Stella Maris College is a bilingual Catholic college of Irish origin, whose sports tradition is deeply rooted in its history.
In close contact with our students’ families, we provide continuous education from ages 3 to 18 in the tradition of The Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. We aim to fully develop our students’ personalities, promoting the values of the Gospel and the commitment to the service of others.
Colegio Stella Maris, located in Carrasco, Uruguay is a co-educational Catholic College proudly in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice of Ireland. In partnership with students’ families, we provide bilingual, continuous education for students aged three to eighteen. We strive to develop the character of the whole person based on the principles of the Gospel to promote a better world through commitment to the poor. We are particularly proud of our alumni and sporting tradition.
We are a Catholic educational community inspired by the spirit of Edmund Rice and composed of students, their families, staff and alumni.
Our mission is to educate our students from Early Years to Senior Secondary School by promoting their full social and personal development and their commitment to the Gospel values, in order to encourage social transformation based on compassion, solidarity and a critical view.
Inspired by the spirit and charisma of Edmund Rice we encourage and expect our community to engage with:
We are part of the Edmund Rice family, and as members of the network, we are committed to responding to the call of the marginalized.
To become an educational community that:
The Stella Maris College’s Magna Carta is the document which expresses our institutional philosophy and our educational project.
Loyal to the Congregation’s spirit of adaptability and flexibility to redefine themselves in a diverse and ever changing world, we set ourselves five essential objectives to ensure the coherence of our project:
- To nourish our students’ faith, foster their Christian spirituality and instil the values of the Gospel.
- To promote teamwork within our educational community.
- To remain loyal to our “Ad Astra” (To the stars) motto in teaching, learning and management.
- To create an educational community steeped in solidarity.
- To inspire innovative leadership.
El trigésimo primer Capítulo de la Congregación de Hermanos Cristianos realizado en Nairobi, Kenia, anuncia hoy 25 de marzo, fiesta de la Anunciación de la Virgen María, la elección de un nuevo Equipo de Liderazgo Congregacional: Líder Congregacional: Hugh O’Neill cfc Vicario Congregacional: Peter Dowling cfc Consejeros: • Julian McDonald cfc • Juan Casey cfc • Richard Walsh cfc.
Brothers for the 21st Century
When Edmund Rice contemplated the Waterford of 1802 and saw the plight of the poor, his response was daring, bold and imaginative. He established an education system for poor boys where none existed. It was a creative response to a crying need. Over the past two centuries, generations of brothers and their co-workers have built upon Edmund’s dream.
Nevertheless, there has been a growing awareness that while we have been good at replicating Edmund’s response, we have lost something of his boldness and daring. In the world of young people, new needs have emerged to which the congregation has been slow to respond. Galvanised by recent Congregation Chapters, brothers have been encouraged to rediscover a splash of Edmund’s boldness and daring.
In Africa where the congregation has been growing steadily, the most obvious crying need is the scourge of HIV/Aids. The brothers have committed themselves to address this appalling tragedy through a variety of initiatives.
In South America, the crying need is the countless numbers of homeless children. Many of these unfortunates end up in squalid jails with no provision for their welfare. The brothers have responded by involvement in juvenile prison ministry, and by initiating projects for the education and care of street children.
In India, the brothers have traditionally worked in prestigious private schools. In more recent years, the brothers have changed the focus of their ministry, and all of their recent openings have been for the benefit of the Dalits, the untouchables, in the tribal villages.
Working with the poor, it soon becomes apparent that unjust structures ensure that the poor remain poor. Brothers have learned that advocacy on behalf of those who have no voice is an important dimension of their ministry. Recently, the Christian and the Presentation Brothers have established an NGO called Edmund Rice International. Associated with ERI is a community of four brothers who live in Geneva, and work in advocacy at the United Nations.
Brothers have heard the crying need of the earth itself, and appreciate the importance of advocacy on behalf of the whole earth community. A number of Eco-justice centres have been opened to raise awareness in the human community of the consequences of our profligacy and wasteful use of resources.
Br. Mark McDonnell
From www.edmundrice.net
True to Edmund Rice’s tradition, at Stella Maris College we demand the best from ourselves and others in everything we undertake - teaching, learning and management – promoting freedom of expression and innovation. This is the commitment we’ve made to ourselves.
