Newman News Term 2 Week 6: From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
Reconciliation Week 2022, 27 May-3 June – #BeBraveMake Change
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ Is a challenge to all Australians – individuals, families, communities, organisations and government – to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians (Reconciliation website).
This week our College celebrated Reconciliation Week across the campus in myriad ways which are reflected in campus reports throughout this Newsletter. Our commitment to Reconciliation is reflected in our Reconciliation Action Plan RAP 2020-2021 (click here). This Plan is a journey for our College as we walk in solidarity with our First Nations people. (Note: Our Plan is currently being updated.). Our prayer this week has been:
Prayer for Reconciliation
Almighty and loving God You who created ALL people in your image.
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stores of our past.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.
We are sorry and ask for God’s forgiveness. Amen.
National Simultaneous Storytime – Why reading is important
National Simultaneous Storytime is a highlight in our academic year at the Marian Campus. The joy of reading is celebrated as is the power of imagination and creativity.
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. (ALIA website.)
This year I was Bushman Jack reading the powerful story by Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh, Family Tree. This story reflects on the journey of our lives from the seedling becoming the tree. It recognizes that in our seasons of life the greatest love that we can have is that of family.
The children were effusive and joy-filled as an audience and it is our hoped that they are inspired to pursue reading. Within our College, our PK-12 Literacy Plan is underpinned by reading. Reading helps you learn, increases your vocabulary, improves memory, increases your concentration and attention span, reduces stress and most importantly, improves your writing skills. As parents, I implore you to take time to read with and to your children. The greatest gift they can give themselves is the art of reading.
Students
- Last Monday, I invited 11 Year 10 girls to lunch, along with Mr Simon Martino and Mrs Carla Pastorelli. Such a forum provides students the opportunity to express their opinions and ideas.
- Last Thursday we participated in a Year 5 Soccer Tournament during lunchtime. Each player donated up to $5 to participate with all funds raised going to Marist Solidarity. Students thoroughly enjoyed kicking goals – not only for their team, but for people in need. Congratulations to the Year 5 students who raised over $300 from this and other Marist Solidarity events. (should be photos and film)
- “2 colourful little creatures” is featuring in the Administration building at the Marcellin Campus this week. Our artist is Emerson (Emmi) Dolz – 1G. Thank you, Emmi for sharing your artwork with our community!
Marist Schools Australia – Regional Council Meeting at Newman College
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we had the MSA Regional Council conduct their Term 2 meeting at Newman College. The Council membership comprises leaders of education and industry from across Western Australian, Victoria and South Australia. Within the context of MSA Ltd, this Regional Council assists strategic direction of Marist schools operating in these jurisdictions. The meeting in WA this week paid particular focus on our new capital development project and our recent School Registration as a Religious Institute school in WA.
Capital Development, Community Consultation
Thank you to parents, friends and members of the community who attended our Community Consultation on 25 May for the development of a PK-Year 6 Primary School at the Churchlands campus. I was joined by Tom Wagner, Lisa McClue, Simon Martino, project architects from MunnsSlyMoore and the project’s Education Consultant. The presentation was well received by those in attendance and was filmed for wider distribution (please click here to view). The following areas were discussed:
- Project Overview and Consultation process
- Forward works program
- Design (including parking and access)
- Community Impacts
- Schedule
Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)
Our NPCC meeting will now be held on Monday 20 June. Agenda items will be:
- Reframing of the Newman Parents Consultative Committee
- Christmas in July event will be held early in Term 3
- Homework Club Revitalisation Plan
We look forward to welcoming many parents and guardians to this meeting.
COVID-19, Reporting
We ask that families continue to report positive cases and household family close contacts to the College via the reporting form on the College Website. Please note this is still a requirement by the WA State Government to ensure the College can effectively manage absentees. For further information please see the College Website.