Welcome back, I hope students had an enjoyable break and have come back energised for Term 3. We have enjoyed the positive way our students have returned to school, prepared for another exciting term with many opportunities to let their light shine. In this final term for our graduating class of 2022, I hope our Year 12 students continue to set an example of perseverance, determination and resilience and always strive to make the most of their last few weeks at Newman College.
Year 11 Dinner Dance
The Year 11 students behaved impeccably, looked incredible and had a great time during the annual Dinner Dance. This year the celebration took place at The Ambrose Estate at Wembley Golf Complex. Students enjoyed good food, great music, and even better company.
I would like to thank all Year 11 students for their engagement on the day and the outstanding way they represented both themselves and the College.
Friday Nights Lights Basketball Carnival
On Friday night in week 1 the Boys and Girls Marist basketball team competed against Churchlands Senior High School and Shenton College for the Friday Night Lights Cup. Both teams played really well and represented the College to a high standard. The girls came close on both games but unfortunately could not get the win. The boys team won against Churchlands and had a very close game against Shenton who finished the game in front by 1 point.
A big thank you to the families, students and staff that attended the night to support our teams and particular thanks to:
Matilda Seargent and Chris Cranley for coaching the girls Marist basketball team.
Nic Vlahov and Chris Cranley for coaching the boys.
Al MacNeill for managing the teams.
Breakfast Presentation from Professor Phil Bland
On Thursday July 28, staff and students were very fortunate to have a breakfast presentation from Professor Phil Bland from Curtin University. This breakfast was hosted in partnership with Rotary International and attended by approximately 40 Rotarians and members of the Newman College community. Professor Bland has been based at Curtin University since 2012, and is the Director of the Space Science and Technology Centre. His research interests include meteorites, satellite communication and the origins of the Solar System. During his presentation, Professor Bland spoke about his lifelong interest in the field, as well as some of the recent developments in satellite technology and space investigation pioneered by Curtin University. He also shared with guests some information about new research initiatives at NASA and the role that Australia is playing in collaboration with those efforts.
Many thanks to Justin Farley, Leader of Pathways and Partnerships, for his organisation of this event.
Athletics Carnival
The Guild Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 4 August at the State Athletics Stadium, Claremont. We are looking forward to a great day of competition. Students are to make their own way to and from the stadium. If this is not possible, there are limited places on a bus that will depart from and return students to the College. To request a seat on the bus, please complete the form here.
If you have experience in athletics and would be willing to assist during the Carnival please complete the volunteer form here. Thank you, your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Wellbeing Week will be celebrated in Week 4. Each day will have a different focus; Healthy, Connected, Present, and Grateful and there will be various activities across the College to highlight the importance of these themes for our Wellbeing. More information will be made available to students and families next week.
DISA survey
Your feedback is kindly requested: please complete the online DISA survey. Newman College is committed to annual school improvement and seeking feedback from all members of our community to refine practices. This includes the completion of the DISA survey. The DISA – or Diagnostic Inventory of School Alignment – is a longitudinal survey which evaluates the perceptions of students, parents and staff on the progress of school improvement strategies and our Vision for Learning.
It would be sincerely appreciated if you could complete the survey here. It is anonymous, no log-in or password is required, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your responses will play a valuable part in shaping the strategic vision of Newman College for the years to come.
Upcoming Events
Year 9 Bishop’s Religious Literacy Assessment; Monday August 1
Guild Athletics Carnival; Thursday August 4
Principal’s Assembly: Friday August 5
Wellbeing Week; Monday 8 – Thursday 11 August
Assumption Day Mass and K-12 Lapathon; Thursday August 11
Pupil Free Days; Friday August 12 and Monday August 15
A sincere welcome back to our Primary students and their families. Term 3 is always a busy one, and this year is proving to be no different. Our teachers are excited at the many things that lay ahead and have worked throughout the holiday break to successfully plan a range of wonderful initiatives for our students. We ask parents for their support and positivity as we enter this busy term – it is through positive partnership that we can affect great change.
I ask parents to please ensure that their children are presented according to the Newman College Uniform policy, paying particular attention to their hair, jewellery, shoes and that no non-uniform items (such as jackets, socks or scarves) are being worn with the uniform.
