Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Vice Principal

Another busy fortnight for our Newman community across the arts, examinations, reporting, excursions and teaching and learning. We celebrated Reconciliation Week during Week 6. The theme calls all Australians to reflect on real ways in which we can be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives. We are now well into the term, staff and students are tracking well as we move into the latter weeks of Term 2.  

On 31 May was the Marian feast day of the Visitation. It is an important occasion in the life of Marists, who began their vocation honouring Mary as the Little Brothers of Mary. The feast of the Visitation is based on the story of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, as told in the Gospel of Luke. Mary and Elizabeth were both pregnant at the time, unbeknownst to each other. Mary with Jesus and Elizabeth with John the Baptist. When Elizabeth greeted Mary, she recognised the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb when her own infant leapt for joy in utero. Mary found herself visiting her cousin after being led by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. To find her older cousin Elizabeth pregnant, and for Elizabeth to automatically recognise the presence in Mary’s womb, confirmed for her the truth of her prompting from the Holy Spirit.  

I had the privilege to visit Ein Kerem in the southwest of Jerusalem, the Place of the Visitation, while on the Marist Pilgrimage. The artwork at the site, and dedications to Mary and the story of the Visitation, were powerful reminders of the central place of Mary in our faith as Marists; particularly Mary as an example of saying yes to Jesus by listening to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit and therefore truth in our lives. 

Updates to the Newman College Newsletter Format  

Newman College recently conducted a comprehensive analysis of our communication platforms. As part of this assessment, we formed focus groups consisting of parents and staff members to evaluate different communication aspects and identify areas for improvement. One such platform identified for enhancement was the Newman College newsletter.  

By leveraging the insights that we gained during the analysis, we were able to ascertain the most pertinent information for parents, as well as the content best suited for sharing through our social media channels. Consequently, the Newman College newsletter will undergo modifications in its format and presentation.  

In the new format, our Principal, Mr Andrew Watson, will offer a video summary of events and achievements that have transpired in the two weeks since the previous newsletter. Moreover, we shall continue to provide crucial operational dates and information regarding your child’s events, while our Vice Principal will share essential details for families across the various areas of the College.  

We believe that this revamped newsletter will better serve the needs of our families by delivering more focused and relevant information.  

Your feedback and suggestions are valuable to us, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our communications team at communications@newman.wa.edu.au should you have any concerns or input. 

Zero to Hero – Parent Series

Next Wednesday 7 June @ 6.30pm, the College will be hosting the second of our Zero2Hero Parent Information Events in the Marist Auditorium. This is an event that the College encourages all parents or guardians to attend. The topic for the presentation is mental illness and your child, with two outstanding leading experts to discuss the challenges your children face, and how parents can respond. Brad Williams from Behaviour Tonics will speak to self-regulation and the overwhelming emotions associated with adolescence. Amy Coombe specialises in eating disorders and mental health struggles and wellbeing promotion. I will join our guest speakers in an audience Q&A after their presentations. This evening will provide parents with an understanding of the processes in place at Newman College to assist students as they navigate through their childhood and adolescent years. 
   
This Zero2Hero Parent Information Event is suitable for parents of students across the College; however, we strongly encourage all families in Y7-12 cohorts to attend. 
 
Please click HERE to purchase your tickets now. Newman College parents receive 50% off the ticket price when they enter the code ‘healthy’ 

Lion King JR

The African savannah comes to life on the Marist Auditorium stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. 

With four amazing shows spanning from 15 to 17 June, you get in quickly and secure your tickets and seats! 

Purchase your tickets here   

PK-12 Art Competition

We are excited to announce that Newman College will be holding an Art competition in celebration of the Marist theme for 2023 – Created and Called: A revolution of love and kindness. We invite all students to participate and showcase their artistic skills by submitting a piece of art that is related to or reflects this theme. Students are welcome to submit a short statement accompanying their artwork if this helps to explain the meaning of their piece in relation to this theme.   

The competition will be divided into three categories:   

  • PK-Year 2  
  • Years 3-6  
  • Years 7-12  

There will be several prizes awarded – Art & Stationery Gift Packs for the Primary categories, and Jacksons Drawing Supplies Gift Vouchers for the Years 7-12 category. The winning artworks and honourable mentions will be entered into the Angelico Exhibition of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, as well showcased at the PK-12 Arts Festival in Term 4.   

