Future Families Archives - Page 5 of 17

Newman News Term 1 Week 10 : From the Principal

Jenni Vile on 07/04/2022

Term 1 has presented many challenges for families and the College with the COVID-19 Omicron variant permeating Western Australia. As the State’s borders have opened we have seen numbers of infections steadily increase, impacting the wider community and our school. Thank you to families for responding to the many changes that have taken place throughout the term. We are hoping for a more settled College environment in Term 2 as some restrictions for schools are lifted.

Last week I spent time in Victoria visiting three Marist schools. Each school is different but all connected by our Marist family and shared mission. Speaking with students and teachers was an eye opener for me as they told of their experiences living in lockdown for the most part of the last two years. Year 9 students, for example, have not yet completed a full term of high school. This term will be the first. Year 9 students have never been to a College Mass, Assembly, a secondary school camp, excursion, incursion or any other whole school event. Only in the last few weeks has co-curricular recommenced for these schools. It has been a challenging road but they are on the journey together. Their resilience is marked by their aspirations; aspirations that we all have – to live life and live it to the full.

As we journey together towards the end of term, perhaps it is timely that we reflect on our local context. How we engaged in our learning this term, how we sought support, how agile and flexible have we been? The COVID-19 Pandemic is now a major disruption in our State and now our school. The uncertainty and the complexity of the road ahead can and is causing anxiety for teachers, students and families. Where we draw support and how we build resilience will be critical as we move towards Term 2.

150 Years of Marist Education in Australia

This year, we celebrate 150 years of Marist education in Australia. 56 schools will gather today at a Mass held in Sydney to celebrate our Marist Project – one where our Founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, championed the education and aspirations of dislocated youth. This hope and this mission is ever present today.

End of Term

So, as we reflect on the term, thank you for your presence and contribution to the life of our community. We have achieved much this term across curricular and co-curricular pursuits. Congratulations to all students for your resilience and commitment to your learning.

Easter Message

In many ways it is a blessing that Easter is upon us. Our Christianity is predicated on this story; the death and resurrection of Christ and the new life and the hope that emerges from the despair and dislocation that forever permeates our world. If anything, we need to draw on this hope that lies within us and those around us. This Marist community is founded on our family spirit and that presence that values relationships.

I encourage all families to attend the Easter services over Holy Week. Take a moment and give thanks with the hope that Easter brings.

Newman News Term 1 Week 8: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 25/03/2022

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Trinity College Lismore Appeal

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to our Appeal to support Trinity College after the recent devasting floods in Queensland. Although it will be a long road to recovery for the community in Lismore, the College has already adapted to provide online learning and is also using classroom facilities at Southern Cross University to ensure their students’ education can continue.

As fellow Marists we trust our prayers and financial contributions will help support the students and staff at Trinity College as they recover and rebuild their community. As a community we have been able to make a contribution to the rebuilding of the community of $5000. Thank you to everyone who dontated, if you still wish to donate, you can using the details below.

Caritas Fast

Each year during Lent, we commit to supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion which gives our school community the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to support under privileged societies. This is underpinned by our Vision for Mission, calling us to serve humanity and raise up those in poverty.

As part of Project Compassion for 2022 over 50 of our students participated in the Caritas Fast. By only eating a barley sugar at recess and a cup of cold rice at lunch these students began to appreciate how little some people in the world have available to eat. The students also raised valuable funds towards our target of reaching $15,000 to support Project Compassion.

Year 5 Feed the Poor

On Wednesday the 23 March 2022 Year 5 students had to participate in a challenge which was called feed the poor. Everyone had to bring a donation of $2 or more and we donated to project compassion. The total amount of money we raised was $171.90, some students forgot to bring their donation so that’s not the final amount of money we raised. We sat under the tree and enjoyed the rice that was cooked. It was interesting to only have a plain portion of rice for lunch. It helped us to understand and sympathise with what it felt like not to have the luxury of food choices and flavours.

Why Did We Do It?

We did it because it taught us to be grateful for what we have instead of being greedy about what we don’t have. We got to learn how lucky we are and what it feels like for people across the world that don’t have choices for their food and what they have to eat. We will also be using this as a topic in writing and this experience will help us. Also we did this to raise money for Caritas. Overall, the experience was amazing, and we have learnt so much, we hope that other years to come get to share the experience and learn what we learnt.

