Learning | Stella Maris Beaumaris

Learning & Teaching

STELLA MARIS BEAUMARIS

Learning and Teaching at Stella Maris Primary School

Our team of passionate educators is committed to delivering a rigorous and contemporary learning program, guided by the Victorian Curriculum and elevated through regular professional development. The four capabilities of the Victorian Curriculum promote the holistic development of our students and include: Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, Intercultural Understanding and Ethical Understanding. For more information about the Victorian Curriculum, visit https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/.

In partnership with families, our parish and the wider community, we provide a holistic education that supports the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical growth of every student.

At Stella Maris, we aspire to develop learners who:

embrace challenges with Courage Always
are curious, creative and critical thinkers
are confident and effective communicators
demonstrate resilience and perseverance
contribute positively to their community through service and compassion
act with integrity, respect and responsibility
become informed, engaged and active global citizens

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to engage, challenge and inspire every learner. Guided by the Victorian Curriculum and the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) curriculum frameworks, learning is purposeful, relevant and responsive to the needs of each student.

We use explicit instruction across all year levels, from Prep to Year 6. This means our teachers clearly explain and model new concepts, guide students through practice, and check for understanding every step of the way. This approach is based on Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, which include reviewing prior learning, breaking down complex ideas into smaller steps, providing regular feedback, and ensuring plenty of opportunities for practice and success.

Students learn across the following curriculum areas:

Religious Education
English
Mathematics
Inquiry Learning (integrating Humanities, Science, Technologies, Health and Physical Education, and The Arts where appropriate)
Specialist Programs

Specialist Learning

Students from Foundation to Year 6 participate in a range of specialist learning experiences that foster creativity, wellbeing and confidence. These include:

Physical Education
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Digital Technologies
Language-Italian
STEM

Personalised Learning

We recognise that every child learns differently. Through ongoing assessment, targeted teaching and high-quality feedback, we personalise learning to ensure all students are appropriately supported, challenged and encouraged to achieve their personal best.

Students are provided with a range of intervention, extension and enrichment opportunities to meet their individual learning needs. These may include literacy and numeracy intervention, extension programs, small-group instruction and targeted support delivered by classroom teachers and specialist staff.

Contemporary Learning Environments

Learning at Stella Maris extends beyond the traditional classroom. Our flexible and engaging learning spaces encourage collaboration, creativity, inquiry and independent thinking. Digital technologies are thoughtfully integrated across the curriculum to enhance learning, develop digital literacy and prepare students to confidently participate in an ever-changing world.

At Stella Maris Primary School, we are committed to creating a culture where every child is challenged to grow, encouraged to persevere and inspired to learn with faith, hope and Courage Always.

English

At Stella Maris School, we deliver a comprehensive and differentiated English Victorian Curriculum 2.0 that empowers students to think critically, read widely and communicate effectively. Our daily two-hour literacy block targets Reading and Viewing, Writing and Speaking and Listening.

In Prep, Year 1 and Year 2, we use a structured literacy approach which is supported by evidence based research. Our Literacy program is supported by evidence-based research and includes, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Students engage in explicit daily phonics lessons using Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum and Little Learners Love Literacy Program to build awareness and proficiency. The teaching of handwriting skills is seen as an integral part of literacy learning and writing development. This includes letter formation, pencil grip, starting position and sequence.

In Year 3 to Year 6, teachers use OCHRE resources to support students to build knowledge and vocabulary. Explicit teaching instruction focuses on spelling, morphology, grammar, handwriting, reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, while engaging students with rich mentor novels to deepen their understanding and appreciation of literature.

In conjunction with the SMART spelling program students are explicitly taught spelling patterns and how to apply spelling rules.

In Writing, students are explicitly taught concepts of grammar and punctuation, before practising these in the construction of a range of text types. Students learn to use text features and structure to entertain, persuade or inform the reader, all while developing their author’s voice.

In Speaking and Listening, daily opportunities are provided for students to actively engage in developing communication, listening and oral language skills.

Mathematics

Our Mathematics program is grounded in explicit instruction and enhanced by high-quality mathematics resources and the OCHRE Mathematics program. These tools support a structured, differentiated approach to teaching that helps every student grow in confidence and competence.

Students are exposed to a range of hands-on experiences that promote understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning. The daily, one-hour block commences with mental mathematics skills, before balancing individual, small group and whole class activities to engage and inspire problem solvers.

Number

Students develop strong number sense, fluency with operations, and a deep understanding of place value. They learn to apply efficient strategies in problem-solving and build a solid foundation for future mathematical learning.

Algebra

Students investigate patterns, relationships, and simple equations. They begin to generalise mathematical thinking and work with symbolic representation to build algebraic reasoning.

