Newman News Term 2 Week 2: From the Principal

Principal Announcement

Many thanks to all in the community for your support regarding the announcement that I will conclude my tenure as Principal at the end of 2022. It has been an incredible seven years and my family has been very grateful for the experience of living in WA. Over the coming months I look forward to sharing my appreciation with students, staff, and families.

As a College we have achieved much based on the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families. Shine through Discovery – Let your light Shine (Mat 5:16) has underpinned a period of significant growth and development which places our school as one of choice for families. Our Marist charism invites us to be present to each other and cultivate relationships to build community. We look forward to the term ahead and ask all students to set goals and commit themselves to our culture of excellence in all their pursuits.

College CDP PK-6 Launch

This week marks the launch of our new PK-6 refurbishment on the Churchlands Campus. A new web page has been established and will provide the design, timelines and up to date information as it arises. This development will consolidate the College PK-12 on one campus and will ensure our viability for generations to come. In addition, we recently completed works to a large proportion of the creek that separate our Lavalla and Marcellin Campus. This completion if this project will allow for greater connectivity in the College and provide greater play and learning spaces.

We will be a hosting an information night later this term with our architects Munns Sly Moore.

Y3-Y6 Building

Year 6 Camp

On Thursday I attended the Year 6 Camp which took place at Forrest Edge Waroona. To acknowledge the significance of the students’ final year of primary schooling, I presented each student with a commemorative shirt. The confidence developed at camp, along with the great example set by our Year 6 students throughout the year will no doubt serve to encourage and empower all Lavalla students to Shine through Discovery.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Year 6 teaching team for their support in organising this amazing experience.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 camp was held this week at Swan Valley Adventure Camp. A great experience for all our students highlighted by the joy and excitement of our students. Thanks again to our staff for their commitment and support of our students.

Mother’s Day

I hope that many will have the opportunity to spend time with their mothers this Sunday. I remind myself every day about the amazing impact my own mum has had on my life – the unconditional love, care and support which has sustained me to this day.

We are so blessed to be part of a Marian family which emphasises where our founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, asks of us to draw nearer to Mary and her example. Her strength, resilience and love inspires us today to do the same.

Wishing all families, a happy Mother’s Day.

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

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, an important day for families to honour their Mothers and give thanks to their significant contributions to our lives. In the Catholic Tradition, it is no surprise that Mary has many titles, “Queen of Peace”, “Mother of Mercy”, “Help of Christians”, and in Marist Tradition, “Our good and loving Mother”. These titles describe who Mary has become for many throughout history and our own Mothers and Mother figures, give us a glimpse of these Marian qualities, in the way they continually say “Yes” to loving and helping us all be the people God is calling us to be. I hope all our students this Sunday remember this Mother’s Day to take extra care of their Mums, Aunties, Grandmothers and Mother figures who for every other day of the year never stop taking care of us.

Key Dates

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

Marian Lecture

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, in partnership with Newman College, warmly invites you to attend the 2022 Marian Lecture.

The theme for this year’s Lecture is Human Dignity – An Aussie Value? The lecture takes the form of a conversation led by Jesuit priest and human rights lawyer, Fr Fran Brennan and is open to the whole College Community. The theme explores upholding the dignity of all people and the implications for a just society where we are all proud to live.

This is a fantastic event to reflect on the 2022 Marist Theme “Known and Loved: Dignity for All” and encourage us to reflect in line with our Catholic Social Teaching on the dignity of each person and the most vulnerable in our world.

For more information and to register your attendance at this free event see information below:

Community Mass

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we are very happy to resume our Thursday morning Community Mass and invite all to join us. Mass begins at 8.10am in the Champagnat Chapel and concludes at 8.40am. From Thursday 12 May, the Mass will be open once again to all staff, students, families and community members and we look forward to seeing you there. Please see upcoming schedule below;

Thursday 12 May: Fr Ruben Cardona, hosted by Chisholm and Year 3 Red
Thursday 19 May: Fr Israel Quirit, hosted by Camara and Year 3 Green

Year 10 Reconciliation

On Tuesday 10 May, students in Year 10 will be participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Champagnat Chapel, as part of our Vision for Mission: to form Good Christians and Good Citizens.

This sacramental celebration will offer students an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God, self and others and particularly focus on the parts of their life where they can grow and nurture their spiritual life.

Year 9 Gamechangers Retreat

Each Game Changers group takes part in an annual Retreat Day. These days are facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry and offer an opportunity for Game Changers to connect and build community with each other.

The program features three main sessions, with an opportunity for large and small group discussion. The aim is to energise students in their ongoing journey as well as allow space and time to gather and plan for their leadership and service opportunities within and beyond the school context. 

