Newman News Term 4 Week 9: From the Deputy Principal Secondary
It is with great excitement the school year comes to its conclusion. Our final week allowed students to participate in the Discovery Festival. The purpose of this inaugural event was to immerse students in different activities which reflect our Vision for Learning and Vision for Mission. The week began with the Festival of the Magnificat where students reflected on the calling to be good Christians and good citizens. The schedule for the day included presentations from Peter Bol, Olympian and recently awarded Young Western Australian of the Year, as well as Fr Liam Ryan. Each year group engaged joyfully with 24/7 Youth Ministry our student-led Marist Youth Ministry Team to launch the 2023 Game Changers program for students.
Tuesday and Wednesday offered students a range of opportunities to challenge themselves as they created new learnings in a collaborative environment. Students had the opportunity to design their own schedule for the two days with choices for each year group. Students were able to play golf, learn the art of macrame, participate in a “Tiny House Challenge” as well as an Amazing Race across the school. Student could also learn how to crochet, get involved in a game of lawn bowls and visit Marian for an afternoon of play with Kindy and Year 1 students. There as also time to prepare care packages for students at the Kuya Centre in the Philippines as well toiletry packs for the Nyoongar Outreach Services. There was also a two-day intensive Film School with an acclaimed director as well as a dungeons and dragons tournament, forensic challenge and a stock exchange simulation. Students in Year 8 were also given the opportunity to apply for a tax file number and learn more about superannuation and Year 9 students had the change to engage in a short barista course.
There really was something for everyone with their aim of allowing students to shine in their discovery. This week does not just happen, acknowledging the countless hours put in by staff, particularly our Director of Transformation Learning, Mrs Jenny Miraudo, who had a vision to give students an experience that allows students to show case their learnings from the year.
English Report
This term, the Year 8 students have had their first taste of Shakespeare by studying Romeo and Juliet. Their assessment was to perform a scene in class, complete with costumes, props and a mastery of Shakespearean language. Students delighted in the opportunity to convey a long standing feud between the Capulet and Montague families, and also share the tragic love story of star-cross’d lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Japanese Class
For many Year 8 students, this week marked the end of their 2 year Japanese language journey here at Newman. Both Japanese classes enjoyed some sushi and other Japanese treats to celebrate and say ‘Sayonara’. It is an exciting time ahead for those students who are continuing with Japanese in Year 9 as they can master and further develop their skills and knowledge of the language and culture.
Problem Based Learning Immersion Partnership with University of WA
A selected group of Year 9 students were invited to participate in a problem-based learning immersion in partnership with UWA. Students met with Dr Momoko Fujita, from the UWA Business School, and were given the challenge of designing a social media campaign to address the social issue of teen vaping. Students were introduced to the principles of marketing and some of the theory behind the appeal of social media, before working on their campaigns using the Design Thinking technique and presenting their proposals to Dr Fujita.
Congratulations to the students who attended, and thanks to Ms McKnight and Mr Farley for attending, as well as Mrs Ognenis and Mrs Miraudo for coordinating this opportunity.
2023 Student Subjects and Booklists
Students have now all received their subjects for 2023 and links for the booklists have been sent out. Please note if students have questions about their subjects, they will need to be addressed either prior to Tuesday 13 December or on return in the new year.
Please click here if you wish to access the booklist for 2023 https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/mission-learning/student-resources/
Communication for the commencement of school and expectations will be sent in the New Year. I would like to take this opportunity to with all families a happy and holy Christmas and a safe holiday break. I pray all families can use this time to come together and recognize the joy of Christmas as they recharge ready to return to school on Thursday 2 February 2023.