Vice Principal – Mr Michael Chiera
Introducing Newman College Vice Principal Mr Michael Chiera
Newman College Teacher takes out the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Teacher Award ‘Improving Student Learning and Progress’
Beth Murphy, Andrew Watson, Dr Lucie McCrory GAICD, Ryan von Bergheim, Justin Kirry, Simon Martino
Newman College Perth is thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievement of one of our own, Catherine Young Leader of Learning PK-6, who has been announced as the recipient of the inaugural National Teacher Awards 2023 in the category Improving Student Learning and Progress.
The Teacher Awards have been developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), to recognise and commend the exceptional contributions of educators, school leaders, and support staff in K-12 school settings across Australia. Catherine, nominated by our Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning PK-12, Beth Murphy, has made numerous contributions and taken various initiatives in the field of education, with a particular focus on data literacy and enhancing student progress. This award highlights the significant impact of her work for educators, students, and the broader educational community. The award recognises Catherine’s leadership abilities, collaborative endeavours, dedication to data-driven decision-making, reliance on evidence-based practices, and continuous commitment to professional development. It underscores her role in empowering her fellow educators and cultivating a culture of ongoing improvement and professional growth among her colleagues.
The Judging Panel, comprising nine esteemed experts in the field of education, including Professor Geoff Masters, Professor Lyn Sharratt, Professor Pasi Sahlberg, Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, Associate Professor Marnee Shay, Dr Troy Meston, Ben Sacco, Alex Wharton, and Mali Jorm considered the nominations. Their expertise and rigorous evaluation process make Catherine’s achievement even more remarkable. Professor Geoff Masters, a distinguished member of the Judging Panel, remarked on the exceptional contributions made by teachers like Catherine Young to the teaching profession, student learning, and the overall wellbeing of students. The 2023 Teacher Award applicants showcased the profound passion and dedication that educators across Australia possess, and Catherine’s achievements truly stand out and this award is a recognition of Catherine’s unwavering dedication, exceptional contributions to education, and her profound impact on the lives of the students here at Newman College.
Congratulations Catherine!
The Nomination Criteria
Improving Student Learning and Progress
Every student is capable of successful learning and of making ongoing progress. This award is open to an individual or team of educators and celebrates success in improving learning and progress for students, regardless of their starting point – including those working above or below year-level expectations. Judges will be looking for elements such as:
- Professional learning to support data literacy of staff
- Systematic collection and use of data, from different sources, to identify: where individual students are in their learning; gaps in learning and individual student needs; appropriate teaching strategies and interventions (this may include programs to support specific cohorts of students, such as those facing disadvantage)
- Using multiple sources of data to monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching
- A feedback and reporting approach that aligns with the school context, teaching approaches, and student/parent needs
- Teachers clearly explain students’ current knowledge, understanding and skills
- Communicating student progress and long-term growth, rather than just achievement
- Students understand the next steps in learning, and receive clear feedback on how to improve
- Parents understand their child’s learning progress and needs, and how to best support them
Newman News Term 2 Week 2: From the Principal
Principal Announcement
Many thanks to all in the community for your support regarding the announcement that I will conclude my tenure as Principal at the end of 2022. It has been an incredible seven years and my family has been very grateful for the experience of living in WA. Over the coming months I look forward to sharing my appreciation with students, staff, and families.
As a College we have achieved much based on the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families. Shine through Discovery – Let your light Shine (Mat 5:16) has underpinned a period of significant growth and development which places our school as one of choice for families. Our Marist charism invites us to be present to each other and cultivate relationships to build community. We look forward to the term ahead and ask all students to set goals and commit themselves to our culture of excellence in all their pursuits.
College CDP PK-6 Launch
This week marks the launch of our new PK-6 refurbishment on the Churchlands Campus. A new web page has been established and will provide the design, timelines and up to date information as it arises. This development will consolidate the College PK-12 on one campus and will ensure our viability for generations to come. In addition, we recently completed works to a large proportion of the creek that separate our Lavalla and Marcellin Campus. This completion if this project will allow for greater connectivity in the College and provide greater play and learning spaces.
We will be a hosting an information night later this term with our architects Munns Sly Moore.
Year 6 Camp
On Thursday I attended the Year 6 Camp which took place at Forrest Edge Waroona. To acknowledge the significance of the students’ final year of primary schooling, I presented each student with a commemorative shirt. The confidence developed at camp, along with the great example set by our Year 6 students throughout the year will no doubt serve to encourage and empower all Lavalla students to Shine through Discovery.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Year 6 teaching team for their support in organising this amazing experience.
