Newman News Term 4 Week 8: From the Principal
This week we celebrated Miracle on Bethlehem Street on our College oval for our PK-6 community. The children emanated joy and fervour as they all took part in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Click here to see more photos from the event.
The significance of this historical event defined the world in which we now live as a Catholic community. During this Advent season, we await the coming of Christ and with it the expectations of new life and a new beginning. In an increasingly secular time, our Christmas liturgy was a timely reminder of the importance of what it means to be part of a family. The love and care within each family is critical in the lives of our children and our greatest illustration of this is the story of a young couple from rural Israel searching for a place, a room at an inn for the birth of their child. Christmas is a special time in my own family particularly as most of my extended family live in the Eastern States. For Anita, the children and I, the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ at our local parish brings much love, hope and joy to our little family. The giving of presents of course is a highlight as it represents the appreciation, value and love we have for each other. I encourage all families to take the time to visit their local parish to celebrate Christmas Mass. This is a special time of year for all Christians and for all families. Enjoy the time together!
Marist Schools Australia Annual Awards
Last week, Marist Schools Australia presented awards for Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education. Our very own Tony and Pauline Murphy were two members of the Marist network to receive this award this year. Tony and Pauline exemplify what it is to be Marist, and as such met the criteria for this award:
- A contribution to Marist education beyond the ordinary. Such significance would be evident through the personifying of a characteristically Marist approach to ministry over a long period, service above and beyond what would be expected, and/or a major contribution to a particular Marist project or initiative;
- Evidence of spiritual identification with the deep purposes of Marist education.
I welcome parents and guardians to read the citation that was read at the MSA Awards Ceremony in Melbourne on 30 November.
Download The Murphy’s Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education Citation
College Awards
At a local level, today we celebrated the Years 7-11 Awards for the academic, cultural and sporting pursuits of students. Congratulations to all award recipients who were recognised in their commitment, efforts and achievements throughout the year. Click here for the full list of award recipients and more photos from the event.
At our Awards Assembly, I reflected on the recent Philippines Immersion where we visited children who do not have the same rights and privileges as those who live in the Western Suburbs of Perth. I asked our students to view their education as a precious gift and to embrace the opportunities afforded to them to enhance their Newman College experience.
Download Principal’s Years 7-12 Awards Speech
We now look forward to our Lavalla Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 10 December.
As we close the school year, we look back on the myriad events and activities that took place and I thank the students for immersing themselves in all that was offered. I implore parents and guardians to read the 2019 Yearbook which captures so beautifully a great snapshot of the year. (The Yearbook will be distributed on Tuesday 10 December).
I would like to wish each family a blessed and joy-filled Christmas with family and friends. I ask that you take the time to reflect on the purpose of the Christmas season and the hope that it brings.