Category: Primary

Fathers Day

Last weekend we celebrated Fathers Day, recognising the wonderful presence of fathers in our lives. Poignantly for myself, it has been a year since the passing of my father, Peter. His memory lives large in my thoughts on the influence he has had in my family’s life. A compassionate, faith filled man, full of hope and expectation of what was possible in the life we have been given. He empowered my siblings and me to strive to be our best, grounded in a humility that was focused on serving others.

On Thursday, Friday and Monday we enjoyed Fathers Day celebrations across the College. Breakfasts and the making of Fathers Day presents were the order of the day which gave our students the opportunity to give thanks and show love for their dads. On Friday morning our student led prayer in our Champagnat Chapel was centred on giving thanks for our fathers, beautifully led by Tiggy Connelly and Georgia Whitely. I commend the leadership of these two great young women who have led prayer consistently throughout the course of 2020. Their leadership has been exemplified by an ongoing commitment to create a space for hope and reflection for our College community. Please click here to view the latest liturgy.

Year 12 Industry Breakfast

Newman College hosted its annual Industry Breakfast for Year 12 students with alumni, industry partners and sponsors of Newman College. This event provided an opportunity to Year 12 students in their General and ATAR pathways to connect and be in discussion with people in various specialised fields. These included engineering, communications, commerce, science, arts, construction, architecture, mathematics, technology, human resources and education. The tenor of the occasion was engaging and insightful for our students in enabling them to feel confident about the possibilities of what the future may bring to them.

The great strength of our College is in how we have collaborated with families and students in determining their learning pathways in the senior school. Each pathway, be it ATAR or General, is of equal value as they meet the respective needs and aspirations of each student. Our College alumni, partners and sponsors were impressed with the high level of engagement and presentation of our students.

Opportunities such as these epitomize the intent of our Vision for Learning – Shine Through Discovery – that animates our students to believe that they are capable of harnessing their talents and making a difference to the world in which they live. In 2021, as part of our new Strategic Directions, a key Strategic Intent will be to leverage our Newman heritage by building our alumni database and utilising the high level of human and social capital that emanates from the work and lives of our past students. Click here to see highlights from the day.

College Archives

Further to our Strategic Priority, Leveraging Heritage, has been the curation of our College archives. We have entered into a partnership with the Perth Museum to review and enhance how we maintain and grow our archival resources. This has been an exciting initiative which is capturing the unique story of Newman College. Central to this project has been the digitalisation of College alumni that will enable us to develop a foundation in the year ahead. In addition, it has brought together the story of the Dominican, Brigidine and Marist charisms – the founding schools which is now Newman College.

Hale Leaders Breakfast

Newman College student leaders took time to visit Hale School last week attending their leadership breakfast. This was an opportunity to develop stronger relationship between the schools and also to gain insight to their student leadership program. What was significant was the high level of leadership and discussion that will enable further such events to take place into 2021.

Lavalla Athletics Carnival

Today we held our Lavalla Athletics Carnival, another great College event highlighted by the high level of participation of our students and support from their families.

We learn best when we are immersed in learning experiences that are active, engaged, meaningful and interactive. This could be through experiential learning, small team projects, exploration of current events, use of online and digital sources of information and excursions. This means that learning can happen everywhere, not just the classroom.

Last week our Graduating Class of 2020 participated in an Industry Breakfast which celebrated students engaging with leaders in their respective field to learn more about their vocation and career pathways. I extend my thanks to the professionals who attended the morning, Mr Thomas Wagner, Director of Engagement and Operations, Mrs Carla Pastorelli, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12, and Mr Justin Farley Pathways Coordinator for their initiative of this wonderful event.

R U OK? Day

On Thursday 10 September we acknowledged R U OK? Day which marks the national day of action when we are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.

If you feel like something’s not quite the same with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re saying or doing – trust that gut instinct and take the time to ask them “Are you OK?” If someone says they’re not OK, make time to listen, encourage action and check in. That conversation could change, or even save their life.

