Term 3 Week 9 13 September 2011

Dear Parents and Caregivers For the last three weeks of Term 3 we have been learning about the virtue of responsibility, so I watched, with interest, to see what would happen to a large wrapper that lay at the foot of the stairs leading from the tuckshop to the Year 2/3 verandah. There were lots of students around. They walked past it, over it, stood on it while talking and even kicked it, but not one person took responsibility for doing anything about it. Some might believe that indeed it was not their responsibility as they hadn’t dropped the wrapper in the first place. Others were probably pre-occupied with other matters while for some, it was probably too much trouble. In the end, it’s a small thing but we all learn responsibility in small matters first in order to prepare us for taking responsibility in the larger matters of life. Indeed we first prove to ourselves, and to others as a consequence, that we are trustworthy and responsible and this builds confidence to move out of our comfort zone and on to larger things. There is certainly truth in the Gospel story which end with the master telling the servant, ‘You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things.’ (Matthew 25:23) It is important for young people to be given lots of opportunity to show responsibility in small things as they grow up and then to be given helpful feedback on their performance. In this way they learn from the experience and come to understand what can be done similarly, differently or even better, next time. It is also important to build the foundations of a responsible life on the sibling virtue of caring because without care, responsibility can take on the burden of duty alone, and can lead, over time, to feelings of resentment. With motivation in love or caring - for oneself, others, the environment or family and community - responsibility becomes joyful service. Francis de Sales, the Bishop of Geneva, who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries, wrote that we may never be called upon to undertake great works ‘but every moment we may do little ones excellently, that is, with great love.’ That’s why we pick up that litter, rather than leave it for someone else. That’s why we take care of our

belongings, say please, thank you and excuse me, do what needs doing without being asked, do the right thing, even when no-one is watching. Without a well-developed sense of responsibility, young people come to believe that the world owes them a living; that they can take with no obligation to give; that rules and deadlines are for others but not for them; that effort, persistence and commitment are not required. It’s easy to become selfish and self-centred. As parents and teachers we teach and expect children to grow in their responsibility for self, for others, for the environment, and for the good of the groups and community of which they are part, as well as for the wider human family. This happens in daily small things but, because they are small things they can be easily overlooked or dismissed as insignificant in the busy-ness and over-crowded nature of life today. We end up doing the chores ourselves because it is quicker or less stressful to do so. We avoid arguments and confrontation. It’s more important to get the kids to soccer or dancing than it is to have them clean up first or get their homework done. And so, in daily small things, they learn they can avoid responsibility. It happens that easily. Have a great week everyone and a happy and safe holiday to all our students and families. We welcome students back on MONDAY 3 October. ������

Hall to become Church On the last weekend of the holidays and the first weekend of Term 4, Stella Maris Parish Masses move to the school Chapel for weekday Masses and to the Hall for weekend Masses. Why not take advantage of Masses celebrated at school on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9am? Or why not join parishioners for Saturday evening (6pm) or Sunday Mass at 7am, 9am or 6pm. Parish life provides support for families while witnessing to the importance of faith as an integral part of life. You’ll also make new friends and there are many opportunities to get involved in various services provided by the Stella Maris Parish if you wish to get involved.

FIRST DAY OF TERM FOUR IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 3rd

Dear Parents/Caregivers, Stella Maris Care Pantry: Thank you to the myriad of people who responded to the survey Stella Maris Care Pantry – Expressions of Interest. The proposal to provide meals, either fresh or frozen, will make life a little easier for those who are affected by illness, accident, or just finding life difficult. The response has been overwhelming with parents indicating approx 70 meals to be provided for Term 4 and over 20 people indicating they would make time available to help. Thank you for your generosity in indicating an interest in being part of this service on a regular basis. A meeting has been organised for the first Wednesday of Term 4, 5th October at 9.00am in the Children’s Chapel for those who would like to be part of the organising committee. A reminder will be posted in the first newsletter of next term. Thank you in anticipation for your involvement. St Vincent de Paul Education Grants The St Vincent de Paul’s first round of Education Grants are now open till September 30.There is one particular fund just for students attending Catholic Schools. It is not Charity, but a Grant to get children back to school with appropriate uniforms and shoes to start the school year in 2012. You can call in to the St Vincent de Paul Society Centre 48 Aerodrome Rd. for more information and to pick up a letter that outlines to applicants what information you need to gather before an interview (now being conducted), or alternatively phone me at school and I will endeavour to get a copy to you. This is a wonderful service and I encourage those who need a little help to make an application. News from the Parish: TILES ON THE ROOF of Stella Maris Church start to come off on Monday 26th September, weather permitting! From that Monday morning, the Monday, Tuesday and Friday morning Masses will be in the Children’s Chapel at Stella Maris School. For two weekends the parish weekend Masses will be there too - that is weekends 1/2 October and 8/9 October. We need to fine tune organization for this as carefully as possible so as not to interrupt things at the school. To achieve this we need groups of men who usually attend Saturday and Sunday evening Masses to help. Please phone the parish office if you can help on 54433488. Prayers for those who are suffering: Rosary in the Chapel Rosary will be said in the Chapel each Thursday morning at 8.15am during Term Times for those who are sick or in need of prayer. All welcome to join us – parents, students, staff and parishioners. Finally a prayer for the week that started with the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 - Saint Theresa's Prayer: May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

