Lent
The Lenten Season commenced at Newman College on Wednesday 17 February with liturgies across the College. Our commitment again in 2021 is in supporting Project Compassion and the work of Caritas Australia, the Catholic Church’s international aid and development organisation. It is one thing to raise money for organisations such as Caritas and understand the value it brings to their work, as it is equally important for us to understand why these agencies exist.
In our Catholic Community, we are committed to the common good and the option for the poor; two significant Catholic social teaching principles that are predicated on supporting and building community. Over many years our College has not only raised money but provided immersion experiences for our students to assist and grow their understanding of the significant work of the Church in disadvantaged communities. The impact on our students is reflected in how they animate and create awareness to others about the importance of supporting developing communities.
Last week, as an example, Newman College was recognised for its significant contribution to the Kuya Centre for Street Children in the Philippines. Over the past five years we have provided tens of thousands of dollars in support while at the same time provided the opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the work of Kuya and advocate for their work. Whilst we cannot visit in these times, creating awareness and giving our students the opportunity to ask critical questions about the world in which we live, with a view to be people of action, will continue.
I really encourage all students and families to get behind this campaign and the stories that are being used by Caritas to promote their work.
Year 12 Retreat
This week, Vice Principal Dr Lucie McCrory and I visited the Year 12 Retreats in Serpentine. I thank students for immersing themselves in this very significant opportunity, which most students maintain was the highlight of their school life. For many students this will be their last opportunity to take the time to reflect on their place in the world, their connection to God and to each other. In many ways Retreat is a significant rite of passage for our students as they prepare to conclude their secondary education and go off into the world. To view photos from the Year 12 Retreat please click here.
Newman College Advisory Council
Our Newman College Advisory Council had its first meeting of 2021 last evening. Members were introduced to our new Vice Principal, Dr Lucie McCrory; they were also taken on a tour of our new facilities.
Our Advisory Council is integral to the governance of our College. As a religious institute school of Marist Schools Australia, our Advisory Council provides advice and support to me as Principal and the College Leadership Team in the governance of our school. Each member of our Advisory Council is appointed by Marist Schools Australia and comprises both parents and community members with diverse experience in a variety of disciplines.
From Left to Right: Nerreda Hillier, Veronika Metcalf, John Finneran, Stephen Lee, Steve Halley-Wright, Joseph Burke, Lucie McCrory (absent Br Terry Orrell, Michael O’Sullivan)
Swim Carnivals
Marcellin Campus Swim Carnival was held during Week 3 and the Lavalla Swim Carnival was held today. Both events showcased the talents of many students, along with some fierce competition and much enjoyment. My thanks to all parents who attended to support their children. To view photos from the Marcellin Campus Swim Carnival please click here. To view photos from the Lavalla Swim Carnival please click here.
Wishing all families every blessing in the weeks ahead.
John Finneran
Principal
Ash Wednesday
Across PK-12 our students had the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of Lent with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Our students reflected on the importance of almsgiving, prayer and fasting. The event also included our Caritas Launch, which is an opportunity to raise awareness and money for the many projects Caritas supports.
Caritas Fast
Students on Marcellin Campus will have the opportunity to participate in the Caritas Fast. This is one of the many projects to assist with our findraising.
The fast is on Wednesday 3 March, and aims to raise much needed funds for Project Compassion. Students need to register their interest with their PCG teachers.
On Wednesday, students participating can wear their Guild uniform, bring in their donations and register with their Guild Captains in Founders Court before the first bell. At recess and lunch students come to Founders Court to receive their rations. Students are asked to receive a minimum of $10 sponsorship to participate in the Fast.
Year 7 Retreat
Our Year 7 students participated in a Retreat Day on Friday 26 February. The day focused on relationships and sought to assist with Year 7’s transition to Newman College. Thank you to the 24/7 Youth Ministry team, who facilitated the day and took our students on a journey of self-discovery, showing them the importance of building relationships with each other as they prepare to travel together until their Graduation in 2026. To view more photo’s from our Year 7 Retreat please click here.
