We congratulate the Grads of 2022 for achievements in your chosen pathways of academic pursuit. We extend a sincere thank you to all teachers and support staff, for your dedication to students during their PK-12 journey at Newman.
We know that holistic success extends way beyond the academic realm and relies on experiences that liberate students to grow socially, spiritually, emotionally, morally, and physically. Newman offers comprehensive learning pathways inside and outside of the classroom, to cater for our vast spread of student needs. A true reflection of society.
Holistic success enables our students to Shine through Discovery so they can be the people God intended them to be.
Thursday 2 February – Y11 and Y12 Parent Information Sessions, 6.30pm Gym and Auditorium
Friday 3 February – Parent Welcome Sundowner, 5.30pm Marist Auditorium
Wednesday 8 February – PK-12 Family Mass, 5.00pm Marcellin Oval
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the 2022 school year. It is a great privilege to be involved in the lives of young people and I thank our families, parents, and carers for your trust in the College to nurture your daughter’s and son’s development and growth. I also offer my thanks and gratitude to our teachers and support staff for their commitment to our students and families.
Wishing you all a safe and holy Christmas and a happy New Year.
Save the Dates
Friday 3 February – Parent Welcome Sundowner
Please join us in celebrating the start of the 2023 school year, as we welcome new families into our community, and reconnect with each other. To purchase tickets please click here
Wednesday 8 February
The College warmly invites our College community, students, staff and families, to join us to celebrate our PK-12 Family Mass to commence the 2023 school year. The Eucharist will commence at 5.30pm on the Br Terrace Gleeson Oval. More information will be forthcoming.
Reports
Families in Years K – 11 will have access to their reports from 4.00pm on Friday 9 December.
Please ensure you can log into SEQTA to retrieve the reports. Any families leaving Newman College, including our class of 2022 students, are reminded to download all reports from SEQTA as files will be archived at the end of December and will no longer be accessible.
Booklists
Please click HERE to access booklists for students in years 7 – 12.
2023 Term Dates
Term 1
Monday 30 Jan – Staff Commence
Tuesday 31 Jan – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Wednesday 1 Feb – Students Commence: K-Y7 and New Students Y8 -11 (Orientation)
Thursday 2 Feb – Students Commence: Y8-12
Monday 6 March – Labour Day – Public Holiday (College Closed)
Thursday 6 April – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 2
Monday 24 April – Marist Faith Formation Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 25 April – Anzac Day – Public Holiday (College Closed)
Wednesday 26 April – PK-12 Students return
Monday 5 June – Western Australia Day – Public Holiday (College Closed)
Friday 30 June – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 3
Monday 17 July – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 18 July – PK-Y10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 19 July – PK-12 Students return
Friday 11 August – Staff Wellbeing Day (College Closed)
Monday 14 August – Staff Catholic Faith Day (College Closed)
Wednesday 20 September – Y12 last day
Friday 22 September – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 4
Monday 9 October – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Monday 9 October – Y7 2024 Orientation Day
Tuesday 10 October – PK-12 Students return
Thursday 23 November – Y11 last day
Friday 1 December – Y10 last day
Thursday 6 December – PK-Y9 last day
Friday 8 December – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Monday 11 December – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 12 December – Staff final day (College Closed)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
It is hard to believe that the end of another school year is upon us. The Marist theme for 2022 Known and Loved: Dignity for All has encouraged us to recognise that human dignity is at the heart of the Gospel. As young people in a Marist community, it is our job to bring dignity to others in the way we speak, act, and encounter those around us. It is our job to seek out those in our community who are among the least, or the invisible, and invite them into relationship with us. This year, we have seen many examples of this lived out in our community, whether it has been through our many social justice and youth advocacy initiatives, or simply an inviting smile or friendly hello to each other as we pass each other in the hall.
As we enter the season of Advent, we remember that this is a time of great hope and anticipation as we prepare the celebrate the coming of Christ – a story told so beautifully this week by our Pre-Primary students in their Liturgy. My hope is that all of our students and families can enjoy this special time together, having a safe, restful, and peaceful Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming all families back again next year.
Pre-Primary Liturgy
On Thursday 1 December, staff, students, and families gathered in St Cecilia’s church to celebrate our Pre-Primary Liturgy. With the support of their teachers, the PP students told the story of Jesus’s birth through songs, actions, and spoken word, delivering a recount that was both emotional and heartwarming. It is so beautiful to see our youngest students participate so wholeheartedly in our liturgies, and I would like to especially thank our PP team and Mrs. Short for their contributions in guiding our students through this event. It was wonderful to see so many families in attendance too.
