Newman News Term 1 Week 8 : From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
College Engagement
Last Tuesday we held our first twilight tour for 2021 on the Marcellin and Marian Campuses. Over 400 people attended which was an all time high for this event over recent years. Whilst our new building, the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub, was a key drawcard, the most impressive performance of the evening was that of our tour leaders – both students and staff.
I often reiterate to staff that the most powerful advertisement is not the staged picture on the back of a bus but in conversations students have with their families at the dinner table about their experience at school. The honest and insight from our children and their voice is purposeful in providing feedback as to how they learn and how they engage at school.
At the Twilight Tour, the students were magnificent in authentically telling their story, about their experience of Newman College. None more so than our two Year 7 students Levi and Olivia who spoke to a large audience in the Marist Auditorium about their first 8 weeks at the school. Their passion, excitement and commitment to this community was exemplified by what they said.
The feedback from families has been incredible and gives us great hope about the future and the prospective students and families that may enter the College in the coming years.
Welcome Sundowner
To celebrate the new school year, parents and guardians are invited to join together to welcome new families into our community and reconnect with each other following the holiday break. More details will be shared in the next edition of Newman News.
5pm, 7 May 2021
Founders Court
Newman College
Visit of Marist Schools Australia (MSA), Regional Director
It has been 15 months since our MSA Regional Director (from Victoria), Julie Ryan, has visited the College. The purpose of the visit was to spend time in the College working with the Senior Leadership Team and presenting to our College Advisory Council. As a religious institute entity, the governance of our College is overseen by Marist Schools Australia. Their regular presence in our school is critical to our ongoing stewardship to ensure we provide a comprehensive PK-12 Catholic College educating in the Marist Tradition, in Perth Western Australia.
Lunch with Year 9 Girls
Julie Ryan took time out of her busy schedule to meet with a group of our Year 9 girls, who had set up a lunchtime meeting with the Principal, along with Leader of Wellbeing Regan Dyer. Over a period of 18 years, Mrs Ryan has been Principal of two girls’ secondary colleges in Victoria and so was a very positive presence among us. These lunches provide students with an opportunity to feedback to the Principal their experiences at Newman College.
Year 12 Ball
The Year 12 School Ball was held last night. It was an outstanding event exemplified by the energy, laughter and joy displayed amongst the cohort. The leadership of this cohort in 2021 has been exemplary and the success of this Year 12 Ball was testimony to that end.
Easter Message
I wish every member of our community every blessing for Easter. This time is one of reconciliation and renewal and I hope family members take the time to be present to each other.
John Finneran
Principal