Congratulations – we are there!
As the Term draws to a close, I am in awe and inspired by the remarkable way our community has navigated these complex times. The sum of the efforts and commitment of staff, students and families have ensured a successful term. I recognise how tired we all are but also in the opportunity these school holidays will provide for all of us to reflect and reset.
Speaking at the Year 11 Leadership Day today, I reflected on the power of coming together as one Marist family; how together we are strong. This strength lies in how we individually take responsibility for our learning, faith and wellbeing. I encourage all students and their families to reflect on their goals and aspirations these holidays; moreover, reflect on what they have learnt about themselves and how they learn. Setting goals are for everyone. I encourage families to discuss each student’s Semester 1 report. It is an important piece of information that provides a window into the progress of each student. Let that discussion provide the impetus for their goals for Semester 2.
In this newsletter, we again highlight and celebrate the gifts and talents of our students. Over the last two weeks, our Years 3-6 Cross Country Carnival was held, the cast of Matilda completed their final rehearsals, exams were finalised in the Senior School and sight words were learnt in Pre Primary. This is only a snapshot of what has been achieved!
Next Term as restrictions are lifted across Western Australia, we have the opportunity to resume school as we knew it pre Covid-19. This includes the re-introduction of College assemblies, sport, cultural and other events. We are still are very mindful of the expectations that are in place for the health and safety of our students and staff. We will continue to communicate Covid-19 related information on our website as it comes to hand and encourage good hygiene practices.
Congratulations to all students for the way you have made this Term so successful. Thank you to our teachers and staff for their commitment and reliance. We look forward to the opportunities of Term 3 together as one College
As the Term concludes, it is the perfect time to reflect on the 2020 journey so far. There is no denying the challenges that we all have faced, yet as a community, we were able to come together to celebrate our Anzacs, our Mothers, launch our Reconciliation Action Plan through our participation in Reconciliation Week and support Australian Marist Solidarity through Champagnat Week.
Marist Youth Ministry – Connect
On Tuesday 30 June, our Years 11 and 12 students were able to participate in the first Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) Connect afternoon. This allowed students to connect via Zoom with students from St Joseph’s College Northam and Bunbury Catholic College. The afternoon was led by the Marist Youth Ministry Team, Daniel, Ella and Br James Hodge. Students had the opportunity to reflect on how they live out solidarity in their communities. Thank you to the students, staff and MYM team for their leadership of this afternoon.
Student-Led Prayer
Student-Led prayer is a new initiative by our Faith and Liturgy Captains, Tegan Connelly and Georgia Whitely. These students have created a number of different prayers and reflections for students. Each Friday morning there is a theme and staff and students are invited to stop and reflect on how God is moving in their life. This is a fantastic initiative, the students should be proud of the way they have led their fellow students with prayer through this time. I look forward to seeing this recommence in Term 3.
Champagnat Week
In Week 8 students and staff came together to celebrate the feast of Marcellin Champagnat in a variety of different ways. I am pleased to announce that we have been able to raise $10,000 for Australia Marist Solidarity, which will support many vulnerable young people in the Philippines and other Marist Solidarity projects.
As a Catholic school, we are committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our local and international communities. Our Catholic social teachings call us to seek a “preferential option for the poor.” This means placing the needs of the most vulnerable at the heart of our decision making. I want to thank families and our community for their contributions.
As you head to the holidays, I want to share with you the words of Pope Francis from a homily at a recent Mass for the Feast of St Paul and St Peter. Pope Francis stressed the importance of unity within our society by spending less time complaining and more time in prayer. “It is pointless, even tedious to waste our time complaining about the world, about society, about everything that is not right, complaints change nothing. Instead of casting blame, the early Christians prayed.” For all the challenges we have faced this Semester, let us give thanks these holidays and take time in prayer as we continue to grow together as a Newman College community.
Have a safe and happy holidays.
As we mark the end of Term 2, it is wonderful to look back on how far the students have come in their learning and development. 2020 has certainly presented its fair share of challenges, but despite these, our students have continued to strive for success in their learning and have worked hard to attain excellent results across the learning areas.
Reports
PK-Y2 reports will be available to access via Seqta on Friday 3 July, 4.00pm. See Newman News Term 2 Week 10: From the Vice Principal for information on how to access reports.
