Term 4 Week 3: From the Principal

Last Thursday evening we had the honour of farewelling the Graduating Class of 2018, all 170 of them, giving us the opportunity for members of our Marist community to come together to celebrate with Christ at the centre.

Across Australian Marist Communities in 2018, the national theme is ‘For the plans I have for you … to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11).

In the Year of Youth and taking up our 2018 theme of believing in hope and a future for all people, we  as Marists, through our word and action, have offered the world a new way of seeing and being.  A world where every young person can enjoy the hope of a future beyond the horizon which they are yet to discover. Pope Francis said that ‘a single individual is enough for hope to exist.’ The Good News is that our Marist communities are full of single individuals that together create an ‘us’.

The strength of our Marist community is the family spirit that underpins the relationships that our Year 12 students have formed over the course of their time at Newman College. Commencing with the Graduation Assembly in the morning, the Secondary school farewelled them with a celebration of their achievements.  Their families joined the students for Mass in the late afternoon celebrated by Fr Joe Tran.  This was a moving and special occasion commissioning our students for the next stage of their lives.  Mass was followed by a light supper and then the Graduation Ceremony which took on the theme of Hope.  It was a magnificent day and a wonderful rite of passage for our students.  Thank you to all staff who have been involved in the journey of our students; for some commencing in 2004 in Kindergarten.  Thank you to the parents for your unconditional support and collaboration with our community particularly over the past 12 months.  We wish them well in their upcoming exams and completion of all courses.

I wish to reproduce herewith the speech I gave on the night…..

 

Good Evening Graduating Class 2018, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Today we meet to honour, affirm, recognise, to pray for and give thanks for the contribution made by these fine young people of Newman College. We celebrate as a community the end of a very significant stage of their lives – their school education.  This occasion gives us the opportunity to take time to reflect on the dreams, aspirations, and expectations of our lives.

For parents … the dreams you had for your sons and daughters all those years ago, and how those years have played out; the highs, the lows, the joys, the tears as you witnessed their growth into the fine young people they are today.

For the graduating class –  to reflect on your own aspirations and expectations of how you have come to this point – your final day at Newman College.  In doing this I ask the graduating class to consider the following questions of the their time at Newman:

  • What have been your goals?
  • Have you achieved your personal best?
  • Have you taken every opportunity afforded?
  • What have been the challenges? …How have you reacted?
  • What have you learnt about yourself? Your peers?
  • What has it meant be member of a College community? A Marist community

FINALLY:

  • How has this experience of Newman College given you the foundation to navigate the future ahead?

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American poet, in the early nineteenth century, is attributed with the following: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

Graduating Class of 2018, at this most significant event there is one very important and most valuable element that lies within you;

  • one which, through love, has brought you into this world;
  • one which has seen you develop into the young people that you are today;
  • one which has inspired you to be the leaders that you have been in this community and amongst your peers;

…that same quality which has made you empathetic, courageous, sensitive, humorous, compassionate, critical and conscientious citizens; 

…that quality which will be your precious asset in leaving Newman College and commencing a new and exciting chapter of your life; that enduring quality that God has bestowed upon you; faith.

Your faith and learning journey have been shared with each other.

You have valued relationships, exemplified through:

  • your reflection and spirituality at the Senior Retreat,
  • the highs and joy of the College Ball,
  • your collaboration with your teachers,
  • your respect and support of Mr McLaughlin, known respectfully known as ‘dad’
  • and when one of you were down someone was always there

you have demonstrated a willingness to get involved and flexibility to try new things:

  • #challengeyear12 / Year 12 Mentoring program
  • Remar Solidarity Camp in Mullewa, supporting the agricultural community for REMAR
  • Philippines Immersion, walking in solidarity with dislocated marginalized youth
  • the spectacularly successful Year 7 disco
  • Year 7 Homework club
  • the amazing Grease musical
  • Catholic Performing Arts or the Primary Ensemble choir
  • the winning of the ACC Swimming and Athletics Carnivals
  • the Marist Sporting Carnivals
  • NAS Finals victories
  • and the Marist Footy Club’s U18 boys victory

Year 12, you have stood up for what you have believed to be right.  Your leadership group, so well led by Anika and Chris, and so many others advocated on many issues; in particular the promotion of fundraising efforts for Marist Solidarity and Caritas Australia

There have been times when we have not agreed on all things BUT you have got on with things with resilience and dignity

Whilst we may never be fully prepared for what lies ahead of us, I believe that you have many tools within you which will serve you well.