Lavalla Assembly
Well done to 4 Green students who delivered an outstanding assembly, 3 days into Term 3. Their Jack and the Beanstalk rap demonstrated the wonderful learning that has been occuring in their classroom, and showed that we have a number of future stage-stars in our midst.
Well done to all those Merit Award winners whose commendation for their excellent work was well deserved.
Mini-Marists
Our Mini-Marists groups have recently been looking at service-learning opportunities within our school. Some of the initiatives that they have undertaken include cooking and crocheting blankets for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Solidarity appeal. They have also created a number of class awards that identify and celebrate those classes who undertake responsible and respectful behaviours across the school.
Book Week
Each year across Australia, the Children’s Book Council of Australia brings children and books together to celebrate Book Week which takes place this year between 22 to 26 August 2022. During this time, students and teachers will celebrate Australian children’s literature, authors and illustrators.
The theme of Book Week this year is, Dreaming with Eyes Open!
Marian students are invited to come to school dressed up as their favourite book character on Thursday 25th August with the parade commencing at 9am in the Undercover Area.
Lavalla students invited to come to school dressed up as their favourite book character on Friday 26th August with the parade commencing at 9am in the Auditorium.
Kindergarten 2023 and 2024
There are a very limited number of places remaining for our Kindergarten 2023 and 2024 program. Newman College now offers a flexible Kindergarten offering, whereby families can select from a 3, 4 or 5-day kindy program for their child.
If you, or a family member / friend was seeking a place for a child in Kindy 2023 or 2024, please get in contact with our Registrar, Jo Dunn as soon as possible via registrar@newman.wa.edu.au
Pre-Kindergarten 2023
There are a very limited number of places remaining for our Pre-Kindergarten 2023 program. Availability is now limited to Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Families can select from a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5-day pre-kindy program for their child (subject to availability).
If you, or a family member / friend was seeking a placement for Pre-Kindy 2023, please get in contact with our Registrar, Jo Dunn as soon as possible via registrar@newman.wa.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Many years ago, when I was appointed to my first teaching position at St. Mary’s in Kalgoorlie, I was full of excitement and eagerness. I had studied to become a teacher because I knew, more than anything, that I wanted to positively impact the lives of young people. I had great visions of inspiring my students to be their best; to work hard, be respectful, and most of all, be good and kind humans to one another. I was ready to change the world! 🙂
However, what I wasn’t prepared for, was the way those 26 young students and their families would change me. I had presumed that I would be the difference maker in all things within our class – after all I was the teacher, the one charged with leading our class. But it only took a short time for me to realise this was not going to be a one way street. I grew to admire and respect my students, to listen to them, and to learn from them and the way their worlds unfolded. I was able to listen to and spend time with families in the classroom each morning, observing how they balanced a generous heart with firm guidance. I had begun that year thinking it was all on my shoulders to create a safe and supportive learning environment, when in fact all I had to do was play my role and allow others to do the same.
Why do I share this story now? It is easy to think that the success of a school lies with the principal, or teachers, or the wellbeing team. However, more than ever, I have come to realise that the success of a student, class, or school, rests with every person in that community. Each person has the power to impact the life of another. Just think about that for a moment. Whether you are a young student in Kindy, a teacher, or a parent, every interaction or word spoken can change someone’s day, and the way they feel about themselves. Just imagine…when you get up tomorrow morning you have the opportunity to change lives! This is an amazing gift we are given each day…but what do we do with that gift?
My message to students as we return to begin a new term has been simple – use your power for good. Create a positive difference for someone in our community, and don’t be afraid to do the same at home too. Newman College is a beautiful community of students and families because many of us recognise the power we have and use it wisely. My great hope for students is that they come to realise this too – to go the extra mile for each other, and continue to support and accept one another. We all have the power to make a difference.
I hope that all students and families have a wonderful Term 3 where they can be impacted by the kindness and generosity of others. And yes…I am still full of excitement and eagerness every time that new school year comes upon us, while the list of those who have impacted me grows longer each year.
