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From the Principal – Welcome to 2021

Jo Dunn on 28/01/2021

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome to the start of the 2021 academic year. In particular, we welcome new families and staff to our Marist Community. I hope all have enjoyed the family time that Christmas and the extended break bring.  Across the world many families are still suffering as a consequence of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the challenges it presents.  We have been graced in our own State, moreover our country, by the way in which our leaders have been able to manage this crisis.

Pope Francis in his Fratelli Tutti Encyclical Letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship (#55) says this of hope….“I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning.” 

It is this hope that we take into our new year at Newman College as we seek to build community and the experiences of our young people.

The gift of our Marist community is our family spirit and that space we create to nurture, support and inspire our children.  The vision of St Marcellin Champagnat – that we make Jesus known and loved – is the foundation of our faith and learning community.  We are strengthened as a Marist school by our characteristics of Presence, Love of Work, Simplicity, In the Way of Mary and Family Spirit.  These characteristics drive the cultural elements that shape who we are, what we represent and what we are going to become and, ultimately, the legacy that will define who we are.

In 2021 the College is launching its new Strategic Directions 2021-2023 – Commitment to Excellence.  The inspiration for our Strategic Directions 2021-2023 is based on St John Henry Newman’s words:

 “To live is to change, to be perfect is to have changed often.”

Our community has undergone significant renewal in the last five years, exemplified by agility and innovation as a PK-12 Community.  We have pursued St John Henry Newman’s commitment to academic excellence and critical thinking that is animated through our Vision for Learning ‘Shine through discovery’ – Let your light shine.  This Vision inspires our faith and learning community to Challenge, Collaborate, Create and Celebrate who we are and what we seek to achieve.

Our Strategic Directions – a Commitment to Excellence – will set the tone for our year. We are a great school and our goal is that every child continues to strive to do their best in all endeavours.  Our cultural imperative is to create a space for our students to flourish individually and collectively.

This Plan will be launched in Term 1.

College Expectations

In 2021, we will continue to grow our Vision for Learning – Shine through discovery Let your light shine (Mat 5:16). It is my hope that all students at Newman College are able to set clear and achievable goals that will allow them to be challenged as learners and to succeed in their endeavours.  To achieve individual success, it is the responsibility of each student to take ownership of their learning and to seek support from their teachers.  Across the College, our Leaders of Wellbeing, Leaders of Learning, Co-ordinators and Teachers are committed to supporting each individual student and year group collectively.  Critical to each student’s ongoing success will be the collaboration with families in adhering to expectations.  To that end, each leader of wellbeing will be writing to families this week outlining the expectations for each student as a member of the College community.  As a whole community, our collective commitment to growing our culture of excellence in all facets of College life will ensure a successful, engaged learning experience for our students.

In 2021 I am pleased to inform you that we have reframed our grooming expectations reflecting the voice of our students. Our expectation is that these standards are adhered to across the life of the school.

2021 College Leadership and New and Returning Staff

Outlined below are the members of the 2021 College Leadership Team:

John Finneran: Principal (Executive)

Lucie McCrory: Vice Principal (Executive)

Steve Halley-Wright: Director Finance and Administration (Executive)

Thomas Wagner: Director Operations and Engagement (Executive)

Carla Pastorelli: Deputy Principal Secondary

Simon Martino: Director Mission and Catholic Identity

Lisa McClue: Leader of Early Childhood

Stuart McClorey: Leader of Primary

Bernie Roberts: PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator

Our Positions of Responsibility can be found by clicking here.

Marian Campus, PK-Year 2

In Early Childhood, Leader of Early Childhood Lisa McClue will be the initial contact person for all matters pertaining to the Marian Campus and will be supported by Katya Anderson, Leader of Learning.

Lavalla Campus, Years 3-6

The day to day leadership and contacts will be distributed to the following team:

  • Stuart McClorey, Leader of Wellbeing
  • Renae Zelich, Leader of Learning
  • Jane Short, Religious Education Coordinator

Marcellin Campus, Years 7-12

Pastoral care teachers are the daily point of contact for students and families.  leaders of wellbeing and leaders of learning, together with Deputy Principal Secondary, Carla Pastorelli, will manage and coordinate the Marcellin Campus.

