Highlights from Past Two Weeks 

Champagnat Day

The students enjoyed a lovely Champagnat Buddy Day today, where they had the opportunity to celebrate a mass in the morning around the founder of the Marist Brother, St Marcellin Champagnat.
The students then engaged in Buddy activities across the morning, before enjoying a sausage sizzle lunch and some exciting afternoon activities.

Thank you to parents for their flexibility in the amended drop-off and pick-up procedures for the day.

St John Henry Newman Learning Hub – Official Opening and Blessing 

Last week saw the blessing and official opening of the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub. There were 20 Marian students who were invited to participate in the Liturgical Celebration, led by Archbishop Timothy Costello.

These students were excellent representatives of our Marian Campus, and certainly enjoyed the attention of the older students. A special thank you is extended to Ella Jones, for her beautiful reading and Sicily Moschopolous and Jack Truscott for their involvement in the entry procession.

Year 2 Blue Assembly

There are certainly some budding Scientists in 2 Blue! Last Friday’s assembly was showstopping, with multiple science experiments performed, including a bubbling volcano, slime and a lava lamp. It was wonderful to hear about the student’s depth of learning and understanding from the Science unit they have been undertaking in class.

Thank you to Mrs Young and 2 Blue for the educational and entertaining assembly.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

School Reports 

As the time for school reports approaches, I think it is important to consider what success looks like? In an age where everything is measured and summarised, we can often fall into the trap of measuring our success and our worth (or that of our students) based on a number or a grade.

However, it is important to remember that success looks different for everyone. Our College’s Vision for Learning “Shine through Discovery” strives to encompass this mentality. Each child is unique, and with that brings different strengths and gifts. A “D” grade in English might be a huge success for a student who has been working super hard behind the scenes to learn how to decode and read books, while a student who achieves a fantastic comment about their caring attitude and respectful nature, is also another celebration of success.

Please remember as you receive your child’s report, that teachers are meeting each child where they are at and striving to maximise each child’s potential. They are each on their own journey and success looks different for every individual.

This fantastic infographic also provides some context to the SCSA reporting system and reminds us that a ‘C’ grade is exactly where we expect students to be performing for their year level.  

Reports will be released via SEQTA at 4.00pm on Friday 2 July.

UWA Research Project

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has an exciting opportunity for Newman College to participate in research.

The overall aim of the research project is to examine first impressions towards children with and without autism to better understand the social experiences of children and help understand the stigma towards children on the autism spectrum. Experiencing social rejection at an early age can be very difficult for children, and research suggests that one factor that may impact children’s social lives are first impressions.

First impressions can influence how we respond to unfamiliar people, and so understanding the factors that impact how first impressions are formed can be very valuable information in developing programs that foster social inclusivity. This study also investigates how adults form impressions of children because adults who work with children, such as parents and teachers, can have great influence on children’s social decisions.

The project encourages children to learn about first impressions with the message of inclusivity and acceptance of other children’s differences.

At this stage, they are inviting parents and their children aged 6-11 years to participate in this study and would appreciate any help from Newman College families on this project. The results of this current study will be used to inform the design of a later study involving children who are on the autism spectrum.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please follow this link to provide your consent and answer some questions regarding your child’s development: http://uwa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJ83cMkCNuTJBZA

The link will also provide you with further information and guidance on how you and your child may participate in this exciting project.

Happy Families – Dr Justin Coulson 

Imagine if you could hack your happiness neurotransmitters to make yourself and your family happier. You can! This week, boost your sense of reward (dopamine – the happy high chemical) with your children by:

• Playing together
• Experiencing (and celebrating) tiny wins
• Completing a task together (music always helps)
• Trying a new treat in the kitchen

Boost your sense of peace, harmony, and calm (serotonin) with your children by:

• Breathing deep
• Spending some time in nature
• Going for a walk
• Listening to a meditation playlist
• Reading a calm story before bed

Boost your sense of superhuman strength (endorphins) by:

• Running, jumping on the trampoline, or dancing to loud music
• Watching something funny together
• Creating a laughing club
• Doing pretty much anything energetic

And boost your sense of connection (oxytocin) by

• Touching or holding hands
• Hugging
• Saying nice things about each other
• Counting blessings together

The above is an extract from a recent Justin Coulson ‘Happy Families’ email. Newman families are eligible for Justin’s online subscription, which is fully-funded by the College.
I encourage you to utilise this great resource.

Families can sign up for a Happy Families subscription via the following  clicking here. 

 

 

• Category: Early Childhood
• Tag: News