Staff and students wore yellow accessories to mark the occasion. Classroom teachers guided students through the importance of checking in with each other and our Wellbeing Captains organised games and activities on the Marcellin Campus to demonstrate the importance of coming together.

Click here for more information regarding this important day of action.

Awards Ceremonies 2020

Mindful of the current restrictions in place, the College is preparing and planning the best way to host respective Awards Ceremonies at the end of the year to maximise parent engagement, acknowledge the achievements of students and celebrate the 2020 school year.

Please save the following dates:

• Year 12 Graduation – Thursday 22 October, Optus Stadium
• Years 7-9 Awards Ceremony – Thursday 26 November, Marist Auditorium
• Years 10-11 Awards Ceremony – Thursday 26 November, Marist Auditorium
• Year 6 Celebration Assembly and Lavalla Awards – Tuesday 8 December, Marist Auditorium

Details of each event will be shared closer to the date

Covid-19 Update

With the delay of moving to Phase 5 restrictions by the State Government, the following protocols will remain in place until 24 October.

Assemblies and College Community Events
Whole school and campus assemblies are limited to ensure student numbers don’t exceed the 2m2 rule. Adult visitors and staff should maintain physical distancing where possible. The College will continue to enforce the 2m2 rule per adult for indoor spaces. All official visitors as per College guidelines are required to sign in.

Student Attendance
Student attendance at school is compulsory, except for those who are recognised as medically vulnerable or who have medically vulnerable family members. If you are concerned about your own family situation, please contact Lisa Fogliani, Vice Principal for additional clarity and advice.

Physical Distancing
The Government has stressed the importance of Western Australians to continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and to maintain good personal hygiene to better protect ourselves and the general health of the community.In addition, students will be continually and explicitly taught the importance of handwashing, physical distancing and observing personal hygiene to a high standard (as developmentally appropriate).

If Students are Unwell 
We ask that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear.  It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the wider College community.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

The College is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all children. We actively work towards and promote the principles of the Catholic Education’s Child Safe Framework. The framework upholds a child safe culture, healthy and respectful relationships, and extended guardianship in school communities, based on the latest research and recognised best practices. At times, we rely on partnership with parents to ensure all members of our community are safe, supported and cared for. Thank you to community members that have positively and openly supported this intent. If you are concerned about a child, please communicate with Campus Leaders, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

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.

Blessed is the Father who shares his heart, lives his faith, gives his time and loves his family. The righteous walk in integrity, happy are the children who follow them! Proverbs 20:7

Fathers Day

Across our PK-12 community, fathers were celebrated and recognised for their service and guidance to their children. There was a sausage sizzle at Marian and a coffee cart at Lavalla. All three campuses recognised the important roles fathers and father figures play in the lives of young people and gave thanks to these men for all they offer in service to the family.

Commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers

On Thursday 3 September, 12 students were commissioned as they made a commitment to serve as Eucharistic Ministers for Newman College and their parish. Students went through a formation program with Br Terry before formalising their commitment in front of family, friends and the College Principal at our Thursday morning Community Mass.

Congratulations to Angela Kinneen, Danielle Wheeler, Fraser Whitely, Finn Tanham, Jeremy Butson, Lucy Brennan, Mia Bradshaw, Olivia Kojundzich, Olivia Mickelson, Sarah Kerr, Taylah Sadgrove and Tyler Connelly.

Years 8 and 9 Retreat Days

Our Years 8 and Year 9 students recently took part in retreat days to reflect on who they are and the person they are being called to be. Reflection days are part of our commitment to developing the wellbeing of the whole student. They challenge students to think about who they are, difficult issues they may be facing and an opportunity to ask questions about God in a safe environment.

On Friday 4 September the Year 9 students participated in their Retreat Day run by the 24/7 Youth Marist Team (YMT). The focus of the day was relationships with self, other and God. Students enjoyed spending the day with their peers and the YMT volunteers, engaging in reflective opportunities.

