As we begin to wrap up our time on campus for 2020, there is much anticipation amongst our students for Christmas and all the joy that the festive season brings. The Christmas period is a time of tremendous hope as we wait the birth of Jesus Christ, someone who has, and continues to, give hope to hundreds of millions of people around the world. If ever there is a time to be hopeful, it is as we reflect on the end of one year and prepare for the beginning of another; the new opportunities and moments especially that it might bring. This year, we should take time over the break to simply be with our loved ones, whether they be friends or family, and celebrate in Christ’s love the way God intended. I hope all families have a safe and peaceful break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021.
Lavalla Awards Ceremonies
On Tuesday, students from Years 3-6 came together to celebrate our end of year Awards Ceremonies. This is a significant event in the life of the College, as we recognise the outstanding efforts, achievement, and character of our students. It is important to recognise these students as leaders both in their classrooms, and amongst their peers. Click here to see all award winners and photos from the day.
Year 6 Celebrations
This week has been a special week for our Year 6 students, as they complete their Primary schooling and begin their journey into Secondary School. To celebrate, students visited the Marian Campus on Tuesday and spent some time with their Kindergarten buddies, doing some reading with them, and enjoying lunch together. It was certainly a beautiful way for many students to reconnect with their early childhood origins in the sandpits of Marian. Students also had the chance to celebrate today at Adventure World. Students had a wonderful time and it was a great way to cap off their year. We wish our Year 6 students all the best as they continue their journey into Secondary School and thank them for their contributions here on the Lavalla Campus.
2021 Student Leaders
This week we officially recognised our 2021 Student Leaders. At the beginning of this term, students undertook two workshops in preparation for the nomination of the student leader positions, as well as committing to a letter of application and presenting a speech to their peers. I was most impressed with how many students spoke in their letters about how leadership is about others; it not about being in charge, or being most important, it is simply about helping others in small but meaningful ways. I am very much looking forward to working with not only our student leaders, but all of our students who nominated for these positions. We wish them all the best in 2021.
Student names: Nikita Aylmore, Madelyn Bertolini, Isabella Crisona, Benji Davies, Xavier Dunstan, Brayden Lim, Jaspar Martin-Booth, Michael Ng, Anabel Raguseo, Tahlia Thayer, Benji Thompson, Aaron Stannard.
Staff Farewells
There are a number of staff who we farewell from the Lavalla Campus at the conclusion of this year.
Firstly, Mrs Therese Le Sanders will be leaving us for a little while, as she begins her maternity leave, eagerly awaiting the birth of her second child. Mrs Natasha Penny, who works for Telethon Speech & Hearing and has been working in Year 3 Green this year, will also be commencing her maternity leave.
We also have Ms Melissa Foss and Mrs Laura Talbott whose contracts end at the end of this term. Ms Foss has been a welcome addition to our campus as our Music teacher in Term 4, while Mrs Talbott has been our Performing Arts teacher for Semester 2. We wish them both all the best in their future endeavours and thank them for the positive contributions they have made to our campus.
Pizza Pool Parties
This week, students from Years 3-5 have celebrated their final week of the year with a Pizza Pool Party!
In some very hot conditions, students braved the heat for the short walk to the pool where they were able to indulge in some well timed and relaxing water play, as well as a pizza lunch. We must thank all students and families for supporting the College’s SunSmart practices this week and helping to keep each other as safe as possible in this hot weather. We would also like to thank Mrs Donna McFadden who organised all of our pizzas, drinks and ice creams this year. Thank you Donna!
Year 3 2021 Transition Day
On Friday 27 November, we welcomed our Year 2 students from the Marian Campus for an orientation day. I was very impressed with how the Year 2 students presented themselves on the day and the positive way in which they listened to instructions and took part in the activities. We are very much looking forward to having them join us on a permanent basis next year and hope that they enjoy their time with us as much as our current Year 3 students have this year!
ACC Inclusion Ambassador
Last Thursday, the College was privileged to welcome Madison Heady (ex-Sacred Heart student) who delivered a talk to Year 6 students as part of the International Day of Persons with Disability. Madison is an ambassador for the ACC and Inclusion Sport and shared her journey with disability. Madison’s story was delivered with grace, articulation and good humour. The passionate way in which she spoke about inclusion in sport was clear to everyone. Madison also participated in a PE lesson with our Year 4 Blue class and shared a part of her story with them also. We are very grateful for her visit and the message she was able to deliver to our students.
