Newman News Term 3 Week 6 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 27/08/2021

The Journey

It is great to be back at Newman College after 7 weeks of leave. The opportunity to get away with my family was truly unforgettable. We drove in total 13,000km, to Darwin and back. The tyranny of distance was overcome by the adventure of the getting not just to each destination but in the power of the journey itself. We had so many memorable experiences on the way that will be the dinner table discussions for the rest of our lives. In Exmouth for example, who could have foretold the experience of swimming five metres from a humpback whale and her calf. The exhilaration of this beauty was underpinned by holding my son’s hand and watching my daughter embrace the moment as we watched in awe of what was before us. In Lake Argyle we got to swim at sunset in the middle of one the biggest inland lakes in Australia (19 times bigger than Sydney Harbour) – truly incredible in its size and beauty. And finally, the relief of getting to Darwin, recognising the monumental drive that we had undertaken and at the same realising that we had to drive back! This was also life giving and immensely satisfying.

The reason I share these anecdotes is that I have learnt so much from this experience. Firstly, value your family and cultivate those special relationships we can sometimes take for granted. We all can get so busy – with work, study, our friends, and interests. Never lose sight of the value of family and time spent together. At the heart of our Marist community is our family spirit supported by our presence to each other and this is something we have to nourish. Secondly, like all journeys there are high and low points! To overcome the challenges of sticking together, staying committed and being patient is critical to one’s individual and collective success.

On returning to school, my reflection of my own journey can be viewed in light of our Year 12 students. Their 14-year journey of education would be full of high and low points. As they move towards the end of their time at Newman there will be relief and hopefully satisfaction of the fruit of their efforts. What is important to note is that when you do get to the end, a new journey will begin. Our prayer for our Year 12 students is that they finish their Newman journey well and that they are prepared for what is ahead. As for me and the family, we are back, ready and looking forward to our next adventure. What will be different is that our time together has made us stronger, ready for what lies ahead.

Thank you

Thanks to Dr Lucie McCrory in the role as Acting Principal over the last seven weeks. Her dedication, professionalism and care for our students was exemplary. Thanks also to Mr Simon Martino for his support and commitment as Acting Vice Principal.

Book Week

One of the blessings of being away was the time to read a number of books. The joy of reading was highlighted this week across the College with Book Week. The Primary parades were a definite highlight. The creativity of families and the support of teachers was outstanding. Some members of the College Executive immersed themselves in the Book Week Parade at Marian Campus on Thursday.  The Wizard of Oz being the choice, Dr Lucie McClory was Glinda, Mr Simon Martino was the Tin Man and I was the Wizard!

Champagnat Cup

Next week we participate in the second year of the Champagnat Cup. Our senior teams in netball, basketball and AFL will compete against fellow WA Marist schools, St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College. We look forward to our Marist family spirit and the success of all students on this gala day.

COVID-19

We continue to pray for our eastern states communities so affected by COVID-19. The isolation of lockdown and the prevalence of the virus has been devasting for so many people.  We continue to develop and prepare our contingency in the advent of any further lockdowns.

Newman Parents

I warmly invite all parents to our Newman Parents evening on Monday 6 September, 7.00pm.  The topic of the event is ‘Under Your Influence’, facilitated by Jade Lewis.  More information can be found within this Newsletter.

Mr John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 4 : From the Acting Principal

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Feast of the Assumption

This week we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption as a K-12 College, which is the Patronal Feast Day of the Marist Brothers. One aspect that makes us Catholics different from other Christian denominations is our developed and rich understanding of Mary. We have a tradition that gives Mary the honour and respect that she deserves. Marists direct their life in the way of Mary, they acknowledge that she can teach us a great deal through her examples of virtue and saying yes to whatever God passed to her, with faith, grace, and courage. She has a special role within our Church and particularly within our Marist Tradition. Pray with Mary, as an ever-present mother, and she will lead you into a far deeper relationship with Christ. Your spirituality will be much deeper than you could ever achieve by your own direction.