God bless, ������.

15th September 2011

Caitlyn Teale, Latoya Fitzgerald, Dee Wiseman, Kai Deighton, Kyal Moloney, Logan Murray, Blake Jackson, Noah Talbot,

Alina Robins, Hudson Mills, Luke Wills, Joey Flintoft, Rhys Whiley, Noah Warrell, Kye Southey, Sam Cox, Brayden Huston, Lily Scott,

Isabelle Smith, Jordan Tzvetkov, Shana Orlaugsson, Holly McDonald, Hugo Furniss, Gabby Gorham, Tobin Rose, Lily D’Souza.

Thank you to: Jade Burrows, Codi Jowett, Bridget Morley, David Strazzari,

Makenzie Brown, Ally Christie,

RAINBOWS FINAL CELEBRATION

THIS WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER IN THE SCHOOL HALL. 4.00PM START. ALL WELCOME

•50 cent book sale on this week. •Book Week Dress Up Parade Friday 9.00am in the Hall

Vacation Care Immanuel Lutheran College OSHC Vacation Care has Vacancies for the September School Holidays. Please phone 54773418 for enrolment details and Vacation Care information.

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BUS FARE ASSISTANCE & STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Semester 2, 2011,

online applications for the Bus Fare Assistance Program and the

Students with Disabilities Scheme will be accepted:

To lodge an online application for either programs go to: www.schooltransport.com.au

Further enquiries to: 3336 9192 or schooltransport@qcec.catholic.edu.au

Applications received after 31st October 2011 cannot be processed.

Social Justice Committee The Social Justice Committee asks you to support our school fund-raiser by donating 5 cent coins to Catholic Mission. There is not much a 5 cent coin can be used for nowadays. That’s why we’ve decided to get together as many 5 cent coins as possible. We are trying to raise money for our friends in Africa, particularly Somalia who are going through extreme famine. We will be putting a jar in each class room which we are hoping you will fill with 5 cent coins by this Thursday. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile fundraiser.

A BIG Garden THANKYOU!! The Garden Construction was a huge success (even with a few weather scares)! I would really like to sin-cerely thank all the people who have contributed to this project – from donations, to making connections to offer-

ing labour on the day. It couldn’t have been done without you! The best thing about the day was simply watching the Stella Maris com-munity coming together with a common goal. The children were moti-vated and engaged and didn’t want to stop working. The garden is something they all can own and take pride in. Throughout the day peo-ple worked together - students, parents, grandparents, the grounds-men, teachers and Leonie and Di – what an experience! It is only the beginning of a wonderful Stella Maris resource and learning experience for the children. Thank you all so, so much!

From the Stella Garden Team

Children’s Book Sale 40-90% off everything! 14 September 114 Sportsmans Pde Bokarina 1 day only!

September 13 P &F Meeting in Staffroom @ 6:15pm Drum/Percussion Soiree 6.00pm Music Room September 15 Instrumental Soiree 6.00pm in School Hall School Board 6.30pm September 16 Book Week Parade September 16 Last day of Term 3 October 3 First Day of Term 4 - MONDAY October 6 Choirs in the Community October 11 P & F Meeting October 17 Pupil Free Day October 19 QLD Symphony Orchestra Singing Lunchtime Concert 10.45am Music Room October 22 Bare Foot Bowls @ 5.30pm October 27 STELLABRATION November 1 Piano Soiree 6.00pm School Hall November 8 P & F/AGM Meeting November 9 Singing Soiree 6.00pm School Hall November 10 Guitar Soiree 6.00pm School Hall November 14 String Soiree 6.00pm School Hall November 17 Piano Soiree 6.00pm School Hall December 2 Last Day of Term 4

MUSIC NOTES This week – Tuesday 13 September - Percussion Soiree (Mr Burr)

from 6pm in the Music Room Thursday 13 September – Guitar Ensemble (Mr Clarke) to perform at Assembly