Swimming Lessons
In Weeks 6 and 7, students took part in swimming lessons to finish off the year. We were blessed with some beautiful (not too hot) weather which made swimming over the two weeks very enjoyable for all students.
We would like to thank Mrs Jane Short for her hard work in organising our lessons, as well as our fabulous swim instructors who supported the two-week period.
Families should have received their child’s swimming certificate via email. If you have not received it as yet, please contact the Newman Swim Club via lessons.nchswimming@gmail.com
Booklists
Last week the 2021 booklists were shared with families. If you would like to order your books for 2021 now and beat the rush, you can do so by clicking the following link here.
Parents will find booklists for all classes via this link and orders can be placed now, ready for delivery in the new year. All instructions on how to place the orders are contained within the lists.
Lost Property
There are lots of items still to be found in our lost property – everything from hats and jackets, to even some College blazers. Teachers are always reiterating to students the importance of looking after their belongings as we know the cost of replacing items cannot be cheap for families! The lost property is located in the Library.
Celebrate 2020
Despite the unprecedented nature of 2020, we have much to celebrate. As a school community we responded to and navigated the challenges of shifting to remote learning, albeit for a short time. We have remained prepared and ready to respond to the wellbeing of our community during uncertain times. We have work hard to ensure curriculum continuity, learning experiences and activities even though at times, the restriction placed on schools seemed difficult to overcome. Our capital development on Marcellin Campus has continued and will be ready for the 2021 school year. Thank you for journeying with us. May this time of Advent remind us of the blessings of the year past and the hope of the year ahead.
Gratitude for College Staff
At the end of each year, it is appropriate to acknowledge the dedicated service that members of the teaching and non-teaching staff have made to the Newman College community and the lives of the students that have been under their care and leadership. As Marist educators, we share and continue Marcellin Champagnat’s dream of transforming the lives of young people through education and faith formation that is underpinned by a genuine care for our students. Despite the challenges and disruption of this year, I am proud to say that the dedication and professionalism of every teacher in this community did not waiver. During times of uncertainty, every teacher responded with commitment, care and concern for their students and their families. I hope that you can join with me in acknowledging the efforts of teachers and staff that have guided the students in 2020.
2020 Learning and PCG Reporting Attributes – Marcellin Campus
As per Semester One, students from Marcellin Campus will receive learning feedback aligned to our vision for learning principles. Teachers intentionally design learning experiences aligned to these pillars so that the students can demonstrate their ability to activate the soft skills of learning. An explanation of our learning attributes for students on Marcellin campus, aligned to our vision for learning can be found here.
Reporting K-10
Families in Years K – 6 will have access to their reports from 4.00pm on Thursday 10 Dec. Years 7 – 10 will have access to their reports on Friday 11 December. Please ensure you can log into SEQTA to retrieve the reports. Any families leaving Newman College are reminded to download all reports from the SEQTA as once you have withdrawn from the College, access to SEQTA is restricted. Australian Curriculum judging standards will be used to discern the end of year grade of student reports across the College. It is important to acknowledge the variety of inputs that are taken into consideration when reporting on each learning area. These inputs include, but are not limited to, formative and summative assessment, observations and running records. Learning attributes provide families and students with an insight into how students apply themselves to their learning and the classroom environment. Thank you to all teachers for their preparation, professionalism, and attention to accurate and meaningful reporting as a critical element of our learning cycle.
Staff Farewells
We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.
Anthony Bochrinis, Nicole Boddy, Karen Cassidy, Alan Fitzpatrick, Lisa Fogliani, Melissa Foss, Ana Frankovic, Cassandra Hall, Amelia Ioannides, Peter Jones, Susan Kadak, Gillian Kennedy, Charlotte Krause, Henny Mansveld, Amanda Mariotti, Anthony Murphy, Pauline
Murphy, Roz Newton, Jan Robertson, Ella Rosher, Avani Sheth, Laura Talbott, Nathan Wear, Kathy West, Patrick Woolley and Natalie Zagar Thompson
Booklists
Booklists are available here.
Marcellin Awards Ceremonies- list of Award Winners/ photo gallery
On Thursday 26 November, students from Marcellin Campus came together to celebrate the achievements of students in Years 7 to 11. Click here for a full list of Award Winners.
We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.
Our Commitment To Child Safety
All members of the College community share responsibility for and actively promote an environment that prioritises the best interests of children and young people.
“What might this look like at Newman College?”
Teachers and staff recognise a child and young adult’s right to a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
Child safety is a responsibility shared by everyone at the College.