Year 12 Retreat
Week 4 saw our Year 12 students participate in their annual retreat at Serpentine Camping Centre. Students were encouraged to reflect on who they are, their family story, their relationship with God and build positive relationships. It was a wonderful experience where students made many happy memories. A big thank you to Mrs Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12, the staff who gave up their time to support the students on this experience and the students for being open to what the retreat experience offers. This is the beginning of an exciting journey for our young people as they transition into young men and women. To view more photos from the Year 12 Retreat please click here.
Sacramental Program
All students in Years 3, 4 and 6 will have the opportunity to receive sacraments at their Parish. We encourage you to please check your parish website and bulletins to ensure you enrol your child in time for the sacraments. A list of parish websites is available on our College website.
Game Changers
Game Changers will commence for Year 7, 8, 10 and 11 students in Week 6. Gamechangers is our Marist Youth Ministry Program. Click here to watch a video and read more about it. Contact Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry & Advocacy, if you would like your son or daughter to become involved.
Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat
Week 5 Tuesday 2 March, members of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat will gather at St Joseph’s Parish in Subiaco to listen to Timothy Radcliffe OP, celebrate Mass and share a meal at Woodpeckers. If you are interested in attending or learning more about the Association please contact me.
Thursday Morning Community Mass
Every Thursday our PK-12 community are invited to attend Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, commencing at 8.10am. Mass is celebrated by our local clergy who support the College. Our first Mass was celebrate this week by Monsignor Kevin Long and led by Catherine and Year 5 students. Next week, 4 March, Marcellin & Year 4 students will be hosting with Fr Patrick Toohey from Scarborough Parish.
We look forward to welcoming you to our weekly celebration.
It has been so lovely to see the positive way that our students have re-engaged with their learning this year. Teachers across the campus have been undertaking assessments in the areas of literacy and numeracy, which will enable them to ensure that their teaching and learning programs are targeted and specific to each student’s needs.
Last week we gathered as a campus to celebrate Ash Wednesday. The Liturgy was prepared and led by our Year 2 students. This was a lovely start to Lent, and I thank our Year 2 Teachers and the students for their work in preparing for this celebration. Thank you to all families who donated a gold coin towards our Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) fundraiser, which launched off our school’s Caritas Project Compassion appeal.
Assembly
Thank you to Year 1 Green for the engaging assembly that they performed this morning. The joy and excitement on the students’ faces was evident and was a lovely first assembly for 2021.
Congratulations to all our “Celebrate” Merit Award winners for their excellent achievements.
Parent Information Evening
Thank you to the families who attended our Parent Information Evening. If you were unable to attend, all the information that was delivered on the night is now available to access via the Seesaw platform.
Family Fun Friday
We extend an invitation to all families to join us on Friday mornings for our Family Fun Friday activities. Children can participate in a range of activities, whilst parents enjoy a cup of coffee from the coffee van.
Newman Parents – ySafe Cyber Safety Education Session
Newman College is looking forward to welcoming Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety education, ySafe to Newman Parents this term. This practical, strategy-rich session will cover the most important points that all families need to know regarding online safety, covering key information about social media and gaming, screen time recommendations and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber safe home for kids of all ages.
When: Monday 22 March 2021, 7.00pm
Where: Newman College, Marist Auditorium
To register for this free session please click here.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Welcome to another busy week at Newman. The Primary Swimming Carnival, Year 12 Retreat, Parent Information Evenings, Year 7 Retreat, and the start of NAS inter-school sporting competitions were just some of the activities that depict the thriving and flourishing nature of the Newman Community.
Thank you to our Newman College families and staff members for your support and participation in the Parent and Student Information Evenings for 2021. The Kindergarten to Year 7 presentation evenings occurred face to face in our classrooms and Marist Auditorium, and included the option of a student-led tour of our fabulous new St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. The presentations were well attended. In 2021, our Years 8–9 and 11–12 Parent Information Evenings were conducted online and can be reviewed anytime at your convenience.