Thursday 15 September – Instrumental Soiree (Mr Wynyard) from 6pm in the Hall CHOIRS IN THE COMMUNITY - On Thursday October 6th, the Choral groups will be presenting a selection of their repertoire for the clients and staff of the Maroochy Day & Respite Centre and Buderim Views Nursing Home. Two concerts with picnic lunch in between. All SM Singers, Speech Choir & Stella Fellas - that's well over 100 children- - have received their notes for the excursion last week. Please let me know if you didn't get the permission slip and details. The slips definitely need to be returned this week to allow further planning. QSO Concert Excursion – a reminder for students in yr 4-7 who are involved in the Instrumental Music Program to please get parents to check their emails for details on this excursion and get the note and payment in to the office ASAP to secure your place.

Planning is well underway for STELLABRATION – Thursday 27 October

Thanks for your wonderful support this term!

Music in the Community – Friday 16 September - Baroque Brilliance – Cello Dreaming Concert at Eudlo Hall from 6pm (Pink Note donation at the door) Sunday 18 September – Handel….with Care by the Sunshine Coast Choral at Buderim Memorial Hall from 2.30pm (visit www.suncoastchoral.org.au for tickets)

jalanksey@bne.catholic.edu.au - Classroom Music / Choral Program twynyard@bne.catholic.edu.au - Instrumental Music (including singing, speech, drama)

Uniform shop is running a special on socks. We would like to hand some savings down to you. SPECIAL ON SOCKS: 2 pair for $5. Stock up now and save. Keep smiling! Leanne Dowe Uniform Convenor

Wed 14/09 Thurs 15/09 Fri 16/09 Mon 03/10 Tues 04/10

S Pentland H Scales J O’Reilly J Reginato L Martin

A Schofield H Person K Harris

Week Ending September 16 M Bastin, A Brown, A Brunswick, T Carmody, G Chamberlain, R Clements, J Collins, A Currie, J Day, L Dowe, T Duggan, F Ellis, E Gerbo, L Gerbo, R Thomas, D Hudson, K Kapolos, L Robbie, M Damaggio, J Fuller, K Kretzer, B Baillie, K Purssell,

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Celebrating Disability Action Week

Where: Maroochydore Soccer Club/Sports

Complex When: Wednesday 14th of September, 2011

Time: 9.30 - 2pm Primary School Children with disability and their families are invited to come along for some fun and to try something new!

For further information please contact: Sandi Dunning or Angela Muller at Nambour Special School on 54449333 or email

sdunn1@eq.edu.au or amull53@eq.edu.au

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P& F Meeting Tonight September 13 @ 6.15pm in the

Staffroom. All welcome.

The Fair profit is $21,377. This money has been pledged to the new playground equipment for grades 3-7 which is being installed over the Christmas holidays. This is a great result! Thank You to Andrew Small & Michelle MacDonald for all their hard work organizing the Fair. Well done!

SAUSAGE SIZZLE FRIDAY Sausage Sizzle orders and payment must be returned by Wednesday 14 September.

CHESS BREAKING NEWS TERM 4, 12th October – 23rd No-vember Wednesday Mornings 8 am Mr Tony Powell, Coach for Siena and Matthew Flinders has made the above time slot available to Stella Maris chess players for formal coaching. Cost is $40. Tony can be con-tacted at lateknights@westnet.com.au if you have any questions. If you would like your child to be in the Wednesday morning class please let me know by phone 54098900,email ccraig@bne.catholic.edu.au or note. Payment to the coach on the first week. Christine Craig Thank you to all my regular helpers this term.

Have a safe and restful holiday. Looking for to working with you all again next term.

Christine Craig (Guidance Counsellor) email:ccraig@bne.catholic.edu.au

Message for the Holidays! HAVE FUN! That may really sound like a silly piece of advice. It’s not always easy to have fun when you’re faced with one problem or demand after another. Just because we have serious stuff to manage doesn’t mean we can't have fun too. In fact we need it. What do you think fun is? As we all know life involves more than enough seriousness and responsibility and so we have to work a bit to make it more amusing. Maybe not every day, maybe on holidays, week-ends. If you like fishing it doesn’t matter if you catch anything. If you think it’s fun to play tennis, go to the pictures, blow soap bubbles or drink coffee, go ahead and do that. Along with all the encouragement and support we give our children in the serious pursuits in life we should balance that with a lighter side, a playful side. Our libraries and councils have many exciting and interesting activities during school holidays if you run out of ideas. So for two weeks put FUN with family on the top of your TO DO agenda and enjoy!