I have given much reflection to what possible wisdom, story and example or even some advice that one may offer at this time as we say farewell. Opportunely I noted on the news last Sunday that the Catholic Church canonized Archbishop Oscar Romero as a saint. His story as some of you know from your Religion and life ATAR class is quite remarkable.

For all here today in brief:

  • On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador was fatally shot at the altar while celebrating Mass. The archbishop was an outspoken and internationally well-known opponent of the El Salvador government’s oppression and violence against its own people. Many of them were young people who wanted their voice heard.
  • 75,000 died in the civil conflict over that decade.
  • Saint Oscar Romero was the voice of the voiceless poor; he denounced the killings, the torture and the disappearances of community leaders; he demanded justice and recompense for the atrocities committed by the army and police and he set up legal aid projects and pastoral programs to support the victims of the violence. Archbishop Romero, rejecting the violence and strained every nerve to promote peaceful solutions to his nation’s crisis.

Pope Francis said on Sunday:

Saint Oscar Romero “left the security of the world, even his own safety, in order to give his life according to the Gospel, close to the poor and to his people, with a heart drawn to Jesus and his brothers and sisters.

Today I am asking you to have the courage to stand up for your convictions, like Romero. Not to lose your life but to gain life and hope through the strength that comes from faith; to be prepared to be an advocate and be of service to others. This is not always easy, you will be questioned, challenged and at times confronted.

Our Vision for Learning “Shine through Discovery”, (Mathew 5:16 Let your light shine) calls us to be transformative, to take action for our own lives so to serve other.  It is the same vision that I pray you take with you in the future ahead.  My dream, our dream, for you lay in the words of our founder…

St. Marcellin Champagnat contends,

“Their lives will be the echo of what you have taught them.”

May you continue to dream big, believe in yourselves and know that you can make a difference.

REMEMBER: Our greatest fear is not in what we cannot do… it is in what we can do.

YEAR 12 You have left your mark. THANK YOU, YEAR 12 for who you are, what you have achieved

We wish you the very best in to the future: I leave you to ponder the words of Saint Oscar Romero

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation
in realizing that. This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well. It may be incomplete,
but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.

On behalf of our PK-12 community – 1900 students strong, Year 12, God bless and good luck.

 

 

Term 4 Week 3: From the Dean of Wellbeing

Student Leaders 2019

As we farewell the Class of 2018, it is time for the 2019 Student Leaders to represent the College.The 2019 Student Leadership Team has been announced and have already begun their duties to serve the College community and lead the student body. Over 50 students from Year 11 participated in a Leadership Formation Program under the guidance of Mrs Rebecca Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing Year 11. Following completion of the program, student applied to be part of the student leadership team, were interviewed and some student presented their leadership vision to the College Middle Leaders Team. It is with great pleasure to announce the team, led by College Captains Matthew Guimelli and Courtney Beveridge. Follow this link to a list of the 2019 Student Leaders.

Many thanks to Mrs Bramanto for her support of this important program.

Year 7 Orientation Day

Many thanks to Mr Patrick Woolley, Leader of Wellbeing Year 7, and Peer Mentors for their support of the 2019 Year 7 Orientation. Students and mentors participated in team work sessions, getting to know each other and an Amazing Race Around Newman. In the weeks ahead, the 2019 Year 7 students will be invited to the College for transition workshops to prepare them for a smooth start to Year 7!

Year 8 – Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

Several Year 8 classes have been selected to take part in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).  TIMSS is an important educational research project investigating student achievement in mathematics and science.  More than 60 countries, including Australia, are participating in this study.  TIMSS is an important activity to keep us, as parents and citizens, informed about how our students in Australia are performing in comparison to their peers in other countries and to compare programs of study and teaching practices.  We will be able to obtain current national and international information which will help improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and science in our country.

Selected students will do an assessment in mathematics and science and complete a questionnaire about their experiences at home and school.   There is no need for students to study specifically for the assessment as it will not affect individual students’ grades or progress in school. A brochure will be sent home with the students who have been selected to participate to provide further information.

All data will be kept strictly confidential and no individual student or school will be identified in published data or reports. All questions and concerns can be forwarded to Simon Martino
simon.martino@newman.wa.edu.au

Public Transport

It is every student’s responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of themselves, passengers and drivers.  Students are reminded to wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner.  Offer seats to adults including people with a disability elderly or expectant mothers.  Make sure you are not obstructing the footpath making it difficult for the general public to navigate the area.

