Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary
Over the past two weeks we returned to a more normal routine on the Marcellin Campus. Students were allocated their new lockers and were able to move into them over the course of Week 5, while also being able to retain their bags during the day if they wished. We also celebrated the launch of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday 27 May. This was a great reflection of the effort of numerous staff and students over the past 18 months.
We held our first Principal’s Assembly since February this year and while our assembly was held remotely with students watching from their PCG rooms it was a wonderful opportunity to recognise our Year 7 Guild Leaders, academic awards and ACC swimming awards.
Week 6 has seen our Years 11 and 12 ATAR students embark on their Semester 1 exams and we wish them the best of luck during this time. Week 6 also saw our Years 7 and 8 students take part in their Covid-19 postponed Guild Cross Country Carnival, more of which you can read about below.
I hope our students and staff are enjoying their time together back on campus, something for which we have all found a new appreciation. As we continue into the second half of term I wish our students the best of luck with their studies.
Year 9 OLNA
The School Curriculum & Standards Authority (SCSA) has sent out information to parents/carers regarding the Online Literacy & Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).
This is an online test that focuses on reading and numeracy components during a series of 45-50-minute tests.
Normally Year 9 students would sit their final round of NAPLAN testing to demonstrate they have reached the required band and do not need to complete OLNA in Year 10. However, due to the interruptions experienced this year, students were unable to complete their Year 9 NAPLAN. SCSA will now conduct a series of OLNA tests specifically for Year 9 students.
Please click on the link below for full information on Year 9 2020 OLNA testing. As test dates are locked in further information will go out to students and families regarding how this will work at Newman College.
Download Letter to Year 9 Parents OLNA 2020
Year 7 Parent Teacher Expo (Online)
As per Mr Patrick Woolley’s letter sent 15/5, a series of videos will be released outlining an introduction to the various learning areas available to Year 7 students at Newman College. Please click here to access the videos via the College website. The remaining videos will be published throughout Week 7.
Extended PCG Activities
Over the course of Weeks 6 and 7, students in Years 7-10 are taking part in two activities during extended PCG.
This week saw our Years 7 and 8 students take part in a shortened Cross Country in which they could earn points for their Guild and challenge themselves while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Next week the Years 9 and 10 students will have the opportunity to take part in their own Cross Country. If there are any Years 11 and 12 students who would like to take part, they are encouraged to contact Mr Williams for further details.
While the Years 7 and 8 students were running in their Cross Country race, the Years 9 and 10 students completed the Arts Challenge. This saw PCG classes lip syncing parts of the Suub Tum which forms a strong part of our Marist heritage. Once all of the year groups have taken part in this challenge, the full version will be edited and made into one video showcasing the talents of our students.
A big thank you to all the staff involved in facilitating these activities, particularly to Mr Tom Williams and Ms Ashlyn Le Cava.
During Week 8, we will have another Principal’s Assembly that will be live streamed. While speakers and award recipients will be in the auditorium, students will remain in their PCG rooms and watch the assembly remotely.
During extended PCG in Week 9, Headspace will be presenting to all students on the impacts of Covid-19, with a focus on self-care. The presentation will be delivered via live stream, with students accessing these in their PCG classes. It is hoped that this presentation will help students to develop strategies to maintain positive wellbeing, particularly during stressful times. More information will be provided to parents in the next newsletter regarding the content of the presentation and this will also be communicated to students prior to the presentation.
Years 11 and 12 Exams
Our Years 11 and 12 students commenced their exams this week which will conclude by Friday 12 June. We know they are giving their all during this time period and we wish them well with their studies.
While Semester 1 has been a very different journey to what was planned at the commencement of 2020, students have been outstanding in their commitment to their learning and we know this will come through over the coming weeks.
Missed Assessments
With a range of in-class assessments returning, missed assessment sessions have recommenced.
The priority is for students to be in the classroom with their teacher when returning from absence. To maximise time within the classroom and to ensure assessment conditions are monitored, the College provides three sessions per week for missed assessments to be completed:
- Tuesday morning 7.45am
- Wednesday afterschool 3.20pm
- Friday morning 7.45am
When returning from absence after missing an in-class assessment, students should complete the assessment in one of the two closest missed assessment sessions. E.g. sick for an assessment on Tuesday, assessment needs to be completed on Wednesday or Friday. If students do not complete the task during the allocated missed assessment session then a zero score will be recorded and an academic detention may be issued by the Leader of Learning.
Newman Knights Hockey Club – Seeking Years 7 and 8 players
Looking for a great team sport for your son or daughter?
Newman Knights Hockey Club (NKHC) is interested to hear from any boys or girls in Years 7 or 8 to play hockey. New or experienced players welcomed, all training provided.
NKHC is a fun, social, family oriented club based within the grounds of Newman College. NKHC has a long history with Newman College students dating back nearly 100 years and would like to encourage students to consider playing hockey with us.
Please contact our Junior Coordinator on juniors@newmanknights.com.au for more information. www.newmanknights.com.au
Parent Parking- Surrounding Streets
Understandably the parking around the College has been busier than usual and traffic can be an issue. Just a reminder to please be careful using side streets as they can become traffic hazards when there are too many vehicles and can pose an increased risk to students exiting the College. I would also ask that parents are extra careful in regard to the properties surrounding the College as we have had reports of some damage to resident’s lawns, particularly on University Avenue and Coneflower Corner. Your support is appreciated.
