Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Living Marist: Good Christians and Good Citizens Service Learning Program 

Newman College has launched its Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, with Year 7 and 8 students. The purpose is to engage students in service activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community. Students have participated in a range of activities across, recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students and keep up the good work. There actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work.

Thursday morning Community Mass 

Every Thursday our PK-12 community are invited to attend Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, commencing at 8.10am. Mass is celebrated by our local clergy who support the College. Next week, Thursday 2 September, Marcellin Guild and Year 6 students will be hosting with Fr Ruben. We look forward to welcoming you to our weekly celebration.

Sacramental Preparation 

Across our Parish’s sacramental preparation programs are taking place. Our Lady of Grace is offering Family Faith Formation on Tuesday 31 August.  Fr. Greg Donovan will lead us in this session beginning at 7.00pm in the MPA at the school.  Please arrive 5 mins early to register your attendance. I encourage you to check your parish website to find out about sacramental preparation programs for your child.

Gamechangers 

Our Gamechangers students across Years 7 –12 continue to gather, learn about community, and gain a sense of who God is calling us to be. In an obvious way, our students in Year 11 Gamechangers have travelled to the regional community of Mullewa. This was an opportunity to learn about solidarity and serve in an authentic way. Read some of the student reflections below. Thank you to Br Paul, Paul Cranley and Hannah Parker who gave up time from their families to offer this experience for our students.

14 year 11 students embarked on an immersive journey to the country town of Mullewa, an out of the way town with not many people. Despite being such an exclusive community, our group was welcomed with open arms and hearts. We were given the opportunities to spend time with the children of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the local primary school as well as a variety of others through our time at the Youth Recreational Centre and the Agricultural Show.

On Tuesday, we first met with the OLMC students, a group of only 60 students from Pre-K to 6, who quickly grew in friendship with everyone from Newman. We spent the morning learning about the history of the town at the local cemetery, while simultaneously cleaning the graves, followed by a Newman led mass. After the mass, we ventured to the local district high school and planted trees with the younger students, before returning to the school grounds to help run a practice for the school’s sport carnival. Afterwards, we joined some of the kids from the district high school at the youth recreational centre for games of basketball and chasey, particular favourites of the students.

On Wednesday, we spent most of the day in the town hall, helping the various members of the Agricultural society prepare for the wildflower show. While we were helping, we managed to find a banner made by the Newman REMAR group back in 2005. Halfway through the day, we gave ourselves the time to spend lunch with the OLMC students. We then returned to the town hall for the wildflower set up. After we were finished helping, we then made another trip to the youth centre, this being the last time we would be able to.

On Thursday, we spent the day helping the members of the community in setting up the displays for the agricultural festival, a Royal Show equivalent for the people of Mullewa. Yet again, we went to have lunch with the OLMC kids, everybody was excited for the disco that night, but before the disco, the Newman students had to continue their help with the agricultural festival. After we were finished helping, we had a bit of a break, then we set out to set up the much-anticipated disco. Newman students had set up balloons, streamers and other decorations for the OLMC students. We all had fun at the disco, with a soundtrack full of good songs and some pretty cool dance moves. At the conclusion of the disco, we had some heartfelt goodbyes with the OLMC students, and after some clean up, the Newman students made their way back to the rec centre, excited to have their last sleep before returning home.

What really stood out to all of us through all this was hearing the impact Newman has on the community. Everywhere we went we heard of everyone’s past experiences with the college from previous visits, we even met Holly, who said she remembered the Newman visit to Mullewa she experienced back when she was in Kindy. In reflection, we are so grateful for Fr Rob, Holly and all of the students from both OLMC and the district high school, as well as the greater Mullewa community for being so welcoming to us all, we hope we have made as much of a memorable impact in your lives as you all have in ours. Mrs Parker, Br Paul, Liam, Mr Cranley, Mr Martino, thank you for organizing this event for us.  We all enjoyed this incredible experience and the chance to move forwards in our Marist journey.

Leila Arnold and Josh Lee 
Year 11 Students 

Perth Launch of the 2021/22 ACBC Social Justice Statement.

Newman College hosted the Justice, Ecology & Development Office (JEDO) within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia to launch the Social Justice Statement for 2021/22 “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor”.  We welcomed Bishop Don Sproxton who shared with those gathered what this statement means in the lives of our community. As we reflect on this statement, a reminder for all of us is the importance of listening with a spirit of understanding, responding with a heart of compassion and love that starts with Christ at the center of our own lives and permeates through those we encounter.

Click here to read the full statement from the Bishops.

Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Highlights from Past Two Weeks 

Book Week 

What a fabulous week of celebrations we have had this week, all around the theme “Old worlds, new worlds, other worlds”. A huge thank you to families who supported their students in dressing up for our annual book week parade. The children had a great day, as did the staff! It is a fantastic way to promote the love of reading amongst our students. A massive thank you to Mrs Alison Le Dan for her considerable efforts in making this week a success every year.