“The Gamechangers retreat day was excellent! Comprised of three workshops, the day focused on communication, leadership, solidarity, and faith. Each of these workshops taught us life skills and we learnt more about each other, whilst playing fun games and having a laugh with peers, teachers and the facilitators. We learnt what life was like for people in less fortunate countries, who had to go through so much just to get their freedom and basic needs, which we generally take for granted. All in all, it was a really fun day!”

Kevin Xanthis, Year 9

Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat

The Year 3 Unit completed their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at their Retreat Day on Thursday 5 May. 

Led by the 24:7 Youth Ministry Team, and assisted by specially trained Year 10 students, the Year 3’s gained a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and were given an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God, with others and with themselves.

It was super fun!

“We watched funny videos and learned about God and Reconciliation”
Lucy
Year 3 Green

The best game was Stuck-in-the-Mud

“One thing I learned is that when we go to Confession we come out all clean!”
Livia
Year 3 Red

We played lots of games

“My leader’s name was Julia. She’s really nice. She likes hanging out with us.”
Alexandra
Year 3 Blue

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

A warm welcome to all students and families to Term 2. I hope that students enjoyed their holidays and had the opportunity to rest and recharge ready for the term ahead!

As Mother’s Day approaches, I would like to wish all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters and Mother figures in our lives who nurture us, support us, care for us and love us unconditionally a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Key Dates

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

ANZAC Day Ceremony

Anzac Day was reverently acknowledged on the first day back for Term Two. Students across the three campuses joined together to commemorate all Australians and New Zealander service men and women who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. As part of the proceedings, we reflected on the efforts and the values lived out by the young men who left Perth to fight at Gallipoli.

In particular, the story of the Harper boys from the suburb of Guildford, whose courage and endurance despite their imminent death at the hands of the Turks, became the inspiration for the final scene in Peter Weir’s film Gallipoli.

Year 9 HaSS students were involved in the proceedings, having spent a Term learning about World War One. The Hub held their recently completed museum displays of famous battles where Australians fought. Students also provided the backdrop of decorated poppies for the service and recited some of the prayers and readings.

As we reflect on the occasion, we are reminded of the many great qualities and characteristics that all our service men and women have displayed in the many conflicts Australia has participated in, over the years. Each of these characteristics should act as a reminder of all that is good in our lives and all that we should be thankful for.

Belinda McCagh – Leader of Learning Humanities

Years 8–10 Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all families who were involved in the Years 8–10 Parent Teacher Interviews last Thursday. It is my hope that students will take feedback from these interviews and in collaboration with their teachers and parents, set new learning goals for the upcoming term.

Year 7 Camp

The Year 7 Camp took place this week at Swan Valley Adventure Camp. This camp aims to give the students a chance to come together as a cohort and build on the connections that they have made with their peers, while giving students an opportunity to challenge themselves and build their independence. A big thank you to Mrs Rebecca Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7 and all staff who attended the camp this week. We look forward to hearing about the Year 7 Camp adventures in our next newsletter.

Big Science Competition

On Monday 2 May, eight students from Years 7–10 participated in the Big Science Competition. The Big Science Competition is a 50-minute, multiple choice competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting)! The Big Science Competition is an easy way to challenge students from Years 7-10 and track their performance against state or national averages. Competition questions are aligned with the Australian Curriculum – Science.

Well done to the following students for participating – Bastian Dominguez Rubina, Archer Lawrence, Liam O’Halloran, Stella Strbac, Prince Teo, Ruby Hankinson, Kobe Lawrence and Itsuki Tomita. We look forward to seeing their results.

Hannah Parker, Leader of Learning Science

Important Information Over the Next Two Weeks

Principal’s Assembly

On Wednesday 11 May, the Years 7–12 students will gather in the Gymnasium for our first whole school assembly of 2022. Please note: All students will require a mask for this assembly.

Years 11 and 12 Semester 1 Exams

Senior School exams are fast approaching. Exams can be stressful for many students, and it can be difficult for parents to know how best to support their teenagers at this time. The Raising Children Network has some tips below for looking after the wellbeing of the whole family during these times.

Parents can support their young people through exams by encouraging the following healthy habits:

Sleep. Good quality sleep helps your child to concentrate and remember information for exams and during exam prep. Poor sleep, or not getting enough sleep, affects concentration, memory and behaviour, making it harder for your child to learn. Encourage a regular bedtime routine, turning off electronic devices an hour before. This includes loud music, mobile phones, computer screens and TV. Switching off mobiles can be hard for young people, but late night phone conversations and messages can lead to broken sleep.

