Newman News Term 1 Week 6: From the Head of Primary

Teachers work tirelessly to develop social and emotional skills in each student, to help them understand the core concepts of Literacy and Numeracy, to engage them through the Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery and grow them in their faith. This occurs every day and is a remarkable feat. One challenge that we must work in partnership with parents, is building student independence. This is a critical skill that will support them in all of their future pursuits. It is a fine balance between letting them take on challenges by themselves, supporting them without “doing” it for them and helping them bounce back when they make mistakes. As a PK-12 College, we continually challenge our students to become independent learners, independent individuals and confident young men and women.

BUILDING RESILIENT AND RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS PARENT SESSIONS

9 Ways to a Resilient Child (content is most suited for Early Childhood parents)

Parents will learn the psychological secrets that build their child’s sense of identity, strengths and growth mindset in order to perform better, be happier and build resilience. 9 Ways to a Resilient Child is based on Dr Justin Coulson’s best-selling book and shows parents how to help their children cope powerfully and positively with the challenges that life throws at them.
When: Monday 25 March, 9.00am – 10.30am
Where: Marist Auditorium
RSVP: jo.dunn@newman.wa.edu.au

Respectful Relationships; Love at Home – How to get along with your kids and help them get along with you (and their siblings)

We all say we get along just fine at home… but there are those uncomfortable niggles. There’s the eye-rolling, the disrespect, the lack of motivation to help out, and the sibling warfare. If we’re honest, most adults have been known to shout a bit too, and let’s face it, we don’t always listen that well to our kids. Conflict and friction at home cause more trouble than we need, and interfere with everyone’s wellbeing. Wouldn’t it be great if there were some simple, practical things we could do to help everyone get along better – starting right now? Parents will learn the best ‘relationship rules’ for a happier family so home life really does feel loving… most of the time! The presentation will be followed by a Question and Answer session.
When: Monday 25 March, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Marist Auditorium
RSVP: jo.dunn@newman.wa.edu.au

Marcellin Award

Congratulations to the following students who received a Marcellin Award in Weeks 5 and 6:

Kade Mendes, Year 5: Kade is described as a thoughtful student who doesn’t think twice about prioritising to help his peers or others on the playground. He volunteers to do tasks around the classroom and again to help others when in need. Kade has impeccable manners and other students have recognised his wonderful nature and have commented on it. He is a very hard worker trying to complete set tasks to the best of his ability, as well as pushing himself to do better. Kade never gives up if something is difficult but comes and ask for help or clarification to complete the task. Kade is a campaigner for anyone who may need a friend and goes out of his way to treat every single person with respect and kindness. This is at the core of his make-up and a beautiful thing to witness.

Berkley Blizzard, Year 2: For living the Marist characteristic In the Way of Mary to help find a friend’s lost drink bottle.

The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly. At Lavalla Campus, the Marcellin Award is presented at campus assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.

Updated ICT Policy

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes any electronic device or application used to communicate, create, disseminate, store or manage information such as text, images, audio or video.
Students have the right to learn in a safe environment, including when they have access to ICT to enhance their learning. Newman College is committed to the responsible and educational use of ICT and to the protection of students by providing secure access to these services as part of their learning experience.

The College has completed a period of evaluation on the effectiveness of its ICT policy. While this process involved exploring the current use of ICT at the College, it also involved working with other schools in the Metropolitan area as well as direction from Catholic Education Western Australia. The updated policy is now available for parents, staff and students via the College website. Download ICT Policy

Author Spotlight @ the Lavalla Library

This term, the Lavalla Library has had an author focus on David Walliams. A great display has been prepared by Ms Bailey and it has been wonderful to see students enjoying dipping into these humorous stories.

Lavalla Eco Ninjas and Marian Sustainability

Last year a group of dedicated students formed a sustainability committee called the Eco Ninjas on the Lavalla Campus. The team have been working to improve the campus by reducing waste, growing vegetables and to inform students about sustainability and the environment. The Ninjas have recently received a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant of $1000 and look forward to using these funds to continue to improve our school. Thank you Mrs Stannard for your efforts in this process.

The students at the Marian Campus continue to provide their food scraps for the worm farm. We have the nutrient rich “worm juice” available for sale for $2.00. It is great for the garden.

New York Arts Tour Movie Afternoon Fundraiser

To support the 2019 New York Arts Tour, a family movie afternoon is being held for students and families in Pre Kindy – Year 8. The movie HOP will be showing in the Marist Auditorium on Wednesday 10 April. Click here to purchase tickets.

Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges 2019

Entries are now being accepted for the 30th Annual Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges. Students in Years 4-12 are encouraged to participate. Please register your interest with the Arts Department on the Marcellin Campus by Sunday 12 May to Margaret.Goldsmith@newman.wa.edu.au For more information visit www.catholicarts.wa.edu.au

Primary Social Committee – New President

At the recent Primary Social Committee AGM, a new President was nominated. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Nicole Barnao is the President for 2019. I would like to thank Mr Michael Arnold for his time as President and to Mr Sean Boss for his dedication to this committee and the College.