For the first time, Newman College conducted concurrent Masses, comprising a combination of Year Groups. The Pre-primary and Years 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11 Students celebrated Mass together in the Auditorium and the Kindergarten and Years 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 Students celebrated Mass in the Marcellin Campus Gymnasium. It was a wonderful celebration of Mary, and it was a delight to enable the mixing of our generations of students. Our Kindergarten students were able to see our Year 12 students who enjoyed Kindergarten at Newman also, ‘Newman Lifers’. It was pointed out that by the time they reach the same Year 12 milestone, our current Year 12s will be 30! The school years are such a formative experience for students and having the mix of age groups really brings home the significance and indelible nature of these fundamental forming experiences

Wellbeing Week

Feeling well, or ‘wellbeing’ is fundamental to our overall health and enjoyment of life. Taking care of our wellbeing should be both an individual and a collective pursuit. Being present, allows us to consciously monitor how we are travelling emotionally. This week the College celebrated Wellbeing Week. Each day, we focussed on one important aspect of ‘being well’. Monday’s focus was ‘healthy’ exercise and food; Tuesday’s focus was ‘connected’, with the entire school coming together for the Assumption Day Mass and Lapathon; Wednesday’s focus was ‘present’ with a focus on noticing the bodily movements and flow; and Thursday’s focus was ‘grateful’ with parents, teachers and students affirming all that is good in life. On Friday 13 August our staff will participate in Professional Learning led by Perth based international leadership speaker, Mr Brendan Spillane. The topic of the first session will be looking inward for wellbeing, and the second session will explore the impact we have on others.

The hope is that our community continues to learn about, and commits to, behaviours that promote wellness; these behaviours include sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet. It is essential to monitor the status of our own mental health and stress levels, and then act accordingly. If we become aware of our own stress triggers, we are better able to take responsibility to address and minimise these. Paying attention to what and who provides us with life giving energy and happiness, allows us to feature these more regularly in life. As a community, we need to give ourselves and each other permission to lean towards the area of life that requires immediate attention. In doing so, we can remain a strong, supportive and connected community of well ‘beings’.

Gratitude Gatherings

As part of our Wellbeing Week, on Thursday we conducted Gratitude Gatherings across the College where staff, parents and students had the opportunity to vocally celebrate all that they are grateful for at Newman. Thank you to parents for responding to the call for staff appreciation and gratitude comments. We received over 200 parent entries from PK-12, some of which were read out today and the rest will be delivered tomorrow. To be grateful for something or someone, and to not share that gratitude, is like buying and wrapping a gift, and never giving it. We rise and experience happiness by lifting others.

At the secondary event, we acknowledged the #Good Samaritans Matthew De Rossi and Joel Uren, who came to the aid of two elderly grandparents in the Lavalla campus on Tuesday afternoon. Their car broke down in the carpark and these Year 12 students assisted with jumper leads and waited for the RAC to arrive, while also entertaining their young grandchildren. Our grandparent could not speak highly enough of these students and said that if these students were examples of our youth, then the future was in good hands.

Angelico Art Exhibition

We were delighted to hear this week that Eliza von Perger and Charlotte Laurent will be award recipients at next Tuesday’s Angelico Presentation. Congratulations to Eliza and Charlotte and I look forward to attending this event with them.

Charlotte Laurent

Eliza von Perger

The Exhibition can also be viewed at Forrest Centre, 221 St Georges Terrace Perth from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, from 9 to 27 August. A virtual tour will also be available on the Catholic Arts website at the completion of the Exhibition.

Education Support Review

During Term 3, the College will be undertaking a review of the Learning and Education Support area. This review is being conducted by Associate Professor Dianne Chambers, The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle. Dianne is an author, lecturer and international presenter in the space of Learning Needs, Inclusion and Diversity. She will conduct an audit of our Diverse Education offering and will make recommendations early in Term 4 on our structures, policies, processes and feasibility and sustainability of our current reasonable adjustments. We look forward to hearing her recommendations.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting (NPCC)

Thank you to those parents who braved the weather and abandoned the football to attend our NPCC meeting on Monday evening. Among the operational aspects of the College that were raised, we heard from Ms Jenny Miraudo on the Newman College Norms, Pedagogy and Innovation, Mr Steve Tsocas on aspects of our Digital Transformation, Mr Simon Martino on Reporting and the Lavalla carpark, Mrs Lisa McClue on our Flexible 3, 4, and 5 day Kindy offering from 2022 and Mrs Carla Pastorelli on Year 12 Graduation and Wellbeing Week. I really appreciate this consultative space and thank those parents in attendance.

