Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Vice Principal
Welcome back to the 2020 academic year. A new year brings hope, renewal and an opportunity to start the year with positivity and optimism. For all students, and their families, I hope that you have had the chance to reflect on your achievements from last year, identify goals for this year and commit to participating and supporting the College in the many activities available. Active participation in College life brings a greater sense of belonging and a more positive school experience.
2019 High Achievers Assembly
Next week we invite the High Achievers from the Class of 2019 to celebrate their achievements and success. We extend our congratulations to the Class of 2019 and the teachers who not only supported them in their senior secondary schooling, but all teachers that have fueled a love of learning over their time at Newman College.
Download 2019 Results Brochure
Staff Professional Learning
I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all teaching and non-teaching staff in their preparation for the 2020 academic year. Staff celebrated the Eucharist together and engaged in a program of professional learning workshops facilitated by College staff and external facilitators, as well as preparing their classrooms for day 1. The dedication and commitment of all staff is truly inspirational which has resulted in a very smooth start to the year for both students and families. We also welcomed new staff members to our Newman family and wish them a successful transition into our community. New staff participated in our faith formation program titled In the Marist Way led by Marist Schools Australia Regional Director, Mrs Julie Ryan, which introduced them to our Marist story.
Parent Information Evenings
Thank you to the parents and students who supported the Parent Information Evenings for Year 11, 12, Remar and Game Changers this week. A copy of the Year 11 and Year 12 presentations can be found below:
Download Year 11 2020 Parent Information Evening
Download Year 12 2020 Parent Information Evening
In the weeks ahead we will meet with the following year groups.
- Year 7: Monday 17 February, 5.30pm in the Marist Auditorium. Students required to attend in full summer uniform.
- Years 3-6: Tuesday 18 February, 5.00pm in the Lavalla Hall. Students are not required to attend.
- Year 8: Monday 24 February, 6.00pm in the Champagnat Chapel. Students required to attend in full summer uniform.
- Year 9: Monday 24 February, 6.00pm in the Marist Auditorium. Students required to attend in full summer uniform.
- K-Y2: Tuesday 25 February, 5.00pm in the Marian Hall. Students are not required to attend.
Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum
As presented at all Parent Information Evenings this Term, the College is committed to delivering the learning outcomes as described by the Keeping Safe framework
Click here to access parent information, or please discuss with your child’s teacher.
Parent Teacher Communication Protocols
At Newman College, all teachers have made a commitment that any formal summative assessments are marked and shared with students and parents no later than within two weeks. Teachers from Marian and Lavalla Campuses utilise Seesaw to provide parents with feedback as well as returning marked work samples to students. On Marcellin Campus, the marks are released on SEQTA within this two-week time frame and assessments are returned to students. Feedback from class activities and daily lessons are presented to students in a variety of different forms and all families can expect feedback for learning regularly across the term. Timely feedback is vital in the learning cycle for all students.
The College expects that teachers will respond to email communication within two working days. Teachers are not able to respond within one day as they are teaching classes, marking assessments, planning lessons, on yard duty or taking co-curricular activities. I ask parents to accept these timelines as reasonable turnaround times in the busyness of College life. If there is an urgent matter that needs to be acknowledged, a phone call to the Leader of Wellbeing may be the most appropriate avenue.
Primary families are asked to communicate with their classroom teacher via email.
Parent Student Communication Protocols
Parents and carers are reminded that if students need to contact home, or a message from home needs to reach a student, Administration staff can facilitate a phone call or relay any messages and information. Students should not be contacting parents during the day, especially if they are unwell or wanting to leave the College.
Primary parents must not use messaging functions via the iPad to communicate with their children. This disrupts their learning and does not reflect responsible management of student devices during school time
Updating Family Contact Details
If there are any changes to your contact details (ie phone number, email address or home address) please ensure you advise the College Registrar via registrar@newman.wa.edu.au
This will ensure your child’s enrolment record contains the most up to date details.
Consent2Go
The College has partnered with MCB Consent2Go to support staff to manage events, excursions and tours. Thank you in advance for ensuring your child’s details and medical information are correct. Please contact your child’s Leader of Wellbeing should you require additional support or information.
Save the Date: Newman Parents Term 1
The College is honoured to once again welcome Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most respected relationships speakers, authors, and researchers to support our Newman Parents. Dr Coulson will be presenting the following session on Wednesday 18 March Real Resilience; Inside the Mind – Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child.
Further details will be sent to families early next week.
Code of Conduct
A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound by the Code of Conduct.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.
The Code of Conduct will be spoken to at Campus and Year group Information Evenings in the weeks ahead.
Food Allergy Reminder
As a result of recent news relating to the dangers of food allergies, Newman College would like to offer a reminder to all families.
Newman College is a ‘Nut Aware’ school. It is NOT nut free. Families should be advised that the College cannot guarantee the absence of all nut products or traces of nuts within food across the College. Parents are strongly encouraged to speak with their child and encourage them not to share food with others. We ask parents to please refrain from including any items in their child’s lunchbox that contains nuts (eg. Nut bars, peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches). We also ask that parents do not provide food items to celebrate their child’s birthday. Parents are welcome to provide small novelty items if they like, but it is not necessary. Our classroom teachers are very good at making all birthday children feel special and celebrated.
It is pertinent that any child with an identified allergy has completed a Medical Management Plan and discussed this with their child’s teacher.
The College Canteen does provide a ‘Nut Aware’ service, but cannot guarantee that food and beverages served from the Canteen do not contain traces of Nuts, Crustaceans, Fish, Milk, Eggs, Sesame, Soybean and Wheat. If families are reliant on the Canteen for the provision of food and beverages to a child WITH an allergy, they are advised to contact the Canteen Manager, Donna McFadden donna.mcfadden@newman.wa.edu.au
The Canteen is available daily for children of the College. Click here for further details.