? The footpath temperature soared to a scorching 55°C. This data will inform their upcoming Geography assessment, providing firsthand insight into how cities plan for Australia’s urban future. Of course, no excursion is complete without a few highlights beyond the worksheets! Lunch was a clear favourite, with students visiting The Canteen (food court) and cooling off at Yo-Chi, a well-earned treat after a big day of fieldwork! A fantastic day of real-world learning, resilience in the humidity, and seeing Geography come alive beyond the classroom!

Christina Kalinic
Teacher of HSIE

History News

Ancient History Incursion

On February 25, the Year 11 Ancient History class conducted a structured archaeological dig to the side of Stella's green space. We outlined three grids to use for the classification of objects at a later date. During the dig we used trowels, sieves, and brushes to carefully unearth and comb the stratum we were working through. At the end we had found several coins, pottery shards, unidentified bones, plastic objects, some interesting rocks, a shell, a marble, and a collection of other objects. Post dig, the objects were organised by type and separated into defined groups for further examination. We were able to hypothesise that the canteen once ran on cash and students played marbles as a leisure activity. Further analysis will follow.

Overall, the dig was an educational and enjoyable experience for the Ancient History class, allowing us to experience a dig site first-hand.

Kohia B
Year 11 Ancient History student

Library News

Parental support at the Information Centre website

Current Tutors can be found at https://stellamarisinformationcentre.com/

Persistent Pivotal Parenting

How can I encourage my daughter to read?

Recently, a reluctant reader proudly told me she had read several books over the holidays. I asked what had changed.

Her answer was simple:
“Mum took away our technology.”

This is an example of Persistent Pivotal Parenting — trying new approaches and pivoting until something works to build the reading habit. Just as we prioritise nutrition, sleep and exercise, reading also benefits from intentional support at home.

If reading isn’t happening naturally at home, try adjusting one small thing at a time.

Environment

• Turn off the Wi-Fi for a set time each evening.
• Create a cosy reading corner with a lamp and blanket.
• Keep books visible — on coffee tables, beside beds, in the car.

Routine

• Establish a 20–30-minute family reading time.
• Piggyback reading to an existing habit (after dinner, before bed).
• Try a “Read First” routine before screens are allowed.

Format

• Try audiobooks while following along in the paperback.
• Allow magazines, biographies, or non-fiction aligned with interests.
• Revisit favourite childhood series for comfort and confidence.

Connection

• Read together as a family or read the same book and chat about it over dinner.
• Ask simple questions: What surprised you? Who frustrated you?
• Celebrate finished books e.g. sharing a hot chocolate at a café, a quiet “well done” goes a long way.

Expectation

• Start small — 15 minutes is better than none.
• Focus on consistency, not perfection.
• Remember: reading stamina builds gradually.

At Stella, teachers will continue to support Years 7–9 students with 15 minutes of reading at the beginning of English and Religion lessons, alongside reading challenges and book discussions.

Together, as a Stella community, let us build confident, capable readers in every student.

Jocelyn Christensen
Teacher Librarian

English News

Debating 2026 Information

Debating will run in Term 2 for students in Years 7 - 10. Students will participate in the ANVDC (Australian National Virtual Debating Competition) during school hours in Term 2. Coaching sessions will run on Wednesday afternoons 3.30pm in the library every week in Term 2. Participating students are required to enrol for the “Debating and Public Speaking” option via the link below and pay the fee of $307 directly to ANVDC. See the ANVDC website for more information, or email alison_tedman@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Further details are available here.

Alison Tedman
Head of Department

Entertainment News

Year 11 Entertainment students have been one of the driving forces working behind the scenes, helping to bump in, set up, operate, and pack up a number of different events throughout the College during the first half of this term. It's been amazing to see how eager they are to develop their skills and learn the importance of collaborative teamwork. So far, they've assisted with the College's 95th Anniversary Opening Mass, Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations, Parent Sunset Social, and Swimming Carnival, where they've already started honing their skills in audio operation and staging. Well done and keep up the excellent work!

Mitchell Smith
Teacher of Entertainment

Student Reflection

Over the past week, my Entertainment class and I helped set up and manage audio for two school events, which contributed to our work placement hours. On Wednesday, I helped prepare the live band setup for the Parent Social Evening, including organising microphones, working the mixing desk, and placing equipment. At the end of the night, some classmates and I helped pack everything away.

Later in the week, I coordinated music for the Swimming Carnival on Friday - setting up speakers, managing playlists, and ensuring the sound was at the right levels before helping to pack down the equipment at the end of the day. Both events were great opportunities to gain hands-on experience with live sound, teamwork, and event coordination.

