Category: Early Childhood

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome to the start of the 2021 academic year. In particular, we welcome new families and staff to our Marist Community. I hope all have enjoyed the family time that Christmas and the extended break bring.  Across the world many families are still suffering as a consequence of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the challenges it presents.  We have been graced in our own State, moreover our country, by the way in which our leaders have been able to manage this crisis.

Pope Francis in his Fratelli Tutti Encyclical Letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship (#55) says this of hope….“I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning.” 

It is this hope that we take into our new year at Newman College as we seek to build community and the experiences of our young people.

The gift of our Marist community is our family spirit and that space we create to nurture, support and inspire our children.  The vision of St Marcellin Champagnat – that we make Jesus known and loved – is the foundation of our faith and learning community.  We are strengthened as a Marist school by our characteristics of Presence, Love of Work, Simplicity, In the Way of Mary and Family Spirit.  These characteristics drive the cultural elements that shape who we are, what we represent and what we are going to become and, ultimately, the legacy that will define who we are.

In 2021 the College is launching its new Strategic Directions 2021-2023 – Commitment to Excellence.  The inspiration for our Strategic Directions 2021-2023 is based on St John Henry Newman’s words:

 “To live is to change, to be perfect is to have changed often.”

Our community has undergone significant renewal in the last five years, exemplified by agility and innovation as a PK-12 Community.  We have pursued St John Henry Newman’s commitment to academic excellence and critical thinking that is animated through our Vision for Learning ‘Shine through discovery’ – Let your light shine.  This Vision inspires our faith and learning community to Challenge, Collaborate, Create and Celebrate who we are and what we seek to achieve.

Our Strategic Directions – a Commitment to Excellence – will set the tone for our year. We are a great school and our goal is that every child continues to strive to do their best in all endeavours.  Our cultural imperative is to create a space for our students to flourish individually and collectively.

This Plan will be launched in Term 1.

College Expectations

In 2021, we will continue to grow our Vision for Learning – Shine through discovery Let your light shine (Mat 5:16). It is my hope that all students at Newman College are able to set clear and achievable goals that will allow them to be challenged as learners and to succeed in their endeavours.  To achieve individual success, it is the responsibility of each student to take ownership of their learning and to seek support from their teachers.  Across the College, our Leaders of Wellbeing, Leaders of Learning, Co-ordinators and Teachers are committed to supporting each individual student and year group collectively.  Critical to each student’s ongoing success will be the collaboration with families in adhering to expectations.  To that end, each leader of wellbeing will be writing to families this week outlining the expectations for each student as a member of the College community.  As a whole community, our collective commitment to growing our culture of excellence in all facets of College life will ensure a successful, engaged learning experience for our students.

In 2021 I am pleased to inform you that we have reframed our grooming expectations reflecting the voice of our students. Our expectation is that these standards are adhered to across the life of the school.

2021 College Leadership and New and Returning Staff

Outlined below are the members of the 2021 College Leadership Team:

John Finneran: Principal (Executive)

Lucie McCrory: Vice Principal (Executive)

Steve Halley-Wright: Director Finance and Administration (Executive)

Thomas Wagner: Director Operations and Engagement (Executive)

Carla Pastorelli: Deputy Principal Secondary

Simon Martino: Director Mission and Catholic Identity

Lisa McClue: Leader of Early Childhood

Stuart McClorey: Leader of Primary

Bernie Roberts: PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator

Our Positions of Responsibility can be found by clicking here.

Marian Campus, PK-Year 2

In Early Childhood, Leader of Early Childhood Lisa McClue will be the initial contact person for all matters pertaining to the Marian Campus and will be supported by Katya Anderson, Leader of Learning.

Lavalla Campus, Years 3-6

The day to day leadership and contacts will be distributed to the following team:

• Stuart McClorey, Leader of Wellbeing
• Renae Zelich, Leader of Learning
• Jane Short, Religious Education Coordinator

Marcellin Campus, Years 7-12

Pastoral care teachers are the daily point of contact for students and families.  leaders of wellbeing and leaders of learning, together with Deputy Principal Secondary, Carla Pastorelli, will manage and coordinate the Marcellin Campus.

New Staff
Please click here to view staff new to Newman College.

Staff Returning to the College
Please click here to view staff who have been on leave and are returning this Term.

I thank all parents and guardians as they prepare their children for the return to school.  We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Monday and Tuesday next week and seeing families at the forthcoming Family Mass on Thursday 11 February.

