Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity
“We are called to be Christ’s witnesses through a gift of the Spirit and not on account of our own merits.” Pope Francis
Year 10 Retreat Day
The day invited our students to reflect on their relationships with self, others and God. The focus of the day was integrity, service and leadership. As the students move into Senior School, how will they demonstrate their leadership skills which are the call of service to others? Led by the Youth Mission Team, students learnt valuable lessons through drama, video clips, small groups, games and personal sharings which challenged the students to be the best version of themselves as they navigate through their final years of Secondary School.
Student Reflections
“This experience was exemplary as it was a great day of reflection and focus on our future and our leadership.” Max Hobson
“It was a great day and I think it was a good idea to get away from school work and to get involved with other people.” Charlotte Ding
Primary Easter Raffle
In our efforts to raise funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal this Lent, we will be conducting our annual Primary Easter Raffle fundraiser at Lavalla and Marian Campuses on Thursday 9 April.
Tickets will be distributed to students on Monday 16 March and additional tickets will be available from the office on both campuses. Tickets are 50c each or 6 for $2.50.
Many thanks to the generous donations already made from our families. Further donations of eggs or baskets can be dropped at both the Marian or Lavalla offices.
It has been fantastic to see many families purchasing “slavery free” brands of chocolate. A few of the slavery free chocolate labels can be found below and are available from ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, OXFAM, Chocolatier, Green and Black and Whittakers.
REMAR Blue/Gold Embarkation Camp
Year 11 and 12 students in Remar undertook their Embarkation Camps between Thursday 5 March and Saturday 7 March. The primary aim of the Embarkation Camps is to allow students to form a Christian community, and grow as faith filled individuals. Both camps were highly successful in helping the students to come together as a caravel and prepare for the year ahead.
Year 12 Retreat Student Reflections
“I really enjoyed retreat for multiple reasons. Everyone really came out of their shell and went into it ready to learn new things, become better people and widen their beliefs and understandings. Everyone kind of moved away from their normal groups and instead came together as one. I learnt a lot about family, friends and religion. I’m truly grateful for that.” Eva Thomas
“The Year 12 retreat has to be a highlight of my Newman journey. As a year group, we became so close and I found that it was very beneficial in giving me somewhere to take some time out during a very busy time of year. I spent my time with people that I don’t often talk to and building strong relationships with the people in my Guild and the other Guilds that joined us.” Meg Hobson
Project Compassion Update
Shrove Tuesday
Our students came together across all campuses to sell/cook pancakes for Caritas in preparation for our Lenten period. A big thank you to our staff and students who came together to prepare and sell the pancakes and those that purchased them on the day. We were able to raise over $1100 for Caritas.
Walk for Water Marian/ Lavalla
There are many countries around the world who do not have access to clean running water. In some of the world’s poorest communities, it’s normal for women and children to walk for hours to collect water. In fact, 263 million people worldwide spend over 30 minutes per round trip to collect water from a safe source.
Today, Marian and Lavalla held a Walk for Water to raise awareness of the many wonderful water-based Caritas projects around the globe which are funded by Project Compassion. The main purpose of the event was to provide students with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with other children around the world who do not have easy access to safe drinking water.
The Kindergarten to Year 2 students at Marian Campus were challenged to Go Further Together, with each child walking a section of the oval with an empty bucket before being given the opportunity to have a second turn, this time carrying a full bucket. This symbolised the difficulties faced by many children around the world – having to leave their home, walk a long distance to a water source, and then carry a heavy bucket home.
The Years 3-6 students completed a relay event with classmates, carrying a bucket full of water to walk a cumulative total of 3km.
It was a terrific way to raise students’ awareness of issues that face many communities across the globe and discuss steps we can take to support them through Caritas during Lent.
Caritas Fast
On Wednesday, students in Years 7-12 were invited to participate in the Caritas Fast. Over 170 students participated which saw them forgo their usual meals through the school day. The students were given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch and a muffin at the end of the day. This small amount of food aimed to help students appreciate how little some people in our world have to eat. It was a fantastic day which helped raise $2790 for Project Compassion. Thank you to all those who participated and a special thank you to the Ministry Team, Guild Coordinators, Guild Captains, Mrs McFadden and Mr Jones for their support in the lead up to and on the day of the event.
Community Mass
A reminder all parents, guardians and families across our PK-12 College are invited to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, 8.10am – 8.35am. The Mass is an important way that we as a Catholic community seek to nourish and live-out our faith in community with one another.
Sacrament Reminder
Families are reminded to visit their relevant parish website for all information regarding 2020 Sacrament dates and registration. The enrolment dates vary, so please take the time to clearly understand the process for your parish. Students in Years 3, 4 and 6 will undertake preparatory work in class so they are able to receive the Sacrament in their local parish.