More details to follow.
During Week 9, students in Years 3-5 will enjoy their Pizza Pool Day.
- Year 3 – Tuesday 10 December
- Year 4 – Wednesday 11 December
- Year 5 – Thursday 12 December and
Important Information
School bathers are not required, however full sports uniform is to be worn to and from the pool. It is important that the students are sun smart and must wear a rash shirt and hat on the day.All students may order a pizza, drink and ice-cream meal from Flexischools
Families are invited to attend the annual Christmas Celebration for the Primary School. All students from K-Y6 will be involved. Pre Kindy families are also very welcome to attend however the children will not be performing on the night.
In keeping with the College’s compliance with Duty of Care and Risk Mitigation parents please be aware that this function is an alcohol free event.
The annual Primary Disco is taking place on Friday 8 November.
Come dressed in your best fluro outfit!
Cost: $10 per child (Capped at $30 for 3+ children) *includes a sound activated glow bracelet
- Please be prompt when collecting your child at the end of the session
- Collection will be from the OUTSIDE of the Hall
- Children will not be allowed to leave the hall without a parent or suitable guardian
To support parents in their role as primary educators for their children, we are offering the Family Life Education Program (Personal Development), which is presented by the Catholic Marriage and Fertility Services, to students in Year 5.
The Year 5 sessions will be held on Monday 28 October. These are 75 minute sessions for single sex groups entitled ‘I am Nature’s Greatest Miracle’. The content covers change as part of being human and looks at the journey from pre-birth to puberty. It includes ‘Our Uniqueness’; ‘Growth Pre-Birth to Puberty’; ‘Introduction to the Physical and Emotional Changes at Puberty’; ‘Hygiene Practices’ and ‘The Language of our Growing Bodies’.
Whilst recognising education of children in human sexuality is primarily the right of parents, these programs are endorsed by our Archbishop and the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia.
A Consent2Go will be sent to parents prior to the day to indicate whether you give permission for your child to attend the Family Life session and participate in supporting class lessons. If you would prefer to teach about sexual development to your child personally and do not wish your child to be present either at these sessions or in classes, please indicate this on the Consent2Go.
To support parents in their role as primary educators for their children, we are offering the Family Life Education Program (Personal Development), which is presented by the Catholic Marriage and Fertility Services, to students in Years 6.
These are 90 minute sessions for single sex groups entitled ‘Becoming a Woman’ and ‘Becoming a Man’. The content of both the boys and girls sessions covers ‘Life Before Birth’, ‘Physical and Emotional Change’, ‘Hormonal Change’, ‘Hygiene Practices’ and ‘Forming Healthy Friendships’. The girls session includes the menstrual cycle, ‘Managing Menstruation’ and ‘Boys are Changing Too’. The boys session includes ‘Girls are Changing Too’.
Whilst recognising education of children in human sexuality is primarily the right of parents, these programs are endorsed by our Archbishop and the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia.
A Consent2Go will be sent to parents prior to the day to indicate whether you give permission for your child to attend the Family Life Workshop and participate in supporting class lessons. If you would prefer to teach about sexual development to your child personally and do not wish your child to be present either at these sessions or in classes, please indicate this on the Consent2Go.
Final Assembly Year 12 Students
On Thursday we recognised and celebrated the commitment, hard work, diligence and effort of our Year 12 students over their time at Newman College. Our Sports Centre was alive with students from Years 5-12 celebrating the leadership of our College and the ceremonial handing over from the Class of 2019 to the Class of 2020. Our Graduation Assembly is a symbol of hope for our College community: of what is doable, what is achievable, what is possible. It was a festive occasion underpinned by speeches and a collage of photos that reflected the wonderful contribution Year 12 students have made to the life of our College.
Our Guest Speaker, Ms Celia Hammond MP, Federal Member for Curtin, spoke of the mark our students can make in the world. She encouraged the 2019 graduate class to take the opportunities that they will be afforded in the years ahead…. and “to let their gifts and talents shine.” Ms Hammond also reminded the students that their exams are still ahead; to continue to work hard and ‘give it your best shot’.
