Stella Maris College

## 1. Overview - School type: Catholic independent school for girls (secondary). - School size: Medium (roughly in the several hundreds to around a thousand students across Years 7–12). - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class. - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing and academically focused, with an inclusive Catholic ethos that supports faith, service and personal growth. ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and the humanities, STEM pathways, leadership programs and language study. - Special programs: ATAR-focused senior studies; opportunities for accelerated learning and gifted/talented programs. - NAPLAN trends: In recent years, performance has generally tracked around or above state averages with stable to improving trends in key domains (reading, writing, numeracy). - Student-teacher ratios: About 1:15 to 1:18, supporting some level of individual attention within classes. - Support for diverse learners: EAL support and SEN coordination; inclusive education approaches to help students with varying needs. ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Netball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, swimming, athletics, cross-country, and more. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive in local and regional competitions; active participation in school and inter-school events. - Music, arts, drama programs: Strong performing arts culture with choirs, ensembles, drama productions and related opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM/academic or interest-based clubs. - Partnerships: Participation in local and regional competitions and partnerships with community clubs or organizations for extended opportunities in sport, STEM and the arts. ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive policies and clear channels for reporting and support, focusing on a safe, respectful culture. - House system: Pastoral house structure with regular activities and healthy competition to build belonging. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to qualified school counsellors or wellbeing coordinators for students and families. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support to help new students settle in. ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities including fields and gym spaces. - Libraries: Well-equipped library with study spaces. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated music rooms and performing arts spaces. - Tech/innovation labs: Computing/tech labs and STEM-focused facilities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen with meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces and courtyards for breaks and social time. ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values/mission: Catholic ethos centered on service, compassion, integrity and respect. - Leadership style: Collaborative, with opportunities for student leadership and voice in school life. - Behaviour expectations: Clear standards for conduct, responsibility and mutual respect. - Community reputation: Strong, supportive reputation within the Northern Beaches community and broader Catholic education networks. - Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day approximately 9:00 am–3:15 pm (subject to NSW timetable variations). - Before/after school care: Available on campus or through affiliated programs. - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform with sports uniform on designated days; seasonal adjustments as per policy. - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible by local bus services and convenient to Manly transport links; some families use ferries and city connections as part of their commute. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen providing daily meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees apply as a private Catholic school; current figures are best obtained from the school prospectus or admissions office (generally in the private-school range for NSW, with variation by year level and program). ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions - 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application with required documentation (birth certificate, last two years of school reports, etc.). - Pay any application fee and complete any screening or supplemental tasks as specified. - Attend an interview (and possibly a brief assessment or tasks) and meet with families. - Receive a provisional offer or waitlist status; final placement follows space availability and meeting of criteria. - Complete any enrolment paperwork and confirm acceptance by the stated deadline. - 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, waiting lists can apply depending on year level and space. Offers are made as positions become available and may consider factors such as sibling priority, Catholic identity alignment, and capacity. - 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Interviews are commonly part of the process. Some year levels may include brief assessments or tasks; documentation and references are typically requested. Catholic identity considerations may be part of the process, depending on school policy. - 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered when spaces exist and admissions processes can accommodate a new start. Applications for mid-year intake are handled by the admissions team and contingent on space and alignment with entry requirements. ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Strong Catholic values, supportive pastoral care, solid academic pathways, and a nurturing environment tailored to girls’ education. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Motivated learners who value community, faith-informed education, academic effort and participation in co-curricular life. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Advanced/ATAR pathways in senior years, leadership opportunities, diverse sports, music, drama, debate and STEM/clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular communications through newsletters, parent portals, email, and scheduled information evenings; ongoing channels with pastoral and academic staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Balanced approach combining strong core academics with pastoral care, student wellbeing, and opportunities for enrichment in arts, sport and leadership. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support staff, EAL support where needed, and targeted intervention within the classroom or via a learning support plan. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual or small-group assistance, study skills programs, and guidance from teachers and college counsellors. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, portals, emails, meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Classes typically in the 20–25 student range, with teacher access and support designed to provide meaningful feedback and guidance. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range including netball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, swimming, athletics, cross-country, plus music, drama, debate and STEM clubs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital learning across the curriculum with computing/tech labs and appropriate e-learning tools to support modern classroom practice. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and regional transport options; connections to Manly and city areas; school coordination may assist with travel planning. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees apply for private schooling; exact figures vary by year level and program. Check the current prospectus or admissions office for precise costs. ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven education with strong pastoral care. - Medium-size community offering personalized attention and a sense of belonging. - Broad academic pathways (including ATAR/accelerated options) and diverse co-curriculars. - Active sports, arts and STEM clubs with opportunities to excel. - Supportive facilities and resources designed for student wellbeing and growth. - Cons - As a private Catholic school, fees apply and can be a consideration for families. - Spaces and admissions can be competitive, leading to waitlists for some year levels. - Specific program offerings and entry requirements may vary; always verify current details with the school.