Newman News Term 1 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Jo Dunn on 25/02/2022

I was recently reading the book “Don’t sweat the small stuff” by Richard Carlson and I reflected on the chapter titled ‘Allow yourself to be bored’. Immediately, I could see the relevance that this has in the lives of our students. Carlson outlines how by allowing ourselves to feel bored, these feelings will eventually be replaced by feelings of peace and then eventually, we learn to relax. The chapter discussed how much of our anxiety and inner struggle stems from “our busy, ative minds always needing something to entertain them, something to focus on, and always wondering “What’s next?”.

In our increasingly digitised world, we are seeing an increase in children’s levels of anxiety. Perhaps this can be attributed to the lack of boredom that children are exposed to, when they have high levels of access to gaming and digital medias? A recent report by the OECD discusses the link between children’s mental health and the amount of time spent online by children, and certainly provides some food for thought.

Providing children with unscheduled opportunities of downtime where they can unplug and relax, is so important. I would also strongly encourage families to set clear and specific boundaries around the amount of time your child spends connected to digital technology, as well as what they can access.

Last year, the College was fortunate to have Taryn Wren from ySafe present at one of the Newman Parents information evenings. The ySafe website has some fantastic resources to assist parents in navigating this complex area. I encourage you to explore the resources, and in particular the 2 blogs Taming the Techno Tantrum and From Breakdown to Breakthrough.

If you are unfamiliar with how to set up parental controls on your child’s iPad, this resource by Apple provides detailed instructions on how to go about it. Your child’s classroom teacher is also a valuable asset in your partnership with establishing clear and consistent boundaries and expectations.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar. 

Parent Information Presentations 

Information evenings for all of our year groups went online this year. A copy of each of the presentations is available below. Please use the links to access individual presentations.

Pancake Tuesday 

To raise money for Caritas’ Project Compassion, students across PK-6 will be able to purchase a pancake on Tuesday 1 March. Marian Campus students should bring $2 to their classroom teacher if they would like to purchase a pancake at recess time. Lavalla students will be able to purchase pancakes at recess for $2 each or 3 pancakes for $5.

Please refer to the correspondence sent via Seesaw and email for further information.

Confirmation Retreat 

This term our Year 6 students have been learning about the Sacrament of Confirmation, in preparation to receive the sacrament later in the year. Next Thursday, March 3, our Year 6 students will be participating in a Confirmation Retreat, facilitated by 24:7 Youth Ministry. This fun and engaging retreat is an opportunity for our students to join in several activities to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Dance Troupe Auditions

The Newman College Dance Troupe provides keen dancers with a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded dancers. Miss Missell (Dance and Drama Teacher PP- Yr 6) will be holding auditions for the Primary Dance Troupe Year 5 & 6 only, on Wednesday 27 April at 7.00am in the Marist Auditorium.

Students who are successful in their audition will be invited to join the Dance Troupe and they will be expected to attend rehearsals each week, on Wednesday mornings at 7.30am.

If your child would like to audition please email Miss Rimmell directly via remmi.missell@newman.wa.edu.au

Absentee Process

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, parents are reminded to advise the school via email at absenteeprimary@newman.wa.edu.au. Please state the reason for your child’s absence (eg. unwell, medical appointment etc).

We have found that some families are emailing their child’s classroom teacher directly. This then results in our Administration staff needing to send absentee alerts to families and follow-up these absences unnecessarily. Thank you for your support.

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 11/02/2022

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” John 10:14 and He deeply knows, and He truly loves.

As we settle into a new year, albeit with another topsy-turvy start, the Ministry Team would like to remind us all to Breathe, as we all did so beautifully last year but, also in these uncertain times, that the relationships we foster at Newman College must remain true and steadfast.

