Highlights from Past Two Weeks
Mothers Day
I hope that all our Mothers enjoyed a wonderful Mothers Day. It was wonderful to see the excitement and love of our early childhood students as they prepared gifts and cards in class. I, like most early childhood teachers, can attest to the joy that comes from hearing student responses on why they love their mums. There are often giggles from staff too, as we hear children’s interpretation of how old their Mum’s are, what their favourite food is and what they love to do. No doubt, these memories will be cherished by mothers for many years to come and I thank our teachers for the time they put into creating these with our students.
The Year 1 Unit hosted a beautiful Mothers Day Liturgy in St Cecilia’s Church last week, focused on our role model of motherhood, Mary, Mother of Jesus. The Liturgy was well attended by Marian mothers, with a very special presentation to wish them a lovely Mothers Day. Thank you to all the Marian families who attended this celebration, and to our Year 1 students and their teachers for all their preparation.
Our Kindergarten classes hosted a special Mothers Day event, where children sang songs to their mums and other significant mother-figures. The children then engaged in a short activity with their Mum, before the Mums all headed home with an incredibly special necklace that had been made for them, with much love from their child.
Important Information For The Next Two Weeks
National Simultaneous Storytime
Marian Campus is once again participating in National Simultaneous Storytime. Mr Finneran will be reading Pre-Primary to Year 2 students the Philip Bunting picture book “Give me some Space” on the morning of Wednesday 19 May.
National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. It is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
Artist in Residence Program
The College is pleased to welcome acclaimed Western Australian textile designer Tanya Cain-Abbs as part of the 2021 Artist in Residence Program. Tanya will work with select groups of students in Years 2–12 to learn the technique Shibori, a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique which produces patterns on fabric.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with one of Western Australia’s most acclaimed artists. The artist in residence program will commence in Week 5 with students in Years 2, 5, 6 and 9 and continue in Term 3 with Year 10, 11 and 12 students in visual art and fashion and textiles. The art works will be exhibited at the Students Art exhibition opening Tuesday 26 October.
Community workshops will be held in term three inviting families and friends to share in the Shibori workshop experience. More information regarding community workshops will be posted on the College website, social media pages and in the College newsletter.
Newman Parents – NPCC Meeting
Ms Lara Ognenis, our Gifted and Talented Teacher K-10, delivered a thorough presentation on Monday night to our Newman Parents Consultative Committee. She covered how we identify and extend students with gifted traits from PP to Year 9. Lara outlined the future vision for the space and the types of activities and competitions students are currently involved in. Thank you to those parents who were able to attend.
Problem Solve It Parent Information Evening
Our Leader of Learning in Science, Ms Krystal Skelin, launched our new Problem Solve It Immersion on Tuesday night. The program has been recognised as a National Excellence Awardee, and Krystal and John Finneran will travel to Sydney to participate in this prestigious award ceremony. The student immersion lasts for three nights and four days during the Term 2 holidays and sees Year 9 and 10 students immerse themselves in thinking routines that can be employed to creatively solve real life problems. Newman has partnered with UWA, Republic Polytechnic Singapore and an Innovation Coach from RACWA for the experience. Places are limited. For more information, please email krystal.skelin@cewa.edu.au
NAPLAN
In 2020, one of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was the abandonment of the annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. This important assessment of Australian students’ learning progress resumed on Tuesday.
The 2021 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.
Artist in Residence
The College is pleased to welcome acclaimed Western Australian textile designer Tanya Cain-Abbs as part of the 2021 Artist in Residence Program. Tanya will work with select groups of students in Years 2–12 to learn the technique Shibori, a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique which produces patterns on fabric. The art works will be exhibited at the Students Art exhibition opening Tuesday 26 October.
Community workshops will be held in term three inviting families and friends to share in the Shibori workshop experience. More information regarding community workshops will be posted on the College website, social media pages and in the College newsletter.