New Staff
Please click here to view staff new to Newman College.

Staff Returning to the College
Please click here to view staff who have been on leave and are returning this Term.

I thank all parents and guardians as they prepare their children for the return to school.  We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Monday and Tuesday next week and seeing families at the forthcoming Family Mass on Thursday 11 February.

John Finneran
Principal

Vice Principal – Dr Lucie McCrory

Jo Dunn on 28/01/2021

Lucie McCrory Newman CollegeIt is with great excitement that I begin as Vice Principal of Newman College this year. The Marists have an inspiring tradition and I look forward to learning about the history of the school, its students, staff, parents, and distinct culture. I am particularly excited to be back working in the Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 space. It is a privilege and a blessing to see the full spectrum of student growth, from entry to graduation. I look forward to developing relationships with this wide variety of learners and teachers.

I have a passion for the craft of teaching and learning and a keen interest in the ‘future of education’. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner in the school of life, and plan to actively encourage those around me to find their unique gifts, untapped potential and ‘let their light shine’ (Matthew 5 : 16).

A school is a learning organisation that should inspire a curiosity for learning, it is a place of growth. The underlying mechanism to enable this growth lies in some form of actualisation of the human potential. Pursuits in this realm require a Christ-centred and improvement focused approach to life, an understanding of the value in failure and the provision of experiences that are developmentally appropriate to the journey-point of the individual.

I look forward to playing an important collaborative role in leading the learning at Newman, for its next phase of life. We will shine through discovery, towards excellence and innovation. On that note…have you seen the new Learning Hub on the Marcellin campus? Impressive. Opportunities galore. Watch that space.

Dr Lucie McCrory

VICE PRINCIPAL

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: From the Leaders of Wellbeing

Jo Dunn on 10/12/2020

Awards Ceremonies 

On Thursday 26 November we celebrated the Years 7-11 Awards for the Academic, Cultural and Sporting pursuits of students.

Over two assemblies, we heard a number of musical items by the Newman Voices, along with an item from our 2020 College production Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.

In his Principal’s Address, Mr Finneran reflected on how lucky we are to be living in Western Australia and to be able to gather together. He asked our students to view their education as a precious gift and to embrace the opportunities afforded to them to enhance their Newman College experience.

Click here to view photos and read Principal’s Address.

Year 10 River Cruise

The Year 10 River Cruise has been one of, if not the most anticipated event on the Year 10 calendar this year. COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works earlier this year, with the potential that this event could not go ahead, but thankfully students were able to get onto the boat and celebrate what has been an eventful but a successful year for this cohort.

Students really committed to the theme: Popular Culture Icons and staff and crew on board were very impressed with the effort and execution of their costumes. The Year 10’s spent the night dancing away on the boat together as a united cohort. It was very special to see the sense of unity, cohesion and togetherness throughout the night. All staff involved were so impressed and proud of the way in which this cohort of students presented and conducted themselves on the night.

A special thank you to the staff who accompanied the Year 10’s on this social event and their wholehearted commitment to their costuming! It really made the night a great success.

Gemma​ Beekink, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10

Click here to view River Cruise photos.

Year 11 Dinner Dance

We waited and waited and finally the night we had been waiting for arrived- our final day as Year 11’s and the Year 11 Dinner Dance!

After exams, COVID-19 and a jam-packed year, the Dinner Dance was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year as a cohort. We enjoyed a mocktail on arrival and spent some time with the stingrays, jellyfish and sharks as we explored AQWA’s aquarium before entering the dining room. 2021 College Captains Matao and Taylah welcomed us to the event and said Grace before we began feasting on the buffet.

Everyone looked amazing as we danced the night away, treated ourselves to a donut wall and took endless photos in the photo booth. It was great to see the teachers on the dance floor with the students enjoying classic tunes such as Thunderstruck! This event really showed our year group motto #togetherasonein2021 as all students and PCG teachers came together on the dance floor. It was a fantastic evening and I am so very proud of all the Year 11 students.

Thank you to the Year 11 PCG teachers, support staff and senior leadership whose attendance made this event possible.

Rebecca​ Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing Year 11

Click here to view Dinner Dance photos.

Music Rocks Concert and Parent Lunch

On Friday 27 November family and friends of the Education Support Center students joined together to enjoy the annual Music Rocks end of year concert, followed by a shared lunch.