BY MAELEE, ELLA T AND MAVRICK.

Game Changers Retreat

On March 29, our Year 11 Game Changers will take part in their annual Retreat Day. These days are facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry and offer an opportunity for Game Changers to connect and build community with each other. The program features 3 main sessions, with an opportunity for large and small group discussion. The aim is to energise students in their ongoing journey as well as allow space and time to gather and plan for their leadership and service opportunities within and beyond the school context.

We look forward to sharing this exciting and rewarding experience with our Year 11 Game Changers.

Sacramental Retreat Facilitation Training

In 2022, Newman College is partnering up with 24/7 Youth Mininstry, to train a group of Year 10 students in the art of youth ministry. This intensive program will see students engage in 3 workshops with Mario Borg, the Director of 24/7 Youth Ministry. At the conclusion of this program, students will support 24/7 Youth Mininstry with Sacramental Retreats with students in Year 3 and 4.

This is a great opportunity for students to grow in their own understanding of their faith and seek to foster the faith of others through their retreat facilitation.

Thank you to Mario Borg and the students for their commitment to this program.

Staff Lenten Prayer Meetings

Newman College is actively committed to broadening the opportunities for the faith formation of staff members, which naturally flows through to the formation of our students. Supported by our Vision for Mission: to form “good Christians and good citizens”, staff have access to a variety of formation experiences from prayers to liturgical celebrations.

Each week during Lent, the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat has offered staff the opportunity to meet online, reflecting on scripture, praying and sharing, using a resource from the Diocese of Wollongong. This has been a fantastic opportunity for staff to pause and be still and to put into practise this message we give to our students daily. As a College we are committed to the ongoing formation of our staff and students as we continue to live out the dream of St Marcellin Champagnat, “to make Jesus Christ known and loved.”

Sacrament of Reconciliation

On Tuesday our Year 11 students had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This Sacrament encourages students to reflect on their lives, their relationships with God, self, others and creation and to seek forgiveness and healing. Students were invited to judge less and build more authentic relationships. Thanks to Fr Mark from the Redemptorist Monastery for guiding our students and leading the celebration of the sacrament.

Thursday Morning Mass

Thursday Morning Mass continues for students across the College. Mass begins at 8.10 am in the Champagnat Chapel and is celebrated by our local priests.

Week 9, Thursday 31 March; Year 4 Students
Week 10, Thursday 7 April; Year 7 Students

Newman News Term 1 Week 8 : From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 25/03/2022

Last Friday was the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. The theme for 2022 is Kindness Culture. By building a Kindness Culture together, we can promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students in schools across Australia. This week we celebrated Harmony week, the theme is Everyone Belongs. Funds raised will be donated to Project Compassion.

This theme of Everyone Belongs has a striking alignment with our Marist theme for 2022. ‘Known and Love, Dignity for All’

This week also saw students competing in the reformatted Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC) A Division Swimming Carnival at the HBF Stadium. Congratulations and thanks to staff and our Year 7 to 12 Swimming Team, who under COVID-19 constraints, managed to continue with their training in preparation for the wonderful efforts they displayed in the pool.

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly. Incursions, Excursions, Retreats, Carnivals, Year 12 Ball, to name a few, have all had to be cancelled/postponed or delivered in a different format. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and support. We encourage you to continue to look at the online College calendar as entries are updated daily.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee

Thank you to those parents who were able to join the online NPCC meeting held on Monday 14 March. We are calling for expressions of interest from those parents who wish to join the NPCC Executive for 2022

The NPCC provided information about the College’s ASIP Plan for 2022 and provided a response to the WA Health guidelines for COVID-19. The main points discussed were:

COVID-19 mitigation actions implemented by the College
– Ventilation
– Hygiene
– Protocols
– Cleaning
COVID-19 administrative processes undertaken by staff
– Communication
– Contact tracing
– Remote learning

The College’s COVID-19 response section of the meeting can be viewed by clicking here.

Our priority continues to be the health and safety of students and staff. The College appreciates the opportunity to work alongside parents in meeting the needs of students within our community.

End of Term 1 Information

All students finish on Friday 8 April. Holy week will be celebrated with an online Easter Liturgy for Kindergarten to Year 6 students on Thursday 7 April, and an online Principal’s Assembly and Easter Liturgy for Year 7 to 12 students on Wednesday 6 April.