Extended Absences – change of procedure
In the event of planned extended absences, such as holidays and sporting representations, parents/guardians are requested to inform the Vice Principal, in writing with the reason for the absence, giving as much notice as possible. This is a new procedure that will streamline our PK –12 absentees. Please send notifications to Julie.Maher@cewa.edu.au
Social Media
The College celebrates student achievements and other important events through our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages online. Please join our networks and stay abreast of life at Newman:
Study Techniques
It is mid Term 2 and an apt time to review our study techniques and routines. Regularly reviewing and revising what we have learnt is an important part in the process of knowledge consolidation.
Questions to consider:
- Have you got a study routine in place that includes breaks and down time?
- Have you asked someone to keep you accountable to your study routine?
- Are you studying effectively?
- Is your learning space conducive to study?
- What does the research say about studying? Read the below except from the article written in Edutopia ‘5 Research Backed Studying Techniques’
5 HIGH-INTENSITY STUDY HABITS
Researchers have found that the following techniques increase sustainable learning and retention when incorporated in students’ daily study habits. These techniques are difficult and require effort, and they slow down learning. Initially the learning gains seem to be smaller than with some ineffective practices. However, these techniques lead to long-term mastery.
The book Make It Stick identifies several research-proven studying techniques.
- Pre-test: When students practice answering questions, even incorrectly, before learning the content, their future learning is enhanced. Research has shown that pre-testing improves post-test results more than spending the same amount of time studying.
- Spaced practice: Spacing out study sessions—focusing on a topic for a short period on different days—has been shown to improve retention and recall more than massed practice. The book How We Learn explains that spaced practice can feel difficult due to an initial forgetting of knowledge—reacquiring that knowledge takes effort.
- Creating flash cards that can be used for spaced practice and self-quizzing is effective. Students should create different piles when reviewing the flash cards. The cards they’re able to answer immediately should be placed in a pile to review three days later; those answered with some difficulty should be reviewed two days later; and those that they answered incorrectly should be reviewed the next day.
- Self-quizzing: Testing has a negative connotation in this era of standardized testing, but it is a form of active retrieval practice. Encourage students to make test questions for themselves as they learn a new concept, thinking about the types of questions you might ask on a quiz or test. They should incorporate these quizzes into their study sessions, answering every question, even those they believe they know well.
- Interleaving practice: Students may rely on blocked practice, studying a set of problems—such as multiplication problems—as a group until they feel mastery. A more effective method of studying is to work on a set of problems that are related but not all of the same kind—for example, a set of math word problems that call for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. The consecutive problems cannot be solved with the same strategy. This is more effective than doing one multiplication problem after another.
- Paraphrasing and reflecting: Many of us have read a few paragraphs in a textbook only to realize that we didn’t retain a single concept or key point presented in those paragraphs. To show your students how to combat this, have them utilize intentional learning strategies. These include relating what is being learned to prior knowledge, thinking about how they would explain the content to a 5-year-old, and reflecting on and asking questions about the content.
Code of Conduct
The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
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.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Term 2.
We were delighted to have been able to resume our teaching and learning program on Monday following the lockdown of the Perth and Peel Regions and we look forward to the further relaxation of restrictions this weekend. I take this opportunity to thank all students for their respect of and adherence to restrictions this week. They have been very accepting of switching to online events in some instances.
Thank you also to families for supporting the College in the implementation of restrictions and having your children well prepared. It was unfortunate that some events had to be cancelled (hopefully postponed) and others switched to online formats. We are most fortunate to have the technical expertise at Newman College enabling us to pivot to online events at such short notice. Please click here to view the Newman Covid page
ANZAC Events
One of the highlights of our first two weeks back at school was the observance and acknowledgement of Anzac Day. I attended all three ceremonies across the College, all of which marked the significant sacrifice that others have given, and continue to give, so that we may live out our lives in freedom and opportunity. All students showed a high level of respect and attention for such a solemn occasion.
At the Principal’s assembly on Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Mr Robert Wilton, retired serviceman for both the British & Australian Military Forces. He spoke about the impact of his service on his life and, in particular, his ‘daily renewable contract’.
Following Robert, during the Principal’s Address, I reiterated how our ceremony encapsulated his message. We have so much to be grateful and thankful for and it is this grace that it is incumbent on us to make the most of what we have. The term ahead is full of opportunity. Learning is such a gift – how we use it determines our success.
