This week we celebrated Miracle on Bethlehem Street on our College oval for our PK-6 community. The children emanated joy and fervour as they all took part in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Click here to see more photos from the event.
The significance of this historical event defined the world in which we now live as a Catholic community. During this Advent season, we await the coming of Christ and with it the expectations of new life and a new beginning. In an increasingly secular time, our Christmas liturgy was a timely reminder of the importance of what it means to be part of a family. The love and care within each family is critical in the lives of our children and our greatest illustration of this is the story of a young couple from rural Israel searching for a place, a room at an inn for the birth of their child. Christmas is a special time in my own family particularly as most of my extended family live in the Eastern States. For Anita, the children and I, the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ at our local parish brings much love, hope and joy to our little family. The giving of presents of course is a highlight as it represents the appreciation, value and love we have for each other. I encourage all families to take the time to visit their local parish to celebrate Christmas Mass. This is a special time of year for all Christians and for all families. Enjoy the time together!
Marist Schools Australia Annual Awards
Last week, Marist Schools Australia presented awards for Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education. Our very own Tony and Pauline Murphy were two members of the Marist network to receive this award this year. Tony and Pauline exemplify what it is to be Marist, and as such met the criteria for this award:
- A contribution to Marist education beyond the ordinary. Such significance would be evident through the personifying of a characteristically Marist approach to ministry over a long period, service above and beyond what would be expected, and/or a major contribution to a particular Marist project or initiative;
- Evidence of spiritual identification with the deep purposes of Marist education.
I welcome parents and guardians to read the citation that was read at the MSA Awards Ceremony in Melbourne on 30 November.
Download The Murphy’s Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education Citation
College Awards
At a local level, today we celebrated the Years 7-11 Awards for the academic, cultural and sporting pursuits of students. Congratulations to all award recipients who were recognised in their commitment, efforts and achievements throughout the year. Click here for the full list of award recipients and more photos from the event.
At our Awards Assembly, I reflected on the recent Philippines Immersion where we visited children who do not have the same rights and privileges as those who live in the Western Suburbs of Perth. I 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.
Download Principal’s Years 7-12 Awards Speech
We now look forward to our Lavalla Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 10 December.
As we close the school year, we look back on the myriad events and activities that took place and I thank the students for immersing themselves in all that was offered. I implore parents and guardians to read the 2019 Yearbook which captures so beautifully a great snapshot of the year. (The Yearbook will be distributed on Tuesday 10 December).
I would like to wish each family a blessed and joy-filled Christmas with family and friends. I ask that you take the time to reflect on the purpose of the Christmas season and the hope that it brings.
More details to follow.
More details to follow.
To support the play-based educational philosophies of Early Childhood education, along with the transition to more structured learning environments across the curriculum, Year 1 classrooms will be placed in the current Year 2 classroom spaces from the commencement of the 2020 school year. This change will enable more effective transition programs for our students across the primary years.
We would like to offer current Marian Campus families the opportunity to attend a Contemporary Learning Environments Parent Information Session. The information session is particularly suited to our current Pre Primary families who will have children entering Year 1 in 2020. However, as a College we are committed to contemporary learning spaces across all year levels, so any parents with an interest in how this is facilitated, are encouraged to attend.
More details to follow.
The current Year 2 students will participate in their Transition Day for Year 3 2020. The program will allow students to work with their current Year 2 classroom teachers in a variety of activities to support their transition from Marian to Lavalla Campus for 2020.
Important Information:
- Year 2 Students are to be dropped off to their Year 2 classroom teacher at the Lavalla Campus Multipurpose Rooms between 8.30am – 8.45am
- Year 2 Students are able to order their lunch through Flexischools as per usual
- The canteen is also open during recess and lunch to purchase snacks – $1 or $2 is plenty to provide your child with, if you would like them to practice purchasing something small from the canteen
- At lunchtime, our Year 2 students will be provided with a complimentary icy-pole courtesy of the Primary Social Committee
- Year 2 Students are to be collected from the Lavalla Campus Multipurpose Rooms at 2.30pm. Please note that Lavalla Campus siblings may also be signed out and collected at this time. The earlier collection time is to assist with car flow in the pick up areas.
One of the greatest joys of Early Childhood is the wonder, awe and magic that young children take for granted in their everyday lived experience. This is especially apparent during the Christmas season as they excitedly exclaim all the magical moments that they share during this time. With the story of the birth of Christ at the centre of our Christmas story, children are very eager to engage in the true meaning of Christmas. This year at Marian, we have a ‘Giving Manger’ in our foyer. Throughout the Advent period, our students will be given pieces of straw to add to the Giving Manger, whenever they perform a kind deed or act of service. By Christmas Day, the manger will be filled with service, love and joy ready to receive baby Jesus.