Book Week Author Incursion  

Marian students enjoyed an incursion by Western Australian author Sian Turner. Sian spoke to the students about her creative process and inspired many young students with the possibility of becoming authors or illustrators. Students also listened to Sian’s stories “A Whale of a Day in Botany Bay” and “Beyond our Garden Gate”.

Pig the Pug – Book Week competition winners 

It was incredibly difficult to judge the winners, amongst all the fantastic entries. A big congratulations to all children who entered and used their creativity and imagination to invent a new “pig the pug” character.
The winners were:

  • Elijah Sprylan – Kindy
  • Milania Di Vincenzo – Pre-Primary
  • Aelia Terrible – Year 1
  • Charlie Edwards – Year 2

Assembly  

Pre-Primary Blue students led us in a fantastic assembly this morning, centred on Mem Fox’s well-known narrative text “Koala Lou”. A big thank you to Mrs Battersby and Mrs Doe for their efforts in preparing students and allowing them to share their classroom learning with us.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten 2022 / 2023 

If you have not yet enrolled your child in Kindy or Pre-Kindy for 2022, it is essential that you do so as soon as possible. Please contact Newman College Registrar for further information, including our flexible Kindy and Pre-Kindy offering.

The Great Book Swap

On Friday 3 September we will be holding a Book Swap in the undercover area at the Marian Campus and the event will run from 8.20am – 8.50am. The Book Swap raises much needed funds to buy books for disadvantaged indigenous children in remote indigenous communities.

Families are asked to donate good quality chapter or picture books from now until Thursday 2 September.  Donations can be dropped off at the library or to Marian reception.
On the day of the swap the students are asked to bring a gold coin donation and select a book to take home from those that have been donated. Students are welcome to bring additional money if they would like to purchase several books.

Father’s Day Liturgy 

We warmly invite all Marian fathers to join us on Thursday 2 September at 9.00am for our Father’s Day Liturgy. The liturgical celebration has been prepared by our Year 1 students and will be celebrated in St Cecilia’s Parish. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our Dads and father figures, a very Happy Father’s Day for Sunday 5 September.

Marian / Lavalla Athletics Carnival 

We are excitedly preparing for our first combined Marian and Lavalla combined Athletics Carnival.

The Carnival will be held on Friday 10 September at the Marcellin Oval.

Details were emailed today 27 August.  The letter and program can also be viewed by clicking here. (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

Newman News Term 3 Week 4: From the Acting Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Staff Wellbeing Day – Friday 13 August – Pupil Free Day 

Wellbeing week for our students, gave them the opportunity to be involved in various activities that highlighted the importance of our 4 themes, Healthy, Connected, Present, and Gratitude.  On Friday our staff will come together to hear Brendan Spillane, an Australian Educator, speaker, and coach, facilitate a workshop on ‘The Wellbeing Challenge of Complex Times’ and will focus on our personal wellbeing and our impact on others.

CEWA Faith Day – Monday 16 August – Pupil Free Day

Speak Up Awards

Newman College is once again delighted to have representation at this event sponsored by the Grand Lodge of WA Freemasons.  The program endeavours to provide young students with the opportunity to learn, develop and practise public speaking skills.   Year 6 students, Harry Dolan, Liam White and Isabella Crisona will attend the heats on Tuesday 17 August. Please join me in wishing all participants the best of luck with the delivery of their speeches.

Lavalla Music Night – Tuesday 17 August, 6.30pm

The evening will consist of performances by students in Years 3-6 enrolled in the instrumental program, including the instrumental and vocal ensembles, and selected soloists. Parents and friends are invited to attend this free event. No tickets are required.

Artist in Residence – Community Workshop – Wednesday 25 August, 6.00pm

The College is pleased to welcome acclaimed Western Australian textile designer Tanya Cain-Abbs as part of the 2021 Artist in Residence Program.
Come along and enjoy a workshop with Tanya to learn the technique Shibori (a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique which produces patterns on fabric). All materials provided. Limited positions are available. No experience necessary.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with one of Western Australia’s most acclaimed artists.

The workshop will run for approximately 2 hours at a cost of $50pp. (RRP $160pp)

Click here to reserve your place. 

Uniform Shop Purchases

Please be reminded that at the commencement of Term 4 2020, the Uniform Shop was no longer accepting cash.  The Uniform Shop accepts all major credit cards and EFTPOS and operates a successful lay-by system with a small deposit. We do not accept American Express.
The Uniform Shop also accepts phone orders and payment (from parents) for collection by students.

Code of Conduct

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.

Newman News Term 3 Week 2: From the Acting Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 30/07/2021

New Staff 

We welcome the following new staff to the College Community and Marist family.