The artworks can be created using any medium of choice, including painting, oil pastels, drawing, or sculpture.   

The submission deadline for the competition is the end of Term 3, which is Friday 22 September. We urge all students to submit their entries by this date to be considered for the judging process.  

To submit your artwork, please have you or your child bring it to your child’s relevant office administration, where it will be safely stored until the judging process is completed.  

We encourage all students to unleash their creativity and imagination to create a unique and meaningful artwork that reflects the theme Created and Called: A revolution of love and kindness. We look forward to seeing creative and inspiring artworks and wish all participants the best of luck in the competition.  

Uniform Review and Alignment Committee

Sincere thanks to those parents and staff who completed the Uniform Review and Alignment Committee expression of interest form.  Details regarding this committee will be distributed via email early next week.

The Importance of Student Attendance

Schools are required to monitor attendance and intervene to support improved attendance for students at educational risk. Likewise, all parents are required to make their best efforts to ensure their children attend school.  We ask all families to read the below document to understand how the College records daily attendance – Student Attendance

Timely Reminder Regarding Cases of Head Lice

The College has been made aware of a number of cases of head lice within our student community. Head lice infection is a problem due to it being so highly contagious.  

Parents/carers are primarily responsible for detecting and treating head lice but the College also has a role in the management of head lice outbreaks by providing information and support for parents and students.  

To eradicate both lice and their eggs (nits), products are available from pharmacies without prescription.  Head lice are only pin-head size and very difficult to see.  We seek your cooperation in the examination and possible treatment of your child’s hair. 

Students identified with head lice should not return to school until after treatment has commenced. 

Please note that constant checking of hair is necessary because eggs may not be evident until two days after the infestation. 

A Head lice fact sheet is available at http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Head-lice 

Traffic Warden – Tuscany Way (Marcellin Campus)

The College has been advised by the Children’s Crossing Unit, that they are unable to provide us with a Traffic Warden for the crossing on Tuscany Way for the remainder of Term 2.  We ask you share this information with your child/children.  Students and families are asked to take extra care when using this crossing.  

Uniform

The College would like to ask our families to check their child’s uniform items to ensure they have their own pieces and not those of other students.  Named items not belonging to you can be returned to the applicable administration office and we will return them to the appropriate family.  We currently have a lot of unnamed items in our lost property and therefore remind you to make sure all items are named clearly with your child’s name. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Marcellin Campus has been somewhat quieter the last 2 weeks as our Year 11 and 12 students have been undertaking exams. These students continue to live out our Vision for Learning: Shine Through Discover and they challenge themselves to let their light shine through their academic endeavours.  

We also have a lot to celebrate in relation to our ACC Cross Country, World Scholars Competition and the upcoming Lion King production. It is important that our students continue to collaborate with peers and teachers to create an learning community at Newman College that strives for excellence and commit to high expectations in relation to our study, uniform and grooming and participating in College life.  

We look forward to our Year 12 students returning in Week 7 and pray for our Year 10 students who will enter their first round of exams in Week 8. 

Year 10 Students (Subject Selection for Y11, 2024) 

If your child is currently in Year 10, they will have been exploring the offerings of subjects for Year 11, 2024. This is an important process for Year 10 students as it has significant implications for their studies in Year 11 and 12, and for post-school destinations.   

Please click HERE to access details outlining the program along with a timeline.    

Please click HERE to access the Y10 Subject Selection Research Booklet  

Year 10 – Semester 1 Examinations – Click HERE for the timetable 

Absentees 

  • Illness  
    In the event of illness on the day of an exam, parents are required to notify the College prior to the commencement of the exam and promptly provide a medical certificate via secondaryabsentees@newman.wa.edu.au  for the day of the missed examination. Once a medical certificate has been received a time for the student to complete the exam as a formative exercise will be arranged. The student is required to genuinely attempt the task as their performance will be used to validate a standardised score.  
      
