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Newman News Term 1 Week 6 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 11/03/2022

International and National Disasters 

The last two weeks have seen the world change again with the conflict in Ukraine and the natural disaster in the Eastern States.  It is difficult to imagine the trauma and tragedy that has resulted from these events.  The Marist theme for 2022 Known and Loved Dignity for all invites us to reflect on the beauty of human life.  The privilege we have in our country is that war and destruction of life is not on our doorstep.  However, it is important that we as a community recognise our place in the world and that we offer our ongoing prayers and thoughts for this community.

Our Brother and Sister school in Lismore, Trinity College, has been devastated by the floods of northeast NSW.  The school is uninhabitable and there is limited prospect of students returning in the short term.  Through the Marist Fundraising Appeal, the College has been able to actively contribute funds to supporting this community in their endeavours to restore teaching and learning onsite (please see Ministry section for more detail).  Thank you to everyone who donated to this appeal.

Ms Julie Ryan, Marist Schools Australia Regional Director 

We were most fortunate to have received a visit from Julie Ryan this week, her first visit to Perth since May 2021.  The purpose of Julie’s trip was to visit the school and meet with the College Leadership Team, staff and students.  In addition, Julie and I met with the Executive Director CEWA, Dr Debra Sayce and Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Archdiocese of Perth, Fr Vincent Glynn, to discuss the College’s position with Catholic Education WA and our role as a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Perth.

Julie has recently confirmed her intention to conclude in her current role at the end of June 2022 and commence richly deserved retirement from full time work. Her support of Newman College has been untiring over the past 5 years ensuring visits to the West 3-4 times per year.  We look forward to farewelling Julie as a College at the end of Term 2.

COVID-19 Update 

The disruption caused by COVID-19 in our Community persists as case numbers increase in the wider community and changes to social measures and contact tracing evolve.  Please click here to view the College’s latest update.

I wish to commend the students for their resilience and adaptability as changes to their day-to-day life occur.  The wearing of masks of our Primary students has been embraced and I thank families for supporting the College’s enacting WA Health regulations as they are rolled out.

The College now has a dedicated COVID-19 team dealing specifically with COVID-19.  An email address has been set up to enable families to send any queries or report a positive case to our team through this email – covid@newman.wa.edu.au

Events

Although many restrictions have been placed on events so far this term it was wonderful to see today students in action at our Years 3-6 Faction Swimming Carnival.  Our students, over and over again, have risen to the occasion and continue to display a strong spirit, passion and commitment to their school.

NPCC, Monday 14 March, 4.45pm

I encourage members of our College community to attend the online NPCC meeting on Monday evening, the focus of which will be the College’s Annual School Improvement Plan 2022 and processes in managing the outbreak and its impact at Newman College.  A SMS will be sent out on Monday including the link, or you can join by clicking here.

John Finneran
Principal

Newman News Term 1 Week 4: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 25/02/2022

The faith life of our College continues to strive as we look to offer authentic experiences for our students in line with our Vision for Mission: to form good Christians and good Citizens. Our staff and students have continued to reflect on our Marist Theme: Known and Loved – Dignity for All as we consider how we respond to the current challenges posed in schools through our Marist Characteristics. The following reflection was shared with staff and students on Monday. Living with Covid in the Marist way.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Retreat 

A different experience for our students in 2022, yet still powerful and life giving. Students engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged them to reflect on who they are, what they value and the type of person they want to be. I wish to thank PCG and other staff who attended the three days and journeyed with our students in the conversation. Particular thanks to Mat Puljiz, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12, Aleisha Bryson, Leader of Youth Ministry & Advocacy, Liam Street, Marist Youth Minister, Donna McFadden, Canteen Manager and the Maintenance Team.

Community Mass 

Mass continued in Week 4 and will continue on Thursday morning for particular year groups. This is only open to staff and students at Newman College. Unfortunately, parents are not able to attend at this time due to current restrictions. We welcome local parish priests who continue to serve our Newman College community and offer spiritual nourishment for our community.

Game Changers 

Tuesday Week 5, Game Changers commences again for all students in Year 8-12. Groups gather Tuesday afternoon with their mentors and begin their new track for 2022. Any questions about Game Changers or to get your child involved with Game Changers, please contact Aleisha Bryson, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy.