Term 2 Information

All students will return on Tuesday 26 April. Monday 25 April is ANZAC Day, which is a public holiday. Parent Student Teacher Online Interviews for Years 8, 9 and 10 are due to occur next term on 28 April. These interviews will be held online via Teams. Further information will follow via email.

Code of Conduct for Parents

Please click here to download the Newman College Code of Conduct for Parents.

Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 11/03/2022

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Trinity College Lismore Appeal

The devastating flood waters that inundated Lismore in recent days have completely covered Trinity Catholic College, causing damage to every classroom, staff area and facility. Whilst the town and College are used to floods and are well prepared for such events, the magnitude of this flood is beyond anything previously experienced. The destruction at the College is significant and the hardship on many hundreds of College families is acute, reflecting the situation for communities throughout the northern rivers region of NSW and southeast Queensland.

As fellow Marists, as we watch and listen to the news reports, we are compelled to ask, “How can we help?” One practical way is to provide financial support to the College community in order to help rebuild their school and more importantly the lives of the people who are Trinity Catholic College.

Thank you for your support of our Trinity College Lismore Appeal, everyone’s contribution will go a long way to supporting the community. If anyone wishes to make a further donation please contact me or money can be brought in on Monday.

Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday  

Shrove Tuesday is the day prior to the beginning of the Lenten period which commences with Ash Wednesday. Pancakes were sold across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and are eaten on this day as a symbol to represent our commitment to fast, give alms and pray during Lent.

Although COVID restrictions meant we couldn’t gather as a whole school to acknowledge the beginning of Lent, we were able to move our Ash Wednesday Liturgy online. Students were able to receive ashes following the latest COVID advice that was distributed via the Vatican, with a sprinkle on the head. Classroom teachers and PCG teachers, led students through a liturgy prepared by our Year 6 students in the primary and the Faith & Liturgy and Social Justice Captains in the secondary. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and a time when we can reset our relationships with God, others, self and creation.

We are encouraged to do this through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Students across the College will be encouraged to give generously to Project Compassion again in 2022.

Project Compassion 

Our Vision for Mission calls us to serve humanity and raise up those experiencing poverty. At Newman College, we commit to supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion every year during Lent. This is an opportunity for our school to raise funds to support under privileged societies around the world.

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is For All Future Generations. Together, we can create lasting change for people living in some of the most vulnerable and low-income regions in the world.

Caritas Fast 

Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year, in support of Project Compassion, students are invited to participate in the

Caritas Fast 
To be held on Tuesday 22 March 2022 (Week 8)

Students participating will be given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch. This small amount of food will help those participating appreciate how little some people in our world must eat.

Important Details:

Students wishing to participate will register with their PCG teacher by Monday 14th March.
Students participating in the Fast are asked to collect a minimum of $10 each.
Students who have raised $10, and are participating in the Fast, may wear Guild uniform on the day.
Students should use the sponsor sheet to record the amount pledged by each person donating (CARITAS FAST SPONSOR SHEET 2022.docx)

Confirmation Retreat

On a fun-filled Thursday, 3rd March 2022 a group of 24:7 Youth Ministry volunteers came to each class to teach the students about Confirmation and how to prepare to receive the Sacrament.

For the whole day they engaged us with fun, yet educational activities. The staff members were kind and friendly with a passion to teach and a positive mindset. We were given a friendly introduction before being split into smaller groups with a leader for each group.
Students were given tasks and worksheets to discuss in their small groups. Now it wasn’t all just work. We would take small breaks in between tasks to reset our mind and have some fun too.

We learnt many things during this retreat such as, the seven sacraments and what each mean as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how you can use them to become a better person.

One of the best parts was definitely lighting the candles. Students lined up to receive a candle while the others prayed the Rosary. Students would light their small candles from a large candle. Once all the candles were lit, the illuminating glow helped us feel the warmth of God.

The Year 6s would like to thank 24:7 Youth Ministry for all the work they put into our lovely retreat. We would also like to that all the teachers who helped give us this amazing opportunity. This experience was fantastic and one we will always remember.

Student reflection by Ivy Sawkins and Madison Bradford 

Service Learning 

In Term 1, Newman College will be launching the Christian Service-Learning Program for Year 7, 8 and 9 students, “Living Marist”. Our Vision for Mission: to form Good Christians and Good Citizens, seeks to create within our students a spirit of service and compassion for the most vulnerable in our community.

