highlights Archives - Newman College

Newman College Teacher takes out the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Teacher Award ‘Improving Student Learning and Progress’

Nicole Dyt on 05/09/2023

Beth Murphy, Andrew Watson, Dr Lucie McCrory GAICD, Ryan von Bergheim, Justin Kirry, Simon Martino

Catherine Young – WINNER Teacher Awards 2023 ‘Improving Student Learning and Progress’

Newman College Perth is thrilled to announce and celebrate the outstanding achievement of one of our own, Catherine Young Leader of Learning PK-6, who has been announced as the recipient of the inaugural National Teacher Awards 2023 in the category Improving Student Learning and Progress.

The Teacher Awards have been developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), to recognise and commend the exceptional contributions of educators, school leaders, and support staff in K-12 school settings across Australia. Catherine, nominated by our Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning PK-12, Beth Murphy, has made numerous contributions and taken various initiatives in the field of education, with a particular focus on data literacy and enhancing student progress. This award highlights the significant impact of her work for educators, students, and the broader educational community. The award recognises Catherine’s leadership abilities, collaborative endeavours, dedication to data-driven decision-making, reliance on evidence-based practices, and continuous commitment to professional development. It underscores her role in empowering her fellow educators and cultivating a culture of ongoing improvement and professional growth among her colleagues.

The Judging Panel, comprising nine esteemed experts in the field of education, including Professor Geoff Masters, Professor Lyn Sharratt, Professor Pasi Sahlberg, Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, Associate Professor Marnee Shay, Dr Troy Meston, Ben Sacco, Alex Wharton, and Mali Jorm considered the nominations. Their expertise and rigorous evaluation process make Catherine’s achievement even more remarkable. Professor Geoff Masters, a distinguished member of the Judging Panel, remarked on the exceptional contributions made by teachers like Catherine Young to the teaching profession, student learning, and the overall wellbeing of students. The 2023 Teacher Award applicants showcased the profound passion and dedication that educators across Australia possess, and Catherine’s achievements truly stand out and this award is a recognition of Catherine’s unwavering dedication, exceptional contributions to education, and her profound impact on the lives of the students here at Newman College.

Congratulations Catherine!

The Nomination Criteria

Improving Student Learning and Progress

Every student is capable of successful learning and of making ongoing progress. This award is open to an individual or team of educators and celebrates success in improving learning and progress for students, regardless of their starting point – including those working above or below year-level expectations. Judges will be looking for elements such as:

Professional learning to support data literacy of staff
Systematic collection and use of data, from different sources, to identify: where individual students are in their learning; gaps in learning and individual student needs; appropriate teaching strategies and interventions (this may include programs to support specific cohorts of students, such as those facing disadvantage)
Using multiple sources of data to monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching
A feedback and reporting approach that aligns with the school context, teaching approaches, and student/parent needs
Teachers clearly explain students’ current knowledge, understanding and skills
Communicating student progress and long-term growth, rather than just achievement
Students understand the next steps in learning, and receive clear feedback on how to improve
Parents understand their child’s learning progress and needs, and how to best support them

Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 07/04/2022

As Term One comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to think our students, staff, and families for their support and perseverance during this challenging term. While we have faced various restrictions, the school term has been filled with many events, activities and opportunities for our students and they should be so proud of the efforts and achievements.

Our Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday morning highlighted some amazing sporting achievements and acknowledged students who in 2021, volunteered more than 20 hours of service towards the Living Marist Christian Service-Learning Program. I would particularly like to congratulate Isabelle Roper in Year 9 for her 200 hours of Service Learning throughout 2021. We were also able to acknowledge students from Years 7 to 12, who have made an outstanding contribution to College life throughout Term One with a Principal’s Award. Congratulations to all students!

I wish our students, staff and families, a Happy Easter, and a wonderful and well-deserved break. I hope that our students enjoy this time with their families and friends, and we look forward to their return to Term Two.

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

Term Two

We will welcome our students back to Term Two with Year Group assemblies on Tuesday 26 April. These assemblies will include an ANZAC Day Ceremony hosted by representatives from primary, Year 9 and the Student Leadership Team.