A snapshot of what Game Changer can be found here.

Project Compassion 2022 

The theme for 2022 is For All Future Generations.  Caritas is responsible for supporting many communities around the world and Project Compassion is their main fundraiser to support their projects.

During lent we will be joining many Australians in raising money for Project Compassion and the funds raised will help support vulnerable communities around the world to tackle poverty, food security, education, water and sanitation and disaster risk reduction to build a better future for all.

Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. In 2022 Ash Wednesday is 2 March 2022. As a Catholic community, Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. It encourages us to spend time in prayer, fasting and almsgiving and by doing so we are reminded Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

Shrove Tuesday 

The Catholic Church has a tradition to celebrate Shrove Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday is a day to celebrate before we begin the season of fasting. Historically, it has been celebrated by eating pancakes. We will be selling pancakes on Tuesday 1 March across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and to continue this fun tradition of our Church.

  • Marcellin Sales before school 8:15-8:45
    $2 ea or 3 for $5 Maple syrup included
    Eft will be available
  • Lavalla sold during Recess from Lavalla canteen.
    $2 ea or 3 for $5 Maple syrup included
  • Marian sold/distributed during class in beginning of the day.
    $2

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday will be celebrated across the College through classroom teachers and PCG teachers. Students will be able to receive ashes following the latest covid advice that was distributed via the Vatican on how to appropriately distribute ashes. Marian and Lavalla students will be celebrating their liturgy at the beginning of the day. Marcellin students will be celebrating during extended PCG.

Confirmation Retreat

On Thursday 3 March, our Year 6 students will be participating in their Confirmation Retreat, facilitated by 24:7 Youth Ministry. This is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and how this will impact their life. This is a significant moment in the life of our Year 6 students, and I encourage all our parents to begin the conversation with their child about their sacramental journey.

Newman News Term 1 Week 4 : From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 25/02/2022

The last two weeks have been even busier than usual, which I did not think was possible! Perhaps this is due to, at least in part, teachers, students and families being called to respond to the current frustrating societal covid situation with flexibility, understanding, calmness and acceptance.

Teaching staff have had to look to sustainable teaching practices that allow students to experience uninterrupted learning, should they be called to isolate for a short period of time and learn from home. This is a time-consuming task for a teacher, particularly for those who teach for the full day, with students present in front of them. Likewise, students learning from home have had to exercise greater levels of independence and organisation for the period of isolation. In our Primary setting, our parents may need to step into the role of learning facilitator (whilst also trying to work from home) to see their child through the isolation period. We are thankful for our partnerships with parents, we need each other to successfully navigate the educationally disruptive waters.

In the coming weeks we may need to ask whole classes to isolate in the Primary school or collections of students in the secondary school. The College has continuation of learning plans in place for each scenario. The types of learning that the students will engage in will be dependent on whether the bulk of the class is at school, or at home. Please see our communication from our Director of Transformational Learning, Mrs Jenny Miraudo, on the continuation of learning for each scenario. More information can also be found on the College website under our Remote Learning Plans for each year group.

The College is continuously looking for processes and practices that will support teacher and student wellbeing, as we move more into what can be described as a hybrid learning environment. Our learning platforms of Teams, OneNote, SEQTA and Seesaw will assist us to deliver education to students, regardless of their physical whereabouts. Interestingly, McCrindle (2021) undertook a study which investigated the skills that are best learnt in the digital and physical world – independently at home and face to face at school. Admittedly, the results of this study are more relevant for our older students. The results can be viewed below.

We trust that our experiences, whilst challenging, will bear fruit at a future stage and that we can be grateful for the support we have in each other as one Marist educational family. We value simplicity and presence as a community, these qualities are particularly relevant today.

Key Dates 

College Calendar Link – College events are changing very quickly, and we ask all families check the online calendar frequently.

Review of the Children’s Crossing, Tuscany Way near Mantua Crescent 

The above crossing is currently being reviewed by the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee.  Two sets of surveys will be conducted.  Please encourage students to utilise the facility so that a true picture of the school community’s needs may be gathered.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC) Meeting – Monday 14 March (Online)

These meetings are convened by the Principal and attended by various members of the College Leadership Team. The group provides an avenue for parent voice and operates as a forum for parents to gain insight into our school improvement plan. 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.  The topics for discussion include the annual school improvement plan and Covid experiences and risk mitigation measures.

