Author: Jo Dunn

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome to the end of Term One, and what a term it has been for the Newman community!

Last year, after a particularly intense storm, had passed and once the rain cleared, I took my daughter for a drive to a popular walking spot not far from Newman. On the way there in the car, we noticed something developing out the front windscreen; it was spectacular in the sky. Against a backdrop of passing clouds, two rainbows emerged. The colours were bright and vivid. When we got out of the car, I looked around me. I saw that the storm had left behind a landscape that was both transformed and rejuvenated. The air was clean and crisp, the trees and grass were a vibrant green, the sky had cleared beautifully with the twin rainbows proudly glowing, and the birds were even chirping joyfully. I was struck by the way in which nature responded to the storm with such resilience and beauty. Despite the destruction that the storm had caused, and there was still debris around, the earth had bounced back with a renewed sense of vitality and hope. This experience reminded me of other examples of nature’s resilience that we have all witnessed over the years. We have seen trees that have been damaged by lightning strikes, fires, or heavy winds, only to grow back stronger or different and perhaps more beautiful than before. We have seen flowers that have been trampled underfoot, only to rise again with renewed vigour. These occurrences are powerful reminders from mother nature that during and after the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth and renewal. This process of death and new life, of endings and beginnings, is evident in our Christian Easter story. The Easter story of Jesus’s death on Good Friday, followed by a 3-day period of waiting to the resurrection of Jesus, in a different form, on Easter Sunday, reflects the same theme that mother nature continually shows us. As humans, we will have difficulty in our lives, followed by periods of waiting or stagnation and with the hope and light of Christ, we overcome and rise again. We have certainly seen this pattern in our own community this term, and genuine and caring support from each other has been critical to the process.

Kindergarten to Year 12 Easter Liturgies

With the conclusion of our term, we saw all three campuses celebrating the Easter season of new life. Staff and students came together to participate in liturgical celebrations. It was a fitting way to close a rather large term.

Year 10 to 12 Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews

In the Years 10 to 12 Parent, Teacher, Student interviews provided a formal opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student achievements and progress. Feedback was given along with actionable steps for students to meet their goals. The hybrid model of both face-to-face and online via Teams was received well by families, and we look forward to the Year 7 to 9 Parent Teacher Student interviews on the first Thursday of next term.

Zero 2 Hero Parent Series

On Monday 27 March, the College in partnership with Zero2Hero, presented our first of three events for the year. The ‘Nourishing Young Minds’ presentation provided detailed evidence-based information to primary parents regarding appropriate nutrition for young developing minds. The College welcomed leading experts Bobbie McPhail and Sarina Shirazee to the Marist Auditorium. They provided parents with practical measures on how to nourish young minds.  The two experts were joined by our Head of Primary, Mr Ryan von Bergheim who gave insights into the College’s own support mechanisms and expertise in this area.

The Zero2Hero Parent Seminar Series provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear from leading experts in topical and relevant areas of concern. There will be two more seminars this year, and we hope to see many parents participate in this exceptionally well-organised partnership venture between Newman and Zero2Hero.

PK-Year 2 Fathering Project

The Fathering Project recognises that fathers, and father figures, play a vital role in the lives of children. The evidence demonstrating fathers’ potential to positively influence their children’s health and mental health, social success and academic achievements is robust and compelling.

Research suggests that absent, disengaged, ill-equipped or busy fathers are a significant social issue that impacts the lives of Australian children and young people. We are living through a time of rapid social change, where community views of fatherhood are actively changing. Research suggests that many fathers and father figures are struggling to fulfil the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of being an engaged Father in the modern world. Many Fathers are struggling alone, contributing to poor mental health outcomes and higher rates of suicide and domestic violence. Delivering engaging prevention and intervention programs and research-based resources will equip fathers with the skills to be the best Father they can be and improve the lives of fathers, children, and families for generations to come.

This term, several motivated Marian parents have chosen to lead the College’s support of the Fathering Project. Their goal is to provide opportunities for fathers of Newman College students with an opportunity to engage with their children in fun activities. On Friday 31 March, the first event took place at the Marian campus, which was a Paper Planes and Pizza activity. Around 250 fathers or father figures and children attended the event. I am told that it was a wonderful and uplifting occasion which was enjoyed equally by the students and their fathers.

The goal of the coordinators is to host one event per term. Details of the next event will be made available to the community in due course.

