The countdown is on to the biggest social event of the year!

We are just seven weeks out until the Stella community comes together for our 95th Anniversary 'Legacy of Lights' Gala Ball and we invite our community to be part of a truly special occasion as we celebrate this remarkable milestone - it's a legacy worth celebrating! More than just an evening of fine dining, dancing, entertainment and celebration, the Gala Ball is an opportunity to honour the generations of students, families, staff and benefactors who have helped shape Stella into the vibrant community we know today. We hope every member of our community will join us for what promises to be a memorable and historic night.

With tables already booked by parents, staff, incoming families and alumni groups, there is a fantastic sense of excitement building around the event. Do not miss the opportunity to join us for the party of the year. Gather a group of friends, form a table, or join one of the many tables already taking shape. This is our first-ever Gala Ball and our only opportunity to celebrate Stella's 95-year legacy while helping to support its future. We can't wait to see our community come together under the lights for an unforgettable evening.

Year 7 2029 - Enrolment Applications close tomorrow!

A reminder to all families who have a daughter currently in Year 4 that enrolment applications for Year 7 2029 close tomorrow, Friday 24 July. Please note that all students (irrerspective of whether a sister is a current student) are required to complete the enrolment process.

The first step is to complete the Enrolment Registration form via the link below:

If unsure whether you have already completed the form, please contact the Registrar at registrar@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2034!

Reminder – Stella Maris College Withdrawal Procedure

We kindly remind parents that it is a condition of enrolment that one full term’s written notice is required if a student is to be withdrawn. For students departing at the end of Term 4 (1 December 2026), notice must be provided by the end of Term 3 (25 September 2026).

To submit a withdrawal notice, please email the Registrar at registrar@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au, including your daughter’s withdrawal date, intended destination, and the reason for withdrawal. If one term’s notice is not provided, parents will be charged a term's fee in lieu of notice and will be payable prior to your daughter’s departure.

Visual Arts News

We have some wonderful art works on display around the College from our creative students. We are very excited to use a new exhibition area in the Polding Centre’s stairwells!

The expanse of the area has created the perfect space to showcase the fabulous art work from our Year 11 Visual Art Camp at Bundanon this year. Make sure you take a walk through on your way to class.

We have also changed out images of art works from Years 7, 8 and 9 in the corridors of Scholastica near the Library and IT, and Year 10 in the corridors of Good Sams.

Enjoy the show!

Ms Quick
Head of Visual Arts

Cambodia 2026 - an opportunity to truly give!

After three years of hikes, service hours and skill building, 38 students with eight staff recently returned from a life-changing Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition to Cambodia. What awaited the girls was an experience that challenged assumptions and deepened perspectives.

Long before the plane departed, our students had, over many months, planned and led fundraising initiatives, including a highly successful auction that raised more than $7,000. They helped coordinate donations, sorted and packed hundreds of items, planned literacy lessons for local primary schools, and rehearsed songs they would later teach. The generosity of the Stella community was evident at every point of the journey. The girls collected and transported an incredible 285.5kg of donations to Cambodia, including clothing, toys, toiletries, games and LEGO. The money raised from the auction enabled us to purchase more than 60 push bikes for local families and children, and while these contributions were significant, the most meaningful part of the experience would not be what we brought with us, but the relationships that were built.

A significant part of our time was spent alongside Northern Beaches' local, Mike Pawley's Happy Days school, a charity that Stella Maris College has proudly supported for more than 15 years - a partnership that reflects our own local community's commitment to reaching beyond that ‘insular peninsula’. Over two days, our students spent time with the Happy Days children, playing games with them and allowing the little ones to absorb as much English language as they possibly could! The Stella girls also spent two mornings in local Cambodian primary schools, teaching the lessons and activities they had spent months preparing - it was incredible to witness, especially the deeper appreciation for their own teachers back here at Stella ;)

As a Catholic school, we speak often about the dignity of each person and our responsibility to stand alongside others. Community, and Peace and Justice became more than words in Cambodia - they became something the girls could see and feel. They witnessed how access to education can create possibility, and how awareness can challenge assumptions. They returned with a deeper belief that lasting change begins when communities choose to learn from one another, whether that community is here on the Northern Beaches or a village in Siem Reap.

Alongside these service experiences, students were immersed in Cambodia's rich culture and complex history, reflecting on the resilience of the Cambodian people and how profoundly a person's opportunities can be influenced by circumstances beyond their control. Encounters with Cambodia's elephants and the courageous landmine detection rats offered further insight into both the challenges the country has faced and the efforts being made to create a safer future.

