Newman News Term 1 Week 8: From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
One of the strengths of the Newman Community is our Marist ability to be present to each other, particularly during times of struggle. The incident that occurred last week on the Year 11 Outdoor Education camp to Brides Cave, with the tragic passing of the External Abseiling Instructor, highlights the need for our community to continue to support one another. There is a great strength in our togetherness. This sense of family spirit is foundational to our school and has its roots in our Marist heart and spirituality.
Thank you sincerely, for your ongoing support of the College, the students, and our generous staff.
With Holy week approaching in week ten and Easter almost upon us, now is a good time to stop and remember what this time means to us. Easter is a season that represents, hope, new life, and new beginnings. A perfect time to close the term, reorient towards our chosen path, as we move towards the holidays.
Year 12 Ball
The Year 12 Ball was held Friday 10 March. It was an outstanding evening filled with dancing, laughter, camaraderie, and collegiality. The young women were stunning, and the young men looked very dapper. The leadership of this cohort in 2023 has been exemplary and the success of the Year 12 Ball was testimony to this point. A special thank you is extended to the Leader of Wellbeing, Miss Gemma Beekink, the PCG teachers and all staff who supported the event in some capacity.
Newman Parents Forum
The Newman Parents Forum met on Monday 13 March to discuss a number of items including College communication, uniform alignment and our Annual School Improvement Plan. The meeting was well received with a decent spread of parents attending the event. The Newman Parents Forum is a great opportunity to stay informed, provide feedback to the College Executive and collaborate on upcoming projects.
Secondary Twilight Tour
The College held its second Twilight Tour on our Secondary campus last week. Newman is attracting great interest from families in surrounding areas. There were over 300 people in attendance. The new Principal, Mr Andrew Watson opened the night. It was a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful school and to provide insight into College life and our Marist way. The families present left the campus with a positive and excited vibe.
Harmony Week
Harmony week is a celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It is a day that fosters inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging. This week the students shared aspects of their culture by engaging in discussions, prayers, and activities across the College. The students were encouraged to come to school in the traditional cultural dress of their ancestry to support Harmony Week. It was a joy to see so many students embrace their culture and the spirit of Harmony Week.
NAPLAN Online Testing
The National Assessment Programme – Literacy and Numeracy testing commenced this week for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students are assessed in writing, reading, conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. All testing was completed on an online platform. Thank you to Mr Bernie Roberts, Director of Curriculum Administration and his team for the preparation and for overseeing of this week-long process.
ACC Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all the students who competed in the A Division ACC Swimming Carnival. The students had a magnificent attitude of encouragement, coupled with a competitive spirit. We placed third overall, a great result. Well done and thank you to each student who participated. A huge thank you to Mrs Marnie Barrett Leader of Sport and the whole Health and Physical Education Team for training, co-ordinating and facilitating these wonderful opportunities for our students.
Graeme Wood First XI Cricket Shield
It is with great delight that we congratulate our Marist Cricket Team who won the Graeme Wood First XI Shield this week. Their teamwork and encouragement of each other was strong, they were worthy winners of this significant shield. A special thanks to Mr John Lucas, Br Paul Murphy and Mr Bern Willet who supported the team.
Events Ahead
We look forward to the significant events occurring in the next two weeks; Zero 2 Hero Parent Series and the Year 11 and Year 12 Drama Excursion, Marist Basketball Carnival over east, Game Changers Gatherings, College Tours, the Marian Campus Fathering Project, our Easter Liturgies and Final Assemblies.
It has been a rewarding but challenging term for our whole Newman Community. We have had to face unprecedented events, and as we move towards the closure of Term One, let us remember to continue to be kind, present and supportive to all those we encounter. Go gently.
Dr Lucie McCrory
PRINCIPAL (Acting)