Andrew Oreb, Author at Newman College

Newman News Term 4 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Andrew Oreb on 04/11/2022

Grandparents Day

A huge thank you to our wonderful grandparents who joined us last week for Grandparents Day.

On Thursday, Lavalla Campus grandparents and their grandchildren celebrated a beautiful mass in our Champagnat Chapel, followed by a morning tea.

On Friday, Marian Campus grandparents were welcomed to the Campus with a lovely assembly led by Pre-Primary Blue students, who shared the many ways that their grandparents show their love. Students then became tour guides and celebrated the wonderful learning opportunities that they undertake at school. A massive thank you to the families that provided a plate for morning tea, for our children to share with their grandparents. There was overwhelmingly positive feedback about the wonderful food on offer. A special thanks is extended to our parent volunteers who set-up and served morning tea. You all contributed to making the event such a wonderful success.

Swimming lessons

Swimming lessons for students in Years 1 to Year 6, will take place this term, from Monday 14 November until Thursday 24 November, 2021.

Registration of students for swimming lessons is compulsory and forms part of the school’s curriculum. Please register your child by clicking here. Registrations are now overdue. If you have not yet completed your enrolment, please do so urgently.

Information regarding the level to enrol your child in can be found by clicking here.

The lessons will be conducted through the Newman Churchlands Swimming Club, with classroom teachers attending with their class. If you have any queries, please contact the swimming club at lessons.nchswimming@gmail.com

Primary Christmas Carols and Kindy – Year 5 Awards night

U R Strong – Friendship skills workshop

Families may be interested in the free one-hour virtual work shop noted below.
It is provided for parents and children to watch together and explore strategies for building self-confidence, enhancing friendships and managing peer conflict.

It is scheduled for 17 November at 3pm, but the link will be available for later viewing for 7 days.
The UR Strong site has other general info you may find helpful also.

https://urstrong.com/elavvent/language-of-friendship-for-urstrong-families/

Year 5 Leadership Workshops

Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of joining Mr Stuart McClory in hosting the Year 5 Leadership Workshops.

The opportunity to represent the student body of our school is an honour and a privilege and these workshops support the Year 5 students in understanding what a commitment to leadership means and determining whether they would like to continue the path to nominating themselves to be considered for such an important role.

Our first workshop focused on discussions about what makes a good leader. The students shared their own experiences with their peers and looked at moments where they have made others feel good and happy.

The second workshop focused on what it means to be a Marist. We looked at the five Marist Characteristics and how we can show these in our daily lives and as good leaders.

It was so great to see the Year 5 students participate enthusiastically in these discussions in a mature way and I’m looking forward to hearing their nomination letters and speeches in coming weeks!

Mrs Edwina Battersby (Leader of Wellbeing PK-6)

Newman News Term 4 Week 4: From the Vice Principal

Andrew Oreb on 04/11/2022

Key Dates

Fri 11 November – Remembrance Day. Poppies are available for a gold coin donation in the main administration office of each campus.
Mon 14 to Fri 24 November – Marian and Lavalla Swimming Lessons
Thu 24 November – Y7 to 11 Secondary Awards and Principal’s Assembly, 8.45am, Marcellin Gymnasium.
Wed 23 November – Y10 River Cruise
Thu 24 November – Y11 last day
Tue 6 December – Y3 Pizza Pool
Tue 6 December – Y6 Mass and Graduation, 5.30pm, Marist Auditorium
Wed 7 December – Y4 Pizza Pool
Wed 7 December – Kindy to Y5 Awards and Carols Evening (Compulsory Event)
Thu 8 December – Y5 Pizza Pool
Thu 8 December – Y6 End of Year Celebration, Adventure World

Welcome to Week 4, can you believe that we are nearly halfway through the final term of the year? Our Year 12 students started their ATAR examinations this week, and our Year 11 Students will join them next week. We wish our students well in their examinations.

The Primary school staff are working hard to prepare an amazing transition step-up experience for the students later this term. The day will assist with setting the students and teachers up for success in 2023. We had our incoming 2023 Year 7s join us for a transition evening last week, and the Year 6 Graduation is just around the corner. Newman College continues to be a place that does not stop!

