Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 20/11/2020

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.

 

 

Newman News Term 4 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

Lord let us see your face and we shall be saved. PS 80: 3

As we move towards the end of the year, we approach the beginning of the Church calendar, the liturgical season known as Advent. This word comes from the Latin adventus and refers to the ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’, hence in the Church it is used to prepare us for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.

Ah, another Christmas! What immediately comes to mind? Be honest. Do we think of God’s love for each of us? A divine love so perfect that he sent his only Son to save us; a Son who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, is truly God-made-Flesh? Or are our first thoughts about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards to be written and sent, the food to be prepared, beating the last-minute traffic rush? Oh yes, and where will I most conveniently fit in Christmas Mass this year?

I think we can all relate to this. But in doing all these things, let’s not forget the very reason why we do them.  We are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, our Lord and our salvation. So, while still doing all these other things leading into Christmas, please also take the time to stop, to remember, and to pray.

Game Changers Launch

In Weeks 5 and 6, our Years 9 and 10 students have been introduced to Game Changers and invited to participate in the 2021 program. Game Changers is a Marist Youth Ministry Program that aims to build an understanding of Christian Leadership, Prayer, Community and Service. Students can participate in this program from Years 7–12. Click here to watch the Game Changers video that explains more about our program.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Our Christmas Appeal is in full swing across PK-12. Students are asked to bring in food donations that will go into hampers that will be distributed to those in need within our local community.

This week students at Marian and Lavalla began collecting donations to support the annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal at St Cecilia’s Church in the Parish of Floreat / Wembley. Each class has been allocated a variety of items to donate to support those families in our community who are struggling this Christmas. These donations include items to help create a Christmas meal for families, ensure their pantries will be stocked and a variety of gifts for families in need. Donations will be collected over the next two weeks.

Marcellin students have been collecting for the past week and will continue to collect until Week 8. Collected donations from Marcellin support Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview Parish in supporting families in the local community.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of this appeal, especially to those students who have already bought in their donation.

Altar Server Training

Years 5 and Year 6 students have commenced Altar Serving training in the Chapel with Mr Diamond and Mrs Short. The preparation takes place over four sessions and invites students to consider what it means to be an Altar Server and how they will carry out this ministry in both the life of the College and in their Parish communities. At the conclusion of the formation training students will be commissioned at our Community Mass.

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

On Wednesday 11 November, Newman College and Bunbury Catholic College staff gathered online via Zoom and in person to reflect on the 2020 year.

The evening was facilitated by Br Tony Leon, a Marist Brother residing in NSW, who is an expert at adult formation. Br Tony encouraged participants to reflect on vulnerability and recognise the strength in being vulnerable with one another. It was a fantastic evening that allowed staff across different schools to reflect on the challenges of the year and to stop and reflect on our relationship with God and each other. We look forward to continuing our formation together in 2021.

Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

As we are fast approaching the end of the school year, I have been spending some of my time this week reading over report comments and reflecting on some of the wonderful learning and growth that has occurred over the year. As educators, we always hope that our children have positive experiences at school and that these experiences contribute both to their learning and their wellbeing too. As first educators of children, parents and families play a really important role in this too. The way we talk about and discuss opportunities or challenges within school can really frame the experiences that many of our students will go on to have. It is important for children to have a positive mindset when it comes to school and look forward to the opportunities they are presented with each day. If you feel the College could help you or your family with this, please just talk to myself or your classroom teacher.

Assembly

Last week, students across the College celebrated NAIDOC Week. The theme for this year was ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ which recognises First Nations people who have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Part of our NAICOC Week celebrations saw Year 4 Red present a performance and dance that retold the story of the Rainbow Serpent. It was a beautiful and respectful item which was a lovely way to end our week of celebrations.

We also congratulated several Merit Award winners and some very special recipients of the Art Excellence Awards which were a part of the recent Arts Festival.

Marcellin Award

Last week, our Marcellin Award was awarded to James Bornmann in Year 6.  James is the living example of what it means to be an upstanding young man. Whether in class or on the sporting field, in a small group with friends, or in his role as Student Councillor, James epitomises what it means to be a student at Newman College. He has carried himself with both distinction and pride all year and put simply, is one of those special young people that makes our College a better place. Other students can learn from his positive approach to all aspects of school life as well as the way he treats others. James is a leader in the truest sense of the word. Well done James on setting such a fine example for others.

GATE Showcase

Last week, our Gifted and Talented (GATE) students from Years 3-6 gathered in the hall to present a showcase on a project they have been working on over the second half of the year. The showcase centred around the theme ‘Project Homeless’ which was a problem-based learning project where students were challenged to work together to create a solution to the homeless issues we see here in Perth.