This program is based on the Catholic Social Teachings and the imperatives of Jesus to serve others. Students will participate in a variety of experiences, be given opportunities to discern and reflect on their experiences and be encouraged to take further action in the community.

For information about this program can be found here.

Youth Ministry and Advocacy 2022 

Newman College is a Catholic school founded on faith in Jesus Christ. Integral to this is the lived expression of the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The College is committed to engagement with the mission and expression of the Church through opportunities for reflection and practical works of outreach grounded in Catholic social teaching.

There is a wide range of ministry and advocacy opportunities available for our students in 2022 including Game Changers, Marist Connect Nights, Caritas, Lifelink and many more. Please click here for more information.

Game Changers

This Marist Youth Ministry Program encourages students to focus on areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12 and we gather every second Tuesday afternoon, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. Our next meeting is in Week 7, Tuesday 3:30-4:30

There is still time to join Game Changers for 2022 – students need to fill out the link here or see Mrs Bryson for more information.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Over the next few weeks our students in Year 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to celebrate the Rite of Reconciliation with their class. Through this Sacrament students have the opportunity to think about their lives, to understand their need for God’s forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness and healing. Many thanks to Fr Kaz from Floreat Parish, Fr Peter from Doubleview Parish and Fr Christian from Scarborough Parish who will be celebrating Reconciliation with our classes.

Thursday Morning Mass 

Thursday morning Mass continues for students across the College.

Mass begins at 8.10am and is celebrated by our local priests.

Week 7, Thursday 17 March; Year 5 Students
Week 8, Thursday 24 March; Year 9 Students (hosted by those in Camara Guild)

Local Parish Event – St. Cecilia’s

24:7 Floreat Youth Group, for all youth in Years 6 to 12.
Sunday @ St. Cecilia’s parish hall, 6-8pm.
Water Fight 13th March 6pm-8pm at the Parish Centre.
Call Clare on 0431944508 or Anthony on 045510885 for more information.

Newman News Term 1 Week 6 : From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 11/03/2022

Welcome to autumn! Thinking about autumn can bring about enjoyable thoughts of amber leaves, cooler temperatures, and pretty scenery. Autumn, more than any other season, is a season of change and transformation. The symbolic associations of the leaves falling alongside the temperature, hints to us that letting go is an inevitable process in the seasons of life. The symbolic associations of autumn are a strong reminder that mother mature has an enormous influence on our lives. The disruptions of the last two weeks have continued to challenge our entire community. The constant change and impermanence of the situation are stark reminders of the importance of embracing the Marist characteristics of family spirit, presence, and simplicity.

I have been amazed by the resilience of our students, staff and families in responding to change. Resilience can be defined as the capacity to recover from difficulties. Resilience is not a bobo doll, where you are pushed down one minute and spring up the next. Rather, resilience is more like climbing a mountain trail, without necessarily knowing the direction. It takes endurance, time, faith, patience and most importantly, support from the people that surround you. Setbacks are inevitable, but the joy of reaching the top of the mountain and celebrating together by looking back, makes the journey worthwhile.

As we reflect on what has been the first half of Term One, for our school, WA and the world, we have a sense that our resilience is being developed and stretched. Through collaboration and challenge, we do have faith that we will be able to celebrate our journey and the gifts of resilience at a future point. This week was a turning point for the schooling guidelines for those identified as close contacts of COVID cases, whereby staff and students who are not household close contacts can return to school under certain conditions. The College will continue to provide online learning options for those students who are household close contacts remaining in isolation.

Please check our website regularly for our COVID updates.

Key Dates

Parent Teacher Interviews Y7/11/12

Online interviews took place last night for students in Years 7, 11 and 12. A big thank you to our parents, students, and staff for adapting to this different mode of delivery. We will be reviewing the process and format with the view to continually improve in our flexible offerings to families and teachers. If you have any suggestions on the format, please email lucie.mccrory@newman.wa.edu.au.

NPCC (online) Meeting – Monday 14 March @ 4.45pm

Parents are reminded and encouraged to join John Finneran, Principal, and myself at this online meeting on Monday. The agenda will speak to our ASIP, School COVID-19 response, along with offering a Q & A session at the end. A SMS will be sent out on Monday including the link, or you can join by clicking here.

Code of Conduct for Parents

Please click here to download the Newman College Code of Conduct for Parents.