I put to the students – “Who do you want be?”
At Newman College we have a vision that frames the canvas of what is possible: Shine Through Discovery – Let Your Light Shine. What is your light? How will it shine?
Take every opportunity this term to be the best person God intends you to be in whatever pursuit you endeavour. Let us be mindful of those around the world who are suffering at this moment. Let us keep them in our prayers. (Please click here to read the Principal’s Address in full.)
Further information about our three Anzac Day ceremonies (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary) can be found in other parts of this Newsletter
Year 6 Camp
We were fortunate to have been able to go ahead with the Year 6 Camp this week, albeit with relevant restrictions put in place by Forest Edge Recreation Camp. I visited the Camp last evening and the enjoyment and high spirits of the students was evident. I thank the Year 6 teachers for ensuring this very important event continued, even with the COVID restrictions in place.
Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)
We warmly welcome all families to attend our first NPCC meeting of the year on Monday 10 May.
Featured on the meeting agenda will be an overview of our Annual School Improvement Plan for 2021 with a presentation from our Gifted and Talented Teacher K-10, Ms Lara Ognenis.
Lara will speak about our Strategic Intent for this year “To develop extension learning pathways that enhance the opportunities for gifted and talented students.” The strategies we have put in place to enable the College to achieve this intent are:
- Implementation of a K-10 GATE program utilsing contemporary, evidence-based practices
- Upskill teaching staff on strategies to extend gifted and talented students within mainstream classrooms.
- Explore external and internal opportunities (competitions, programs, electives) that enable Newman students to be challenged academically at a state and national level.
I look forward to seeing you there.
We look forward to the term ahead.
John Finneran
PRINCIPAL
Highlights from past two weeks
New Staff
We wish to welcome Ms Sarah Francia to our College Community. Ms Francia is the classroom teacher for Year 1 Red. Jordan Day-Perkins returns this term as the Year 1 Red Classroom teacher. We hope you will join with us in making them feel welcomed and supported.
ANZAC Assembly
Year 2 Blue students and staff led us in our ANZAC Prayer Assembly last Wednesday. Thank you to Naomi Shepherd for coming to share her story with us. Staff and students were enthralled with her reflection of her contribution of service, past and present, that she has given to the Armed Forces.
Important Information for the next two weeks
Important Information for the next two weeksPhoto Day
A reminder to all families that our photo day is on Friday 14 May. It is very important that all students attend wearing the correct uniform on this day. Years 1 and 2 must wear full winter uniform, Pre-Primary students must wear full PE uniform.
We hope that all students can be present at school this day, as school photos often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.
Mother’s Day
As part of the Business and Enterprise Program, Education Support Students will be creating a Mother’s Day stall selling items they have created and made, on Friday 7 May from 8.00am. These items make beautiful gifts and is a great opportunity to buy that special little something for Sunday.
We encourage all families to join us for our Mother’s Day Liturgy on Thursday 6 May at St Cecilia’s Church from 9:00am, presented by Year 1.
Family Fun Friday
Activities will recommence on Friday 7 May. We encourage parents to participate in this initiate.
Gamechangers
Our Marist Youth Ministry Program, Gamechangers, across Year 7-12 has begun gathering again in Term 2. Our Year 10 and Year 11 groups have had the opportunity to gather at St Joseph’s Subiaco to take part in a reflection day that focus’ on the themes relevant to the groups.
Sacramental Retreats
Our Year 3 students gathered in the Marist Auditorium to participate in their Reconciliation Sacramental retreat. This experience helps to prepare them for their upcoming sacrament and further helps their understanding of forgiveness and mercy. Thanks to 24/7 Youth Ministry for facilitating the day and to Jane Short and the classroom teachers for preparing the students.
Thursday Community Mass
Our week 2 Thursday Community Mass was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. We look forward to welcoming staff, students and families back to our Champagnat Chapel in Week 3, Thursday 6 May at 8.10am to celebrate.
Week 3 Mass is hosted by Thomas More Guild and Year 5 students. Week 4 Mass will be hosted by Brigid Guild and Year 6 students. Hosting students are expected to attend.
