Sing and Strings + Year 7 Music Collective
The “Sing and Strings” vocal and string showcase and “Year 7 Music Collective” were both held on Wednesday 18 November in the Marist Auditorium. Each concert featured solo, small group and large ensemble performances, demonstrating the hard work our musicians have put into developing their skills on their instrument or voice. Congratulations to all students for their wonderful performances and thank you to parents and staff for their support.
College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.
Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
This play will be brought to life by Newman College students across Years 5-12, in the stunning Neman College Marist Auditorium. Purchase tickets here.
Save the Date – K-12 Christmas Carols, Marcellin Oval Wednesday 9 December
- 4.30pm – 5.00pm: Family Picnic and School Concert Band
- 5.00pm – 6.30pm: Carols by Perth Fortress Brass Band & Chamber Chior
Families can set up picnic blankets and chairs in the designated area from 4.30pm onwards. Seating is unreserved, all family and friends are welcome.
In keeping with the College’s compliance with Duty of Care and Risk Mitigation parents please be aware that this function is an alcohol free event.
Advent
The Season of Advent commences next week. In the life of the Catholic Church, it is a time for preparing for the pending celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas. Within our own community we will attend Christmas liturgies during the remaining weeks of Term across all Campuses. During this time we are invited to deepen our personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
I encourage families in the weeks ahead to take the time to reflect on this invitation and perhaps make the time to attend one of our remaining Community Masses which are held each Thursday morning at 8.10am.
NAIDOC Week
Over the course of last week, NAIDOC celebrations were held across Australia. In our community, students actively participated in celebrating the history, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at our respective Campus assemblies. This occasion again reminds all of us of the importance of Reconciliation in our country. Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are committed to strategically and practically building a culture which acknowledges, affirms and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As a Marist School, we strive to embed our Marist characteristics every day; Family Spirit, In the Way of Mary, Simplicity, Presence and a Love of Work. At the core of these characteristics is the developing of relationships that are imbued by our family spirit, united in Christ’s love.
To this end, we want our staff, students and families to increase their understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning. We strive to create a culturally supportive environment so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australian families build a community of respectful relationships.
Capital Development – Learning Hub Marcellin Campus
This week saw additional restrictions to the movement of staff and students across the Marcellin Campus. Due to landscaping works commencing this week until the end of year, many access paths have been cut off.
I take this opportunity to thank staff and students for their ongoing patience as we move to the end of the building program. We are confident that the significant inconvenience experienced during 2020 will be rewarded when we commence operating out of the new state-of-the-art facility from the commencement of 2021.
Examinations
Today marks the end of WACE and Year 11 Examinations for our Senior Students. We trust they are satisfied with their efforts leading up to this period and that their results are commensurate with their efforts.
GATE Showcase
Last week, I attended the GATE Showcase at the Lavalla Campus which was well supported by parents. The focus of the Showcase was the students’ Project for Homeless. I commend the students for their high level of critical thinking and reflection that went into their presentations. This Showcase exemplified the strategic direction the College is taking in building opportunities for students in our Gifted and Talented Program.
In 2021 a strategic priority area of Transformational Learning identifies GATE as an area of development across the College. To that end, we have appointed a GATE Teacher K-10 who will commence developing a plan to provide:
- Implementing learning and teaching programs for students identified as gifted and talented for K-6 and co-curricular programs for students Years 7-10
- Professional Learning for teaching staff
- Leading parent and community engagement opportunities that promote the College’s gifted and talented offering
College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
We are looking forward to attending our much anticipated Production, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, later this month. Students and staff have been working tirelessly to ensure an enjoyable and engaging event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions for seating, further sessions have been scheduled. If families have not yet organised their tickets, I encourage all to do so by clicking here.
Memorial for Mrs Caroline Payne, Principal Corpus Christi College Bateman
Last Friday, WA principals were provided the opportunity to attend a Memorial Mass for Caroline Payne. Caroline passed away earlier in the year following a long illness. However, the COVID-19 situation did not allow such a Memorial to take place at the time.