It has been a great year for our leaving class. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Rebecca Bramanto Leader of Wellbeing Year 12 for her own leadership. Her commitment to this cohort has been unconditional. The care, hope and support she has offered them has been commendable. Thank you to PCG teachers and all teachers of Year 12 students.
For Year 12 and all our Marist community, the heart of who we and what we represent is in how we are present to each other in the relationships that we form, we cultivate, and we celebrate. Being present to each other in service and in love engenders the family spirit that underpins the culture of this school. Over the next four weeks Year 12 will complete their mock exams and will have their Graduation from the College in Week 2 of Term 4.
We pray for them in this time and wish them every success for their last exam period and the completion of their courses.
2020 Leadership
We also celebrated the right of passage of the leadership of our College to Year 11 students as they take the Leadership baton forward. I would like to thank and acknowledge all our Year 11 students who participated in our Leadership Formation Program for 2020. Leadership is about honesty, integrity, confidence, inspiration, delegation, decision making, commitment, accountability, creativity and empathy. Congratulations to Anastasia Berti and Mitchell Harris who have been appointed as College Captains for 2020 and all those students who have been selected for leadership. I know that you will let your light shine! (The full list of student leaders for 2020 can be found in another part of this newsletter).
Catholic Performing Arts Closing Concert
Vice Principal, Lisa Fogliani, and I attended the Closing Concert on Monday 16 September. We were delighted to see some of our Newman students perform, in particular the Newman College Massed Choir & Madjitil Moorna Singers perform their outstanding rendition of the Acknowledgement to Country, Koort Doodjarak Yewool (A Heart Song), accompanied by piano, guitar and didgeridoo. My sincere thanks to the many staff who prepared our students for their performances and to families who ensured students attended the numerous rehearsals and events during the course of the Festival. Click here to watch the performance.
Marian Campus Athletics
The Marian Campus Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday and we were most fortunate to have been blessed with magnificent weather. All enjoyed a wonderful community event, with lots of participation and talent on display. I thank the families who attended and supported this very enjoyable day. Click here to access further information and photos from the day.
Lavalla Grandparents Day
It was lovely to see so many grandparents attend our Lavalla Grandparents Day on Wednesday. Our students thoroughly enjoyed taking their family members through their classroom and viewing their work. Thank you to all those families who supported this very important event. Further information and photos are available in the Primary School part of this newsletter.
Marist Brothers Community Churchlands
During the last part of this Term, two Marist Brothers who have been closely associated with the Newman College community have passed away, Br Nello Facci and Br Bill Dillon.
• This week, Br Nello Facci, 67 years a Marist Brother, was laid to rest from our Champagnat Chapel. In his Eulogy, Br Peter Carroll, Australian Provincial Leader of the Marist Brothers spoke of his life, that he gave unstintingly and generously to the service of God and to God’s people, especially the young. Br Nello Facci was a member of the Marist Brothers Churchlands Community and had moved more recently to Mercycare for specialised care. Br Nello served in a number of communities across Australia, including Subiaco and Newman College. The Requiem Mass was a truly fitting celebration and I thank our students for their prayerful and respectful presence and the College Choir whose performance was magnificent.
• Br Bill Dillon was a dedicated supporter and worker within the Education Support Centre at Newman College up until 2004. He was also an active member of the Vinnies. Br Bill passed away peacefully soon after celebrating his 90th birthday in Melbourne.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marist Brothers Communities, both locally in Churchlands and across Australia.
Deputy Principal Mission and Catholic Identity
As previously advised to all families, Mr Daniel Lynch, Deputy Principal Mission and Catholic Identity has been appointed to the position of Director of the Office of the Archbishop, commencing 28 October 2019. He will conclude his tenure in this community at the end of this Term.
Daniel has been a valued member of our College and has made a remarkable contribution to the growth of our faith community. He has reframed Catholic Identity PK-12 and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of our Marist Ministry Plan. The calibre of his work has been widely recognised within the life of the Catholic Church here in the Archdiocese of Perth which has ultimately led to this remarkable opportunity.
