Newman News Term 2 Week 8: From the Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary
Over the past two weeks, students in Years 10-12 have been busy with examinations while our Year 7-9 students have been working through assessments in class. As we approach the half way point of the academic year, reports are being prepared by staff and we hope each of our students will take plenty of positives from their experiences at the College so far. A reminder to parents, you are able to access your child’s assessment marks via SEQTA and reports will also be delivered in this way at the end of term.
Champagnat Day
I wish to thank all students for their participation and commitment to Champagnat Day. We commenced the day celebrating Mass in the Gym, with Champagnat Day Awards being announced at the conclusion of Mass. A student from each year group was presented with a Champagnat Day Award for their living out the characteristics of St Marcellin Champagnat. On behalf of the College Community, I acknowledge and congratulate these students once again: Sienna Kampanelli Year 7, Tiana Zito Year 8, Isabella O’Rourke Year 9, Taylor Sadgrove Year 10, Mitchell Harris Year 11 and Maxwell Hinch Year 12.
I take this opportunity to commend the students on their cooperation and flexibility when the day’s planned activities were cancelled due to inclement weather. Please CLICK HERE for more photographs from Champagnat Day.
From the Counselling and Wellbeing Team
Last Wednesday, the Year 7 and 8 students participated in a Wellness Talk on the topic of Friendships and Peer Conflict run by our Counselling and Wellbeing Team. The session focused on healthy friendships, respect and inclusivity of all peers, and how to resolve conflict in positive ways. Students were encouraged to interact and some performed role play scenarios on the Auditorium stage, along with guest appearances by their Leaders of Wellbeing, Mr Woolley and Miss Johnson! It is hoped that the Year 7 and 8’s enjoyed the session, and that they will use this in continuing to develop friendships and interact with their peers in respectful ways.
Year 10 Course Counselling
Y10 Course Counselling will commence in the final few weeks of Term 2 and extend into the start of Term 3. Students will receive an interview time with a member of staff which parents are encouraged to attend. I would like to wish all of our Year 10 students well during the coming weeks.
Cyber Safety
On Tuesday 11 June our Year 7, 8 & 9 students were visited by Cyber Safety expert, Susan McLean. Susan is ‘Australia’s foremost expert in the area of CyberSafety’. Serving 27 years as a Victorian Police Officer, she has been awarded numerous awards including The National Medal, the National Police Medal and the Victorian Police Service Medal. She works with numerous governments and sporting groups such as the Federal Governments CyberSafety Working Group, Cricket Australia and the AFL. Throughout the day, Susan covered topics such as online issues, bullying, cybersafety and on the general use of social media. It is hoped that students have taken away a stronger understanding of the online world and are better able to use technology in a positive manner.
On Wednesday 12 June, Susan ran a session for parents at the College. Differing from the student presentation, Susan’s parent module focused on making parents aware of the dangers facing young people today and looking at effective parenting techniques that can be implemented.
With the fast pace of technological development, Newman College is extremely grateful for the time Susan has spent at the College and we are certain that students, parents & staff have taken away many useful points from her work.
If you would like further information on Susan McLean, she can be followed on Twitter @Cybercop1 or on Facebook as Susan McLean-CyberSaftey Expert. Susan also operates her own website cybersafteysolutions.com.au
School Trips
In coming weeks, we will see a group of students depart for the Eastern States while another group is heading for New York.
Year 10 students on the Humanities Tour will be heading to Sydney and Canberra before finishing off with some skiing or snowboarding in the Australian Alps. Our Arts students are travelling to New York where they will be visiting some of the wonderful artistic locations and landmarks in New York.
I would like to thank the staff involved in these tours for giving up their holidays and wish the students a safe and memorable trip.
School Photos
Photos of students at the Marcellin Campus will take place in Week 10 of this term. On Monday 24 June students will receive order envelopes in PCG to take home to parents. These envelopes will need to be returned to PCG teachers by Thursday 27 June. It is important to note that ALL order forms need to be returned, even if you are not purchasing a photo. Students are reminded that they need to be in correct uniform for these days, ensuring hair and grooming meet College standards. Students who fail to meet the standards of the College risk missing out on their photo being taken.
New Payment Options for Marcellin Canteen
For your convenience, the Marcellin Canteen can now accept payments by credit and debit card at the point of sale. This is in addition to the existing Flexischools pre-payment system and point of sale cash payments currently accepted.