Exercise. Physical activity has numerous benefits, including assisting with stress and helping sleep patterns in the evening. Encourage your teenager to keep up with their usual sporting/exercise activities where possible during the exam period – even a walk around the block in the fresh air can help!

Nutrition. One of the most nurturing ways you can help your teenager through the study and exam period is to provide nutritious meals and healthy snacks during the day. A healthy diet includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains and proteins such as eggs, meat, legumes and fish. Try to avoid processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

Caffeine. Ensure your teenager avoids caffeine (found in energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) in the later afternoon and evening, as it can disrupt their sleep cycles, causing insomnia.

Wind-down time. Encourage ‘wind-down’ time to provide a relaxing buffer between studying and bedtime. Relaxing activities might include a warm shower, writing in a journal, reading a book or magazine, or listening to quiet music.

Support. Your teenager still needs a strong relationship with you to feel confident as they meet the challenges of studying and exams. You can build this relationship by working on open communication and staying connected.

Additional stress can arise when teenagers experience difficulties with time-management, unhelpful thoughts or managing distractions in the lead up and during exam periods. This article has more information about how you can support your teenager to overcome these and other exam-related challenges: How to Support Your Child during Exams | Focus on the Family Australia (families.org.au). Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Leader of Wellbeing if your child requires further support in the lead up to exams.

Year 12 General Courses commence Externally Set Tasks (EST) during class this week. The EST Timetable, Year 11 and 12 Exam Timetables and the Examination Rules and Procedures can be found at the links below:

Year 12 SCSA Student Declaration & Permission

All Year 12 Students are required to complete the SCSA Student Declaration and Permission in the online student learning portal. Year 12 PCG Teachers will complete this with all Year 12 students on Monday 9 May.

Parents of Year 12 students were sent further information about this during the week. This information can be found here.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN results allow families and educators to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time – individually, as part of their school community, and against national standards.

The 2022 NAPLAN tests will provide useful external learning progress data for parents, teachers, and students to reflect upon in a manner that is proportionate with all other rich formative, summative and professional observational assessments that occur in our schools each day.

The NAPLAN Testing Schedule for Year 7 and 9 can be found below. All students in Year 7 and 9 will need to ensure that their device is fully charged each morning and are required to bring headphones to each assessment.

Tuesday 10 MayReading
Wednesday 11 MayWriting
Friday 13 MayLanguage Conventions
Monday 16 MayNumeracy

NAS

NAS Sports commences in Week 4. Students participating in the various sports will be provided with fixtures and further information. Thanks to all staff who have volunteered to coach a NAS Team.

Student Belongings Left on School Grounds

Please be aware that parents and students are not covered for losses caused by theft or damage to their personal items on school grounds. It is encouraged that students ensure that all items are locked in their lockers and no valuable items are left in lockers over the school holidays.

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

We extend our warmest wishes to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts and mother figures in our community as we approach this Sunday’s celebration of Mother’s Day. It is always such a special time in the year where we can pause and show our gratitude for the many ways that mothers and mother-figures, light up our lives and those of our children.

Students across both Marian and Lavalla campuses have been discussing the upcoming Mother’s Day celebration and I would like to share some of their beautiful (and sometimes funny) reflections on their Mums.

“My Mum has very long brown hair like me. She is 34. She likes walking with her friends, Karen and Sharon. They are good friends. I love my Mum because she is so pretty. I’m so glad she got me!” – Evie (Pre-Primary)

“My Mum looks beautiful cause she has a pretty face. She is kind and caring. I think she is 32. She used to do work but now she likes to do cleaning work at home. She likes to eat chicken curry. She likes to go to the shops and buy food and sometimes she buys clothes. Mum is a good dancer. Sometimes she dances with Dad. I love that my Mum plays Nintendo Switch with me and I always beat her. Maybe she lets me win?” – Sidney (Pre-Primary)

“My Mum looks beautiful. She has long brown hair and blue eyes just like me. I think she is maybe 26. 26 is a big number. Her name is Alice. Her favourite food is spinach pie and she likes cups of tea. This morning I had a cup of tea with her. I liked it! My Mum likes to play with me and hug me. She likes to sing “It’s going to be good tonight”. It’s so funny. I love my Mum because she is pretty” – Lily (Pre-Primary)

“My favourite thing to do with Mummy is “giving her a big hug”. She is so beautiful because “she is amazing”. – Lucas (Kindy)

When I am at school, mummy spends her time “waiting”. She is so beautiful because “of her earrings”. – Yasmine (Kindy)

“Thank you for putting food on my table, even if I don’t like it.” – Emelie (Year 3)