Parent Drop Off

Parents are reminded that students must not be dropped off at school before 8.20am. The College offers duty of care from 8.20am onwards and it is not safe for your child to be left unattended.

iPads Before and After School

As we work to ensure our students are cyber safe, we remind students that they are not permitted to use their iPads before or after school. The device is only used under teacher supervision and we ask parents to support the College in this matter.

Parent Teacher Meetings

It is critical that parents and teachers work together to support the educational development of every child. This is why we encourage parents to arrange a meeting with their child’s teacher to discuss their learning. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please email your child’s teacher and a time will be offered.

Year 12 Biology Excursion

On Thursday 7 March, the Year 12 Biology students visited the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. After a short lecture (and a fun game) on the processes involved, students had the opportunity to conduct a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Gel Electrophoresis. PCR is used in medical research to amplify small quantities of DNA while Gel Electrophoresis is used to analyse and compare this DNA to other samples. These methods are used regularly at the Institute to help in the diagnosis of diseases such as skin cancer.

Krystal Skelin, Science Co-Ordinator

Student Reflections

“The trip to Harry Perkins was a very beneficial excursion. It was very enjoyable to be able to tour and learn in a premier science lab in Perth. My favourite part was being able to carry out our own Gel Electrophoresis experiment using all of the facility’s expensive equipment. I’d like to thank Ms Skelin and the Science Department for organising this excursion for us.”

“I really enjoyed being able to work in a lab first-hand and get an idea of what it would be like to work there. This was a really valuable experience as all of us are going to be applying for university soon. The people there were really easy to talk to and provided lots of useful information and it really helped me figure out what I would like to do with my future!”

Year 10 Damascus Day Retreat

On Wednesday 6 March, the Year 10 cohort enjoyed their Damascus Day Retreat, with the keen focus being on servant leadership. The retreat was hosted by the Youth Mission Team, a group of young adults who give up a year of their life to minister to high school aged youth all around the country. It was a fantastic day filled with high energy games to get the Year 10’s moving but also thinking about the deeper meaning behind each of the activities that they were led through.

Some of the key focal points for the day were:

  • For students to appreciate their own worth as a starting point of their leadership journey; for students to understand what leadership looks like and the relationship between leadership and service
  • That students would encounter the core Gospel values that drive true servant leadership and
  • That students would recognise that it is both possible and desirable to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, only to help them serve as He served.

Each session had a particular theme following the trait of Integrity, helping students to identify integrity as the most valuable quality in a leader, but also the capacity to be true to themselves and their own beliefs and values, regardless of the pressure that others may place on them. It was a great way to be able to spend time as a cohort, to build relationships and community, but also to engage on a more personal level by inviting Jesus to empower us as leaders and to pray for the grace to be instruments of His love.

The day ended with an Ash Wednesday Liturgy led by the students and the launch of Project Compassion for 2019. Overall a truly memorable experience.

Year 12 Earth & Environmental Science Excursion

The Year 12 ATAR Earth & Environmental Science students investigated the metamorphic rocks of the Western Gneiss Terrane last week at the picturesque Bells Rapids Park, where the Swan River crosses the Darling Escarpment. The investigation included structural and geological mapping, geological modelling and interpretation of a complex geological sequence. The experience was a highlight of Term 1 and the team displayed excellent enthusiasm and geological skill. The experience allowed each student to apply all the theory that they have learned in class to a fantastic field environment. Well done to our young geologists!

Newman News Term 1 Week 4 – From the Principal

High Achievers Assembly

At our recent High Achievers Assembly, we celebrated the efforts of our Graduating Class of 2018. Their results exemplified the commitment of cohort to individual and collective excellence supported by outstanding teachers and supportive families. Jai Taylor addressed the assembly and provided sound advice to the students about how to navigate their final years of school. This included cultivating relationships with both teachers and friends, having balance, working hard, participating in school life and setting goals. As a community, our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery – let your light shine engages our students to challenge themselves to pursue excellence. This vision permeates every aspect of our school seeking to underpin our actions and invariably our culture. At our recent PK-Y2 Parent Information Night, I addressed the importance of the school / parent relationship in supporting and promoting our culture of excellence. Reinforcing our Vision for Learning assists in building our culture and developing relationships where student and parent voice are valued and acknowledged.

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2018 and we wish them every success in their journey ahead.Download 2019 High Achievers Assembly Principal Speech

National Redress Scheme

The Marist Brothers Province of Australia joined the National Address Scheme on Thursday 28 February. Br Peter Carroll in his letter to all Marists in Australia states:

“Today’s announcement of our inclusion in the National Redress Scheme is the culmination of more hard work to ensure that survivors of abuse now have an alternative path, independent of the Institute, to seek recognition and redress for what they have endured.

Through the National Redress Scheme, those who have experienced abuse will be given access to personal approach such as an apology, if they choose it, as well as counselling and monetary payments.

Now that our membership as a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme has been declared, on behalf of all Marists, I earnestly hope that its work brings some small measure of healing to those who have been wronged.”

Please take time to read his letter in full Download Participation in National Redress Scheme