Newman News Term 3 Week 4: From the Principal

Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption is a special day in the life our Catholic Church, as it is for the Institute of the Marist Brothers fms. This is the day chosen as their Feast Day at the time of their foundation by Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and of Marist Education.

On Thursday 15 August we celebrated Mass for Pre Kindergarten – Year 6 in the Marist Auditorium and Years 7- 12 in the Gymnasium. Both occasions were purposeful and liturgically important as this Feast Day defines our College’s foundation. On this day we come to together as a Marist family to celebrate our faith and our community with Jesus’ mother Mary as our constant.

For many Christians today we are confronted by the challenges that life presents often in the uncertainties of the future. Pope Benedict XVI emeritus says that “being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person which gives life to a new horizon and a decisive direction.” For our students we want to provide opportunities that give them a purpose, a sense of agency and a direction to navigate the future ahead. Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption is one such encounter that will enable us all to reflect on our Christian story and the hope it provides for the future ahead.

Student Engagement

So many magnificent events have occurred over the last few weeks. The STEM Festival, Science and Humanities Week, Buddy Day, Year 7 Disco, our Primary Dancers performing at the Perth Concert Hall and the Catholic Arts Festival to name but a few. Further details of all these events can be seen in throughout Newsletter.

I had the great privilege to attend Prendiville College for the Catholic Performing Arts Festival to watch our Year 8 Band ‘Outbreak’ and ‘Newman Groove’. Both bands were incredible! The students’ love of music was clearly on show as exemplified by their energy and talents. To this end our Vision for Learning Shine through Discovery – let your light shine is clearly evident in all that we do.

Marian Campus Playgroup

We aspire to create the best possible learning opportunities for children at Newman College. As part of this commitment, we have launched the Newman College Playgroup. This new initiative provides young families with access to our wonderful learning facilities, along with educational oversight by the Newman College Leader of Wellbeing Early Childhood, Lisa McClue. A unique Playgroup setting offers families support with the first steps towards structured education for their child.

Families can apply to enrol in Newman College Playgroup by clicking here.

Newman Parent Consultative Committee (NPPC)

Last week, the NPCC meeting was both fruitful and insightful. We commenced the discussion and feedback on the development of our College’s next Strategic Plan. I piloted the following three questions:

  1. Identify three aspects of Newman College that engages your children in their learning.
  2. Identify three areas that you would like to see improved.
  3. What new initiatives or programs would you like to see?

The ensuing discussion was constructive and directive to the process and eventual development of the Plan. Next week I will repeat this process with the College Advisory Council and in the weeks ahead with our students. By mid September the timeline indicating a period of community consultation will be communicated.

Download NPCC Meeting Minutes

Student Voice

I will be holding a series of morning teas and lunches for students across the College this term to listen to their opinions on the direction of the College. As stated above, I will be trialing questions that will eventually become part of the consultation process for the development of the next Strategic Plan.

Catholic Education Staff Breakfast

Catholic Education WA recognizes staff who have given service to Catholic Education for 30 or more years. This year, Newman College celebrated with three members of staff who were presented with awards at this very special event. We congratulate:

  • Mrs Terri White, Education Assistant Arts
  • Mrs Lucy Zambonetti, Teacher of Year 5
  • Mr John Geekie, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10

Mitchell Bristow

As announced earlier in the week, Mr Mitchell Bristow, Head of Primary, has been appointed to the position of Principal at St Gerard’s Primary School Westminster, commencing 2020. We congratulate Mitchell on this wonderful achievement and we wish him every success and fulfillment in his new role and indeed into the future.