Newman News Term 4 Week 8: From the Vice Principal
The message of Christmas has been celebrated across the College and we are enormously proud of how students have reflected on the hope and joy that this time of year brings. The spirit of giving has been embraced through the Christmas Appeal and I hope that each student and family feel the joy the act of giving can make to others over this festive season.
K-Y11 Reports
College reports will be made available to families via SEQTA from 4.00pm on Thursday 12 December. We recommend you check that you are able to access SEQTA before this date.
Click here to access SEQTA. You can also access SEQTA via the Engage App.
If you have forgotten your login:
RESETTING YOUR PASSWORD
- Click on ‘Forgot your Password’
- Enter your email address for BOTH your username and email address (ie: your username is now your email address)
- Click on ‘Reset my Password’
- You will be emailed a link to reset your password
- NOTE: the reset link will only last one hour
Historically, reports were the main communication piece between school and home however, now with platforms such as SEQTA, Seesaw and Maths Pathways, feedback regarding the learning journey of each child is continuous and ongoing in nature. The achievement standard as mandated by the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority, describes an expected level that the majority of students are achieving or working towards by the end of that year of schooling. Some students will have progressed beyond the achievement standard; others will need additional support. The expected standard for each year is described as ‘C’ or Satisfactory.
I encourage all families to use the report as a tool for reflection, acknowledge the learning growth and resilience of your son or daughter and the opportunities each new year brings.
Staff Movements
As the 2019 academic year draws to a close, several staff will leave our community to serve as teachers and leaders in other Catholic school communities. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following staff who have served the Newman College community for a significant period of time; Mandy Keeling, (Student Data Administrator), Janine van der Heever, (Teacher of Mathematics), Tavia Pursell, (Teacher of English), Aaron Richards, (Leader of Learning Literacy), Kate Warchomij, (Leader of Wellbeing Primary), Nicola Garlick, (Teacher of Mathmatics and English), Steven Gregory, (Leader of Learning Health and Physical Education).
This year we also farewell and acknowledge the vocation, service and contribution of the following staff who are retiring and have made significant contributions to the College community and the Marist project:
- Jenny Lindsay, (Religious Education Teacher), 39 Years
- Terri White, (Education Assistant), 31 ½ Years
- Mary-Ann Burchfield, (Library Technician), 20 Years
We extend our thanks to the following members of staff who have served our College community throughout 2019.
Marcellin Campus: Jessica Bouquet, Natalee Calegari, Belinda Fogliani, Emily Longo and Michelle Wells, Lavalla Campus: Davina Sankar, Marian Campus: Jenni Brown, Maddie Ciullo and Katherine Closey.
We also wish several members of staff well as they embark on a period of extended leave in 2020; Margaret Goldsmith, Bethwyn Legg, Allison McCartan, Pauline Murphy, Tony Murphy, Nadia Napoli, Edwina Russek and Rosa Testa.
Our prayers and thoughts go to Stephanie-Kate Crothers, Ellie Jeffcoat-Sacco, Emily Watts and Lisa Webb who will all take parental leave in 2020.
Gratitude
Thank you to families, parents and carers for your support and partnership throughout the 2019 school year. A positive school experience for young people is sustained by respectful relationships and cooperation. It is a great privilege to be involved in the lives of young people and we thank you for your trust in the College to nurture your son’s and daughter’s development and growth. I also offer my most sincere gratitude to teachers and support staff for their commitment to walking with families through times of challenge, celebration, sadness and joy. Thank you for giving witness to our Catholic faith, for being positive role models and for ensuring our students shine through discovery!
Booklists, eBooks and BYODD
Booklists and eBook bundles are now available on the College website. The College partners with OfficeMax to provide school supplies and resources. eBook bundles for Years 7-10 are managed and supported by the College ITC team to ensure a positive experience for students.
Click here to access the portal to purchase the nominated devices. The College partners with Winthrop Australia to ensure the best value for families, including insurance, protection and replacement provision.
2020 Class Placements and Secondary Timetables
Primary class lists and teacher allocations will be communicated to families via SEQTA by the end of Monday 16 December.
Many factors are considered when selecting class placements for students and each child’s needs are considered when these decisions are made. Class lists are a team decision made in consultation with all teachers and support staff. Our aspiration is that every child is placed where they will have the greatest opportunity to succeed.
Secondary timetables will be available to students via SEQTA on Tuesday 31 January 2020. Year 7 students will have a comprehensive induction program to support them during their introduction to Secondary School.
Lavalla Playground 2020
We are excited to announce the development of two new play areas at the Lavalla Campus. This will include a nature play zone, with an adjacent playground with modular play equipment. These new spaces are the result of a long term commitment from the Primary Social Committee, as well as our ongoing obligation to continue to provide improved spaces for students at Lavalla.
The professionally designed areas have been created to allow for staged growth. The images below highlight the intended installation during the upcoming school holidays, and the future development plans beyond next year.
Students will have something new and exciting to look forward to upon their return to Lavalla in 2020.
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.