Caroline was an outstanding leader and educator exemplified by a long and successful career in Catholic Education. She spoke fondly of her time with the Marist Brothers in Bunbury as an early career teacher and the impact the charism had on her formation as a person. She took that ‘Love of Mary’ everywhere she went and we at Newman had the good fortune of her being a member and Chair of Council for three years.
Caroline has had a significant and wonderful impact on many students and their families. During her career, she has reached out and touched many lives and leaves a very special legacy both within Catholic Education and Newman College.
Marist Football Club Newsletter
To read the latest newsletter click here.
Newman Sienna Netball Club
Lord let us see your face and we shall be saved. PS 80: 3
As we move towards the end of the year, we approach the beginning of the Church calendar, the liturgical season known as Advent. This word comes from the Latin adventus and refers to the ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’, hence in the Church it is used to prepare us for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
Ah, another Christmas! What immediately comes to mind? Be honest. Do we think of God’s love for each of us? A divine love so perfect that he sent his only Son to save us; a Son who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, is truly God-made-Flesh? Or are our first thoughts about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards to be written and sent, the food to be prepared, beating the last-minute traffic rush? Oh yes, and where will I most conveniently fit in Christmas Mass this year?
I think we can all relate to this. But in doing all these things, let’s not forget the very reason why we do them. We are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, our Lord and our salvation. So, while still doing all these other things leading into Christmas, please also take the time to stop, to remember, and to pray.
Game Changers Launch
In Weeks 5 and 6, our Years 9 and 10 students have been introduced to Game Changers and invited to participate in the 2021 program. Game Changers is a Marist Youth Ministry Program that aims to build an understanding of Christian Leadership, Prayer, Community and Service. Students can participate in this program from Years 7–12. Click here to watch the Game Changers video that explains more about our program.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Appeal is in full swing across PK-12. Students are asked to bring in food donations that will go into hampers that will be distributed to those in need within our local community.
This week students at Marian and Lavalla began collecting donations to support the annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal at St Cecilia’s Church in the Parish of Floreat / Wembley. Each class has been allocated a variety of items to donate to support those families in our community who are struggling this Christmas. These donations include items to help create a Christmas meal for families, ensure their pantries will be stocked and a variety of gifts for families in need. Donations will be collected over the next two weeks.
Marcellin students have been collecting for the past week and will continue to collect until Week 8. Collected donations from Marcellin support Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview Parish in supporting families in the local community.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of this appeal, especially to those students who have already bought in their donation.
Altar Server Training
Years 5 and Year 6 students have commenced Altar Serving training in the Chapel with Mr Diamond and Mrs Short. The preparation takes place over four sessions and invites students to consider what it means to be an Altar Server and how they will carry out this ministry in both the life of the College and in their Parish communities. At the conclusion of the formation training students will be commissioned at our Community Mass.
The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat
On Wednesday 11 November, Newman College and Bunbury Catholic College staff gathered online via Zoom and in person to reflect on the 2020 year.
The evening was facilitated by Br Tony Leon, a Marist Brother residing in NSW, who is an expert at adult formation. Br Tony encouraged participants to reflect on vulnerability and recognise the strength in being vulnerable with one another. It was a fantastic evening that allowed staff across different schools to reflect on the challenges of the year and to stop and reflect on our relationship with God and each other. We look forward to continuing our formation together in 2021.
Pre Primary Excursion – Kings Park
Last week, our Pre Primary students travelled to Kings Park on an excursion that taught them about the native Western Australian Marri Tree and the flora of the surrounding WA bushland. This excursion linked to the students’ Biological Science unit and enabled them to bring some native saplings back to College which they plan to plant and nurture.
NAIDOC Week
Year 2 students engaged in a collaborative NAIDOC project that showcased Aboriginal artworks as the students explored the traditions of our local Noongar People. The action of each little piece culminating together into one large artwork symbolised the coming together of the First Nation Peoples.