We wish Daniel every blessing and success as he embarks on this next stage of his career.
Proposed International Marist Education Network
Globally, the Marist family is exploring the concept of an International Marist Schools Network. Echoing calls from the last Marist General Chapter held in Colombia in 2017 and the Marist International Mission Assembly held in Kenya in 2014, a group has been convened of Marists in leadership positions from different regions throughout the world to lead a process of consultation and discernment.
On the Feast of the Assumption 2019, people working in and associated with Marist schools in 80 countries across the globe are invited to respond to a short survey which has been translated into the four major language groups used by Marists: English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Marist educators throughout the world are being invited to:
- Imagine the reality of an international network of Marist schools as a global family with an evangelizing action rooted in the world of school and education;
- Explore together the benefits this could bring to the children and young people whom Marists serve, as well as to their families.
Parents and Guardians are being invited to complete a short online survey. The survey has ambitious participation targets, which underscore the critical importance of every Marist educator’s voice – 100% of Marist Principals, 100% of Marist teachers and staff, 15% of students, 5-10% of parents, and an open invitation to all Marist Brothers and those Marist lay teachers who have moved to new employment or have retired. Similar to our own Australian Plenary Council consultation, the data gathered will be processed through computerised qualitative research tools, in this case undertaken by the internationally renowned Creativity Laboratory at the Marist University in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
I therefore invite parents and guardians to participate in the survey (please click here), which will be open until 15 October 2019.
Thank you
Thank you to all staff, students and their families for a wonderful Term. We are indeed blessed with the opportunities afforded to us in this community. I am so pleased at the way our students embrace their learning and the relationships that they have formed with each other. I pray that we take the time to enjoy the break and come back refreshed in Term 4.
As Term 3 concludes, I would like to extend my congratulations to all students as this Term has given us great cause for celebration of student achievements across a variety of domains. The Catholic Performing Arts Festival has seen Lavalla students excel at an individual and group level in both Music and Dance performances. It was my privilege to accompany the Newman College Mass Choir and see them perform ‘Heart Song’ at the closing night last week, with the talented students of the Lavalla Choir joining with Marcellin students to represent our College so proudly. This has also been a big term for athletic achievement, with IPSHA Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals highlighting the abilities of our finest Lavalla athletes. Furthermore, the Year 6 Unit have showcased their talents in STEM as the conclusion of their Lake Monger Dog Park project was celebrated recently at the CEWA STEM Showcase. These are just a few of the great number of student achievements both inside and outside the classroom to be celebrated at the Lavalla Campus.
As we leave the busyness of school aside for the next two weeks, I would like to wish all families a safe and restful break in anticipation of our final term for 2019. Christmas will soon be upon us, and there will be plenty happening in the lead-up, so rest and recharge and I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday 15 October.
Beating Hearts Band Performance
On Tuesday 17 September, the Newman College Beating Hearts Band treated us to a ‘Rock’n’Roll at Recess’ performance. Students from Years 3-6 showed their amazing drumming, singing and guitar skills to staff and students as well as parents. The performance was a great celebration of the many gifts and talents of our Lavalla musicians and some great dance moves were seen from the crowd. Thank you to our instrumental tutors and Mr Cobb for their commitment to our students.
CEWA STEM Showcase
Year 6 visited Newman Siena Centre on Wednesday 18 September as part of the CEWA STEM Showcase. Students presented the excellent work they have been doing in the planning and designing of a proposed Lake Monger Dog Park. They also had the opportunity to see what other CEWA schools have been doing in the area of STEM.
Following this amazing opportunity, groups presented their projects for judging on Friday 20 September. The judging panel included Newman College staff from the Marcellin Campus, CEWA representatives, and representatives from the City of Stirling. These students were acknowledged and winners announced at the Lavalla Prayer Assembly on Monday 23 September.