Year 7 Camp
Our Year 7 camp was held this week at Swan Valley Adventure Camp. A great experience for all our students highlighted by the joy and excitement of our students. Thanks again to our staff for their commitment and support of our students.
Mother’s Day
I hope that many will have the opportunity to spend time with their mothers this Sunday. I remind myself every day about the amazing impact my own mum has had on my life – the unconditional love, care and support which has sustained me to this day.
We are so blessed to be part of a Marian family which emphasises where our founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, asks of us to draw nearer to Mary and her example. Her strength, resilience and love inspires us today to do the same.
Wishing all families, a happy Mother’s Day.
Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Deputy Principal Secondary
As Term One comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to think our students, staff, and families for their support and perseverance during this challenging term. While we have faced various restrictions, the school term has been filled with many events, activities and opportunities for our students and they should be so proud of the efforts and achievements.
Our Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday morning highlighted some amazing sporting achievements and acknowledged students who in 2021, volunteered more than 20 hours of service towards the Living Marist Christian Service-Learning Program. I would particularly like to congratulate Isabelle Roper in Year 9 for her 200 hours of Service Learning throughout 2021. We were also able to acknowledge students from Years 7 to 12, who have made an outstanding contribution to College life throughout Term One with a Principal’s Award. Congratulations to all students!
I wish our students, staff and families, a Happy Easter, and a wonderful and well-deserved break. I hope that our students enjoy this time with their families and friends, and we look forward to their return to Term Two.
Key Dates
College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.
Term Two
We will welcome our students back to Term Two with Year Group assemblies on Tuesday 26 April. These assemblies will include an ANZAC Day Ceremony hosted by representatives from primary, Year 9 and the Student Leadership Team.
Uniform
A reminder that students return to Term Two in Winter Uniform. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Uniform Requirements and Personal Appearance Expectations found here.
WACE Revision Courses
There are a number of revision workshops throughout the course of the year held by external providers. These workshops include ATAR & Middle School Courses, Study Skills and Tutoring. For further information, please click here.
ECU Excursion
The Year 10 and 11 Physical Education Studies students were recently invited to visit the Sports Science facilities at ECU in Joondalup.
Students toured the facilities and heard about the post-school pathways that exist in the rapidly evolving Exercise and Sports Science industries.
The visits enabled students to see the real-world application of many of their theory concepts.
Year 11 students participated in a practical laboratory activity that extended their knowledge of the biomechanical concept of force, and under the direction of Professor Ken Nosaka, students learnt about some of the newest advancements in the Exercise and Sports Science fields, including research on the benefits of eccentric loading when performing resistance activities.
The excursions were a great opportunity to spend time in a leading tertiary institution and students left motivated and excited about the pathways that might be accessed after studying Physical Education Studies.
Year 10 students are encouraged to speak with Mr. Tremayne or one of the other PE staff if they are interested in learning more about the Year 11 and 12 courses available as they start their subject selection process.
SHINE Update
SHINE through Forensic Science
Our Year 10 students, gifted and talented in STEM, were fortunate to have Murdoch University expert in Forensic Science Cindy Palermo and Anubhav Jarial (Law student) facilitate two fascinating workshops. The first workshop required students to use blood type knowledge, solve Mathematical equations, discern patterns, and critically evaluate several pieces of evidence to determine the prime suspect in a case. Following this, students applied trigonometry to analyze a re-created blood splatter. I commend the following students for their positive engagement and critical thinking in a challenging and thought-provoking morning: Ariana Mason, Jaydon Augustus, Zoe Boss, Alyssa Coumbe, Zak Rodkiewicz, Jordan Smith, Olivia Rubens, Harper Gamble, Charlotte Laurent, Samarah Mammoliti, Angelica Rombouts, Zoe Trovato, Lucas March, Zara Kok, Hideki Duque, Saskia Chesson, Keira Reynolds, Seth Fox and Marcus Malaxos. I would also like to thank Mr Brad Cotterell and Mr Justin Farley for his support of students during the morning.
SHINE through problem solving
Year 9 gifted and talented students in STEM were also fortunate to have Murdoch University lead them through the Rube Goldberg challenge. After an introduction to the machine students were challenged to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills build their own Rube Goldberg machine under time constraints. The following students should be proud of their effort and commitment to the problem-solving task: Grace Gordon, Leonardo Mason, Tomas Macri, Chloe Byrne, Charlie Cossom, Stefano Rapanaro, Laura Nolan, Abigail Fowler, Rebecca Rubens, Amelia Ng, Dyllan Roberts, Kate Le, Jenna King, Ethan Wynne, Kevin Xanthis and Sebastian Dziedzic. I would also like to thank Mr Naylor and Mr Nelson for their support of students during the workshop.
Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Deputy Principal Primary
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it” JM Barrie – Peter Pan
At the end of what has been a very busy, and often tumultuous term, I am pleased to be able to sit back and reflect on the many great achievements and moments of celebration that our students have experienced over the past ten weeks. Despite the challenges that this term has presented, such as our inability to gather for liturgies and assemblies, having to take events online, and beginning mask wearing throughout the school day, our students have continued to believe in their ability to overcome each challenge and show us how they can fly. It is no coincidence that one of our College’s pedagogical pillars is Challenge; the skills that our students have learnt in facing this term’s challenges, such as resilience and a growth mindset will stay with them as they continue their educational journey.
My sincere thanks are extended to our amazing teaching team, who have once again shown that teaching is not just a career but a vocation. The challenges of COVID this term have resulted in teachers often being required to work longer and even harder in ensuring that their students learning remained unaffected. This has involved teachers preparing lessons and resources in support of other classes, supporting relief staff when someone was unwell or isolating, picking up extra recess or lunch duties, keeping in touch and preparing learning packs for isolating students (whilst still being present to their face-to-face class) and engaging in remote learning (sometimes even when they have been a bit unwell themselves!) What a team! I hope that our teachers, along with our students and families have a very well-deserved and restful Easter break. We look forward to everyone returning in Term 2, with a sense of rejuvenation and the energy to combat whatever Term 2 may present us with.
Key Dates
College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.
Project Compassion
Many thanks to our families for their support of Project Compassion throughout Lent. Your generous support can help change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. To learn more about Project Compassion you can go HERE.
Easter Raffle
Our annual Easter Raffle was once again a huge success in contributing to our Project Compassion fundraising efforts. The winners of the raffle were drawn at the end assembly on Friday morning with the Easter Bunny delivering prizes to students across Pre-Kindy to Year 6.
Thank you to Mrs Jane Short, for her coordination of the raffle and the parent helpers who assisted in wrapping and assembling the prizes.
Lavalla Campus Assembly
Thank you to Mrs Robyn Hatchett and the Year 6 Green students for their wonderful assembly performance. Your energy and enthusiasm is to be commended, particularly on the last day of term. We are so grateful for all your efforts in putting the assembly together,
A big congratulations to all our Merit Award winners on their fantastic achievements.
Year 1 Zoo Excursion
Year 1 students had an adventure at the Perth Zoo on Monday, as they consolidated their Science Unit on Life and Living. Thank you to the parents that were able to assist as Excursion Helpers on the day.
Year 2 Bunnings Incursion
In Science this term, Year 2 have been learning about the Earth’s important resources. As a final project for their Science unit, Bunnings provided an incursion on creating a mini school garden. Students discussed how water, soil and the sun as well as many other resources, support our plants and creatures. Each student planted their own vegetable, which they ae excited to watch grow, ready for harvesting. We hope that these garden beds continue to promote learning with all Marian students and promote our College’s focus on sustainability.
Mercycare School Holiday Program
Mercycare’s School Holiday program has a range of exciting incursions and excursions available throughout this upcoming Easter holiday period. The service is open to currently enrolled students of Newman College and operates from 7am to 6pm each day. Families interested in enrolling their child into the program should contact Luisa on 0409 065 996 or Newman_OSHC@mercycare.com.au. Details of the upcoming holiday program can be found below.
School Photos Days
A reminder to all families that our photo days are taking place on the following days:
- Years 3-6 (Lavalla Campus) – Friday 29 April 2022
- Kindy, Year 1 & Year 2 (Marian Campus) – Friday 13 May 2022
- Pre-Primary TBC
Students should now have received their school photo order envelope. The order envelopes are printed uniquely for each student. On photo day, the camera links to the bar code on the order envelope, therefore it is extremely important that every student returns their envelope on photo day – even if families are not buying photos. The instructions to parents are printed on the envelope and are self explanatory. Parents will notice that they have a wide choice of photo packs available to purchase.
Uniform Expectations
Kindy – Students have the option to wear their Newman College t-shirt
Pre Primary – Students must wear their Newman College Tracksuit (tracksuit pants are preferred)
Years 1-6 – Students must wear their full winter uniform. Boys can wear either their shorts or trousers and girls are welcome to wear their dress or skorts (Years 4-6 to wear their blazer)
We hope that all students can be present at school this day, as school photos often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.