Principal's Address

Dear Families,

Mother’s Day

I hope that last Sunday was an opportunity to recognise the role that Mum’s have played in our lives. The students went home excited with the gifts they had purchased from the stall at school. Thank you to the Mums and Dads who assisted with the organisation and selling of the gifts. At assembly, I spoke to the students about the many ways they could show their appreciation to the Mums. I hope you were spoiled with gifts, time, affection and appreciation.

Before/After Care - TheirCare

As previously mentioned, we are proceeding with TheirCare beginning soon at Stella Maris. We are currently working with them to prepare the site for our students. I’m sure that it will be a great relief to families to be able to have your child/ren cared for, before and after school (if required). Information will be sent soon about how to register and the types of fun activities planned for the students. The service is planning to start no later than the beginning of Term Three, 2026 (it could be earlier).

Year 4 Camp

Our Year 4 students will be travelling to Angahook Camp next week from May 18-20. They are very excited about the activities and time spent off-site together. Camp provides a unique opportunity for students to develop independence, confidence and resilience - important life skills. The camp will be attended by Ms Alex Bland, Mrs Angela Palombi, Ms Carmel Fisher (all 3 days) and myself (Monday afternoon till Tuesday). 

Please note that Year 3 will be attending the Zoo Snooze Camp from December 1-2.

School Ideas

We are considering a Kitchen Garden beside the oval. If it proceeds, ideas will be sought from students (SRC), staff and parents. The students will be able to plant vegetables and measure progress through Science and Maths activities. We will consider building some seating to allow for a teaching space. We will keep you updated on the progress. 

We are exploring ways to communicate more with our school community. This week we have trialled some equipment used to create podcasts. If we proceed, we will provide opportunities for students to create and distribute ideas and updates to our school community.

Staffing

Mrs Helena Graham will be moving into a new role of Learning Diversity Leader (LDL), currently held by Mrs Angela Palombi. Helena has previously held the position of LDL at Stella Maris for a number of years. She will bring a great deal of experience to the role. Helena’s appointment will increase the time and staffing we are able to supply towards our students who need additional support. Recently, we increased the hours of a number of our Learning Support Officers (LSOs) to again provide more support for our students. Angela will continue to offer support in LDL role. It will allow her to spend more time and effort in her other roles: Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing & Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHIPS) Leader. 

Uniform 

Please see the Uniform section in the Newsletter for our Uniform Policy, which includes our current uniform requirements. The uniform policy will be updated after seeking feedback from parents. A number of parents have voiced various opinions about our uniform. Between now and the end of term, a minor review of our policy will take place that will not impact families, if the correct uniform is being currently worn.

Stella Maris Feast Day

Please see more information from Mrs Irene Greenway in our Religious Education News section about our Feast Day on Thursday May 28, 2026. Parents from Year 3, coordinated by the Parents and Friends, have kindly offered to supply a free sausage sizzle on the day. Parents will also be invited to join us for lunch from 1:00-1:30pm. An nForma note will be sent out shortly seeking permission for your child (and yourself) to participate in the sausage sizzle.

Athletics Carnival

Our annual House Athletics Carnival is tomorrow, Friday 15 May.  If you have not yet given your response to accept/decline your child's participation at this event please do so as soon as possible.

To ensure the safety of the students we need some parents to assist with event supervision. It is not a difficult job  - you would be accompanying students to their different events and assisting where required. If you are able to assist - even for a short time - please email Maria Mitchell at mmitchell@smbeaumaris.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible. Your help is appreciated.

Lunch orders:  A reminder that lunch orders will not be available this Friday.  If you have already ordered a lunch order, your account will be credited. Students will be required to bring lunch, snacks, sunblock and water to school.

Please also find a copy of the map which did not come through on the nForma form that was sent earlier this week.

Parents are most welcome to attend.

#CourageAlways

Simon Millar