From the Principal – Term 1 Week 8
All things that are caught, rather than taught in good schools.
Most of all, perhaps, they help to create that indefinable atmosphere associated with all those things which are caught, rather than taught in good schools.
This was a quote from a member of a religious teaching order, documenting their efforts as they laboured to establish a new Catholic school in the 1960s. They referred to the elements that are not necessarily taught but are reinforced in the environment and the culture of the school. Some have referred to this as the hidden curriculum and associated it with the culture of the community in which young people learn and grow. Reggio Emilia also refers to the environment as a significant teacher and influencer on learning and formation.
We draw on an amazing store of the story that is ‘caught’ in our Newman College community, both in the Marist tradition and the development of Newman College. Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts, a very Marist phrase, is caught as much as it is taught. In our programs for supporting the development of young people in a faith community through Marist tradition, through wellbeing initiatives and our agile learning – the framework, knowledge and skills for young people’s toolboxes are taught, and this is fantastic. Complementary to this are the actions, words and involvement our children see in adults and their fellow students. Good standards for behaviour, for care, for respect and high expectations for involvement all play their part, alongside the valuable in-class learning that we strive to bring to the formation of our students. A measure for our current strategic directions should be observing what is caught by our children as much as what is taught.
Great Moments in a Day
During Tuesday afternoon this week, I had the most pleasant moment to break the hours in front of a screen and regular operational work in my role. Two of our Year 8 girls were eager to stop by my office and share with me the excitement of their group of three girls taking out the interschool competition for the Solar Car Challenge. They now move on to the finals at Murdoch University, which is sensational! More exciting was their absolute joy to share with me what had happened. Again, perhaps this is a ‘caught’ and not ‘taught’ moment where sharing learning and achievement comes naturally and without affect.
Year 12 Careers Breakfast
Last week, we hosted the annual Year 12 Careers Breakfast. Our Class of 2025 were tasked with being at school earlier than normal, and there they were, ready to soak up all the advice from the 25 Newman College Alumni who gave of their time to discuss their professions and career journeys. The buzz around the room was fantastic and the event demonstrated our Family Spirit. So many generous and passionate past-students, from most recent, to 10 years, 20 and 30 years graduated, through to an alumnus from the 1960’s. These past students dropped everything to be back at their school and to guide and mentor the next generation of Newman College graduates. What a blessing to have such invested and caring alumni – thank you!
What I learn as a Principal
Another fortnight has gone by, and great opportunities have come my way to walk alongside our students. I had the chance to read Alpacas with Maracas with two classes of Pre-Primary. Moving along the dial, I had some great times with Year 5 and Year 6 as we unpacked the Newman Norms and, in the last week, I have started my annual morning teas with Year 12 students. What did I learn? Our Pre-Primary students love engaging with reading and relating stories to their own life. Year 5 and 6 students could have written the Newman Norms themselves, such is their level of empathy and care. Year 12 students are our wider community leaders of the future, so they are perceptive in their feedback about the Newman College journey and ever-ready to make things better for those to come.
Some Newman College Moments
Congratulations to the ACC Swimming Team for their hard-fought 4th place in the 10-team A Division competition this week. A highlight within the team’s performance was the first place for our Junior boys. On the same day, our First XI Cricket defeated Kent Street H.S. in the Graeme Wood Shield. They move to the Grand Final next Thursday to be played at the WACA ground against Mazenod College. All the best! Finally, we are all very excited for the opening show of the Newman College Production- Bugsy Malone. The first show is this Thursday evening. What a wonderful cast, crew and staff to bring to this production. Break a leg!
As we move through Lent to Easter, there are so many important learning days still to come in the term. Please make sure our students are in class right through to the end of term.
Wishing you a great fortnight ahead until the next newsletter.
Mr Andrew Watson
PRINCIPAL