Parent Teacher Student Interviews
On Thursday 11 March, from 3.30pm – 8.00pm, families with children in Years 7, 11 and 12 will be invited to meet with teachers to discuss the learning journey of their children. Years 8, 9 and 10 will have their Parent Teacher Student interviews on Thursday 29 April, also from 3.30pm – 8.00pm.
These evenings present a great opportunity for partnership and collaboration between families and teachers. Appointments can be made through Parent Teacher Online (PTO), which will be opening shortly. Further details will be shared via an email from the College.
OLNA
The OLNA is an online literacy and numeracy assessment linked to secondary school graduation. It is designed to enable students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirement of demonstrating the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy. Various students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be undertaking the OLNA on Tuesday 2 March. Information will be sent home to those individuals who are impacted.
Homework Club
Homework Club runs every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon between 3.15pm and 5.00pm in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. The Homework Club is an afterschool resource available to all students on the Marcellin Campus. Supervising teachers are available to assist students with tutoring needs. There will also be a provision of weekly, targeted tutorials, tailored to specific learning areas. Once finalised, a roster of these tutorials will be shared with both students and parents.
Research shows that small, additional periods of purposeful study and deliberate practice have a large impact on learning over time. If our students understand the concept and power of enacting study and practice rituals, the motivation to learn will be heightened, and the mastery of any skill (academic, physical, creative, relational social or emotional) will appear more achievable.
Ms Jordan Day-Perkins is our Homework Club Supervisor. For any questions, concerns or suggestions please contact her via email at jordan.dayperkins@cewa.edu.au
IDEAs
On Tuesday 2 March, 20 creative and inspired staff members will commence their 2021 journey on the IDEAs working party. Newman has partnered with academics from the University of Southern Queensland to form this IDEAs group. The participants will undergo a process that enables ideas to be discovered, shaped, prioritised and acted upon, which in turn shapes our College culture and moves us forward as an organisation. This year, the group will focus on the power of technology as an accelerator and will also examine how we connect our pedagogy, resources, and school-wide practice with our new and evolving learning spaces.
Happy Families Online Resource
The College extends complimentary membership to Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families online resource to our entire school community.
Dr Coulson is one of Australia’s most respected and popular Positive Psychology & relationships speaker, facilitator, author, and researcher particularly in family life).
Happy Families membership has an extensive library of resources to offer calm assurance, vision, direction and parenting solutions.
“Connection is at the core of what Justin does and he is passionate about helping others to transform their relationships, and their lives, for the better.”
Launch your free membership today HERE
Pupil Free Days
Parent Teacher Communication Protocols
Parents and carers are reminded that all communication between the child and home needs to come through Administration once the child has arrived at the College. Administration staff can facilitate a phone call or relay any messages and information. Students should not be contacting parents during the day, especially if they are unwell or wanting to leave the College. Primary parents must not use messaging functions via the iPad to communicate with their children. This disrupts their learning and does not reflect responsible management of student devices during school time. Thank you for supporting the College in this manner.
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, 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.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.
What an amazing start we have had to the 2021 school year. Despite some small challenges that the COVID restrictions have posed, we have had a very smooth and successful start. Our teachers have reported that their classes are filled with excited, happy children who have been eager to jump straight back into the learning journey. I would like to express my thanks to all families for their understanding and adherence to COVID restrictions, and for their patience in navigating the new processes.
We warmly welcome all new students and families that have joined the Marian Campus this year, including all our new Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students. We hope you feel very welcome at Newman College, and look forward to the many wonderful memories that will be shared during your child’s educational journey with us.
K-Y2 Parent Information Evening
The Parent Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 16 February from 5.00pm. Classroom Teachers will be presenting important information about the teaching and learning program, and other housekeeping information relevant to your child’s class.
Fitness Friday
We will be recommencing our very popular Fitness Friday activities starting next week. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces of the students as they enjoy a morning of fun with their family and friends. Click Here to see the full list of these activities.
We strongly encourage parents to come down in their exercise gear and join in with their children. Coffee at the College will also run in conjunction with this event, every Friday.
Primary Social Committee / Parent Representatives
All families will have received an email this week, requesting the completion of the Parent Representative Consent Form.