Storm Damage Update

The Learning Hub continues to be repaired. All the damage has been remediated and we are now in the rebuild phase.

Events

A big thank you to all staff, students and families who were involved in the myriad events that have occurred during the last two weeks. These events include the Years 5 and 6 Wakakirri Dance, Year 7 to 12 Marcellin Athletics Carnival, the Catholic Performing Arts performances and the Winter Sleepout – to name a few. These will be addressed in the relevant sections of the newsletter.

This will be my last newsletter as Principal (Acting) as Mr Finneran will return in Week 6. Wishing everyone a fabulous two weeks.

Dr Lucie McCrory
PRINCIPAL (ACTING) 

 

Newman News Term 3 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Living Marist: Good Christians and Good Citizens Service Learning Program 

Newman College has launched its Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, with Year 7 and 8 students. The purpose is to engage students in service activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community. Students have participated in a range of activities across, recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students and keep up the good work. There actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work.

Thursday morning Community Mass 

Every Thursday our PK-12 community are invited to attend Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, commencing at 8.10am. Mass is celebrated by our local clergy who support the College. Next week, Thursday 2 September, Marcellin Guild and Year 6 students will be hosting with Fr Ruben. We look forward to welcoming you to our weekly celebration.

Sacramental Preparation 

Across our Parish’s sacramental preparation programs are taking place. Our Lady of Grace is offering Family Faith Formation on Tuesday 31 August.  Fr. Greg Donovan will lead us in this session beginning at 7.00pm in the MPA at the school.  Please arrive 5 mins early to register your attendance. I encourage you to check your parish website to find out about sacramental preparation programs for your child.

Gamechangers 

Our Gamechangers students across Years 7 –12 continue to gather, learn about community, and gain a sense of who God is calling us to be. In an obvious way, our students in Year 11 Gamechangers have travelled to the regional community of Mullewa. This was an opportunity to learn about solidarity and serve in an authentic way. Read some of the student reflections below. Thank you to Br Paul, Paul Cranley and Hannah Parker who gave up time from their families to offer this experience for our students.

14 year 11 students embarked on an immersive journey to the country town of Mullewa, an out of the way town with not many people. Despite being such an exclusive community, our group was welcomed with open arms and hearts. We were given the opportunities to spend time with the children of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the local primary school as well as a variety of others through our time at the Youth Recreational Centre and the Agricultural Show.

On Tuesday, we first met with the OLMC students, a group of only 60 students from Pre-K to 6, who quickly grew in friendship with everyone from Newman. We spent the morning learning about the history of the town at the local cemetery, while simultaneously cleaning the graves, followed by a Newman led mass. After the mass, we ventured to the local district high school and planted trees with the younger students, before returning to the school grounds to help run a practice for the school’s sport carnival. Afterwards, we joined some of the kids from the district high school at the youth recreational centre for games of basketball and chasey, particular favourites of the students.

On Wednesday, we spent most of the day in the town hall, helping the various members of the Agricultural society prepare for the wildflower show. While we were helping, we managed to find a banner made by the Newman REMAR group back in 2005. Halfway through the day, we gave ourselves the time to spend lunch with the OLMC students. We then returned to the town hall for the wildflower set up. After we were finished helping, we then made another trip to the youth centre, this being the last time we would be able to.

On Thursday, we spent the day helping the members of the community in setting up the displays for the agricultural festival, a Royal Show equivalent for the people of Mullewa. Yet again, we went to have lunch with the OLMC kids, everybody was excited for the disco that night, but before the disco, the Newman students had to continue their help with the agricultural festival. After we were finished helping, we had a bit of a break, then we set out to set up the much-anticipated disco. Newman students had set up balloons, streamers and other decorations for the OLMC students. We all had fun at the disco, with a soundtrack full of good songs and some pretty cool dance moves. At the conclusion of the disco, we had some heartfelt goodbyes with the OLMC students, and after some clean up, the Newman students made their way back to the rec centre, excited to have their last sleep before returning home.

