Stewart House

28/09/2026

In our final group of Term 3, we've hosted 68 students from 40 public schools across Parramatta and Shellharbour for their 12-day health, wellbeing and educational program.

It's been another term filled with new experiences, opportunities to connect and plenty of memories made along the way.

A big thank you to the principals, teachers, families and everyone who helped make these stays possible. Your support helps us continue providing this unique opportunity to children from across NSW.

We wish all our students a happy and safe break and look forward to welcoming more children next term!

14/09/2026

So, what do we mean when we say we provide health checks at Stewart House?

When it comes to vision, it can mean something as tangible as a brand-new pair of glasses. 🤓 Around 30% of the 1,600 children we welcome each year require an optical prescription and free glasses. In one recent cohort of just 65 children, 32 pairs of glasses were prescribed!

We offer a vision assessment through the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW, with final-year optometry students conducting assessments under the supervision of UNSW staff optometrists. And where prescription glasses are needed, Teachers Health generously provides new glasses or lenses free of charge.

A huge thank you to our wonderful partners at Optometry Clinic School of Optometry and Vision Science and Teachers Health for helping us make sure children have the vision care they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Want to know more about the health and wellbeing support provided during a Stewart House stay? Head to our website to find out more. https://www.stewarthouse.org.au/health-services/

11/09/2026

🙌With one final group still to come, Term 3 has passed in the blink of an eye, with 78 students from 42 schools across the Port Macquarie and Wollongong areas, and another 78 students from 37 schools across Campbelltown and Sutherland, joining us over the past month.

As the weather warms up, the program continues to deliver a much-needed break filled with fun, learning, health support and experiences that help children thrive. 😍

02/09/2026

Panna Cotta! Or, as we like to call it for the kids, jelly custard! This traditional Italian milk custard is on tonight’s menu, served with fresh fruit. Made fresh in our kitchen this morning, it’s ready and waiting for the kids tonight!

20/08/2026

Yesterday, we invited schools across NSW to swap their school uniforms for something a little more comfortable as part of Stewart House Pyjama Day!

It was a simple way for students to show their support for children who need a break from often challenging life circumstances and the opportunity to spend 12 days at Stewart House, where they can reset, recharge and simply be kids.

We loved seeing so many schools get behind the day. And here at Stewart House, our own students were right there with them. From the classroom during school hours, to after-school activities and even onsite health and wellbeing checks, our students were happily going about their day in their PJs!

The best part? You don't have to wait for next year's Pyjama Day. Schools and everyone in between are welcome to choose a day that works for their school community and hold their own Stewart House Pyjama Day.

So, if your school missed yesterday, why not pop a date in the diary and get your PJs ready?

18/08/2026

14/08/2026

Since the beginning of Term 3, we’ve welcomed 165 children to Stewart House from schools across the Mid North Coast, Tweed Heads/Ballina, Port Jackson, Penrith/Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury.

What better way to share a little insight into the program than through the feedback we receive directly from the children?

🏠“Thank you for letting me stay at Stewart House and caring for me. I made a lot of friends here and had a great stay.”

🏠“I learnt self control. I recommend for different kids to come here. For example, I only had friends from school. Now, I’m leaving with 6 new friends from Stewart House.”

🏠“Stewart House was kind, helpful and respected me. I hope to come back.”

A natural highlight of the Stewart House experience is our location. The whale migration south is now in full swing, and the breathtaking stretch of ocean on our doorstep gives the children the privilege of witnessing the annual whale highway. Breaching whales are regularly spotted from the beach, often prompting great excitement!

And then there are the beautiful sunrises each morning. Here are some special moments captured by our staff, as children keenly made their way onto the beach nice and early to take it all in.

24/07/2026

For the past few years, students attending the Stewart House Program have taken part in unique local weaving projects as part of our comprehensive social and emotional wellbeing program, which also includes First Nations education and other inspiring learning experiences.

Most recently, students from Stewart House School, Royal Far West School and Harbord Public School came together to create collaborative community artworks, which were showcased at a public exhibition at Curl Curl Creative Space .

These vibrant woven artworks are on display for a few weeks and part of the Weaving Stories theme for 2026: "Saltwater", a reminder that, like the ocean, we are all connected - past, present, and future.

03/07/2026

🙌It's the end of another term and the halfway point of the year.

Over the past month, we've hosted our final two groups for Term 2. The first group brought together children from 32 public primary and high schools across the St George, Mount Druitt and Minchinbury areas. Our final group welcomed children from a further 26 public schools in the Taree and Granville regions.

Together, these groups represented 58 public primary and high schools, a reminder that while Stewart House is based on Sydney's Northern Beaches, our program supports children from communities right across NSW and the ACT.

Over their 12-day stay, children made new friends, embraced new experiences, took part in health and wellbeing activities, and built confidence and resilience to carry home with them.

We wish all our school communities a safe and happy holiday break and look forward to welcoming more children next term. 🤩

05/06/2026

🙌Farewell to the students from the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region who departed for home today after their time at Stewart House.

Across this intake, students came from 41 public primary and high schools, representing an enormous coordination effort between our Student Placements team and school principals to make these opportunities possible for children in need.

In one photo, Stewart House School staff are seen waving goodbye to the students as they depart. It’s a simple moment, but it reflects something important. Our staff remain closely connected and deeply invested in the wellbeing of students right through to their final moments with us.

Without this strong team effort, these life-changing experiences would not be possible. 🤩