Tying Laces Incursion
Marian students undertook the complex task of learning how to tie their shoelaces.
Representatives from Athletes Foot stepped students through the process and each child received a take-home pack to consolidate their learning. We look forward to seeing all the shoelaces across the Campus neatly tied from now on!!
St Cecilia’s Feast Day Liturgy
A big thank you to the Year 2 Unit for leading us in a reverent and meaningful liturgical celebration in honour of St Cecilia. It was lovely to experience such wonderful singing, given that St Cecilia is the patron Saint of Music.
Year 2 Transition Day
In preparation for their transition to the Lavalla Campus in 2021, Year 2 students will engage in a transition day on Friday 27 November. The purpose of the day is to enable students to familiarise themselves with the Year 3 Teachers and Classrooms and engage in some activities.
Parents are asked to drop their child at the Lavalla Campus from 8.15am. Year 2 students should gather in the Lavalla Hall where their Year 2 classroom teachers will be waiting to greet them. Students are required to bring their recess and lunch or lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools as normal. Students can bring a small amount of money to purchase items from the canteen if they wish. Students must also remember to bring their hat.
Please pick-up students from the Lavalla Hall at 3.10pm.
Pre Kindergarten Parent Information Session
Thank you to all the families who joined us for the 2021 Pre Kindergarten Information Session. It was lovely to see lots of new and familiar faces of children who are about to embark on the Newman journey. Parents who were unable to attend the session can collect their Information Pack from the Marian Administration Office.
Swimming Lessons
Our Years 1 and 2 students have been thoroughly enjoying their first week of swimming lessons. This is a much-anticipated event and the students have been great representatives of the College’s values as they strive for their personal best.
Punctuality
Attendance records show we have a consistent number of students who regularly arrive after the morning bell has gone. Students are required to arrive at school prior to the 8.45am bell ready to commence the day punctually. The Campus is open from 8.20am. Late arrivals into the classroom are very disruptive for other students and the classroom teacher. We ask you make every effort to ensure that your child is at school on time.
College Hats For Sale
All Pre Primary – Year 2 students are required to have the College hat as part of the College’s uniform requirements. In line with our “no hat-no play” policy students must wear a hat if they want to play outside. Hats are available to purchase from the College Uniform Shop or Marian Administration Office for $20. We ask you clearly mark hats and all other uniform items with your child’s name so misplaced items can be returned.
The Importance and Impact of Social Education
Our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery, values and promotes collaboration, as central to the learning experience of young people and how to aspire to partner with parents.
We believe that students learn best in an environment where they can interact with and experience the curriculum, therefore gaining knowledge and learning how to collaborate. This has been showcased by our commitment to Outdoor Education, the Arts and events that celebrate each year group and each student; from Year 6 Camp to the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Thank you to all staff who promote learning environments that celebrate each student and promote teamwork and cooperation.
End of Year Reporting
Australian Curriculum judging standards will be used to discern the end of year grade of student reports across the College. It is important to acknowledge the variety of inputs that are taken into consideration when reporting on each learning area. These inputs include, but are not limited to, formative and summative assessment, observations and running records. Learning attributes provide families and students with an insight into how students apply themselves to their learning and the classroom environment. Thank you to all teachers for their preparation, professionalism and attention to accurate and meaningful reporting as a critical element of our Learning Cycle.
Responsible Digital Citizenship
I encourage all families to discuss with their children the importance of ensuring all online behaviour is respectful, considerate and thoughtful. Leaders of Wellbeing have been supporting students and families who have been the target of inappropriate posts on social media. The eSafety Commissioner website is an excellent resource for families and young people, designed to assist in establishing positive online habits. Our College Counsellors and Leaders of Wellbeing can also provide guidance, support and advice.
