24 Term 1 Week 9

What an exciting few weeks we have had as a school community, with one of the biggest highlights being our move into our new learning and working spaces for 2024, during week 6.

The old adage, “Many hands make light work,” was certainly so true given the timely and efficient manner that all classes and office spaces were able to be moved within such a short space of time. A big ‘thank you’ is extended to the students, staff and parent helpers, who gave up their time to support this process.

NAPLAN

In the week following our building move our students in Year 3 and 5 took part in NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is one of a number of important tools that is used for assessing students' progress in key areas of literacy and numeracy.

It's commendable to hear that the students worked to the best of their ability and demonstrated determination and resilience during their NAPLAN testing.  We look forward to receiving those results later in Term 2.

Class Masses and Liturgies with Parish

We have continued to work with the Parish to ensure that students are able to engage in our Tuesday Parish Masses in a meaningful way. A big thank you is extended to Victoria Traeger and classroom teachers for ensuring the children are well prepared to join in these liturgical celebrations. The time spent together as a Parish community is enjoyed by all.

Reconciliation Sacramental Program

On Tuesday the 9^th of April at 7pm, students enrolled in Reconciliation Sacramental Program come together with their families to begin preparation. This meeting will be held in Holy Spirit Church Hall.

Harmony Day

Last week we celebrated Harmony week as a whole school community. Throughout the week all classes undertook a number of activities to explore how each of us can live in harmony with one another.

Our Year 4 students further broke open the importance of Harmony Day in our Whole School Community prayer.

The theme for Harmony Day this year was, 'Everybody Belongs'. Harmony Day is a celebration that recognises Australia's diversity and brings people together from many different backgrounds. It's about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

At the end of community prayer Mr Quigley let us know that we have 36 different cultures that make up our school community. It is so pleasing to see the way that we as a school community continue to work in harmony with one another to make our school community the friendly caring places that it is.

Easter Raffle

We are excited to announce that our Easter Raffle, organised by our dedicated Parents and Friends, was a huge success! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our school families, we were able to put together an amazing number of prizes for this fundraiser.

The Parents and Friends are thrilled to report that approximately $3,500 was raised! This outstanding achievement wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic support of our school community. The funds raised will help support the work of our yard redevelopment.

How to find Easter Service times if you are travelling this Easter

Please note if your family is away over Easter and you are looking for Mass times please use the following link to the current edition of the Southern Cross to gain phone numbers to find service times in the area you are travelling to. www.thesoutherncross.org.au

Holy Week Liturgies

This week is the most significant and important week in our Catholic life and that of the life of the church. During this week we acknowledge the days and events of Holy Week and prepare for the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

As James said to the students at our Palm Sunday liturgy on Monday morning, this is a week full of varied and big emotions. The joy and excitement of Palm Sunday as Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd slowly turns to feelings of despair later in the week when he is hung on the cross to die, then we have the joy of Jesus resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

Palm Sunday

On Monday Mrs Kennedy’s Year 2 Class started our whole school Holy week commemorations by breaking open the story of Palm Sunday. On this day, we celebrate the triumphant entry of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, into Jerusalem, riding a donkey. The people laid their cloaks on the ground and palms before Him, a gesture reserved for triumphant leaders.

The Last Supper

Mrs Churchman-Hope’s class helped to unpack the events of the Last Supper. This was the final meal Jesus shared with his closest followers before his crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, teaching them important lessons about sacrifice and love.

This event is significant because it symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. He offered himself as a "living bread" and instructed his disciples to remember him through the act of sharing bread and wine, which later became the basis for the Christian ritual of Holy Communion or the Eucharist.

Jesus also demonstrated humility and service by washing his disciples' feet during this meal, further teaching the importance of serving others with love and compassion.

The Garden of Gethsemane

On Wednesday afternoon Mr Hill’s class helped to unpack the story of when Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples after the Last Supper. He took Peter, James, and John with him and asked them to keep watch while he prayed. There, Jesus experienced deep anguish and sorrow, knowing what was to come. He prayed to God, asking if it were possible, for the cup of suffering to be taken from him, yet ultimately submitting to God's will, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done."

It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who identified him to the authorities with a kiss. Jesus was then arrested and taken into custody, leading to his subsequent trail and crucifixion.

The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' obedience to God's plan, his acceptance of suffering, and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

The Stations of the Cross

The mood really shifted on Thursday when, as a whole school, we took part in the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, commemorate Jesus Christ's passion and death. It consists of a series of 14 stations or images depicting specific events from Jesus' journey to his crucifixion and burial.

The stations begin with Jesus' condemnation to death by Pontius Pilate and end with his burial in the tomb. Along the way, they include key moments such as Jesus carrying his cross, his encounters with his mother Mary and other figures, his falls, and his crucifixion.

Each of our classes helped to unpack the stations in a contemporary manner, encouraging us all to think about how we treat others and how we can try to be more like Jesus in our day to day interactions with one another.

The Resurrection

He is risen! Alleluia! On Tuesday of next week, at 2.30pm Mr Hegarty and Mrs Oleary’s year 5 Class will share with us the excitement of Jesus resurrection.

After his death, Jesus body was placed in a tomb, which was sealed with a large stone. However, on the third day after his death, now known as Easter Sunday, Jesus' followers discovered that the tomb was empty, and they encountered Jesus alive again. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, teaching them and commissioning them to spread his message throughout the world.

"Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Easter! May this time be filled with love, peace, and happiness as you celebrate the hope and renewal that Easter brings. May you cherish the time spent with friends and family, and may your hearts be uplifted with the promise of new beginnings. Happy Easter!"

Kindest regards,

The Leadership Team

Dear School Community,

I'd like to introduce myself as Pastoral Care Worker here at Stella Maris. Mental Health and Wellbeing is deeply embedded in our School's Identity and is an integral part of who we are and how we play, work and learn at Stella Maris. I am a qualified Social Worker and am available Monday to Wednesday for all Parents, Teachers and Students. You are welcome to email me at the address below if you'd like to find out more. We are in for a very exciting year at Stella Maris - New Building, new staff, new students and families, new garden and new adventures! 

Emily Hughes

Emily.Hughes@smps.catholic.edu.au

Families wishing to take advantage of the Early Payment Discount of $100 per student off of school fees must have all school fees paid before Friday 29th March 2024.

Please email kathy.groat@smps.catholic.edu.au if you require any further information.

UNIFORM SHOP - Belgravia Apparel

Stella Maris is one of the many online schools we cater for at Belgravia Apparel Campbeltown meaning that school stock is held in the back storeroom and not on display.

To avoid long waits and disruptions to other customers who have appointments we ask that you please book for an appointment on the below link.

https://www.belgraviaapparelschools.com/collections/stella-maris-parish-school

Thank you