Jo Dunn, Author at Newman College

Year 6 Tinkering Project

Jo Dunn on 09/07/2018

On Thursday 14 June the Year 6 students were involved in a STEM activity called Tinkering inside the Lavalla Hall. Tinkering gives students the opportunity to be creative, think critically and collaborate in an inquiry-based approach to STEM-rich learning. The day allowed our Vision for Learning Shine through Discovery to be present as the students took apart various electronics and labelled the parts, purposes and complexities. Students then used the parts to create a seismograph. Thank you to all of Year 6 Dads and Grandads who were present and helped the children on the day. Below is a re-count from two Year 6 students:

On Thursday 14 June, Year 6 students were involved in a STEM related activity called Tinkering. It required us to be ‘hands on’ with pieces of machinery and electronics. Parents provided us with essential tools such as screwdrivers. This allowed us to take apart the hardware piece by piece. After this we created a poster where we labelled the parts, purposes and complexities of the machine. This showed us the inner workings of the electronics. With the parts from the machine we designed and created a seismograph. All of Year 6 had a phenomenal time and we would be very happy to do something like this again next term.

Joshua Do and Jett Patterson, Year 6 students

Catholic Youth Summit

Jo Dunn on 09/07/2018

On Monday 25 June, Matthew Giumelli, Stephen Loreck, Clare Hogg and Cassandra Ledger attended the Catholic Youth Summit held at the University of Notre Dame. The Summit targets student leaders in Years 10 – 12 providing a forum to network, learn about Catholic leadership and share their hopes and concerns.

The theme of the 2018 Summit was “Your Voice is Needed – JOIN IN”. It asks us all to speak boldly and with passion, listen with an open and humble heart. With faith and guided by God’s Holy Spirit, we journey together, toward the future.

Highlights of the Summit included Sean Pollard’s talk about his comeback from the shark attack four years ago where he lost both his arms. Sean communicated the importance of appreciating life because of how quickly it can be taken away from you. Another highlight was meeting and getting to know Catholic student leaders from other schools from Western Australia. It was great to be able to share our own experiences and social justices concerns with like-minded people.

Special mention must go to Year 12 student Cassandra Ledger, who was the only student who spoke during the concurrent sessions. Cassandra confidently shared her life story in which she spoke about her personal faith journey and how she has been influenced by Summer School of Evangelisation, Remar and the Philippines Immersion.

Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy

Remar Red Ministry Event

Jo Dunn on 09/07/2018

The Year 10 Remar Red Rowers collaborated and bought in items to stock the ‘pantry’ at the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD).

CARAD is recognised as a respected voice for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and detainees and a provider of essential services, ensuring that all people seeking safety in Australia are able to live with dignity. Esther Deng from CARAD came to speak to us about life in Australia as an asylum seeker, refugee and detainee. She helped us to understand the struggle that people have when they are unable to access the basics in life, such as employment, education and healthcare. Before Esther arrived, we spent time making cards with messages of welcome for those who use the centre. It was a very inspiring afternoon.

Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy

Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment 2018

Jo Dunn on 09/07/2018

At the request of the Western Australian Bishops, Year 3, Year 5 and Year 9 students in Catholic schools across Western Australia will take part in The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment (BRLA) from the week commencing Monday 30 July in Term 3. All three year levels will access the assessment online.

Students enrolled in Year 3, Year 5 and Year 9 who are following a regular classroom program are expected to participate. Students with disability are also entitled to participate in the assessment. Exemptions may apply.

The Nature and Role of the BRLA

The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment is a large-scale, standardized assessment that consists of a series of Religious Education (RE) tests developed and marked by the Office of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). The purpose of the BRLA is to measure student learning of the content in the RE curriculum. Formal school and student reports are produced by the Office and will become available to schools in Term 4.

The BRLA provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in RE. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, and short and extended response items. Students’ faith is not assessed. The use of the BRLA complements the school based assessment programs in RE.

Please contact your child’s teacher or Lisa Fogliani lisa.fogliani@newman.wa.edu.au if you have any enquiries regarding the administration of The Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment.

PP-Y2 Assembly – Item Year 1 Red

Jo Dunn on 09/07/2018

Family and friends are invited to attend the PP-Y2 Assembly on Friday 27 July at 9.00am. Students will receive Merit Certificates for their Academic achievements and the students from Year 1 Red will perform their item.