A meeting reminder will be sent out to families nearer the time containing the meeting link.  We value and welcome collaboration and feedback from parents and encourage your participation.

Pupil Free Days – Term 1 

  • Labour Day (Public Holiday) – Monday 7 March (Week 6)

Parent Information Presentations 

Information evenings for all of our year groups went online this year. A copy of each of the presentations is available below. Please use the links to access individual presentations.

Updating College Records

The College requires all families to review and update existing information on their child’s Consent2Go profile. Please ensure Medical Details are entered correctly.

  • College Held Medications: you are required to complete all applicable fields in the Medical Details section. All listed medications must be handed in at Student Administration within 48 hours. Current Medical Action Plans must also be uploaded.
    Note: This does not apply to students who require short-term medication ie antibiotics for one week. You will still need to complete the PK-12 Student Medication Request Form which can be found on the College website and hand it in to the applicable administration office with the medication.
  • Any changes to your contact details (e.g.phone number, email or home address) need to be emailed to the College Registrar registrar@newman.wa.edu.au.
    Note: Emergency contacts should not be the parents.

Thanking you for your support.

Code of Conduct for Parents

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

Newman News Term 1 Week 4 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 25/02/2022

COVID-19 Update 

The disruption to the 2022 school year has continued with the increased number of COVID-19 cases in the community.  As families are aware, we are working closely with WA Health through AISWA (Association of Independent Schools Australia) in determining procedures for supporting students and staff who test positive to COVID-19.  This has not been an easy time and the challenges presented to our community have been commensurate to an ever-changing landscape.

As per my last communication to families of 24 February (published on the College website), the process for contact tracing and identification of COVID-19 cases has been refined due to the quantum of work required to provide more timely information.  Contact tracing will now be conducted by the College.  To ensure an efficient and effective process, we have created an addition to our College COVID-19 web page so that parents can complete our ‘Reporting Form’ should their child test positive for COVID-19.  I wish to assure families that students who test positive or who are identified as close contacts will be well supported by the College.

I recognise that there has been some frustration in our community but am grateful for your patience and ongoing support.  I am very pleased at the way our students have commenced their learning this year and responded with youthful exuberance and resilience to this crisis.  One of the key pillars of a successful school is a settled environment.  Despite the myriad changes, our students have adapted quickly which bodes well for the term ahead.

As more information is provided by AISWA, we will inform parents and guardians of the impact on our local context.

High Achievers Assembly

On Wednesday 16 February we celebrated our 2021 High Achievers.  Our assembly was planned to be held in the gymnasium with 1130 Years 7-12 students to celebrate our High Achievers of 2021 and our Years 6 and 12 student leaders.  But due to the announcement of new COVID restrictions in WA, this occasion was presented online.

At the assembly, I spoke of this year marking 150 years of Marist Education in Australia in which the first school class occurred in 1872 at the Rocks, Church Hill, in Sydney.  As part of the 150 years celebrations, all Marist schools were invited to engage with a special initiative, the Marist Alumni Project.  The project has been designed to identify and celebrate significant contributions that Marist educated women and men have made to our Nation over the past 150 years, echoing the dream of Saint Marcellin for Marist education, ‘to form good Christians and good citizens’.  The outcome of the project is the creation of an Anthology of Outstanding Australian Marist Alumni.

I spoke of the significant achievements of some of our past alumni and suggested that one or two 2021 High Achievers, of whom we were celebrating, might also go on to become an Outstanding Alumni in the future.

Please click here to view my speech in full.

Newman College Council Meeting 

On Thursday 17 February the College Advisory Council commenced its meetings for 2022.  At the first meeting we welcomed new member, Greg Wheeler, to the Finance Committee and Advisory Council and look forward to his contribution, given his diverse financial and past student experiences.
The key theme of the meeting was the commencement of the new company, Marist Schools Australia Limited, the newly established entity which has the single focus on the governance and administration of Marist schools, including Newman College.

John Finneran
Principal

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 11/02/2022

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” John 10:14 and He deeply knows, and He truly loves.