Abby H
Year 11 Entertainment Student

Project Compassion

This Week’s Story: Sisilia’s Journey

Here is Sisilia’s story https://youtu.be/LIH3CgX4VxY

This week, our Project Compassion focus turns to the inspiring story of Caritas Australia’s featured young changemaker, Sisilia, a 13-year-old girl from a remote village in Tanzania. Until recently, Sisilia spent much of her day walking long distances to collect water from an unsafe canal for her family. Each trip meant carrying heavy containers, risking illness from contaminated water, and missing valuable time that could have been spent in class learning.

“When I miss school, I feel bad. The time I use fetching water affects my studies…” Sisilia shared, highlighting how something as simple as accessing clean water can keep a young person from fully engaging in education and pursuing their dreams.

Thanks to the support of Project Compassion and local partners, clean water taps have now been installed at Sisilia’s school and in her village. Water that once took hours to collect is now just minutes away freeing up precious time for Sisilia to focus on her studies, participate in school life, and spend her energy building a future filled with possibility. Through her involvement in a school water, hygiene and sanitation club, Sisilia has also become a confident young advocate for good health in her community.

Now, she dreams of becoming a pilot, a goal she had little time to pursue before clean water was brought closer to home.

Let’s Lift Those Numbers!

A big thank you to Year 11 ($83), Year 12 ($64) and Year 7 ($55) for getting the ball rolling!

But we know there is more generosity in this community…

Come on Years 8, 9 and 10 - we know you can do this!

Every coin, every note, every online donation makes a real difference. Your contribution helps students like Sisilia gain access to clean water which means more time in the classroom, more opportunities to learn, and more hope for the future.

Let’s see those totals climb this week.
Let’s show what Stella Maris spirit really looks like.

Together, we can turn small acts of kindness into life-changing impact. Your support helps to turn daily struggles into opportunities for education, dignity and hope.

1. Find your year group team and add yourself to it

2. Donate via the QR code below or weblink https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/so/2354/8

3. Bring in cash or coins to give to your PC Teacher via your class donation box or at Student Reception (Main) and Bennies.

Peace Eggs for Mater Dei

Peace Eggs are on sale for $4.50 each from the Canteen with every dollar raised supporting our sister school, Mater Dei.

Mater Dei supports students with intellectual disabilities and diverse learning needs, helping them grow academically, socially and practically so they can live fulfilling, independent lives.

Learning at Mater Dei goes far beyond textbooks. With initiatives like their on-campus mini Woolworths store, students practise everyday skills such as shopping, handling money and interacting confidently in real-world settings.

What may seem like small, routine tasks to us are powerful milestones for these young people. Each step builds confidence, dignity and a deep sense of belonging which are foundations for a bright and meaningful future where they lead lives of inclusion within society and are connected in their community and their different abilities (not disabilities) are highly valued.

When you buy a Peace Egg, you are not simply purchasing an Easter treat. You are investing in opportunity, inclusion and hope.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

A big shout out of thanks to the team of students who helped in the set-up and logistics of preparing the eggs for sale.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Our school community came together on Thursday 19 February to celebrate Chinese New Year with a lively lunchtime festival that filled the playground with colour, laughter and a wonderful sense of connection.

Led by our international students, the celebration featured four interactive activity stations for students to explore: a team chopstick challenge, a lucky bean bag toss, a zodiac discovery station and a calligraphy table where students could have their names written in Chinese on traditional red paper. From the moment lunch began, each station was buzzing with participation, with students from all year groups keen to join in.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing so many students try using chopsticks — some for the first time. Many rose to the challenge with determination and humour, and even a few teachers discovered just how tricky picking up M&Ms with chopsticks can be. The special Chinese New Year lunch box, available through the canteen, was also very popular, with many students proudly practising their chopstick skills while enjoying the meal.

The calligraphy station quickly became a favourite. Students were delighted to take home their names written in Chinese on red paper, a traditional symbol of good fortune and celebration. At the zodiac station, students discovered their Chinese zodiac animal and learned a little about what it represents, sparking many conversations and smiles.

Most importantly, the day provided a meaningful opportunity for our international students to step forward as leaders. They organised, explained and hosted the activities with confidence, connecting with local students and sharing aspects of their culture in a relaxed and welcoming way. It was wonderful to see friendships forming and conversations flowing across year groups and cultures.

Events like this play an important role in building a sense of belonging and intercultural understanding within our school community. By creating opportunities for students to share traditions and experiences, we strengthen the inclusive and supportive environment we value so highly.

