Wellbeing

Chess Club at Stella Maris

This term, we have been delighted to introduce Chess Club at Stella Maris providing students with an engaging and enjoyable lunchtime opportunity to learn, play and connect with others. Chess has been a wonderful way for our students to develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, concentration, strategic planning, patience and resilience, while also encouraging positive social interactions and respectful competition. Our students have thoroughly enjoyed Chess Club, challenging themselves, learning new strategies and building confidence as they developed their skills throughout the term. We are excited that Chess Club will continue into next term, providing students with further opportunities to develop their skills and enjoy this wonderful lunchtime activity.

We would like to congratulate the students who were recognised for their effort, commitment and achievements in Chess Club this term:

1st Place – Noah (Year 3)

2nd Place – James (Year 6)

3rd Place – Jordan (Year 1)

Congratulations to all three students! Your hard work, enthusiasm and persistence have been fantastic to see. A big congratulations also to all of our Chess Club students for embracing the opportunity, showing great sportsmanship and enjoying the challenge. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Chess Club next term!

Holiday Wellbeing – Time to Rest, Reconnect and Recharge

The school holidays are a wonderful opportunity for children and families to slow down, recharge and enjoy time together. Wellbeing doesn’t need to involve big plans or expensive activities — often, it is the simple moments of connection that make the biggest difference.

Here are a few ideas for families to enjoy together over the break:

Make time to connect. Put devices aside and spend some uninterrupted time together. Have a family meal, play a board game, cook something together or simply sit and chat.

Get outside. Go for a walk, ride bikes, visit a park or head to the beach. Fresh air, movement and time in nature can do wonders for everyone's wellbeing.

Have some fun. Let the children choose an activity the whole family can enjoy. Play a game, build something, have a picnic, bake together or have a family movie night.

Make time to read. Encourage children to choose a book they enjoy and find a quiet, comfortable place to read. Reading for pleasure is a wonderful way to relax and unwind.

Keep some routines. While holidays are a time to relax, maintaining some familiar routines around sleep, meals and activity can help children feel settled and ready for the new term.

Check in with each other. Take a few minutes each day to ask, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What made you smile today?” These simple conversations can create meaningful connections.

Practise gratitude. At dinner time or before bed, ask everyone to share one thing they are grateful for. It can be something as simple as a sunny day, a favourite meal or time with family.

Create some screen-free time. Encourage regular breaks from screens and replace them with opportunities to play, create, explore and connect.

Remember that rest is important. Children don't need every minute of the holidays planned. Unstructured time to relax, play, explore and simply be is an important part of wellbeing too.

Our Family Wellbeing Challenge

Can your family complete the 5-Day Feel-Good Challenge?

For five days, choose one simple wellbeing activity to do together:

Day 1 – Move: Go for a family walk, bike ride or play outside.
Day 2 – Connect: Have a meal together with no phones or screens.
Day 3 – Create: Cook, bake, draw, build or make something together.
Day 4 – Gratitude: Each family member shares three things they are grateful for.
Day 5 – Kindness: Do one kind thing for someone else.

Bonus challenge: Take a photo or draw a picture of your favourite family moment from the holidays and share the story when you return to school!

Most importantly, enjoy being together. The holidays are a chance to pause, reconnect and create memories that your children will carry with them long after the holidays are over.

Angela Palombi

Deputy Principal/Wellbeing Leader