As we settle into a new year, albeit with another topsy-turvy start, the Ministry Team would like to remind us all to Breathe, as we all did so beautifully last year but, also in these uncertain times, that the relationships we foster at Newman College must remain true and steadfast.

Our theme this year – Known and Loved: dignity for all – clearly conveys that we can love others because we are first loved by God. “We love because he first loved us,” writes John (1 John 4:19). This is the life we are invited into. This relational love is the deepest reality of the Christian life. Knowing and loving is the call of being a Marist educator. It is also the call of every parent and, in our communities, we all seek to know and to show love to young people. Following the creed of St Marcellin Champagnat, we Marists have always shown love for our students. But the nature of these times, when our interactions are often limited by the cold interface of Teams, blocked by necessary face masks or staged two metres apart, reminds us to let young people know that they are fully known and loved because then they can be themselves and feel deeply loved for being just who they are.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Retreat 

The Year 12 retreat is a significant part of the school journey and integral to our Vision for Mission: to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”. The retreat aims to assist students in recognising the importance of holistic development and to give further understanding of living life to the full. Students will be given time to reflect on relationships with family, self, others, and God and will be encouraged to contemplate who they are and who they are called to be.

Communication has been sent to families regarding changes to the Year 12 Retreat for 2022 and can be found here.

Sacramental Information 

Newman College, in partnership with the local parishes, prepares every child for the Sacraments through the Religious Education programs.

  • Year 3 – Reconciliation
  • Year 4 – Eucharist
  • Year 6 – Confirmation

In accordance with the guidelines from the Archdiocese, Sacraments are received in the local parish.  Families wanting their children to receive the Sacraments are required to enrol them in the parish community in which they regularly participate.  Enrolments are usually required early this term. If you have not already done so, please contact your Parish Priest or the Sacrament Coordinator at your local parish.

Please refer to the below links for further information regarding Sacrament dates and registration:

If you have any queries, please contact Jane Short, Religious Education Coordinator Primary, jane.short@newman.wa.edu.au 

Youth Ministry & Advocacy 

St Marcellin Champagnat’s desire for every child was that “We aim at something better… to give them Christian spirit, attitudes and virtues possessed by good Christians and good citizens.” Newman College seeks to provide opportunities to students and families to live out the Christian mission. Here are some of the ways students can get involved in 2022.

  • Game Changers: Game Changers is a Marist Youth Program facilitated in Marist schools  around Australia, that encourages students to focus on the areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12. Groups gather on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 every second week, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. If you would like your son or daughter to become involved in Game Changers please contact Aleisha Bryson.
  • Living Marist: Our Christian Service-Learning Program for Years 7, 8 and 9. The program is commences in Term 1 and concludes in Term 3. Students are expected to complete 10 hours of community service during this time. The College will provide opportunities for students, as well as expect students to find their own volunteering experiences.
  • Marist Connect nights: An opportunity for students in Year 11 and 12 to meet with students from St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College to develop relationships and grow a wider network facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry.

In 2022 we are committed once again to supporting the following organisations:

  • Caritas: Project Compassion and Caritas Fast, students will be involved in fundraising activities during Lent in Term 1 with all proceeds going to Caritas.
  • Saint Vincent de Paul: Blanket Appeal and Christmas Appeal, the opportunity to provide support to people in need within our own community, families are requested to bring in a blanket during winter and food and drink for Christmas hampers.
  • Lifelink: As part of our support of Lifelink, the outreach agency of the Archdiocese, in Term 3 we align our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption with our annual Walkathon.
  • Australian Marist Solidarity: Term 2 we celebrate Champagnat Day with our annual Fete Day. All proceeds on this day go to Australian Marist Solidarity with a focus on the Kuya Centre for Street Children and this year including Timor Leste where the Marist’s are building a new school.
  • Catholic Mission: Term 4 we raise awareness for Catholic Mission through Socktober. Events associated with this are Soccer-based and pertain to fostering an understanding of the lives of underprivileged in neighbouring countries.

Information will be shared throughout the year.

Thursday Morning Community Mass 

Mass will continue in Week 4 in the Champagnat Chapel. Unfortunately due to the current Covid advice from WA Health, families and members of the public are unable to attend. Mass will be open to staff and students only. Thank you for your understanding.