John Finneran
Principal

Celebrate 2020

Despite the unprecedented nature of 2020, we have much to celebrate. As a school community we responded to and navigated the challenges of shifting to remote learning, albeit for a short time. We have remained prepared and ready to respond to the wellbeing of our community during uncertain times. We have work hard to ensure curriculum continuity, learning experiences and activities even though at times, the restriction placed on schools seemed difficult to overcome. Our capital development on Marcellin Campus has continued and will be ready for the 2021 school year.  Thank you for journeying with us. May this time of Advent remind us of the blessings of the year past and the hope of the year ahead.

Gratitude for College Staff

At the end of each year, it is appropriate to acknowledge the dedicated service that members of the teaching and non-teaching staff have made to the Newman College community and the lives of the students that have been under their care and leadership. As Marist educators, we share and continue Marcellin Champagnat’s dream of transforming the lives of young people through education and faith formation that is underpinned by a genuine care for our students. Despite the challenges and disruption of this year, I am proud to say that the dedication and professionalism of every teacher in this community did not waiver. During times of uncertainty, every teacher responded with commitment, care and concern for their students and their families. I hope that you can join with me in acknowledging the efforts of teachers and staff that have guided the students in 2020.

2020 Learning and PCG Reporting Attributes – Marcellin Campus

As per Semester One, students from Marcellin Campus will receive learning feedback aligned to our vision for learning principles. Teachers intentionally design learning experiences aligned to these pillars so that the students can demonstrate their ability to activate the soft skills of learning.  An explanation of our learning attributes for students on Marcellin campus,  aligned to our vision for learning can be found here.

Reporting K-10

Families in Years K – 6 will have access to their reports from 4.00pm on Thursday 10 Dec.  Years 7 – 10 will have access to their reports on Friday 11 December.  Please ensure you can log into SEQTA to retrieve the reports. Any families leaving Newman College are reminded to download all reports from the SEQTA as once you have withdrawn from the College, access to SEQTA is restricted. 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.

Staff Farewells

We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.

Anthony Bochrinis, Nicole Boddy, Karen Cassidy, Alan Fitzpatrick, Lisa Fogliani, Melissa Foss, Ana Frankovic, Cassandra Hall, Amelia Ioannides, Peter Jones, Susan Kadak, Gillian Kennedy, Charlotte Krause, Henny Mansveld, Amanda Mariotti, Anthony Murphy, Pauline
Murphy, Roz Newton, Jan Robertson, Ella Rosher, Avani Sheth, Laura Talbott, Nathan Wear, Kathy West, Patrick Woolley and Natalie Zagar Thompson

Booklists

Booklists are available here.

Marcellin Awards Ceremonies- list of Award Winners/ photo gallery

On Thursday 26 November, students from Marcellin Campus came together to celebrate the achievements of students in Years 7 to 11. Click here for a full list of Award Winners.

We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.

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.

Roal Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

The long awaited College production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical opened on Wednesday last week to a rapturous audience in the Marist Auditorium.

Congratulations to the company of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical! It was so well worth the wait. Thank you on behalf of our leadership and College community for bringing this production to the stage and for bringing so much joy to the close of a very long and challenging year!

College productions at Newman College have always been of an exceptional standard and this year was no exception.

Thank you to the industry professionals and artists in residence that collaborated with our students and creative team on this production. The level of professionalism in the orchestra, bio box and within the creative team (set painting and costume design) lifted the production this year to new heights. Expertly directed by Ms Dixie Johnstone, no stone was left unturned and the retelling of this iconic musical did not disappoint!

Thank you to the team of hard working Newman College staff and parents who supported this production journey. We are very grateful, it could not have happened without your hard work and dedication to ringing this beautiful show to life.

PK-12 Christmas Carols

The annual PK-12 Christmas Carols closed the year in style with plenty of festive spirit from the families picnicking and students performing on stage. The event opened with our College instrumental ensembles and band showcasing their talents. The massed choir of Pre Primary – Year 2 students sang a beautiful rendition of Away in a Manger, followed by a well prepared festive dance, choreographed by the Year 9 Dance students and performed by Year 5 Blue.

Families opened their song book through the Newman Newsreel and the carols began accompanied by Perth Fortress Band and the Chamber Choir, conducted by Ms Ava Bilton.

A special visit from the big guy in red closed the evening and we all watched Santa leaving for the North Pole, followed by many little people in hot pursuit of him and the sack full of presents.

Thank you to; our MC Mr Martino, Ms Goldsmith, Mr Olsen, Ms Bilton, Primary staff and Marcellin Arts team for their support and coordination of this event.

 

Advent

In our final weeks we celebrated 2020 through our Christmas liturgies across the College.  The significance of these liturgies is at the very heart of our Christian journey with the impending arrival of the birth of Christ.  The preparation period of Advent invites us to reflect on the year and to give thanks for our lives and our relationships with each other.