It was great to welcome our students to Term 2 last week. Their renewed energy and enthusiasm was evident. They have settled back into school life with ease, despite the challenges that restrictions presented. It promises to be a long and busy term and we encourage students to maintain their pace of study and focus, whilst also making time for friends, family and fun.
Thank you to all our teachers and staff members for the preparation and planning you have undertaken to ensure a smooth start to the term for our students.
ANZAC Day
Across the College this week, we marked the significance of ANZAC Day by gathering as a community to respectfully celebrate our past and present service men and women. We acknowledged the sacrifice men and women made for the freedom and safety of others. Thank you to special guests, students and staff who led these services.
School Production – Little Shop of Horrors
Rehearsals have commenced for our 2021 production. Families were emailed details regarding opening night. Our Auditorium will be transformed into a restaurant for a Dinner Theatre Experience. While our cast and crew dazzle in this energetic horror, comedy, rock musical; guests will enjoy a sumptuous three course gourmet seated meal, including a selection of beer, wine, and coffee/tea. Tables are limited, you will need to get it quick! Please click the link below and fill out the form to register your attendance. Standard theatre ticket packages will be released in the coming weeks.
Parent Sundowner
It is with great sadness that we must inform all parents that the Parent Sundowner which was scheduled to be held on Friday 7 May at 5:00pm has been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. We wish to advise all ticket holders that they will receive a full refund over the coming days.
The next opportunity for all parents to come together will be at the Parents Soiree in Term 4 as part of the Newman College Arts Festival. Further details will be communicated in Term 3.
Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting (NPCC) – Monday 10 May, 7.00pm
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. At the next NPCC, our Gifted and Talented specialist, Ms Lara Ognenis, will present the Newman College ‘SHINE’ program for gifted and talented students across the primary and secondary. It is an exciting space for the College, this program continues to enrich and extend student learning in inter-disciplinary and innovative ways.
Problem Solve It Immersion – Parent Information Evening – Wednesday 12 May
It is with great pleasure we announce the re-commencement of the Problem-Based Learning Immersion for students in Years 9 and 10. Newman College has partnered with the Singapore Republic Polytechnic (RP) and the University of Western Australia (UWA) to offer our students a unique immersive learning experience. The 4-day immersion experience will run from Tuesday 13 July until Friday 16 July 2021, spending time in both Mandurah and the Perth CBD.
This opportunity will only be available to a limited number of students and will incur a cost. An information session will be held on Wednesday 12 May @ 5.30pm in the John Henry Learning Hub. Full details of the immersion, along with enrolment procedures, will be discussed at this time.
Please click here to register your attendance.
Fun Fact
Did you know that between 1920 and 2020, the average human life span doubled? What if everything else doubled too, like number of years in formal schooling! As we evolve as humans, lifelong learning becomes an absolute necessity. Learning, in whatever form, helps us to remain challenged, happy, feeling alive and growing – all the days of our lives
Code of Conduct
The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
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.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.
Easter Liturgy
Across the PK-12 community, students celebrated the Easter story through the Stations of the Cross. Each liturgy gave students an opportunity to reflect on the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. The beauty of the Easter message is truly the belief in the resurrection, as all are invited to new life through a relationship with Christ.
This Lenten period students have opportunities to fast through the Caritas Fast fundraiser, give alms through project compassion and pray through Thursday morning Mass and Student-Led prayer. This is all in preparation for a relationship with Jesus and the reminder that this relationship can be life changing, just as it was for the first apostles and disciples over 2000years ago.
A special thanks to our families for their generosity, our staff for their work in walking with our students on their faith journey and our students for being open to the presence of God in their life.
From all of us here at Newman College we wish you and your families a happy and holy Easter. This year’s Marist theme is Breathe – The Spirit of Life, we encourage all families to be present and reflect on your time with family and friends.
Marian Campus Easter Liturgy
Lavalla Campus Easter Liturgy
Marcellin Campus Easter Liturgy
Start of Term 2
School will return for all students on Tuesday 20 April. On Monday 19 April our staff will participate in Professional Learning and will work together to create our individual Professional Growth Plans, which help us to reflect on our performance, and continually improve.
