Newman News Term 3 Week 4: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

One of the great privileges of school leadership is the opportunity to meet with new families and discuss their hopes and dreams for their children in the future. While many families recognise the academic opportunities Newman College offers, many more families also speak of the importance of seeing their child develop in areas of emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing too. As educators, we form the belief that the young person we develop today, determines the type of society we enjoy tomorrow. Therefore, although the focus of our campus will always be to provide an outstanding learning environment, it is important that we place just as much emphasis on guiding students to become the difference they hope to see in the world. I think it was Aristotle who summed it up best – “An education of the mind, without an education of the heart, is no education at all.”

Wellbeing Week

This week, students took part in a number of activities to celebrate Wellbeing Week. Each day we took the opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of Wellbeing; physical health, mindfulness, gratitude, and belonging. Students were able to take part in fitness, an impromptu dance battle, dodgeball against teachers, mindfulness craft, connecting with their Marian buddies, and finally a big day on Wednesday of obstacle course, animal farm, and lawn games fun. It was a great week for everyone involved, and special recognition must go to the Wellbeing team and our Year 6 Student Councillors for their support. I think many students are already looking forward to seeing what we do for next year!

Staff Gratitude

Earlier this week as part of our day of celebrating gratitude, we invited families to share their appreciation and gratitude for our teachers. We had a tremendous response with almost 150 submissions. Some of these were presented to staff on Wednesday with an overwhelmingly positive reaction from all staff and teachers. Thank you to all those families who took part – your kind words really made a big difference this week. I have included a few examples below! It is not too late to share a kind word by clicking here.

Jackson was fortunate enough to have Mrs Fitzpatrick in Year 5 Blue in 2019. She has the innate ability to make learning fun, thereby engaging and motivating her students and created a beautiful, supportive ‘team’ environment in the classroom. Jackson really took responsibility for his learning during his time in Mrs Fitzpatrick’s class and he came away with a renewed confidence and desire to improve.

Mrs Gray, we are so grateful that Sofia has such a wonderful, supportive, caring and dedicated teacher like you this year, her first year at Lavalla Campus. She has really blossomed and we are sure that your support and encouragement have contributed to this. Thank you so much for your hard work this year!! We really appreciate it.

Mrs Zelich, you are an outstanding teacher. My big girl who is now in Year 10 still says her year with you was the best. It’s amazing what a lasting impact teachers have and you are a true gem. Thank you.

Siobhan, thank you so much for your important contribution to the wellbeing of students at Newman College. We really appreciate your kind, supportive, nurturing and gentle approach – it makes such a big difference and has a profound and positive impact on the young people that you deal with each day.

Farewell Mrs Kerry Martin

This week we farewelled Mrs Martin from our College. Mrs Martin has been a part of our community as a student, parent, and finally staff member for the past 14 years. In her farewell video from students, there was one common theme that emerged – her desire to always be there to help others. Mrs Martin has been the living example of what it means to represent the Newman College community. The Marist Brothers was founded by a man seeking to make a difference in the lives of young people and it is this same spirit that we see alive in Mrs Martin today. She is a truly valued member of our staff and although she will be gone, she will never be forgotten. We wish Mrs Martin all the best on her new adventure at Mercedes College where we know she will continue to positively impact the lives of others. We will miss you Kerry!

GATE Day

Last Friday, students from our Gifted and Talented Program gathered together under the guidance of Mrs Zelich and Miss Sankar to take part in a day of collaboration, critical thinking, and investigation. Students were tasked with engaging in an authentic problem-based learning scenario titled ‘Project Homeless’. Students have commenced work on their projects and will continue to meet over the Term before presenting their efforts in Term 4. We also appreciate Colin Krause attending the day. Colin gave up his time to come and speak to students about his role at St Vincent De Paul and the way the issues that face homeless people across Australia. We look forward to sharing updates as these projects continue to take shape. A big thank you to Mrs Zelich for organising and arranging the day.

Science Week

Next week the College will be celebrating National Science Week! Students will have the chance to take part in a number of Science based activities culminating in a STEM day on Friday of Week 5. There are two main events for the week:

  • Thursday 20 August – Students are invited to dress as something to do with STEM / Science. This is an optional activity, and if students choose not to participate they are welcome to wear their sports uniform.
  • Friday 21 August – STEM Festival – ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. Students will hear from guest speakers as well as take part in a day that consists of hands-on activities with the afternoon focusing on traditional Aboriginal medicine. All these experiences allow students to better understand STEM concepts and learnings.

We are looking forward to a great week!

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Photo Day Reminder

Families are reminded that school photo day will take place on Monday 14 September (Term 3 Week 9). School photos offer the opportunity to celebrate a moment in time and are often looked back on fondly over the years.

The Great Book Swap

The annual Lavalla book swap will take place on Friday 18 September before school until the bell goes and during lunchtime.

Students are encouraged to donate a book they already own and place in one of the boxes located in the Library and in the foyer.

On the day of the event, students are asked to bring a gold coin donation to purchase a book to take home. The money raised will then be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Students can of course purchase more than one book at the Book Swap.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national charity, which aims to reduce the disadvantage experienced by children in remote communities across Australia. The foundation promotes the idea of schools holding a book swap in order to raise funds for the charity.

Sacrament Information

Our Lady of the Rosary First Holy Communion

This year due to Covid-19, students will be receiving First Holy Communion over four masses. The times are:

  • Saturday 17 October at 6.00pm and Sunday 18 October at 10.00am
  • Saturday 24 October at 6.00pm and Sunday 25 October at 10.00am

Students are invited to invite their immediate family plus four guests. Students will sit with their family and guests. Each mass will run as a normal weekend mass and the candidates will be called up first to receive Communion.

To make a booking please email Kaye at: doubleview@perthcatholic.org.au