You will receive your child’s report today, and I encourage you to celebrate the hard work that has culminated in this summation of their learning. I extend my thanks to the teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every child is seen, heard, loved and taught to reach their full potential. It was my great pleasure to read the report comments of every student and in doing so, I was able to see a reflection of the hard work each child has applied to their learning as well as the strong partnership that each student has with their teachers.
Assembly
Last Friday, Year 2 Blue dazzled us with their Science Experiment themed assembly. This Term, the class has been exploring mixtures in Science and they demonstrated some of their amazing experimental concoctions and creations through a series of mixtures that resulted in their own lava lamps and brightly coloured slime. Thank you to Mrs Catherine Young for her efforts in putting the assembly together with her students. If you missed our assembly click here to watch it via the College’s Youtube channel.
Marcellin Award
Congratulations to the following students who received a Marcellin Award in Weeks 9 and 10.
- Lucius Van Zyl, Year 1: For consistently showing a ‘love of work’ just like St Marcellin and the Marist Brothers. Lucius’ recent toy design of a pet lizard armband was a great example of how much effort he applies to his learning.
- Finan Smith, Year 2: For always encouraging his classmates with their learning. Finan is a great example of the values of St Marcellin, particularly in the way that he willingly provides positive encouragement when his classmates share their ideas.
The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly.
Uniform Expectations
In Term 3, students are to return to school in full Winter Uniform. Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform items as per the College’s Uniform Policy which can be found via the College website.
Students should not be wearing any items of clothing that are not approved Newman College uniform (eg. leggings, long sleeve t-shirts, non-College tracksuit tops or pants).
Parent Rosters
We encourage parents to get involved in various campus rosters which will be available from the commencement of Term 3. Details regarding Classroom, Library and Artroom roster will be distributed in the first few weeks of the Term.
A reminder to all families that our Code of Conduct applies to Parent Roster opportunities, and we ask that full confidentiality is adhered to. Parents should refrain from discussing other students or school related matters with other parents. Any concerns regarding your own child should be discussed with the Classroom Teacher.
Fitness Friday
Fitness Friday will recommence from Term 3 Week 1. Families are encouraged to join in with their children on Friday mornings in a selection of different activities. School gates open from 8.20am.
The Coffee at the College service will also recommence in conjunction with Fitness Friday.
Latest Arts News
- College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
- News from the Marian Artroom
Mini Knights Hockey Program
The Arts calendar is jammed-packed in Semester 2! As Matilda ‘holds’ for Term 3, we now prepare for the Arts Festival, students Arts Exhibition and the ‘belated’ Winter Music Showcase.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
As a result of COVID-19, 2020 has produced a new format of performance for Catholic Performing Arts.
This year, students from Year 3-12 were required to pre-record their Catholic Performing Arts submissions rather than perform live.
On Monday 29 June and Wednesday 1 July, students engaged in a real life recording experience and were recorded by a professional sound engineer and supported by a professional accompanist. The students now have amazing, professional quality footage of their performance which will be put forward as a submission to Catholic Performing Arts. The students will be able to keep this footage for future performance portfolios.
We wish the students the best of luck with their submissions and are proud of their efforts in preparing for the recordings.
Music
The Music department is thrilled to announce the return to ALL Music performance groups from Term 3 Week 2. A special welcome back to our larger ensembles who have been unable to practice due to COVID restrictions; SIP band and Newman Voices.
Instrumental lessons will commence Thursday 23 July (Term 3 Week 1).
Music families will receive an update regarding practice days, location and times in an information letter which will be sent home during the holidays.
Thank you to Ms Ashlyn La Cava for her wonderful leadership of the Music Department during Semester 1. We wish her well as we welcome back Ms Margaret Goldsmith who will return from leave at the commencement of Term 3.
College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Our 2020 College Production, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is back! Following months of preparation, the cast and crew enjoyed their first full day of rehearsals in costume! From what we saw, the show promises to be gloriously funny, a bit dark and impossible not to love!
Congratulations to the hard work of all students and staff; rest up you have earned it. You have created the most amazing show under the direction of Miss Dixie Johnstone and her hard working creative team. We can’t wait for you to share it!
The College Production is coming to the Marist Auditorium in December 2020. Tickets are on sale and selling fast! Click here to purchase tickets.
Year 11 Dance Workshop
On Sunday 28 June, the Year 11 Dance classes had the opportunity to participate in a Choreographic Workshop with professional dancer and choreographer Lauchlan Bain. During the 5 hour workshop the students learnt new technical skills in the contemporary dance genre and took part in the choreographic process. Click here to read more and see more photos from the day.