The students certainly let their musical gifts and talents shine, performing a variety of songs and playing an array of instruments.

Music Rocks caters for people of all abilities, allowing students to learn music and perform with confidence.

Click here to view photos from the Music Rocks Concert.

Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp

The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp was vastly successful for both students and teachers.

Students were able to experience, for some, environments unfamiliar to them and spent the night under the stars. Over the two days the students were away from home, they went mountain biking across the varied terrain, they were all challenged by multiple uphill sections and rode the down hills with speed and confidence.

After a grueling 20+ kilometers on the first day, a refreshing swim was enjoyed at Stringers.

Day two, with sore legs, the students rode another 20+ kilometers enjoying the forest and admiring the extra large trees around them.

The students were beautifully behaved and all learnt some new skills, whether it be cooking skills, tenting, cleaning, riding or team work and collaboration.

A massive thank you must go to all staff that assisted and accompanied the students overnight away from their families. Mr Van Der Heever, Miss Clark, Mr Pugh, Mr Williams, Jaxon and Mr Webb.

Jamie Pedler, Thomas More Guild Coordinator/Health and PE teacher Secondary

Student Reflection

“The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp was an amazing experience and one that I would recommend to all students who are considering doing Outdoor Education in Year 9. Our camp was very tiring, at times riding around 50km in total, but it was worth all the hills and sore muscles to finally get to the top and see the incredible view and go down the tracks. Throughout the camp I made friends with a lot of new people that I hadn’t known very well the day before. Dwellingup is truly a beautiful place and the wildlife and plants where amazing. I think that the camp was a major highlight of the year and was extremely successful.” Tabitha Stevens, Year 9 student

Solve It

In the final week of 2020, students in Years 7-9 have been involved in Solve It, our problem based learning activity.

Students were guided through a design thinking approach to solve a variety of problems and pitch their ideas in an intra-school competition.

Monday’s sessions involved ice-breakers, looking at unnecessary inventions and creative problem solving. The fun activities were based around teaching essential skills for Solve It such as creativity, making mistakes and critiquing potential solutions.

Students were introduced to the range of problems that covered a range of topics such as fake news, climate change, consumerism, motor skills, changes to the Marcellin Campus, food delivery services and how we can change the world for the better.

They then went to the department based workshops on their chosen problem.

Tuesday brought about students coming up with some solutions for their chosen problem. Students were using plasticine, paint and various computer programs to create models for their solutions.

On Wednesday students continued working on their solutions and how they would present their solution. Students who weren’t involved in the semi-finals engaged in Guild activities including dodgeball, a short film and capture the flag.

Thursday was a great celebration of the week and wrap up of 2020 with the Pitch Off Final. Eight groups pitched their solutions to our team of judges, Mrs Nerreda Hillier (Board Member), Mr Anthony Bochrinis (Head of Mathematics and entrepreneur) and Ms Lisa Fogliani (Vice Principal).

Kelly​ Johnson, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9 / Food Science and Technology Teacher

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

Jo Dunn on 10/12/2020

As we begin to wrap up our time on campus for 2020, there is much anticipation amongst our students for Christmas and all the joy that the festive season brings. The Christmas period is a time of tremendous hope as we wait the birth of Jesus Christ, someone who has, and continues to, give hope to hundreds of millions of people around the world. If ever there is a time to be hopeful, it is as we reflect on the end of one year and prepare for the beginning of another; the new opportunities and moments especially that it might bring. This year, we should take time over the break to simply be with our loved ones, whether they be friends or family, and celebrate in Christ’s love the way God intended. I hope all families have a safe and peaceful break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021.

Lavalla Awards Ceremonies

On Tuesday, students from Years 3-6 came together to celebrate our end of year Awards Ceremonies. This is a significant event in the life of the College, as we recognise the outstanding efforts, achievement, and character of our students. It is important to recognise these students as leaders both in their classrooms, and amongst their peers. Click here to see all award winners and photos from the day.