  • Positive for COVID-19  

In the event that a student tests positive for COVID-19, guardians must register a positive rapid antigen test result with the WA Department of Health Here and forward the received confirmation notification to secondaryabsentees@newman.wa.edu.au. Upon receival this will be an approved absence and the calculation of standardised scores for assessments missed during approved periods of illness will be given.   

Year 10 Immunisations -Tuesday 6 June

Year 10 students will be receiving their Meningococcal ACWY immunisation on Tuesday 6 June only if consent has been given.   Students are permitted to wear their Guild uniform.  

Consent for your student to receive this immunisation must be given via a new online program VaccinateWA. 
 
Already registered: – your child will receive the immunisation on Tuesday 6 June. 
 
Not yet registered: – please click HERE for online registration. 
 
If you are unable to register online, please use this attached FORM and ask your child to bring it on Tuesday 6 June. 
 
If you have any queries, please contact; 
 
Carolyn Cairns or Neha Nagpal 
CAHS – Community Health   
Clinical Nurse – School Based Immunisation Program   
16 Rheola Street, West Perth, 6005 |     
M: 0405 657 994  t: 08 9321 1312  
Carolyn Cairns or Neha Nagpal 

Year 11 Dinner Dance

Year 11 students to be invited to attend the Year 11 Dinner Dance. This event will be held on Wednesday 26 July at Ambrose Estate, Wembley Golf Course, from 6.00pm to 9.30pm. This is a semi-formal event with a cocktail dress code and menu.   

Please click HERE for further details 

Year 11 Wellbeing Day – Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman

Our Year 11 students will be participating in a Wellbeing Day on Thursday 15 June. This day will provide our Year 11 students with the opportunity to focus on their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing: elements which are known to improve academic achievement.   

On this day, we will have external presenters from Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman at the College who will be working with our students in small groups for a two-hour session.   

Our boys will be participating in a session titled ‘Breaking the Man Code’ in which they will explore the impact of rigid masculine gender stereotypes and expectations. This workshop run solely by the external providers will work to equip our Year 11 boys with a variety of tools and skills to build stronger connections between one another, their peers and those that they care about. Further information can be found by clicking on this link: https://www.tomorrowman.com.au/education-programs   

Our girls will participate in a session titled ‘Her Code’ which aims to unpack the history, expectations and facts of modern-day womanhood. The purpose of this session is to provide participants with strengthened resilience, self-confidence, and a greater connectedness to their peer group. Further information about ‘Her Code’ can be found by accessing this link: https://www.tomorrowwoman.com.au/programs  

Students will also participate in a wellbeing activity prepared by our College Psychologists and a physical activity facilitated by our Health and Physical Education Department. We will conclude the day with a liturgy in our Champagnat Chapel.   

Our expectation is that students attend on this day as it is a compulsory event. If students are engaged in work placement on this day, they have been strongly encouraged to attend on a different day in Week 8 so as many students as possible can participate in this opportunity to create a stronger sense of cohesion within our cohort.  

If you have any questions about this Wellbeing Day, please feel free to contact me.  

Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Principal

The Power of Presence

The WA Day long-weekend has arrived and before long, we will be at the end of the term. Both this long-weekend and the upcoming holidays provide excellent opportunities for our students to take a rest from the busyness of life. Whether our children are quite young or moving quickly through adolescence, they can experience a sense of being overloaded with activities or their engagement with technology. Recently, I glanced upon an excerpt from author Richard Louv’s book ‘Last Child in the Woods’. Louv is a strong advocate for our children taking full breaks from ‘connectivity’ and activity to experience the peace and restorative possibilities in nature. He contends that Nature Deficit Disorder can lead to some of the troubling trends we see in our young people and regular breaks that bring us into contact with nature and natural beauty can do wonders for wellbeing. We all know this – How often do we catch ourselves commenting on the beauty of a sunset, a sunrise or the spectacular interaction we have with natural scenery? This weekend and the holiday breaks are great times to plan for our children, whatever their age, a break from ‘generation connect’ and spend time in nature-based activities. I am sure any opportunity you plan to support this break will help our young people be present in the moment and present to one another. The balanced use of technology which supports well-being over illbeing and a regular connection with nature are important factors in sustaining well-being.