Primary Christmas Concert; Miracle on Bethlehem Street
Wednesday evenings performance was a true showcase of our PK-Y6 community coming together in celebration of our children, our faith and our talents. A huge thank you goes out to the staff who prepared the students so thoroughly for their songs and dances. The children were absolutely beautiful and certainly let their light shine. Thank you to the families for your efforts in dressing your children in costume for their role also. Click here to see more photos from the night.
Pre Primary Christmas Nativity
The Pre Primary students led us in a beautiful Christmas liturgy at St Cecilia’s Parish today. The students retold the Christmas story through their beautiful song and performance. I extend my thanks to the Pre Primary teaching staff for the time and preparation of the liturgy, and to Father Kaz for leading us in prayer. We also thank Mrs Nehez for allowing her beautiful baby boy, Sebastian to take on the role of Baby Jesus in the liturgy.
Year 2 Transition to Lavalla Assembly
Our Year 2 students celebrated their final assembly at Marian Campus last week, sharing with their families and Marian students their special memories from their time on this campus. They will participate in their Lavalla Transition Day on Monday 9 December, and embark on this new adventure as Primary students from 2020. We wish them the best of luck as they navigate new experiences and learning opportunities.
Years 1 and 2 Classroom Spaces – Contemporary Learning Environments
To support the play-based educational philosophies of Early Childhood education, along with the transition to more structured learning environments across the curriculum, Year 1 classrooms will be placed in the current Year 2 classroom spaces from the commencement of the 2020 school year. This change will enable more effective transition programs for our students across the primary years.
We would like to offer current Marian Campus families the opportunity to attend a Contemporary Learning Environments Parent Information Session on Monday 9 December from 5.30pm – 6.30pm in the Marian Library. The information session is particularly suited to our current Pre Primary families who will have children entering Year 1 in 2020. However, as a College we are committed to contemporary learning spaces across all year levels, so any parents with an interest in how this is facilitated, are encouraged to attend.
2020 Marian Canteen Review
We have recently undertaken a review of the Marian Canteen offerings, with the view of ensuring that children are offered a good selection of items that meet the Australian Canteen Guidelines traffic light system.
From 2020, all items available to students for purchase from the Marian Canteen (those they purchase directly, not via Flexischools) will be sold for $1. Students will be limited to purchasing 2 items on any given day. Our Canteen Manager is currently compiling the items which will be offered in 2020.
We would like to run a competition for students to name our new Marian Canteen menu (e.g. Canteen Crunchies). Students can submit their entry by clicking here by Wednesday 11 December. The winner will be announced on Thursday 12 December with the prize being 3 x $2 canteen vouchers.
Lost Property
Next week is the final chance to reclaim any lost property. Please see the lost property as there is an enormous amount of clothing and equipment there.
Marcellin Award
Congratulations to the following students who received a Marcellin Award in Weeks 7 and 8:
- Will Rose, Pre Primary Blue: For always guiding younger children with care and encouragement at Running Club, even when it means he runs slower so they can keep up
- Billie Wyeth, Year 1 Green: For being a kind friend and lending her spare hat to someone who didn’t have one.
The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly.
Swimming Lessons
Yesterday saw the conclusion of our Year 1 and 2 students swimming lessons. The reports from our teaching staff indicate that the students were fantastically behaved and thoroughly enjoyed their lessons – especially on the very hot days we experienced this week.
On Wednesday 4 December, our K-Y6 community joined together to celebrate the Christmas season at the annual Primary Christmas Concert.
Our celebrations commenced with Christmas Carols sung by our Years 6, 7 and 8 students and a Noongar Christmas Carol ‘Djinda Djinda’ sung by our Kindy and Year 6 students.
Miracle of Bethlehem Street opened on the streets of Bethlehem, and the little town had never been busier! Ceasar’s Census had the town in a frenzy, and the Innkeeper Benjamin had a brilliant plan to capitalise on the business, that is until he was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Well done to all performers from Pre Primary – Year 6 who captured our hearts in this joyous, musical retelling of the Christmas Story. The performance was a true showcase of our K-Y6 community coming together in celebration of our children, our faith and our talents.
The message of Christmas has been celebrated across the College and we are enormously proud of how students have reflected on the hope and joy that this time of year brings. The spirit of giving has been embraced through the Christmas Appeal and I hope that each student and family feel the joy the act of giving can make to others over this festive season.
K-Y11 Reports
College reports will be made available to families via SEQTA from 4.00pm on Thursday 12 December. We recommend you check that you are able to access SEQTA before this date.