Finalists: Lara Esler, Olivia Lim, Leila Woods, Ava Van Dommelen, Jasmin Afflick, India Lillee, Olivia Ralls, Amelia Ng and Alexia Carbone
Winners: Leila Woods and Ava Van Dommelen
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Year 6 teaching team for their dedication and commitment to developing the project in order to provide the students with this amazing opportunity.
Latest Sport News
- IPSHA Athletics Carnival
- Y3-6 Athletics Carnival Age Champions
- Dockers Cup
- Touch Football Clinics
- Term 4 Swimming Lessons
Lavalla Assembly
Week 9’s Assembly was a wonderful celebration of student achievement. We were able to recognise the Year 6 Unit for their involvement in the CEWA STEM Showcase and acknowledge and congratulate the achievements of individual students in our recent Athletics Carnival. Year 5 Green presented their Assembly Item – a summary of the amazing learning that they have been doing in class through the theme of ‘Survivor’.
Lavalla Grandparents Day
On Wednesday, the Lavalla Campus welcomed approximately 150 grandparents to share in a morning of learning with Years 3-6. Grandparents joined in with cricket in PE, portrait drawing in Art, Drama, Music and a variety of other class activities where Lavalla students shared their learning.
Grandparents Day is a favourite annual event at the Lavalla Campus, and I wish to extend my gratitude to the Lavalla staff and students for their warm welcome, as well as the Primary Social Committee and wider group of parent volunteers who provided food and helped in setting up and serving refreshments at the morning tea.
Marcellin Award
Congratulations Damon Caratti Year 3 Red who was acknowledged and received the Marcellin Award at the last Lavalla Assembly.
Damon has been acknowledged for his incredible thoughtfulness and kindness in the way he treats everyone around him. He notices a need and acts upon it, really looking out for other people. He is a faith-filled person who shows his love for God in reverent participation in prayer and liturgy and is always respectful with staff, students and visitors; showing great self-respect by giving his best effort to all activities and persisting when faced with a challenge.
Damon is always so willing to learn, taking feedback and applying it to his work to grow and improve. He can always be looked to as someone who sets an excellent example in and out of the classroom and has a positive attitude to all aspects of school life which he shares with his peers. Damon brings joy to others and his smiling face and infectious laugh can light up any room
The Marcellin Award at Lavalla is presented at campus assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.
All students in Years 1 – 6 will take part in the College’s in-school Swimming Lessons Program in Term 4.
Please note, registration is compulsory as swimming lessons are part of the College’s Sporting Program.
Registrations are now open and will close at the end of Week 1 Term 4. It is essential that you register your child during this time so classes can be finalised in time for our lessons to commence.
Click here to register online.
Information regarding selection of the correct swimming level for your child can be found by clicking here.
Please contact the Newman Churchlands Swimming Club for all queries lessons.nchswimming@gmail.com
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry – Archdiocese of Perth
In collaboration with the parish volunteers of the Parish of Floreat/Wembley and former Newman parent Peta Cooper, students in Religious Education classes have been preparing ‘get well’ cards for Aboriginal Catholic Ministry to distribute to Aboriginal patients who travel from across Western Australia to access health care services at St John of God Hospital, Midland. On discharge from hospital, patients travelling home to remote parts of Western Australia are provided with a care package of toiletries and essential items to assist them with their transition from hospital to home. Accompanying these items are handmade ‘get well cards’ from Newman College students. We are immensely proud of the contribution our students have made through these tangible acts of kindness, supporting those who they will never meet. Thank you to our RE teachers and students for leading this process. We look forward to continuing to support this wonderful initiative into the future as part of our 2020 launch of the Newman College Reconciliation Action Plan.
Year 11 Marist Association Philippines Immersion – Cross Cultural Competencies Workshop
As part of their formation program prior to undertaking the Philippines Immersion, our Year 11 Marist Association Philippines Immersion students recently undertook a cross-cultural competencies workshop led by friends of Newman College, Fr Israel Quirit and Fr Garner Vergara. Both Fr Israel and Fr Garner were born and raised in the Philippines prior to coming to live in Perth. Our students were given a first-hand guide to Filipino cultural practices and norms which equip them to confidently engage in a cross-cultural context as part of visiting the communities they will spend time with on their immersion.
