Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Vice Principal

Learning happens in a variety of spaces; places where our interactions with one another shift from the formality of the classroom to the sporting field, playground or workplace learning experience. The great strength of our PK-12 College community, is how students come together to support learning and Wellbeing initiatives. This term, students from Marcellin Campus have supported the Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival, Marian Campus Early Childhood initiatives and our very successful STEM Festival. The collaboration the students encounter during these opportunities reflects the intent of our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery and how we seek to develop skills of communication and conversation between students and peers. I extend my sincere thanks to our teaching staff who plan and prepare for these authentic and meaningful experiences.

2020 Term Dates

Term 1 –  Monday 3 February – Thursday 9 April

  • Monday 3 February: K-6, 7 & 12 return
  • Tuesday 4 February: Years 8-11 return
  • Thursday 13 February: PK-12 Family Mass

Term 2 – Tuesday 28 April – Friday 3 July

  • Tuesday 28 April: All PK-Y12 staff and students return
  • Friday 19 June: Champagnat Day (TBC)

Term 3 – Wednesday 22 July- Friday 25 September

  • Monday 20 July: Staff Faith Formation / Pupil Free Day
  • Tuesday 21 July: K-12 Parent Teacher Interviews / Pupil Free Day
  • Wednesday 22 July: All PK-Y12 students return
  • Friday 14 August: Staff Wellbeing Day/ Pupil Free Day
  • Monday 17 August: CEWA Faith Day (College Closed)

Term 4 – Tuesday 13 October – Friday 4 December

  • Monday 12 October: Staff Professional Learning/ Pupil Free Day
  • Tuesday 13 October: All PK-Y11 students return
  • PK-Y9 Final Day (TBC)

CDP Update

The College has entered the final stage of planning prior to the commencement of the Learning Hub building project. Five organisations have accepted the opportunity to tender for the building contract, with the tender closing next Thursday 19 September. Following approval of the preferred builder to proceed, it is likely that possession of the site will be handed to the contractor at or around the commencement of Term 4.

In addition to the Learning Hub project, the footings for the new Lavalla / Marcellin bridge were installed this week. The bridge will be completed during October, with associated upgrades to pedestrian paths taking place shortly after. It is expected that the bridge will be in use by late October / early November.

Furthermore, the major upgrade to the artificial cricket wicket practice area and storage shed is now complete. This will see the College cricketers enjoy new facilities, with wonderful access to equipment which is now housed directly adjacent to the practice area. The shed also delivers upgraded storage facilities for the Outdoor Education program, replacing the older Sea Containers.

The College is very excited about the current program of works which will see all students benefit from the investment into these areas. For further information on the Learning Hub Project please click here.

Catholic Performing Arts Festival

The closing concert for the Catholic Performing Arts Festival will be held on Monday September 16 at the Perth Concert Hall. Newman College has the honour of performing the Acknowledgement of Country song, Koort Doodjarak Yewool (Heart Song) in collaboration with the Madjitil Moorna Choir accompanied by James Web.  We acknowledge Music Teacher, Nicole Boddy who wrote the lyrics and melody. This is a unique opportunity for the College, and I acknowledge the efforts of the staff and students involved in this initiative, in particular the leadership and creativity of Mrs Maree Grayden, Leader of Learning Arts PK-12. Congratulations to all students who performed during the festival and for the support of their families. Click here to see a full list of all awards.

Newman Arts Festival Parent Support / Volunteers Required

The 2019 Newman Arts Festival is taking place in Term 4 Week 1 (Wednesday 16 – Friday 18 October). The three-day event will showcase 2D and 3D artworks produced by our PK-12 students, performances by our dance, drama and music students, free activities and a Parent Soiree.

This event would not be possible without the support from our entire PK-12 College community. We are in need of a number of parent volunteers to assist in the following roles:

Volunteers to hang student art, Monday 14 October (non-school day) and Tuesday 15 October, between 9.00am and 3.00pm
Require 3 – 6 volunteers each day to help the Art Teachers hang numerous pieces of student art. We understand it may be difficult to commit to a full day, so 2 – 3 hours would be fantastic.

Volunteers to serve food, Friday 18 October, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Assist with serving food at the Parent Soiree (no experience necessary).

Volunteers to serve drinks, Friday 18 October, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Assist with serving drinks at the Parent Soiree (RSA required).

Your help would be greatly appreciated, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Janine Gatto if you are able to assist thegatts@iinet.net.au | Phone/Text 0418 935 122

Newman Parents Evening – Monday 16 September

Newman Parents is honoured to host Paul Dillon at Newman College. Paul is the Director and Founder of DARTA and is passionate about ensuring that the community has access to accurate and up-to-date alcohol and other drug information.

Topic: ‘Risk taking’: Why do teens do the things they do? What can parents do to keep them as safe as possible?

RSVP to Jo Dunn, Marketing and Communications Officer jo.dunn@newman.wa.edu.au

Pupil Free Day – Monday 14 October

A reminder to all families that Monday 14 October is a Pupil Free Day with the exception of Year 12 students sitting exams and all students in Year 10 who will depart for their camp on this day.

Year 7 2020 Orientation Day – Monday 14 October

The Year 7 2020 Orientation Day will take place on Monday 14 October.

Download Year 7 2020 Transition and Guild Letter

The College will also host the Year 7 2020 Parent Information Evening on Monday 14 October commencing at 6.30pm in the Marist Auditorium.

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the Code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.