The Parent Representative role is a pastoral and social role, designed to support families throughout the primary school years. The parent representative of your child’s class will compile a contact list using information from consenting families and distribute it to each class member who is willing to share their details.
There is also a questionnaire calling for parents who may be interested in joining our Primary Social Committee (PSC). The PSC meet twice per term to coordinate social events for families and children throughout the school year. If you would like further information regarding the PSC, please email PSC Secretary Kara Edwards karaskyee@hotmail.com
Please complete this form as soon as possible.
Food Allergy Reminder
Please click here to refer to the Food Allergy section of the newsletter regarding important information related to food allergies.
Parking / Drop-off / Pick-up Etiquette
A reminder to all families to adhere to the City of Cambridge road regulations in surrounding streets. Our campus is located in a residential area, and we respectfully ask that you consider our neighbours during the busy pick up and drop off periods.
We continue to encourage families to utilise the drive-through pick up and drop-off area for students in Year 1 and 2. This is a 2-lane system and to ensure it is smooth process, families should utilise the left lane if turning left onto Cambridge Street, and the right drive-through lane if exiting right onto Cambridge street.
Marist Theme 2020
The Marist theme for 2021 is Breathe: The Spirit of Life.
Anthony Clarke, Director of Mission and Life Formation for Marist Australia, reflects:
“In this moment of history, we could not be more aware of how connected we are. An unknown virus spread from a largely unheard-of city to affect every human being on the planet. Pope Francis has been repeatedly reminding us that everything is connected (Laudato Si). I think we can say this realisation is now evident.”
Nothing connects us more intimately than the air we breathe. Life depends upon the exchange of breath between human beings and creation. The average person takes an average of 20,000 breaths each day, this subconscious activity can be easy to forget. Our breathing gives us life. We read in Scripture that God “breathed the breath of life” and created humanity, it is God’s breath, God’s Spirit that gives us life and connects us.
The Marist Theme is depicted in the image by Sharon Williams an Australian Aboriginal woman from the traditional land of the Eastern Arrente people. Ms Williams reflects:
“Creation is bigger than just our planet earth, Creation is about everything in the universe – everything Ngkarte (God) had put there and all those things have Ngkartele Utnenge (God’s Spirit) in them. We are all connected because we all have Ngkartele Utnenge in us. We humans hare very blest because we are able to share in Ngkarte’s creating – when I paint, it is Ngkartele Utnenge who guides me to create something that has never been before, and then Ngkartele Utnenge is that painting. When I care for my children in our families and help them grow – that is the being part of Ngkarte’s creating too. It is very precious to be able to share in Ngkarte’s creating in our Universe.”
As we journey in 2021, let us not forget our relationship to one another, our connection through the air we breathe. Let us make the choice to be a be a spirit of fresh air to one another, where we bring joy, peace, forgiveness and love to the people we encounter.
As we make this journey together in 2021 as a PK-12 community, let us remember God’s Spirit, the Spirit of Life, is walking with us as we strive to be the person God has called us to be. When we are feeling overwhelmed and stress, remember to breathe and recall the words of Jesus who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Looking forward to a great year in 2021.
Shrove Tuesday
On Tuesday the 16th of February in week 3, we will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, observed in many Christian countries through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year’s Holy Week palms, finalising one’s Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes! As such on Tuesday the 16th of February we will be selling pancakes to raise money for the College appeals. Students will be able to purchase pancakes from 8.15am on both the Marcellin and Lavalla Campus. Marian students will be making pancakes in their classrooms and are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation.
Ash Wednesday
As a PK-12 Catholic community, we will be holding a number of celebrations on Wednesday 17 February for Ash Wednesday. This is a significant day in the life of the Church and as such, Liturgies will be celebrated across Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin Campuses. This year ashes will be distribute by a sprinkling over the head of students. This is following the directives and mandate from the Vatican and CEWA.
Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent which is a 40-day season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, almsgiving and prayer. The colour purple is used for all liturgical events during Lent to remind us of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. We look forward to recognising and commemorating this sacred occasion in Week 3.