Measurement

Students participate in practical and hands-on tasks and learn to accurately measure and compare attributes such as length, area, volume, mass and time. Real-world applications help students see the relevance of measurement in daily life.

Geometry

Students explore properties of 2D and 3D shapes, location, symmetry, and spatial reasoning. They develop visualisation skills and a deeper understanding of geometric relationships through engaging, hands-on experiences.

Statistics

Students collect, represent, and interpret data in various formats. They learn to analyse information critically and communicate.

Probability

Students begin to understand the concepts of chance and likelihood, using everyday contexts and simple experiments to describe and predict outcomes.

Mathematics learning at Stella Maris is designed to be hands-on, collaborative, and meaningful. Students regularly work together to explore, discuss, and solve real-life problems while articulating their thinking and strategies. Our goal is to nurture confident, curious and capable mathematicians who approach challenges with persistence, creativity, and a growth mindset.

Education in Faith

At Stella Maris Primary School, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is loved, valued and called to live with dignity, compassion and purpose.

Our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes our relationships, our learning and the way we serve others. Through our Religious Education program, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith while developing the confidence to reflect, question, think critically and respond to the world through

the teachings of Jesus.

Learning experiences are engaging, relevant and meaningful, enabling students to explore important questions about faith, life and spirituality. Students are supported to make connections between Gospel values, Catholic traditions and their everyday experiences, empowering them to live out our school value of Courage Always by acting with integrity, compassion and hope.

Our Religious Education curriculum follows the MACS Religious Education Framework, which promotes a holistic approach to learning through three interconnected dimensions:

Knowledge and Understanding – seeking truth through Scripture, tradition and Catholic teaching.
Reasoning and Responding – making meaning through reflection, dialogue and critical thinking.
Personal and Communal Engagement – understanding our own story, the story of others and our place within the Catholic community.

These dimensions are explored across five key content areas:

Scripture and Jesus
Church and Community
God, Religion and Life
Prayer, Liturgy and Sacrament
Morality and Justice

Throughout their learning, students engage with a variety of contemporary resources, including the To Know, Worship and Love program, while participating in prayer, liturgical celebrations, social justice initiatives and opportunities to put their faith into action. In partnership with families and our parish, we strive to nurture students who are compassionate, reflective and courageous learners, inspired to make a positive difference in the world.

The Sacramental program enables students to explore, and be initiated into, the Catholic faith and its traditions. We prepare our students for the healing and initiation sacraments of First Reconciliation in Year 3, First Eucharist in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6.

We welcome family members to participate in their child’s faith journey through class and whole-school liturgies, celebrations of Mass and family Sacramental faith nights.

School Prayer

Mary our Mother, Star of the Sea,

Shine your guiding light on our Stella Maris School and lead us to your Son Jesus.

You teach us how to love with all our heart.

Inspire us to spread this love to our family and friends.

Give us the courage to say yes to God, especially when the challenge is great.

So that we can build a peaceful and loving Stella Maris school community.

Carry God’s blessings for us each day and be a symbol of hope in our lives.

Whisper to us “Be thankful for all that we are and all that we have.”

Guide us to have our ears, eyes and hearts open and to show understanding and tolerance.

Enrich our minds with knowledge and wisdom and our hearts with kindness and compassion so that we may be a loving reflection of you.

Mary, Star of The Sea Pray for Us.

Intevention & Extension

At Stella Maris Primary School, our staff work collaboratively to create a learning community where every student is known, valued and supported to reach their full potential. Our strong sense of community enables us to identify student strengths, learning needs and opportunities for extension, ensuring that students receive timely support and challenge to build confidence, independence and mastery of skills within the classroom environment.

Our comprehensive, evidence-based assessment practices provide valuable insights into student progress and help us identify areas for growth and development across the school. Where required, a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) is developed in partnership with students, families and staff. These plans outline individual learning goals, targeted strategies and appropriate adjustments to support each student to achieve success. A Program Support Group (PSG) is formed and a meeting is conducted termly and/or semesterly.

Our dedicated and experienced team of Learning Support Officers (LSOs) work closely with classroom teachers to provide personalised support across the school. Through in-class assistance, small group learning and targeted interventions, our LSOs help ensure that every student has the opportunity to engage, participate and thrive in their learning journey.

At Stella Maris leadership works in conjunction with the classroom teacher to provide opportunities to extend or supplement each child’s learning through explicit instruction and focused teaching groups. These groups are informed by evidence of children’s learning and target specific skill development.

Literacy and Numeracy Interventions and Extensions are needs-based and supported by numerous educators within the school. Programs, assessment and regular monitoring are used to meet the needs of students and ensure progression and growth. MiniLit and MacqLit are two English intervention programs used at Stella Maris to support students in English.

