Andrew Oreb, Author at Newman College

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Andrew Oreb on 09/09/2022

Today’s Athletics carnival was a wonderful celebration of community spirit and sportsmanship. Joining together to undertake a range of athletic events, students displayed fantastic team spirit. Some of my favourite moments of the day centred around students congratulating one another after their races and cheering one another on. Whilst we celebrate student success when they win their events, a massive goal of their athletics carnival is to instil our students a sense of sportsmanship and team spirit.

Significant work happens behind the scenes to make these events run smoothly. My sincere thanks are extended to Mrs Tash Richards and Mrs Lara Vlahov for their hard work in preparing the students and coordinating the carnival. The day was an enormous success, that ran very smoothly thanks to their hard work and attention to detail.

Congratulations to Brigid Guild on winning the Spirt Award. All results of guilds and champions will be released when scores are tallied up.

Speak up Awards

The Speak Up awards are sponsored by the Grand Lodge of WA Freemasons and are held teach years for students across Western Australia, in years 4, 5, or 6.

Three Newman College students were successful in getting to the Preliminary Final round. They spoke fantastically and were excellent role models for our College. Congratulations to:

Grace Taylor
Isla Kalebic
Stefan Moschopoulos

Father’s Day

Last week, in celebration and recognition of fathers, father figures and other significant men in the lives of our students, the College hosted two Father’s Day events. Students from Lavalla and Marcellin were invited to attend the Community Mass on Thursday morning, before staying to enjoy a light morning tea together.

Marian students, joined with their Dad to enjoy a sausage sizzle breakfast, followed by a beautifully prepared Liturgy dedicated to our Fathers, and to St Joseph – father of Jesus.

A big thank you is extended to the mothers and grandmothers that assisted on the Friday morning, in cooking and preparing the sausage sizzle. It was so lovely to have our parents back on campus for an event, and to be able to celebrate our community spirit in such an affirming way.

Thank you to the teachers from our Year 2 Unit who prepared our Marian students for the liturgical celebration, and our students who participated in the liturgy also.

Lavalla Assembly

Last Friday, students from 3 Blue presented a wonderful version of the story of the Good Samaritan set to music from the 80’s. It was a very contemporary way to share a very important that message – that Jesus calls on us to show love and kindness to eevryone we encounter, not just our family and friends. This can be tricky sometimes, but it is who we are called to be by being part of a Marist community. We also acknowledged the efforts of a number of students, including those from our extra-curricular Coder Dojo club who completed their projects this week. Congratulations to all students on their success over these past few weeks!

Marcellin Award

This week’s Marcellin Award was presented to Chole Male in 6 Blue. Chloe was nominated by a number of teachers, for the kind hearted and gracious way in which she supports and offers help to others. Like Marcellin Champagnat, Chloe is a highly relational, invitational and patient young person who has made a significant impact in our community. Well done Chloe on setting such a great example to us all.

Year 5 Incursion

Last Thursday, students from Year 5 took part in an incursion run by the Electoral Education Centre. Students had the chance to learn about our preferential voting system, and even had the chance to put their knowledge to the test in the form of a mock election. Students also had the chance to learn about compulsory voting, enrolments, and the different types of ballot papers that exist. It was a very informative incursion, and we thank our Year 5 teachers for organising this event.

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Andrew Oreb on 09/09/2022

People listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses. – Evangelii Nuntiandi

As a Catholic community we strive to be witnesses to our young people and each other through our actions. The final two weeks of term 3 sees our attention drawn to our Year 12 students. Our prayer in the final two weeks is they finish and finish well, recognising the dignity of each other and celebrating the success of their time at Newman College. As a Marist community we like Champagnat, hope that their lives may be an echo of what they have been taught during their time at the College.

Newman College Parents Morning Retreat: Golden Thread

Our Marist Tradition offers our community so many different opportunities for formation. This term we are offering a Parent Retreat. Br Bill is the Director of the Hermitage located in Mittagong NSW. Throughout the year, he comes to Newman College to work with staff in faith formation. He is scheduled to return this term in Week 9 and once again spend the week with staff across the College. This time we are offering a Parent Retreat focussing on the Golden Thread. All are invited to attend, regardless of their religious experience. Please register here.