Project Compassion: Caritas Launch
Ash Wednesday is also the day that Caritas Launch their annual fundraising and awareness appeal – Project Compassion. Project Compassion brings together millions of Australians in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
This year’s Project Compassion theme is: “Aspire not to have more, but to BE MORE”. Each week of Lent, Caritas profiles a person who is involved in a Caritas project and always gives 100%. These stories will be viewed across the College with students being invited to understand the challenges others are facing around the world. In a fundraising effort for this appeal there will be several activities across the College, we ask families to please support generously to this worthy cause.
Thursday Morning Community Mass
Our community Mass will commence once more in Week 4 of Term 1. All families, staff and students are invited to attend this community event that is at the very heart of our Catholic story. Mass begins at 8.10am every week and will be hosted by different Year groups and Guilds throughout the year. Week 4 Thursday 26 February will be hosted by Catherine Guild and Year 5 students.
Year of St Joseph
Pope Francis on December 8, 2020 published an Apostolic Letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart), commemorating the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. Resources and information about the Year of St Joseph can be found at the Australian Catholic Bishop’s website here
200 Years of Catholic Education
Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.
Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school. This represents some 768,000 students in 1,751 schools across the country and employing 98,000 teachers and staff. Nearly 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.
Marist’s arrived 50 years after the first Catholic school was established and began educating students in NSW before coming to WA in 1913. This year as part of Catholic Education we will look to celebrate this important milestone and reflect on the part we have played in growing people of faith for the future.
Resources and more information can be found here.
Dear Parents and Guardians
We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming everyone back to school this week. I take this opportunity to thank all students and parents for preparing well in terms of COVID for our return to school. The students have responded extremely well under the restrictions that have been put in place across the school.
Mask wearing, particularly on the Marcellin campus, has been done really well. On all campuses, students’ commitment to hand hygiene has been excellent and respective signage and reminders are placed in many areas across the College.
Further to these restrictions has been the reframing of our High Achievers and parent information events to an online forum which, going forward, is a viable means for future meetings.
The PK-12 Mass was postponed and we are looking at another time for families to gather on the grass later this year. Student Leaders will receive a blessing at an upcoming Thursday morning Community Mass, at a date to be advised. Parents of Student Leaders will be invited to attend the Mass and hospitality afterwards.
COVID-19
It is anticipated that restrictions will be lifted this Sunday. However, should any further COVID-19 related information be forthcoming, Newman College families will be advised immediately. (Information circulated previously can be viewed on our COVID-19 web page.)
St John Henry Newman Learning Hub – Marcellin Campus
This week, it was wonderful to see, at long last, our students in Years 3-12 enjoying this superb facility. These spaces are a reflection of our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery, Let your light shine (Matt 5:16) which hopes to engender a sense of collaboration, creativity and innovation. These spaces, put simply, de-privatise learning allowing for visibility, flexibility and accessibility. We are still working through some of the arrangements in terms of Homework Club and supervision. This will be communicated to families through the Deputy Principal Secondary, Ms Carla Pastorelli, in the coming weeks.
High Achievers and Student Leaders Commissioning
It was unfortunate that two of our larger events to commence the school year, the High Achievers Assembly and the PK-12 Family Mass, could not go ahead in the usual way due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Western Australia.
However, we were able to compromise and combine the acknowledging of our High Achievers and Years 6 and 12 Student Leaders during an online assembly on Wednesday. Both these events are highlights in our College calendar as they represent the very best of students and their commitment to excellence.
I thank all those who contributed to the organisation of this event and for those who attended ‘online’.
In my Principal’s Address I spoke of the complexity and challenges that have pervaded the world over the last 12 months with the advent of the COVID Pandemic becoming very real for us here in WA. In a local context, the COVID crisis here has been compounded by fires and floods across the State. For each crisis there have been many who have risen to the challenge, responded with courage, acted with conviction and sought to animate others to do the same.
How we respond to challenges and how we overcome adversity is the mark of a society.
