From the Principal – Term 4 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 14/11/2024

As I write a summary of a few key events over the past few weeks, I find myself reflecting on the ways Marist Family Spirit is expressed in our community. 

November 

In the last edition of the newsletter, I highlighted the importance of November in the Church calendar. Starting with All Saints and All Souls days, November is the month to remember. In each of our Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin settings, we recognised Remembrance Day with assemblies, prayers and laying of wreaths on Monday 11 November. Along with this solemn time, we have held in our prayers and thoughts all members of the Newman College community who have passed away.

A beautiful part of our remembrance is the Memorial Garden which sits alongside the Champagnat Chapel. During the year, various seasonal flowers, including roses, are in bloom which are memorials to members of our College community who have passed away during their time at the College. A lovely plaque sits in front of each rose and reminds us of the name and life of these dearly held people. As November progresses, let us take the time to remember all in our families who have passed away.  

Primary Music Concerts

This week, we have been entertained by the talented students in Primary who are learning musical instruments or involved in singing. Each of the performances have been greatly supported by proud parents and family members in the audience and have been a joy to watch. Thanks to Ms Laura van Rijn with the assistance of Ms Selena Barrett and the Music Tutors.

Year 5 Leadership Letters and Speeches 

Following the recent, very successful Leadership Day, the Year 5 students have been busy discerning their part in leading Primary during 2025. I have received wonderful letters written to me by Year 5 students keen to be a part of the leadership group for 2025 and showing the desire to strengthen the Primary family we have at Newman College. Year 5s also gave speeches to staff and students this week outlining their desire to serve the College and outline a legacy of commitment. Well done, Year 5! In true Marist spirit, you have embraced the duty of leadership.  

Year 7 2025 Secondary Experience 

Last week, we hosted our Year 7 2025 students and their parents in an after-school experience of the Marcellin Campus. The students and parents met with the Pastoral Care Group teachers and followed a self-guide familiarisation tour around the campus, stopping to talk with various speciality area staff along the way. We were very pleased to have representatives from the eight Newman Sports Association clubs on hand to chat to interested parents and students.

The feedback we have received from our existing students and parents when they went through transition to secondary very much shaped the nature of this event.  Both our incoming Year 7 parents and the students have each had two events in recent months to assist the transition into Secondary.  

Alumni Reunions 

Family Spirit does not cease when formal schooling ends. We warmly welcomed back two Alumni year groups for milestone celebrations during the past weeks. The Class of 1994 celebrated 30 years since graduation with a well-attended event in the John Henry Newman Hub. Alongside our Alumni Team were Mr Bern Willett, Mrs Jenny Lindsay and Mr Mike Diamond, three faces the Class of 1994 knew so well. These staff members led the tour of the College, and our past students had a great time reminiscing. Br Terry Orrell was their Principal and sent his best wishes to the group as he was unable to attend.

A week later the Marist Class of 1974 were in the Hub for their 50th reunion. They were joined by a small group of students from Brigidine College from the Class of 1974, as the connection between the two schools was so strong. Again, these men and women had a great time catching up and attentively listening to the development of the College on their tour of the facilities. They had a video message played to them from their Principal of the day, Br Tim McDonald who now lives in the United States.

In these two reunions are a number of current parents, grandparents and past parents of our Newman-Marist-Brigidine network.  

School Fee Reminder

Families are reminded that fees and music accounts are to be finalised by 30 November 2024. Parents and guardians are encouraged to process any outstanding monies as soon as possible.  If there are any issues, please contact fees@newman.wa.edu.au.

Andrew Watson
PRINCIPAL