“You’re cooking is so yum and I just like that you’re beautiful! You are the best joker and they make me laugh so hard.” Arijen (Year 3)

“You are the best mum and I love you. Wherever you go I follow you everywhere that’s why I love you so much” – Zechary (Year 3)

“Mummy is beautiful. She has green eyes and she speaks in a lady voice and she always says I’m the best person she could ever look after.” – Samuel (Kindy)

Key Dates

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

Year 6 Forest Edge Recreation Camp

On Wednesday, we bid farewell to our Year 6 students as they boarded the bus, bound for Forest Edge Recreation Camp in Waroona. There were lots of very excited faces as students loaded their bags aboard the bus and set-off for 3 days of adventures and activities.

Students undertook a range of different activities including raft building, flying fox, abseiling and orienteering. One of the things that impressed me the most during my visit to the camp, was the attitude that students brought to each activity – they were willing to ‘have-a-go’ and also provide support and encouragement to their peers.

I extend my sincere thanks to the teaching staff who attended the camp and in doing so, gave up their own precious family and personal time, in order to provide this experience for our students. I expect that there will be some very weary faces on the bus ride home this afternoon.

Marian Campus Mother’s Day Liturgy

Thank you to our Pre Primary Unit for their efforts in preparing a wonderful Liturgical celebration of our mother’s. The focus on Mary, Mother of Jesus throughout the Liturgy, provided a beautiful reminder that we should all strive to live our lives with open, joyful hearts and a willingness to say ‘yes’ to God, even in times of uncertainty.

Thank you to the Marian mothers and grandmothers that joined us for this very special celebration.

Year 5 Blue Assembly

Thank you to 5 Blue for the preparation of this morning’s assembly. It was so lovely to gather as a whole campus in the auditorium again, and also to have our families present.

5 Blue dazzled us with their talents throughout their assembly performance. Thank you to Mrs Sankar for her work in preparing the assembly item. I also extend my congratulations to the Merit Award winners for their fantastic efforts.

Marian Campus School Photos

School photos for students at Marian Campus are scheduled for Thursday 12 May (please note change of date from Friday 13 May).

Students should be dressed in full school uniform with neat and tidy presentation.

Teaching and Learning Message – NAPLAN

As we head into NAPLAN next week, I am reminded of the following quote by Carol S. Dweck, “Test scores and measures of achievement tell you where a student is at, but they don’t tell you where the student could end up.”

Next week, NAPLAN will begin with the writing assessment on Tuesday the 10th of May for years three and five. We wish all our students the best of luck and that they enter the week feeling confident and ready to give it their best. Students will need to ensure that their iPads are fully charged each evening and that they have working headphones.

We ask that our school community keep the students in their thoughts and prayers.

The last NAPLAN assessment will take place Thursday 19 May.
Miss Katya Anderson – Leader of Learning (PK-6)

Wellbeing Message – Screen Time

Over the school holidays, it is not unusual for students to enjoy some extra screen time either by themselves or with friends. This can include gaming, messaging via the iPad, or enjoying numerous streaming services. However, for some students when they go back to school, it can be hard to return to their normal routine.

It is important to strike a balance between appropriate screen time use (which can bring many benefits), and unregulated screen time which can have some very negative effects on children. These can include exposure to age-inappropriate materials, disruption of sleep patterns, and even addiction (you can google ‘screen dependency disorder’ to learn more about this). Additionally, often the social issues we deal with in the upper years of primary school are a result of things that have occurred online.

Experts recommend that for children aged 6 and over, parents should place consistent limits on the time children spend on devices, as well as the type of information they are accessing. They recommend that families set ground rules early and enforce them by setting aside device free time and have regular conversation with their children about the things they are doing and seeing online. We know there are many families in our community who do this already. One way families can seek support in this area is with Family Digital Agreements. These are a set of rules about how devices like iPads, or phones will be used in your home, and the expectations you have for your children. These agreements are designed to be created in consultation with your children. There are many examples of these agreements in place, including the ones below:

How to set up your own agreement with Jocelyn Brewer: https://jocelynbrewer.com/explainer-family-technology-use-agreements/

Setting up an agreement – E-Safety Australia:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-01/Family%20tech%20agreement%205-8%20Yrs%20-%20Parents.pdf

Family Nature Plan – Nature Play W.A.
https://www.natureplaywa.org.au/family-media-plan/

Internet Matters example agreement: https://www.internetmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IM-Family-Agreement.pdf

If there are any families that feel they could benefit from support around this issue, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with myself or your child’s teacher.
Mr Stuart McClorey – Leader of Wellbeing (PK-6)

Newman News Term 2 Week 2: From the Vice Principal

Key Dates – Next Fortnight

Updated COVID restrictions have seen events and camps re-instated into the College Calendar. We remind parents to please check the College Calendar on a regular basis.