Leaders of Wellbeing – Marcellin Campus 2021
The 2021 Leaders of Wellbeing will be lead by Mrs Carla Pastorelli, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Principal Secondary in 2021. Mrs Pastorelli has been a member of the Middle Leadership Team at Newman College for two years. This year she guided and supported the Year 12 cohort and their families in the role of Leader of Wellbeing.
Together with the Ministry Team, the Counselling and Wellbeing Team, Guild Coordinators, Learning Diversity and the Pathways Team, our collective commitment is to provide holistic care and support for students and families and aspire to meet the individual needs of the young people in our care.
We are pleased to confirm the following Leaders of Wellbeing in 2021:
Year 7: Miss Kelly Johnson
Year 8: Mr Jordan Naylor (joining us from Chisholm Catholic College)
Year 9: Miss Regan Dyer (joining us from Mandurah Catholic College)
Year 10: Miss Gemma Beekink
Year 11: Mrs Yvette Pearce (joining us from Corpus Christi College)
Year 12: Mrs Rebecca Bramanto
2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days
Please note the 2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days were published in Newman News Term 4 Week 4 2020. Please click here to view these important dates.
Christmas Craft Stall
The students from Education Support will hold a number of opportunities for staff, students and families to purchase their Christmas crafts.
- Monday 30 November: 9.30am – 12.30pm at Floreat Forum
- Friday 4 December: 8.15am (before school) at Marian Campus
- Friday 4 December: 12.55pm (lunch) at Marcellin Campus in A31
Find the price list attached here.
Our Commitment To Child Safety
All members of the College community share responsibility for and actively promote an environment that prioritises the best interests of children and young people.
“What might this look like at Newman College?”
- Teachers and staff recognise a child and young adult’s right to a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
- Child safety is a responsibility shared by everyone at the College.
- Standardised, quality training is provided to understand the indicators of child maltreatment, e.g. Child Protection Policy and Mandatory Reporting training.
- Child safe policies and practices are in place to ensure that unsafe behaviour is recognised and reported.
- There is a culture where children and young adults can raise concerns without worry.
- Parents are treated as partners in child safety and have access to information and support on all aspects of child safety.
- Staff actively seek to identify and eliminate racism and discrimination.
- Staff feel confident to identify and present concerns about child safety activities and practices.
- Teachers and staff are alert and aware about how others treat children and young people.
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. Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound 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.
A ‘new look’ Arts festival, aptly titled with the Marist theme for 2020, “One Wild and Precious Life” and designed around Covid-19 regulations, opened in a stunning fashion on Sunday 25 October with Divergence the Years 7- 12 Dance Showcase. The 2020 showcase celebrated the work of our Years 7-12 dancers who were enrolled in curriculum Dance courses, and Junior and Senior Dance Troupes throughout 2020. The dancers were beautifully prepared by Dance teacher, Mrs Fuhr, Ms Mahoney and guest choreographers, despite a reduction in rehearsal hours due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Dance Showcase program, included styles and genres such as; lyrical, hip hop, contemporary and even traditional Indonesian and Jewish cultural dances. Original solo choreography performances from our Years 11 and 12 students also showcased the exceptional talent within our ATAR and Dance programs.
Congratulations to all the dancers in the program and to Mrs Fuhr who worked tireless to prepare the showcase. It truly was a remarkable celebration of our curriculum and co-curricular Dance program at the College. Thank you also to the production management and technical staff; Dixie Johnstone, Adam James, Dene, and Mason Velios, for their professional expertise that supported the set up and running of all the production aspects of all the Arts Festival events. The level of professionalism we are afforded at the College, in and around Arts production, enables our students artistic gifts to truly shine.
The Arts Festival continued on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 afternoons with the Student Art Exhibition. On both occasions our community enjoyed the student art that adorned the foyer walls and studio rooms and enjoyed musical performances from our music instrumental students who played solo, paired and ensemble pieces. ‘Beating Hearts’ opened the music program on Wednesday with some stunning drumming, guitar and vocal performances by our Lavalla students. Thank you Ms Goldsmith, Mr Cobb and Ms Herriman, Ms Moss and Ms Johnstone for preparing our students and supporting them within these special performances.
