Newman News Term 3 Week 10 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 24/09/2021

Migrant and Refugee Sunday – 26 September 

Migrant and Refugee Sunday is celebrated in Australia on the last Sunday in September. This brings the practice of the Church in Australia into line with the practice of the Church around the world.
The 2021 Theme is ‘Towards An Ever Wider We’.  It calls all of us to consider our place in the world and the responsibility we have to support marginalised and dislocated people.  As part of our College Ministry focus, we support refugees and asylum seekers through our Alms giving.  In addition, our advocacy of support, is exemplified by Pope Francis’ words, of ‘widening the tent to embrace everyone’ who is in need.  You can read Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2021 here.

Celebrating St John Henry Newman Feast Day  

Families would have received a letter this week regarding the celebration of the Feast of St John Henry Newman which is celebrated on Saturday 9 October. To mark the significance of this occasion, our K-12 Community will come together for a combined Mass in the Marcelin Sports Complex on Friday 15 October.  Further details are included in the letter to families and in the update from Ministry, Outreach and Advocacy here.

Year 12 2021 

On Thursday we celebrated the final day of formal education for our Year 12 students with a Principal’s Assembly and other dedicated activities.  In my speech I reflected on the recent WA Community Cabinet with the Premier, Mark McGowan, his ministers and students from across the seat of Churchlands and Nedlands which included 9 of our students in Years 10 and 11. He said to them, “What you have on offer at your school, you need to take advantage of”.  In his words, he said “Just use it”.

The Premier put to the students in the room, that we are in a privileged position here in WA; not only are we hosting the Grand Final in Perth but by the fact that we can meet, we can celebrate, we can go out, we can be at school and study as if life is normal.  We know that our Eastern States counterparts, and certainly the Year 12 students in Victoria and NSW, have spent the last 3 months at home trying to navigate the end of their educational journey in lockdown. Please click here to view the full speech.

A highlight of the assembly was our Year 6 student leaders and siblings of our graduating class in attendance.  In addition, the Lavalla Primary school students along with the Secondary students formed a guard of honour as the Year 12 students moved from the Gymnasium to the Auditorium.

We now look forward to the formal Year 12 Graduation ceremony in Week 2 of Term 4.

Student Leadership 2022 

At Thursday’s assembly we also announced the Leadership Group for 2022.  Congratulations to Isabella O’Rourke and Joshua Downes who have been appointed College Captains and all those students who have been selected for leadership. I look forward to working with you all and am confident that you will let your light shine.

 

End of Term 

Following an event packed term, I wish all staff, students and families a restful and enjoyable Spring break and look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4.

 

Mr John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 10: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 24/09/2021

Breathe: The Spirit of Life 

As we break for the end of Term 3, our Marist theme, Breathe: the Spirit of Life, is a reminder of what these holidays could look like for many of us. Our Year 12’s will no doubt be feeling the pressure of heading into their first round of exams but should be reminded of the wise words of St Padre Pio “Pray, hope and don’t worry, worry is useless, God is merciful and will hear your prayer”. Through prayer and simply breathing, we can slow down these holidays, take time for family, friends, and ourselves. I will keep in my prayers our Year 12 students who finish formal classes this Term and hope they look back with joy on their time at Newman College.

 

Remar Graduation

This week our Year 12 Remar students completed their three-year journey of the Marist Youth Ministry Program. The program focused on leadership development, community, service, and prayer. 18 students journeyed together in Remar and the Graduation evening was an opportunity to reflect on where they have come from, how they have grown and how they will move forward.  Students thanked the staff who walked with them over the years, particularly Louise O’Mahony who met with students fortnightly to provide formation. Thank you also to Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, who organised the occasion and will be concluding with the Ministry Team at the end of this Term.

This is the final year Remar will be facilitated at Newman College as the Marist Youth Ministry is concluded. However, students can still get involved with the new Marist Youth Ministry initiative, Game Changers. We currently have groups in Year 7, Year 8, Year 10 and Year 11. If your son or daughter is interested in getting involved please let us know.

Game Changers

Year 7 and Year 8 Game Changers students participated in a school clean-up for their final meeting for the term. Students recognised the importance of being part of a sustainable future and reflected on the words of Pope Francis “You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens but also as followers of Christ”.

