Andrew Oreb, Author at Newman College

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Andrew Oreb on 03/06/2022

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

Inclusive Sport Fun Run

On Friday 20 May the students who attend the Education Support Centre participated in the Inclusive Sport Fun Run and Activities Day at Jackadder Reserve. The students ran, walked or jogged two laps around Jackadder Lake then participated in tabloid activities. Everyone had a wonderful day taking part and making new friends. At the conclusion of the events, those who attended were treated to a sausage sizzle. Thank you to the students who volunteered on the day.

2022 ACC Cross Country Carnival

Congratulations to all Cross Country Runners in yesterday’s ACC event. All students showed true grit and determination and pulled together as a team to finish 3rd overall out of 80 Schools. This is an outstanding result, and the school is very proud of this achievement. Big thank you to our Head Coach Lenny Hughes who has done a fantastic job preparing our runners and for all staff for their help in the lead up and management on the day. Thank you also to parents for your early morning training drop offs and for the many of you who came and cheered yesterday. Your encouragement and support of your children plays a pivotal role in their connection and enjoyment of sport.

Our success on the day was due to the depth of our squad right through to our reserves. However, there were some stand out top 20 individual performances;

Bastian Domingues-Rubina: 6^th Place (U13 Boys)

Olivia Hilderbrandt: 4^th Place (U14 Girls)

Harrison Warrick: 10^th Place (U15 Boys)

Flynn Morison: 13^th Place (U15 Boys)

Marcus Malaxos: 19^th Place (U16 Boys)

Lucy Hills: 13^th Place (Open Girls)

James Hart: 4^th Place (Open Boys)

Nicholas Tranter: 13^th Place (Open Boys)

Another highlight was watching two of our Senior Boys ‘No Limits’ athletes, Liam Gill and Josh Stone run and complete the 4km course.

All results are processed automatically with BlueChip timing and results are available on the Internet, direct to BlueChip links or through ACC app or web site.

General link = https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531

Or:

U15-Open = https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531&EId=1

U13-U14 = https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531&EId=2

MC Inclusive – U15-Open = https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531&EId=3

MC Inclusive – U13-U14 = https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531&EId=4

Live Leaderboard = https://bluechipresults.com.au/live.aspx?CId=11&RId=1531

We will soon turn our attention to the Athletics season and look forward to a similar commitment and attitude where our students continue to strive for team and personal excellence.

Matt Connell

HEAD OF SPORT

Year 8 Humanities

Esports at in the JHN Hub

The John Henry Newman Hub came alive at lunchtime each day this week with the sounds of enthusiastic cheers and celebrations. Students across Years Seven to Ten participated in a PS4 Speed Racer Tournament. Organised by Ryley Bradford, Jordan Smith and Aaron Jones in Year Ten as part of their innovative new company, each day featured several games and reached a grand final today with two students in Year 7 racing each other for the title of supreme champion. Response to the competition has been fantastic, so much so, that another round will be planned with a Just Dance theme in the coming weeks. We would like to sincerely congratulate all students in their collaboration for the competition.

This term in Economics, Year 8 HaSS classes have been learning about the Federal Budget and how the government allocates resources. These concepts were further explored by researching Newman College’s charity – Marist Solidarity to investigate how to equitably allocate scarce resources, thereby ensuring everyone can achieve a minimum standard of living.

In groups, students brainstormed to decide on how best to allocate $10,000 dollars to assist street children living in the Philippines. Groups shared their ideas with the rest of the class and presented their findings as a visual display.

Janet March and Nicki Xanthis (preservice teacher, Notre Dame University)

Year 7 & 8 Extended PCG – R U Legal?

On Wednesday 1 June, Faye from Legal Aid shared the R U Legal? Presentation with the Year 7 and 8 students. Legal Aid educates middle school students regarding the bottom line and consequences of illegal activity.

Faye explained about young people and the law, discussing with us about the age we start to become criminally responsible. We learned what not to do, covering all examples such as cyber bullying, assaults and sexting. Throughout the presentation we also covered the consequences of illegal activity later in life and dealing with the police. After this experience I believe all students will think twice about breaking the law. Thank you, Faye, for your informative presentation.

Further information and resources on the R U Legal? Presentation can be found here.

Lulu Brickland – Year 8 Romero

Senior School Exams:

Year 10:

Our Year 10 students commence their first experience of exams on Tuesday 7 June. All students are required to attend school each day in their winter uniform. Students and families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Examination Timetable, Rules and Procedures below. I wish our Year 10 students all the best for their upcoming exams.