‘Street performances’ by Matilda characters stole the show at times, as two students from the cast of Matilda ‘took on’ Miss Trunchbull, with a little volunteer support from some of our very own Lavalla students and siblings who watched Ms Trunchball closely, but from a safe distance, as she moved through the Art exhibition. This impromptu, improvised, performance showcased the talent we are soon to see on stage in the Marist Auditorium as we look forward to the long awaited production of Roald Dahl’s, Matilda The Musical (December 3-5).
Student award winners were indicated by award cards placed on award winning art works. These award winners from each year group will receive certificates and prizes, to be presented at up and coming assemblies at respective campuses. View the full list of award winners here. Congratulations and thank you to Mrs Rose for coordinating the student exhibition again this year and to all the Visual Art teachers (particularly Mrs Spencer, Ms Farrell, Ms Gleisenger and Ms Yanev) and Design and Technology teachers (Mr Arnold, Mr Nelson, Mr MacNeill, Ms Newton, Mrs Tate, Ms Mahoney, Ms Yanev) who prepared the exhibitions of the student works in such an exquisite fashion to showcase the talent across all creative arts areas of the College.
Thank you to the Arts Festival parent committee for helping to organise the volunteers who supported hanging of the exhibition and catering. We greatly appreciated the parent help we received again this year. Thank you also to the newly appointed 2021 Arts Captains and Student Leaders for stepping up to assist with the craft activities, oval games and food stall. Our Grounds and Maintenance team, publicity and catering staff also support this event every year. We are so grateful for all this behind the scenes support, that contributes to the ongoing success of the event.
Congratulations to all staff involved in this year’s Arts Festival, “One Wild and Precious Life” and to the award winners and all artists who had their work exhibited this year. Thank you sincerely for sharing your gift with us, we were once again so amazing by the depth and breadth of artistic talent at Newman College.
Maree Grayden, Leader of Learning Arts PK-12
Divergence: 2020 Dance Showcase
The 2020 Dance Showcase Divergence, showcased the wide variety of dance styles and creative ideas the students have been working on this year. Featuring choreography from students, teachers and industry professionals, the two Showcase performances were a flurry of costumes, lighting and of course, the wonderful talent of the dancers themselves. 65 students from both curriculum classes and the co-curricular Dance Troupe were involved in the Showcase this year and each one of them put on an outstanding performance. Despite the excitement of the night, students conducted themselves with impressive professionalism which contributed to the smooth running of the shows.
Many staff provided their assistance both on the night and in the lead up to the event. Their support and generosity with their time is very much appreciated.
Thank you also to the numerous parent volunteers who assisted with hair styling, interval service, foyer decoration and other duties. It was lovely to see the College community come together to support the Dance program at the College.
Caroline Fuhr, Dance Teacher
Child Safeguarding
Catholic schools are entrusted in partnership with parents/guardians, with the total education of the child. In our College, every aspect of the child’s experience should reflect exemplary pastoral care which prioritises the best interests of the child or young person. Our staff hold this responsibility as an integral part of their vocation and overall commitment to the lives of all young people in their care.
In recent weeks, our Child Protection processes and procedures were affirmed by relevant regulatory authorities.
At Newman College this imperative underpins the faith and learning experiences that we provide for our students. Under the governance of Marist Schools Australia and working with Catholic Education WA, our College is strategically focused on ensuring that all staff and community groups have undergone specific Child Protection training. Supporting and embedding this training has included the following strategies:
- Whole school approach to compliance, safeguarding and professional learning
- Fortnightly communication via the College newsletter
- Newman Parents Consultative Committee / Newman Parent information seminars
- Delivery of the Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum, K-12
- Student Wellbeing Programs facilitated by Leaders of Wellbeing and College Counselling Team
- Promotion of student wellbeing and student voice
In response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Catholic Professional Standards Limited (CPSL) were created and reflect the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Marist Schools Australia has adopted these Standards and, as such, Newman College will launch its Child Safeguarding suite of policies at the commencement of 2021, replacing the current Child Protection Policy and associated procedures.