Stella Maris also has a visiting Speech Pathologist who works in conjunction with staff and students Personalised Learning Plans. Stella Maris welcomes the expertise of a variety of allied health professionals.

Stella Maris has a designated Learning Diversity Leader who supports students, families and staff in ensuring our school is meeting the needs of any child who needs adjusted learning. An appointment can be made to meet with our Learning Diversity Leader, if further information is required.

Digital Technologies

At Stella Maris, we hold a strong belief that a key part of our role as educators is to equip our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively participate in the contemporary world. Our students use technology in an authentic context on a daily basis. They are given opportunities to collaborate, research and discover with digital tools and teachers engage with students through these online platforms, both in school and during homework tasks.

Technology is integrated into the students' learning, in an effort to develop essential problem solving and technical skills that are a key component of living in a rapidly evolving technological society.

Hardware such as Laptops, iPads and robotics are used in Prep to Year 6. Students are provided with practical learning opportunities that foster computational, design and systems thinking.

Teachers follow the 'Digital Technologies' Domain from the Victorian Curriculum and students are guided and supported to explore online resources safely. Parent information sessions regarding Cyber Safety are also offered to our community.

STEM

At Stella Maris we educate our students for the future and provide authentic learning experiences that integrate STEM (Science, Technology,engineering, and mathematics) promoting passionate learners, with inquisitive minds, engaging in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem solving.

Students explore hands-on challenges using Bee-Bots, AutoBots, and a range of digital tools to develop coding and design skills. They’re encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and tackle open-ended questions that spark innovation and deeper learning — all while having fun discovering how technology connects to the world around them.

Physical Education

Our Physical Education program provides students from Prep to Year 6 with a wide range of engaging opportunities to develop their physical abilities, confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills. Through participation in varied activities and sporting experiences, students build fundamental movement skills, enhance sport-specific techniques, and strengthen their understanding of fair play, cooperation, and personal wellbeing.

As students progress through the year levels, they are encouraged to move with increasing competence and confidence, work collaboratively with others, and apply strategic thinking in a variety of physical and sporting contexts. The program promotes lifelong healthy habits while fostering a positive attitude towards physical activity and active participation.

Key events in our school’s sporting calendar include:

Whole School Athletics Carnival
Swimming Carnival
Cross Country Competition (Years 3–6)
Lightning Premierships (Years 5–6)
Interschool Sport Competitions (Years 4–6)
Hoop Time (Years 5-6)
Bike Ed (Years 4-5)

These events foster school spirit and provide students with opportunities to represent their school with pride.

Visual Arts

At Stella Maris, our Visual Arts program celebrates creativity, imagination, and expression. Students explore a wide range of materials and techniques while learning about world-renowned artists and different artistic styles. Their vibrant creations are proudly displayed throughout the school, adding colour and joy to our learning spaces. Every two years, our amazing Art Show showcases the incredible talent and creativity of our students, a highlight of our school calendar.

Performing Arts

At Stella Maris, our Performing Arts program brings creativity and confidence to the stage! Students explore music, drama, and movement while developing performance skills and self-expression. Our whole-school productions are true highlights; in 2025 we delighted audiences with our sensational production Imaginarium showcased the incredible talent of our students. Each year, our community also comes together for our much-loved Carols Evening, a joyful celebration of music and family spirit.

School Choir

Students can elect to participate in the school choir to perform in school masses, assemblies, community venues and special events. Students in the choir rehearse weekly. They practice and improvise to improve their skills in performance etiquette, singing in harmony and working in a co-operative team. Students have a lot of fun singing in choir, getting to know their peers in a friendly environment.

Italian

At Stella Maris Primary School, our Italian program provides students from Foundation to Year 6 with meaningful opportunities to develop their language skills and engage with the richness of Italian culture. Through authentic and purposeful learning experiences, students build confidence in communicating in Italian while developing their skills in speaking, listening, reading and understanding.

From Prep, students are introduced to familiar vocabulary, greetings, classroom language and everyday expressions through engaging activities such as songs, games, stories, movement and visual support. As students progress through the year levels, they develop their ability to participate in conversations, ask and respond to questions, share information about themselves, express ideas and explore the use of language in different contexts.

Learning Italian supports students to develop intercultural understanding and an appreciation of different perspectives, traditions and ways of life. It also enhances important cognitive skills, including memory, problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking.

Through a range of interactive learning experiences, cultural investigations and opportunities for creative expression, students are encouraged to take risks, build confidence and become adaptable language learners. Our Italian program nurtures curiosity, respect and a lifelong appreciation of language and culture, providing students with strong foundations for future language learning and global connections.