Newman News Term 3 Week 8: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 10/09/2021

Highlights from Past Two Weeks 

As an avid reader myself and member of a book club, I am constantly talking to others about the last great book that I have read and what I plan to read next. It is this love of literacy and reading, and ability to escape into another world through literature, that I am always hoping is fostered in our students too. In early childhood, we watch as children learn the early skills of reading through phonics, and then experience success as they understand the alphabetic code and begin to make meaning from what they are reading. As the well-known quote tells us “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, whereas the man who never reads lives only once”. We are fortunate to have teachers who are so passionate about bringing a love of reading to our students.

Indigenous Literacy Book Swap 

This past week, our Librarian Mrs Alison Le Dan and Library Technician, Miss Catherine Hall organised the Indigenous Literacy Book Swap, to further foster our Marian students love of reading, whilst raising much needed funds for remote indigenous communities. The Great Book Swap is an initiative of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation that seeks to provide culturally appropriate books to remote communities, with the knowledge that literacy changes lives and offers future choices for employment, education, social participation and quality of life. Thank you to all our families who supported this event through either the donation of books or purchase of books for their children.

Father’s Day Liturgy 

Thank you to our Year 1 students and their teachers, who prepared such a beautiful liturgy to celebrate the important role that father’s play in our children’s lives. It was wonderful to see the very strong attendance of Marian fathers at the liturgy. We hope you all managed some rest and enjoyment on Father’s Day.

R U Ok Day? 

Yesterday was R U Ok day? and students were given the opportunity to purchase a yellow cupcake to raise awareness of mental health. I discussed with our Year 1 and 2 students how we often check on others physical health but are not so good at checking on mental health.  When we see a friend fall over and hurt themselves, we often rush over to ask “Are you ok?” or if they’ve broken their arm, we do the same. These injuries are visible to us and are easy to spot. Mental health is not always so easy but being mental first aiders is equally important. Our children can begin from a young age asking their friends “Are you ok?” when they notice that their friend is sad, or not quite themselves. In the same way that we too, as adults, should make this commitment.

Athletics Carnival 

What a fun-filled, exciting day! It was wonderful to celebrate our first PP-6 Athletics Carnival today, and it was evident that the students thoroughly enjoyed the day and had many opportunities for competition, team spirit and sportsmanship. A massive thank you needs to be extended to Mrs Lara Vlahov, who coordinated and prepared Marian students all their events. Mrs Vlahov did a fantastic job and is to commended for this very successful day, along with Mrs. Tash Richards, our Lavalla Campus Sports Teacher.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten 2022 / 2023 

If you have not yet enrolled your child in Kindy or Pre-Kindy for 2022, it is essential that you do so as soon as possible. Please contact Newman College Registrar for further information, including our flexible Kindy and Pre-Kindy offering.

Primary Disco 

Our Year 11 and 12 students will be coordinating and running our Primary School Disco this year. The Disco will be held in our Marist Auditorium on Friday 17 September. Families will have received information on attendance and ticket purchase via email this past week.

Newman News Term 3 Week 8 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 10/09/2021

Newman Parents ‘Under Your Influence’ – Jade Lewis 

On Monday night Jade Lewis was a guest speaker at Newman Parents.  Her story is one of significant redemption and inspiration.  At 15 years of age, she had the world at her feet as an aspiring Olympic athlete, only to be destroyed by drug addiction.  Her road to recovery was not easy and the impact on both Jade and her family was significant.  Her life today, however, is one that is committed to bringing to light the challenges young people face in the choices that they make in their lives.  The proliferation of drugs and alcohol, as example, is a societal problem that we have to navigate as parents.  As the primary educator we need to be actively present to our children not only in what we say but what we model.  A key aspect of Jade’s story was the role that parents play in walking with their children.  We should never be afraid to seek help, to ask the expert or the health provider who can assist when situations arise that affect our children’s health and wellbeing.

To that end, the role of the school is significant as a support mechanism for families.  At Newman College we continually educate and provide opportunities through our wellbeing program for students to discuss, evaluate and reflect on risk behavours.  The consequences of that fleeting decision that a young person can make could change the rest of their lives.  It is incumbent upon us to have clear expectations and guidelines that support the health and wellbeing of our young people.  We have a responsibility to intervene, to ask questions and seek help as necessary.  What we also can do is continually encourage our students to dream about their future and the things that they want for themselves.  God has a great plan for you and that plan is to prosper (Jeremiah 29); this is the hope that we have for all our children.  Jade may not have reached her dream to be an Olympic athlete but her next dream was to educate young people by telling them her story.

Newman Parents 2022 

Our vision for 2022 is for more families both in our school and those from the wider community to attend Newman Parents events.  In 2021 we had some outstanding speakers who deserved to speak to a larger audience.  On Monday night we had 50 parents and friends who attended Jade Lewis’ wonderful presentation.  The general feeling on the night was that more people needed to hear her story.   As we determine the schedule for Newman Parents for 2022, we will release details earlier in the new year with better communication to the community, and opportunity to register attendance.

Industry Breakfast 

On Wednesday 8 September, we had our annual Industry Breakfast.  This event provides an opportunity for College industry partners, sponsors, staff and Year 12 students to come together allowing our students to connect, ask questions and learn about the journey our guests have had in industry.  Forging a career and making a difference in the world starts in the conversation, the invitation to participate in a field that has purpose and meaning.

We very much appreciated those who took time out of their busy schedule to be present to our young people who I am sure were very grateful for their time and words of wisdom.
As Year 12 concludes over the next 2 weeks it is our hope that they are ready for the next stage in their journey. I hope the industry breakfast has given them perhaps an inspiration, if not further reflection of what is possible.

Newman College Council 

On Thursday evening the Newman College Council met to discuss a number of broader planning issues, one of those being the 2022 Budget.  Once the College Budget is endorsed by Council it is submitted to Marist Schools Australia for final approval.  In early Term 4 we will communicate our school fees for 2022.

Multicultural Week 

Newman College takes the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the diverse cultures of our world annually.  So many events have taken place across the campuses over the past two weeks to acknowledge Multicultural Week.  Aside from the wonderful dancing and the music, the food, in particular the gelato at the Lavalla Campus, was most enjoyable.  Our sincere thanks to all teachers involved for their initiative, creativity and inspiration.

College Captains 2022, Presentations 

Today, the Senior Leadership Team had the pleasure of listening to a number of prospective College Captain speeches.  All students spoke with passion, inspiration and conviction.  No matter which two students are finally selected for the College Captain positions, all Year 11 students who have been involved in the leadership program are to be congratulated for the commitment and value they have brought to the process.  We will be announcing these leaders at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly in Week 10

 

Mr John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 27/08/2021

Highlights from the Past Two Weeks 

Geography ATAR Highlights 

Year 11

It was another glorious day for the Year 11 Geography students to venture into the field. The students have been investigating the reasons for and consequences of the changing spatial distribution of production and consumption of a food based good and an element of culture. We began our adventure with a stop off to view the incoming and outgoing air traffic movements at Perth Airport. We were lucky enough to explore Upper Reach Winery and be guided through the production process from vine to table by the owner. Our final stop was a tour of Optus Stadium to investigate the impact of such a stadium has on the diffusion of elements of culture. The students applied their knowledge to a real-life experience, collecting and analysing data and experiencing the world of Geography.

Year 12

On a sunny but chilly winters day, the Year 12 ATAR Geography students ventured out of the classroom on our final field excursion. The intrepid geographers, began their day in the CBD before crossing the river and heading south to Cockburn Central, an example of a strategy to combat Perth’s urban sprawl. We then headed back to the CBD to further investigate examples of urban processes and urban renewal strategies in Elizabeth Quay, East Perth and the Perth City Link, Yagan Square and the Perth Cultural precinct. The students got a glimpse into real world planning from a top line up of Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage professionals during a visit to the City this week. WAPC Chairman David Caddy along with senior Department directors Michael Daymond, Lorissa Kelly, Janine Egan and Phillip Elliot met with the students to share their own career journeys and provide insight into elements of local planning relevant to the students’ ATAR studies. With a focus on urban sprawl and transport issues, topics included an overview of the WAPC; the Perth City Deals project to activate the CBD through city-based university campuses; the importance of good design and managing density in urban planning; and METRONET. A final and fabulous end to two years of studying Geography.

Year 8 #no2drugs Presentation 

Guest Speaker, Jacob Hill shared his ‘Say No to Drugs’ message with the Year 8 Students on Wednesday 18 August. Jacob took us inside his world of despair, helplessness,and teenage drug addiction. After a near death experience and successful rehabilitation Jacob shared his story and empowers kids to say #no2drugs. The depth and magnitude of his story was eye-opening, moving, and caught me and many of my friends off guard. I enjoyed listening to Jacob’s story as he presented the issue as it was and explained it to us as young adults, not children.

A copy of his book, “KIDS AT WAR: The battle of addiction’, is available to borrow from Mr Naylor.

Dyllan Roberts
Year 8 MacKillop 

STEM

Over the past two weeks, we have been celebrating our STEM Festival at Newman College, an event which combines the celebrations of Science, Technology and Math Weeks into one big, fun-filled fortnight! A number of activities have taken place each day, all met with great enthusiasm from staff and students alike.

Week 5 began on Tuesday with a Virtual Reality (VR) Experience, where students had the opportunity to explore worlds beyond our own by using VR headsets. On Wednesday, students were treated to a wildlife show, brought to us once again by the wonderful WestOz Wildlife. Students had the opportunity to pat a koala, dingo and lizards, and got to hold real snakes! On Thursday, in the gymnasium, a large number of students competed to see who could create the best paper plane, judged on both distance flown (won by Austin Sickinghe (Yr 10)) and hang time (won by Matthew Lao (Yr 7) and Leo Felton (Yr 10)). Finally, on Friday, a new event aligned with National Science Week’s theme of ‘Food: Different by Design’ was held, with students able to make their own instant sherbet and instant ice-cream.

Things were bigger and better in Week 6, with even more activities on offer! On Monday, students submitted their STEM-themed cakes as part of a baking competition, with Yr 7 students Lulu Brickland, Alyssa Petracca, Micaela Buddle and Ava Tolley winning the judge’s award. Monday also kick-started our e-Sports competition, with students competing in teams to see who comes out on top in the popular game, Rocket League (finals yet to be held). On Tuesday, students were challenged to create the longest snake possible out of either a Mintie wrapper or lolly snake. Jasmine Ford (Yr 8) and Anica Alo (Yr 8) took out first place in these two categories respectively, with Luca Vulinovich (Yr 7), Isaiah Lopez (Yr 8), Matthew Lao (Yr 7) and Ben Giumelli (Yr 10) all placing in runner-up positions. On Wednesday, Mr Shuckstes and Mr Gerreyn put on a great show on the oval, sending up rockets and blowing up dry ice bombs. On Thursday, it was our staff that got treated to their very own Science-themed morning tea, catered by the wonderful Marilyn Fleming, an ex-Newman staff member, while students competed in our Newman’s own version of Countdown, presented with a series of numbers, and having to work out the math behind them. Finally, our STEM Festival ended on Friday with a symbol treasure hunt at recess, and a ‘pi’ challenge at lunch, where students were fittingly rewarded with, you guessed it, a pie.

Thank you to all students who have participated so enthusiastically in these events. Finally, and most importantly, thank you to all staff in the Science, Mathematics and Technology Departments for their hard work in organising all of these events. STEM Festival wouldn’t be such a success without your effort and passion for all things STEM!

Book Week  2021- Marcellin Campus

On the Marcellin Campus this week, students completed a Book Week Kahoot in their English classes and some short creative writing exercises to test their imagination and creativity.

There were photos of some staff’s favourite books where students needed to guess who the bookshelves belonged to. Accompanying this were photos of students reading in their English classes rolled out on the screens of the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub.

Budding writers in Years 7-10 participated in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ incursion with Miss Ognenis and Mr Hofman. We look forward to reading the finished publications!

Staff are always keen for a dress up and to reminisce about their childhood, so on Thursday staff across the campus dressed up as some iconic book characters. From Wonder Woman, to Where’s Wally, to Puss in Boots, to Miss Trunchbull- there were a range of classic characters from ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’ that students interacted with throughout the day.

The Marcellin staff came together for Morning Tea provided by the English Department on Friday, and took home some new books for the weekend as part of ‘Take a book, leave a book’ swapping activity.

We hope all staff and students enjoyed Book Week 2021!

Mrs Narelle Cochran
Leader of Learning English

Important Information For Next Two Weeks 

Please keep up to date with the many College events here.

R U OK Day? 

Thursday 9 September 2021 is the national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life’s ups and downs. To acknowledge R U OK Day students will be permitted to wear their sports uniform with yellow accessories.

The 2021 R U OK Day message is Are they really OK? Ask them today.

Young people cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support. However, they can listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. By promoting an environment of positive peer support and accessing support channels via an adult, young people can learn that asking, “Are you OK?” is a key life skill.

Useful contacts when a young person is not OK:

  • School counsellor, GP or psychologist
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Dial 000 if someone’s life is in imminent danger

Student Attendance 

Going to school every day is an important part of your child’s education. Students who regularly attend school will help students develop important skills and knowledge to help them learn in an enriched environment, and cultivate social and emotional skills such as resilience, communication, and collaboration.

It is a legal requirement for all children of compulsory school age attend school every day. In order to access the full curriculum, and give students the best chance of success, students need to attend school on a regular basis; 90% – 100% of the time. As parents you can encourage and promote regular attendance by:

  • Make sure your child attends school every day unless they are ill.
  • Have a regular morning routine that helps your child prepare for school.
  • Work collaboratively with your child’s PCG Teacher or Leader of Wellbeing to solve any problems your child might be having at school.
  • Plan vacations during non-school days.
  • Schedule your child’s medical appointments outside of school time where possible.

Year 12 Graduation  

Preparations for the Class of 2021 Graduation are underway. Further details will be forwarded to families early in Week 7.

When: Wednesday 20 October 2021, 5:30pm – 10:30pm

Venue: Optus Stadium

Careers and Pathways Update

Contact details:

Justin Farley
Pathways  Coordinator 
pathways@newman.wa.edu.au 
Tel. 9204 9457

Alastair MacNeill
VET Coordinator
vet@newman.wa.edu.au
Tel. 9204 9415

Year 10 

Subject Selection for Year 11, 2022

The College is currently constructing the timetable for Year 11, 2022, based on student subject selections. Later in Term 3, Year 10 students will be advised of their subjects for Year 11.

VET Certificate courses

Students can now apply for VET (TAFE) Certificate studies for the 2022 school year. VET Certificate studies allow students to attend training one day per week as they work towards their Certificate II, III, or IV qualification. A list of available qualifications, together with instructions for applying, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/certificate-qualifications-vet/

Please note that VET Certificates are only available to non-ATAR Pathway students.
Applications for VET Certificates close on 31 August 2021.

Construction Industry Scholarships

A Construction Training Fund Scholarship provides students with the best chance of securing a building and construction apprenticeship. Year 10 students can apply for a CTF Scholarship valued at $10,000 for Year 11 and 12.

The scholarships are awarded to about 200 WA students each year, with a passion for building and construction and produces some of WA’s most employable school leavers.

The CTF Scholarship pays for tuition, the costs of enrolling at a registered training organisation, safety equipment and clothing. There is no cost to the school or the parent.

You can apply at: https://customervoice.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mICM-hcyt0WkLGTOVKOuAfuT1iTBn9pBi23mvI1oRgJUOTQ0NlBCSldBM0pXOUNaVzFKVlZRSEtZMi4u

Year 11

VET Certificate courses

Students can now apply for VET (TAFE) Certificate studies for the 2022 school year. VET Certificate studies allow students to attend training one day per week as they work towards their Certificate II, III, or IV qualification. A list of available qualifications, together with instructions for applying, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/certificate-qualifications-vet/

Please note that VET Certificates are only available to non-ATAR Pathway students.
Applications for VET Certificates close on 31 August 2021.

UniReady Program for 2022

Year 11 students have the opportunity to apply for the UniReady Program for 2022. UniReady is an alternative (non-ATAR) pathway to University. By completing UniReady in Year 12, students will have the opportunity to enter University with an ATAR of 70.

To apply, Year 11s should check their Direct Messages and contact Mr Farley with the necessary information.

Further information about UniReady can be found at:
https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/curtin-university-uniready-program/ 

Year 12

University applications open (TISC)

As of 19 April, Year 12s can apply for a place at University in 2022. In Term 3, all Year 12s will be provided with detailed information on how to apply via TISC.

There is no rush to apply and students will not miss out on a place at University. It is better to take your time and think carefully about the right course for you.

Closing dates are 30 September (for Medicine/Dentistry) and 21 December (all other courses).

University Early Offers

Western Australian universities are publishing their Early Offer programs for students entering university in 2022. Please see below for details:

Take a Gap Year with the Defence Force

You may be interested in taking a Gap Year next year and spending a year working in the Australian Defence Force (Army / Navy / Air Force). Details of this program can be found at: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year 

ATAR Examination Timetables

The timetable for the 2021 ATAR examinations has been published, and can be accessed at: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/examination-timetables

Year 12 students and families are reminded that all students enrolled in ATAR courses must attend, and make a genuine attempt at, the ATAR examinations. Failure to do so will result in that subject not counting towards your ATAR and/or WACE (graduation).

Information for school leavers and parents

Families and students may find these recent publications useful:

Upcoming Careers Events

 

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Leader of Primary

Jo Dunn on 27/08/2021

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Lavalla Music Night as well as the performance of the Lavalla Dance Troupe, and it was so great to see these events so well supported not just by families, but also by other students who came along in support of their friends. The Arts had a real impact on me as a child. My music teacher – Dr Robert Braham – was one of the best teachers I encountered while at school, and he was someone who became an inspiration to me in my own journey into education. He taught me the values of hard work, discipline, dedication, but also the importance of how a quality relationship can impact the learning of students. I also enjoyed the many friendships I made during these experiences, and the appreciation I have now for all things music and theatre. Sometimes, people see the Arts as an add-on to education, when in fact I strongly believe it is an essential part of any well-rounded school experience.

One of my personal highlights from the Music night came from two of our Year 6 students. Nikita had just finished singing her solo to the audience (talk about courage!) and was coming off stage as Clancy was coming on to perform hers. I’m not sure if families in the audience noticed it, but just as Nikita was coming off, Clancy held up her hand and gave her a little high five to congratulate her on her performance. I thought it was amazing that even in the midst of preparing to perform herself in just a few seconds and all the nerves and anticipation that must come with this, Clancy had room in her mind (and her heart!), to congratulate her friend who has just gone before her. These are the little moments that I live for as an educator – those small but so important occasions where we see students thinking outside of themselves, and for the good of others. It certainly left me with a very warm and proud feeling in my heart.

Highlights from Past Two Weeks

Assembly 

Last Friday we were treated to an awesome assembly item from 3 Red who taught us all about the planets and their location from the sun. Students shared some interesting facts about each of the planets and topped it off with a great song to help us all remember the order of the planets using the mnemonic: My Very Excellent Monkey Just Served Unicorn Noodles. Well done to all students from 3 Red for their efforts and to Mrs Young for all the hard work and preparation she put into preparing students. We also acknowledged the efforts of several students who were awarded Merit Certificates for their fine efforts in class. Well done to all our students this week!

Bookweek  

This week has been a very special week in the calendar – book week! Reading is so important to the success of our students, and we are so glad to be able to celebrate all things reading this week. On Wednesday students received a visit from Mark GreenWood, author of several books including The Legend of MoonDyne Joe and Simpson and his Donkey. Mark spoke with students about the writing process and shared his journey as an author and in some of the stories he has written. We also celebrated our annual Book week Dress up day on Friday. It was wonderful to see so many students dress so enthusiastically for the day and take part in the excitement of the day. I would like to thank Mrs Le Dan, Mrs Bailey, and Miss Hall for all of their contributions and hard work to our Book Week celebrations this week!

Lavalla Music Night 

Last Tuesday night we gathered in the Marist Auditorium to celebrate the talents and efforts of our Music students at Lavalla. The night began in true rock n roll style with our drummers, before we heard from a number or soloists and ensemble groups, including our choir. It was wonderful to hear the many pieces of music prepared by our students in collaboration with their music teachers and tutors. We are especially grateful to Marg Goldsmith and the Arts team for the opportunities and experiences they are affording our students, and to all the families and students who attended on the night in support of our performers.

Lavalla Dance Troupe 

It has been a busy few weeks for our Lavalla Dance Troupe under the guidance of Mrs Amy Raveendrakumar. After performing at the Wakakirri concert two weeks ago, our students were again performing a different dance this week at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. Running over three nights, our students took part in the dance program on Tuesday evening, delivering a beautiful piece of emotive and well-choreographed movement which was very well received by the audience. We are very grateful to Mrs Raveendrakumar for her guidance and coaching in the lead up to the festival, as well as Miss Sankar and Miss De Gois who assisted on the night. I would also like to thank those parents who have been so supportive of the dance program this year.

Year 6 Leadership Camp 

On Thursday and Friday last week, our Year 6 and Year 7 student leaders took part in a very special leadership camp. The camp was organised by our Year 12 ATAR Outdoor Education students and gave the opportunity for students to try their hand several different activities designed to challenge them in different ways, as well as improve the way they work as a team. The camp took place at the Manjedal Activity Centre which is not far from Serpentine. Mrs Short accompanied students and by all account’s students had a wonderful time despite the odd shower and sleeping in tents! We owe a big thanks to Mr Mike Van Der Heever for the invitation to attend and to his Year 12 ATAR students for their professionalism and assistance in helping everything run smoothly.

IPSHA Cross Country Carnival 

As we reported in our last newsletter, two weeks ago 62 students across Years 3-6 took the trip down to Bunbury to take part in the IPSHA Interschool Cross Country Carnival. All of our students raced with great energy and enthusiasm and did a fine job of representing our school with pride. At the time of publishing our last newsletter we did not have all the details of the results, but we can now reveal the fantastic results of several students in particular:

Year 3 Girls 

  • 1st: Amelie Santoro
  • 6th: Vienna Crisona

Year 3 Boys 

  • 6th: Jonah Durlik
  • 8th: Julian Cameron
  • 9th: Hunter Bailey

Year 4 Girls 

  • 2nd: Allegra Clark
  • 3rd: Jessica Avins
  • 6th: Isla Kalebic
  • 10th: Layla Bornmann

Year 4 Boys 

  • 2nd: Stefan Moschopoulos

Year 5 Girls 

  • 5th: Annabelle Adamini
  • 7th: Livia Bogdanov

Year 5 Boys  

  • 7th: Luke Rombouts

Year 6 Girls 

  • 10th: Clancy Boss

Year 6 Boys 

  • 5th: Jaspar Martin-Booth

We are very proud of all our students for their efforts, and for the great way Mrs Richards and Lenny trained and led our team. Roll on the Athletics Carnival!

‘Wild Places Elsewhere’ workshop 

On Wednesday, several Performing Arts students across Year 5 and 6 were able to take part in a workshop entitled ‘Wild Places Elsewhere’. The focus of the workshop was on how students experience the natural world. Students were able to create props which were then used later in a theatre show presented by our guest performers. Students had a great time engaging in this unique opportunity, and we are very grateful to the Arts team for working hard to provide us with this opportunity.

Gardening Club 

This week, Mrs Gray, along with some of our younger students across the campus, created a new initiative across our campus – a gardening club. Mrs Gary is using the gardens around the back of our hall as a way to engage some of our students in some real-world collaboration and problem solving, as they seek to rebuild our class gardens.

Students were very excited to be a part of it all, and Mrs Gray will be speaking to students on Monday to canvas interest from other students who would like to take part in some way. A big thank you to Mrs Gray and to her first group of students for their enthusiasm and sense of ‘doing for others’, as well as Mr David Marshall (Chief grounds person and all-round good guy) who will be supporting the Gardening Club also.

Artist in Residence 

On Wednesday, students from our Art extension program in Year 5 and Year 6 took part in the Artist in Residence program. Students were invited to the Marcellin campus with artists Emily Rose and Bethwyn Legg. Students listened to and worked alongside the artists to create some very interesting and artistic cushion designs.  I am sure they are looking forward to finishing these off over the coming weeks. A big thankyou again must go to our Arts team for all their hard work and effort in preparing this experience for our students.

Lavalla Choir 

Yesterday, it was great to see our Lavalla Choir take part in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The choir has been working very hard all year to prepare two beautiful pieces, giving up their lunchtimes each week to rehearse. We are very grateful for the dedication and support of Mrs Annette Grayden, and to our students who took part. You all sounded beautiful!

Write a Book in a Day 

This week a number of our Year 5 and 6 students took part in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ program. The program began in 2002 and last year there were more than 1000 teams across Australia getting involved. Write a Book in a Day is a fun, creative and collaborative competition for students in years 5 to 12 and adult writing groups. Teams of up to ten have just one day to write and illustrate a book from start to finish, making sure to include some unique parameters in their story. We can’t wait to have these published and placed in the library soon!

Have Sum Fun Maths Competition 

Over the past three weeks, the year 3 to 6 students have been competing in the “Sum Maths Fun competition” conducted by the Mathematical Association of Western Australia. The competition consists of three rounds of ten questions and is a maths quiz of NAPLAN-type problems designed to foster mathematical problem-solving. Teams of four students have one hour to complete each round which they access online. The students at Lavalla have been thoroughly enjoying the competition, with pleasing results. It has been an excellent activity to encourage collaboration amongst students while at the same time challenging their thinking – Miss Katya Anderson (Leader of Learning K-6)

School Drop Off 

Just a reminder to all families that students cannot be dropped off at school before 8.00am in the morning unless they are taking part in sports training, or another pre-organised College events. Staff have been noticing several children being dropped off early, some as early as 7.30am. We just want to keep all our children safe, but we cannot do this if children are unsupervised. Thank you to all those families who are supportive with this.

No hat No Play 

As the warmer months will soon be upon us, it is a good time to remind all students of our ‘no hat no play’ policy at the school. Students must wear a hat if they wish to play outdoors, otherwise they will need to stay seated in the undercover area or in the library at lunch. Schools have these policies for the protection of children and to keep them safe from harmful UV rays. If your child doesn’t have a hat, they can purchase one from the Uniform Shop or from the Lavalla office.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

There are so many events coming up over the next two weeks. Make sure you mark these down in your calendar!

  • Mon 30 Aug – Speak Up Award Semi Finals (Good luck Isabella in Year 6!)
  • Fri 3 Sep – Lavalla Assembly (4 Blue)
  • Mon 6 Sep – Year 5 First Aid Incursion
  • Mon 6 Sep – Lavalla Prayer Assembly (Father’s Day theme)
  • Mon 6 Sep – Newman Parents Jade Lewis Presentation (7pm in Auditorium)
  • Thurs 9 Sep – R U OK Day
  • Fri 10 Sep – P-6 Athletics Carnival
    Please click here to access the letter and program (scroll down to the bottom of the page)

Newman News Term 3 Week 10: From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 27/08/2021

As Term 3 comes to an end, it is timely to reflect on the opportunities we have been fortunate enough to celebrate as a Marist Community. The College Production, Assumption Day, Wellbeing Week, Multi-Cultural Week, Athletic Carnivals to name a few. Staff work tirelessly to provide these opportunities that challenge and celebrate student engagement. It has been wonderful to witness the resilience and dedication the students have shown in this space.

As we farewell the Year 12s, we give thanks for the life they have breathed into our community, the way they have lived our Marist characteristics of Family Spirit, Simplicity, Presence, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary.  We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2021 at their Graduation on Wednesday 20 October.

‘What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God’.

Wishing you all a safe and restful break. We look forward to seeing everyone back re-energised and ready to learn in Term 4.

Term 4 Events PK-12, Weeks 1 and 2 

  • Monday 11 October – COLLEGE CLOSED – Staff PL
  • Monday 11 October – Year 7 2022 Orientation Day
  • Tuesday 12 October – PK-Y11 Commence Term 4
  • Monday 4 October – Friday 15 October – Year 12 Exams
  • Monday 11 October – Friday 15 October – Year 10 Camp
  • Friday 15 October – K-12 Feast of St John Henry Newman Celebrations
  • Friday 15 October – Tuesday 19 October – Y12 Feedback Days
  • Wednesday 20 October – Class of 2021 Graduation Event – Optus Stadium
  • Thursday 21 October – Y3-6 Dental Screening

Parents are reminded to check the College Calendar in advance for events specific to your child’s campus and year level.

COVID 19 Vaccinations 

The Western Australian (WA) Department of Health announced new measures to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates in schools. All Western Australians aged 12 to 15 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health has also announced it is offering allocated times for school students aged 16 years and over and school-based staff to access WA Health clinics.  Please find attached a letter from the Chief Health Officer, providing details about the clinics, including information about consent.

Please CLICK HERE .

More information about clinic locations or if you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, please visit the HealthyWA website.

VET students Years 10/11 and 12

The attached letter from CEWA and the Department of Health outlines requirements for students in Years 10/11 and 12 that are currently enrolled in VET qualification work placements in the Health industry.

Please CLICK HERE for full information.

Thank you for your support in keeping our students, staff and community safe.

Staff Movements 

We are grateful for the service of Paola Rich (Marian Campus), Renae Zelich and Scott Harvie (Lavalla Campus) Krystal Skelin, Yvette Pearce, Nina Stamatiou, Troy Holdaway, Michelle McGuinness, Torren Diletti and Reece Jones (Marcellin Campus). We wish them well in their future endeavours.

Carpark Notice 

Unfortunately, some cars in our College carparks have sustained unreported damage. If you witness any incidents we ask you to notify the College.

In the interests of safety, can we also ask you remind students to use the footpaths and crossings and avoid walking between parked cars.

Thank you in advance.

Code of Conduct 

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

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.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.