There is something to be said about telling stories. Peter W Cobb writes ‘the hearer of a story becomes with the teller a shared caretaker of the story’. Wouldn’t it be so powerful to be able to borrow a person instead of a book from a library to listen to their life story for 30 minutes? Well, such a thing does exist in Denmark and more than 50 other countries. The aim of the project is to fight prejudices and awaken in people the action to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Each person has a title – ‘unemployed’, ‘refugee’, ‘homeless’, ‘domestic violence survivor’ and the act of listening carefully encourages empathy, perspective and respect. Next Wednesday‘s Zero to Hero seminar for parents doesn’t take us quite into the space of ‘borrowing a person’ but it does give parents the opportunity to have two incredibly valuable human resources present with story, knowledge and experience that aims to assist us with raising young people. If you can spare the time, I am sure you will gain important insights for guiding your child’s wellbeing journey.

ACC Cross Country

Congratulations to the Cross-Country team on a fine performance at this week’s ACC Cross Country Carnival. In near perfect conditions, the team performed very well against stiff competition from 80 schools. There were 4000 competitors at the carnival The final position for Newman was fourth and there were great individual performances and ‘personal bests’ achieved. Thanks to Marnie Barrett, Ciaran Allsop, Tiyana Kerimi, Cameron Tremayne, and Tom Williams for their coaching over the season and to Sport Captains, James Hart and Meg McAullay for their leadership.

National Reconciliation Week

This week we have joined in the national recognition of Reconciliation Week. The theme for National Reconciliation Week in 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations ‘ and encourages Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. Across the College, we have engaged with the important message of Reconciliation, and we look forward to the celebration of NAIDOC in coming weeks.

Marist Family Day

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday and it also marks the occasion of our Marist Brothers’ Community’s celebration of the Marist Family Gathering in Mass and a morning tea. The occasion also celebrates the Oak Marist Jubilee (80 years) of Br Noel Hickey and the Golden Jubilee of Br Paul Murphy with the Provincial, Br Peter Carroll in attendance. We congratulate Br Noel and Br Paul and give thanks for the presence and support of our Marist Brothers’ Community. Please keep them in your prayers.

Best wishes for a relaxing long-weekend.

Andrew Watson

Principal

Newman News Term 2 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Year 7 Camp 

Recently the Year 7 cohort had their year group camp at Swan Valley Adventure Centre. The theme of the camp was to build on the message of being a year 7 family within the greater Newman College family and to also work with our year 7 overarching theme of EMBRACE.  

Students were split into random groups to make new connections and broaden their friendship groups and to try something different than what they have been comfortable with in their first term at the College. 

The students were amazing and worked extremely well and were praised by the Newman College staff and also by the Swan Valley staff with a boys dorm being the cleanest they had ever seen after a camp. 

I am extremely proud of how the year 7’s came together on camp to look out for each other when some felt sick, homesick or worried about an activity. They really exemplified the vision I had for them as a group and was one of the better camps I have been on. 

Kalgoorlie Earth Science Camp

A fantastic group of very keen Year 12 ATAR Earth and Environmental Scientists headed East looking for gold during their recent excursion to Kalgoorlie and the “Golden Mile”  The students enjoyed a tour of the Super-pit, saw first-hand the process of exploration, mining and Environmental management at active mining operations. Additionally, there was an inspection of the core library at the WA Geological Survey, mine site rehabilitation, fossicking for gems, gold panning (with mixed success), and geological mapping exercises at important rock outcrops in the WA goldfields.  The trip was a highlight of Year 12 EES, and an invaluable experience for all the students. Many of them will probably now be considering careers in the Mining Industry, judging by how much they enjoyed the whole experience!

Signing off for now,

Mr Shuckstes

Earth and Environmental Science Teacher

Year 11 Subject Selection 

Throughout Term 2, Year 10 students will be exploring the offerings of subjects for Year 11, 2024. This is an important process for Year 10 students as it has significant implications for their studies in Year 11 and 12, and for post-school destinations.  

Please click HERE to access details outlining the program along with a timeline.   

Please click HERE to access the Y10 Subject Selection Research Booklet 

Homework Club 

Year 7- 12 Homework Club is an effective space where students can come after school to study, complete homework and access a wide range of specialist teachers and tutors Monday – Thursday 3:155:00pm in the JHN Hub. Attendance has been excellent this year, and the majority of students have been respectful and considerate towards staff, their peers and the JHN space. 