A sincere thank you to our International Student Prefect, Ellen C and student helpers for their leadership, to staff who supported and promoted the event, and to our Maintenance and Canteen teams for helping bring the celebration to life across both campuses.

We hope the festive atmosphere and sense of community will carry with us well into the year ahead.

Happy New Year to all who celebrate. 🧧

Duke of Edinburgh News

The 41 girls tackling the Kangaroo Valley Adventurous Journey will set off this Friday at 6.00am. The girls will be hiking and paddling for four days through the national park, and are expected back at school on Monday afternoon. It should be an exciting, challenging and memorable experience that will strengthen the bond not only between friends, but also teachers who have kindly put their hand up to attend. For the girls going on this trip, keep up with the organisation and make sure you are fully prepared on Thursday night.

Last week we saw an incredible turn out from the Year 9 group to register for the Duke of Ed program. A massive 125 Year 9 students signed up to the Bronze Award which makes me so excited for the year ahead. Next week on March 10, the Duke of Ed team has arranged for an after school training session from 3:30 - 6:00pm. This session will provide students with information on what is to come, and we would love to see many students attend.

For our Silver Award girls looking to go on the infamous Snowy Mountains hike, the Duke of Ed team has arranged a meeting at lunchtime on 10 March to relay overall information. We are looking for 32 girls who are keen to get involved and make some really fantastic memories with each other. A reminder to the Silver girls to keep an eye out for emails from the Duke of Ed team for the time and room that this meeting will take place.

If students have any issues, questions or Award suggestions, the Duke of Ed team are available for 'in-person' Award assistance every Tuesday, or students are free to email.

Sanna M
Duke of Edinburgh Prefect

Music News

Ensembles

A reminder that Music ensembles are up and running and students are encouraged to show up and take part.

• Monday lunch: ‘Tune Up’ (Music help)

• Tuesday lunch: Jazz Band

• Tuesday morning: (Drama) Musical rehearsal (singing)

• Wednesday 7:30-8:30am: Performance Band

• Wednesday lunch: Year 7-9 Junior Choir

• Wednesday lunch: String Ensemble

• Wednesday lunch: Guitar Ensemble

• Thursday 7:30-8:30am: Drum Club

• Thursday lunch: Year 10-12 Senior Choir

Contemporary bands have finished their auditions and are now running.

If you have any questions regarding Performing Arts at the College, please contact Mrs Leanne Haines - Leanne_Haines@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au.

Dance News

All classes are now underway and working on their routines ready for performances starting in May/June. It is highly important that students are not missing classes during these first few months, whilst the routines are being learnt, or they will miss out on learning choreography.

Fees

You will receive an email from Consent2Go over the next week or two which will ask for permission for your daughter to attend the dance program. There will also be information on how to pay the fees.

Below are the proposed competitions for the dance groups. We will not attend all of these, but we will attend most of them. Please put them in your diaries now so you keep the dates free:

Possible Competitions

• Dancelife Unite Season 1 (May 22) or IRBD (May 23) - definite
• Extreme Eisteddfod (June 21) - definite
• ADF Resonate Wild Card Event (July 25) - NEW*
• Dance Spec Challenge (August 9)
• TUDC (August 16)
• Dancelife Unite Season 2 (August 28) - definite
• Hills Dance Spec (TBC - Sunday 30 August)

School Performances

• Thursday 23 & Friday 24 April - Dance Camp (at school)
• Friday 19 June – Semester 1 Dance Night
• Friday 13 November – Semester 2 Dance Night

Rochelle Jones
Teacher of Dance

Dance Timetable

• Classes may rotate rooms to allow everyone the use of a good space.

Other Class Times

Ext Musical Theatre – Friday Lunches 1:30 – 2:15pm – DANCE STUDIO

Ext Contemporary (Auditions TBC)

Once the routine has been learnt (in the holidays) you will be asked, when required, to come in on Thursday mornings for rehearsals.

Ext Commercial Jazz (Auditions TBC)

Once the routine has been learnt (in the holidays or on Sundays) you will be asked, when required, to come in on Wednesday or Thursday mornings for rehearsals.

Performance Groups

Mondays – 1:30pm – 2:15pm, Years 9/10 Performance Group (Lily TA) – DANCE STUDIO

Tuesdays – 1:30pm – 2:15pm, Year 8 Performance Group (Holly, Lani & Sami) – DANCE STUDIO

Wednesdays – 1:30pm – 2:15pm, Year 7 Performance Group (Ava, Lucy, Sophia & Eva) – DANCE STUDIO

Swimming Carnival

The Stella Swimming Carnival was held at Manly Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre on Friday 27 February. Although the weather was a little overcast and rainy, it did nothing to dampen spirits! The students had a wonderful day, swimming, cheering and having lots of fun. The theme this year was ‘Australia’ and the dress up outfits were fantastic! It was definitely the best fashion parade we have seen at a Stella carnival. The house spirit was wonderful and the cheering was loud! The participation in the swimming events was outstanding, with so many students taking part in the races all day. There were some excellent results and lots of PBs from our swimmers.

