Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary
This week marks the conclusion of National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to the reconciliation of Australia. The theme of this year’s week was ‘In this together 2020’ – a perfect summary of the importance of all people in contributing to a happy society.
In school it is not much different – it is up to everyone in our community to contribute to the growth and development of our Newman College family. This means teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families. I am always asking our students what contributions they are making to the school. What contributions are they making to the lives of others? We all have an important part to play in making our school a wonderful place to be and we all have the power to impact others. It is how we choose to use that power that really matters.
Assembly
This week Year 3 Red put on a great assembly item, recapping their start to the year and some of the important things they have been learning throughout the year. The students even managed to give us a very enthusiastic version of Sub Tuum – the oldest known prayer to the Virgin Mary. Well done to the Year 3 Red class for preparing so well and entertaining us this week. If you missed the assembly please click here to watch it.
Marcellin Award
Congratulations to Marissa Manolikos from Year 5 who was this fortnight’s recipient of the Marcellin Award. Marissa was nominated by her teacher Miss Cresp who describes Marissa as a helpful and friendly person. Marissa is always willing to lend a hand, always reliable and ALWAYS works hard. It is wonderful to hear such positive things about Marissa. Congratulations on your fine efforts so far this year and for setting such a great example to your peers. Your award is thoroughly deserved.
The Marcellin Award at Lavalla is presented at assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.
Student Voice Outcomes
Last week we announced the opportunity for students at the Lavalla Campus to have their say in some of the aspects of school life. Students have responded very positively and the College has been able to act on some of their suggestions already. These include:
- Leaving the football goals up all year for students to practice their goal kicking
- Getting ping pong tables out at lunch time (weather permitting)
- Plants inside some classrooms
- The Year 5 Blue class is putting together a proposal for bench seats outside their classrooms
Although as a school we cannot make everyone’s dreams come true, all ideas and suggestions are discussed with the Student Councillors and followed up with each student who made a suggestion. We look forward to seeing what other student led changes will occur in the future!
Green Time vs Screen Time
There have been some very interesting observations made over these last few weeks by teachers and parents over the use of iPads in school and at home, especially as we are coming off the remote learning experience. Obviously during this time, students were using their devices much more than they usually would and, with limited opportunities to be outside and play as well as visit family or friends, understandably many students would have turned to their devices for entertainment.
Now that we are back at school and restrictions around Covid19 are beginning to lift, it is more important than ever for students to put their devices down, engage in the real world, and get moving again. I know from talking to parents and students that many families already have conversations with their children around appropriate screen time and would encourage other families to do the same. I will also be writing to families in the next few days about some important considerations around social media and the impact these can have on students.
Nature Play WA is a great resource for families in understanding the balance required between ‘green time’ and ‘screen time’. Click here to access resources and guides on how to best manage screen time in your family.
Latest Sport News
Save the Date – Lavalla Cross Country Carnival
Here’s one for the diary – the Lavalla Cross Country Carnival will take place on Friday 26 June (Week 9). At this stage, parents will be invited along to spectate. A full schedule of the day’s events will be made available to families via the classroom teacher over the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming everyone down to what should be a great event!
Marist Football Club – Years 5/6 Girls Team
The Marist Football Club is seeking a few more Year 5/6 girls to play in the girls team in 2020 *you don’t have to be a Newman student to play
Training will likely be held on a Thursday afternoon, with games played on a Friday evening *TBC
If your daughter is interested please contact Linda hadfields2@iinet.net.au or 0409 998 386
Parking/Pick-up
The parking/pick-up area continues to be an issue for a minority of people who persist in doing the wrong thing. Unfortunately, this is creating a very unsafe and sometimes unpleasant environment for those families who do the right thing by showing patience and understanding to other drivers and families. In the past few weeks alone staff have observed:
- Vehicles failing to stop at a crosswalk for students crossing the road
- Vehicles double parking or parked across crosswalks
- Vehicles stopping in the middle of the road and waving children through the traffic
- Parents parking in the teacher carpark area and allowing students to cross through cars (both before and after school)
The double parking and waving through of students into vehicles is especially dangerous and puts children at unnecessary risk. If parents wish to park their cars they should do so in the appropriate carparks, including the overflow carpark where senior students park. They can then wait at the cross walk areas to collect their children, leaving the drive through area for the ‘kiss and drop’.
Unfortunately residents in the area have also commented on the behaviours of parents in areas around the school. Photos from residents below show many families are parking on verges or in narrow streets obstructing traffic. These residents are well within their rights to call the council ranger so please be equally mindful in these areas too.