The excellence we aim at is not the result of competitiveness; we understand excellence as aiming to be the best we can according to our potential; to attain excellence we need to ensure access to the necessary means, only then can we aspire to fulfil our potential.
On this path, evaluation and self-appraisal are permanent tools to help us develop our differences in the interest of the common good. Different intelligences and learning styles contribute to the creation of a suitable and rich environment in which everyone can thrive.
Inspired by Edmund Rice’s charisma, the religious education we offer adheres to the values of the Gospel which put those who are less favoured first. Bilingual education, physical education, and the arts: they all contribute to the expansion of our students’ understanding and horizons; they help get students ready for the challenges that society and life will pose making them able to seek the truth and pursue their ideals of justice, welfare and beauty, which they will reflect in their thoughts and deeds.
Incorporating new technologies not only develops technical skills, but also becomes an incentive in the development of personal responsibility and critical thinking which will allow our students to face the demands of our times.
The participation in a range of enriching extracurricular activities – to which everyone is invited and encouraged to join - offers our students the chance to explore new areas of knowledge and expression, and to expand their sense of personal achievement in a wholesome way, without the pressure to perform.
Our college’s educational project is based on the promotion of solidarity through teamwork in every area. In a climate of hope, joy and bravery, everyone is a valued and respected member of our community and is able to discover oneself as unique, called to contribute in the construction of the common good.
In the 1950s a group of Uruguayan Catholic families decided to join efforts to invite the Christian Brothers to the country with a view to starting a school based on Edmund Rice’s values.
That’s how in early 1955, Br. J.I. Doorley and Br. J.V.Ryan arrived in Montevideo to complete the last bits of paperwork before opening the college. For their new college’s premises, they chose a house in Rambla Republica de Mexico and Andres Puyol street, in Carrasco – a neighbourhood in the city.
Br.Doorley returned to Buenos Aires and was replaced by Br. P.C.Kelly. A little later Brs. J.V. O’Reilley and H.G. McCaig joined the college in Montevideo. As the premises were opposite the beach, Br.Kelly – who was deeply devoted to the Virgin – decided to put the college under Her protection and called it “Stella Maris”, a name that the college has shared with the local parish church ever since.
The college opened its doors in 1955 as a boys school. The generosity of Carrasco Polo Club allowed the students to make use of their sports facilities and do physical education there. Sports went on to become one of the pillars of our college. Since its introduction by Br. J.V. O’Reilly, rugby became our official sport and remained so for many years.
On 12th March 1961, the College’s current premises in Maximo Tajes Street were opened, and by the end of 1962 the first class graduated from the college’s Secondary school.
In 1963 a House system was established which identifies all students and their families with four big groups or houses: Prior, Sion, Iona and Newman. In this way, “Family Day” became a special day for our college, a day in which healthy competition and fun rule supreme.
In 1985, the first class of girls joined the college’s Baccalaureate and in 1989 the first class of girls started in Reception. From that year on, the college gradually moved from being a boys-only school to being mixed, co-educational in all the year groups. In 1991, the college opened its Nursery school.
From 2002 to date, the college’s facilities have been under constant redevelopment and refurbishment to match the uninterrupted growth in the number of students. In 2002, the new Primary and Nursery block was built; in 2003 the International Baccalaureate floor and the new computer suites were opened; in 2004 the new dining hall was completed together with the extension of the International Baccalaureate floor. In 2005, the extension of the first floor in the Primary block was constructed to coincide with the celebration of our first 50 years; and finally, during 2007 the construction of the new gym was undertaken.
In 1998, the Christian Brothers retired from the College’s leadership team but stayed on in Uruguay working in La Cruz, an impoverished quarter near the college, until 2004. With a view to coordinating and plan the social service previously run by the brothers, a group of parents, teachers, alumni and the Old Christian Club created the Social Action Committee (Comité de Acción Social).
Nowadays, the Christian Brothers Colleges all over the world continue to follow their founder, Edmund Rice’s example seeking to fully develop their students’ personalities paying special attention to their education in Christian values and their commitment to the service of others.