Click here to access SEQTA. You can also access SEQTA via the Engage App.
If you have forgotten your login:
RESETTING YOUR PASSWORD
- Click on ‘Forgot your Password’
- Enter your email address for BOTH your username and email address (ie: your username is now your email address)
- Click on ‘Reset my Password’
- You will be emailed a link to reset your password
- NOTE: the reset link will only last one hour
Historically, reports were the main communication piece between school and home however, now with platforms such as SEQTA, Seesaw and Maths Pathways, feedback regarding the learning journey of each child is continuous and ongoing in nature. The achievement standard as mandated by the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority, describes an expected level that the majority of students are achieving or working towards by the end of that year of schooling. Some students will have progressed beyond the achievement standard; others will need additional support. The expected standard for each year is described as ‘C’ or Satisfactory.
I encourage all families to use the report as a tool for reflection, acknowledge the learning growth and resilience of your son or daughter and the opportunities each new year brings.
Staff Movements
As the 2019 academic year draws to a close, several staff will leave our community to serve as teachers and leaders in other Catholic school communities. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following staff who have served the Newman College community for a significant period of time; Mandy Keeling, (Student Data Administrator), Janine van der Heever, (Teacher of Mathematics), Tavia Pursell, (Teacher of English), Aaron Richards, (Leader of Learning Literacy), Kate Warchomij, (Leader of Wellbeing Primary), Nicola Garlick, (Teacher of Mathmatics and English), Steven Gregory, (Leader of Learning Health and Physical Education).
This year we also farewell and acknowledge the vocation, service and contribution of the following staff who are retiring and have made significant contributions to the College community and the Marist project:
- Jenny Lindsay, (Religious Education Teacher), 39 Years
- Terri White, (Education Assistant), 31 ½ Years
- Mary-Ann Burchfield, (Library Technician), 20 Years
We extend our thanks to the following members of staff who have served our College community throughout 2019.
Marcellin Campus: Jessica Bouquet, Natalee Calegari, Belinda Fogliani, Emily Longo and Michelle Wells, Lavalla Campus: Davina Sankar, Marian Campus: Jenni Brown, Maddie Ciullo and Katherine Closey.
We also wish several members of staff well as they embark on a period of extended leave in 2020; Margaret Goldsmith, Bethwyn Legg, Allison McCartan, Pauline Murphy, Tony Murphy, Nadia Napoli, Edwina Russek and Rosa Testa.
Our prayers and thoughts go to Stephanie-Kate Crothers, Ellie Jeffcoat-Sacco, Emily Watts and Lisa Webb who will all take parental leave in 2020.
Gratitude
Thank you to families, parents and carers for your support and partnership throughout the 2019 school year. A positive school experience for young people is sustained by respectful relationships and cooperation. It is a great privilege to be involved in the lives of young people and we thank you for your trust in the College to nurture your son’s and daughter’s development and growth. I also offer my most sincere gratitude to teachers and support staff for their commitment to walking with families through times of challenge, celebration, sadness and joy. Thank you for giving witness to our Catholic faith, for being positive role models and for ensuring our students shine through discovery!
Booklists, eBooks and BYODD
Booklists and eBook bundles are now available on the College website. The College partners with OfficeMax to provide school supplies and resources. eBook bundles for Years 7-10 are managed and supported by the College ITC team to ensure a positive experience for students.
Click here to access the portal to purchase the nominated devices. The College partners with Winthrop Australia to ensure the best value for families, including insurance, protection and replacement provision.
2020 Class Placements and Secondary Timetables
Primary class lists and teacher allocations will be communicated to families via SEQTA by the end of Monday 16 December.
Many factors are considered when selecting class placements for students and each child’s needs are considered when these decisions are made. Class lists are a team decision made in consultation with all teachers and support staff. Our aspiration is that every child is placed where they will have the greatest opportunity to succeed.
Secondary timetables will be available to students via SEQTA on Tuesday 31 January 2020. Year 7 students will have a comprehensive induction program to support them during their introduction to Secondary School.
Lavalla Playground 2020
We are excited to announce the development of two new play areas at the Lavalla Campus. This will include a nature play zone, with an adjacent playground with modular play equipment. These new spaces are the result of a long term commitment from the Primary Social Committee, as well as our ongoing obligation to continue to provide improved spaces for students at Lavalla.
The professionally designed areas have been created to allow for staged growth. The images below highlight the intended installation during the upcoming school holidays, and the future development plans beyond next year.
Students will have something new and exciting to look forward to upon their return to Lavalla in 2020.
Code of Conduct
A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the Code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.