World Teachers’ Day last Friday, 28 October offered us a chance to acknowledge and celebrate our teachers. The place of teachers in the world cannot be underestimated. They are the professionals that play a significant part in preparing young people for all other professions. The influence of a kind teacher can stretch a whole life long. A sincere thank you to all our wonderful educators for the work that you do and for going above and beyond for our student community.

Year 7 2023 Transition Workshop

Last Tuesday 25 October the 2023 Year 7s joined us for their first workshop. Our Year 10 Peer Mentors and Guild Coordinators assisted in the running of the afternoon, which included afternoon tea and ‘Getting to Know You’ activities. The 2^nd and final workshop is on Tuesday 15 November. The focus will be ‘Getting to Know the School’ and understanding what it means to be a Newman College student. Our Year 7 2023 cohort will learn how to use their locks and practice, using a timetable, getting around the College. The Peer Mentors are looking forward to this second opportunity to get to know our Year 7 2023 students.

Exams

Students and visitors to the College are reminded that WACE exams are currently taking place and Year 11 exams commence next week. The final exam date for both is Friday 18 November. We therefore ask you are quiet when walking around the Marcellin Campus, especially around the Auditorium and the Exam Centre.

NPC Meeting

The next meeting will take place on Monday 7 November 6.00pm, at St John Henry Learning Hub. This group is critically important in providing input and feedback. We encourage parents to join us at this meeting to gain insight into our school improvement plan and to discuss school concerns.

Visual Arts and Technologies Exhibition – Art Festival

The festival was a celebration of two spectacular showcases of creative talent. The Dance showcase opened with ‘Mythos’ on Sunday 23 October with their human storytelling of iconic stories, and on Wednesday 26 October ‘Ignite’ showcased our emerging artists and designers from Kindergarten to Year 12. We were in awe of our student’s endeavours in painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, textiles, and woodwork.

Special thanks must go to our Arts Learning Area and staff who worked very hard to put this event together.

New Staff / Staff Movements

Leader of Wellbeing PK-2: Edwina Battersby

Leader of Learning Primary K-6: Catherine Young

Congratulations to both Edwina and Catherine in their new roles.

Uniform – Bathers and Rash Vest requirements 

As previously communicated, the College has introduced New College bathers and rash vests. In keeping with College uniform expectations, students are required to adhere to the following changes relating to College bathers and rash shirts. 

Years 1-2: No change. Students continue to wear their own personal bathers and rash vests. 
Years 3-9 (2022): College bathers and rash vests (old or new) are compulsory. 
Years 3-10 (2023): New style College bathers and rash vests will be compulsory. No old bathers or rash vests can be worn.

** Due to stock issues earlier in the year, students in Years 7 to 10 may wear the older version of the College bathers and rash vests for the remainder of 2022. New bathers and rash shirt must be purchased for 2023.  

CODE OF CONDUCT

Newman News Term 4 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Andrew Oreb on 04/11/2022

Exam season has begun with the commencement of Year 12 ATAR exams this week and Year 11 Semester Two exams next week.

The exam period can often be a time doubt and worry for both students, parents, and guardians. Below are a few practical tips for parents and guardians to help their children survive the exam season.

Help them to keep perspective: Discourage conversations that focus on ‘What if I fail?’ or ‘What if my mark isn’t good enough?’ Try to help them focus on what is happening now and what they can achieve now. Mindfulness and Guided Meditations can be a great resource, and there are plenty available on iTunes or YouTube.

Try not to nag 😊: This can be difficult, especially if it seems they are trying to avoid their study. Help your child build in breaks and social time into their study plan; that way, they don’t feel as though you are monitoring their time.

Keep them fed and encourage exercise: Ensure that your child has access to plenty of healthy foods or show your support by making them their favourite meal. Exercise can help to provide a fresh perspective and can revitalise a tired child. A walk with the dog, a swim or a run can make a big difference.

Promote sleep: ensure that your child is getting enough sleep. Fatigue can have a detrimental effect on the brain processes, especially memory. Students will perform better, and be bright and alert for their exams.

