Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary
It is with a great sense of excitement and anticipation that we welcome everyone back to the Lavalla Campus for 2020. We extend an especially warm welcome to our new families who have joined the Newman College community, as well as our Year 3 students who are joining us for the first time this year.
A new year brings many new opportunities, both for our families and students. The opportunity to discover something new, the opportunity to reconnect with those in community, and the opportunity to build and develop new friendships. I would especially urge students to embrace the challenges they encounter this year, whether they be social or academic. Although there are times when some challenges seem insurmountable, it is these moments that we later draw our strength from. As educators we provide these challenges so our students may grow, so that they may come to know the great sense of achievement in overcoming obstacles, and so they can learn just what they are capable of. As it was once said:
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do; strength comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t”. – Anonymous
On a personal note, I would like to thank all those students and families who have made me feel so welcome to the Newman College community. Part of the excitement of becoming a teacher or school leader is knowing that you will get to positively impact the lives of young people. However, when studying to become a teacher, what they don’t tell you about is the impact students and families will also have on you. I have been tremendously fortunate to work in the beautiful school communities of St. Mary’s Kalgoorlie and St. Jerome’s Munster. Both of these communities have helped make me to not only be a better educator, but a better person too. I am equally excited to now be a part of the prestigious Newman College community and look forward to many wonderful years ahead.
PK-12 Family Mass
Thank you to all the families who attended the PK-12 Family Mass in support of our College last night. It was wonderful to gather as a whole school community and take part in such a special occasion. I would especially like to recognise our Year 6 Student Councillors who were commissioned as part of our student leadership last night. They have already shown themselves to be a responsible, enthusiastic group, committed to leading Lavalla over the next year. I am looking forward to working closely with these students and helping them grow in their leadership.
Welcome Assembly
Following-on from last night’s PK-12 Family Mass, we continued to celebrate and recognise our new students and families at this morning’s Lavalla Assembly. We wish these students every success in their learning journey at our College and hope they feel connected and supported by their teachers and peers.
Y3-6 Parent Information Evening
The Parent Information Evening is taking place on Tuesday 18 February. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s classroom teacher and hear from the College’s Senior Leadership Team. Click here to see the schedule for the evening.
Primary Families Welcome Picnic
Our Primary Social Committee have been hard at work organising the final details of our Welcome Picnic. We extend an invitation to all Primary families to join us to welcome in the new school year. This event will provide an opportunity to connect with old friends and make new connections and is a fantastic opportunity for new families to come along and meet some other parents too. Although the event is free, please click on this link (https://www.trybooking.com/BHVZE) to purchase free tickets to assist the committee with determining catering numbers. Whilst you are there, you can also purchase the hampers. Please note that this is an ALCOHOL FREE EVENT.
Homework Club & Coder Dojo
The Homework Club and Coder Dojo is back in 2020 commencing in Week 3.
Homework Club: Mondays, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
This is a great opportunity for those students who want to make a start on their homework for the week.
Coder Dojo: Tuesdays, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
This a free volunteer-led computer programming club for students. It is attended by both Lavalla and Marcellin staff, and is great if your child is into coding or programming.
For further information on any of these activities, please speak to your child’s teacher.
Swimming Carnival
A big thanks to Mrs Bulmer who has hit the ground running with the smooth organisation and running of swimming lessons in these first few weeks of term.
Parents and students are reminded that the Swimming Trials will take place on Thursday 20 February with the Swimming Carnival set to occur on Friday 28 February. All parents and families are welcome to attend the carnival and show their support.
Primary Parent Class Representatives
This afternoon, Mrs McClue and I met with all the 2020 Primary Parent Class Representatives. We would like to extend our thanks to these Parent Representatives for volunteering to take on this important role which assists the College with building a strong connection between parents and the school.
Families who have opted to have their contact information shared with the class or their representative, will receive an email from their Class Parent Representative soon that introduces themselves and outlines their role.
Food Allergy Reminder
Please click here to refer to the Need to Know section of the newsletter regarding important information related to food allergies.