Newman News Term 4 Week 2: From the Vice Principal

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope students and families enjoyed the well-earned down time during the holidays and that the examinations were not too onerous for our Year 12 ATAR students. We have a busy term ahead to bring the year to a spectacular close. There is much to celebrate.

Key Dates – next fortnight

Click here to view the key dates for the next fortnight.

Newman Parents – Monday 1 November 7.00pm

An invitation is extended to all parents and guardians to attend the next Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting (NPCC).

The NPCC meetings, convened by the Principal, and attended by various members of the College Leadership Team, is a representative group, voice and forum to gain insight into our school improvement plan and to discuss school concerns. The NPCC serves to help advance the best interests of those within our College Community. Whilst policy is determined and set by the College Executive and supported by the Advisory Council, the NPCC is a critically important group in providing input and feedback.

Dance Showcase (Temporum) – Sunday 24 October

Temporum’ translates to moments and seasons in time. The show features items from a variety of moments throughout time.

Performers include those students studying dance from Years 9-12, and our Intermediate and Senior Dance Troupe students.

Tickets can still be purchased by clicking here.

Arts Festival

Our student artwork from Primary and Secondary will be displayed in the Auditorium.

The opening of the exhibition will take place on Wednesday 27 October @ 5.00pm in the Marist Auditorium.

The exhibition can be viewed by our community from Wednesday 27 October until Friday 29 October.

Universal Design for Learning 

This week our PK – 12 staff came together to learn more about the principles of Universal Design for Learning.  Associate Professor Dianne Chambers led us through the professional learning. Dianne is an expert in this space, she is an author and a lecturer at Notre Dame and works with international organisations, such as UNESCO, to inform best practice teaching and learning for catering to diverse needs. Dianne has recently conducted an audit of our Learning Support and Education Support structure and provisions. One of the recommendations of her report was that the College look at adopting UDL as an approach to teaching and learning. UDL caters well to those with learning difficulties, and what is helpful for children with learning difficulties, is helpful for all students. We will be releasing a summary of Dianne’s report in a subsequent newsletter.

 

Code of Conduct 

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

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.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.