Newman College Glee Choir
This choir is an invitational choir, offered to students who are enrolled in vocal tuition at the College in Years 7-12. The choir will provide an enrichment opportunity for our vocal students, with expert vocal direction and choreography by our newly appointed vocal tutor Ms Ava Bilton.
Ms Bilton has worked in this capacity with organisations such APAN in Perth and WA Performance School. The Glee Choir will work towards a contemporary repertoire for their debut performance at the Winter Showcase.
Glee Choir rehearses on a Monday’s 3.30pm – 5.00pm in the Marist Auditorium. Practice commences Term 3 Week 2.
News from the Marian Artroom
Kindy
This Term, kindy students have learnt about the three special colours called the primary colours.
The students listened to the story ‘Mouse Paint’ where they saw lots of red, yellow and blue shapes. They then cut out cellophane shapes that they overlapped to make a primary coloured shape banner.
Pre Primary
The Pre Primary students had fun exploring the repetition of colour and shape by viewing lots of different circle mandalas. The students drew a mandala, made a mandala with found objects and placed them in a circle hoop, created a pasta mandala paper plate collage and then made a iron on bead mandala necklace.
Year 1
This Term, students created a range of different insects after looking at the different lines and shapes. The students drew and made a mandala with objects they found, placed them in a circle hoop, created a pasta mandala paper plate collage and also made an iron-on bead mandala necklace.
Year 2
The Year 2 students have created their own animal character using the cardboard from a cereal box. They then used coloured markers to make a watercolour background scenery page. With the use of the split pin animal character and background they have made a mini movie using the ‘Stop Motion’ studio app on their IPAD.
I would like to use this edition of the Newman News to acknowledge the perseverance, resilience and patience of all students, staff and members of our College Community this semester. There is no doubt, the disruption caused to families and communities due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult and traumatic. However, we can say with the courage of our convictions, that we have navigated this challenge with hope, determination and agility. Thank you to all teachers for designing, adapting and considering the needs of each child in their planning and teaching. Thank you to families for their patience and support as we sought to make meaning during very difficult times. Most of all, thank you to our students for their positivity, engagement and presence. Teaching is a true vocation and the connection and relationships we have with our students is the single reason for our being.
Covid-19 Update
Due to the world-leading response by WA to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the restrictions for schools have been lifted. Effective immediately, the following apply:
- Assemblies and College community events – Adult visitors and staff should maintain physical distancing of one person per 2m2
- Parent and caregiver meetings – Pre-arranged parent/caregiver meetings can proceed, adhering to physical distancing and hygiene protocols
- Parent and caregiver access – Parents are able to enter school grounds to drop off and pick up their children and to attend scheduled meetings with staff. Parents can enter classrooms at the invitation of the teacher.
School Visitors
All visitors with a lawful purpose are allowed onto the school grounds. Physical distancing with a 2m2 rule per adult and good hygiene practices should apply. All official visitors, as per College guidelines, are required to sign in.
Attendance at school is compulsory, except for those who are recognised as medically vulnerable or who have medically vulnerable family members. If you are concerned about your own family situation please contact Lisa Fogliani, Vice Principal, for additional clarity and advice at lisa.fogliani@cewa.edu.au
The government has stressed the importance of Western Australians to continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and to maintain good personal hygiene to better protect ourselves and the general health of the community.
If Students are Unwell
We ask that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear. It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the wider College community.
Save the Date – NPCC Meeting Term 3
Thank you to those parents who attended the Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC) meeting on Monday 8 June. Minutes from the meeting can be downloaded below. The next meeting is being held on Monday 3 August, 7.00pm in the Auditorium Studios.
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.
Download NPCC Meeting Minutes Term 2 2020
Staff Movements
We are grateful for the service of Mrs Jemma Bulmer, Physical Education Teacher on the Lavalla Campus and Miss Ashlyn LaCava, Music Coordinator K-12. We wish them well in their future endeavours.
Staff Professional Learning
All staff will participate in Faith Formation Professional Learning on Monday 20 July and Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 21 July. I extend my thanks to staff for their professionalism in preparing for these important professional learning and parent engagement opportunities.
Return to School – Term 3
Students will return to the College on Wednesday 22 July. Please see communication from respective Campuses and Leaders of Wellbeing for additional details. Of particular note, all students must adhere to College uniform and grooming guidelines. Thank you in advance for your support.