Make yourself available to help: Whether it is quizzing them on Human Biology concepts, driving them to an exam or timing them while they complete a practice exam – it all helps!

I wish all our Year 11 and 12 ATAR students and their families all the best for the exam period!

Guild Representatives

The 2023 Guild Representative Nomination Process is underway. We encourage students to nominate those who are a positive role model to their peers and an active participant in Guild activities. A Guild Representative should also have good interpersonal and organisational skills, demonstrate initiative and adhere to College policies.

Students can find the Guild Representative nomination form by visiting their cohort’s Teams page. The nomination process closes on Monday, 7 November.

I am extremely proud to say, the standard of applicants is once again exceptionally high. Once the nominations close, students will be informed about the following stages.

Year 7 2023 Transition Workshop

Last Tuesday, 25 October, the 2023 Year 7s joined us for their first workshop. Our Year 10 Peer Mentors and Guild Coordinators assisted in the running of the afternoon, which included afternoon tea and ‘Getting to Know You’ activities. The 2^nd and final workshop is on Tuesday 15 November. The focus will be ‘Getting to Know the School’ and understanding what it means to be a Newman College student. Our Year 7 2023 cohort will learn how to use their locks and practice, using a timetable, getting around the College. The Peer Mentors are looking forward to this second opportunity to get to know our Year 7 2023 students.

Year 11

There has been a lot happening across the Year 11 cohort in their final weeks of 2022. This week, our Year 11 students under the guidance of Miss Beekink, orchestrated a cricket tournament on the oval at lunch time which was viewed by many across Marcellin Campus. It was wonderful to see the comradery and enthusiasm amongst the Year 11s as they participated in the match whether it was by playing, cheering or assisting in the organisation.

In Week 2 this term, our Year 11 students were provided with an opportunity to reflect on our Marist theme: Known and Loved – Dignity for All. Miss Beekink arranged for Sol and Rivka to come and speak with all Year 11 students – Sol’s late father Chaim and his mother Rivka, were both survivors of Auschwitz during World War II whose stories of survival were a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of the greatest adversity.

Year 12 students – School Documents

Please be reminded that you will need to print off all school documents before the end of December 2022, in advance of student data being rolled over for 2023.

Exams

Uniform – Bathers and Rash Vest requirements 

Years 1-2: No change. Students continue to wear their own personal bathers and rash vests. 
Years 3-9 (2022): College bathers and rash vests (old or new) are compulsory. 
Years 3-10 (2023): New style College bathers and rash vests will be compulsory. No old bathers or rash vests can be worn.

Newman News Term 4 Week 4: From the Principal

Andrew Oreb on 04/11/2022

Dear Parents and Guardians

New Marist Province – St Mary’s Star of the Sea

On 10 May 2021, Br. Ernesto, Marist Brothers Superior General, communicated to the Brothers of the Province of Australia and District of the Pacific that, from 8 December 2022, the two Administrative Units will be the Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province. The new Province will be formed by ten countries, with all Marist presence in the Oceania continent.

The new Province will be inaugurated on 8 December 2022, during the first Chapter, that will be held in Mittagong, NSW, 8 – 15 December 2022.

The new Province will be a focus of our upcoming liturgies and at one of our Thursday morning Community Masses.

Arts Festival 2022

Last week wound up our tremendous Performing Arts year with the Mythos Dance Showcase on Sunday 23 October and Visual Arts and Technologies Exhibition Opening on Wednesday 26 October. These came after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Production and our participation in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.

The impact of COVID-19 during the first half of the year had a significant effect on our Arts scheduling and resourcing. Notwithstanding, all events have been executed in an outstanding manner and a credit to the Performing Arts Team, led by Yvonne Wiese. My thanks to all who have contributed to the success of these events – staff (teaching and non-teaching), the significant parent support and of course our outstanding students.