Uniform

A reminder that students return to Term Two in Winter Uniform. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Uniform Requirements and Personal Appearance Expectations found here.

WACE Revision Courses

There are a number of revision workshops throughout the course of the year held by external providers. These workshops include ATAR & Middle School Courses, Study Skills and Tutoring. For further information, please click here.

ECU Excursion

The Year 10 and 11 Physical Education Studies students were recently invited to visit the Sports Science facilities at ECU in Joondalup.

Students toured the facilities and heard about the post-school pathways that exist in the rapidly evolving Exercise and Sports Science industries.

The visits enabled students to see the real-world application of many of their theory concepts.

Year 11 students participated in a practical laboratory activity that extended their knowledge of the biomechanical concept of force, and under the direction of Professor Ken Nosaka, students learnt about some of the newest advancements in the Exercise and Sports Science fields, including research on the benefits of eccentric loading when performing resistance activities.

The excursions were a great opportunity to spend time in a leading tertiary institution and students left motivated and excited about the pathways that might be accessed after studying Physical Education Studies.

Year 10 students are encouraged to speak with Mr. Tremayne or one of the other PE staff if they are interested in learning more about the Year 11 and 12 courses available as they start their subject selection process.

SHINE Update

SHINE through Forensic Science

Our Year 10 students, gifted and talented in STEM, were fortunate to have Murdoch University expert in Forensic Science Cindy Palermo and Anubhav Jarial (Law student) facilitate two fascinating workshops. The first workshop required students to use blood type knowledge, solve Mathematical equations, discern patterns, and critically evaluate several pieces of evidence to determine the prime suspect in a case. Following this, students applied trigonometry to analyze a re-created blood splatter. I commend the following students for their positive engagement and critical thinking in a challenging and thought-provoking morning: Ariana Mason, Jaydon Augustus, Zoe Boss, Alyssa Coumbe, Zak Rodkiewicz, Jordan Smith, Olivia Rubens, Harper Gamble, Charlotte Laurent, Samarah Mammoliti, Angelica Rombouts, Zoe Trovato, Lucas March, Zara Kok, Hideki Duque, Saskia Chesson, Keira Reynolds, Seth Fox and Marcus Malaxos. I would also like to thank Mr Brad Cotterell and Mr Justin Farley for his support of students during the morning.

SHINE through problem solving

Year 9 gifted and talented students in STEM were also fortunate to have Murdoch University lead them through the Rube Goldberg challenge. After an introduction to the machine students were challenged to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills build their own Rube Goldberg machine under time constraints. The following students should be proud of their effort and commitment to the problem-solving task: Grace Gordon, Leonardo Mason, Tomas Macri, Chloe Byrne, Charlie Cossom, Stefano Rapanaro, Laura Nolan, Abigail Fowler, Rebecca Rubens, Amelia Ng, Dyllan Roberts, Kate Le, Jenna King, Ethan Wynne, Kevin Xanthis and Sebastian Dziedzic. I would also like to thank Mr Naylor and Mr Nelson for their support of students during the workshop.

Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Nicole Dyt on 07/04/2022

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it” JM Barrie – Peter Pan

At the end of what has been a very busy, and often tumultuous term, I am pleased to be able to sit back and reflect on the many great achievements and moments of celebration that our students have experienced over the past ten weeks. Despite the challenges that this term has presented, such as our inability to gather for liturgies and assemblies, having to take events online, and beginning mask wearing throughout the school day, our students have continued to believe in their ability to overcome each challenge and show us how they can fly. It is no coincidence that one of our College’s pedagogical pillars is Challenge; the skills that our students have learnt in facing this term’s challenges, such as resilience and a growth mindset will stay with them as they continue their educational journey.

