Stella Maris School of Moreton Bay — Years 9–12 Prospectus

Where ocean air refines character, scholarship sparkles like sea-glass, and every day feels like an exquisitely composed chapter.

A distinctive island education — cultivated, rigorous, coastal

Imagine a school that combines the calm ritual of a seaside morning with the exacting clarity of academic excellence. Nestled on one of Moreton Bay’s sheltered islands, Stella Maris is a boutique charter school for Years 9–12 offering a bespoke curriculum that blends university pathways, vocational readiness and life by the sea. Our ethos is equal parts restorative salt-scented wind and purposeful scholarship — a place where young minds flourish in an intimate, professionally led community.

Our promise

• Small, mentor-led classes — average class sizes of 12–16 allow for tailored feedback and deep inquiry.
• Coastal stewardship — hands-on marine science, waterway restoration and citizen-science projects.
• Character and leadership — student leadership is practised daily through responsible roles in our island community.
• Pathways to success — personalised academic plans, tertiary counselling and VET partnerships.
• Wellbeing first — pastoral care woven into curriculum; mindfulness, movement and creative rituals honour balance.

Curriculum highlights

Our curriculum is a carefully layered composition of disciplines, delivered by specialist teachers who know when to challenge and when to nurture. Core and elective offerings are aligned to Queensland senior schooling requirements while enriched by island-specific experiences.

• Marine Science and Aquatic Technologies — field laboratories, tidal surveys, coral and seagrass monitoring and a flotilla of research-grade kayaks and small craft for practical learning.
• STEM and Environmental Engineering — project-based learning: sustainable desalination studies, renewable energy microgrids and coastal resilience design.
• Humanities and Global Studies — place-based history, Indigenous knowledge systems, and ethical debates inspired by real-world island challenges.
• Creative Arts and Culinary Culture — visual arts studios, patisserie-inspired food science workshops celebrating seasonal, local produce; theatre and performance that embrace both whimsy and rigour.
• Languages — French and Mandarin offered with immersive retreats; language study is complemented by cultural excursions to Brisbane and regional partners.
• Vocational Education & Training (VET) — certificates in hospitality, marine operations and conservation, connecting students directly to industry pathways.

Island life — rhythm, ritual and responsibility

Life on the island is intentionally managed: mornings might begin with sunrise swims or reflective walks along sheltered coves, then fold into concentrated scholarly blocks. Afternoons are for fieldwork, studios or internships with local marine organisations. Weekends host curated cultural experiences — artisan baking classes, small-group island expeditions, guest lectures from visiting researchers and makers.

Boarding is boutique and safe: single and twin rooms, dedicated pastoral mentors, and a ferry timetable that balances connectivity with the sanctuary of island learning. For day students, structured arrival and departure options and supervised study periods ensure parity of opportunity.

Pastoral care and wellbeing

Wellbeing is the architecture of our community. Each student is matched with a mentor who supports academic planning, emotional health and co-curricular engagement. Our wellbeing program blends counselling, peer support, nutrition, movement and mindfulness practices administered with warmth and discretion.

Leadership, service and citizenship

Students at Stella Maris practise leadership by stewardship: managing community gardens, leading beach clean-ups, coordinating research outreach, and mentoring younger learners. Our leadership framework emphasises ethical decision-making, collaborative governance and civic responsibility — skills as practical as knot-tying and as subtle as listening well.

Assessment and pathways

Assessment is transparent and future-focused. We combine public senior assessment requirements with portfolio-based evaluations, internships and capstone projects that demonstrate readiness for university, further training or direct employment. Dedicated counselling and industry partnerships ensure every graduate leaves with a tailored plan — be it tertiary admission, trade qualification or specialised apprenticeship in marine industries.

Community partnerships and enrichment

• Collaborations with Moreton Bay marine research groups and conservation NGOs.
• Industry mentors from hospitality, marine engineering and creative sectors.
• Cultural partnerships with local First Nations Elders for place-based learning.
• Exchange programs and curated city immersions to broaden perspectives.

Safety, transport and logistics

Our island campus is secure and professionally managed. Regular safety drills, certified boat operators for all water-based transport, and telehealth access for medical needs are standard. A scheduled ferry provides daily access to the mainland, and we operate a companion boat service for excursions and emergency response.

Why choose Stella Maris?

Choosing an island school is a choice for depth over distraction. At Stella Maris your child will receive world-class teaching in an environment that cultivates curiosity, resilience and refinement of character. We are small enough to notice, ambitious enough to deliver, and shaped by the sea to teach stewardship and wonder.

Admissions and open days

Prospective families are invited to apply online for Years 9–12 places. Our admissions process considers academic potential, commitment to community and readiness for island life. Visit us for an open day — sample a lesson, meet our mentors and taste the island’s hospitality (including a signature tea and pastry in the style of a delicate Ladurée reverie).

For queries, campus tours or enrolment information, please contact our admissions team. Join a community where scholarship is polished by sea-spray, and where every student learns to navigate both tide and time with grace.

Stella Maris School of Moreton Bay — boutique island learning for Years 9–12. Cultivate curiosity. Champion the coast. Commit to kindness.