A warm welcome back to school for all our Newman families. I hope you found some time over the holidays to relax and enjoy being together away from the busyness of the normal school routine.
On day one of the term, our staff engaged in Faith Formation Professional Learning. We spent time together learning about aspects of inclusion relevant to our theme for 2022, ‘Known and Loved dignity for all’. This learning included an examination with Marist Brother, Br Tony Leon of what love actually is, and how it manifests as a choice or commitment to the wellbeing of the other, in line with the wellbeing of self. Staff engaged in workshop style high impact learning sessions that explored topics such as first nations people, gender and gender diversity, mental health, cry of the earth, living in poverty, displaced people and invisible in a digital age.
The start of this term was particularly challenging due to the technical difficulties we experienced during the first couple of days. I would like to express our gratitude to parents and students for the patience and understanding that was shown during this time, especially with regard to the Parent Teacher interviews. It was fortunate that these difficulties did not significantly impact the student learning.
New Staff
We welcome the following new staff to the College Community and Marist family
Secondary Science Teacher: Gina Thornberry
Secondary Science Teacher: Helen Williamson
College Events Coordinator: Karla Nessfield-Thomas
Part-time Pre-Kindy Teacher: Delia Kretzmann
Digital Innovation Coordinator: Joel Kandiah
Italian Teacher: Maria Famiano
Leader of People and Culture: Nicole Luckman
Food Science and Technology Secondary Teacher: Emily Mincherton
Ongoing Leader of Wellbeing: Scott Smith
Staff Concluding
Primary School Music Teacher Annette Grayden has resigned this term. We thank Annette for her contribution and wish her well in her future endeavours.
Wellbeing Week
During Week 4, teachers and students will come together to engage in activities, lessons and professional learning designed to support the wellbeing of the College community.
We recognise the importance of education, raising awareness and providing opportunities for students to develop their own wellbeing and to contribute to and participate in our flourishing community. We look forward to working together to enhance our individual and collective wellbeing. We are calling for parents or students to submit appreciation or gratitude messages to our staff to be delivered on our Staff Wellbeing Day. To enter a message please complete this online form.
College Production
The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory company are excited to have begun rehearsals and preparation for five fabulous performances this September. Our cast of students from Years 4 to 12, will treat you to a wonderful night of entertainment, with something for the whole family!
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination, including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including “Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Oompa Loompa Song,” and “Pure Imagination.”
Tickets are going fast, with over 50% sold. So be sure to secure your tickets to a night of pure imagination! Click here to purchase your tickets
15/09/22 Opening night: 6.30pm
16/09/22 Performance 2: 6.30pm
17/05/22 Performance 3: 11.00am
17/09/22 Performance 4: 6.30pm
18/09/22 Performance 5: 11.00am
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Opening Mass of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The Festival offers both primary and secondary school students the opportunity to perform in front of a public audience and receive some very useful feedback from experienced adjudicators. Categories include choral, instrumental, drama, musical, vocal and dance. Newman College supports this event to ensure our students have a platform where they can demonstrate the fruits of their hard work and showcase their talents. We wish all the performers well for their upcoming events.
Christmas in July Evening
On July 22 over 100 parents joined us for our Christmas in July gathering held in the transformed winter wonderland of the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. It was a very enjoyable evening and gave parents the opportunity to socialise with each other and staff members in a relaxed setting.
Assumption Day Activities 11 August
The Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Feast Day chosen for the Patronal Feast of the Marist Brothers is Monday 15 August. To mark the significance of these events, our K-12 Community will come together in celebration on Thursday 11 August. As one of 54 Marist schools across Australia, the Feast Day of the Assumption is an opportunity to gather, give thanks to the Marist Brothers, and celebrate our shared Marist identity.
Information about this important event was emailed to parents on Monday July 25. Please see a copy here.
PISA is coming to our school!
Our school is participating in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is taking place in Australian between 18 July and 9 September 2022. Our PISA will occur on Thursday 25August and will include a collection of Year 10 and 11 students.
PISA is an important part of the National Assessment Program in Australia, which is the measure through which governments, education authorities and schools can determine whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes. All Australian Education Ministers have agreed to Australian schools’ participation in PISA, which is reflected in the Australian Education Act 2013.