Advent also reminds us that the birth of Christ heralds a new beginning, a fresh start, a renewal for new life and new opportunities.

PK-12 Christmas Carols and Marian Campus Christmas Nativity

We have enjoyed our annual celebrations; the Marian Campus Nativity and the PK-12 Christmas Carols.  Many thanks to all involved in these respective celebrations.

The Season for Giving

Thank you to all students and families who have been generous in their support of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Our contribution of items will go a long way to bring joy to many families who are doing it tough this Christmas.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

On Saturday I attended the matinee session of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical with my family. This was an outstanding College production which showcased the extraordinary skills and talents of our students and staff – an excellent example of our students letting their light shine.

Significant challenges were presented to the cast and crew this year in their preparation for this event; they have been accepted and overcome. The extraordinary efforts and patience of each and every person involved in Matilda, over such an extended period of time, are so very highly valued and appreciated. With the unprecedented year we have had, we are indeed fortunate to have been able to stage Matilda last week.

There has been significant and very positive feedback both from industry and our local community including surrounding Catholic primary schools. All were fulsome in their praise of the students and this magnificent production, brought to life at Newman College.

I take this opportunity to thank all our families who supported their children in ensuring they attended rehearsals and assisted with costumes. Without this support, such an event could not have been staged.

Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful production.

International Day of Persons with Disability

Last Thursday 3 December was International Day of Persons with Disability. The day has been an international day of observance and celebration promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim of the day is to promote understanding and create awareness about persons with an impairment and our College environment is a perfect vehicle for this message. Our thanks to Madison Heady (ex-Sacred Heart student) who delivered an inspirational speech to our Year 6 students about her journey with disability, as ambassador for the ACC and Inclusion Sport. Madison also participated in a PE lesson with Year 4 Blue.

Marist Cricket Carnival

On Monday, our 1st XI Cricket Team travelled to Bunbury to play Bunbury Catholic College in a series of games. In 2020 we inaugurated the WA Champagnat Cup in which these fixtures will be part of the overall Shield which will be contested in 2021.

In a Pre-COVID-19 world, our cricket team would normally have travelled to the Eastern States to play other Marist schools. To negate that disappointment, this Carnival has been an opportunity for our cricketers to play at a similar level of competition here in our own State.

Congratulations to both schools for the spirit in which the games were played.

2021 PK-12 Family Mass – Save the Date

Our PK-12 Family Mass will be held on Thursday 11 February, commencing 5.00pm, on the College oval. This Mass is a compulsory event for students as we celebrate the commencement of our school year. We will also commission our students for Years 6 and Year 12 on this occasion.

Detailed correspondence will be circulated to families early in the new year.

We look forward to celebrating the commencement of the 2021 school year with our College Community.

PK-12 Awards

Marcellin Campus Awards

On 26 November we celebrated our Marcellin Campus prize giving assembly. We recognised the achievements of those who have excelled in their academic, sporting and cultural pursuits. Our Awards celebrate our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery, let your light shine, and what it represents – that we in our PK-12 College value learning, value education and the impact it will have on our destiny.

Click here to see photos from the Awards and Principals speech.

Lavalla Campus Celebrations

The Lavalla Campus celebrated its Year 6 students finishing their formal years of Primary School on Tuesday 8 December. It was a beautiful assembly highlighted by a moving liturgy and Year 6 dance item. Academic Achievement and Major Awards were also presented. I wish our Year 6 students every success and blessing, both to those moving on to other schools and to those who will continue their journey across the bridge to Marcellin Campus.

We also celebrated our Lavalla Campus Award Ceremony which again showcased our Years 3-5 students who have excelled in their learning this year.

Congratulations to all students.

Click here to see photos from the Awards Ceremony.

Sister Mary Assumpta OP, RIP

Sr Assumpta was a much-loved member of the Dominican Sisters for 70 years, who taught in Scarborough, Doubleview, Innaloo, Bedford and Dongara. She was loved and respected by many past pupils and staff for her leadership and fine scholarship.

We are grateful for her Congregational leadership over many years. She will be sadly missed by her Dominican Sisters.

Christmas and Holidays

At the Marcellin and Lavalla final gatherings I asked students to consider those children around the world who will not have the opportunity to gather with loved ones this Christmas as many countries are still battling to overcome the challenges that the COVID-19 Pandemic have presented.

How fortunate we are here in Australia to have the opportunity this Christmas to attend Mass, family celebrations and to even consider an interstate holiday.

My best wishes to all our families for a wonderful Christmas celebration with families and friends. We look forward to seeing all our families, current and new, at the commencement of the 2021 school year.