Newman College is committed to the effective implementation of the Child Safeguarding Program and ensuring that it is appropriately reviewed and updated. We adopt a risk management approach by identifying key risk indicators and assessing child safety risks based on a range of factors including the nature of our College’s activities, physical and online environments and the characteristics of the student body.
Our Child Safeguarding Program relates to all aspects of child safety and protecting children from abuse, grooming and other harm; and establishes work systems, practices, policies and procedures to protect children from abuse and to create and maintain a child safe environment and culture at the College.
Tuition Fees 2021
Following a detailed review of our income and expenditure, Newman College Council has made several important decisions relating to fees and charges across the PK-12 school in 2021.
Our priority is to ensure every child can enjoy a comprehensive Catholic education. I recognise that 2020 has been a difficult year for many families with the advent of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This crisis has given us the opportunity to reflect on how we are best able to support families in the ongoing enrolment of their children at Newman College. Through feedback and consultation, 2021 will see the implementation of a number of important changes that will provide security and surety for families. This includes the significant decision not to increase tuition fees in 2021. In addition, a 10% discount has been extended to the second child of each family, along with further changes to our family fee structure. Please click here to view.
Art Festival Highlights
Our annual Arts Festival has been conducted over the past two weeks. It was an amazing showcase of the creative talents and gifts of our students and staff. The festival (danced off) with our Dance Showcase Divergence which was an outstanding success. In the week that followed, we held two open days that saw hundreds of families come through to view the exemplary visual and creative arts of our students across the College. Thank you to our Arts Festival Committee and our staff for creating a truly memorable experience.
Year 6 Camp
Year 6 students were finally able to attend their camp at Forest Edge Recreation Camp in Waroona. It was a jam-packed three days for our students in a variety of activities that challenged them to go outside their comfort zone and to work as a team. The problem-solving skills that emerged, let alone the courage and resilience, truly exemplified our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery.
Most pleasing was the way the cohort came together and the enjoyment that was obvious in their participation and respect they had for each other.
Leadership
Leadership development is integral to building student confidence, self-worth, resilience and the capacity to bring people together. At Newman College, our leadership is inspired by the Gospel imperatives of faith, love and hope, exemplified in the words of Christ… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
As a community we seek to serve others, to be transformative and engage in relationships that respect the dignity of each person. We ask our students to look beyond the boundaries of the school and to consider our local, national and world contexts in determining what actions we take and to an extent how we lead.
This week I was pleased to be present to our Year 5 Leadership Retreat which challenged our students to reflect on what it means to be a leader on our Lavalla Campus. The response of our students has been immense and many have risen to the challenges that leadership brings to the table.
This has also been evident at our Marcellin Campus, exemplified by our first Principal’s Assembly, led by our newly minted Student Leaders for 2021. Our first assembly for Term 4 not only reflected on the wonderful gifts and talents of our students but on the responsibility our whole community has to support people in need. Please click here to view my Assembly speech.
In our community, a group of Year 11 Remar students spent last Friday night on the streets of Perth serving meals and supporting the most vulnerable in our community. Significantly for our students, was the reality of actually being present to homeless people whose lives have been compromised by mental illness, unemployment, disability, addiction and stories very different to our own.
We are very privileged in our community to be able to have many choices. To that end, it is incumbent upon us as a Marist school to seek the opportunities that will empower us to make a difference in the world and to support people in need.
As we move towards Christmas, our school will again commit to supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. I urge you to give generously. I urge you to become aware of the social issues that affect families this Christmas, as many people will go without. It is our responsibility, with what we have to give, and serve and support others.
Never has the momentum of change been as evident as in 2020. As the Learning Hub Development nears completion, Newman College has embarked upon a significant renewal process that will deliver ongoing benefits to students for years to come. The formal commissioning of the Learning Hub will take place early next year.