Newman Newsreel
The Newman Newsreel is a new and innovative way for the College to engage and share content with families and staff through the power of augmented reality (AR). Each family will receive a fridge magnet called the ‘Newman Newsreel’. By downloading and using the ‘Viewa’ Augmented Reality App, users may scan the magnet, bringing to life options to view weekly videos. These videos are campus specific and contain important information about upcoming events and critical information for students and families. The videos will be updated weekly and provide only essential information to families about the upcoming week. Updated videos will be uploaded each Friday and remain active for one week.
It is important to note that users MUST download the Viewa app to be able to activate the magnet and videos.
Please click here to view a short introduction video which includes instructions on how to download the Viewa app. An instruction flyer can also be downloaded.
Download Newman Newsreel Instruction Flyer
Reporting
PK-12 reports will be available to access via Seqta on Friday 3 July, 4.00pm.
To ensure student progress is fair, valid and supported by evidence, the College has adapted its reporting protocols for Semester 1 2020 in response to the disruption cause by our Covid-19 response. We recognise there has been variation in the disruption experienced between students and the validity of assessment across developmental age groups.
Our reporting expectations are aligned to directives provided by both CEWA (Catholic Education Western Australia) and SCSA (School Curriculum Standards Authority). It is very important to note, student achievement is based on judging standards that articulate student achievement at the end of the school year.
We believe these minor changes to the Semester One reports ensures that:
- students are fairly assessed
- the professional judgement of teacher can be supported by evidence
- parents and students are given accurate ‘point in time’ feedback
SEQTA Login
Download SEQTA Engage Login Instructions
Parent Teacher Interviews
The College will host Parent Teacher Interviews for all students K-12 (except Year 7) on Tuesday July 21 July from 10.00am – 7.00pm. With restrictions lifting we are pleased to give parents the option to meet with their child’s teacher at the College.
Secondary students attending these interviews are to present in full College Winter Uniform.
Primary interviews will take place in classrooms and Secondary interviews will take place in the Marist Auditorium.
As per Covid-19 safe guidelines, parents who are unwell are asked to cancel their meeting times. Hand sanitizer will be available on arrival and hand shaking is discouraged.
We are very mindful that secondary teachers teach more students than available time slots for interviews and as such priority will be given for students in Years 11 and 12. We hope that student results and comments available to families on SEQTA together with the Semester 1 report, will give parents a level of feedback and academic progress information.
Year 7 families will have an opportunity to meet teachers on Thursday 30 July, from 3.30pm-7.00pm in the Marist Auditorium.
PTO Login
Download PTO Parent Instructions
College Calendar
With restrictions easing it is important that parents check the College Calendar for updated events, training, rehearsals, camps and incursions. Parent permission and information regarding excursions and camps will be shared via Consent2Go. For students on the Marcellin Campus, details regarding any upcoming learning experiences will be shared through the relevant teacher and via the daily notices on SEQTA.
Child Safety
The College is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all students. We actively work towards and promote the principles of Catholic Education’s Child Safe Framework. The framework of nine elements combined support a child safe culture, healthy and respectful relationships, and extended guardianship in school communities, based on the latest research and recognised best practices. At times, we rely on partnership with parents to ensure all members of our community are safe. Thank you to those that have positively and openly supported this intent. If you are concerned about your child, please communicate with Campus Leaders, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.
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.
Parent Facebook Groups
A reminder to parents that are members of the Parent Facebook groups that there are a Terms of Reference for the groups so that the intent of the group is understood by all parents. If you have concerns about College decisions and processes, teaching or learning, I strongly encourage you to direct your concern to your child’s Leader of Wellbeing or classroom teacher. Ensuring the parent community is accurately informed is important to us and College staff are best placed to resolve any queries.
PTO Access for parents is indicated below.
Marian and Lavalla
- Wednesday 24 June, 10.30am – PTO is open for all parents in K-6 to make bookings.
- Monday 20 July, 9.00am – PTO will close and no interviews will be able to be booked or amended.
Marcellin
- Wednesday 24 June, 10.30am – PTO is open for Years 11/12 parents to see if a teacher has recommended an interview (can only book interviews that have been recommended).
- Friday 26 June, 3.00pm – PTO is open for all Years 11/12 bookings and Year 10 bookings where an interview has been recommended.
Wednesday 1 July, 3.00pm – PTO is open for all Years 8-12 bookings.
