Stella Maris is proudly Catholic and promotes the charism of the Sisters of Charity in offering a variety of faith experiences:

• Daily lessons in Religious Education
• Involvement in sacramental programs
• Daily prayer and regular school Masses and liturgies
• A focus on stewardship and responsible environmental practices
• Promotion of Christian values
• Student-led (Mini Vinnies) social justice initiatives and fundraisers

Stella Maris is a dynamic learning community which prepares students to be confident, successful and able to make positive contributions in their world. We offer:

• Individualised learning programs
• Effective use of data to inform teaching direction
• Well-developed structures for supporting students with specific learning needs
• An emphasis on student goal setting and success criteria
• Gifted education programs and enrichment opportunities for students
• Regular opportunities for celebrating student successes

Stella Maris has a committed staff who constantly set goals and undertake professional learning opportunities in order to maintain effective pedagogical practices. Features of our emphasis on learning include:

• Teachers operate as a professional learning community with the focus on collaboration
• There is a whole-school emphasis on project-based learning
• Creative and critical thinking skills are developed within teaching practices
• Technology is used effectively as a tool to enhance student learning
• There is an emphasis on providing opportunities in STEM across the school

Teachers provide regular support and feedback in order to support greater student learning outcomes.

Stella Maris aims to create and maintain a happy and safe environment for all students. Ways in which this is achieved include:

• Regular promotion of the school rules (4Bs – Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Proactive and Be Safe)
• A focus on providing students with positive affirmation.
• Acknowledging positive and respectful behaviour through individual and group rewards/awards
• Air-conditioned classroom environments which are orderly and conducive to learning.
• Partnering with parents to promote responsible, respectful relationships between students

A well-developed school behaviour management policy, which outlines clear procedures and expectations.

Stella Maris values parents as the primary educators of their children and as such we are committed to forming effective partnerships. Opportunities for parents to be involved in the life of the school include:

• The presence of a supportive and active Parents’ and Friends’ Association
• Regular opportunities to assist - canteen, classroom, sport, fund-raising
• Attendance at school events, assemblies
• A Parent Education Committee which allows for input into school programs
• Participation in social events
• Regular opportunities for consultation and feedback

Stella Maris aims to work in close partnership with local schools, church and community organisations. Examples of this includes:

• Close relationship with All Saints Parish
• Regular opportunities to work closely with Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour City and Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats through enrichment and orientation days
• Involvement in Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) network of schools
• Close partnerships with local pre-schools and early childhood centres, including reciprocal visits, school readiness and parent information sessions
• Regular support of various businesses in Shellharbour Village
• Strong partnerships with University of Wollongong and Notre Dame Catholic University through offering pre-service teacher placements

Stella Maris is located in a beautiful seaside setting of Shellharbour, twenty minutes south of Wollongong. Benefits of this location for students and families include:

• Ideally situated in Shellharbour Village
• Close to Little Park and the harbour, ideal for class rewards and parties.
• Close to Beverly Whitfield Pool and South Beach, used for school sport
• A five minute walk to Keith Hockey Oval, used for lunchtime play for Stage 2 and 3 students.
• Closest Catholic primary school to the new Shell Cove Marina Project

The school is also effectively serviced by Premier Buses, who operate three routes to surrounding suburbs including Flinders, Shell Cove, Barrack Heights, Warilla and Lake Illawarra South.

At Stella Maris, we assist students to work towards their full potential spiritually, physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally.

Stella Maris provides a range of programs and services to support students' pastoral care and wellbeing. These include:

• A caring, supportive group of staff and parents
• Regular service from CatholicCare school counsellor
• Regular service from school chaplain
• Grief and loss programs for students
• A Kindergarten / Year 6 buddy system
• Pastoral care support for families experiencing difficulties

Stella Maris offers a variety of co-curricular activities, which provide our students with opportunities to excel in a diverse range of interests. These include:

• School Choirs
• School Band
• Representative Sporting Opportunities – School, Diocesan, MacKillop, State and National
• Public Speaking
• Student Leadership
• STEM Club
• Writing Club
• Student Environmental Committee
• SPLICED