Next year’s events are currently being considered by the Executive. Our resourcing, staffing and programming requires broad collaboration with respective personnel and decisions will be made and announced by the end of the term.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPC) Meeting – Monday 7 November, 6.00pm

The final meeting of 2022 will be held on Monday 7 November. The agenda for the meeting will comprise:

School Update: Capital Works, ASIP Review and General Business
NPC Update
Events 2023

John Finneran

PRINCIPAL

Newman News Term 4 Week 4: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Andrew Oreb on 04/11/2022

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with our aspiring student leaders in Year 5, as they undertook their leadership preparation course before moving into Year 6. While we spent much of our first workshop exploring our understanding of leadership, and the qualities we recognise as important in leaders, in our second workshop we looked at what this means in a Marist community. It was so beautiful to hear students speak about what it means to be a Newman College student, and how the Marist pillars and Mary as our model plays such a significant part in our understanding of what it means to be a student in our community. Please see some of the response’s students shared in our conversations below:

How can we make Jesus real in our community?

How was Mary a good leader? What can we learn from her?

Well done to all of our Year 5 students who participated so enthusiastically and wholeheartedly in the student leadership process, and to their Year 5 teachers and Mrs Battersby for their support in their formation. It is very encouraging to know that the future of our community is in good hands.

Socktober

Over the past two weeks, our Year 6 Mini Marists in the primary school have been busy raising awareness for Socktober. This is a time of the year when we raise awareness of the large number of children around the world who are living in poverty through the world game of soccer. Students have been spending their lunchtimes making their own soccer balls from string and plastic bags, and on Friday, students right across the Lavalla campus had the chance to play with these at lunch, sparing a thought for those who so often go without. We also held our traditional staff vs students game which ended in a 1-1 draw. It was great to see so many students enjoying themselves on Friday, and we owe a big thanks to Mrs Jane Short and our Year 6 Mini Marists for leading this initiative.

Game Changers Wind-up Gathering

After another great year of building Game Changers, we finished off the Year 11 meetings with an All-Year Wind up. Students from Game Changers groups in years 7-11 had a terrific time bowling, eating pizza and drinking soft drink while attempting to score a strike. Although few strikes were actually made, the students clearly had a great time and really connected and celebrated a great year. There was inter-year group mingling and sharing of fun and challenging experiences the year had held for them. Year 7-10 will continue to have meetings in Weeks 6 and 8, where they will get involved with 24/7 Youth Ministry and plan out their initiatives for next year.

I would like to sincerely thank all the teachers who have volunteered their time to mentor our students; Matt Box, Albert Zollo & Jade Nicotra, Jordan Coveney, Chris James, Bonnie Keynes, and Adeline Hendriks. Their unwavering commitment makes each meeting worthwhile and enjoyable for those involved. I would also like to thank Issy Ochtman, and previously Liam Street, as our Marist Regional Assistant and their running of our retreats and camps, Br Paul for helping and being our bus driver, and lastly, Amanda Redwood for all the behind-the-scenes organisation and planning aid. We are fortunate to have the support and assistance of such a great team!

Mrs Aleisha Bryson (Leader of Youth Ministry & Advocacy)

Year 10 Game Changers Retreat

The Year 10 LaValla retreat day was all about our students discovering their personal True North! What are our future aspirations? How are we heading there? Who is guiding us? We also looked at understanding, empowering, and creating meaningful relationships with the people around us through social justice. This led us to discussions on what are some of the things we can do this year and next in the way of social justice and community service. Out of this came the plan to visit our Mini Marists in Lavalla Week 6, something our Year 10s are very much looking forward to. Next year we have the intention of continuing these visits, as well as bake sales, immersions, and involvement in the wider community, stay tuned to see how it all plays out in 2023!

Community Mass

It was great to welcome so many of our students and their grandparents to our community mass last week – thank you to everyone who attended in support. We warmly invite the entire Newman College Community to gather with us for Mass at 8.10am on Thursday mornings in the Champagnat Chapel. Mass is celebrated by a Priest from a local parish and is hosted by both primary and secondary school students. Please see the upcoming schedule below;

Week 5: Thursday, 10 November; Marcellin and Year 4 Red, Monsignor Kevin Long

Week 6: Thursday, 17 November; MacKillop and Year 4 Blue, Fr Ruben Cardona