The Edmund Rice Educational Trust is a non-profit organisation. It is constituted by two governmental bodies: the Assembly - formed by all its members - and the Board. The Board is formed by five members plus their respective deputies designated by the General Assembly in accordance to the organisation’s byelaw. All positions are voluntary. All Board members must be Catholic and share the principles of the Congregation of Christian Brothers’ and the Magna Carta; they must be interested in the good management of the College, willing to defend and see to the good education of the college’s students; they must dedicate time, skill and effort to contribute to the faithful enforcement of the Vision. They must refrain from disclosing in any shape or form any information or issues discussed in the Board meetings, which are strictly confidential.
Mrs. Mercedes Carrau, N.P. – President
Ing. Gustavo Charbonnier
Esc. Marcela Severi
Ing. Alberto Gossweiler
Senior Leadership Team:
Principal: Patricia Ponce de León.
Deputy Principal: Cr. Roberto Bouzada
Head of Secondary School: María Fernanda Márquez
Head of Primary School and Christian´s Kids: Gabriela Roca.
Deputy Head of Christian´s Kids: Josefina Reguschi
Pastoral and Religious Education Coordinator: Diego Cardozo
English General Coordinator: Rossana Tessore.
Physical Education General Coordinator: Nora González.
The Stella Maris College’s Parents’ Association (Asociación de Padres) was created in 2013 with a view to promoting positive family participation in the school life. Families are welcome to take an active role in the educational development of their children.
| YEAR GROUP | REPRESENTATIVE | GENERATION |
| KINDER | Florencia Carriquiry (Flia. Urgal Carriquiry) | 2017 |
| PREP | Martín Arocena (Flia. Arocena Sanguinetti) | 2016 |
|
1st year Primary school (Year 1) |
Sofía Marizcurrena (Flia. Lavista Marizcurrena) | 2015 |
|
2nd year Primary school (Year 2) |
Natalia Hughes (Flia. Regules Hughes) | 2014 |
|
3rd year Primary school (Year 3) |
Juan Francisco Ferreira (Flia. Ferreira Pereira) | 2013 |
|
4th year Primary school (Year 4) |
Juan Manuel Arrospide (Flia Arrospide Patiño) | 2012 |
|
5th year Primary school (Year 5) |
María Inés Rocca (Flia. Vallone Rocca) | 2011 |
|
6th year Primary school (Year 6) |
Álvaro Pérez del Castillo (Flia. Pérez del Castillo Lyford-Pike) | 2010 |
|
1st year Secondary school (Year 7) |
Johana Kauke (Flia. Rubino Kauke) | 2009 |
|
2nd year Secondary School (Year 8) |
María Pía Fariello (Flia. Magri Fariello) | 2008 |
|
3rd year Secondary School (Year 9) |
Carlos Landauer (Flia. Landauer Abreu) | 2007 |
|
4th year Secondary School (Year 10) |
Santiago (Jimmy) Cuadra (Flia. Cuadra Mattos) | 2006 |
|
5th year Secondary School (Year 11) |
Pablo Menéndez (Flia. Menéndez Echeverría) | 2005 |
|
6th year Secondary School (Year 12) |
Luz Galimberti (Flia. Elías Galimberti) | 2004 |
| YEAR GROUP | REPRESENTATIVE | GENERATION |
| EXPLORERS | Martín Arocena | 2016 |
| KINDER | Sofía Marizcurrena | 2015 |
| PREP | María Gabriela Greco | 2014 |
|
1st year Primary school (Year 1) |
María José Carve | 2013 |
|
2nd year Primary school (Year 2) |
Juan Pablo Madueño | 2012 |
|
3rd year Primary school (Year 3) |
Victoria Schneeberger | 2011 |
|
4th year Primary school (Year 4) |
Diego Battro | 2010 |
|
5th year Primary school (Year 5) |
