‘We are Star of the Sea’ by Robyn Horner
Robyn Horner was a classroom music teacher (and a composer) at Star of the Sea College from 1990-1994. Sr Josepha Dunlop (Star’s principal from 1968-1970, 1982 – 1990), asked Robyn to write the College song in 1990 (Robyn’s first year at Star and Sr Josepha’s final year as principal).
Now, a Professor of Theology at the Australian Catholic University and a published author, Robyn’s latest book, The Experience of God: The Event of Revelation was published in 2022.
They went by sea,
From Ireland to a land still green,
With a vision, a dream,
And by the shore, these women built
The dream they saw,
Women living for more.
CHORUS
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
Foundation Strong, the generations
Followed on,
Just as now we belong.
The just, the true, the inward
Freedom that they knew
Carry on, red and blue.
CHORUS
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
We’ve come so far, we’re reaching
out for who we are
In the story of the Star,
And who we’ll be will touch more
Lives than we can see,
So we strive to be free.
CHORUS
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
In our deeds, not mere words.
We are one community,
Who we are and who we’ll be,
We are Star of the Sea.
College Hymn
Adopted by Star in the 1950s, Ave Maria, O Virgin O Mother became a cherished part of College life and was sung at school ceremonies and liturgies until 1990. The hymn honours Mary under her ancient title Star of the Sea (Stella Maris), a symbol of guidance and protection for the College community.
Arranged by Sister M. Attracta Caulfield (in charge of music at Star from 1949-61), the piece blends English verses with the Latin refrain Mater amabilis, ora pro nobis (“Loving Mother, pray for us”). Though no longer sung regularly, it is fondly reprised at Past Student events and College Masses, continuing to unite generations in faith, memory, and song.