My sincere thanks are extended to our amazing teaching team, who have once again shown that teaching is not just a career but a vocation. The challenges of COVID this term have resulted in teachers often being required to work longer and even harder in ensuring that their students learning remained unaffected. This has involved teachers preparing lessons and resources in support of other classes, supporting relief staff when someone was unwell or isolating, picking up extra recess or lunch duties, keeping in touch and preparing learning packs for isolating students (whilst still being present to their face-to-face class) and engaging in remote learning (sometimes even when they have been a bit unwell themselves!) What a team! I hope that our teachers, along with our students and families have a very well-deserved and restful Easter break. We look forward to everyone returning in Term 2, with a sense of rejuvenation and the energy to combat whatever Term 2 may present us with.

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

Project Compassion

Many thanks to our families for their support of Project Compassion throughout Lent. Your generous support can help change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. To learn more about Project Compassion you can go HERE.

Easter Raffle

Our annual Easter Raffle was once again a huge success in contributing to our Project Compassion fundraising efforts. The winners of the raffle were drawn at the end assembly on Friday morning with the Easter Bunny delivering prizes to students across Pre-Kindy to Year 6.

Thank you to Mrs Jane Short, for her coordination of the raffle and the parent helpers who assisted in wrapping and assembling the prizes.

Lavalla Campus Assembly

Thank you to Mrs Robyn Hatchett and the Year 6 Green students for their wonderful assembly performance. Your energy and enthusiasm is to be commended, particularly on the last day of term. We are so grateful for all your efforts in putting the assembly together,

A big congratulations to all our Merit Award winners on their fantastic achievements.

Year 1 Zoo Excursion

Year 1 students had an adventure at the Perth Zoo on Monday, as they consolidated their Science Unit on Life and Living. Thank you to the parents that were able to assist as Excursion Helpers on the day.

Year 2 Bunnings Incursion

In Science this term, Year 2 have been learning about the Earth’s important resources. As a final project for their Science unit, Bunnings provided an incursion on creating a mini school garden. Students discussed how water, soil and the sun as well as many other resources, support our plants and creatures. Each student planted their own vegetable, which they ae excited to watch grow, ready for harvesting. We hope that these garden beds continue to promote learning with all Marian students and promote our College’s focus on sustainability.

Mercycare School Holiday Program

Mercycare’s School Holiday program has a range of exciting incursions and excursions available throughout this upcoming Easter holiday period. The service is open to currently enrolled students of Newman College and operates from 7am to 6pm each day. Families interested in enrolling their child into the program should contact Luisa on 0409 065 996 or Newman_OSHC@mercycare.com.au. Details of the upcoming holiday program can be found below.

School Photos Days

A reminder to all families that our photo days are taking place on the following days:

Years 3-6 (Lavalla Campus) – Friday 29 April 2022
Kindy, Year 1 & Year 2 (Marian Campus) – Friday 13 May 2022
Pre-Primary TBC

Students should now have received their school photo order envelope. The order envelopes are printed uniquely for each student. On photo day, the camera links to the bar code on the order envelope, therefore it is extremely important that every student returns their envelope on photo day – even if families are not buying photos. The instructions to parents are printed on the envelope and are self explanatory. Parents will notice that they have a wide choice of photo packs available to purchase.

Uniform Expectations

Kindy – Students have the option to wear their Newman College t-shirt

Pre Primary – Students must wear their Newman College Tracksuit (tracksuit pants are preferred)

Years 1-6 – Students must wear their full winter uniform. Boys can wear either their shorts or trousers and girls are welcome to wear their dress or skorts (Years 4-6 to wear their blazer)

We hope that all students can be present at school this day, as school photos often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.

Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 07/04/2022

The end of Term 1 coincides with the end of Lent. This period of 40 days before Easter is a time for us to recalibrate our focus on what is truly important through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Our students have demonstrated a spirit of generosity throughout the term in the way they have supported our fundraising initiatives for Lismore and Project Compassion. As we prepare for Holy Week and enter the Easter period, we encourage our families to contemplate this journey and how we can be Easter people and bring new life into our communities through our relationship with God, ourselves and most importantly each other. On Wednesday 6 April, our students from Marcellin participated in the Easter Liturgy, click here to watch. Students from Marian and Lavalla reflected on the Easter story through their liturgy, beautifully put together by our Year 1 class. Click here to watch.