Principal’s Assembly

At the Principal’s Assembly and Campus Assemblies in Marian and Lavalla, we acknowledged significant sporting and service achievements and contributions across the College. Students who demonstrated the Marist characteristics during the term were also recognised.  The Principal’s Commendation Award in Secondary is given to students who set an example to others in the school community.  I would like to again acknowledge and congratulate the following recipients of the awards; they are wonderful examples of our students living in the Marist way.

Jasielle Tan received the Marcellin Award (PK-2).

Oliver Slavicek received the Marcellin Award (Years 3-6)

Lucas Maher and Georgia Burt (Year 7)

Jasmine Love and Callum Bick (Year 8)

Oliver Groughan and Emma Lindsay (Year 9)

Ella Nguyen and Stefan Constantine (Year 10)

Bailey Moorfield and Faith Jones (Year 11)

Owen Hayes and Sean Heaney (Year 12)

Caritas Project Compassion

We have been raising much-needed funds for Caritas Project Compassion over the course of the Lenten season. Fundraisers have included the Primary Easter Raffle, bake sales, donations, a hilarious Staff Dance Off Concert and a Staff and Student Netball game. I have been inspired to see both students and staff get behind this worthy cause.

In conclusion

I would like to express my gratitude to the Marist Brothers, College Advisory Council, Executive and each and every member of the Newman staff, student, and parent community for your support this term, during my time as Acting Principal. It has been an incredible privilege to lead this wonderful community, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served in this role during this time of transition. Over the last three years, I have been continually inspired by the dedication, talent, spirit and Marist heart of the students, staff and parents here at Newman. I have seen firsthand the amazing things that can be accomplished when we come together in family spirit, and I am so proud of all that we have achieved together during this term.

Term 2 will see our new Principal, Mr Andrew Watson commencing. I would like to extend a warm welcome Mr Watson. I have no doubt that he will bring new perspectives and vast experience, with a deep commitment to excellence and to the success and well-being of our students and staff. I offer my best wishes and full support to Mr Watson as he embarks on his new journey. I know that Mr Watson will find Newman to be an extraordinary community, filled with talented and passionate individuals who are welcoming and committed to excellence, family spirit and a love of work.

I have been invited to go on the Marist Pilgrimage these holidays with 30 other Marists from across Australia. We will travel to the Holy Land and Champagnat country during the Easter break for a spiritual encounter. It is a trip that I am both humbled and excited to be experiencing and I am very much looking forward to entering the pilgrim mindset this Sunday. 

Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy Easter and a restful holiday break. May this be a time for you to reconnect with family and friends, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to seeing you all again next term when I return as Vice Principal.

Dr Lucie McCrory

PRINCIPAL (Acting)

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6 

This week marks the beginning of Holy Week – a most significant time in the Church calendar. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, marking the final days of Jesus Christ’s life on earth, culminating in his death and resurrection. 

For Christians worldwide, Holy Week is a time of deep spiritual reflection and introspection. It serves as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and love for humanity and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Throughout Holy Week, Christians engage in various rituals and practices such as prayer, fasting, and attending mass or liturgies, to deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. 

For students this week, Holy Week provides the opportunity to learn more about the story of Jesus, as well as those things we value as Catholics. It is a time to understand the importance of sacrifice, forgiveness, and love, which students come to understand through the work they have been doing in Religious Education and also through the Easter Liturgy celebrations this week. 

Ultimately, Holy Week serves as a reminder for us to live a life of compassion, kindness, and love towards others, just as Jesus Christ did. By reflecting on the significance of Holy Week, we can deepen our faith and understanding of what it means to be Catholic and strive to live a life that is guided by its teachings. 

Caritas Fundraisers

The last few weeks have seen a flurry of activity across the school as our Guild Coordinators and Student Leaders have been working hard to raise money for Caritas. We have seen a number of awesome events including crazy sock day, bake sales, staff vs student netball, staff dance battle, guess the lollies in the jar, and many more. The sale of tickets for the Primary Easter raffle have been very strong too, and we are looking forward to sharing our total fundraising amount with everyone next term. I would like to especially recognise the efforts of our PCG teachers, Guild Coordinators, and student leaders who have been instrumental in bringing our fundraising efforts to life this term, as well as Mrs Daphne Peters who has been guiding students in her role as Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy.