Monday 20 July, 9.00am – PTO will close and no interviews will be able to be booked or amended
Our Champagnat Week festivities have enabled us to reflect on our Marist charism and our commitment to building strong relationships underpinned by our family spirit.
St Marcellin Champagnat’s vision for change and transformation inspires us to break new ground, forge new pathways and build better futures. This week, our students have come together to celebrate this vision by their active participation in community building activities such as Kicks for Kuya, Phun Ties for Philippines and other campus-based events.
At the heart of Catholic education is our commitment to serving others who are less fortunate and building the common good. Our ministry at Newman College seeks to form our young people to be transformative in the world in which they live. An example of this has been this school’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Kuya Centre for street children in the Philippines. This Centre supports homeless children by providing education, training, advocacy, legal aid and shelter.
Over 50 Newman students and teachers have visited the Centre in the last five years. Our commitment forthwith is to create an awareness, to tell their story and imbue in all of us to share their plight; moreover the aspirations and dreams of these young Filipino children. Their dreams are the same as our students’ dreams. Their aspirations are the same as our students’ aspirations.
We have asked families this week to donate between $5-10 to support these children. This is a small ask that will yield massive results for these kids…… food on the table, a roof over their heads and an education. These basic human rights are privileges for many children across the world. At our Marcellin assembly this week, I encouraged students to reflect and give thanks for what we have and challenged them to consider how they could be an advocate for change.
For many of us it starts within…… to have the courage, the conviction and the belief that ‘I am powerful’, that ‘I can make a difference’. We are only afraid of what we can do, not what we cannot do.
This week we celebrated our Champagnat Award Winners across each year group. Congratulations to the following students on the receipt of this prestigious award:
- Addison Blizzard – Year 7
- Zara Kok – Year 8
- Holly Agostino – Year 9
- Abraham Chesson – Year 10
- Olivia Kojundzich – Year 11
- Meg Hobson – Year 12
These award winners have been recognised today because they are the embodiment of our Marist values.
As we celebrate Champagnat Week, it is important to recognise the why in what we do. Most of us are fortunate enough to have access to the basics of life and then some. This week, students were asked to donate $5 – $10 to support Marist Solidarity Australia and to think about how this contribution could make a difference to the life of someone else. It is hard for us here in our context to understand the enormous impact that this small donation can have on the most vulnerable. $5 for us here at school means a sausage roll at the canteen. $5 for a child from Kuya means food for a week. $100 from one PCG means Netflix, Stan, Disney, online gaming for a month. $100 for Preda means getting access to education. $1000 for us means a new mobile phone. $1000 for Kuya, Preda and Fatima means being able to house young people in safety away from violence and off the streets.
Several initiatives and activities were run throughout the week to raise awareness for the Philippines including Kicks for Kuya, Staff vs Student Basketball game, Phun Ties, and the Philippines Expo. On Friday we had our PK-12 Prayer Service, Buddy Day and Guild activities to celebrate our connection to the Marist Story.
Your support of Champagnat Week and Marist Solidarity Australia is very much appreciated.
Champagnat Awards
At our Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday our Leaders of Wellbeing presented a student from their individual year group with the Champagnat Award. These students have embodied our Marist Characteristics, Love of Work, Presence, Family Spirit, Simplicity and in the way of Mary. They have all displayed commitment to the life of the College, students who as Marcellin said, ‘do good quietly’ and are never seeking public recognition. Please click here to view our award recipients.
At the heart of our school curriculum is a program of Religious Education which is innovative and contemporary. We aim for students to become familiar with the story of Jesus and with what it means to be a Christian today. Beyond the classroom, we provide our students and staff with opportunities for outreach, service and advocacy, whilst educating young people about our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching principles such as Option for the Poor, Dignity of the Human Person and the Common Good. This week, as part of our Champagnat Week activities, students across the College engaged with and explored the stories of the people and agencies in the Philippines which Newman College works actively to support. This is an authentic example of how we give Christ like witness by walking in solidarity with others.
COVID-19 UPDATE
If you are concerned about your own family situation, please contact Lisa Fogliani, Vice Principal, for additional clarity and advice lisa.fogliani@cewa.edu.au
If Students are Unwell
The College asks that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear. It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the wider College community.
Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers are allowed onto school grounds to drop off and collect their children. To ensure the 2 metre rule is adhered to, parents are asked not to enter classrooms at the beginning or end of the school day.