Student Leaders Gathering
Last week, twelve of our 2023 student leaders took part in a Student Leaders Gathering at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillarys. These leaders were joined by representatives from West Australian schools St. Joseph’s College Northam and Bunbury Catholic College, as well as South Australian schools Sacred Heart College, and Cardijn College. Students had the chance to come together in fellowship to both develop friendships, as well as spend time together learning what it means to be a young person in school leading with a Marist Heart. It was a wonderful three days spent together, culminating in a Eucharistic celebration here in our Champagnat Chapel. We certainly look forward to inviting our Year 11 students of 2023 to attend again next year.
Sacramental Program 2023
Next year, students in Year 3, 4 and 6 will be preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. In order for this to happen, families must register their children with their local parish at the beginning of the year so that they can take part in the Sacraments. We work in collaboration with families and parishes to prepare students to receive the Sacraments, which are then celebrated in your local parish. It is essential that you enrol your child to receive the Sacrament in their local parish.
Enrolments details for 2023 Sacramental Programs for the local parishes will soon be available, with some details already available for next year. These can be found below:
I would really like to take this opportunity to thank all families and other members of our community for their very kind and generous donations to our Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal this year. The Marian, Lavalla, and Marcellin campuses are overflowing with large numbers of donations, and we know these will be received by those in need in our community with grateful hearts. Thank you to all staff, students, and families who have given their support and put their faith in action to provide a difference for others. I certainly hope that as we gather around the table for Christmas this year, we can spare a thought for those in our community who are the least, the lost, and the invisible, and that we may continue to offer our support next year.
Over the last week we celebrated Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ at a variety of events and liturgies across the College. The highlight without doubt was the magnificent Christmas Carols evening. Congratulations to the Primary school for their participation led superbly by Ms Ava Bilton.
The students have been immersed in a variety of activities that have reflected our Marist family spirit. The joy of Christmas is here and we look forward to spending time with our families over the summer break.
PK-5 Awards
Our awards ceremony was held in conjunction with our Christmas Carols evening. The awards in our College are now aligned across PK-12. Congratulations to all award winners.
Year 6 Graduation
Congratulations to Year 6 for a beautiful Graduation, celebrated with Mass in the Champagnat Chapel and Ceremony in the JHN learning Hub. It was a fitting end, exemplified by a wonderful spirit and excitement about what lay ahead.
Thank you to Classroom teachers – Robyn Hatchett, Delia Kretzmann, Erica Horn and Lucy Zambonetti – and specialised teachers, and all who have been part of their journey during their time at primary school.
Particular congratulations to all award winners for their significant achievements
College Productions 2023
After a period of discernment and consultation I am pleased to announce that our College Productions for 2023 are:
Y3-9 – The Lion King
Y10-12 – Fame
Both musicals will provide students every opportunity to let their light shine. My thanks again to all members of our community for your participation and contribution to our Arts program. Our students, families and staff are highly valued and it is hoped that, together, we can continue to grow our program in the years ahead.
Audition dates will be conveyed early next year by Ms Yvonne Wiese.
Annual School Improvement Plan (ASIP) 2022
Last week we evaluated our ASIP for 2022. The Strategic Priority areas are:
1.A Catholic School in the Marist Tradition
2.Transformational Learning
3.Culture of Innovation and Excellence
4.Sustainability
Each Priority Area has a series of intents which we seek to measure each year. In 2022 highlights included:
The strengthening of our Religious Education program in both curriculum and formation across the College
The growth of our PK-12 Literacy Plan
The development of our Middle Leadership Program, Accelerator – Drive to Excel, which saw Newman College being awarded an Australian Educator Innovator Award.
Consolidation and development of our Primary school relocation
Student led sustainability project
The results will be published in the 2022 Annual Report, which will be located on the College website in the coming weeks. 2023 is the final year of the current Strategic Plan and there will be opportunity to be involved in a community consultation for our new Plan.
Thank you
As 2022 and my tenure as College Principal comes to a close, there have been many groups and individual people who have made a significant contribution to the development and growth of our College.
A full list of thanks and acknowledgements will be in our College Yearbook available in 2023.
This has been my sixth Marist community and I have been nourished by the example of our Churchlands Marist Community. I wish to acknowledge and thank the Marist Brothers involved in our College community; in particular Br John Furlong, Churchland Brothers Community Leader, Br Terry Orrell, Campus Minister, Br Paul Murphy, Education Assistant, Br Noel Hickey and Br Joe Hughes for their presence in our lives.
The gift of leading a PK-12 community is the richness in the diversity of children across all ages and the various parts of our school. Our students reflect our aspiration which is for them to realise the gifts and talents God has given them. Each student is valued and is valuable and I thank them for their presence and in making Newman College the great school that it is.
Thank you to the College staff for your tireless commitment to your work and more specifically to our students. Your professionalism, energy and passion for your craft is exemplified not only in our results but in the culture that values people and celebrates growth.