Standardised, quality training is provided to understand the indicators of child maltreatment, e.g. Child Protection Policy and Mandatory Reporting training.
Child safe policies and practices are in place to ensure that unsafe behaviour is recognised and reported.
There is a culture where children and young adults can raise concerns without worry.
Parents are treated as partners in child safety and have access to information and support on all aspects of child safety.
Staff actively seek to identify and eliminate racism and discrimination.
Staff feel confident to identify and present concerns about child safety activities and practices.
Teachers and staff are alert and aware about how others treat children and young people.
Code Of Conduct
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.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound by the Code of Conduct.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.
Roal Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
The long awaited College production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical opened on Wednesday last week to a rapturous audience in the Marist Auditorium.
Congratulations to the company of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical! It was so well worth the wait. Thank you on behalf of our leadership and College community for bringing this production to the stage and for bringing so much joy to the close of a very long and challenging year!
College productions at Newman College have always been of an exceptional standard and this year was no exception.
Thank you to the industry professionals and artists in residence that collaborated with our students and creative team on this production. The level of professionalism in the orchestra, bio box and within the creative team (set painting and costume design) lifted the production this year to new heights. Expertly directed by Ms Dixie Johnstone, no stone was left unturned and the retelling of this iconic musical did not disappoint!
Thank you to the team of hard working Newman College staff and parents who supported this production journey. We are very grateful, it could not have happened without your hard work and dedication to ringing this beautiful show to life.
PK-12 Christmas Carols
The annual PK-12 Christmas Carols closed the year in style with plenty of festive spirit from the families picnicking and students performing on stage. The event opened with our College instrumental ensembles and band showcasing their talents. The massed choir of Pre Primary – Year 2 students sang a beautiful rendition of Away in a Manger, followed by a well prepared festive dance, choreographed by the Year 9 Dance students and performed by Year 5 Blue.
Families opened their song book through the Newman Newsreel and the carols began accompanied by Perth Fortress Band and the Chamber Choir, conducted by Ms Ava Bilton.
A special visit from the big guy in red closed the evening and we all watched Santa leaving for the North Pole, followed by many little people in hot pursuit of him and the sack full of presents.
Thank you to; our MC Mr Martino, Ms Goldsmith, Mr Olsen, Ms Bilton, Primary staff and Marcellin Arts team for their support and coordination of this event.
Advent
In our final weeks we celebrated 2020 through our Christmas liturgies across the College. The significance of these liturgies is at the very heart of our Christian journey with the impending arrival of the birth of Christ. The preparation period of Advent invites us to reflect on the year and to give thanks for our lives and our relationships with each other.
Advent also reminds us that the birth of Christ heralds a new beginning, a fresh start, a renewal for new life and new opportunities.
PK-12 Christmas Carols and Marian Campus Christmas Nativity
We have enjoyed our annual celebrations; the Marian Campus Nativity and the PK-12 Christmas Carols. Many thanks to all involved in these respective celebrations.
The Season for Giving
Thank you to all students and families who have been generous in their support of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Our contribution of items will go a long way to bring joy to many families who are doing it tough this Christmas.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
On Saturday I attended the matinee session of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical with my family. This was an outstanding College production which showcased the extraordinary skills and talents of our students and staff – an excellent example of our students letting their light shine.
Significant challenges were presented to the cast and crew this year in their preparation for this event; they have been accepted and overcome. The extraordinary efforts and patience of each and every person involved in Matilda, over such an extended period of time, are so very highly valued and appreciated. With the unprecedented year we have had, we are indeed fortunate to have been able to stage Matilda last week.
There has been significant and very positive feedback both from industry and our local community including surrounding Catholic primary schools. All were fulsome in their praise of the students and this magnificent production, brought to life at Newman College.
I take this opportunity to thank all our families who supported their children in ensuring they attended rehearsals and assisted with costumes. Without this support, such an event could not have been staged.
Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful production.
International Day of Persons with Disability
Last Thursday 3 December was International Day of Persons with Disability. The day has been an international day of observance and celebration promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim of the day is to promote understanding and create awareness about persons with an impairment and our College environment is a perfect vehicle for this message. Our thanks to Madison Heady (ex-Sacred Heart student) who delivered an inspirational speech to our Year 6 students about her journey with disability, as ambassador for the ACC and Inclusion Sport. Madison also participated in a PE lesson with Year 4 Blue.