Due to the weather, the presentation was not held at the pool on the day. We will hold the presentation at the next whole school assembly in the coming weeks, recognising our age champions, champion of champions, best dressed, best cheering and our overall champion house.

Well done to all students on their enthusiasm, participation and outstanding swimming on the day. A big thank you to all staff, who worked hard all day in the rain!

Triathlon

The NSWCCC and NSW All Schools Triahlon was held on the 25 and 26 February at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Stella had five students compete in the individual triathlon and aquathon on Wednesday 25: Eve K, Charlie S, Zaylee Z, Lauren O and Quinn E (who did the aquathon, individual triathlon and team triathlon!). Well done to all of these students who performed so well in this challenging event, achieving outstanding results in the NSWCCC category:

• Eve: 3^rd 🥉
• Zaylee: 4^th
• Charli: 5^th
• Lauren: 17^th
• Quinn: 17^th

The Stella teams also had a wonderful day, participating enthusiastically and achieving excellent results. Special mention to the teams who finished in the top places:

• Flo W, Cara F and Sarah C: 4^th place
• Ella T, Ruby H and Bella R: 6^th place

Well done to all the students who participated!

Cross Country

The Stella Cross Country Carnival will be held on Monday 30 March. The races will run around the Queenscliff Lagoon and along the beach front path. Students have been emailed the link to register to compete in these events.

The distances for the Stella carnival are:

• 12 and 13 years: 3km
• 14 – 18 years: 4km (please note that the 18-year age group will need to run 6km at the interschool carnivals)

The Stella carnival is a fun and relaxed event. We encourage everyone to get involved.

In preparation for the cross country season, we will be holding training sessions on Wednesday mornings at 7.15am, commencing on Wednesday 11 March. Students have also been sent the link to register for these sessions.

What's coming up in sport

The next few weeks are looking quite busy for Stella sport. Good luck to the students who are representing Stella at a number of representative sport carnivals in the coming weeks:

• CGSSSA Rugby league: 6 March
• CGSSSA Netball: 10 March
• IGSA Swimming: 13 March
• CGSSSA Swimming: 17 March
• Tildesley Tennis: 18 and 19 March

We will be holding trials for more of our representative teams in the coming weeks.

Bill Turner Soccer team trials will be held this Friday 6 March at 7.15am at Keirle Park. We will also be holding trials in the coming weeks for the CGSSSA soccer teams and regional futsal teams. Students must remember to check emails for information on how to register.

Sunset Social

The P&F hosted the Sunset Social on Wednesday 25 February. Almost 200 parents and carers attended and we all had a wonderful time. Thank you to all the parent and carer volunteers who helped make the evening special, and all those who attended.

Upcoming events

P&F General Meeting

The next P&F General Meeting takes place on Thursday 12 March at 6.30pm in the Stella Maris College Library or online here. We would love parents to come along. This time, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A with our Principal, Sharyn Quirk. Please see agenda here.

School Open Evening

The school open evening is taking place on Wednesday 18 March from 4.00pm to 7.30pm and parent helpers are needed! We're looking for some volunteers to cook sausages on the barbecue and serve guests to help ensure the evening is a success! Sign up here.

Luna Park Family Day

Tickets will soon go on sale for a Luna Park visit for Stella families which is planned for Saturday 2 May. Watch out for tickets in the WhatsApp groups in the coming weeks. Tickets are $40 for adults and children over 132cm tall.

Uniform Shop News

The Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm during term and can be emailed on uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

Campion has delivered the King Richard III text that was on back order for Year 12. Please ask your daughters to collect these as soon as they can.

• Hospitality uniforms are also available for collection

• Winter uniforms and accessories are now available

• Year 7 and 10 are to be fitted in the Uniform Shop

• Year 11 just need a Senior pink blouse. They can be ordered online. Sizes are the same as the Junior white blouse.

The summer dresses have been packed away to make space for the winter uniform. A few sizes have been kept aside till the end of term. These can be ordered online.

The tracksuit delivery has arrived. We now have track tops and track pants in all sizes.

Please encourage your daughters to collect their online orders.

Online Uniform Orders

2026 Pricelist

Second Hand Uniforms

Week commencing Monday 9 March

Week commencing Monday 16 March

Term 1

2026 Term Dates