Newman News Term 1 Week 8: From the Deputy Principal Primary
Year 1B Assembly
Year 1B shared a wonderful assembly with this week, with a focus on their learning in the Biological Sciences. The class took us on a safari adventure where we learnt about the features of a range of animals. We also heard about the book Elmer – where students reminded each and every one of us how we are all unique and special in our own ways. To top off a wonderful assembly, we were then entertained by the song Hakuna Matata from the Lion King. Thank you to 1B for an informative and entertaining assembly!
Parent collection of students
Recently the front office at Marian has had an increase in parents either collecting their children from school before the bell (5-10 minutes early), or well after the bell (3:20-3:30pm).
A reminder that the school day officially finishes at 3:00pm at Marian, when the school bell rings.
Unless a student has an appointment, or similar reason for leaving early, all students should remain in class until 3:00pm, at which point parents can collect students. Regular early pick ups cause disruption to the operations of our front office and classrooms as a number of students are called out over the PA System. Similarly, I ask that students are picked up promptly after the bell. The services of MercyCare are available for families who are unable to be at school to collect their children at 3:00pm. Newman College Out Of School Hours Care Program | MercyCare
I also ask that you let your child know well in advance if they have a different pick-up routine. We do receive a large number of phone calls asking office staff to let students know of changes/updates in pick-up routines. Again, this causes disruptions to our front office staff.
Your cooperation in ensuring students arrive and depart the campus in line with our school hours is appreciated
Gardening Club
Marian campus is delighted to announce the commencement of our Gardening Club. This club began with some Year 2 students expressing an interest in gardening in a conversation with Mrs Nicolaou. Since this conversation, Mrs Nicolaou’s Gardening Club has gone from strength to strength, with these students working to redevelop our garden beds – their first job was to clear out and tidy up the garden beds. Next step – plant some seeds! Well done Gardening Club – we can’t wait to see what you will be growing!
Lavalla Parking – Kiss N Drive now open
The new Kiss N Drive lane is now open at Lavalla. Parents are asked to watch the video to ensure they understand the new process for Kiss N Ride. You cooperation in following this new process is greatly appreciated. Click HERE
Primary Easter Liturgies
Easter is an important time in the Church’s liturgical calendar and this year our Easter liturgies in the Primary school will focus on the events of Holy Week, giving students an opportunity to reflect on the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. All families are invited to join us for the Easter Liturgies at Marian and Lavalla on Thursday 6 April.
The Marian Easter Liturgy will commence at 9.00am in St Cecilia’s Church.
The Lavalla Easter Liturgy will gather in the Auditorium at 11.00am.
The liturgy at Marian will be led by our Year 2 students while all other students are invited to participate by coming dressed as villagers, wearing accessories over their sports uniform. This may include a tea towel/cloth over their head and/or a gown with a sash. They are also encouraged to bring a small palm branch to wave during the entrance procession.
We are looking forward to welcoming students and families to celebrate in these significant Holy Week celebrations.
If you have any questions about either Liturgy please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, or myself.
Jane Short (Religious Education Coordinator)
Wellbeing
Online Safety – Have you heard about Omegle.com?
In today’s world, technology and the internet play a significant role in our daily lives, especially for our children. While there are countless benefits to this, there are also some potential risks that we must be aware of. One website that has gained a lot of attention recently is Omegle. Omegle is a website that allows users to talk to strangers online. The site’s purpose is to connect individuals anonymously and have conversations about any topic. It is essential to know that there is no sign-up required, and users are not vetted. This means that anyone can access this site, including individuals with harmful intentions.
It is important to note that Omegle’s terms of service state that it is intended for users aged 18 and above. However, children under 12 can still access the site if they lie about their age. Children who use the site can be exposed to explicit content, cyberbullying, and even sexual predators. We highly advise parents to monitor their children’s online activity and to educate them about the dangers of talking to strangers online.
Here are some strategies parents can use to help their children stay safe on the internet:
- Communication: Talk to your children about the dangers of talking to strangers online. Have open and honest conversations with them about their online activity and encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable.
- Limit Screen Time: Set limits on the amount of time your children spend online. Encourage them to engage in physical activities, play with friends, or spend time with the family.
- Parental Controls: Consider installing parental control software or apps that allow you to monitor your children’s online activity.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest internet trends and apps your children are using. This way, you can keep up with the risks and take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
Additional information can be found on the Australian eSafety Commissioner site https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/omegle
Justin Kirry (Leader of Wellbeing 3-6)
Teaching and Learning
Literacy and Numeracy Support
What does support look like at Newman College? Across the Primary we follow a three-tiered structure of support.
Tier 1 is the most critical and impactful level of intervention. The classroom teacher plans differentiated and explicit instruction catering to the need of all students. This is where the majority of students will benefit most and progress through the curriculum.
Tier 2 refers to small group intervention. This is for students who are not responding to Tier 1 and have more specific needs. These students receive instruction that is targeted at their point of need. This may occur in the classroom or in a withdrawn group. The aim is to shift students back to Tier 1 after short term targeted intervention.
Tier 3 support refers to intervention for a very small number of students who have not responded to Tier 1 or Tier 2 supports. Tier three intervention reduces the complexity and intensity of Tier 2 support to move at the pace of the student.
In the next Newsletter I will share with you information about PLD – our new evidence-based approach to Structured Synthetic Phonics (our Spelling program).
Catherine Young (Leader of Learning PK-6)
Zero2hero – Nourishing Strong Minds
A reminder that our upcoming Term 1 Zero2Hero seminar, aimed at primary parents PK-6, is being held on Monday 27 March) 6:30-8:30pm. Topics being covered in this session will include emotional regulation, developmental behaviour, and nutritional links to mood and mental health. Please click HERE see the flyer for more details and to purchase tickets.
The Fathering Project
A new dad-driven parent initiative begins this term for parents of Marian students. The Fathering Project is an evidence-based organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children. A group of Marian fathers have worked with the College to create the first event, aimed at fathers on the Marian Campus. Their first event is Paper Planes & Pizza – being held on the Marian oval on Friday 31 March. Please click HERE for details.