Students were very excited to share their innovative ideas, completed projects and learning experiences. The students’ dedication, hard work and commitment to this project was excellent and it was wonderful to see so many families attending in support.
A big thank you to Mrs Zelich and Miss Sankar for their support of these students and the GATE initiative.

Lavalla Sing & Strings Concert

On Wednesday evening, a number of our Arts students took part in the Lavalla Sing & Strings Concert. Students performed a number of items as individuals, duets, bands and choirs. It was lovely to see the Marist Auditorium so full with families who are so keen to support the College’s Arts programs. We must give a special thanks to Mrs Grayden and the Arts Department for a wonderful evening, as well as the numerous music tutors across our Campus who have worked with our students all year to help them be ‘performance ready’.

Altar Servers

This week, a number of students from the Lavalla Campus have taken up the opportunity to become involved in altar server training. Students have been meeting at lunch time to work with Mr Martino and our Acolyte, Mr Diamond to learn the ways of altar serving and the significance of some of the processes and rituals of Mass. It is so lovely to see students so willing to serve their College community in such a positive way. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their training.

Caritas Virtual Social Justice

Yesterday, students from a number of classes participated in the first of the Caritas Virtual Social Justice sessions. A recount from two of our Year 6 students is below:

“Today we participated in the Caritas Virtual Social Justice Sessions. We joined other schools around Perth and listened to presenters from Honiara, Solomon Islands and learnt about the challenges faced when collecting water and the importance of water. They shared a story about Pete who lives in the Solomon Islands and what he goes through with his disability. We now have more of an understanding of how much of a struggle these people go through every day.” Lola Corbett & Grace Richardson, Year 6 Green students

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons commenced this week and it has been lovely to see so many students taking part so wholeheartedly. The manner and respectful nature of students has been on full show this week and it is so pleasing to see students leaving a positive impression on the swimming instructors. Swimming lessons will continue next week and we thank Mrs Short who has organised all our lessons this year.

College Hats For Sale

All students are required to have the College hat as part of the College’s uniform requirements. In line with our “no hat-no play” policy, students must wear a hat if they want to play outside. Hats are available to purchase from the College Uniform Shop or Lavalla Administration Office for $20. We ask you clearly mark hats and all other uniform items with your child’s name so misplaced items can be returned.

Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

The Importance and Impact of Social Education

Our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery, values and promotes collaboration, as central to the learning experience of young people and how to aspire to partner with parents.
We believe that students learn best in an environment where they can interact with and experience the curriculum, therefore gaining knowledge and learning how to collaborate. This has been showcased by our commitment to Outdoor Education, the Arts and events that celebrate each year group and each student; from Year 6 Camp to the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Thank you to all staff who promote learning environments that celebrate each student and promote teamwork and cooperation.

End of Year Reporting

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.

Responsible Digital Citizenship

I encourage all families to discuss with their children the importance of ensuring all online behaviour is respectful, considerate and thoughtful. Leaders of Wellbeing have been supporting students and families who have been the target of inappropriate posts on social media.  The eSafety Commissioner website is an excellent resource for families and young people, designed to assist in establishing positive online habits. Our College Counsellors and Leaders of Wellbeing can also provide guidance, support and advice.

Leaders of Wellbeing – Marcellin Campus 2021

The 2021 Leaders of Wellbeing will be lead by Mrs Carla Pastorelli, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Principal Secondary in 2021. Mrs Pastorelli has been a member of the Middle Leadership Team at Newman College for two years. This year she guided and supported the Year 12 cohort and their families in the role of Leader of Wellbeing.

Together with the Ministry Team, the Counselling and Wellbeing Team, Guild Coordinators, Learning Diversity and the Pathways Team, our collective commitment is to provide holistic care and support for students and families and aspire to meet the individual needs of the young people in our care.

We are pleased to confirm the following Leaders of Wellbeing in 2021:

Year 7: Miss Kelly Johnson
Year 8: Mr Jordan Naylor (joining us from Chisholm Catholic College)
Year 9: Miss Regan Dyer (joining us from Mandurah Catholic College)
Year 10: Miss Gemma Beekink
Year 11: Mrs Yvette Pearce (joining us from Corpus Christi College)
Year 12: Mrs Rebecca Bramanto

2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days

Please note the 2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days were published in Newman News Term 4 Week 4 2020. Please click here to view these important dates.

Christmas Craft Stall

The students from Education Support will hold a number of opportunities for staff, students and families to purchase their Christmas crafts.

  • Monday 30 November: 9.30am – 12.30pm at Floreat Forum
  • Friday 4 December: 8.15am (before school) at Marian Campus
  • Friday 4 December: 12.55pm (lunch) at Marcellin Campus in A31

Find the price list attached here.

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.