Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Leader of Wellbeing Early Childhood
A warm welcome back to all families and a particular warm welcome to the new families who have joined us at the Marian Campus in 2020. From all reports, it has been a very smooth and successful start to the year, with students jumping straight back into their learning and the school routines. Last night’s PK-12 Family Mass was a beautiful celebration and reflection of everything that our College community embodies. Thank you for your attendance and participation in this event, as it is a very special way to begin the school year which enables our young children to be active participants in the wider College community.
K-Y2 Parent Information Evening
Parents are encouraged to attend the Parent Information Evening being held on Tuesday 25 February, 5.00pm – 7.00pm.
The information evening will commence in the Marian Hall, with proceeding sessions held for respective year groups throughout the campus. Each Unit will present their session twice, so that families with multiple children at the campus are able to attend two different information sessions. More information regarding the information evening will be distributed to families in the coming week.
Fitness Fridays and Coffee at the College
We recommenced our very popular Fitness Friday activities last week and it was fantastic to see the smiling faces of the students as they got back into the spirit of sharing a morning of fun with their family and friends. This term we have added a few new activities to our already popular offerings. We strongly encourage parents to come down in their exercise gear and join in with their children.
Coffee at the College will also run in conjunction with this event, every Friday.
Primary Welcome Picnic
Our Primary Social Committee has been hard at work organising the final details of our Welcome Picnic. We extend an invitation to all Primary families to join us to welcome in the new school year. This event will provide an opportunity to connect with old friends and make new connections and is a fantastic opportunity for new families to come along and meet some other parents too. Although the event is free, please click on this link (https://www.trybooking.com/BHVZE) to purchase free tickets to assist the committee with determining catering numbers. Whilst you are there, you can also purchase the hampers. Please note that this is an ALCOHOL FREE EVENT.
Primary Parent Class Representatives
Today, Mr Stuart McClorey, Leader of Wellbeing Primary and I met with all the 2020 Primary Parent Class Representatives. I would like to extend my thanks to these parents for volunteering to take on this important role which assists the College with building a strong connection between parents and the school.
Families who have opted to have their contact information shared with the class or their representative, will soon receive an email from their Class Parent Representative that introduces themselves and outlines their role.
Canteen Review
In our efforts to consistently promote healthy eating practices amongst our students, a review was undertaken of the food offerings available at the Marian Campus canteen. As a result of the review, all items offered for over-the-counter sales at lunchtime are now $1. Children are limited to purchasing a maximum of two items per day.
Drinks are no longer available for over-the-counter sales at the Marian Campus canteen and will need to be ordered by parents via the FlexiSchools app. Click here for more information on FlexiSchools.
Primary Social Committee
Our Primary Social Committee is a group of dedicated parents who work collectively to arrange social events for our primary-aged children and their families. Some examples of events that they will be coordinating throughout the year are the Welcome Picnic, Student Disco, Family Fun Day and morning tea at our Kindergarten Orientation and Grandparents Day events.
The Primary Social Committee meets monthly and is eager to hear from parents who are keen to assist. If you would like further information about how you can get involved and the details of future meetings please contact the PSC President, Nicole Barnao at nbarnao@gmail.com
Marcellin Award
Congratulations to the following student who received a Marcellin Award in Week 2:
- Noah Mawson, Year 1 Blue: For being welcoming and inclusive to a new student in our community, ensuring they felt comfortable and had a friend to play with. A true living example of Saint Marcellin Champagnat
The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Ash Wednesday is a special day in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, as it marks the start of Lent. Parents are warmly invited to join us for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy at St. Cecilia’s Church on Wednesday 26 February at 9.00am. The Liturgy is being prepared by our Year 2 students. All students will receive a cross of ashes on the forehead during the service, as a reminder that they are loved and Jesus’ sacrifice for all people.
The Liturgy will also mark the start of Caritas Australia’s annual Project Compassion fundraiser. The College has a number of initiatives planned during the Project Compassion period that aims to increase social justice awareness amongst our students.
Food Allergy Reminder
Please click here to refer to the Need to Know section of the newsletter regarding important information related to food allergies.
Parking / Drop-off / Pick-up Etiquette
Parents are reminded to please abide by the Town of Cambridge parking regulations when utilising street parking around the campus. We also remind families that we have a drive through drop-off and pick-up in operation for our Years 1 and 2 students. To ensure the success of this arrangement, parents are asked not to park in the carpark bays closest to the school. Instead, the parking bays on the Church side of the carpark should be utilised to ensure the free-flow of drive through traffic.
I also remind parents that there are many new families to our campus, and this is the time of year where there is an overwhelming amount of new information for these new families to take in. I encourage all parents to assist new families with understanding the parking protocols and school procedures where appropriate, as they settle into the College.
Download Carpark Instructions AM
Download Carpark Instructions PM
SeeSaw Digital Portfolio
At Newman College we utilise the SeeSaw application across the primary classrooms to provide feedback on what children are learning at school. It also supports children in developing contemporary 21st century skills, such as communication, collaboration and digital literacy.
It is our aim to promote effective communication between home and school throughout the year. Being connected to SeeSaw allows us to achieve effective communication on many levels. Via SeeSaw, we will post work samples of your child’s work, important links and may send reminders of classroom and/or school events. At the end of the year, you will be able to download your child’s digital portfolio to your computer, providing a memorable keepsake.
The appropriate process to communicate any correspondence, questions or messages with your child’s teacher is via their email or in person. We ask parents to please refrain from utilising SeeSaw as a means of parent / teacher communication.
The College is honoured to once again welcome Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most respected relationships speakers, authors, and researchers to support our Newman Parents. Dr Coulson will be presenting the following session on Wednesday 18 March Real Resilience; Inside the Mind – Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child.