BUT … the relationships between the Stella girls and the Cambodian students… that is where the gold was found. The girls encountered lives that were materially simple, yet rich in gratitude and connection - children who found joy in the smallest things, and communities that demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Many spoke about gaining a new respect for sacrifice, a stronger understanding of the importance of withholding judgement, and a determination to approach others with greater curiosity and compassion. The trip strengthened existing friendships, created new ones, and fostered authentic relationships between students and staff that are difficult to replicate within the routine of school life. Most importantly, our students returned with a renewed understanding of their own potential - that their actions matter, and that real impact is created when a community works together with purpose.

The girls themselves summarised the trip better than I ever could!

"I went to Cambodia to teach in the classrooms, only to be taught myself. No wonder the teachers made us drink so much water every day, perhaps to replace the tears we would later cry when saying goodbye to the true friendships we had made. With another student, I had the privilege, to talk to the women and young teenage girls in the community about periods and the reusable period products that we donated. Being able to share my experience with the women was an honour and privilege that no words could describe; no feeling could match the emotions I felt standing in front of those girls and making a true difference that would offer them a feeling of security. I will always remember the way the children laughed. Their kindness taught me that happiness is not measured by what we have, but by the love and friendship we share with others."

"I have stuck by this same motto for the longest time, that 'effort is everything' and going on this Cambodia trip really made me understand and see that within the community. The schools that we visited were filled with kids who have so much passion towards learning English and put so much effort into trying to connect with us. From the first time we met them, my heart was comfortably filled when I saw that they all learnt the lyrics to 'Dancing Queen', proudly singing it at the top of their lungs. I discovered that connection doesn't come from words, it comes from the genuine love pouring out of everyone's hearts. This trip has really made me understand and feel comfort with knowing that love is all you need in life."

"One of the biggest things I learnt in Cambodia was how much happiness can come from the smallest things. The kids we spent time with had so little compared to what I'm used to, yet they were some of the happiest, most grateful, and kindest human beings I've ever met. Since coming home, I've found myself appreciating things I used to take granted for, like having drinkable running water, access to education, and a solid roof over my head. Cambodia also made me realise that small acts of kindness can have a much bigger impact than what I thought. I learnt to appreciate the little things and not take the opportunities in my life for granted."

"The beauty of human connection! We created such strong bonds with the kids that we interacted with and how amazing it was to be greeted by them every day that we went to the schools! A moment that stood out to me was when we gave out the donated clothes. It really put things into perspective that even though they might have only received one soccer shirt or one pair of shorts, the kids were so unbelievably grateful and excited to wear their new clothes! It really made me think about how little we actually need in life and maybe that new bikini isn't really that important…"

This expedition might have been the culmination of a 3-year Duke of Edinburgh journey, but in many ways, it was the start of something new for them. They're more grateful, more aware, and more connected to a world beyond themselves.

Ms Amy Smith
Assistant Principal Wellbeing

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)

Year 12 Music Night @ Bucketty's

On Monday 24 August, the Music 1 class will be performing a selection of their HSC repertoire live @ Bucketty’s at Brookvale. This very talented class will put on a fantastic show in what is sure to be an outstanding evening. As this is a licensed venue, any students attending will need to be supervised by a parent or responsible adult. This is always a fantastic evening, with our students receiving tremendous support from the community, as the photos from last year's event demonstrate.

2027 Japan Tour

The Stella Maris College Performance Music Tour to Japan is scheduled for September 2027.

This exciting 7-11 day tour provides students with the opportunity to perform, participate in masterclasses, experience cultural exchanges, and explore some of Japan’s most iconic destinations, including Nagasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Highlights include exchange performances, cultural experiences, historical sites, TeamLab, Tokyo SkyTree, a traditional tea ceremony, and a visit to either Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan.

The tour has been specially designed by Hayes Travel Enterprises, a company with extensive experience in managing international performing arts tours, and includes accommodation, international flights, ground transport, performances, and many meals and sightseeing activities.

Please take some time to review the attached tour information carefully with your daughter. Expressions of Interest and deposit information will be sent out next week.

NSW All Schools Cross Country

The NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships was held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre on the first day of Term 3. Stella had four students representing NSWCCC at this event: Amelia M, Bella R, Sarah C and Lucy T. Competing against the toughest cross country talent in New South Wales, all four of these students ran exceptional races, which showed their talent, dedication and months of hard training!

Amelia produced a remarkable run to claim gold 🥇in the 15 Years Girls event, earning the title of NSW All Schools Champion. This outstanding achievement has also secured her selection in the NSW team for the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships to be held in September. We congratulate Amelia on this well-deserved recognition and wish her luck at the national championships.

Congratulations to all four Stella students on their great results:

Amelia M: 1st 🥇in the 15 years event

Bella R: 7^th in the 14 years event

Lucy T: 8^th in the 12 years event

Sarah C: 21^st in the 13 years event.