  • Troy Holdaway – HPE Teacher
  • Edward York – Science Teacher
  • Melissa Heaver – Year 5 Teacher (Term 3 and 4)
  • Lara Vlahov – Early Learning Sports Teacher (Term 3 and 4)
  • Jo Ricciardone – Physics Teacher (Term 3 and 4)
  • Alicia Nguyen – EA Lavalla Campus

Newman College Norms

Our Vision for Learning – Let Your Light Shine – reflects the Marist charism of Newman College and our unwavering belief that all members of our community can develop their unique abilities. To allow all members of our community to live out this vision to its truest potential, we respect and agree to a series of ‘non-negotiables’.

A non-negotiable is similar to a commitment. It is something that will be upheld, no matter the situation. Non-negotiables can be a very powerful force in a school community as they provide consistency and clarity in expectations and help to create a positive and collaborative culture.

Click here to view the Newman College Norms

Catholic Arts

The Performing Arts Festival is a unique opportunity, open to both Primary and Secondary school students, where they have the opportunity of performing to a public audience.  Categories include choral, drama, musical, instrumental, vocal and dance.  Newman College supports this event to order to ensure our students have a platform where they can showcase their talents.  Thank you to students and staff who attended the Opening Mass last Thursday.  Best wishes to all competitors.

Assumption Day Celebrations

Our K-12 Community will come together to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Patronal Feast of the Marist Brothers on Tuesday 10 August.  Information has been sent home to all families providing specific information for Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin students along with the proposed schedule of the day.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting  

The next meeting is being held on Monday 9 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.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)  

Teaching staff across the College participated in professional learning to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability. This ensures that all students have access to a quality learning experience at school and teachers can provide adjustments for students based on professional judgement, together with medical and professional diagnoses. I extend my thanks to Mrs Sarah Pagett, Learning Support, and the Diverse Learning Team for supporting staff in understanding this important resource and process.

Click here to access a resource for parents.

Code of Conduct

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.

Newman News Term 3 Week 2: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 30/07/2021

Highlights from Past Two Weeks 

Welcome back to Term 3! It has been lovely to return to school and see so many happy little faces, eagerly entering the school for what is shaping up to be a very busy term. Amongst this busyness, there are lots of exciting things happening which we can’t wait to share with our students. It has been wonderful to have our Pre-Primary students take the next step in their transition into independence at school, by joining the Year 1 and 2 students in the Undercover Area each morning to start the day.

I was fortunate enough to attend a conference earlier this week, and hear renowned Educational Researcher, Pasi Sahlberg present. One of the themes Pasi spoke about was ‘Play Deprivation’. Despite research clearly indicating the importance of play in children’s learning and development, let alone in their social and emotional well-being and development, we are continuing to see an attitude where it is thought that children are too busy to play. It was affirming to hear that many of the commitments we have made at Newman College towards early education, align with the messages that Pasi discussed. I urge you to make time for your children to play when they get home – our homework policy in early childhood allows for this too, in ensuring that our littlest minds have the time and space at home to rest, and engage in meaning.

Parent / Teacher Interviews

Thank you to parents who attended meetings with their child’s teachers last week. The home and school partnership is essential to educational success. These meetings are a fantastic opportunity to meet with parents and discuss each students progress and their goals moving forward.

Year 1 Red Assembly 

A massive thank you to Year 1 Red and Miss Sarah Francia for their informative assembly item about adventures to outer space. I loved hearing about the stars, moon and planets that are in our solar system and Astronaut Charlotte certainly got to enjoy some wonderful adventures.

Special Thanks

A special thanks was extended at this morning’s assembly to Mr Chris Hazebroek who provided some significant assistance during the school holiday period, when our Marian Hall flooded. We are very grateful for the Marist Family Spirit that he displayed in assisting Mercycare staff with minimising damage and flooding.
Photo of Chris please.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

We have a number of events scheduled for the term ahead, which you may like to mark in your diaries.

  • Week 4 – Wellbeing Week
  • Tuesday 10 August – Assumption Day (Buddy Day)
  • Friday 13 August – Staff Professional Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
  • Monday 16 August – CEWA Faith Day (Pupil and Staff Free Day)
  • Week 5 – Science Week
  • Week 6 – Book Week
  • Thursday 26 August – Marian Book Week parade
  • Week 8 – Multicultural Week
  • Friday 10 September – Athletics Carnival
  • Friday 24 September – Last Day of Term

Athletics Carnival

We are very excited to announce that this year, our Athletics Carnival will be celebrated withal primary students on the same day. Students in Pre-Primary to Year 6, will come together on Friday 10 September to participate in a range of athletics events. Mrs Lara Vlahov and Mrs Tash Richards are busy preparing all the details for the day, which will be shared with families closer to the event.

Family Fun Friday

Commencing next Friday, we will have a group of Year 7 and 8 students leading Friday morning activities across the Campus for our Marian students. Please come down for an 8.20am start each Friday morning, and encourage your child to join in one of the many activities offered across the campus.

A coffee van is available each Friday for parents to purchase a hot beverage and get to know some members of our community.