Year 10 Examination Timetable

Further information about Year 11 2023 Subject Selections and the upcoming Careers Expo can be

found in Pathways & Careers (please link to correct section)

Year 11:

Week 7 is the final week for Year 11 exams. The Examination Timetables and Examination Rules and Procedures for Year 11 Exams can be found below.

Year 11 Examination Timetable

Year 11 Examination Rules and Procedures

Year 12 Carpark Update:

The Year 12 student carpark will be open from Monday 13 June. Students are required to have permission to park at school from both their parents and Leader of Wellbeing. Further information about parking at school will be provided to Year 12 students when they return in Week 7.

Uniform & Grooming:

The long weekend provides families with an opportunity to ensure that student’s uniforms and personal appearance meet College expectations. The following items in particular are of concern:

Boys hair: there should not be a major discrepancy between long and short/shaved hair. Hairstyles such as a mullet, extreme fade and undercuts are not permitted.
Jewellery is restricted to a wristwatch, a discrete cross or religious medal on a fine, light weight gold or silver chain. Rings are not permitted. Girls may only wear one pair of plain studs or sleepers in the lower lobe only.
Blazers must be worn to and from the College and to PCG, Period 1 and 2.
Boys must have the College shirt tucked into their trousers at all times.

The Sports Uniform is to be worn for specialised subjects only. Students with a legitimate reason for being in their sports uniform must provide a note from their parent, however a note does not necessarily mean that a reason is acceptable. The following are examples of unacceptable reasons for being in the incorrect uniform:

Forgetting to bring regular uniform to school, when there is training/activities before school.
Uniform is in the wash
Left part of uniform at another house

Our uniform gives our students a sense of unity, belonging and community. I appreciate your support in ensuring that students are always organised and present to school in the correct uniform.

School Photo Days

The dates for this year’s school photo days are:

Monday 20 June: Years 7-12 Sport Photo Day
Tuesday 21 June: Years 7-9 Photo Day
Wednesday 22 June: Years 10-12 Photo Day

On Tuesday your child will receive their personalised photo order envelope during PCG. Students will be instructed to put this into their bag so that it gets home. The envelope outlines the photo packages available and includes the order form for parents to complete and return. Students must ensure that they bring with them their personalised envelope on their photo day (even if families have opted not to purchase photos).

Uniform Expectations and Personal Appearance

Students are required to be in their full College Winter Uniform on their photo day.

Please be reminded about the following uniform and grooming requirements that the College expects:

Students with hair longer than the bottom of the collar must have their hair tied back and clear of the face.
Jewellery is restricted to a watch, a discrete cross or religious symbol on a fine, light weight chain.
Girls may only wear one pair of plain studs or sleepers, worn in the lower lobe.
Girl’s skirts must be knee-length.
The College Blazer must be worn by all students

Thank you for your support in ensuring students adhere to the College Uniform and Personal appearance policy. Click here for more information.

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Andrew Oreb on 03/06/2022

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

Mr Finneran, aka Outback Jack, read this year’s book “Family Tree” by author Josh Pyke to all Marian Campus students. This has become a highlight of the Marian Campus calendar, and Mr Finneran’s performance of the story this year did not disappoint. It was lovely to see the children enthralled in the story and performance, and further consolidate their love of literature.

Marist Solidarity Fundraiser – Soccer competition

Last term, our Year 5 students organised a soccer tournament to raise funds for Marist Solidarity. This tournament was held last week, at lunchtime and into the afternoon. With Year 6 students as Referee’s, the Year 5 Teams had mini-matches until they reached a Grand Final with some very deserving winners.

Mr Finneran also joined in the matches, however, much to his disappointment, it was not his team that were declared champs! This event raised over $200 towards the Marist Solidarity cuase, and the Year 5 students should be commended on their efforts and initiative in organizing this.

Year 5 Amazing Race

For Project Based Learning this term, we have been learning about North and South America in geography. Each group of Year 5’s made an Amazing Race for the Year 3’s. Each group had to make 4 challenges on different countries in South and North America. They all completed the Race and had a lot of fun collaborating together. Two pairs of Year 3’s raced against each other for a prize. The challenges included making tacos for Mexico, digging in the sand for Bahamas, and playing Basketball for USA. The Year 3’s also had to kick soccer balls in to the goal for Brazil. For five weeks we had been working on the fun project for the Year 3 students. They had a great time and all that hard work was worth it. Every student participated in the race and the Year 3’s loved the challenge. By Grace P, Ella G and John (Year 5)

Marian Campus Assembly

It was so lovely to be able to have our first face-to-face Marian Campus assembly for 2022. The students of 2 Green led our assembly with a fantastic performance about their Science topic of mixtures. The many budding Scientists showed us how water and oil don’t mix, how to build a model volcano and how Science is everywhere in our daily lives.