Corey from Year 9 shares his reflection;

“We had a really fun time getting to play games and talk to our friends for the whole day. We also learnt many important things about how to maintain relationships in our life.”

The Year 8 students were led by the YMT on the individual uniqueness each person brings to our community. Students were reminded that they have gifts to bring to their community and should not be afraid to let their gifts shine through and support each other in living life to the full.

Saskia Chesson reflects;

“Today we have had presenters from 24/7 YMT with us to help to build our faith. I really enjoyed the small group activities and listening to the presenter’s stories. The team building games were a highlight and we have all had a great day.”

Thank you to 24/7 and Youth Mission Team for their support of the faith life of our students.

Year 11 Service Learning

During extended PCG, Year 11 students engaged in a range of service outreach and advocacy programs. Students could choose from the following;

• Environmental outreach which involved collecting rubbish from around the school to ensure that it wouldn’t flow into our local water systems.
• Homeless services outreach which involved cooking 150 meals for two of the St Vincent de Paul homeless services in Perth.
• Letter writing activity where Newman College partnered with Connected Au to write letters to people living in Aged Care and disability communities across Australia.
• Presentations on practice advocacy with St Vincent de Paul and Mental Health advocacy to build better mentally healthy communities through the Bishop’s Social Justice Statement 2020-2021.

The students really appreciated the practical hands on aspect of the activities as well as the different ways of looking at advocacy through the presentations. It was a huge success and the students are already asking when we can do another activity like it. A massive thank you to all the teachers who ran the activities and Colin Krause from St Vincent de Paul.

Congratulation to the Year 11’s for demonstrating their Family Spirit and Love of Work and commitment to being the ‘good citizens’ St Marcellin calls us all to be.

Draw Near Program

This year, Newman College partnered with Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Dominic’s to aid families on bridging visas who do not have access to government support during the Covid-19 crisis. The program has come to its conclusion and a big thank you to our staff, students and families for all their generous donations.

A further thanks to our Remar, Gamechangers and Mini-Marist students who have worked tirelessly with Ms Short and Ms Hall to pack these hampers for the families.

Students Ella Hills, Molly Hills, Lucy Short & Tessa Hadfield share their reflections from being part of the Draw Near Program.

“On Tuesday 1 September we were privileged to join with students from St Dominic’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel to create and pack over 100 food hampers for people in our community who are in need. The three schools, along with St Dominic’s Parish, participated in the Draw Near Program and the food hampers will be donated to people seeking asylum.

We are very passionate about helping those in need and would like to thank all those in our community who assisted by donating to this important cause.”

Archbishop’s Special Project Lifelink Video

In 2019 Mitchell Harris, Charlotte Easden, Stephen Loreck and Elizabeth Adams were selected to participate in the Archbishop’s special project to create a new video to explain the purpose and history of Lifelink. Lifelink provides for the ongoing financial and promotional support of agencies established or assisted by the Church. The social service agencies respond immediately and compassionately to anyone who is in need and who reaches out for help. We see this act of reaching out as a practical demonstration of ‘Faith in Action’.

After two years of planning and filming, the project has come to its conclusion. Our school partnered with Iona, Holy Cross and Servite College to create a video that highlights the important work of Lifelink and the positive work of Catholic schools.

Quality Catholic Education Awards

Newman College has submitted an entry into The CEWA Quality Catholic Education Awards in the Catholic Identity section. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we embarked on a journey to reframe how we share our Catholic mission and identity. This saw the development of our Transforming Mission web series and Student-Led prayer. The project has been successful across the life of the College and the input from our Faith and Liturgy Captains will lead the continuation of this project into 2021 and beyond.

There is a People’s Choice Award where anyone can vote. I would appreciate if you would take the time to place your vote in support of our Faith and Liturgy Captains, Georgia Whitely and Tiggy Connelly, and in support of this project that seeks to develop and build the Catholic identity and mission of our College community.

Click here to place your vote.

Thank you for your support of our students and the faith life of our College.

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.