Easter Liturgies

This week we celebrated three Easter Liturgy celebrations across our campus. Students at the Marian campus came together at St.Cecilia’s Church to celebrate a re-telling of the Easter Story, while students in Lavalla did the same, gathering together in the Auditorium. In our Marcellin campus, students commemorated Holy Week with a re-telling of the Stations of the Cross which depict Jesus’ final hour on Earth, leading to his resurrection. I am very grateful for the support of the many staff and students who spent time preparing these events for our community, and for bringing to life such a significant and holy time in our calendar.  

Year 7 Game Changers Launch 

This week, each of our Year 7 students took part in the launch of the Game Changers program during their Religious Education lessons. This was facilitated by Issy, who is a part of the Marist Youth Ministry team. The Game Changers program is a comprehensive Catholic youth ministry program for students in Marist Schools from Years 7-12. It seeks to form Christian leaders by making Jesus Christ known and loved among students. Highlighted by a strong sense of family spirit and community, regular meetings, faith formation experiences and service opportunities, students are invited to become game changers through their participation in the youth group. The response from our Year 7 group was excellent, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming our new participants to the program next term. Parents can read more about the Game Changers program here.  

Y11 & Y12 Game Changers Retreat 

While our Year 7 students were being introduced to Game Changers this week, our Year 11 and Year 12 Game Changers students were out attending their retreats. These experiences are critical in the formation and personal growth of students. Under the guidance of Marist Youth Ministry Regional Assistant, Issy, students took on the challenge of stepping ‘into the unknown’ and delving deeper into what their true passions are and how they can use these for the greater good! We hope this awesome group of Year 12’s learnt just as much from us as we did from them! 

The Year 11 group started their day off with Mass, and despite the bad weather, the students had a great time reflecting on their faith and looking into how they can empower not only themselves but also the people around them. Students also discussed how life is like a ‘JengaTower’, because when we come tumbling down in times of obscurity, we need help from the people around us to be built back up again, and as Marists, we can play a key role in helping those in need build themselves up too. 

Year 9 Retreat

Last week, our Year 9 students and their PCG teachers gathered in the Auditorium to take part in a retreat run by Perth Youth Mission Team. The theme of the retreat was relationships, with students focusing on appreciating the dignity and value of themselves and others, the power of influence, and our personal relationship with Jesus. It was great to see students participating so well, particularly in the small group sessions. We hope it helped students to understand the tremendous power they each possess to make a difference to others in our community. 

Living Marist Service Learning Program 

This term we have also launched our Living Marist Christian Service Learning Program. This program aims to encourage and support students to commit to acts of Christian service both here in school and in the wider community. We make this commitment so we can help enact the vision Marcellin Champagnat had for all young people – to become good Christians and good citizens. Students are expected to achieve a minimum of ten hours of service learning across the year, though we encourage students to make a difference in their community and aim for even more. Details of the program have been shared in classes with PCG teachers. We look forward to hearing of the many great things students are doing in our school to support our school and community, like some of our students from last year. Well done to these students on their outstanding commitment and contributions to their community last year: 

New Staff Welcome

This week, we welcomed a new staff member to our Ministry team – Issy Ochtman. Issy joins us in the role of Youth Chaplain, which is a role that centres around supporting students in pastoral care, or well-being capacity. Issy already has a relationship with the College through her work for Marist Youth Ministry. Issy thoroughly enjoys working with the students at Newman College in her Youth Ministry role as she assists in the guidance and encouragement of students in the Game Changers program. She loves staying busy running events that empower young people in their faith, leadership and personal life, and especially enjoys being involved with anything creative. Issy also completed high school at a fellow Marist school in W..A; St Joseph’s School Northam. Although she is a country girl at heart, Issy is loving her time in the city with the opportunity to work with and support the students at Newman College. 

Upcoming events  

There are a number of important events coming up over the first few weeks of Term 2 in the Ministry calendar: 

• Wednesday 26 April – ANZAC Service 
• Thursday 27 April – Community Mass 
• Friday 28 April – Year 9 Game Changers Retreat 
• Tuesday 2 May – Game Changers Gathering 
• Thursday 4 May – Community Mass 
• Friday 5 May – Year 10 Game Changers Retreat 

Community Mass 

It has been wonderful to see everyone at our Thursday morning Community Masses over the past two weeks. This a reminder that the whole College community is warmly invited to join us in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am on Thursday mornings for Mass celebrated by one of our local Parish Priests and hosted by our students from Marcellin and Lavalla. 

