Newman News Term 2 Week 2 – From the Principal
Year 6 Camp
Today I attended the Year 6 Camp which took place at Forrest Edge Waroona. To acknowledge the significance of the students’ final year of primary schooling, I presented each student with a commemorative shirt. This process is intended to begin a new tradition at Newman College in recognising the contribution of our Year 6 cohort to the life of the School.
I joined the morning activities where I was inspired by the courage and camaraderie as they took part in the flying fox and the pamper pole tasks. The confidence developed at camp, along with the great example set by our Year 6 students throughout the year will no doubt serve to encourage and empower all Lavalla students to Shine through Discovery.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Year 6 teaching team for their support in organising this amazing experience.
MOTHERS DAY
There is but one and only one,
Whose love will fail you never.
One who lives from sun to sun,
With constant fond endeavour.
There is but only and only one
On earth there is no other.
In heaven a noble work was done
When God gave us a Mother.
We wish all families a happy Mothers Day this Sunday. It is a time when we can give thanks for our mothers and the mother figures in our world.
ANZAC DAY
ANZAC Day draws on the very best of Australian spirit as it calls to mind the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to fight for our nation. At each of our ANZAC Day ceremonies we remembered and gave thanks for those men and women who served and for those they left behind. At our Lavalla Assembly we were blessed to have Warrant Officer Class 1 Damien Liddell (Irwin Barracks – Army) speak to the students about his career; the experience of being a serving officer, both in Australia and overseas. The powerful and insightful words challenged our students and staff to consider how integrity, strong values and perseverance underpin our Australian identity. We are very fortunate to have the freedoms that are ingrained in our democratic nation. We want our students to be good citizens who, as the leaders of tomorrow, will ensure these rights are preserved. St Marcellin Champagnat’s instructive words to the early brothers was to ensure that our young people became good citizens and good Christians. Our Year 6 students who led the Lavalla ceremony are to be congratulated on their dignity and respect for the occasion.
Federal Election
The upcoming Federal Election will highlight some of the contended issues that may affect our College, such as school funding and the right to religious freedom. For the certainty of our community, clarification of federal funding will enable the College to forecast and plan into the future in the continued delivery of excellent teaching and learning. Moreover, certainty that recognises the changing demands on education as well as the rising cost of operating a school that keeps pace with the educational and wellbeing needs of our students. I ask you take time to click here and read the National Catholic Education Commission Facts on School Funding.
Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)
This Monday 13 May will be our first Newman Parent Consultative Committee Meeting for the year. Our interaction with families is instructive to the strategic and operational direction of the College. In Term 1 we had multiple parent engagement opportunities through our annual information nights and the very successful Newman Parents evening with Dr Justin Coulson. This Monday, Director of Operations and Engagement Tom Wagner, Leader of Wellbeing Early Childhood Lisa McClue and Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary Alan Fitzpatrick will be present. We look forward to your attendance.
Staff Development Tour
Our continued commitment to improve the learning experience of our students has led to the establishment of an international relationship with Republic Polytechnic Singapore. Next week, Mr Peter Jones PK-12 Leader of Pedagogy will lead four staff in a professional learning tour to Singapore, to undertake a course in Design Thinking and Problem Solving. Improving the skills of our teaching staff is fundamental in our drive to advance learning experiences for our students. Our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery – Let your light shine, highlights the need for our teachers to work hand in hand with students in this journey of discovery. We want our students to be flexible learners, to solve problems, work together and be challenged in their learning. This unique opportunity for our staff will open up new and innovative ways to enhance classroom activities that will drive better learning outcomes. This partnership with this internationally acclaimed College further supports our development as a College of excellence.