Remar Gold Graduation
The Remar Gold Graduation will occur on Tuesday 22 October to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible achievement of rowers who have completed the three years with Remar. The Year 12 Gold Rowers will be joined by their parents and staff for a meal to celebrate their journey and wish them well for their future endeavours.
Weekly Thursday Morning Community Mass (Champagnat Chapel – 8.10am – 8.35am)
All parents, guardians and families across our PK-12 College are invited to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass. Our weekly Newman College Community Mass is an important way that we as a Catholic community seek to nourish and live-out our faith in community with one another.
Perth Launch of the Social Justice Statement 2019-2020
We celebrate Social Justice Sunday on 29 September. This year, the Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement is titled: ‘Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world’. Four Year 10 students from Newman College attended the Perth Launch of the statement hosted by the Justice, Ecology and Development Office of the Archdiocese of Perth. The statements shares Pope Francis’ challenge to us to ‘boldly become citizens of the digital world’. It points out that we are called not just to be inhabitants of this world, but active citizens shaping it. The statement was launched in Perth by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton. Click here for further details about the Social Justice Statement.
Student Reflection
“I appreciated how it was relevant to young people in particular. I certainly learned a lot and it really made me think. It is so easy to get caught up in this ‘artificial’ world of fake news and social media. It is so ironic how technology has the ability to connect people while disconnecting people at the same time. One of the biggest challenges for my generation I think is understanding what is and isn’t real because we think that seeing is believing. We often lose sight of what is really important in life – and that is the people around us from which we can learn so much from. I know I personally often forget to appreciate the people around me, but at the end of the day, the people in our lives are a gift from God. Technology makes it easy for us to access and share information, to socialise, to entertain ourselves etc. However, it is so important to disconnect, to ground yourself, be in the moment and be grateful.” Year 10 Student
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC YOUTH FESTIVAL
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young Australians with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia. This year the ACYF will be held in Perth between 8 – 10 December. Young people between the ages of 14 and 35 from around Australia will be invited to:
- Participate in high-quality formative and experiential opportunity for young Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ, in the context of the Catholic Church in Australia;
- Listen to and discuss the issues and challenges in the lives of young Catholics in Australia;
- Engage with local examples and connections of vocations, social action, liturgy and prayer, Catholic music and faith formation.
Students in Year 9 from the College will be invited to apply to attend ACYF. This event will take the place of the Remar Embarkation Camp this year.
Save the Children – Op Shop Toy Donations Appeal
Save the Children is looking for donations of quality toys that they can sell in their Op Shops.
Dr Michele Connolly RSJ – Free Seminars
The Council for Australian Catholic Women (Perth) invite you to hear New Testament lecturer, Dr Michele Connolly RSJ at two free events in Perth.
Michele is a Sister of St Joseph of Lochinvar NSW and has studied in Melbourne, Chicago and Berkeley. She has taught at the Catholic Institute of Sydney since 2001.
- Friday 25 October: WOMEN in the CHURCH: REFLECTIONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT. Men and women are invited to attend. 6.00pm – 9.00 pm (light refreshments served from 5.30pm).
- Saturday 26 October: WOMEN and the GOSPEL OF MARK: INSIGHTS FOR TODAY. A day for women only. 9.30am – 4.00pm (light refreshments served from 9.00am. Light lunch included).
Both events will be held at James Nestor Hall, Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St Leederville. Please RSVP by Monday 21 October to kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com or 9397 5988
St Vincent de Paul Blanket Appeal
A huge thank you to everyone who donated blankets to the St Vincent de Paul Blanket Appeal this term. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of the donations. Your support will enable the St Vincent de Paul Society to continue to help thousands of Western Australians this year.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
The St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal will begin in Term 4. There are struggling parents who are going without food so their children can eat. Many disadvantaged families cannot afford to buy healthy food and often have to choose between paying a bill and putting a meal on the table. Your support makes it possible for Vinnies to assist over 50,000 people each year. More information will be communicated to families in Week 1, Term 4.
