I would not presume to assert that I understand the pain and anguish that is being felt by the Berry family and Stella’s friends at this difficult time. I do hope, however, that as Principal of Shenton College, I have the responsibility and right to respectfully acknowledge and celebrate the life of Stella Berry – Shenton student, Year 11.

Stella came to us last year – and I think it would be fair to say that at her enrolment we knew that we were inheriting a very special individual. She came to us with a clear sense of what she wanted from the school and an impressive sense of conviction about where she was at in her life and what she hoped to achieve.  She wanted to run a marathon, she saw herself completing school and going to explore life overseas. In her short time here at Shenton College Stella has given embodiment to her name – for Stella, like her name, was a star. She radiated light into the lives of others and had a lasting positive impact on everyone she touched. Stella illuminated classrooms and friendships with laughter and a smile.  It speaks volumes of who she was, that in the relatively brief period of time that she has been part of our direct school community, her light has shone on so many people.

I do hope I also have the right to acknowledge those wonderful personal attributes of Stella: Resilient, Artistic, Adventurous, Compassionate, Caring, Inquisitive, Inclusive and Tolerant.

The influence that Stella has had on our community reaches beyond Shenton’s boundaries and into the hallways and classrooms of St Hilda’s, Scotch and MLC. Shining lights, like Stella, radiate over vast areas and leave a warmth that nurtures, generates growth and nourishes.

I hope we will remember Stella by living out her values and attributes. I hope we will continue to be resilient during times of struggle and compassionate of others in need. I hope we maintain our adventurous spirit and inclusive way of being.

Shenton College acknowledges Stella Berry and the significant impact she had on the communities across the Western Suburbs. We pass on our sincerest condolences to Sophie, Matt and Mae to whom she was a loving daughter and sister, and we will try and continue to live out the values that Stella showed us. That is how Shenton will pay tribute to this shining light.
Michael Morgan
Principal

I am sure you will have read my message to the community this morning concerning Stella Berry and the incident at the river in North Fremantle.  This message is to provide some information concerning support offered by the College over the coming period which you might wish to access.

It is normal you may be upset or distressed by such an event whether you were directly connected to it or not. We would encourage you to seek out your friends and family for support.

At the College, you can be assured that if required there will be staff dedicated to supporting you over the coming days.  You can access school support by speaking directly with any of the office admin team – students in the Middle School (7-8) should approach the Middle School Administration Office, or if in one of our senior schools (9-12), by attending Lemnos House or the Year Admin Offices (Mr Green or Ms Hamburg).  Alternatively, you can always request support through any of your teachers, who will ensure the Student Support team are directly notified.

Please do not hesitate to seek our support over the coming days if you need it. You may also find agencies like Headspace useful at this time.

Kind regards

Michael Morgan
Principal

Dear Members of our Shenton College Community
 
It is with great sadness, sincere empathy and the deepest regret that I write to inform you that Stella Berry (Year 11), much-loved sister of Mae Berry (Year 9), tragically lost her life on Saturday 4th February in an incident at the river in North Fremantle. 
 
I understand and respect that people respond to grief and loss in different ways, and that a loss such as this can trigger a broad range of emotional responses that are not always anticipated or evident.
 
To this end, Shenton College and our entire Student Support team (School Psychologists, Student Support Officers, Chaplains, Nurses, Year Leaders, and other staff) will be available to support students as needed.  Further correspondence about how students and staff can access support will be provided this afternoon.
 
I have personally offered, on behalf of the College, our condolences and support to Stella’s family during this very sad time. As all of you will be aware it is vital that we respect the wishes of Stella’s family who have requested understanding and privacy during this difficult time. 
 
I am sharing this communication with the consent of the Berry family. 
 
Shenton College respectfully acknowledges the life of Stella Berry.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Michael Morgan

Families are reminded that the application window for places in the Education Department’s Gifted and Talented Selective Programs closes at 11.59pm Sunday, 12th February.

Applications are open to students who are in Y6 in 2023 who enter Y7 in 2024. There may also be limited places in Gifted and Talented programs for children entering Ys 9, 10 or 11 in 2024.

These unique academic, arts and languages programs are available at select public secondary schools. Shenton College has a proud tradition of success in developing Gifted and Talented students.

Applications are now open at www.education.wa.edu.au/giftedandtalented

The website also contains information about the programs, where they are offered and upcoming parent information evenings. For more information, you can contact the Gifted and Talented Selection Unit on 9264 4307 or at gtsu@education.wa.edu.au. Late applications are not accepted.

More information can be found here.