Our theme this year – Known and Loved: dignity for all – clearly conveys that we can love others because we are first loved by God. “We love because he first loved us,” writes John (1 John 4:19). This is the life we are invited into. This relational love is the deepest reality of the Christian life. Knowing and loving is the call of being a Marist educator. It is also the call of every parent and, in our communities, we all seek to know and to show love to young people. Following the creed of St Marcellin Champagnat, we Marists have always shown love for our students. But the nature of these times, when our interactions are often limited by the cold interface of Teams, blocked by necessary face masks or staged two metres apart, reminds us to let young people know that they are fully known and loved because then they can be themselves and feel deeply loved for being just who they are.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Retreat 

The Year 12 retreat is a significant part of the school journey and integral to our Vision for Mission: to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”. The retreat aims to assist students in recognising the importance of holistic development and to give further understanding of living life to the full. Students will be given time to reflect on relationships with family, self, others, and God and will be encouraged to contemplate who they are and who they are called to be.

Communication has been sent to families regarding changes to the Year 12 Retreat for 2022 and can be found here.

Sacramental Information 

Newman College, in partnership with the local parishes, prepares every child for the Sacraments through the Religious Education programs.

  • Year 3 – Reconciliation
  • Year 4 – Eucharist
  • Year 6 – Confirmation

In accordance with the guidelines from the Archdiocese, Sacraments are received in the local parish.  Families wanting their children to receive the Sacraments are required to enrol them in the parish community in which they regularly participate.  Enrolments are usually required early this term. If you have not already done so, please contact your Parish Priest or the Sacrament Coordinator at your local parish.

Please refer to the below links for further information regarding Sacrament dates and registration:

If you have any queries, please contact Jane Short, Religious Education Coordinator Primary, jane.short@newman.wa.edu.au 

Youth Ministry & Advocacy 

St Marcellin Champagnat’s desire for every child was that “We aim at something better… to give them Christian spirit, attitudes and virtues possessed by good Christians and good citizens.” Newman College seeks to provide opportunities to students and families to live out the Christian mission. Here are some of the ways students can get involved in 2022.

  • Game Changers: Game Changers is a Marist Youth Program facilitated in Marist schools  around Australia, that encourages students to focus on the areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12. Groups gather on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 – 4:30 every second week, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. If you would like your son or daughter to become involved in Game Changers please contact Aleisha Bryson.
  • Living Marist: Our Christian Service-Learning Program for Years 7, 8 and 9. The program is commences in Term 1 and concludes in Term 3. Students are expected to complete 10 hours of community service during this time. The College will provide opportunities for students, as well as expect students to find their own volunteering experiences.
  • Marist Connect nights: An opportunity for students in Year 11 and 12 to meet with students from St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College to develop relationships and grow a wider network facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry.

In 2022 we are committed once again to supporting the following organisations:

  • Caritas: Project Compassion and Caritas Fast, students will be involved in fundraising activities during Lent in Term 1 with all proceeds going to Caritas.
  • Saint Vincent de Paul: Blanket Appeal and Christmas Appeal, the opportunity to provide support to people in need within our own community, families are requested to bring in a blanket during winter and food and drink for Christmas hampers.
  • Lifelink: As part of our support of Lifelink, the outreach agency of the Archdiocese, in Term 3 we align our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption with our annual Walkathon.
  • Australian Marist Solidarity: Term 2 we celebrate Champagnat Day with our annual Fete Day. All proceeds on this day go to Australian Marist Solidarity with a focus on the Kuya Centre for Street Children and this year including Timor Leste where the Marist’s are building a new school.
  • Catholic Mission: Term 4 we raise awareness for Catholic Mission through Socktober. Events associated with this are Soccer-based and pertain to fostering an understanding of the lives of underprivileged in neighbouring countries.

Information will be shared throughout the year.

Thursday Morning Community Mass 

Mass will continue in Week 4 in the Champagnat Chapel. Unfortunately due to the current Covid advice from WA Health, families and members of the public are unable to attend. Mass will be open to staff and students only. Thank you for your understanding.

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 11/02/2022

Welcome to the 2022 school year! I would particularly like to welcome our students and families joining the Newman College community for the first time. It has been wonderful to have the students back on campus and they are to be congratulated on a great start to the year. Students have responded well to the challenges and opportunities that a new school year presents, and I am looking forward to the rest of 2022 with hope and excitement.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar.

Year 12 Legacy Presentation 

Our Year 12 students kicked off their final year of schooling with a presentation from Brendan Spillane. Brendan was a former teacher and principal and has worked with senior leaders from business, education, and elite sports. Our Year 12 students were fortunate to hear his insights on Legacy. Brendan challenged the students to reflect on the legacy the Class of 2022 plans to leave behind, telling them that legacy is something that each student will have the chance to leave behind, and it is our hope that all students take this chance to leave a lasting mark on the College community.

Brendan spoke to the Year 12 students about the Circle of Influence, a particularly important lesson for the graduating class. He reminded them that throughout the year, there will be things in their circle of concern that are out of their control and encouraged them to be more mindful of the things they can influence.

Brendan left the Year 12s with the following wise messages:

  • Legacy is an action, not a wish.
  • Work from your Circle of Influence.
  • Legacy is built in small moments…so there are not small moments. Use them well.
  • Our personal legacy is a tribute to our quiet heroes.
  • Our group legacy is determined by the actions we take together.
  • Hand Year 12 on STRONG because of who you were together.

Year 11 & 12 Parent Information Presentations 

Year 11 and 12 Parent Information Presentations have been available online this week. Each video contains important information for the year ahead and explains some updates in the Senior School Assessment Policy. I encourage all Year 11 and 12 students to watch the video with their families. Links to the videos can be found below:

High Achievers Assembly 

The achievements of the Class of 2021 were outstanding and we are looking forward to celebrating our High Achievers during assembly on Wednesday 16 February. Students in Years 7 – 12 will be able watch online from their PCG class. The Year 6 and 12 Student Leader Commissioning will also be included in our High Achievers Assembly.

Swimming Carnival

Information regarding the Year 7 – 12 Swimming Carnival was communicated to families on Thursday 10 February. Click here to view the correspondence.

Transperth School Bus Services

Transperth have notified the College that there are a number of Newman College students using the School Bus Services with insufficient funds on their SmartRiders. If your child utilises the Transperth School Bus Servcies, please ensure that they have sufficient funds for their journey.

Please be reminded that all Year 7 – 12 students must wear a mask when using public transport.

Year 7, 8, 9 Parent Information Presentations

The Year 8 & 9 Parent Information Presentations will be made available online on Monday 21 February.

The Year 7 Parent Information Presentation and Subject Expo will be postponed and made available online to families on Thursday 3 March. The Subject Expo aims to give families information on the various subjects studied in Year 7.

A link will be sent to families on the evening of each presentation, and it is encouraged that students watch the presentations with their parents.

Year 7 Elevate Education Parent Session

In 2022, we are excited to offer our Year 7 students targeted study skills through Elevate Education. The Year 7 students will participate in a Study Skills Kick Start Wednesday 23 February, where the seminar will focus on the transition process from primary to secondary education and introduce students to the fundamental skills that they need to be using over the coming years.

An online parent information session will be held on Tuesday 22 February. The workshop aims to equip parents with a number of practical tips to provide effective support for students at home. The parent seminar will cover:

Study environment: Discussion of what an ideal study environment looks like, and how to ensure students are able to maximise concentration.
Technology: What role technology plays in aiding study, and how to ensure it doesn’t become an enormous distraction.

Best practices: Exposition of a number of core skills presented to the students, and signs to look for at home when students are straying from their use.
Q & A

Please register your interest in this seminar here.

Year 12 Carpark

Due to ongoing capital development at the College, we are unable to provide student parking on College grounds for the remainder of the term. This will be reviewed for Term 2.

Marcellin Campus Visitors

Please be reminded that all visitors to the Marcellin Campus should enter and sign in at Front Reception. Thank you for your cooperation.

Canteen payments

Students are not permitted to make payments at the Canteen using their phone. From Week 3, the Canteen will only accept payments with a SmartRider, cash or card.

Personal Presentation

Thank you to students and parents for the way in which the year has begun. It was pleasing to see the majority of our students arrive on the first day meeting the College Uniform and Personal Presentation requirements. Just a few reminders for families and students:

  • Students with hair longer than the bottom of the collar must have their hair tied back and clear of the face.
  • Jewellery is restricted to a watch, a discrete cross or religious symbol on a fine, light weight chain.
  • Girls may only wear one pair of plain studs or sleepers, worn in the lower lobe.
  • Girl’s skirts must be knee-length.
  • Students have access to the oval and courts at break times but must wear a hat.

Thank you for your support in ensuring students adhere to the College Uniform and Personal appearance policy. Click here for more information.

Wellbeing Calendar

Every Wednesday, the College runs alternative bell times to accommodate our Wellbeing Program. The activities vary each week and are aimed to meet the needs of the various cohorts and support our College’s PK – 12 Wellbeing approach. The Term 1 Wellbeing Program can be accessed here.

Careers and Pathways Information

Contact details:

YEAR 11

Subject changes

If you would like to change one (or more) of your subjects, please be aware of the following guidelines:

  • You can change out of a Unit 1 and into a different Unit 1 until the end of Term 1. However, the later you make the change the more work there is to catch up in your new subject.
  • After the Semester 1 exams you can change into a new subject and just study Unit 2 of the new subject. You will need permission from the relevant Leader of Learning to do this.
  • After 27 June no further subject changes can be made.

Please see Mr Farley or Ms Beekink with subject change requests.

Local job opportunities

These local businesses have contacted Newman as they have some connection with our College community, and they would like to offer an employment/apprenticeship opportunity to a student from Newman. Please contact the company directly if interested.

  • Plumbing: Paul Kelsall from Northstar Services: 0411 196 750
  • Air conditioning: Brent Davies from Supplied Air Scarborough: 0448 209 070

YEAR 12

Subject changes

If you would like to change one (or more) of your subjects, please be aware of the following guidelines:

  • You can change subjects until 30 March 2022.
  • After 30 March, the timetable is locked and no further changes can be made.
  • The one exception to the above is that ATAR students can drop one of their ATAR subjects and take up a study line until 20 July 2022. But you must have permission from your Leader of Wellbeing and you will need a very good reason.

Please see Mr Farley or Mr Puljiz with subject change requests.

Local job opportunities

These local businesses have contacted Newman as they have some connection with our College community, and they would like to offer an employment/apprenticeship opportunity to a student from Newman. Please contact the company directly if interested.

  • Plumbing: Paul Kelsall from Northstar Services: 0411 196 750
  • Air conditioning: Brent Davies from Supplied Air Scarborough: 0448 209 070

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Deputy Principal Primary

Jo Dunn on 11/02/2022

“You will teach them to fly, but they will not fly your flight. You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dream. You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life. Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream, the print of the way you taught them will remain.” – St Theresa of Calcutta 

As I have walked around the Primary school over the past 2 weeks, it has been lovely to witness the time, effort, and commitment that everyone has placed into a smooth and successful start to the school year. The above quote by St Teresa summarises beautifully the culture our teachers seek to foster in our students. I have spoken to our primary students about what it means to create a culture of excellence, and how can they strive to achieve that for themselves. This year, our College’s Annual School Improvement Plan has a strategic intent to deepen the culture of excellence amongst our staff and students. My conversations with students have begun to unpack what this looks like, and this includes the way that they should strive for their personal best academically, how they present themselves by abiding by uniform requirements, the way they conduct themselves, and the characteristics they display in interacting with others. This will continue to be a focus as the year progresses, so that we can, in the words of St Marcellin “form good Christians and good citizens”.

Key Dates – 2022

Click here to view the College Calendar. 

Uniform requirements 

Students not abiding by correct uniform requirements will be asked to comply by the following school day. We ask for your support in ensuring that your child’s hairstyle is in keeping with the College’s policy, and correct uniform and footwear is worn at all times. You can access the uniform requirements on the College website HERE.

Parent Representatives 

Thank you to the families who have completed the online Parent Consent Form. Teachers will be in contact with those families who expressed an interest in taking on the role of Parent Representative for 2022, in the coming week. Once this has been finalised, Parent Representatives will be supplied with class contact information (from families who authorised this sharing), and they will be in contact to introduce themselves to the class and in particular, new families to our community.

If you have not yet completed the Parent Consent Form, please follow THIS LINK as soon as possible. If you do not indicate that you DO NOT wish your contact details (Name, Email and Phone) to be shared, then it will be added to the Parent Rep Class Contact List.  

#Celebrate 

Congratulations to Chloe Male (6 Blue) and Tayla Berghan (6 Blue) who were members of the cast in the Wizard of Oz production, hosted at Crown Theatre.

Newman News Term 4 Week 9: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 09/12/2021

I would like to wish our students and families a happy and blessed Christmas, and a safe and wonderful holiday. As we enter this Christmas season, it is my hope that our students and families give witness to on our 2021 Marist theme, Breathe the Spirit of Life (Rm 8:2), and take the time to be present with one another. Thank you to our students and families for their support and efforts throughout 2021. We have so much to be thankful for and celebrate within this Marist family.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for the support and guidance they have given the students both in and outside of the classroom this year.

I look forward to welcoming our students back in 2022.

Term Dates – 2022

Click here to view the term dates for 2022.

Year 10 River Cruise 

The highly anticipated Year 10 River Cruise was held on Monday 22 November. Year 10 students committed to the theme Popular Culture Icons and staff and crew on board were very impressed with the effort the students had gone to. The Year 10 students spent all night dancing together and it was special to see how united the cohort has become over the course of this year.

Thank you to the staff who accompanied the Year 10 students on the River Cruise. A special thank you to the Year 10 PCG Teachers and Miss Beekink for their organisation of the evening.

Year 7 – 11 Awards Assembly 

On Thursday 25 November, Marcellin students celebrated the 2021 Academic, Sporting, Arts and Ministry achievements of our students. This year our students were asked to strive for excellence in all their pursuits, and the Awards assembly showcased just this. Performances from Newman Voices and our Senior Concert Band were outstanding!

This year we introduced the inaugural Br François award for a student in Year 7 – 10, who has demonstrated learning growth in their learning. Congratulations to all students who were acknowledged at the Assembly. Please click here for a full list of award winners.

2022 Student Leadership Team Workshop 

Last week our 2022 Year 6 & 12 Leadership team attended a workshop in preparation for next year. The students heard from Marist Brother, Tony Leon who spoke to them about what leadership looks like in the context of Challenge, Collaborate, Create and Celebrate. The students had an opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

Students were asked to examine our Vision for Learning and discuss ways they would like to see the student commitments enacted among their peers next year. Thank you to Miss Guzzomi and Mr McClorey for their support and organisation of the day.

PBL Grand Final  

During Week 9, Year 7 – 9 students participated in a problem-based learning challenge. Guided by staff, students worked collaboratively to create dynamic solutions to real-world problems. Eight groups of students were selected to present their solution at the Grand Final assembly this morning and we were fortunate to have expert judges, Dr Momoko Fujita, and Dr Kaz Bland from the University of Western Australia join us.

The Year 7 winners took on the challenge to consider areas of the school that can be ‘future proofed.’  These students presented an innovative way to use lockers more effectively and introduced students to the idea of Interlocker, an automated locker system. The Year 9 winners examined mental health in sports and created a forum called Behind the Post, which invites people to access support and share their stories with others. Congratulations to all students on their efforts this week!

2022 Booklists 

The 2022 Booklists can be found here.

Term 1 

We look forward to welcoming our students back in 2022 on the following days:

  • Year 7: Monday 31 January
  • Year 8 – 12: Tuesday 1 February