Please see the upcoming schedule below to begin Term 2: 

• Thursday 27 April: Catherine & 3 Green 
• Thursday 4 May: Brigid & 5 Green 

We look forward to seeing you there. 

We have had another fortnight full of events, Newman Parents Forum, Twilight Tours, NAPLAN testing, ACC A Division Swimming Carnival, Y10-12 Parent Teacher Interviews, Y6 IPSHA Basketball Carnival to name a few. The continued collaboration and partnership between our parents and staff enables us to provide a safe and positive learning environment for our students. 

Special thanks must be given to our staff and students who participated in our sporting events. Thank you for your continued hard work preparing for these events, and for our students who showed great participation and engagement on the day. It is with great joy that we celebrate a third place finish in the ACC swimming and our Marist Cricket carnival team continued to thrive winning their third shield this week.  

The end of term is fast approaching and I would like to remind students of our expectations relating to their personal presentation.  Winter uniform must be worn in Term 2 – students in Years 4 – 12 will need to wear their blazers. Information regarding uniform expectation can be found online or in the College diary. 

Assessment Policy 

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, providing students, parents/guardians and teachers with information on academic progress and feedback to inform future learning. Assessment procedures need to be fair, reliable, valid and transparent. Assessments should arise naturally out of the teaching and intended learning of the curriculum and syllabus. They should be carefully constructed to enable judgements to be made about students’ progress in ways that contribute to ongoing learning. Information collected to establish where students are in their learning can be used for summative purposes and for formative purposes. 

Please familiarise yourself with the College Policies 
 

Y7-9 Assessment Guidelines and Procedures 
 

Y10-12 Assessment Guidelines and Procedures 
(Please be aware that students in Years 10 to 12 in the event of illness, are required to submit a medical certificate to the College absentee email address). 

Extended Absences 

Parents are reminded that all extended absences must be referred to the Vice Principal by email. 

Simon Martino (VP Acting) – until Thursday 6 April 

Lucie McCrory – from Monday 24 April 

City of Stirling Parking Notification 

The City of Stirling have advised the College that Mantua Crescent will soon be regulated with timed prohibitions on parking.  

Newman College has ample parking for staff, parents, and students.  

The College expects all students who drive to, and park at school, to use the allocated parking.   

Thank you for your continued support of our College community. 

FAME JR Production

PRODUCER / LEADER OF LEARNING ARTS PK-12 – Yvonne Wiese

DIRECTOR – Joshua Lang

An exciting lineup of students attended the FAME JR auditions this week. The students are to be commended for the enthusiasm and gusto they each brought to the audition process, working hard to learn choreography and music, to perform for our directing staff and their peers. It was gratifying to witness the students’ love of performing in an atmosphere of fun, courage, commitment, and support.  

It is with pleasure that we announce and congratulate the Cast and Ensemble on a sensational beginning to our senior Newman College production. 

Click HERE for the cast list. 

Key dates: 

Cast meeting: Monday 3 April 12.55pm – carpeted steps, Marist Auditorium Foyer 

Rehearsals commence: Tuesday 2 May, followed by a compulsory parent meeting from 5.45pm – 6.30pm 

Rehearsal schedule: Every Tuesday and Wednesday 3.30pm – 5.00pm  

• A full rehearsal schedule will be available at the parent meeting with details regarding technical and dress rehearsals. 

Rehearsal intensive: Wednesday 30 August 8.50am – 3.15pm at Newman College  

Performances dates:  

• Performance One, Thursday 31 August  
• Performance Two, Friday 1 September  
• Performance Three and Four, Saturday 2 September  

2023 Adolescent School Based Immunisation Program – Y7 and Y10 

There have been significant changes to how you provide consent for your child/children to receive immunisations via this program.  Consent must be given via a new online program VaccinateWA  

Further details can be found HERE 

Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 May Y7 – HPV (human papilloma virus), dTpa (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)  

Tuesday 6 June Y10 – Meningococcal ACWY vaccine  
  
Please note: only students that have registered their consent via the online platform by Monday 24 April will receive immunisations on the above dates.    

If you have any queries, please contact   

Fiona Halden  
CAHS – Community Health  

Clinical Nurse – School Based Immunisation Program  

16 Rheola Street, West Perth, 6005 |    

M: 0405 657 994  t 08 9321 1312  |  w cahs.health.wa.gov.au  w fiona.halden@health.wa.gov.au  

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