Morning session: Thursday 15 September 9.00am – 11.00am

Community Mass

A warm welcome is extended to the whole Newman College community to join us for our regular Thursday morning Community Mass commencing at 8.10am in the Champagnat Chapel on the Marcellin Campus. The Mass is celebrated by a Priest from one of our local parishes and is hosted by both secondary and primary school students. The schedule for the next 2 weeks is as follows;

Week 9
Thursday 22 September, Fr Garner hosted by Catherine & Yr6 Blue

Week 10
Thursday 29 September, Mons Kevin Long hosted by Brigid & Yr6 Green

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Vice Principal

Andrew Oreb on 09/09/2022

Key Dates

Mon 12 Sep – Year 5 Makers Market – 5.30pm 6.30pm, JHN Learning Hub

Mon 12 Sep – Y7 2023 Parent Information Evening – 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Marist Auditorium

Wed 14 Sep – Y7-12 ACC Athletics Carnival Division A – offsite

Thu 15 Sep – Y6 IPSHA Athletics Carnival, All Saints College, Bull Creek

Thu 15 Sep – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Opening Night, 6.30pm, Marist Auditorium

Thu 22 Sep – Year 12 last day

Thu 22 Sep – Year 12 Ball, 6.30pm – 11.00pm, Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park

Fri 23 Sep – End of Term 3

Welcome to Week 8 and welcome to spring. This week there were a number of focuses on wellbeing and resilience across the school. As we finish another busy and productive term, it is a timely reminder to check in on each other to ensure our Marist family are travelling well. Over the last two weeks we have had Newman students compete across the school in the Speak Up finals in Primary and the Spirit of the Arts, Catholic Performing Arts festival continues for students in Years 3 to 12. Our Primary Athletics Carnival was a great success today, with the sun coming out to shine as our young people exhibited the sportsmanship and participation that defines our Marist family. The Year 7s came together to dance the night away on Thursday of this week and our Year 10 Children, Family and the Community students took on a virtual baby during Week 7 – they were shattered by the end of the week. There were numerous excursions and camps across Primary and secondary, including Outdoor Education, Humanities, Science and Gamechangers. It is magnificent to see that we are once again able to provide these life-giving experiences of challenge, collaboration, and celebration to our students.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Reports for our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will go live on SEQTA next week, Friday 16 September. Hard copies will be posted to your mailing address.

R U OK? Day

Yesterday was R U OK? Day, the National Day of Action to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Students and staff were reminded that every day is the day to ask “are you OK?” Starting meaningful conversations when we notice signs that people we care about might be struggling could help them to open up. Asking if someone is okay is not always easy, but it could change a life.

Staff and students were encouraged to accessorise with yellow items. Yellow iced cupcakes were available for sale on all campuses, proceeds of which will go to R U OK to use towards mental health awareness.

Zero2Hero

On Monday 5 September we held the first of our parenting series presentations. In partnership with Zero2Hero, Newman College invited three well known experts to our Marist Auditorium to speak to our parent and broader community on Resilience, specifically providing thoughtful insights into how to develop Resilient Young Minds, Claire Eaton, Claire Orange, and Linda Stade. As a mother to a lively 13-year-old, I certainly found the session useful, and entertaining. My take aways…there is no substitution for connection and presence with your child. Teach you tween or teen how to focus on trying to stay above the line at least 80% of the time. When your young person approaches you with outrageous comments or tricky topical conversations, raise your eyebrows in a curious manner and seek further information. Finally, when conflicts and disagreements occur in peer groups, try not to get involved. Instead encourage your young person to Look for the good, Lift others up or failing that, Leave the person alone, give them space. Claire Eaton referred to these as the three Ls.

Languages / Multicultural Week

The Languages Learning, once again, provided our students with various events throughout the week, Taiko – Japanese drums, Brazilian dancers, Indonesian musicians, accordion performance, and the ever-popular gelato van! These events are just some ways we can bring greater cultural awareness to the College.

Historically, this week is about celebrating those who have come from other areas of the world, and being able to share their culture, beliefs, and values with our multi-cultural country.

Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening

The College is running the Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening on Monday 12 September at 6.30pm in the Marist Auditorium. This presentation covers relevant information about your child’s Year 7 experience in preparation for their transition from their current schools into their first year of secondary schooling here at Newman.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – College Production

Excitement is building as we get closer to the opening night of our College production. Students, staff and members of our College community have been working very hard to ensure they dazzle you with their musical skills and creativity.

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 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

SHINE Announcements

It is with great pleasure to announce some of the wonderful events our SHINE students have participated in recently.

Firstly, at Lavalla several students participated in the Children’s Book Council of WA Create a Book competition. Students spent time carefully curating their books and developing their stories. It is exciting to announce that Kate Gordon in Year 4 achieved second place for her book “Brother, Sister” in the story book category. We congratulate Kate for her efforts and her success in this wonderful competition. Well done Kate, we cannot wait to read more of your wonderful stories.

This term we have several students working towards the FameLab Academy Science communication competition. The FameLab is the world’s leading science communication competition that aims to discover charismatic early career scientists who can inspire people to see the world from new perspectives. We commend our school finalists – Ethan Wynne (Year 9 – Physics); Holly Kallawk (Year 9 – Space); Leyla Do (Year 9 – Height); Hannah Woolfrey (Year 8 – the heart) and Alyssa Petracca (Year 8 – Fingerprints). It is exciting to commend Leyla Do (Year 9) who will participate in the State Final on September 20 at the Heath Ledger Theatre.

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.  

CODE OF CONDUCT

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Andrew Oreb on 09/09/2022

This morning I had an opportunity to farewell the staff and students on the Marcellin Campus as I prepare to go on Maternity Leave as of Week 9. I am so privileged to be witness to the growth, resilience of our students and see their sense of family spirit and presence to one another each and every day. At the heart of our Marist community is the notion of family spirit and I am looking forward to embracing this with my own child and family. I would like to thank the families within our College community for their ongoing support. See you in 2023!

Year 11 State School’s Constitutional Convention

In week 7 some of the Year 11 Politics and Law students attended the State School’s Constitutional Convention at the Constitutional Centre in West Perth. Students participated in a range of workshops centered around the role of the Governor General, the head of state and potential constitutional reform.

Languages Week

Languages Week was celebrated in style at the Marcellin campus, with a range of lunchtime activities and performances for all students to enjoy.

Japanese Taiko drummers, Indonesian and Brazilian dancers, along with an Italian accordion player, entertained our students and staff at lunchtimes, and some lucky students got to join in with cultural songs and dances. The Italian Gelato van was again very popular with delicious gelato, as was Japanese Origami and Anime viewing in T Block. Instead of the regular bell at the end of each day, students were dismissed with some popular music from a range of countries including Japan, Italy, Greece and Spain.

The Year 7 Japanese classes participated in a Taiko Drumming workshop, while Year 8 students improved their chopstick skills in a chopstick competition. The Year 7 and 8 Italian classes will enjoy a scrumptious pizza cooked just for them, early next week.

It has been a wonderful week celebrating Languages and the richness that foreign cultures and language brings to our community.

Year 7 Disco

Year 7 students had a fantastic night at the Disco on Thursday evening. The students danced the night away and were entertained with fun games organised by our Year 12 Student Leaders. A big thank you to the Year 12 Student Leaders, Mr Puljiz, Year 7 PCG Teachers and Mrs Bramanto for a great night!

Week 9 Guild Activities – Wednesday 14 September

Guild Activities will be held during Extended PCG this upcoming week. These activities will be year group-based competitions where Guilds can earn points for the Champagnat Shield. This will be the Year 12 cohort’s final Guild Activity! All students are permitted to wear their Guild Uniform to school on this day.

Year 8 Allwell Testing – Monday 19 September

Year 8 Allwell Testing will be held on Monday 19 September from 8:45am – 12:40pm. Students are required to bring a blue or black pen and a scientific calculator. Information about the sessions will be shared with Year 8 students during Week 9. Students with special arrangements will receive separate communication confirming their arrangements.

The purpose of the Allwell Academic Assessment is to:

Provide another point of information about your child’s relative strengths
Provide the school information about any gaps in the cohort’s learning to better tailor teaching and learning programs.

Parents will receive a report back with information about your child’s current level of achievement in the areas of mathematics, reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression.

Students cannot study or prepare for the assessment, and it does not count towards any end of year grades or reporting.