Marist Cricket Carnival
On Monday, our 1st XI Cricket Team travelled to Bunbury to play Bunbury Catholic College in a series of games. In 2020 we inaugurated the WA Champagnat Cup in which these fixtures will be part of the overall Shield which will be contested in 2021.
In a Pre-COVID-19 world, our cricket team would normally have travelled to the Eastern States to play other Marist schools. To negate that disappointment, this Carnival has been an opportunity for our cricketers to play at a similar level of competition here in our own State.
Congratulations to both schools for the spirit in which the games were played.
2021 PK-12 Family Mass – Save the Date
Our PK-12 Family Mass will be held on Thursday 11 February, commencing 5.00pm, on the College oval. This Mass is a compulsory event for students as we celebrate the commencement of our school year. We will also commission our students for Years 6 and Year 12 on this occasion.
Detailed correspondence will be circulated to families early in the new year.
We look forward to celebrating the commencement of the 2021 school year with our College Community.
PK-12 Awards
Marcellin Campus Awards
On 26 November we celebrated our Marcellin Campus prize giving assembly. We recognised the achievements of those who have excelled in their academic, sporting and cultural pursuits. Our Awards celebrate our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery, let your light shine, and what it represents – that we in our PK-12 College value learning, value education and the impact it will have on our destiny.
Click here to see photos from the Awards and Principals speech.
Lavalla Campus Celebrations
The Lavalla Campus celebrated its Year 6 students finishing their formal years of Primary School on Tuesday 8 December. It was a beautiful assembly highlighted by a moving liturgy and Year 6 dance item. Academic Achievement and Major Awards were also presented. I wish our Year 6 students every success and blessing, both to those moving on to other schools and to those who will continue their journey across the bridge to Marcellin Campus.
We also celebrated our Lavalla Campus Award Ceremony which again showcased our Years 3-5 students who have excelled in their learning this year.
Congratulations to all students.
Click here to see photos from the Awards Ceremony.
Sister Mary Assumpta OP, RIP
Sr Assumpta was a much-loved member of the Dominican Sisters for 70 years, who taught in Scarborough, Doubleview, Innaloo, Bedford and Dongara. She was loved and respected by many past pupils and staff for her leadership and fine scholarship.
We are grateful for her Congregational leadership over many years. She will be sadly missed by her Dominican Sisters.
Christmas and Holidays
At the Marcellin and Lavalla final gatherings I asked students to consider those children around the world who will not have the opportunity to gather with loved ones this Christmas as many countries are still battling to overcome the challenges that the COVID-19 Pandemic have presented.
How fortunate we are here in Australia to have the opportunity this Christmas to attend Mass, family celebrations and to even consider an interstate holiday.
My best wishes to all our families for a wonderful Christmas celebration with families and friends. We look forward to seeing all our families, current and new, at the commencement of the 2021 school year.
2020 Most Outstanding Athlete Awards
Congratulations to the following students who were presented at the recent Awards Assembly. This award is hard earned through commitment and consistency across the Guild Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals. The Most Outstanding Athlete is achieved by having the lowest aggregate across these three major events.
- Year 7 Girls – Rio Angus
- Year 7 Boys – James Barnard
- Year 8 Girls – Imogen Boss
- Year 8 Boys – Luke Bourke
- Year 9 Girls – Meg McAullay
- Year 9 Boys – James Hart
- Year 10 Girls – Lucy Hills
- Year 10 Boys – Luis Uribe-Carrero
- Year 11 Girls – Amelia Johns
- Year 11 Boys -Williams McAullay
Water Polo Competition
Our Years 7 and 8 Boys and Girls competed strongly at last week’s School Sport WA Water Polo Championships at HBF Stadium. Both teams fought hard against quality opposition and should be very proud of their efforts. Congratulations to John XXIII College who were the overall winners. Thank you to Oliver and Eryn from the Newman Water Polo Club for doing a great job in coaching our teams.
Tennis Tournament
Congratulations to our Year 9 Tennis Team who won the Division 2 Tennis West Tournament played at Robinson Park. All players demonstrated great skill and combined well with each other in the mixed gender competition. Current Federation Cup Captain, Alicia Molik presented the trophy to our team.
Cricket Competition
Our 1st XI cricketers, coached by Mr John Lucas traveled down to Bunbury on Monday and Tuesday to play a series of matches against Bunbury Catholic College. The boys trained and played well however Bunbury where this years winners of the Br Redden Shield. We look forward to hosting Bunbury next year. Well done to the team.