Term 4 Week 3: From the Deputy Principal Learning and Staff Development

On Thursday 18 October, the College hosted the 2018 Year 12 Graduation Mass and Celebration in the Marist Auditorium. This night is a significant achievement for all student and their families as their time at the College comes to an end. The achievements of each student were acknowledged as well as recognition for Major Award recipients in spiritual formation, sport, arts, leadership and academics. Year 12 students showcased their musical talents and reflected on the friendship formed and the relationships within out Marist family. The College welcomed back Mr Damien Wallman, Graduate from the Class of 1993 to share his story with our community. I extend my thanks to Mr James McLaughlin, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12 and the team of Pastoral Care Teachers that have supported, guided and walked with our young people to ‘shine through discovery’. Congratulations and Farewell.

Click Here for further details about the 2018 Graduation events.

Click Here for a list of the Award Winners.

Staff Wellbeing

College Psychologists Jon Laden-Wearne and Denise Bendotti supported our Professional Learning program by delivering a session on Self Care. The session was informative and included practical strategies that we can apply to support positive self-care and wellbeing. The College is very committed to supporting staff and their wellbeing and ask for your support and cooperation especially in relation to parent-school communication. Teachers are expected to respond to emails within two working days. They certainly cannot respond within one day as they are teaching classes, marking assessments, planning lessons, on yard duty or taking co-curricular activities. If there is an urgent matter that needs to be acknowledged, a call to your son or daughters Leader of Wellbeing may be the most appropriate and effective avenue.

Parent Funded Device

Next year Newman College will continue the parent funded, designated device model that commenced in 2016.

All students in Year 3 to 6 will require an Apple iPad. All students in Year 7 to 11 will require a Microsoft Surface Pro. Parents will be required to purchase a device for students entering Year 7, current Year 8 and current Year 9 students.  This designated device model will be made available in cooperation with a nominated supplier; providing a discounted educational bundle including a damage resistant cover and enhanced warranty.  Details of the bundle and nominated supplier will be made available early Term 4. 2019 will be the last year for the College funded MacBook program for students in Year 12.

Arts Festival

In 2018, the Newman College Arts Festival centred on the establishment of an Artist in Residence Program. This program saw prominent WA artist Andy Quilty enter our community to engage in a unique series of workshops. Students from Y2-Y12 benefited from their encounters with Andy, who spent time exploring the notion of happy mistakes. The Program delivered amazing learning outcomes, that culminated in the student Art Showcase on Wednesday 10th October.

Click Here to read more about the 2018 Art Festival.

Click Here to watch the Art Festival documentary.

We look forward to celebrating the Arts with you at the Newman College Arts Festival in 2019.

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website (Click Here). 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 and extends to all forums including social media and email forms of communication. The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and support professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code. Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

All families are reminded that if they have a concern about the education or wellbeing of their child, they should contact the College directly. We are always willing to support families, but school matters must be managed by the College. It is not appropriate to contact other families about concerns you have about their child. Please direct these matters to the classroom teacher, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The College recognises the convenience of year group Facebook pages that are moderated by parents. This is an excellent platform for sharing information involving College events and requirements. It is not appropriate to use social media platforms to seek clarity on teaching and learning or to debate College policies. Please refer these matters to your child’s classroom or PCG Teachers, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with each other.

Term 4 Week 3: From The Deputy Principal, Mission and Catholic Identity

In Week 3 of Term 4, the canonisation of Oscar Romero, (a Newman College Guild Patron), Pope Paul XI and 5 other saints coincided well with the Newman College Year 12 Graduation week. In his homily on the occasion of the cannonisation of the seven newest saints of the Catholic church, Pope Francis invited those who tuned-in around the world to consider the personal response of each of them to place of Jesus in their lives:

Let us ask ourselves where we are in our story of love with God. Do we content ourselves with a few commandments or do we follow Jesus as lovers, really prepared to leave behind something for him?

As our Year 12’s conclude their time at the College and prepare now for the unfolding journey of their lives that awaits them, it is our hope that we as a nurturing community of inclusivity and faith have invited them into what will be an ongoing journey of transformation through their encounter of the good news, which may become the personal Gospel of their own lives.

Years’ 7 – 12 Sacramental Program

In Term 4, the College will be sharing with families details regarding a new opportunity that has been extended by the Archdiocese of Perth for secondary schools to develop age-appropriate preparation programs that support secondary-aged students who may have missed the opportunity to prepare and receive the sacraments in Primary school. This model is a first for secondary schools, and provides an opportunity for the College to provide a school-based preparation program that connects students to local parishes to then receive the sacraments. Here at Newman College, we have had a number of families express the desire for their daughters and sons to have the opportunity to prepare to receive the sacraments in secondary school. In this Year of Youth, Bishop Donald Sproxton (Auxiliary Bishop – Archdiocese of Perth) has extended this opportunity to all secondary students in our Archdiocese on behalf of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.