To the College Executive and Senior Leadership Team, my thanks to your unwavering support of me, characterized by a love of work, a listening ear and a joy that has made my role so much easier. Particular thanks to Dr Lucie McCrory, Vice Principal, for her tireless commitment to excellence and animation for staff and students.
Throughout my seven years at Newman two members of our College Executive have been there from the beginning – Steve Halley-Wright and Josie Parker. They have been an incredible support to me exemplified by a Marian heart and wisdom that has enabled me to be a better leader. Stephen’s work as Director of Finance and Administration is without peer and foundational to our growth for years to come. Josie in her 25th year as Executive Assistant at Newman College was recognised with a Marist Award for excellence in Melbourne recently for her outstanding commitment and service to Marist Education. She exemplifies our Marist characteristics in every facet of her work and presence. We wish her every blessing in her retirement.
Finally, to all members of our community, thank you. For my wife Anita, our children Ursula and Stephen, we have been blessed with the privilege of being part of this great Marist community. Our prayer for the future is that the transformational power of the love of Jesus Christ continues to nourish this College, best summed up in the words of our founder St. Marcellin Champagnat,
“May their lives been an echo of what you have taught them”
It is with great excitement the school year comes to its conclusion. Our final week allowed students to participate in the Discovery Festival. The purpose of this inaugural event was to immerse students in different activities which reflect our Vision for Learning and Vision for Mission. The week began with the Festival of the Magnificat where students reflected on the calling to be good Christians and good citizens. The schedule for the day included presentations from Peter Bol, Olympian and recently awarded Young Western Australian of the Year, as well as Fr Liam Ryan. Each year group engaged joyfully with 24/7 Youth Ministry our student-led Marist Youth Ministry Team to launch the 2023 Game Changers program for students.
Tuesday and Wednesday offered students a range of opportunities to challenge themselves as they created new learnings in a collaborative environment. Students had the opportunity to design their own schedule for the two days with choices for each year group. Students were able to play golf, learn the art of macrame, participate in a “Tiny House Challenge” as well as an Amazing Race across the school. Student could also learn how to crochet, get involved in a game of lawn bowls and visit Marian for an afternoon of play with Kindy and Year 1 students. There as also time to prepare care packages for students at the Kuya Centre in the Philippines as well toiletry packs for the Nyoongar Outreach Services. There was also a two-day intensive Film School with an acclaimed director as well as a dungeons and dragons tournament, forensic challenge and a stock exchange simulation. Students in Year 8 were also given the opportunity to apply for a tax file number and learn more about superannuation and Year 9 students had the change to engage in a short barista course.
There really was something for everyone with their aim of allowing students to shine in their discovery. This week does not just happen, acknowledging the countless hours put in by staff, particularly our Director of Transformation Learning, Mrs Jenny Miraudo, who had a vision to give students an experience that allows students to show case their learnings from the year.
English Report
This term, the Year 8 students have had their first taste of Shakespeare by studying Romeo and Juliet. Their assessment was to perform a scene in class, complete with costumes, props and a mastery of Shakespearean language. Students delighted in the opportunity to convey a long standing feud between the Capulet and Montague families, and also share the tragic love story of star-cross’d lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Japanese Class
For many Year 8 students, this week marked the end of their 2 year Japanese language journey here at Newman. Both Japanese classes enjoyed some sushi and other Japanese treats to celebrate and say ‘Sayonara’. It is an exciting time ahead for those students who are continuing with Japanese in Year 9 as they can master and further develop their skills and knowledge of the language and culture.
Problem Based Learning Immersion Partnership with University of WA
A selected group of Year 9 students were invited to participate in a problem-based learning immersion in partnership with UWA. Students met with Dr Momoko Fujita, from the UWA Business School, and were given the challenge of designing a social media campaign to address the social issue of teen vaping. Students were introduced to the principles of marketing and some of the theory behind the appeal of social media, before working on their campaigns using the Design Thinking technique and presenting their proposals to Dr Fujita.
Congratulations to the students who attended, and thanks to Ms McKnight and Mr Farley for attending, as well as Mrs Ognenis and Mrs Miraudo for coordinating this opportunity.
2023 Student Subjects and Booklists
Students have now all received their subjects for 2023 and links for the booklists have been sent out. Please note if students have questions about their subjects, they will need to be addressed either prior to Tuesday 13 December or on return in the new year.
Communication for the commencement of school and expectations will be sent in the New Year. I would like to take this opportunity to with all families a happy and holy Christmas and a safe holiday break. I pray all families can use this time to come together and recognize the joy of Christmas as they recharge ready to return to school on Thursday 2 February 2023.