Year 10 Peer Support Training Day – Tuesday 20 September

Year 10 students were invited to apply to be a Peer Support Student for our 2023 Year 7 students. Applications are now in, and students will be invited to participate in a Peer Support Training morning in Week 10. During this time, students will prepare to support our incoming Year 7 students for the transition into high school.

Industry Breakfast

On Monday 29 August, all Year 12 students attended the annual Year 12 Industry Networking Breakfast. This event is arranged by the College as part of the Year 12 Pathways program, and aims to provide students with useful insights into future employment post-school. Each student was able to select a table and engage in conversation and professional discussion with an adult who is employed in an area of interest. We were fortunate to be able to draw on the resources of our past students, current staff, and wider community and we are grateful for the many generous adults who volunteered their time to attend and speak to the Year 12s. The careers involved covered a wide spectrum, including medical, finance, education, law, construction, trades, health, marketing, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Year 12 Final Day & Ball

The final day for our Year 12 students is fast approaching! Further information will be sent to Year 12 parents in Week 9 outlining the final week festivities for our Year 12 students. The final day will begin with a Farewell Assembly and end with the Year 12 Ball.

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Principal

Andrew Oreb on 09/09/2022

Dear Parents and Guardians

Staffing Announcement

This week we announced the appointment of Mrs Lisa McClue to the position of Principal at Our Lady of Good Counsel Karrinyup.

This is a wonderful and well-deserved opportunity for Lisa. She is an authentic faith filled leader who has great passion for young people and their learning. She has a great technical proficiency to analyse a student’s learning journey and respond both strategically and operationally. She is a people person who engages well with all members of the community. Lisa has been a highly valued member of the College Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.

We look forward to farewelling Lisa at the end of the year to wish her well and to acknowledge her vast contributions to Newman College during her tenure.

I will be working with Marist Schools Australia in the coming weeks on the appointment process for the replacement of Lisa, to commence at Newman College in January 2023.

Acting Deputy Principal Secondary

This week we farewell Mrs Carla Pastorelli, Deputy Principal Secondary, as she commences parental leave. Our best wishes go with Carla as she embarks on this new phase of her journey.

Mr Simon Martino, currently Director of Mission and Catholic Identity, has been appointed Acting Deputy Principal Secondary, commencing this week. Mr Stuart McClorey has been appointed to the position of Acting Director of Mission and Catholic Identity.

National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC)Conference

Earlier this week I attended the NCEC Conference “The Future is Listening” in Melbourne.

Delegates were addressed by the Most Rev Peter Comensoli – Archbishop of Melbourne, Nicholas Moore – Chair NCEC, Hon Jacinta Collins – Executive Director NCEC, Federal Minister for Education – Jason Clare MP, as well as other notable speakers.

The major themes that emerged were:

The ongoing formation of staff, students and families respective to the declining number of Catholics as per the last census.
School improvement – sector and school strategic priorities and measurement to ensure learning gain for each student over their primary and secondary education.
Educational pathways that are responsive to technology, sectorial needs.
Student agency.
Wellbeing of staff, students and appropriate resourcing.
Funding allocation for Catholic schools.
Workforce retention and recruitment.

Our school is entering the final year of a 3 year strategic directions plan as of the end of 2023. We have just completed our school climate survey (DISA) which will provide significant feedback and input into the consultation period for our Strategic Directions going forward. The aforementioned themes will be instructive in determining the future directions of our community. What continues to be assured is the importance of teachers, their development and their capacity to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I highly recommend families attend our 2022 College Production. This musical is based on the 1964 children’s novel by Roald Dahl and has devoured the hearts of readers and theatre goers over many years. I am sure that everyone will enjoy seeing Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Joe as they join a small group of contest winners who get to tour the magical and mysterious factory of the unusual candy maker Willy Wonka.

Please click here to purchase your tickets.

Newman Parents

The very first parent centred partnership event with Newman College and Zero2Hero was held on Monday evening.

A big thank you to all those staff, parents and guardians who attended the event. 500 people attended and enjoyed a highly engaging and educational session, focussing on building the resilience of our children. The feedback has been extremely positive.

Zero2Hero has committed to developing a series of similar events across the Calendar year to educate and engage our parent community. Should you wish to provide input into which topics are chosen, please click here.