It has been another big term for the Ministry office and I am grateful to the support of all our staff, students and families. I look forward to another term of advocacy, service and prayer in Term 2.

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly.

Year 11 Game Changer Retreat – March 29

Each Game Changers group takes part in an annual Retreat Day. These days are facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry and offer an opportunity for Game Changers to connect and build community with each other. The program features 3 main sessions, with an opportunity for large and small group discussion. The aim is to energise students in their ongoing journey as well as allow space and time to gather and plan for their leadership and service opportunities within and beyond the school context.

‘One does not live on bread alone’ Matthew 4, was the opening idea for our Year 11 Game Changers Retreat. We focused on our Five F’s: family, fun, faith, friends and fitness, reflecting on how we live these out in our lives at the moment, and perhaps how we can improve on them.  We discussed the fragility of life through the metaphor of the ‘Jenga tower’ and considered who helps us pick up the pieces when things become unsteady.

 “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10, once we had established our requirements for a supported and fulfilled life, we explored how we can contribute to society and how we can use our unique gifts and talents to create abundance for ourselves and those in our communities. A restorative and inspiring day, the students felt invigorated to return to school life, to bring a relaxed and innovative approach to recognising potential and creating a better future for themselves and others.
Mrs Aleisha Bryson, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy

Our next Game Changers Retreat will be held on April 29 for Year 9 Students.

Project Compassion

Newman College would like to express sincere thanks to all those who helped with our last push towards achieving our goal for Project Compassion. The funds raised doubled in just a week as students participated in a range of activities across the College, digging deep into their pockets.

The sales from the famous Primary School Easter raffle, free dress day, teacher raffle and hula hoop throw competition all contributed towards accelerating our awareness and contribution of funds for those communities around the world in need of our small donations.

As Mr Martino could be heard time and time again quoting “$2 or $5, will barely be noticed by most of us, it may mean we go without a want, like a waffle or ice-cream from the canteen. But for these people it could mean the difference of eating, access to water or safe practices within their community.” We saw this in action with Pastoral Care Groups such as Romero 7 and Camara 10 taking on the challenge as a group and astounding all with the results of their commitment and generosity.

Students across Marian and Lavalla have continued raising awareness and funds for Project Compassion’s Caritas appeal. Our Year 4 students have organised a ‘Walk for Water’ event where students have carried buckets of water around the oval to experience what many young people around the world have to do each day. Our Year 6 students have been assisting in the organisation of our Easter Raffle and have also organised a number of competitions including, guess the lollies in the jar with all proceeds supporting Caritas.

A heartfelt thankyou to everyone who helped in the organising and running of the events, as well as those who participated and donated their time and money. Looking forward to sharing out totals next term.

Student Reflections

Walk for Water

Today we organised a ‘Walk for Water’ event for the Year 4 students. We have been learning how many people around the world have to walk each day to get fresh water. To help our class understand how that feels like we set up a relay around the oval where each team had to carry a bucket of water.

Sienna, Poppy, Vivienne and Stella (4 Red)

Easter Raffle

Today there was great excitement as we drew the prizes from our annual Easter Raffle. Many thanks to the generous donations already from our families. Thank you also to the students and parents who assisted with the wrapping of the prizes. All funds raised have been donated to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal this Lent.

Year 6 Fundraising

In Year 6 we have spent time listening to Project Compassion stories and how Caritas helps those in need around the world. We decided to organise a lolly guessing competition with all the money raised donated to Caritas’s Project Compassion appeal. We hope the money raised helps lives in need and provides opportunities for those people who are not as lucky as we are.

Ella, Lola, Olivia, Chloe, Emmersyn (Year 6)

Year 7 Retreat Day

As part of their Year 7 experience, students attended a Retreat Day organised by the College and facilitated by 24/7 Youth Ministry who are specifically trained for this role.  The Retreat Day follows our Vision for Mission “Good Christians and Good Citizens” as we offer students an opportunity away from their normal school routine to pause and reflect on their relationship with creation, others, themselves, and God. Students have found these experiences to be both positive and rewarding.

