Category: Primary

All things that are caught, rather than taught in good schools. 

Most of all, perhaps, they help to create that indefinable atmosphere associated with all those things which are caught, rather than taught in good schools. 

This was a quote from a member of a religious teaching order, documenting their efforts as they laboured to establish a new Catholic school in the 1960s. They referred to the elements that are not necessarily taught but are reinforced in the environment and the culture of the school. Some have referred to this as the hidden curriculum and associated it with the culture of the community in which young people learn and grow. Reggio Emilia also refers to the environment as a significant teacher and influencer on learning and formation.  

We draw on an amazing store of the story that is ‘caught’ in our Newman College community, both in the Marist tradition and the development of Newman College. Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts, a very Marist phrase, is caught as much as it is taught. In our programs for supporting the development of young people in a faith community through Marist tradition, through wellbeing initiatives and our agile learning – the framework, knowledge and skills for young people’s toolboxes are taught, and this is fantastic. Complementary to this are the actions, words and involvement our children see in adults and their fellow students. Good standards for behaviour, for care, for respect and high expectations for involvement all play their part, alongside the valuable in-class learning that we strive to bring to the formation of our students. A measure for our current strategic directions should be observing what is caught by our children as much as what is taught.   

Great Moments in a Day 

During Tuesday afternoon this week, I had the most pleasant moment to break the hours in front of a screen and regular operational work in my role. Two of our Year 8 girls were eager to stop by my office and share with me the excitement of their group of three girls taking out the interschool competition for the Solar Car Challenge. They now move on to the finals at Murdoch University, which is sensational! More exciting was their absolute joy to share with me what had happened. Again, perhaps this is a ‘caught’ and not ‘taught’ moment where sharing learning and achievement comes naturally and without affect.  

Year 12 Careers Breakfast 

Last week, we hosted the annual Year 12 Careers Breakfast. Our Class of 2025 were tasked with being at school earlier than normal, and there they were, ready to soak up all the advice from the 25 Newman College Alumni who gave of their time to discuss their professions and career journeys. The buzz around the room was fantastic and the event demonstrated our Family Spirit. So many generous and passionate past-students, from most recent, to 10 years, 20 and 30 years graduated, through to an alumnus from the 1960’s. These past students dropped everything to be back at their school and to guide and mentor the next generation of Newman College graduates. What a blessing to have such invested and caring alumni – thank you!  

What I learn as a Principal 

Another fortnight has gone by, and great opportunities have come my way to walk alongside our students. I had the chance to read Alpacas with Maracas with two classes of Pre-Primary. Moving along the dial, I had some great times with Year 5 and Year 6 as we unpacked the Newman Norms and, in the last week, I have started my annual morning teas with Year 12 students. What did I learn? Our Pre-Primary students love engaging with reading and relating stories to their own life. Year 5 and 6 students could have written the Newman Norms themselves, such is their level of empathy and care. Year 12 students are our wider community leaders of the future, so they are perceptive in their feedback about the Newman College journey and ever-ready to make things better for those to come.  

Some Newman College Moments 

Congratulations to the ACC Swimming Team for their hard-fought 4^th place in the 10-team A Division competition this week. A highlight within the team’s performance was the first place for our Junior boys. On the same day, our First XI Cricket defeated Kent Street H.S. in the Graeme Wood Shield. They move to the Grand Final next Thursday to be played at the WACA ground against Mazenod College. All the best! Finally, we are all very excited for the opening show of the Newman College Production- Bugsy Malone. The first show is this Thursday evening. What a wonderful cast, crew and staff to bring to this production. Break a leg! 

As we move through Lent to Easter, there are so many important learning days still to come in the term. Please make sure our students are in class right through to the end of term. 

Wishing you a great fortnight ahead until the next newsletter.  

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

Neurodiversity and Harmony Week

As a Marist school, we are guided by the core value of Family Spirit – a commitment to welcoming, supporting, and respecting one another. Neurodiversity and Harmony Week is an opportunity to live out this characteristic, celebrating the diversity that makes up our school community and nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Just as a family embraces its members with love and understanding, we embrace the diverse backgrounds, traditions, experiences, and ways of thinking, including neurodiversity, that enrich our school.

Over the course of the week, students from PK to 12 will partake in a range of activities focusing on shifting perceptions, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusive environments where difference is celebrated, and individuals are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. Further details on these activities can be found in the Primary and Secondary school updates of this newsletter.

Newman Parents Forum

The Newman Parent Forum is an opportunity for parents to connect with College leadership and contribute to the life of the school. Held once per term, the Newman Parent Forum is led by the Principal and Vice Principal in collaboration with the Newman Parent K-12 Executive Committee.

The Newman Parent Forum works in partnership with the College Executive to support key events, advance the Strategic Plan, and advocate for both the College and its families within the school and wider community.

We encourage all parents to take part in these forums to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing growth of Newman College.

The next Newman Parents Forum is taking place this Monday 17 March at 6pm in the JHN Learning Hub or you can join online on Teams, just click here. We hope to see you there!

Student Planned Absence during Term Time

At Newman College, we value the role of family time and shared experiences, but we also emphasise the importance of regular school attendance to ensure the best educational outcomes for our students. As part of our commitment to academic integrity and fairness, the College has a strict Assessment Policy regarding absences for holidays during term time, which may result in students being penalised on assessments if the absence is not approved.

Under the Education Act 1999 (WA), parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school unless there is a valid reason, such as illness or exceptional circumstances. Extended absences for holidays disrupt learning and place students at a disadvantage, especially when assessments and coursework cannot be replicated outside the classroom without compromising the assessment validity.

Classroom assessments are carefully designed to measure a student’s understanding and progress within the curriculum. When students miss these key learning opportunities, it becomes challenging to ensure they meet academic expectations. Additionally, teachers are unable to provide alternative assessments or replicate the in-class experience, reinforcing the importance of attendance.

We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during designated school breaks to support their child’s academic success. If extenuating circumstances arise, parents must seek approval from the College in advance.

Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines and Procedures for further information:
Years 7-9 Assessment Guideline and Procedures
Years 10-12 Assessment Guideline and Procedures

Traffic Warden Absence

We have been advised that the Traffic Warden, who supervises the pedestrian crossing on Hale Road, near Lombardy Street, will be absent on Wednesday 19 March 2025. The Children’s Crossing Unit (WA Police) has confirmed that a replacement will not be available during this time.

We kindly ask all families to exercise extra caution when using the crossing during this period.

• Child Safeguarding Policy
• Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct
• Code of Conduct for Parents and Adults