Reporting
To ensure student progress is fair, valid and supported by evidence, the College has adapted its reporting protocols for Semester 1 2020 in response to the disruption caused by our COVID-19 response. We recognise there has been variation in the disruption experienced between students and the validity of assessment across developmental age groups.
Our reporting expectations are aligned to directives provided by both CEWA (Catholic Education Western Australia) and SCSA (School Curriculum Standards Authority). It is very important to note, student achievement is based on judging standards that articulate student achievement at the end of the school year.
We believe these minor changes to the Semester 1 reports ensure that:
- Students are fairly assessed
- The professional judgement of teacher can be supported by evidence, and
- Parents and students are given accurate ‘point in time’ feedback.
Please click here to access specific campus reporting information which was published in Newman News Term 2 Week 6.
SEQTA Login Instructions
Download SEQTA Engage Login Instructions
Parent Teacher Interviews
The College will host Parent Teacher Interviews for all students K-12 (except Year 7) on Tuesday July 21 from 10.00am – 7.00pm. With restrictions lifting, we are pleased to give parents the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher at the College.
Primary interviews will take place in classrooms and Secondary interviews will take place in the Marist Auditorium. As per COVID-19 safe guidelines, parents who are unwell are asked to cancel their meeting times. Hand sanitizer will be available on arrival and hand-shaking is discouraged.
For families on the Marcellin Campus, please note that Year 10 students, together with their parents, will meet for a course counselling interview BEFORE the end of term. We are very mindful that secondary teachers teach more students than available time slots for interviews and as such priority will be given to students in Years 11 and 12. We hope that student results and comments available to families on SEQTA together with the Semester One report will give parents a level of feedback and academic progress information.
Year 7 families will have an opportunity to meet teachers on Thursday 30 July, from 3.30pm-7.00pm in the Marist Auditorium.
PTO Login Instructions
Download PTO Parent Instructions
Music Parent Interview Evening
On Wednesday 18 June, we invited our families of students in Years 3-12 in the College’s Instrumental Program to meet with instrumental tutors at the College to discuss the instrumental music journey.
The opportunity to have a student led conversation around student achievement, learning goals and strategies to support instrumental practice was well received by tutors, parents and students alike.
We are most grateful to all of our music tutors for sharing their expertise and feedback with our families and for families’ willingness to support this new mode of reporting and for their ongoing commitment to the College Instrumental Program.
Below are some comments received from parents/guardians who were invited to share their thoughts following the interview experience.
Reflecting on the interview experience, “what do you consider to be valuable or helpful?….”
- “Just to be able to finally have a chat with the teacher face to face and get an understanding of the weekly feedback she wrote in the student diary”
- “Having our child present at the interview to be able to join in or ask any questions he might have.”
- “Nice to touch base with tutors and have a quick chat about progress – especially with this crazy, interrupted year it was very hard to know how Jack had been going. So was good to get that feedback. I also learnt more about practice expectations.”
- “Great communication, useful feedback. Tutors took time to listen and it was very positive and encouraging for our child.”
- “We were pleased with the tutor’s ability to be able to know our child in such a short space of time and be able to discuss her with an insight of someone that had known her for a much longer period.”
- “Parents, tutor and students communicating together and being on the same page. Making our child realise the importance of daily practice even if it’s for just 15 minutes”
Interviews for Semester 1 will continue next week. We look forward to bringing our Music community together for a second round of instrumental reporting and feedback in Semester 2.
Newman Parents – Term 3
On Wednesday 26 August we will welcome Psychologist, Jocelyn Brewer from Digital Nutrition as part of the College’s Newman Parents evenings. Jocelyn will present her 90 minute seminar on Untangling your tweens & teens from technology: Practical (and positive) Strategies for Parents. Further details will be made available to families early Term 3.
Pupil Free Days Term 3
A reminder that the following dates have been calendared for staff professional learning and parent engagement opportunities.
- Monday 20 July – Staff Faith Formation Day
- Tuesday 21 July – Parent Teacher Interviews
- Friday 14 August – Staff Wellbeing Conference
- Monday 17 August – College Closed
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.
Parent Facebook Groups
A reminder to parents who are members of the Parent Facebook groups that there is a Terms of Reference for the group so that the intent of the group is understood by all parents. If you have concerns about College decisions and processes, teaching or learning, I strongly encourage you to direct your concern to your child’s Leader of Wellbeing or classroom teacher. Ensuring the parent community is accurately informed is important to us and College staff are best placed to resolve any queries.