Congratulations also to all our Merit Award winners and our Marcellin Award winner.

Lavalla Campus Assembly

3 Green students took us on a trip to the zoo, where we learnt all about the different types of animals, their features and classification. Who knew that a panther could run at 120km/hr? Well done Miss Donnelly and 3 Green students. It was thoroughly entertaining and very informative.

Congratulations also to the Merit Award winners, and the students who participated in the Synergy Solar Car Challenge.

National Sorry Day

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

In acknowledgement and respect of National Sorry Day, students were invited to wear purple accessories (hair ties, socks, etc) with their normal winter uniform and undertook activities in their classroom to learn about this important day.

Frenemies 

  The topic of friendship can be very tricky for some students. In fact, for some parents and families, it is the number one concern. After all, we all want our children to enjoy being at school, to be liked, and to enjoy the company of others.  

  Sometimes in school, children can encounter a phenomenon known as the frenemy. This is someone who claims to be your friend but can also show mean or unkind behaviours. They might: 

say ‘brutally honest’ things that are hurtful or unkind 
put pressure on you to do things you don’t want to do

laugh at you, or encourage others to laugh at you 
deliberately exclude you from group chats or activities 
talk about you behind your back 
make you feel bad about yourself.

What should I do if my child has a frenemy? 

  First of all, it is important to note that many frenemy behaviours may not be deliberate. Sometimes children do things without knowing or even realising the impact they are having.  

The first thing that you should tell your child is that the problem isn’t them. A frenemy’s behaviour might make you feel bad, but it is them that needs to change, not your child. You should encourage your child to calmly, and without accusation, tell their friend how they are feeling. It is important to be specific. For example, “I feel upset that you always try to get me out in handball” or “I really don’t like the way you say I can’t sing.” If your child might find this hard, a teacher can help facilitate this conversation.  

  Remind your child that is very common for their friends to not even realise they may have done something wrong, so it is important to come from a place of support and understanding. A good friend will be sorry that they made you feel bad, and not do it again. A frenemy is more likely to say you’re overreacting or blame you for how they treated you. 

If your child does this, and they find their frenemy is still making them feel bad despite what they’ve told them, it might be considered bullying behaviour. If this is the case children should talk to their parents and teachers about how they can be supported.  

  I would encourage families to chat with their children about their friendships this week. You don’t need to interrogate them on every little detail, but it might help you to be aware of what occurs in the future. 

  If you have any concerns about frenemy-type behaviour around your child don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or your child’s teacher.

  Stuart McClorey 

Leader of Wellbeing PK-6 

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Andrew Oreb on 03/06/2022

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

Year 8 Retreat

On Thursday 26th of May the Year 8 cohort came together to enjoy their Retreat Day.

The challenge was put to them to be the best year group involved in this and the team from 24/7 Youth Ministry could not stop saying how impressed they were with our young people and how well they engaged and gave everything a go with 110%.

I spoke to the students before the day started and explained this is part of our faith story and our mission to create good Christians and good citizens. We are all walking the path, just at different speeds and distances.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with the Year 8’s and could not be prouder to be their Leader of Wellbeing. The activities were fun and it was great to hear the laughter and see the students’ smiles all day. When asked to reflect and carry out activities in silence, they did so.

Speaking to the students, the feedback I had from them was that it was a really enjoyable Retreat. They enjoyed the way the 24/7 Youth Ministry team delivered the day and it was presented by people not too much older than them which was good too.

Again, I need to praise our Year 8’s on how well they did and how well they are going this term. I look forward to the rest of the year and seeing them grow even more.

Scott Smith, Leader of Wellbeing Year 8

Br Bill Sullivan’s Visit to Newman College

As part of our commitment to formation for staff in 2022, Br Bill Sullivan, Director of the Hermitage in Mittagong, visited all 3 Campuses of the College this week. His visit provided a very valuable opportunity for staff to engage in some spiritual nourishment and care for the soul. The visit was aligned to our Strategic Directions ‘A Catholic School in the Marist Tradition’ and offered staff an alternative formation experience.

Champagnat Day 2022

Staff and students are busy planning for June 17 when we will celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and of Marist Education.

Our K-12 College Community will gather to celebrate Champagnat Day with a Mass and various fete activities, proceeds of which will go to Australian Marist Solidarity. As one of 52 Marist schools across Australia, the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat is an opportunity to gather, give thanks, and to celebrate our shared Marist identity.

More details about this important even in our calendar will be sent to parents in Week 7.