Year 6 Celebrations

This week has been a special week for our Year 6 students, as they complete their Primary schooling and begin their journey into Secondary School. To celebrate, students visited the Marian Campus on Tuesday and spent some time with their Kindergarten buddies, doing some reading with them, and enjoying lunch together. It was certainly a beautiful way for many students to reconnect with their early childhood origins in the sandpits of Marian. Students also had the chance to celebrate today at Adventure World. Students had a wonderful time and it was a great way to cap off their year. We wish our Year 6 students all the best as they continue their journey into Secondary School and thank them for their contributions here on the Lavalla Campus.

2021 Student Leaders

This week we officially recognised our 2021 Student Leaders. At the beginning of this term, students undertook two workshops in preparation for the nomination of the student leader positions, as well as committing to a letter of application and presenting a speech to their peers. I was most impressed with how many students spoke in their letters about how leadership is about others; it not about being in charge, or being most important, it is simply about helping others in small but meaningful ways. I am very much looking forward to working with not only our student leaders, but all of our students who nominated for these positions. We wish them all the best in 2021.

Student names: Nikita Aylmore, Madelyn Bertolini, Isabella Crisona, Benji Davies, Xavier Dunstan, Brayden Lim, Jaspar Martin-Booth, Michael Ng, Anabel Raguseo, Tahlia Thayer, Benji Thompson, Aaron Stannard.

Staff Farewells

There are a number of staff who we farewell from the Lavalla Campus at the conclusion of this year.

Firstly, Mrs Therese Le Sanders will be leaving us for a little while, as she begins her maternity leave, eagerly awaiting the birth of her second child. Mrs Natasha Penny, who works for Telethon Speech & Hearing and has been working in Year 3 Green this year, will also be commencing her maternity leave.

We also have Ms Melissa Foss and Mrs Laura Talbott whose contracts end at the end of this term. Ms Foss has been a welcome addition to our campus as our Music teacher in Term 4, while Mrs Talbott has been our Performing Arts teacher for Semester 2. We wish them both all the best in their future endeavours and thank them for the positive contributions they have made to our campus.

Pizza Pool Parties

This week, students from Years 3-5 have celebrated their final week of the year with a Pizza Pool Party!

In some very hot conditions, students braved the heat for the short walk to the pool where they were able to indulge in some well timed and relaxing water play, as well as a pizza lunch. We must thank all students and families for supporting the College’s SunSmart practices this week and helping to keep each other as safe as possible in this hot weather. We would also like to thank Mrs Donna McFadden who organised all of our pizzas, drinks and ice creams this year. Thank you Donna!

Year 3 2021 Transition Day

On Friday 27 November, we welcomed our Year 2 students from the Marian Campus for an orientation day. I was very impressed with how the Year 2 students presented themselves on the day and the positive way in which they listened to instructions and took part in the activities. We are very much looking forward to having them join us on a permanent basis next year and hope that they enjoy their time with us as much as our current Year 3 students have this year!

ACC Inclusion Ambassador

Last Thursday, the College was privileged to welcome Madison Heady (ex-Sacred Heart student) who delivered a talk to Year 6 students as part of the International Day of Persons with Disability. Madison is an ambassador for the ACC and Inclusion Sport and shared her journey with disability. Madison’s story was delivered with grace, articulation and good humour. The passionate way in which she spoke about inclusion in sport was clear to everyone. Madison also participated in a PE lesson with our Year 4 Blue class and shared a part of her story with them also. We are very grateful for her visit and the message she was able to deliver to our students.

Swimming Lessons

In Weeks 6 and 7, students took part in swimming lessons to finish off the year. We were blessed with some beautiful (not too hot) weather which made swimming over the two weeks very enjoyable for all students.

We would like to thank Mrs Jane Short for her hard work in organising our lessons, as well as our fabulous swim instructors who supported the two-week period.

Families should have received their child’s swimming certificate via email. If you have not received it as yet, please contact the Newman Swim Club via lessons.nchswimming@gmail.com

Booklists

Last week the 2021 booklists were shared with families. If you would like to order your books for 2021 now and beat the rush, you can do so by clicking the following link here.

Parents will find booklists for all classes via this link and orders can be placed now, ready for delivery in the new year. All instructions on how to place the orders are contained within the lists.

Lost Property

There are lots of items still to be found in our lost property – everything from hats and jackets, to even some College blazers. Teachers are always reiterating to students the importance of looking after their belongings as we know the cost of replacing items cannot be cheap for families! The lost property is located in the Library.