On Friday September 17, our year 10 game changers set off for an overnight retreat up at Ern Halliday, Hillarys. The students were full of energy when they arrived and ready for an exciting day ahead. The leadership retreat focussed on students exploring how they can grow more in their Christian leadership skills by discovering how to live the Marist values of presence, humility, sensitivity, and audacity both individually and with each other.

By exploring pivotal moments in the mission and lives of Jesus in Galilee and Marcellin in La Valla, the students can discover how such moments bring clarity in helping to identify the true meaning and purpose of Christian mission – to be signs of God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. Students will be given opportunities during the camp to explore their own mission and group projects.

Students concluded their retreat on Saturday morning with a mass in the Marcellin campus Chapel, followed by a light morning tea. It was wonderful to have the students’ families come along to mass as well. Thanks to Liam Street, Marist Youth Minister who facilitated the program, Bonnie Keynes, Matthew Box and Hannah Parker who attended and supported the students.

Community Mass 

PK-12 Community Mass continues to be celebrated every Thursday morning, commencing at 8.10am. All families, staff and students are welcome. Community Mass will return on Thursday Week 1 Term 4. We look forward to welcoming you to the Champagnat Chapel.

St John Henry Newman Feast Day

Newman College was the first school in Australia named after the great religious thinker and leader of the 19th Century, John Henry Newman. Declared a Saint by Pope Francis in 2019, the Feast Day of St John Henry Newman is celebrated on Saturday 9 October. To mark the significance of this occasion, our K-12 Community will come together in celebration on Friday 15 October. All Students will gather for a combined Mass in the Marcellin Sports Centre.

Information was sent to families earlier this week.

This is another opportunity for our students to gather as a whole College community and live out our faith story as expressed in our Vision for Mission: to form ‘good Christians and Good Citizens’. We look forward to celebrating this very significant event in the life and history of Newman College.

Ministers of Communion 

Congratulations to Andrea Acuna, Sonia Bruce, Jack Daley, Joshua Downes, Emily Burgess, Sharya Ferdinandusz, Joseph Martin, Isabella Meyer, Isabella O’Rourke, Aneika Short and Joshua Thomas for their commitment to serving the Newman College community as Ministers of Communion. Students underwent formation training with Br Terry, Campus Minister who used the Archdiocese of Perth Guidelines to prepare students. This responsibility is a response to a call to be a model of faith to the students within the College and within their Parish life.

Perth iStand Conference 

Youth Mission Team will be hosting an iStand event these holidays. Click here for further details.

iSTAND Events are for students in year 8-12 (age 14-18 yrs) and are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow young people in a welcoming environment while learning more about yourself, others and God.
This iSTAND Camp will include activities such as games, group activities, prayer, reflection, testimonies and talks.

  • DATE: 1st – 3rd October
  • TIME: 5.30pm Friday – 1.00pm Sunday
  • LOCATION: Advent Park, 345 Kalamunda Rd, Maida Vale WA 6057
  • COST: $140 inclusive of all food and activities

Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 10/09/2021

With two weeks left of Term Three, our Year 12 students are coming to the end of their time at Newman College and assessments are being scheduled across the life of the school, it is an important time to reflect on the College’s Vision for Mission: to form good Christians and good citizens and our Marist theme for 2021 Breathe: The Spirit of Life. This calls us to pause and reflect on our life and what is most important. I encourage all staff, students and families to give thanks for our experience, to reach out to friends or family in lockdown around Australia who may be struggling and to remember that as Marist’s we follow Mary’s example and place our trust in God and the plan God has for us. By trusting in God, we can recognise God’s love, grace and compassion and finish the term with the hope that we can truly let our light shine.

Governor’s Prayer Breakfast 

Newman College has launched its Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, with Year 7 and 8 students. The purpose is to engage students in service activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community. Students have participated in a range of activities across, recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students and keep up the good work. There actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work.

Marist Connect Night 

As Marist school we offer students opportunities to engage in formation that allows them to meet with students from other Marist schools. For the second time this year, students gathered, this time at Bunbury Catholic College to reflect on their future and what it means to follow God’s call in their life. One of our Yr11 students reflects below.

On the 7th of September, 5 of the year 11 Gamechangers members along with Mrs Parker and Mrs Day-Perkins took off to Bunbury Catholic College for a connect night. Connect nights are organized throughout the year and allow Year 11 and 12 students from Marist schools to come together to connect and share ideas centred on the Marist principals.

Bunbury Catholic College is a Marist school set in the South-West of Perth. Once there we met a group of Year 11’s and 12’s and with the help of the teachers began to discuss school life through the Marist traditions. We started connecting by looking at ourselves and how we live according to faith. This conversation grew and soon enough we were having fun and connecting through activities like making paper airplanes that had fun facts written on them about each of us. After throwing the paper planes we then had to match the fun fact to the person. This is harder than what it seems especially when you are meeting for the first time but it still makes for a great activity allowing all of us to share a little bit about ourselves!

After some initial activities, we shared a meal. Where we continued to connect over pizza and talking about how we see life after school and our plans for our future. Finally, we heard from Liam Street, an ex-Newman student and the Marist Youth Ministry Leader who spoke to us about vocation and what to think about when we finish at school. Once he shared his story about finding his vocation, it was over to the teachers who formed a Q&A panel where they shared their vocational experiences.
Thanks Bunbury Catholic College for a great evening.

– Sonia Bruce, Year 11 student. 

Thursday morning Community Mass 

very Thursday morning family’s are invited to join students and staff to celebrate the Eucharist with local priests from our parishes. The final two weeks of our Community Mass see Thomas More and Year 4 in Week 9 and Romero and Year 3 in week 10. It has been such a blessing to welcome our Year 2 students to our Community Mass in line with our Vision for Mission and their transition to Year 3.
Mr Sullivan, Thomas More Guild Coordinator sent the following message to families earlier this term.

On Thursday the 16th of September at 8.10am, the Thomas More Guild is participating in their community mass for years 7-12 at the Marcellin Campus Chapel. This is an important time for students across the Marcellin Campus as it will be the last mass that Year 12 students will be a part of before they commence their exams as well as marking the start of transition into 2022.

I wish to extend the invitation to all family members of students in the Thomas More Guild. This can be past students, pre-high school children, grandparents and extended family. As the new Co-Ordinator for Thomas More guild I want to foster a sense of family spirit across all year groups.

I understand that there may be other priorities such as work that may get in the way of attending the mass, however it would be great to see families come together particularly in these uncertain times.
We look forward to seeing you in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of our Catholic faith. This year, students across the primary and secondary have had the opportunity to celebrate this sacrament in year groups. The secondary students have been led by priests from the Redemptorist Monastery led by Fr Edmond Nixon and primary students have been led by Fr Kaz Stuglik from Floreat Parish. The sacrament is an opportunity for students to seek forgiveness and reflect on God’s love and mercy in their lives. We encourage all our families to participate in this sacrament through their local parish.

Floreat Parish Youth Mass

On Sunday 19 September, Floreat Parish supported by 24/7 Youth Ministry will be celebrating a Youth Mass. This celebration is an opportunity for students who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation to come along and share in the Eucharist, games and light refreshments. We all encourage all our Year 6 families to come along and celebrate. The parish will be providing an experience for our young people every third Sunday. Mass commences at 9.30am at St Cecilia’s Church.

Ministers of Communion Preparation  

In line with our Vision for Mission: to form “good Christians and good citizens”, we have had some of our Year 11 students apply to participate in the ministering of Holy Communion. This means they will undertake training with Br Terry, reflecting on what it means to serve in the Church and the sacredness of the Eucharist. Congratulations to our students who have put their name forward to be leaders in this way at Newman College.

Special Marist Project: Marist Institute launches Global network

At Newman College we are proud to be part of Marist Schools Australia and an international community that shares a vision “to make Jesus Christ known and loved.” Recently, Newman College was asked to be part of the International Marist Institutes Global Network launch. On Wednesday 15 September, students from across the College will participate in creating a new logo for the network that seeks to demonstrate the diversity of our Marist community and its vision for our Marists communities to be “a place where we all belong!” Click here to learn more about this initiative and how it will help build a better place for young people in our world.

Newman News Term 3 Week 8 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 10/09/2021

Newman Parents ‘Under Your Influence’ – Jade Lewis 

On Monday night Jade Lewis was a guest speaker at Newman Parents.  Her story is one of significant redemption and inspiration.  At 15 years of age, she had the world at her feet as an aspiring Olympic athlete, only to be destroyed by drug addiction.  Her road to recovery was not easy and the impact on both Jade and her family was significant.  Her life today, however, is one that is committed to bringing to light the challenges young people face in the choices that they make in their lives.  The proliferation of drugs and alcohol, as example, is a societal problem that we have to navigate as parents.  As the primary educator we need to be actively present to our children not only in what we say but what we model.  A key aspect of Jade’s story was the role that parents play in walking with their children.  We should never be afraid to seek help, to ask the expert or the health provider who can assist when situations arise that affect our children’s health and wellbeing.

To that end, the role of the school is significant as a support mechanism for families.  At Newman College we continually educate and provide opportunities through our wellbeing program for students to discuss, evaluate and reflect on risk behavours.  The consequences of that fleeting decision that a young person can make could change the rest of their lives.  It is incumbent upon us to have clear expectations and guidelines that support the health and wellbeing of our young people.  We have a responsibility to intervene, to ask questions and seek help as necessary.  What we also can do is continually encourage our students to dream about their future and the things that they want for themselves.  God has a great plan for you and that plan is to prosper (Jeremiah 29); this is the hope that we have for all our children.  Jade may not have reached her dream to be an Olympic athlete but her next dream was to educate young people by telling them her story.

Newman Parents 2022 

Our vision for 2022 is for more families both in our school and those from the wider community to attend Newman Parents events.  In 2021 we had some outstanding speakers who deserved to speak to a larger audience.  On Monday night we had 50 parents and friends who attended Jade Lewis’ wonderful presentation.  The general feeling on the night was that more people needed to hear her story.   As we determine the schedule for Newman Parents for 2022, we will release details earlier in the new year with better communication to the community, and opportunity to register attendance.

Industry Breakfast 

On Wednesday 8 September, we had our annual Industry Breakfast.  This event provides an opportunity for College industry partners, sponsors, staff and Year 12 students to come together allowing our students to connect, ask questions and learn about the journey our guests have had in industry.  Forging a career and making a difference in the world starts in the conversation, the invitation to participate in a field that has purpose and meaning.

We very much appreciated those who took time out of their busy schedule to be present to our young people who I am sure were very grateful for their time and words of wisdom.
As Year 12 concludes over the next 2 weeks it is our hope that they are ready for the next stage in their journey. I hope the industry breakfast has given them perhaps an inspiration, if not further reflection of what is possible.

Newman College Council 

On Thursday evening the Newman College Council met to discuss a number of broader planning issues, one of those being the 2022 Budget.  Once the College Budget is endorsed by Council it is submitted to Marist Schools Australia for final approval.  In early Term 4 we will communicate our school fees for 2022.

Multicultural Week 

Newman College takes the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the diverse cultures of our world annually.  So many events have taken place across the campuses over the past two weeks to acknowledge Multicultural Week.  Aside from the wonderful dancing and the music, the food, in particular the gelato at the Lavalla Campus, was most enjoyable.  Our sincere thanks to all teachers involved for their initiative, creativity and inspiration.

College Captains 2022, Presentations 

Today, the Senior Leadership Team had the pleasure of listening to a number of prospective College Captain speeches.  All students spoke with passion, inspiration and conviction.  No matter which two students are finally selected for the College Captain positions, all Year 11 students who have been involved in the leadership program are to be congratulated for the commitment and value they have brought to the process.  We will be announcing these leaders at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly in Week 10

 

Mr John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Leader of Primary

Jo Dunn on 27/08/2021

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Lavalla Music Night as well as the performance of the Lavalla Dance Troupe, and it was so great to see these events so well supported not just by families, but also by other students who came along in support of their friends. The Arts had a real impact on me as a child. My music teacher – Dr Robert Braham – was one of the best teachers I encountered while at school, and he was someone who became an inspiration to me in my own journey into education. He taught me the values of hard work, discipline, dedication, but also the importance of how a quality relationship can impact the learning of students. I also enjoyed the many friendships I made during these experiences, and the appreciation I have now for all things music and theatre. Sometimes, people see the Arts as an add-on to education, when in fact I strongly believe it is an essential part of any well-rounded school experience.

One of my personal highlights from the Music night came from two of our Year 6 students. Nikita had just finished singing her solo to the audience (talk about courage!) and was coming off stage as Clancy was coming on to perform hers. I’m not sure if families in the audience noticed it, but just as Nikita was coming off, Clancy held up her hand and gave her a little high five to congratulate her on her performance. I thought it was amazing that even in the midst of preparing to perform herself in just a few seconds and all the nerves and anticipation that must come with this, Clancy had room in her mind (and her heart!), to congratulate her friend who has just gone before her. These are the little moments that I live for as an educator – those small but so important occasions where we see students thinking outside of themselves, and for the good of others. It certainly left me with a very warm and proud feeling in my heart.

Highlights from Past Two Weeks

Assembly 

Last Friday we were treated to an awesome assembly item from 3 Red who taught us all about the planets and their location from the sun. Students shared some interesting facts about each of the planets and topped it off with a great song to help us all remember the order of the planets using the mnemonic: My Very Excellent Monkey Just Served Unicorn Noodles. Well done to all students from 3 Red for their efforts and to Mrs Young for all the hard work and preparation she put into preparing students. We also acknowledged the efforts of several students who were awarded Merit Certificates for their fine efforts in class. Well done to all our students this week!

Bookweek  

This week has been a very special week in the calendar – book week! Reading is so important to the success of our students, and we are so glad to be able to celebrate all things reading this week. On Wednesday students received a visit from Mark GreenWood, author of several books including The Legend of MoonDyne Joe and Simpson and his Donkey. Mark spoke with students about the writing process and shared his journey as an author and in some of the stories he has written. We also celebrated our annual Book week Dress up day on Friday. It was wonderful to see so many students dress so enthusiastically for the day and take part in the excitement of the day. I would like to thank Mrs Le Dan, Mrs Bailey, and Miss Hall for all of their contributions and hard work to our Book Week celebrations this week!

Lavalla Music Night 

Last Tuesday night we gathered in the Marist Auditorium to celebrate the talents and efforts of our Music students at Lavalla. The night began in true rock n roll style with our drummers, before we heard from a number or soloists and ensemble groups, including our choir. It was wonderful to hear the many pieces of music prepared by our students in collaboration with their music teachers and tutors. We are especially grateful to Marg Goldsmith and the Arts team for the opportunities and experiences they are affording our students, and to all the families and students who attended on the night in support of our performers.

Lavalla Dance Troupe 

It has been a busy few weeks for our Lavalla Dance Troupe under the guidance of Mrs Amy Raveendrakumar. After performing at the Wakakirri concert two weeks ago, our students were again performing a different dance this week at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. Running over three nights, our students took part in the dance program on Tuesday evening, delivering a beautiful piece of emotive and well-choreographed movement which was very well received by the audience. We are very grateful to Mrs Raveendrakumar for her guidance and coaching in the lead up to the festival, as well as Miss Sankar and Miss De Gois who assisted on the night. I would also like to thank those parents who have been so supportive of the dance program this year.

Year 6 Leadership Camp 

On Thursday and Friday last week, our Year 6 and Year 7 student leaders took part in a very special leadership camp. The camp was organised by our Year 12 ATAR Outdoor Education students and gave the opportunity for students to try their hand several different activities designed to challenge them in different ways, as well as improve the way they work as a team. The camp took place at the Manjedal Activity Centre which is not far from Serpentine. Mrs Short accompanied students and by all account’s students had a wonderful time despite the odd shower and sleeping in tents! We owe a big thanks to Mr Mike Van Der Heever for the invitation to attend and to his Year 12 ATAR students for their professionalism and assistance in helping everything run smoothly.

IPSHA Cross Country Carnival 

As we reported in our last newsletter, two weeks ago 62 students across Years 3-6 took the trip down to Bunbury to take part in the IPSHA Interschool Cross Country Carnival. All of our students raced with great energy and enthusiasm and did a fine job of representing our school with pride. At the time of publishing our last newsletter we did not have all the details of the results, but we can now reveal the fantastic results of several students in particular:

Year 3 Girls 

  • 1st: Amelie Santoro
  • 6th: Vienna Crisona

Year 3 Boys 

  • 6th: Jonah Durlik
  • 8th: Julian Cameron
  • 9th: Hunter Bailey

Year 4 Girls 

  • 2nd: Allegra Clark
  • 3rd: Jessica Avins
  • 6th: Isla Kalebic
  • 10th: Layla Bornmann

Year 4 Boys 

  • 2nd: Stefan Moschopoulos

Year 5 Girls 

  • 5th: Annabelle Adamini
  • 7th: Livia Bogdanov

Year 5 Boys  

  • 7th: Luke Rombouts

Year 6 Girls 

  • 10th: Clancy Boss

Year 6 Boys 

  • 5th: Jaspar Martin-Booth

We are very proud of all our students for their efforts, and for the great way Mrs Richards and Lenny trained and led our team. Roll on the Athletics Carnival!

‘Wild Places Elsewhere’ workshop 

On Wednesday, several Performing Arts students across Year 5 and 6 were able to take part in a workshop entitled ‘Wild Places Elsewhere’. The focus of the workshop was on how students experience the natural world. Students were able to create props which were then used later in a theatre show presented by our guest performers. Students had a great time engaging in this unique opportunity, and we are very grateful to the Arts team for working hard to provide us with this opportunity.

Gardening Club 

This week, Mrs Gray, along with some of our younger students across the campus, created a new initiative across our campus – a gardening club. Mrs Gary is using the gardens around the back of our hall as a way to engage some of our students in some real-world collaboration and problem solving, as they seek to rebuild our class gardens.

Students were very excited to be a part of it all, and Mrs Gray will be speaking to students on Monday to canvas interest from other students who would like to take part in some way. A big thank you to Mrs Gray and to her first group of students for their enthusiasm and sense of ‘doing for others’, as well as Mr David Marshall (Chief grounds person and all-round good guy) who will be supporting the Gardening Club also.

Artist in Residence 

On Wednesday, students from our Art extension program in Year 5 and Year 6 took part in the Artist in Residence program. Students were invited to the Marcellin campus with artists Emily Rose and Bethwyn Legg. Students listened to and worked alongside the artists to create some very interesting and artistic cushion designs.  I am sure they are looking forward to finishing these off over the coming weeks. A big thankyou again must go to our Arts team for all their hard work and effort in preparing this experience for our students.

Lavalla Choir 

Yesterday, it was great to see our Lavalla Choir take part in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The choir has been working very hard all year to prepare two beautiful pieces, giving up their lunchtimes each week to rehearse. We are very grateful for the dedication and support of Mrs Annette Grayden, and to our students who took part. You all sounded beautiful!

Write a Book in a Day 

This week a number of our Year 5 and 6 students took part in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ program. The program began in 2002 and last year there were more than 1000 teams across Australia getting involved. Write a Book in a Day is a fun, creative and collaborative competition for students in years 5 to 12 and adult writing groups. Teams of up to ten have just one day to write and illustrate a book from start to finish, making sure to include some unique parameters in their story. We can’t wait to have these published and placed in the library soon!

Have Sum Fun Maths Competition 

Over the past three weeks, the year 3 to 6 students have been competing in the “Sum Maths Fun competition” conducted by the Mathematical Association of Western Australia. The competition consists of three rounds of ten questions and is a maths quiz of NAPLAN-type problems designed to foster mathematical problem-solving. Teams of four students have one hour to complete each round which they access online. The students at Lavalla have been thoroughly enjoying the competition, with pleasing results. It has been an excellent activity to encourage collaboration amongst students while at the same time challenging their thinking – Miss Katya Anderson (Leader of Learning K-6)

School Drop Off 

Just a reminder to all families that students cannot be dropped off at school before 8.00am in the morning unless they are taking part in sports training, or another pre-organised College events. Staff have been noticing several children being dropped off early, some as early as 7.30am. We just want to keep all our children safe, but we cannot do this if children are unsupervised. Thank you to all those families who are supportive with this.

No hat No Play 

As the warmer months will soon be upon us, it is a good time to remind all students of our ‘no hat no play’ policy at the school. Students must wear a hat if they wish to play outdoors, otherwise they will need to stay seated in the undercover area or in the library at lunch. Schools have these policies for the protection of children and to keep them safe from harmful UV rays. If your child doesn’t have a hat, they can purchase one from the Uniform Shop or from the Lavalla office.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

There are so many events coming up over the next two weeks. Make sure you mark these down in your calendar!

  • Mon 30 Aug – Speak Up Award Semi Finals (Good luck Isabella in Year 6!)
  • Fri 3 Sep – Lavalla Assembly (4 Blue)
  • Mon 6 Sep – Year 5 First Aid Incursion
  • Mon 6 Sep – Lavalla Prayer Assembly (Father’s Day theme)
  • Mon 6 Sep – Newman Parents Jade Lewis Presentation (7pm in Auditorium)
  • Thurs 9 Sep – R U OK Day
  • Fri 10 Sep – P-6 Athletics Carnival
    Please click here to access the letter and program (scroll down to the bottom of the page)