The next Retreat Day on the Marcellin Campus is scheduled for our Year 8 Students on May 26.

Thursday Morning Mass

Thursday Morning Mass will continue in Term 2 for students across the College. Mass begins at 8.10 am in the Champagnat Chapel and is celebrated by our local priests.

Week 1, Thursday 28 April; Year 12 Students
Week 2, Thursday 5 May; Year 3 Students

Newman News Term 1 Week 10 : From the Vice Principal

Nicole Dyt on 07/04/2022

The end of term has come, and the celebration of Easter is nearly upon us. I am confident that most of our community members are welcoming the much-needed rest, relaxation of routine and time with family and friends. Despite the constraints around gathering as a community, students in PK-12 were able to celebrate the Easter story at reformatted liturgies, which included online presentations and small class gatherings. Throughout the Lenten period, we asked students and families to support fundraisers for Project Compassion and Caritas. Thank you for your generosity.

Next term will see the winter uniform return for our students. Can I please take this opportunity to remind you to check clothing sizes for fit and ensure hair styles are in line with the expectations of our community prior to the start of term. We are hoping to recommence the term with a clear focus on learning and we do not wish for unnecessary distractions to take us away from our core business.

As we celebrate Easter, in keeping with our 2022 Marist Theme ‘Known and Loved – Dignity for all’, may we remember God’s perfect love for all humans, in their richness and diversity, and may that love fill us with hope and a growing realisation of our unity, as one human-kind. Happy Easter.

Key Dates

College Calendar Link – In recent times, our school calendar has changed regularly. Incursions, Excursions, Retreats, Carnivals, Year 12 Ball, to name a few, have all had to be cancelled/postponed or delivered in a different format. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and support. We encourage you to continue to look at the online College calendar as entries are updated daily.

Staffing

The following staff are leaving our College community to pursue other endeavours for which we wish them every success. We thank them for the support they have given to both students and staff during their time here.

Cristina Guzzomi

Melissa Gordon

Remmi Missell

Kelly Fitzpatrick, Leader of Wellbeing Year 8, will be commencing maternity leave at the end of Week Two, Term Two, and Hannah Parker, Leader of Learning Science will be taking maternity leave from the end of Week 4. We wish both Kelly and Hannah well with their first journeys into motherhood.

We look forward to welcoming Scott Smith into our College community and Marist family, in the role of Leader of Wellbeing Year 8. We are also welcoming Giorgia Bakeberg to our community as a Science and Mathematics teacher from the start of Term 2 and Olivia Biasin in the capacity of Art Technician PK-12.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews – Years 8-10

Parent, Teacher, and Student interviews for students in Years 8-10 are being held online on Thursday 28 April from 4.00pm-8.00pm via TEAMS. Details have already been emailed to relevant families.

Uniform Shop

All stock of bathers and rash vests have been delivered to the uniform shop. A reminder to families that from the start of next year (delayed by a year) these items are compulsory for students in Years 3 to 10. Students will be engaged in swimming for the following periods of time.

Aquatics summary

All Years 3 – 6 students swim in Term 1 during HPE and at the carnival and engage in swimming lessons during Term 4.
All Year 7-10 students swim for the duration of Term 1 approximately 22-27 lessons.
Year 9 students swim for an additional 4 weeks in Term 3 as they complete a lifesaving module (approximately 12 lessons).
Year 10 students complete a 4-week water polo module that will start in week 9 of Term 3 (approximately 12 lessons).

Term 2 Information

All students will return on Tuesday 26 April. Monday 25 April is ANZAC Day, which is a public holiday.

Uniform Expectations

All students are reminded of the expectations relating to their personal presentation. Please Click Here  to access uniform requirements and guidelines.  If you need to purchase new uniform items, please ensure you give yourself adequate time.

COVID 19

There will be no COVID-19 reporting completed over the holiday period by our staff. However, if your child is required to isolate from the second week, please complete the online form to alert us to the absentee, and the positive case or household contact. All forms and information regarding COVID can be found on the Website.

Code of Conduct

Please click here to download the Newman College Code of Conduct for Parents.