Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
One of the great aspects of the Lenten season is that we are encouraged to take time out to reflect on our relationships with each other and with God, our Christian journey, and the direction of our lives. Taking this time to reflect and be at peace, allows us to see more clearly how our life unfolds. As we move towards Easter, we are encouraged to repair what needs repairing and refresh and renew our lives and relationships so that we can better manifest as the person that we are called to be. Living out our Marist characteristic of family spirit requires each of us to acknowledge and address areas of our life that need attention, and perhaps even the foibles of our own personality. In such a way, we trust others to do the same, whilst accepting them as they are. When we meet people where they are, and accept them as they are, we are exercising the Marist characteristic of presence. From this safe place, relationships can flourish.
International Women’s Day
On Wednesday 8 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day, a Global Day of Recognition which celebrates the cultural, economic, social and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The latest Australian Government Gender Equality Scorecard was published in December 2022, we still have a way to go!
Newman Parents Year Group Representative and Executive Induction
Our Parent Year Group Representatives from PK to Year 12 and the Newman Parents Executive attended an induction during Week 5, to learn about their roles as parent and College advocates and community builders. The night was a great success, and we extend our sincere thanks to these parents who have volunteered their time to collaborate with the school in this fashion.
Newman Parents Forum (NPF)
The first Newman Parents Forum for the year is scheduled for next Monday 13 March at 6.00pm in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. All parents are welcome to attend. Most of the College executives are in attendance at these meetings, it is a good opportunity to meet the leadership team face to face.
I and the Acting Vice Principal, Simon Martino met with the NPF Executives (Benjamin Ker, Christina Folley, Gina Thornberry and Stella Rapanaro and Deborah Attard Portughes) and discussed the agenda for the next meeting. We will cover the items outlined below:
- Parent Feedback – Celebrations From NPF
- School Update
- Capital Works
- ASIP Review
- NPF Structure
- Communication and Feedback Process
- Uniform Review
- Any other Business
Information Evening
Thank you to students and parents for attending the Education Support and Year 7 Information Evenings during Week 5. The Information Evenings were important occasions for parents and students to attend and collaborate with the PCG teachers and leaders, to share information about the journey ahead. These nights set the tone for the year ahead. It was clear by the student response that the Year 7s are looking forward to their adventure camp in Term 2.
Year 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival
At the College pool last Friday, we ran the Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival. The House spirit and enthusiasm from all participants went a long way to making the carnival a success. Student cheerleading was about the loudest I have ever heard! It was a hot day, and students appreciated jumping in the pool to both compete and enjoy the day.
Congratulations to all competitors throughout the day. A huge thank you to all the staff and students who assisted in the event to make it the success that it was. Thank you to the parents who attended and supported the students. It was a wonderful turnout.
Reconciliation Years 5 and 6
During the sacrament of reconciliation, we acknowledge our wrongdoings (sins) before God. We express our regret and sorrow and receive the forgiveness of Christ. We make reparation for what we have done and then resolve to do better in the future. Reconciliation is a healing process that results in an increase in personal freedom. Freedom to live in greater harmony, and freedom to love. The students from Years 5 and 6 who made their reconciliation last week did so with grace and commitment.
Events Ahead
We look forward to the significant events occurring in the next two weeks, which include the
Newman Parents Forum scheduled for Monday 13 March; Secondary Twilight Tour on Tuesday 14 March; NAPLAN Assessments, Reconciliation 6B, Allwell Testing, ACC Swimming Relay Training, Year 11 Reconciliation, Fame Auditions, Lion King Musical Rehearsals and the upcoming Year 10 to 12 Parent Teacher Interviews on Thursday 23 March.
Wishing you all a blessed next few weeks.
Dr Lucie McCrory
PRINCIPAL (Acting)