Community Mass

Our weekly Community Mass continues each Thursday in the Champagnat Chapel and staff, students, families and wider community members are warmly invited to attend. The Mass commences at 8.10am, concludes by 8.40am and is celebrated by a Priest from a local parish. Each week the Mass is hosted by both primary and secondary school students. Please see the upcoming schedule below;

Thursday 9 June; Fr Emmanuel-tv Dimobi, Marcellin and Year 5 Red

Thursday 16 June; Fr Ruben Cardona, Catherine and Year 5 Blue

Thursday 23 June; Fr Israel Quirit, Thomas More and Year 5 Green

Introducing Issy (centre) our new Regional Marist Youth Minister. Issy has undergone training with Edwin (right) and Aleisha (left) at Newman this week. We look forward to seeing her more around the College working with our students.

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Principal

Andrew Oreb on 03/06/2022

Dear Parents and Guardians

Reconciliation Week 2022, 27 May-3 June – #BeBraveMake Change

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ Is a challenge to all Australians – individuals, families, communities, organisations and government – to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians (Reconciliation website).

This week our College celebrated Reconciliation Week across the campus in myriad ways which are reflected in campus reports throughout this Newsletter. Our commitment to Reconciliation is reflected in our Reconciliation Action Plan RAP 2020-2021 (click here). This Plan is a journey for our College as we walk in solidarity with our First Nations people. (Note: Our Plan is currently being updated.). Our prayer this week has been:

Prayer for Reconciliation

Almighty and loving God You who created ALL people in your image.

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stores of our past.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.

We are sorry and ask for God’s forgiveness. Amen.

National Simultaneous Storytime – Why reading is important

National Simultaneous Storytime is a highlight in our academic year at the Marian Campus. The joy of reading is celebrated as is the power of imagination and creativity.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. (ALIA website.)

This year I was Bushman Jack reading the powerful story by Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh, Family Tree. This story reflects on the journey of our lives from the seedling becoming the tree. It recognizes that in our seasons of life the greatest love that we can have is that of family.

The children were effusive and joy-filled as an audience and it is our hoped that they are inspired to pursue reading. Within our College, our PK-12 Literacy Plan is underpinned by reading. Reading helps you learn, increases your vocabulary, improves memory, increases your concentration and attention span, reduces stress and most importantly, improves your writing skills. As parents, I implore you to take time to read with and to your children. The greatest gift they can give themselves is the art of reading.

Students

Last Monday, I invited 11 Year 10 girls to lunch, along with Mr Simon Martino and Mrs Carla Pastorelli. Such a forum provides students the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas.

Last Thursday we participated in a Year 5 Soccer Tournament during lunchtime. Each player donated up to $5 to participate with all funds raised going to Marist Solidarity. Students thoroughly enjoyed kicking goals – not only for their team, but for people in need. Congratulations to the Year 5 students who raised over $300 from this and other Marist Solidarity events. (should be photos and film)
“2 colourful little creatures” is featuring in the Administration building at the Marcellin Campus this week. Our artist is Emerson (Emmi) Dolz – 1G. Thank you, Emmi for sharing your artwork with our community!

Marist Schools Australia – Regional Council Meeting at Newman College

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we had the MSA Regional Council conduct their Term 2 meeting at Newman College. The Council membership comprises leaders of education and industry from across Western Australian, Victoria and South Australia. Within the context of MSA Ltd, this Regional Council assists strategic direction of Marist schools operating in these jurisdictions. The meeting in WA this week paid particular focus on our new capital development project and our recent School Registration as a Religious Institute school in WA.

Capital Development, Community Consultation

Thank you to parents, friends and members of the community who attended our Community Consultation on 25 May for the development of a PK-Year 6 Primary School at the Churchlands campus. I was joined by Tom Wagner, Lisa McClue, Simon Martino, project architects from MunnsSlyMoore and the project’s Education Consultant. The presentation was well received by those in attendance and was filmed for wider distribution (please click here to view). The following areas were discussed:

Project Overview and Consultation process
Forward works program
Design (including parking and access)
Community Impacts
Schedule

Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)

Our NPCC meeting will now be held on Monday 20 June. Agenda items will be:

Reframing of the Newman Parents Consultative Committee
Christmas in July event will be held early in Term 3
Homework Club Revitalisation Plan

We look forward to welcoming many parents and guardians to this meeting.

COVID-19, Reporting

We ask that families continue to report positive cases and household family close contacts to the College via the reporting form on the College Website. Please note this is still a requirement by the WA State Government to ensure the College can effectively manage absentees. For further information please see the College Website.