The year has seen three other significant and long-term planning decisions approved, with work currently being executed.
- Marist Schools Australia approved the expansion of the Learning Hub Development Project to include W Block. This decision will see two new classrooms developed in W Block, along with the creation of a new Education Support Centre including life skills area.
- S Block has been included in the scope of work for the Learning Hub. The central spaces will be refurbished, providing a learning experience that is consistent with the new Learning Hub. This includes the creation of new breakout areas, entrances to classrooms, lecture theatre, soft furnishings, meeting rooms, office, and main entries.
- The approval of an exciting landscape design to accompany the major building program has also been approved. The magnificent design draws from the recent collaborative artwork created by students alongside local Noongar artists during our 2019 Artist in Residence program. This reflective space draws together the history of our Marist origins and our location on traditional Whadjuk land.
These projects have commenced and will run in conjunction with the Learning Hub Development, due for completion ahead of the commencement of the 2021 school year.
Accompanying the new built environments is the commitment to appoint the spaces with new furniture. A significant furniture program has now been completed and will see new furniture installed throughout the Learning Hub, W Block and S Block. Further upgrades will be made to classrooms in B Block and T Block concurrently.
On Wednesday 4 November, Leaders or Learning and Leaders of Wellbeing were taken on a guided tour of the new Learning Hub. The excitement was evident in all, as the realisation of the significance and grandeur of the project was realised. We are now just a short journey to the finish line, with students and staff set to experience a learning environment that will be the envy of the State.
There are many misconceptions around the term ‘play-based learning’, mainly the idea that it is simply free-play where learning is purely incidental. However, play-based learning is intentional and meticulously planned learning experiences for students, that enable them to explore, investigate and consolidate their learning in a play-based setting. Our Early Childhood teachers have perfected the balance of offering explicit teaching experiences coupled with hands-on, play-based and child-centred learning opportunities. Through this, we are constantly observing students with a passion for learning and high engagement levels.
Pre Primary Green Assembly
There were lots of laughs as Pre Primary Green showcased their learning in English at last week’s assembly. Our campus has recently begun the introduction of a Writing program called “Talk 4 Writing” that places a very strong emphasis on oral language as a precursor to the writing process.
Pre Primary Green students have innovated the original story of ‘The Three Little Pigs” and instead dramatised and retold their story “The Three Little Dingoes”. It was a fantastic (and often hilarious) performance, that demonstrated their excellent learning this year.
Arts Festival Highlights
Last Tuesday saw the launch of our PK-12 Arts Festival in the Marist Auditorium. The showcase of student work was amazing, as was the attendance of Marian families. A big thank you to Sarah Spencer for her ongoing commitment to the Visual Arts learning area at Marian Campus and for all her time and effort in the display of student artwork. Multiple families commented to me on the high standard of artwork that was produced by our Early Childhood students, which is a credit to Ms Spencer’s pedagogy in this learning area.
For more information and images from our 2020 Arts Festival click here.
All Saints Liturgy
Thank you to the Year 1 teaching team and students for the reverent liturgical celebration that they shared with us last Thursday morning, in celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day. It is also a special time when we gather as a faith community and celebrate together.
Better Beginnings Incursion
Kindergarten students participated in a Better Beginnings Incursion in the Library recently. The Better Beginnings program aims to foster a love and joy of reading in young children. The children were all very excited to receive their take-home story book as part of the incursion.
Marcellin Award
Congratulations to the following students who received a Marcellin Award in Weeks 3 and 4:
Addison Proctor, Y2: For the kind and considerate way that you always assist your peers and
the polite manners you display in your interactions with everyone. Addison, you are a shining example of St Marcellin in our school.
Olive Mollet, Year 2: For the huge effort she has been putting into her learning in the English learning area. Olive displays the Marist characteristic “Love of Work” in the dedication she shows to her schoolwork.
The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly.
