Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
Staffing Announcement
This week we announced the appointment of Mrs Lisa McClue to the position of Principal at Our Lady of Good Counsel Karrinyup.
This is a wonderful and well-deserved opportunity for Lisa. She is an authentic faith filled leader who has great passion for young people and their learning. She has a great technical proficiency to analyse a student’s learning journey and respond both strategically and operationally. She is a people person who engages well with all members of the community. Lisa has been a highly valued member of the College Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.
We look forward to farewelling Lisa at the end of the year to wish her well and to acknowledge her vast contributions to Newman College during her tenure.
I will be working with Marist Schools Australia in the coming weeks on the appointment process for the replacement of Lisa, to commence at Newman College in January 2023.
Acting Deputy Principal Secondary
This week we farewell Mrs Carla Pastorelli, Deputy Principal Secondary, as she commences parental leave. Our best wishes go with Carla as she embarks on this new phase of her journey.
Mr Simon Martino, currently Director of Mission and Catholic Identity, has been appointed Acting Deputy Principal Secondary, commencing this week. Mr Stuart McClorey has been appointed to the position of Acting Director of Mission and Catholic Identity.
National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC)Conference
Earlier this week I attended the NCEC Conference “The Future is Listening” in Melbourne.
Delegates were addressed by the Most Rev Peter Comensoli – Archbishop of Melbourne, Nicholas Moore – Chair NCEC, Hon Jacinta Collins – Executive Director NCEC, Federal Minister for Education – Jason Clare MP, as well as other notable speakers.
The major themes that emerged were:
- The ongoing formation of staff, students and families respective to the declining number of Catholics as per the last census.
- School improvement – sector and school strategic priorities and measurement to ensure learning gain for each student over their primary and secondary education.
- Educational pathways that are responsive to technology, sectorial needs.
- Student agency.
- Wellbeing of staff, students and appropriate resourcing.
- Funding allocation for Catholic schools.
- Workforce retention and recruitment.
Our school is entering the final year of a 3 year strategic directions plan as of the end of 2023. We have just completed our school climate survey (DISA) which will provide significant feedback and input into the consultation period for our Strategic Directions going forward. The aforementioned themes will be instructive in determining the future directions of our community. What continues to be assured is the importance of teachers, their development and their capacity to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
I highly recommend families attend our 2022 College Production. This musical is based on the 1964 children’s novel by Roald Dahl and has devoured the hearts of readers and theatre goers over many years. I am sure that everyone will enjoy seeing Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Joe as they join a small group of contest winners who get to tour the magical and mysterious factory of the unusual candy maker Willy Wonka.
Please click here to purchase your tickets.
Newman Parents
The very first parent centred partnership event with Newman College and Zero2Hero was held on Monday evening.
A big thank you to all those staff, parents and guardians who attended the event. 500 people attended and enjoyed a highly engaging and educational session, focussing on building the resilience of our children. The feedback has been extremely positive.
Zero2Hero has committed to developing a series of similar events across the Calendar year to educate and engage our parent community. Should you wish to provide input into which topics are chosen, please click here.