Welcome Back to Term 2

Welcome back to Term 2, which promises to offer a return to more normal experiences for our community. A very Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday to all those mother and mother figures in our lives, both today and days gone past. May is aptly named the month of Mary. As a Marist school, Mary plays a prominent place in our spirituality. The first founders, the Little Brothers of Mary, drew inspiration from the way in which Mary approached life. She said yes to life’s challenges and moved forward with faith, love, hope, courage and humility. Our characteristic ‘in the way of Mary’ helps to guide our students and staff to learn from Mary’s motherly example.

This term we see our senior school students undertake their first set of formal examinations for the year. We know that routine study and revision assists with the memory retention required for learning. A regular review of learnt material assists students to build their foundation of knowledge, at all age and competency levels. Have you set up a study routine at home to maximise your learning? Work smarter – not longer – do your brain a favour and capitalise on spaced and regular review. Check out these top tips for working smarter, not longer. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/top-10-tips-study-smarter-not-longer-study-skills

I would like to take this opportunity to thank teachers, support staff, and students for the resilience and perseverance they displayed throughout the start of 2022. With the ease of COVID restrictions being announced late last week, the College can once again look forward to the facilitation of camps, incursions, excursions, group gathering and sporting events. Reinstating events will cause the College Calendar to be updated on a frequent basis and we ask you check details regularly.

Staff Farewells

We say farewell to the following staff members during Term 2. We sincerely thank them for their dedication and support of students, parents and staff during their time here at the College. We wish these staff members well in their future endeavours.

Regan Dyer, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Leila Chandler, Miranda Whitley, Helen Seddon.

Staff Commencing

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the following staff members to our community in the indicated roles.

Olivia Biasin – Arts Technician, Giorgia Bakeberg – Teacher – Science, Kate Bartlett – Education Assistant, Fiona Hassell – Leader of Science, Scott Smith – Leader of Wellbeing – Year 8, Tayla Nicholls – Dance/Drama Teacher – Primary, Sarah Ellam – Leader of Wellbeing – Year 10, Joel Kandiah – Teacher – Secondary, Sue-Ellen Bull – Teacher – Secondary, Elizabeth Mathews – Education Assistant, Joanne Smith – Teacher – Secondary, Delia Krietzmann – Teacher – Primary.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting (NPCC) – Monday 16 May, 7.00pm, Marist Auditorium (Studio Rooms)

The NPCC meetings, convened by the Principal, and attended by various members of the College Leadership Team, is a representative group, voice, and forum to gain insight into our school improvement plan and to discuss school concerns. The NPCC serves to help advance the best interests of those within our College Community. Whilst policy is determined and set by the College Executive and supported by the Advisory Council, the NPCC is a critically important group in providing input and feedback.

An invitation is extended to all parents and guardians to attend the next Newman Parents Consultative Committee meeting. We will be discussing our new NPCC framework and structure and will be calling for formal expressions of interest for the parent representative group across PK to Year 12. Our Homework Club, Empowering Pathways and Parent Events will also feature on the agenda.

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, please join the meeting via TEAMS. Please click here for the link.

COVID – Transition

Eased restrictions were announced late last week. Communication was sent out to all families from the Principal, John Finneran, on Tuesday 3 May. It is important, as a community, that we follow these requirements to continue to protect our students, staff, and community members.

Wearing of Masks
– Students in PK – Y12 are not required to wear a mask
– Household close contacts are still required to wear masks at all times (Y7 – Y12)
– Masks must be worn by all students Y7-12 on public transport 

Whilst the Government has removed the mandated rules of mask wearing, staff and students have been advised where social distancing cannot be maintained, masks should be worn.  We recommend that students always have a mask ready to use if required. 

COVID-19 Household Close Contacts

Students can attend school if they live in the same house as someone who is COVID-19 positive.  These students must adhere to the following: 

  • Conduct a daily Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and receive a negative result each day to attend school
  • Wear a mask at school (for students in Year 7 and above) and when travelling on public transport or ride-share

Symptomatic Students

If your child becomes symptomatic, they should stay home and be tested for COVID-19. Regardless of whether they have COVID-19 or not, if they are unwell with any symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or a temperature, they must NOT attend school.

You are required to report positive COVID-19 student cases to the College via the College online reporting form prior to the start of the school day.

Code of Conduct

Please click here to download the Newman College Code of Conduct for Parents.