Uniform Expectations
All students are reminded of the expectations relating to their personal presentation. Please click here to access uniform requirements and guidelines. Some changes were made at the end of 2020 and are reflected in this document. If you need to purchase new uniform items, please ensure you give yourself adequate time.
Uniform Shop – School Holiday Opening Hours
- Tuesday 13/4/21, 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Wednesday 14/4/21, 12.00pm – 6.00pm
- Friday 16/4/21, 12.00pm – 5.00pm
Thank you in advance to all families for your partnership in ensuring College guidelines are upheld along with your support of our Leaders of Wellbeing in the application of this expectation.
8-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
Interviews will be held in the Marist Auditorium on Thursday 29 April from 3.45pm – 8.00pm. An email will be forwarded early next term with details confirming how to access bookings through our online booking system, Parent Teacher Online (PTO).
Code of Conduct
The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12. Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.
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.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.
Our Humanities Department has been very busy this week, organising some exciting activities and opportunities for our students in celebration of HASS Week. Our students have participated in games, and ASX Competition, a Geography challenge and a dress-up day. Students across PK-12 enjoyed dressing-up and showcasing their cultural heritage on Friday which coincided with Harmony Day.
Safe to say that all students have thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful activities and opportunities on offer this week!
When our children start school, parents recognise the importance of reading, writing and numeracy. Often, parents read to their children to encourage pre-literacy skills and sing number songs and rhymes which they know will assist them in their journey to become literate and numerate. What we sometimes fail to overlook, particularly in our increasingly digital world, is the importance of fundamental movement and gross motor skills in the learning journey of each child.
In early childhood, educators place a great importance on the development of fundamental movement skills, not only as a pre-cursor to athletic skills and abilities, but because we recognise the vital role they play to children’s success in reading, writing and general learning. Some examples include:
- Without good core strength, children will be unable to sit at a desk and write effectively
- The skill of crossing the midline allows both sides of the brain to coordinate smooth, controlled, and complex movement. It is an important skill that allows children to undertake daily tasks such as reading, writing, and tying shoelaces.
- Planning and sequencing movement allows children to follow multi-step instructions. This is vital for children to be able to successfully follow classroom and learning instructions, or to be able to sequence and retell stories (a key comprehension skill)
- Children’s vestibular development helps them to identify where their body is in space and is also linked to eye movements. This is needed for children to be able to track moving objects, scan and discriminate between objects. This skill impacts activities such as reading, playing sports, adjusting visual attention whilst moving, and maintaining attention when alternating between looking at the whiteboard and then at their own work.
Further, all the key skills such as balancing, climbing, jumping, throwing, catching, skipping, and running all play a huge role in contributing to children’s physical, cognitive and social development and are thought to provide the foundation for an active lifestyle.
HASS and Harmony Week celebrations
Thank you to the children who participated in our Harmony and HASS dress-up day today. It was lovely to see such a wide range of cultures represented, and to hear from the children the reasons behind their costume.
The children engaged in a range of old-style games as part of our Family Fun Friday activities, including quoits, elastics, skipping and hopscotch, as a nod to the history learning area.
To read more and to view photos from the day click here.
School Photo Day
Families should take note that the day for our school photos has been set for this year – Friday 14 May. More information will be made available to families around uniform requirements and the photo ordering process as we get closer to the date. It is important that all students attend on the day, as school photos become treasured memories over the years, and we would love for all students to be represented in their class.
Easter Liturgy & Raffle
Our Year 1 students will be hosting our Easter Liturgy next Thursday 1 April commencing at 9.00am in St Cecilia’s Parish. There will be a re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross by our Year 1 students.
Our annual Easter Raffle to raise funds for Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal will be held in the Marian Hall after lunch on Thursday. I would like to thank parents for their generous donations of Easter Eggs, and the purchase of raffle tickets. I would also like to extend my thanks to Kirsten Button and her team of volunteers for their time in assembling all the prizes for our raffle.