On 20 January this year we witnessed the inauguration of the new USA President Joseph R Biden. This event is a significant pivot point in the world in light of the unrest that has permeated that country …..and many would argue in other parts of the world. For example, two weeks earlier the Capitol Building in Washington DC, in which the inauguration was held, was stormed by protestors exemplifying in some ways the duress the USA has endured.
The highlight of this ceremony for me was the inspirational words – not from the newly elected president – but from a young woman, Amanda Gorman…….. the youngest inaugural poet in US History who recited her poem “The Hill We Climb”.
An excerpt from her poem:
But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just redemption. We feared it at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it, we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves so while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe? Now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
Amanda’s message draws upon one’s individual (yours) intent as a citizen, a member of a society who has the power to make a difference. It is incumbent upon every member of our community – for students, teachers and alumni – to know that they have the power to be the author of a new chapter, to proffer hope, to prevail over the challenges and the complexities and the opportunities that are now inherently a part of the world in which we live.
Her concluding statement draws us to our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery, Let your light shine (Matt 5:16) where she focuses on the power of light. She says:
“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Please click here to view the full speech.
Lent
Next week we commence our Lenten journey. The College will again be supporting Caritas Project Compassion which seeks to support communities across the world in most need. I encourage all students to get behind this campaign whilst at the same time continue to develop their own faith.
There are many events and opportunities for our students to let their light shine and I encourage all students to take advantage of what is on offer.
I wish all students, staff and families well for the start of Term 1.
John Finneran
Principal
Welcome back to the 2021 academic year.
As you are aware, the PK-12 Family Mass was cancelled due to the current restrictions imposed by COVID-19. It was also necessary to reformat our Class of 2020 High Achievers Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 10 February, which was live streamed and can be viewed online.
We Commissioned our Year 6 and Year 12 student leaders at the assembly, congratulations to these fine young women and men. We look forward to supporting you as leaders of our community.
2021 High Achievers Assembly
Regrettably, we were unable to invite our 2020 High Achievers to return to the College in person to celebrate their impressive efforts. Students were acknowledged at the assembly for their achievements, and the community was blessed to hear about their inspiring plans for life beyond Newman College.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all the graduates in the Class of 2020, to the teachers that supported them in their senior secondary schooling, and to all teachers who fuelled a love of learning in them over their time at Newman.
Please Click Here to view 2020 College results.
Staff Professional Learning
Staff members have been busily preparing for the commencement of the school year. Teachers prepared both face-to-face and virtual learning for this week just in case unforeseen circumstance eventuated in remote learning. Should such a situation arise in the future, we will be well-placed to ‘flick the switch’ into the remote schooling mode.
As a staff, we looked at our Annual School Improvement Plan and have started to assemble teams to work on strategies and actions to deliver results across our four priority areas of; A Catholic school in the Marist Tradition; Transformational Learning; A Culture of Innovation and Excellence; Sustainability.
Seven learning areas relocated into our collective Staff Study area over the last couple of weeks. The transition is nearly finished, and we hope that the space provides a collegial, supportive, and collaborative learning environment for teachers to converse and work. Our new learning spaces in the St John Henry Learning Hub and the S Block are also now operational. We will all be on a learning journey to discover how best to use these fantastic new-age spaces.
Parent Information Evenings
The Year 11 and Year 12 Parent Information Evenings were reformatted to go online. Both events were broadcast to the parent community on the afternoon of Wednesday 10 February. Parents were emailed a link to the respective videos.
We hope to be able to meet with our Year 11 and 12 Parent community at other College events as the year progresses; such as the Parent Teacher Interview Evening scheduled for Week 6.
Next week we hope to welcome our K- Year 6 (Tuesday 16 February) and Year 7 (Monday 15 February) communities to attend their Parent Information Evenings.
Our Year 8 and Year 9 Parent Information Evenings will be held virtually on Monday 22 February and our Year 10 Parent Information Night will occur later in the year, in conjunction with the subject selection process.
Parent Teacher Communication Protocols
Parents are reminded that the most efficient and effective method for contacting teachers and support staff is through the staff member’s CEWA email address. In most cases, our staff will respond to the communication as appropriate, within 48 hours.