Students Who Have Participated in State and National Representation
The College would like to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those students who have represented their team, sport, or activity at a state or national level. If your child has participated in an activity that falls within that category, we would love to hear from you. Please complete this form to let us know of your child’s achievement.
Newman Parents Committee (NPC)
All parents are invited to our next NPC meeting on Wednesday August 10 from 5.45pm – 7pm in the Marcellin St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. We will be finalising our Executive Parent Committee in the coming weeks, and we thank all those parents who submitted an expression of interest. The Executive Committee will be announced at the next NPC.
Parent Teacher Communication Protocols
Parents are reminded that the most efficient and effective method for contacting teachers and support staff is through the staff member’s email address. In most cases, our staff will respond to the communication as appropriate, within 48 hours.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
year of schooling
category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.dese.gov.au/about-us/resources/department-education-skills-and-employment-complete-privacy-policy-0). Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au). If you have any questions about the NCCD at Newman, please contact the Vice Principal, Dr Lucie McCrory on lucie.mccrory@newman.wa.edu.au
Key Dates
Y7-12 Guild Athletics Carnival: Thursday August 4
Bishop’s Religious Literacy Assessments: Monday August 1 to Thursday August 4
Wellbeing Week: Monday August 8 to Thursday August 11
Winter Music Night: Monday August 8
Newman Parents Committee Meeting: Wednesday August 8
Assumption/Buddy Day: Thursday August 11
Pupil Free Days: Friday August 12 and Monday August 15
Welcome to Term 3. Our first couple of days this term presented the challenge of having no internet or phones. I take this opportunity to thank those parents who attended our parent teacher interviews and for your patience with the break in technology, which also affected surrounding suburbs. Fortunately, services resumed on the first day of school and our start to the term has been relatively smooth.
I hope families enjoyed some time together over the recent break and that everyone has returned refreshed and ready for a new term.
Newman College Principal 2023
Congratulations to Mr Andrew Watson who has been appointed to lead Newman College from Term 2 2023. Andrew is currently the Principal of Mazenod College in Lesmurdie. Andrew visited the College at the commencement of this term to meet with staff and was reconnected with some of those who were at Newman when he was Head of Society and Environment in the late 1990s.
Andrew is a well-known and highly regarded leader in Catholic education and we look forward to him continuing Newman’s exciting development and evolution. For anyone who missed the announcement, please click here to view.
An Acting Principal for Term 1 2023 will be announced by Marist Schools Australia Ltd in the coming weeks.
Year 11 Dinner Dance
Congratulations to our Year 11 students for their highly enthusiastic participation in the Dinner Dance which was held in Week 1. The students conducted themselves superbly on the night and obviously had much fun celebrating with their cohort.
Parent Engagement
Newman Parent Committee (NPC): Our next NPC meeting is to be held on Wednesday 10 August 5.45pm. I warmly invite all interested parents to attend. Further information will be circulated closer to the time.
Christmas in July: We celebrated Christmas in July at Newman College with around 100 parents. It was wonderful to see so many brave the chilly conditions and connect with friends in a relaxed and festive setting.
Marist Schools Australia Conference
I will be accompanied by three members of our College Executive to attend the Marist Schools Australia National Conference in Brisbane next Sunday through to Wednesday. Marists from around Australia and beyond will gather together for a series of symposiums and workshops. Newman College will be presenting two symposiums:
Learning Strand – To Live is to Change; to be Perfect is to have Changed often
Formation Strand – Vision for Mission: To Form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”
We look forward to sharing our journey with colleagues.
My best wishes to all for an enjoyable and productive Term 3.
Tuesday 19 July – Pupil Free Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews **NOTE: Morning and afternoon interviews are online via Teams
Wednesday 20 July – PK-12 Students Return
Friday 12 August – Pupil Free (Staff PL)
Monday 15 August – Pupil Free (Faith Day)
Friday 23 September – End of Term 3
Introduction
As we close Week 10 of Term 2, we say farewell to Semester One. Walking around the school, I see that both students and staff are in need of the holiday break. Our Marist characteristic of Love of Work is more easily achieved when we have the balance of Presence and time for Family Spirit in our lives. We hope that all members of our community enjoy a restful period of relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation. Our PK-12 staff return on Monday 18 July to attend Faith Formation Professional Learning, Parent Teacher Interviews are on Tuesday 19 July, and we will welcome all students back to Term 3 on Wednesday 20 July.