ACC Swimming
Our Term 4 squad training sessions have now finished for the year. Thanks to Ralph McManis from the Newman Churchlands Swim Club for leading the program. We look forward with confidence to next year’s A Division Carnival late in Term 1.
Netball Registration
As our College year comes to its conclusion, the season of Advent is alive and well. The theme of Advent is preparation for the coming of Christ into the world. The four weeks leading to Christmas we reflect on Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. This coming Sunday we begin to reflect on Joy. Pope Francis has had a lot to say about joy and constantly reminds us that joy is a sure sign and the attractive and compelling fruit of an authentic Christian. This Christmas let us seek to encounter the presence of God so we become a living witness of joy to the world and to our families and friends.
Save the Date: PK-12 Family Mass
In 2021, we will celebrate our PK-12 Family Mass on Thursday 11 February on the Marcellin Ovals commencing at 5.30pm. This celebration of the Eucharist is an opportunity to commission our 2021 Student Leaders and to give thanks for the gifts each member of our community brings to Newman College. All families are reminded that this is a compulsory event for K-12 students. More information will be sent out in the new year.
Thursday Morning Community Mass
Community Mass will return in Week 1 of Term 1 (Thursday 4 February in 2021).
Sacramental Program 2021
The Sacramental program will be commencing in Parish communities in January. The Sacraments are facilitated by the Parish for children who have been Baptised Catholics and are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Year 3, for First Communion in Year 4 and for Confirmation in Year 6.
As Newman College is not a Parish school, parents will need to approach their Parish to enrol their child to receive Confirmation, Communion and Reconciliation. Information regarding the Sacramental Program and Parish contact details can be found on the College website.
If parents have any queries concerning the above, please contact your parish or the Religious Education Coordinator Primary, Jane Short, jane.short@cewa.edu.au
Marist Association/MYM Trivia Night
The annual Marist Youth Ministry and Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat Trivia Night took place on Friday 27 November in the Marist Auditorium Studios. It was a fantastic opportunity for Marists to come together and celebrate 2020 and raise money for Australia Marist Solidarity.
Altar Server Commissioning
Years 5 and 6 students were commissioned to serve as Altar Ministers by Monsignor Kevin Long. They underwent a two week training program that consisted of four sessions with Mr Diamond, Mrs Short and Mr Martino. The program discussed the purpose and responsibilities of the Altar Minister. Students rehearsed the parts of the mass and became more familiar with the symbols and signs that are associated with this most important celebration. We are very pleased to have 11 students who can now attend the Sacred Liturgy and also in their own Parish Communities.
Year 12 2021 Student Leaders Forum
On Monday 30 November, the Year 12 2021 Student Leadership group gathered for a forum with Matt Angus, reflecting on purpose and vision. The students discussed their values and what skills they contribute to the leadership group. It concluded with students outlining their vision for 2021 and how they would like to lead the College.
Thank you to Mrs Rebecca Bramanto and Mrs Carla Pastorelli for their leadership of the group and Matt Angus for facilitating this experience with our students. Ten Students from the Leadership group will have an opportunity to extend this experience when they attend the Marist Youth Leadership Forum at the beginning of the school year in 2021.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Thank you to all families who have donated to our Christmas appeal. Both Vinnies Chapters have expressed sincere thanks for the donations they have received thus far. The gift of giving and receiving joy has been alive and well here at Newman over the last few weeks.
Marist Reunion 2021
Marist Ex-Students of all former and current Marist schools and colleges are warmly invited to attend the Marist Reunion at Newman College, Empire Avenue, Churchlands.
Date: Wednesday 20 January 2021
Time: 4.30pm Mass in the College Chapel followed by a BBQ and fellowship at the College.
BYO everything. The College will provide BBQs for people to cook their food
Enquiries: Kevin Wringe 0407511104, Ambrose Depiazzi 0419912187
RSVP is not necessary
A great way to reconnect with some old friends and to celebrate our Marist story.
Today we celebrated the Years 3-6 Awards for the Academic, Cultural and Sporting pursuits of students and the Year 6 Graduating Class of 2020.
Congratulations to all award recipients across Years 3-6 and to the Year 6 cohort who have formally finished their primary schooling. Download a full list of recipients below.
Download Years 3-6 Awards 2020
The morning concluded with a final performance by the Year 6 students which was choreographed by Dance Teacher, Mrs Laura Talbott.
