There are a variety of co-curricular activities on offer for students at Stella Maris. All students are encouraged to participate in some of the co-curricular programs available. These programs develop students’ confidence, talents and sense of responsibility.

Some of the opportunities available at Stella Maris include:

• Diocesan Sports Gala Days in soccer, cricket, netball, basketball, rugby, rugby league and more
• School Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals - read more here
• School Choir
• School Band
• STEM Club
• Public Speaking
• Student Leadership
• Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) Enrichment Days
• University Tests
• Book Week
• Writing Club
• Art Competitions – including the Christmas Story Art Competition
• SPLICED
• ACMA Cybersmart Programs
• Seasons for Growth
• Mini Vinnies and other student-led social justice initiatives and fundraisers – read more here
• Environmental Committee – learn more here about our school's engagement with environmental education, action, stewardship and sustainability
   

SPORT

Stella Maris School has a specialist Physical Education teacher two days a week. Each class has a weekly PE lesson.

In addition to this, children in Years 3–6 have a weekly sports lesson each Friday, and Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 have a weekly Gross Motor Program each Friday. Parents are welcome and encouraged to assist with the Gross Motor Program.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Students in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in diocesan gala days in AFL, soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, rugby league and rugby union. The three major school carnivals – swimming, cross country and athletics – also act as a selection pathway for school teams to participate in diocesan carnivals.

From here, successful students can trial for selection in MacKillop (NSW Catholic Schools) teams, which can lead to State (PSSA), and ultimately, National teams. Students talented in a variety of winter and summer (team and individual) sports can also trial for selection in MacKillop teams and follow the same selection path.
 

MINI VINNIES

This group is a selection of Year 4 students who are involved in a social justice program at Stella Maris which is facilitated by our pastoral support worker.

Its aim is to create an awareness of social justice issues in the Shellharbour region and in our world today. The program is based on the Mini Vinnies model of 'See, Think, Do'.

An ‘executive’ committee of Year 5 and 6 students mentor the group. Using this ‘teach-the-teacher’ model, students are more likely to take ownership of the group and to maximise the learning experiences.

Students participated in an election to vote-in their leaders for this cohort of the program.

The program runs for an initial 10 student-centred, interactive sessions, followed by a major social justice project involving two separate but integrated elements:

• Mission – could include a shopping trip where students are provided with a basic poverty-line budget, visits to a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, etc. The idea here is for the students to be actively involved in community service, where they are giving back to the community in a meaningful way.
• A fundraising component will see students raising funds for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. The culminating project will incorporate Creative Arts and IT skills and will demonstrate student awareness and ability to communicate that awareness to others. It will involve either a songwriting project, short film project or a student-produced radio program.

The selection of students for the Mini Vinnies program is subject to a set of criteria, seeking students who:

• are prepared to give up their lunchtime once a week
• have demonstrated responsibility and dependability
• have demonstrated leadership skills
• are proactive
• have demonstrated interest in social justice issues