Reports PK to Year 12
The Semester One Reports will have all gone live as of this afternoon. These reports detail student achievement across the year and provide measurement on respective efforts in the various learning areas. Reports provide us with feedback against curriculum intents and our vision for learning commitments. This feedback is most useful and can act as a catalyst for reflection on what has been. From this vantage point, students must set goals for the future. Student agency is actualised when the student is involved in the goal setting process and is committed to realising these goals, therefore enjoying the fruits of self-efficacy.
We have introduced new reporting cover pages to help our community to interpret the Semester Reports. From Semester Two these cover pages will form part of the report. Please find the cover pages below. These pages will be emailed to parents when the notification is sent to alert that reports are live.
Parent Teacher Interviews for the College commence on Tuesday 19 July from 9.30am – 7.30pm. In order to cater to the schedules of our families, we are trailing a hybrid system for this event. The hybrid system will include the opportunity to book either face to face or online meetings during allocated times. Staff have worked hard to prepare for these interviews for which I extend my thanks. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with parents and students.
Students Who Have Participated in State and National Representation
The College would like to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those students who have represented their team, sport, or activity at a state or national level. If your child has participated in an activity that falls within that category, we would love to hear from you. Please complete this form to let us know of your child’s achievement.
Staff Changes Semester Two
Leaving
Risk and Compliance Officer: Kristina Telford
Long Service Leave
Italian Coordinator: Anjuli Duncan
New Staff
College Events Coordinator: Karla Nessfield-Thomas
Part-time Pre-Kindy Teacher: Delia Kretzmann
Digital Innovation Coordinator: Joel Kandiah
Italian Teacher: Maria Famiano
Leader of People and Culture: Nicole Luckman
Emily Mincherton: Food Science and Technology Secondary Teacher
Scott Smith – Ongoing Leader of Wellbeing
Staff Professional Learning and Parent Teacher Interviews
Our PK-12 staff return on Monday 18 July to attend Faith Formation Professional Learning. Parent Teacher Interviews for the College commence on Tuesday 19 July from 9.30am – 7.30pm. In order to cater to the schedules of our families, we are trailing a hybrid system for this event. The hybrid system will include the opportunity to book either face to face or online meetings during allocated times. Staff have worked hard to prepare for these interviews for which I extend my thanks. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with parents and students.
Return to School – Term 3
Students in all year groups return to the College on Wednesday 20 July. We ask that you ensure students adhere to uniform and grooming expectations associated with our Winter Uniform.
Newman Parents Consultation Event – Christmas in July
It is time to come together and celebrate our community. What bigger celebration is there than Christmas! Please join us to celebrate Christmas in July at the College at this parent only event. Enjoy mulled wine and hot food as we connect and share our journey together in this community. Click here to buy tickets.
Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment 2022
At the request of the Western Australian Bishops, Year 3, Year 5 and Year 9 students in Catholic
schools across Western Australia will take part in The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment
(BRLA) from the week commencing Monday 25 July in Term Three. This assessment is online.
Students enrolled in Year 3, Year 5 and Year 9 who are following a regular classroom program
are expected to participate. Students with disability are entitled to participate in the assessment.
Exemptions may apply.
The Nature and Role of the BRLA
The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment is a large-scale, standardised assessment that
consists of Religious Education (RE) assessments developed and marked by the Office of
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). The purpose of the BRLA is to measure student
learning of the content in the RE curriculum. Formal school and student reports are produced
by the Office and will become available to schools in Term Four.
The BRLA provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in RE. Students’
knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a
combination of multiple choice, and short and extended response items. Students’ faith is not
assessed. The use of the BRLA complements the school based assessment programs in RE.
Please contact your child’s teacher or myself if you have any enquiries regarding the
administration of The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment.