A reminder to all students that they must sign into Homework Club and come with the materials needed to complete their homework and/or studies. Students are welcome to bring snacks to eat after school and have a small break prior to starting their homework.  

To help staff maintain a positive and effective workspace for all students during Homework Club, students are reminded that they are required to follow the Code of Conduct.  Those students who do not abide by these expectations will lose the privilege of attending Homework Club.  

Newman News Term 2 Week 4: From the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome to another edition of Newman News!

Years 9 and 10 Singapore Immersion Trip

The recent Singapore Immersion trip was a great success, allowing our students and staff to further explore our pillars of challenge, collaborate, create and celebrate with Singapore Polytechnic School. 

Thank you to the Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning PK-12, Beth Murphy, and teachers, Joel Kandiah, Kate McKnight, Adeline Hendriks who attended and created a memorable experience for our students.  

Marist Association Marian Lecture

On Tuesday 16 May, fellow Marist communities across Oceania attended the annual Marian Lecture, “A revolution of Tenderness” with keynote by Dr Medi Volpe, a moral theologian and ethicist.  The talk was held in the Marist Auditorium and online through a Zoom invitation.  The discussion entailed “what is means to be a Christian in the 21st Century through being revolutionists of love and tenderness in living our daily lives”

Year 7 Camp

I had the opportunity to visit the Year 7 camp last week, which is another important moment in the students’ transition into Secondary School.   The Year 7 students are to be commended for the positive way they stepped up to challenges presented on the camp.  The vibe and excitement that emanated across every activity exemplified the way the students have come together as a strong group. As always, we are grateful to our staff for their great work in organising and running rich and rewarding learning experiences. Well done, Year 7 Team! 

Mother’s Day Masses and Liturgy

Many thanks to those Mum’s, Grandmother’s and Guardians who were able to attend our celebration of Mother’s Day.  These Mother’s Day moments are wonderful celebrations and an important opportunity for Newman to say thank you to mothers for their place in our lives. Thank you to all involved in making the day so enjoyable.  I hope all the special women in our lives had a joyful day last Sunday.  

Years 7-12 Principal’s Assembly

The Years 7-12 Principals Assembly was held Wednesday morning.  The outstanding achievements of our award winners were formally recognised. In the assembly, I shared with the students a quote from Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhen and image from the Apollo space mission in 1968. The quote was inspired by photographs taken during the mission which showed humankind our Earth from a new perspective – a global village. “There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.” At Newman, we all play our role to be crew members in our part of this global village by holding to our Marist characteristics. The message of ‘character, commitment and connection’ was shared with our Secondary community as the means to being active crew members in this vibrant and supportive community. 

Years 11-12 Connect Night

Connect Night involves Year 11 and 12 students from Newman, Northam and Bunbury who come together to operate in the gamechangers for discussion around faith-based formation and Ministry.  

Year 3-6 Cross Country Carnival

The Year 3 –6 Cross Country Carnival was held on Friday.  We were very fortunate with the weather as it was a beautiful day.  The students competed with great spirit, enthusiasm and sportsmanship and we saw many great achievements on the field.    

Thank you to all staff members who organised the day.   It was a great success! 

Save the Date – Newman Parents Forum

Newman Parents Forum is scheduled for Monday 22 May at 6.00pm in the Learning Hub. The agenda is set for the meeting and includes discussions around Uniform Review and Alignment and College Events.  We hope you can join us on Monday.   

If you are unable to join us in person you may wish to join online, please click Here to access the link. 

To access the agenda please click Here

Morning Tea with the Year 12s

It has been an absolute pleasure to meet with our Year 12s.   The students are talkative and shared their thoughts and ideas over a supplied morning tea by the wonderful canteen staff.   I look forward to meeting the rest of the cohort over the following weeks.  

Events Ahead

Within the next few weeks, the events occurring include the Newman Parents Forum (NPF), Year 11 and 12 Semester 1 Exams, ACC Cross Country. 

I wish our Senior School Students all the best as they prepare for their upcoming exams.   

Every blessing for the weeks ahead.  

Andrew Watson  

PRINCIPAL