To have four athletes qualify for this prestigious event is a significant achievement in itself, and their results are a testament to the hard work, resilience and determination they have shown throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of all four students for the way they represented both Stella and NSWCCC, and we congratulate them on their outstanding efforts at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships.

Bill Turner Soccer

The Stella Bill Turner Soccer team has continued its outstanding run in this year's competition, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory over William Clarke College to win the area final! In what was an incredibly high-quality match between two talented teams, the game showcased skill, determination and resilience from start to finish.

After trailing 3-1 early in the second half, Stella faced a significant challenge against a strong opposition. However, we demonstrated remarkable composure and played with determination right to the final whistle. Their persistence and attacking flair were rewarded as they scored three unanswered goals to complete an impressive comeback and secure a memorable 4-3 win.
The match featured four outstanding goals, with Evie M finding the back of the net twice and Zoe V adding another two goals in a superb attacking display.

This victory sees the team progress to the Round of 16, leaving them among the final 16 teams in this nationwide competition. To reach this stage is a tremendous achievement and reflects the talent, commitment and teamwork that this group has displayed in all games.

We congratulate all members of the team on this fantastic result. They represented Stella with great sportsmanship and skill, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements!

Snow Sports

Congratulations to Bridey C and Archie H (Year 12) who represented Stella at the Northern NSW Snow Sports Championships at Thredbo in the holidays. Bridey and Archie have represented Stella at this event throughout their six years at Stella, and had a fantastic time in their final year of competition.

Their results were outstanding! Archie and Bridey both achieved their best results yet and skied brilliantly. They have now both qualified to compete at the NSW Interschools State final later this term. A big congratulations to them on their fantastic individual results and especially on their fourth place overall in the Ski Cross teams event!

NSW All Schools Rugby League

Congratulations to Lara M (Year 11) who represented NSWCCC at the Australian Girls Rugby League Championships in Coffs Harbour over the holidays. Lara’s team won three of their four games, finishing in fifth place overall. Lara has had a very successful year in rugby league, having recently finished a very successful season with the Central Coast Roosters in the NRLW U16 team.

In addition to her success in league, Lara is also excelling in Rugby 7s. She is currently training with NSW Rugby 7s leading up to State Cup in Mudgee in October and recently co-captained the NSWCCC rugby 7s team at the NSW All Schools Rugby 7s tournament. Well done Lara!

Good luck!

Best of luck to three of our talented athletes who are representing NSW at the School Sport Australia Championships in Victoria next week:

• Charlotte C (Year 11) is representing NSW at the School Sport Australia Football Championships
• Isla S (Year 9) is representing NSW at the School Sport Australia Hockey Championships
• Claudine S (Year 7) is representing NSW at the School Sport Australia AFL Championships

Congratulations on these outstanding achievement and best of luck!

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

Junior skirts and long sleeve blouses will be packed away on 4 August so summer dresses can be placed on the shelves. Please purchase these skirts and blouses before this date

Parents/carers of Year 7 students studying Art this term who have not yet ordered Art Packs are kindly asked to order and collect by tomorrow.

Please encourage your daughters to collect their online orders.

Online Uniform Orders

The Online Store can also be found on the Stella app by following “Links”.

2026 Pricelist

Second Hand Uniforms

Welcome back to Term 3. The P&F are looking forward to hosting some new up and coming events for our community so please look out for those in this section of the newsletter and the WhatsApp groups.

P&F Office Bearers

The AGM of the P&F was held on Thursday 4 June. The minutes of the meeting can be found here.

We were delighted to appoint the following office bearers and thank them for their contribution to the College.

Fundraising Coordinator - Position Vacant

The Fundraising Coordinator role is now vacant. Please reach out to Catherine Fitzgerald at catherinefitzgerald@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested in volunteering. Details of the role are provided below:

The Fundraising Coordinator is responsible for organising and managing fundraising activities, with a focus on securing prize donations for key events such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Trivia Night. This role involves setting up platforms for ticket sales, organising auctions and silent auctions, and collaborating with the Marketing & Communications Officer to effectively promote these initiatives. The Fundraising Coordinator ensures that all fundraising efforts are well organised, meet financial goals, and encourage strong community participation. This description highlights the specific duties related to events and prize donations!

The P&F would like to formally acknowledge and thank Jo Reid for the outstanding work she has undertaken in this role over the past year.

WhatsApp Parent Groups

The P&F administers year level WhatsApp group to share information relating to P&F activities. It's also a great place for parents to ask any school-related questions. Please find below the links for each year level.

Week commencing Monday 27 July

Week commencing Monday 3 August

Term 3

2026 Term Dates

2027 Term Dates