Lucía Rocca | 2009 |
|
6th year Primary school (Year 6) |
Federico Sacco | 2008 |
|
1st year Secondary school (Year 7) |
Milagros Sapriza | 2007 |
|
2nd year Secondary School (Year 8) |
Isabelle Chaquiriand | 2006 |
|
3rd year Secondary School (Year 9) |
Ma. Eugenia Leal | 2005 |
|
4th year Secondary School (Year 10) |
Federico Kowalczyk | 2004 |
|
5th year Secondary School (Year 11) |
Carlos Imhof | 2003 |
|
6th year Secondary School (Year 12) |
Rafael Zerbino | 2002 |
|
REPRESENTATIVE | GENERATION | |
| EXPLORERS | Martín Arocena | 2016 | |
| KINDER | Sofía Marizcurrena | 2015 | |
| PREP | María Gabriela Greco | 2014 | |
|
1st year Primary school (Year 1) |
María José Carve | 2013 | |
|
2nd year Primary school (Year 2) |
Juan Pablo Madueño | 2012 | |
|
3rd year Primary school (Year 3) |
Victoria Schneeberger | 2011 | |
|
4th year Primary school (Year 4) |
Diego Battro | 2010 | |
|
5th year Primary school (Year 5) |
Lucía Rocca | 2009 | |
|
6th year Primary school (Year 6) |
Federico Sacco | 2008 | |
|
1st year Secondary school (Year 7) |
Milagros Sapriza | 2007 | |
|
2nd year Secondary School (Year 8) |
Isabelle Chaquiriand | 2006 | |
|
3rd year Secondary School (Year 9) |
Ma. Eugenia Leal | 2005 | |
|
4th year Secondary School (Year 10) |
Federico Kowalczyk | 2004 | |
|
5th year Secondary School (Year 11) |
Carlos Imhof | 2003 | |
|
6th year Secondary School (Year 12) |
Rafael Zerbino | 2002 |
|
YEAR GROUP |
REPRESENTATIVE |
GENERATION |
|
EXPLORERS |
María José Carve |
2013 |
|
KINDER |
Juan Pablo Madueño |
2012 |
|
PREP |
Victoria Schneeberger |
2011 |
|
1st year Primary school (Year 1) |
Alejandro Bonicelli |
2010 |
|
2nd year Primary school (Year 2) |
Lucía Rocca |
2009 |
|
3rd year Primary school (Year 3) |
Federico Sacco |
2008 |
|
4th year Primary school (Year 4) |
Milagros Sapriza |
2007 |
|
5th year Primary school (Year 5) |
Virginia Álvarez |
2006 |
|
6th year Primary school (Year 6) |
Mariana Turturiello |
2005 |
|
1st year Secondary school (Year 7) |
Federico Kowalczyk |
2004 |
|
2nd year Secondary School (Year 8) |
Alberto Gossweiler |
2003 |
|
3rd year Secondary School (Year 9) |
Juan Antonio Bartesaghi |
2002 |
|
4th year Secondary School (Year 10) |
Gabriel González |
2001 |
|
5th year Secondary School (Year 11) |
Valentina Sánchez Varela |
2000 |
|
6th year Secondary School (Year 12) |
Andrea Castagnino |
1999 |
|
YEAR GROUP |
REPRESENTATIVE |
GENERATION |
|
EXPLORERS |
Juan Pablo Madueño |
2012 |
|
KINDER |
Victoria Schneeberger |
2011 |
|
PREP |
Alejandro Bonicelli |
2010 |
|
1st year Primary school (Year 1) |
Inés Cabrera |
2009 |
|
2nd year Primary school (Year 2) |
Alfredo Pintos |
2008 |
|
3rd year Primary school (Year 3) |
Marcela De Ferrari |
2007 |
|
4th year Primary school (Year 4) |
Virginia Álvarez |
2006 |
|
5th year Primary school (Year 5) |
Adriana Pereira |
2005 |
|
6th year Primary school (Year 6) |
Federico Kowalczyk |
2004 |
|
1st year Secondary school (Year 7) |
Alberto Gossweiler |
2003 |
|
2nd year Secondary School (Year 8) |
Juan Antonio Bartesaghi |
2002 |
|
3rd year Secondary School (Year 9) |
Diego De Achaval |
2001 |
|
4th year Secondary School (Year 10) |
Valentina Sánchez Varela |
2000 |
|
5th year Secondary School (Year 11) |
Andrea Castagnino |
1999 |
|
6th year Secondary School (Year 12) |
Matilde Boutmy |
1998 |