I invite you to make contact with me if you would like to discuss this opportunity further, or to express an interest in advance of the details of this program being shared with our College community later in Term 4.

daniel.lynch@newman.wa.edu.au

Sacramental Programs

When your child has received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion or Confirmation, please send a copy of their Certificate from their Parish to Newman College Registrar, Flora Hughes so College Records can be updated and so that a card of congratulations can be presented to your child at Assembly.

PK-Y6 World Mission Day Free Dress Fundraiser

Thank you to all who contributed to our Free Dress Fundraiser for World Mission Day to support Catholic Mission. A total of $1039.80 was raised which will be sent to Perth Catholic Mission on your behalf.
At Lavalla Campus, Year 5 Green led our Prayer Assembly and told us how our money raised will help to educate the children of Myanmar.

PK-Y6 LAPATHON FUNDRAISER

Thank you to everyone involved in the K-6 Lapathon in Term 2. An amazing total of $10, 329.55  was raised. This fundraising will be directed to Australian Marist Solidarity, with a specific focus on the Kuya Centre in the Philippines. In December of 2018, the Kuya Centre will be visited by our Year 11 Philippines Immersion group. The collaboration between the Kuya Centre and Newman College represents a significant partnership that is integral to the mutually enriching partnership of Solidarity that exists between our two organisations. You can learn more about the Kuya Centre, and the work of Australian Marist Solidarity by clicking here.

Remar Red Leadership Camp

On Friday 12 October – Sunday 14 October, 21 Year 10 Remar students (also known as Rowers) attended the Remar Red Leadership Camp in Philip Island, Victoria. This annual three-day camp is held toward the end of the Red Crossing and is facilitated by the National Remar Ministry Team, with support from post school leaders and Helmspeople. Click here to read more.

Remar Gold Graduation

On Tuesday 16 October, 27 Remar Gold rowers celebrated their Gold Graduation. This event acknowledged the incredible achievement of Rowers who have been involved in the three-year program at the College. Throughout the evening, rowers had the opportunity to affirm each other, thank their helm, Mrs Rebecca Bramanto, as well as significant adults who have helped them through their journey. Click Here to read more.

Year 9 Remar Recruit afternoon, Wednesday 24 October

Year 9 students are invited to attend the Remar Red Recruitment Afternoon on Wednesday 24 October from 3.15pm – 4.30pm in the Sports Complex. The afternoon will introduce students to the College’s Remar program through an interactive, fun and informative session. Students will learn how the Remar program aims to form young Christian leaders who are motivated to stand up for what they believe to be right and just.

At the conclusion of the recruitment session, students are invited to take an information pack, which includes a Remar brochure, and an application form for the Embarkation Camp held in Serpentine on Wednesday 28 October – 30 November 2018. Students wishing to attend the Red Embarkation Camp, please complete and return your form to Miss Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, by the due date.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Our PK-12 College community will participate in the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal this term. An information letter about the appeal will be sent to all parents and guardians in Week 3. If you require more information, please contact Miss Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy clare.cole@newman.wa.edu.au

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 celebrated by Fr Joseph Tran and Fr Mark Baumgarten. 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.

 

Remar Gold Graduation

On Tuesday 16 October, 27 Remar Gold Rowers celebrated their Gold Graduation. This event acknowledged the incredible achievement of Rowers who have been involved in the three-year program at the College. Throughout the evening, Rowers had the opportunity to affirm each other, thank their Helm, Mrs Rebecca Bramanto, as well as other significant adults who have helped them through their journey, including Brother Terry Orrell, Miss Louise O’Mahany, Miss Clare Cole and Mr Daniel Litjens. The affirmations shared by the Rowers demonstrated the unique nature of the Remar program. Over the three crossings, Red (Year 10), Blue (Year 11) and Gold (Year 12), these remarkable young people have overcome challenges and obstacles to foster a caring and compassionate community that works for justice and peace.

Thank you to Mrs Rebecca Bramanto for her support and guidance of this amazing group of students over the last three years. Thank you also to Mr John Finneran, Mr Daniel Lynch, Mrs Lisa Fogliani, and other staff who attended. Thank you to our Marist Brothers, Terry Orrell, John Horgan and Noel Hickey for their attendance and living witness of what it means to be Marist.

Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy