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Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 11/03/2022

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Trinity College Lismore Appeal

The devastating flood waters that inundated Lismore in recent days have completely covered Trinity Catholic College, causing damage to every classroom, staff area and facility. Whilst the town and College are used to floods and are well prepared for such events, the magnitude of this flood is beyond anything previously experienced. The destruction at the College is significant and the hardship on many hundreds of College families is acute, reflecting the situation for communities throughout the northern rivers region of NSW and southeast Queensland.

As fellow Marists, as we watch and listen to the news reports, we are compelled to ask, “How can we help?” One practical way is to provide financial support to the College community in order to help rebuild their school and more importantly the lives of the people who are Trinity Catholic College.

Thank you for your support of our Trinity College Lismore Appeal, everyone’s contribution will go a long way to supporting the community. If anyone wishes to make a further donation please contact me or money can be brought in on Monday.

Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday   

Shrove Tuesday is the day prior to the beginning of the Lenten period which commences with Ash Wednesday. Pancakes were sold across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and are eaten on this day as a symbol to represent our commitment to fast, give alms and pray during Lent.

Although COVID restrictions meant we couldn’t gather as a whole school to acknowledge the beginning of Lent, we were able to move our Ash Wednesday Liturgy online. Students were able to receive ashes following the latest COVID advice that was distributed via the Vatican, with a sprinkle on the head. Classroom teachers and PCG teachers, led students through a liturgy prepared by our Year 6 students in the primary and the Faith & Liturgy and Social Justice Captains in the secondary. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and a time when we can reset our relationships with God, others, self and creation.

We are encouraged to do this through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Students across the College will be encouraged to give generously to Project Compassion again in 2022.

Project Compassion  

Our Vision for Mission calls us to serve humanity and raise up those experiencing poverty. At Newman College, we commit to supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion every year during Lent. This is an opportunity for our school to raise funds to support under privileged societies around the world.

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is For All Future Generations. Together, we can create lasting change for people living in some of the most vulnerable and low-income regions in the world.

Caritas Fast  

Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year, in support of Project Compassion, students are invited to participate in the

Caritas Fast  
To be held on Tuesday 22 March 2022 (Week 8)

Students participating will be given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch. This small amount of food will help those participating appreciate how little some people in our world must eat.

Important Details:

  • Students wishing to participate will register with their PCG teacher by Monday 14th March.
  • Students participating in the Fast are asked to collect a minimum of $10 each.
  • Students who have raised $10, and are participating in the Fast, may wear Guild uniform on the day.
  • Students should use the sponsor sheet to record the amount pledged by each person donating (CARITAS FAST SPONSOR SHEET 2022.docx)

Confirmation Retreat

On a fun-filled Thursday, 3rd March 2022 a group of 24:7 Youth Ministry volunteers came to each class to teach the students about Confirmation and how to prepare to receive the Sacrament.

For the whole day they engaged us with fun, yet educational activities. The staff members were kind and friendly with a passion to teach and a positive mindset. We were given a friendly introduction before being split into smaller groups with a leader for each group.
Students were given tasks and worksheets to discuss in their small groups. Now it wasn’t all just work. We would take small breaks in between tasks to reset our mind and have some fun too.

We learnt many things during this retreat such as, the seven sacraments and what each mean as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how you can use them to become a better person.

One of the best parts was definitely lighting the candles. Students lined up to receive a candle while the others prayed the Rosary. Students would light their small candles from a large candle. Once all the candles were lit, the illuminating glow helped us feel the warmth of God.

The Year 6s would like to thank 24:7 Youth Ministry for all the work they put into our lovely retreat. We would also like to that all the teachers who helped give us this amazing opportunity. This experience was fantastic and one we will always remember.

Student reflection by Ivy Sawkins and Madison Bradford 

Service Learning 

In Term 1, Newman College will be launching the Christian Service-Learning Program for Year 7, 8 and 9 students, “Living Marist”. Our Vision for Mission: to form Good Christians and Good Citizens, seeks to create within our students a spirit of service and compassion for the most vulnerable in our community.

This program is based on the Catholic Social Teachings and the imperatives of Jesus to serve others. Students will participate in a variety of experiences, be given opportunities to discern and reflect on their experiences and be encouraged to take further action in the community.

For information about this program can be found here.

Youth Ministry and Advocacy 2022 

Newman College is a Catholic school founded on faith in Jesus Christ. Integral to this is the lived expression of the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The College is committed to engagement with the mission and expression of the Church through opportunities for reflection and practical works of outreach grounded in Catholic social teaching.

There is a wide range of ministry and advocacy opportunities available for our students in 2022 including Game Changers, Marist Connect Nights, Caritas, Lifelink and many more. Please click here for more information.

Game Changers

This Marist Youth Ministry Program encourages students to focus on areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12 and we gather every second Tuesday afternoon, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. Our next meeting is in Week 7, Tuesday 3:30-4:30

There is still time to join Game Changers for 2022 – students need to fill out the link here or see Mrs Bryson for more information.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Over the next few weeks our students in Year 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to celebrate the Rite of Reconciliation with their class. Through this Sacrament students have the opportunity to think about their lives, to understand their need for God’s forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness and healing. Many thanks to Fr Kaz from Floreat Parish, Fr Peter from Doubleview Parish and Fr Christian from Scarborough Parish who will be celebrating Reconciliation with our classes.

Thursday Morning Mass 

Thursday morning Mass continues for students across the College.

Mass begins at 8.10am and is celebrated by our local priests.

  • Week 7, Thursday 17 March; Year 5 Students
  • Week 8, Thursday 24 March; Year 9 Students (hosted by those in Camara Guild)

Local Parish Event – St. Cecilia’s

24:7 Floreat Youth Group, for all youth in Years 6 to 12.
Sunday @ St. Cecilia’s parish hall, 6-8pm.
Water Fight 13th March 6pm-8pm at the Parish Centre.
Call Clare on 0431944508 or Anthony on 045510885 for more information.

Newman News Term 1 Week 4: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 25/02/2022

The faith life of our College continues to strive as we look to offer authentic experiences for our students in line with our Vision for Mission: to form good Christians and good Citizens. Our staff and students have continued to reflect on our Marist Theme: Known and Loved – Dignity for All as we consider how we respond to the current challenges posed in schools through our Marist Characteristics. The following reflection was shared with staff and students on Monday. Living with Covid in the Marist way.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Retreat 

A different experience for our students in 2022, yet still powerful and life giving. Students engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged them to reflect on who they are, what they value and the type of person they want to be. I wish to thank PCG and other staff who attended the three days and journeyed with our students in the conversation. Particular thanks to Mat Puljiz, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12, Aleisha Bryson, Leader of Youth Ministry & Advocacy, Liam Street, Marist Youth Minister, Donna McFadden, Canteen Manager and the Maintenance Team.

Community Mass 

Mass continued in Week 4 and will continue on Thursday morning for particular year groups. This is only open to staff and students at Newman College. Unfortunately, parents are not able to attend at this time due to current restrictions. We welcome local parish priests who continue to serve our Newman College community and offer spiritual nourishment for our community.

Game Changers 

Tuesday Week 5, Game Changers commences again for all students in Year 8-12. Groups gather Tuesday afternoon with their mentors and begin their new track for 2022. Any questions about Game Changers or to get your child involved with Game Changers, please contact Aleisha Bryson, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy.

A snapshot of what Game Changer can be found here.

Project Compassion 2022 

The theme for 2022 is For All Future Generations.  Caritas is responsible for supporting many communities around the world and Project Compassion is their main fundraiser to support their projects.

During lent we will be joining many Australians in raising money for Project Compassion and the funds raised will help support vulnerable communities around the world to tackle poverty, food security, education, water and sanitation and disaster risk reduction to build a better future for all.

Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. In 2022 Ash Wednesday is 2 March 2022. As a Catholic community, Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. It encourages us to spend time in prayer, fasting and almsgiving and by doing so we are reminded Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

Shrove Tuesday 

The Catholic Church has a tradition to celebrate Shrove Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday is a day to celebrate before we begin the season of fasting. Historically, it has been celebrated by eating pancakes. We will be selling pancakes on Tuesday 1 March across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and to continue this fun tradition of our Church.

  • Marcellin Sales before school 8:15-8:45
    $2 ea or 3 for $5 Maple syrup included
    Eft will be available
  • Lavalla sold during Recess from Lavalla canteen.
    $2 ea or 3 for $5 Maple syrup included
  • Marian sold/distributed during class in beginning of the day.
    $2

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday will be celebrated across the College through classroom teachers and PCG teachers. Students will be able to receive ashes following the latest covid advice that was distributed via the Vatican on how to appropriately distribute ashes. Marian and Lavalla students will be celebrating their liturgy at the beginning of the day. Marcellin students will be celebrating during extended PCG.

Confirmation Retreat

On Thursday 3 March, our Year 6 students will be participating in their Confirmation Retreat, facilitated by 24:7 Youth Ministry. This is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and how this will impact their life. This is a significant moment in the life of our Year 6 students, and I encourage all our parents to begin the conversation with their child about their sacramental journey.

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 11/02/2022

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” John 10:14 and He deeply knows, and He truly loves.

As we settle into a new year, albeit with another topsy-turvy start, the Ministry Team would like to remind us all to Breathe, as we all did so beautifully last year but, also in these uncertain times, that the relationships we foster at Newman College must remain true and steadfast.

Our theme this year – Known and Loved: dignity for all – clearly conveys that we can love others because we are first loved by God. “We love because he first loved us,” writes John (1 John 4:19). This is the life we are invited into. This relational love is the deepest reality of the Christian life. Knowing and loving is the call of being a Marist educator. It is also the call of every parent and, in our communities, we all seek to know and to show love to young people. Following the creed of St Marcellin Champagnat, we Marists have always shown love for our students. But the nature of these times, when our interactions are often limited by the cold interface of Teams, blocked by necessary face masks or staged two metres apart, reminds us to let young people know that they are fully known and loved because then they can be themselves and feel deeply loved for being just who they are.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Retreat 

The Year 12 retreat is a significant part of the school journey and integral to our Vision for Mission: to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”. The retreat aims to assist students in recognising the importance of holistic development and to give further understanding of living life to the full. Students will be given time to reflect on relationships with family, self, others, and God and will be encouraged to contemplate who they are and who they are called to be.

Communication has been sent to families regarding changes to the Year 12 Retreat for 2022 and can be found here.

Sacramental Information 

Newman College, in partnership with the local parishes, prepares every child for the Sacraments through the Religious Education programs.

  • Year 3 – Reconciliation
  • Year 4 – Eucharist
  • Year 6 – Confirmation

In accordance with the guidelines from the Archdiocese, Sacraments are received in the local parish.  Families wanting their children to receive the Sacraments are required to enrol them in the parish community in which they regularly participate.  Enrolments are usually required early this term. If you have not already done so, please contact your Parish Priest or the Sacrament Coordinator at your local parish.

Please refer to the below links for further information regarding Sacrament dates and registration:

If you have any queries, please contact Jane Short, Religious Education Coordinator Primary, jane.short@newman.wa.edu.au 

Youth Ministry & Advocacy 

St Marcellin Champagnat’s desire for every child was that “We aim at something better… to give them Christian spirit, attitudes and virtues possessed by good Christians and good citizens.” Newman College seeks to provide opportunities to students and families to live out the Christian mission. Here are some of the ways students can get involved in 2022.

  • Game Changers: Game Changers is a Marist Youth Program facilitated in Marist schools  around Australia, that encourages students to focus on the areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12. Groups gather on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 every second week, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. If you would like your son or daughter to become involved in Game Changers please contact Aleisha Bryson.
  • Living Marist: Our Christian Service-Learning Program for Years 7, 8 and 9. The program is commences in Term 1 and concludes in Term 3. Students are expected to complete 10 hours of community service during this time. The College will provide opportunities for students, as well as expect students to find their own volunteering experiences.
  • Marist Connect nights: An opportunity for students in Year 11 and 12 to meet with students from St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College to develop relationships and grow a wider network facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry.

In 2022 we are committed once again to supporting the following organisations:

  • Caritas: Project Compassion and Caritas Fast, students will be involved in fundraising activities during Lent in Term 1 with all proceeds going to Caritas.
  • Saint Vincent de Paul: Blanket Appeal and Christmas Appeal, the opportunity to provide support to people in need within our own community, families are requested to bring in a blanket during winter and food and drink for Christmas hampers.
  • Lifelink: As part of our support of Lifelink, the outreach agency of the Archdiocese, in Term 3 we align our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption with our annual Walkathon.
  • Australian Marist Solidarity: Term 2 we celebrate Champagnat Day with our annual Fete Day. All proceeds on this day go to Australian Marist Solidarity with a focus on the Kuya Centre for Street Children and this year including Timor Leste where the Marist’s are building a new school.
  • Catholic Mission: Term 4 we raise awareness for Catholic Mission through Socktober. Events associated with this are Soccer-based and pertain to fostering an understanding of the lives of underprivileged in neighbouring countries.

Information will be shared throughout the year.

Thursday Morning Community Mass 

Mass will continue in Week 4 in the Champagnat Chapel. Unfortunately due to the current Covid advice from WA Health, families and members of the public are unable to attend. Mass will be open to staff and students only. Thank you for your understanding.

Newman News Term 4 Week 9: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 09/12/2021

Term Dates – 2022

Click here to view the term dates for 2022.

Mini Marists 

Our Mini Marists from Year 6 connected with the Kuya Centre for Street Children in the Philippines. Students had a chance to connect with some of the children at the centre, who have been given an opportunity to be educated and given a second chance at life after living on the streets without any family support.. It was a timely reminder for our own students about the real meaning of Christmas – a time of great hope when we prepare for the coming of Christ and find those things that we can be so grateful for in our lives such as our friends and family.

Mini Marists

St Vincent De Paul Thank you 

The local members of the St Vincent de Paul wish to thank the students of Newman College for their generous donations of food goods for Christmas Hampers.  These hampers will be distributed to the needy in our nearby neighbourhoods. They are always received with gratitude by those who are struggling financially.  A big thank you to teachers Aleisha Bryson, Simon Martino and all the teachers who encouraged and co-ordinated the collection.  Thank you to the parents who, no doubt, paid for the goods.

Happy Christmas

Br John 
Wembley Conference President 

Student Christmas card making for residents of local nursing homes 

Some of our students were recently involved in a project to spread joy and happiness to people living in local nursing homes. Students created and decorated their own Christmas cards and included special Christmas messages inside to bring a smile to the residents. As you can see from the photographs, they were gratefully received.

 

Game Changers Launch 

After a successful year of Game Changers, we are excited to launch the Game Changers program for 2022. This Catholic youth ministry program for Year 7-12 students in Marist Schools seeks to form Christian leaders by making Jesus Christ known and lived among them. Students benefit from regular meetings, faith formation experiences and service opportunities.

Student Leaders Gathering 28-30 November 

At the end of November, 10 of next year’s student leaders attended the 2021 Student Leaders Gathering facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry. In addition to students from Newman College, this gathering also included students from Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph’s School, Northam.

The 3-day event was developed to strengthen and empower next year’s school leaders and involved a variety of workshops and reflections specifically created for this group of students. The gathering concluded with Mass in the Marcellin Champagnat Chapel at Newman College.

 

Thursday Morning Community Mass 

Our Thursday morning Community Mass has become a significant part of the life of the College and we are very grateful for the support we receive from our community each week. We particularly appreciate the talented musicians who play and sing during Mass along with the support of their teachers Ava Bilton and Sean Davies.

I would also like to thank our community of priests who have supported our community so generously this year. Monsignor Kevin Long, Fr Ruben Cardona, Fr Israel Fr Garner Fr Christian Iridi, Fr Emmanuel Tv Dimobi.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mass at 8.10am on the first Thursday of Term 1 2022.

Sacramental Dates 2022 

The information regarding the sacramental dates for 2022 is now available from our neighbouring parishes. Please see the dates listed through the links below and contact the relevant parish office for more information.

 

Notices from Local Parishes

St Cecilia’s Church

Western Australia Young Salesians