Parent Reps 2021
The role of the Parent Representative is to support the teacher and the other parents in building up a sense of community in the sub-groups of the Newman College Pre K-6 community. This years Parent Representatives are as follows:
- Pre-Kindy: Katie Houlahan
- Kindy Red: Angela McGrath
- Kindy Green: Maree Hutcheon and Bree Summerfield
- Kindy Blue: Steph D’Allesandro
- Pre-Primary Red: Anastasia Diamond
- Pre-Primary Green: Melody Ridge and Michaela Gill
- Pre-Primary Blue: Rowena Reid
- 1 Red: Amanda Wright
- 1 Green: Carmel Lowson
- 1 Blue: Carla Cardaci-Anza
- 2 Red: Joy Gondariya
- 2 Green: Kirsten Button
- 2 Blue: Veronika Panzic
Pre-Primary Excursion to Landsdale Farm
Last Friday, our Pre-Primary students had an exciting excursion to Landsdale Farm. They all came back looking hot, tired but very happy – the sign of a great day!
As we enter the final week of Term 1, we naturally reflect on all we have accomplished in such a small time. Students and families across the PK-12 community have continued to demonstrate a generosity of spirit and awareness to the needs of the most vulnerable as we continue to fundraise for Project Compassion through our Easter Raffle and various community events. The Easter Raffle will be drawn during the Primary Easter Liturgy’s. See below for details of each Campus liturgy.
Year 6 Confirmation Retreat
The Year 6 students participated in a Confirmation Retreat led by the 24:7 Youth Ministry Team. They were guided through a series of activities to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Click here to read more and to see more photos from the day.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
During Lent our Year 4-6 students have had the opportunity to participate in the rite of Reconciliation. Through this Sacrament we are reconciled with God and the people we have hurt, we receive Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and are strengthened on our journey. Many thanks to Fr Kaz from Floreat Parish and Fr Patrick from Scarborough Parish, who have celebrated Reconciliation with our classes.
Easter Liturgy
Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin will be commemorating our Lenten Journey with Easter Liturgy’s on Thursday 1 April. The liturgies will be a reflection on the Stations of the Cross.
- Marian: 9.00am St Cecilia’s Church
- Lavalla: 2.00pm Marist Auditorium
- Marcellin: 2.25pm College Gym
Gamechangers
Year 7 Gamechangers Retreat Day was held on Friday 26 March. It was a fantastic opportunity to build student capacity and understanding of what it means to belong to family and how we can let our light shine. Students gathered at St Joseph’s Subiaco with the 24/7 Youth Ministry and the Marist Youth Ministry team. Thank you to Br Terry, Aleisha Crump, Albert Zollo and the 24/7 Team for their support on the day.
Our Gamechangers groups across Year 7-12 continue to gather on Tuesday and Wednesday. Retreat Days for the other year groups will commence in Term 2. Year 10’s Friday Week 1 and Year 11’s Friday Week 2.
For more photos from Gamechangers please click here.
Thursday Morning Mass
We celebrated our final morning Mass for Term 1 in Week 8. Thank you to our Guild Coordinators, Jane Short REC Primary and local Priests for leading the celebrations this term. Looking forward to welcoming everyone back into the Champagnat Chapel for Thursday Week 1.
Student Led Prayer
Our Faith and Liturgy Captains, Sarah Kerr & Lucy Brennan continue to grow from strength to strength as they offer reflections for students on a Friday morning continue to grow from strength to strength as they offer reflections for students on a Friday morning in the Chapel. Each week the Captains choose a topic and invite students to reflect and pray together. All are welcome on Friday morning from 8.25am. Send your child along to start the day right. Below are some images from our most recent Student Led Prayer.
Prayer Assemblies
Marian and Lavalla have used their Prayer Assemblies in Term 1 to reflect on the Caritas stories of the people who are supported by our annual Project Compassion fundraiser. It has been a pleasure to see the students engage with the stories of these communities and reflect on how we can, from our position of privilege, help the most vulnerable in our community.
Prayer assemblies are celebrated every Monday 8.45am at Lavalla and Wednesday 9.00am at Marian.