Sing and Strings + Year 7 Music Collective
The “Sing and Strings” vocal and string showcase and “Year 7 Music Collective” were both held on Wednesday 18 November in the Marist Auditorium. Each concert featured solo, small group and large ensemble performances, demonstrating the hard work our musicians have put into developing their skills on their instrument or voice. Congratulations to all students for their wonderful performances and thank you to parents and staff for their support.
College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.
Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
This play will be brought to life by Newman College students across Years 5-12, in the stunning Neman College Marist Auditorium. Purchase tickets here.
Save the Date – K-12 Christmas Carols, Marcellin Oval Wednesday 9 December
- 4.30pm – 5.00pm: Family Picnic and School Concert Band
- 5.00pm – 6.30pm: Carols by Perth Fortress Brass Band & Chamber Choir
Families can set up picnic blankets and chairs in the designated area from 4.30pm onwards. Seating is unreserved, all family and friends are welcome.
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.
Advent
The Season of Advent commences next week. In the life of the Catholic Church, it is a time for preparing for the pending celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas. Within our own community we will attend Christmas liturgies during the remaining weeks of Term across all Campuses. During this time we are invited to deepen our personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
I encourage families in the weeks ahead to take the time to reflect on this invitation and perhaps make the time to attend one of our remaining Community Masses which are held each Thursday morning at 8.10am.
NAIDOC Week
Over the course of last week, NAIDOC celebrations were held across Australia. In our community, students actively participated in celebrating the history, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at our respective Campus assemblies. This occasion again reminds all of us of the importance of Reconciliation in our country. Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are committed to strategically and practically building a culture which acknowledges, affirms and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As a Marist School, we strive to embed our Marist characteristics every day; Family Spirit, In the Way of Mary, Simplicity, Presence and a Love of Work. At the core of these characteristics is the developing of relationships that are imbued by our family spirit, united in Christ’s love.
To this end, we want our staff, students and families to increase their understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning. We strive to create a culturally supportive environment so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australian families build a community of respectful relationships.
Capital Development – Learning Hub Marcellin Campus
This week saw additional restrictions to the movement of staff and students across the Marcellin Campus. Due to landscaping works commencing this week until the end of year, many access paths have been cut off.
I take this opportunity to thank staff and students for their ongoing patience as we move to the end of the building program. We are confident that the significant inconvenience experienced during 2020 will be rewarded when we commence operating out of the new state-of-the-art facility from the commencement of 2021.
Examinations
Today marks the end of WACE and Year 11 Examinations for our Senior Students. We trust they are satisfied with their efforts leading up to this period and that their results are commensurate with their efforts.
GATE Showcase
Last week, I attended the GATE Showcase at the Lavalla Campus which was well supported by parents. The focus of the Showcase was the students’ Project for Homeless. I commend the students for their high level of critical thinking and reflection that went into their presentations. This Showcase exemplified the strategic direction the College is taking in building opportunities for students in our Gifted and Talented Program.
In 2021 a strategic priority area of Transformational Learning identifies GATE as an area of development across the College. To that end, we have appointed a GATE Teacher K-10 who will commence developing a plan to provide:
- Implementing learning and teaching programs for students identified as gifted and talented for K-6 and co-curricular programs for students Years 7-10
- Professional Learning for teaching staff
- Leading parent and community engagement opportunities that promote the College’s gifted and talented offering
College Production – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
We are looking forward to attending our much anticipated Production, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, later this month. Students and staff have been working tirelessly to ensure an enjoyable and engaging event. Due to COVID-19 restrictions for seating, further sessions have been scheduled. If families have not yet organised their tickets, I encourage all to do so by clicking here.
Memorial for Mrs Caroline Payne, Principal Corpus Christi College Bateman
Last Friday, WA principals were provided the opportunity to attend a Memorial Mass for Caroline Payne. Caroline passed away earlier in the year following a long illness. However, the COVID-19 situation did not allow such a Memorial to take place at the time.
Caroline was an outstanding leader and educator exemplified by a long and successful career in Catholic Education. She spoke fondly of her time with the Marist Brothers in Bunbury as an early career teacher and the impact the charism had on her formation as a person. She took that ‘Love of Mary’ everywhere she went and we at Newman had the good fortune of her being a member and Chair of Council for three years.
Caroline has had a significant and wonderful impact on many students and their families. During her career, she has reached out and touched many lives and leaves a very special legacy both within Catholic Education and Newman College.
Marist Football Club Newsletter
To read the latest newsletter click here.
Newman Sienna Netball Club