Updating Family Contact Details
If there are any changes to your contact details (ie phone number, email address or home address) please ensure you advise the College Registrar via registrar@newman.wa.edu.au
This will ensure your child’s enrolment record contains the most up to date details.
Download Advice of Family Change Form
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 those events outside of school hours that are associated with the College 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.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.
The Code of Conduct will be spoken to at Campus and Year Group Information Evenings in the weeks ahead.
Food Allergy Reminder
Newman College would like to offer a reminder to all families that we are a ‘Nut Aware’ school. It is NOT nut free.
Families should be advised that the College cannot guarantee the absence of all nut products or traces of nuts within food across the College. Parents are strongly encouraged to speak with their child and encourage them not to share food with others. We ask parents to please refrain from including any items in their child’s lunchbox that contains nuts (eg. Nut bars, peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches). We also ask that parents do not provide food items to celebrate their child’s birthday. Parents are welcome to provide small novelty items if they like, but it is not necessary. Our classroom teachers are very good at making all birthday children feel special and celebrated.
It is pertinent that any child with an identified allergy has completed a Medical Management Plan and discussed this with their child’s teacher.
The College Canteen does provide a ‘Nut Aware’ service, but cannot guarantee that food and beverages served from the Canteen do not contain traces of Nuts, Crustaceans, Fish, Milk, Eggs, Sesame, Soybean and Wheat. If families are reliant on the Canteen for the provision of food and beverages to a child WITH an allergy, they are advised to contact the Canteen Manager, Donna McFadden donna.mcfadden@cewa.edu.au
The Canteen is available daily for children of the College. Click here for further details.
Capital Development Project
I am delighted to confirm that our Capital Development Project, the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub, as well as modifications to S Block, are finished and ready for the commencement of students on Monday and Tuesday. The completion of this Project realises the College’s commitment to contemporary and relevant pedagogy where learning programs are increasingly differentiated and individualised, as inspired through the pedagogical pillars of our Vision for Learning – Challenge, Collaborate, Create, Celebrate.
It has been a very challenging time for the school over the last 12 months and I again thank students and staff for their patience in the disruptions that occurred in 2020. As practical completion only occurred in the last week it has been a massive effort to bring to fruition our learning spaces for the commencement of the school year. There are still minor works to be completed over the next fortnight with limited disruption to the College timetable. We will be showcasing these spaces at our forthcoming information evening and throughout the year. I am sure our students across Years 3-12 will enjoy these wonderful contemporary learning spaces.
Repairs and Maintenance
Across Lavalla and Marian Campuses respectively there are gazetted improvement that will occur during the course of Term 1. These include a new playground at Lavalla, along with flexible glass dividing walls between classrooms. At Marian over the holidays new grass was laid in the Pre-Primary playground and there was also a major turf renovation on the Marian oval. In addition, there was programmed painting across different parts of all campuses.
Newman College Bus
We are delighted to haven taken ownership of a brand new 27 seater bus for our College. This is a great resource for our entire school and will assist with transporting our students.
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2020 for their individual and collective WACE results. It was a challenging year, and they should be commended for their dedication and efforts. We look forward to recognising High Achievers and Award winners in front of the student body on Wednesday 3 February at the High Achievers Assembly. Below are a number of highlights from our data analysis:
- 22.3% of all ATAR students received an ATAR above 90
- 92.3% of University-bound students were offered a place in main round offers
- 88% of University-bound students received an offer for their first preference
- 98.8% of students attained a WACE
- 47 Certificate courses were achieved
- 1 Subject Certificate of Excellence (Top 0.5% in the state) was achieved
- 23 Distinction and Merit Awards were achieved
- Newman College had the highest performing students in the state in:
Religion and Life
Modern History
Outdoor Education
The success of a cohort is maximised by each student being placed in a pathway that is commensurate to their ability and interests. In 2021 there will be a continued focus on working in partnership with students and families to ensure that students select the most appropriate courses and pathways to meet their goals.
Download 2020 Results Brochure