Advent Season
“Christmas is about the mystery of the divine found within the human ~ GOD entering our everyday life! Because Jesus Christ was born into our world in a normal human way, all our ordinary human activities are made holy.”[1] Our 2019 Marist theme of Holy Today! has been an invitation to tune-in more to the presence of God in everyday life. That is, to recognise the ‘sacred’ or presence of God in the beautiful ordinariness of life.[2]. During Advent and Christmas, we are once again invited to take up this challenge.
On Sunday 1 December, we celebrated the beginning of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. It is the season when we intentionally practise hope, when we consciously act for justice, when we joyfully live in expectation of promises fulfilled.
We see this ‘hope’ exemplified in our Mother Mary. Mary is the model of a Church who looks towards Jesus and works to create the kind of world that Jesus proclaimed in the Gospels[1]. This Term has seen the students at Newman College work to create a world proclaimed by Jesus through supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. These simple acts of generosity and kindness demonstrate that we are a people of hope; a people who walk in the light because at Christmas “Jesus Christ has entered our story and saved us from the darkness! [1]
Imagine if we were to live always as if walking in the light!” [1]
[1] Brisbane Catholic Education. (n.d.) Advent / Christmas. Retrieved from: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/formationandleadership/prayer/Pages/Advent-prayer.aspx
[2] Marist Mission and Life Formation. (2019). 2019 Theme Resource. Retrieved from: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51240d5fe4b03a5603cfea56/t/5c5255ca4d7a9c391e43d880/1548899817693/2019+Theme+Resources+%28Page%29.pdf
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
The annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal provides hope, comfort and dignity to over 3000 families in Western Australia who will be struggling during the Christmas season. As a Catholic school educating in the Marist Tradition, Newman College sought to reach out and serve those in our community following the example set by Jesus in the Scriptures:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”
Matthew 25: 35;40
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. All three campuses were inundated with donations towards the appeal, meaning that many families will be assisted this year. The donations from Marian and Lavalla Campuses will be donated to the Floreat Conference of St Vincent de Paul. Whilst the donations from Marcellin Campus will be donated to the Doubleview conference.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) – 8-10 December
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre between Sunday 8 and Tuesday 10 December. ACYF is a national gathering of Catholic young people which occurs every two years, and is a unique national context in which young people (14 – 30 years of age) from across Australia are invited to encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Catholic Church in Australia through providing young people with a tangible connection to vocations, social action, liturgy and prayer, Catholic music and catechesis. Newman College will be taking 26 students from Years 9 to 12 and 7 staff to the festival. On Monday 9 December, Newman College will host a Justice Centre activity called Caring for the Forgotten. The activity is an opportunity to uphold the dignity of youth in detention and remind them that they are not forgotten. Those attending the activity will make Christmas cards for youth at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in conjunction with Catholic Prison Ministry who will run a similar session to make Christmas trees to accompany the cards.
Prior to the commencement of ACYF on Sunday 8 December, Newman College will co-host the Diocese of Wollongong in New South Wales who will attend a Mass and sausage sizzle at St Joseph’s, Subiaco on Saturday 7 December. Click here for more information about ACYF.
The ACYF Closing Mass is open to the general public and is free to attend. Parents and families are therefore welcome to attend the Mass. The ACYF Outdoor Mass will be held on Tuesday 10 December 2019 at Trinity College, 2 Trinity Avenue, East Perth. Gates open at 4.00pm with pre-Mass entertainment commencing at 4.30pm. The Mass will commence at 6.30pm. As large numbers are anticipated to attend, we encourage guests to arrive early to allow time to make your way into the venue, find a viewing area and enjoy the outdoor Mass atmosphere.
Final Community Mass
The final Community Mass at Newman College will take place on Thursday 12 December at 8.10am in the Champagnat Chapel. All are encouraged and welcome to attend our final Sacramental celebration as a College before concluding 2019.
Philippines Immersion
The 2019 Philippines Immersion was once again a memorable experience for Year 11 students from Newman College and St Joseph’s School, Northam. It challenged the group to develop a better understanding of our privilege and to be grateful for the things we have. Click here to read more and see more photos from the trip.
24:7 FLOREAT YOUTH GROUP
- For all youth in Years 6-12
- Every Sunday from 6.00pm – 8.00pm at St Cecilia’s Parish Centre, 47 Peebles Road, Floreat
- Call Sebastian on 0403230395 or Emma on 0412310019 for more information.
Volunteers – Adoration Chapel, Holy Spirit Parish
Holy Spirit Parish in City Beach are looking for volunteers to help man the 24-hour Adoration Chapel at the Parish. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact Lisa Hogg on 0419923420.