What really stood out to all of us through all this was hearing the impact Newman has on the community. Everywhere we went we heard of everyone’s past experiences with the college from previous visits, we even met Holly, who said she remembered the Newman visit to Mullewa she experienced back when she was in Kindy. In reflection, we are so grateful for Fr Rob, Holly and all of the students from both OLMC and the district high school, as well as the greater Mullewa community for being so welcoming to us all, we hope we have made as much of a memorable impact in your lives as you all have in ours. Mrs Parker, Br Paul, Liam, Mr Cranley, Mr Martino, thank you for organizing this event for us.  We all enjoyed this incredible experience and the chance to move forwards in our Marist journey.

Leila Arnold and Josh Lee 
Year 11 Students 

Perth Launch of the 2021/22 ACBC Social Justice Statement.

Newman College hosted the Justice, Ecology & Development Office (JEDO) within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia to launch the Social Justice Statement for 2021/22 “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor”.  We welcomed Bishop Don Sproxton who shared with those gathered what this statement means in the lives of our community. As we reflect on this statement, a reminder for all of us is the importance of listening with a spirit of understanding, responding with a heart of compassion and love that starts with Christ at the center of our own lives and permeates through those we encounter.

Click here to read the full statement from the Bishops.

Newman News Term 3 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

Highlights from the Past Two Weeks 

This week we celebrated Wellbeing Week across the College. We focused on a different element of wellbeing each day.

Monday’s focus was Healthy. Our Year 11 and 12 students visited the Marian and Lavalla Campus for fitness activities. During PCG, students competed in a Nutrition Quiz which was followed by fruit smoothies at recess and team games at lunch, highlighting the importance of being active and healthy eating for our wellbeing.

On Tuesday we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption. It was a beautiful mass, where secondary and primary students joined together in the Auditorium and the Gymnasium. Tuesday’s focus of Connected allowed students an opportunity to connect with their faith and others. Nurturing our relationships with God and others, can help us feel happier, more secure and give us a greater sense of purpose. The Lapathon got off to a great start, which saw our K – 12 community walk together with a common purpose of raising funds for LifeLink. It was so wonderful to see our Marcellin students walking alongside and encouraging Marian and Lavalla students.

Wednesday saw a focus on Present with mindfulness activities during PCG. Mindfulness is a way of training yourself to focus your attention in a certain way to calm your mind and be present in the moment. Students had an opportunity to participate in Flow class at lunchtime and our talented Year 11 Music students also performed a lunchtime concert.
Grateful was the focus for Thursday. Each cohort held Gratitude assemblies. Students had an opportunity to acknowledge a peer or staff member with a Gratitude Award. The staff at Marcellin are very grateful to walk alongside our students and families.

The following students were acknowledged during the Gratitude Assemblies today:

Year 7

  • James Bornmann​
  • Madeline Chakaodza
  • Ava Tolley​
  • Ruby Kaaks
  • Elliot Laurent​
  • Milla Thornton​
  • James Pupazzoni​

Year 8

  • Aidan Carberry
  • Amelia Ng
  • Scarlett Jones
  • Tahlia Bell
  • Cassandra Buxton
  • Abigail Fowler
  • Jaxon Eccles
  • Laura Nolan
  • Ruby Shelton
  • Timothy Morley

Year 9

  • Harry Nevin
  • Seth Fox
  • Michala Scally
  • Ryan Jassal
  • Lali Dimitriadis
  • Hannah De Pasquale
  • Harry Klein

Year 10

  • Benjamin Lee
  • Caitlin Hawkins
  • Corey McFadgen
  • Jake Baxter
  • Jaxon Haywood
  • Keegan Spagnuolo
  • Meg McAullay
  • Rigel Marshall
  • Sienna Dwyer
  • Wesley Carren

Year 11

  • Julia Carbone
  • Isabella O’Rourke
  • Joshua Downes
  • Emma Veldsman
  • Stellana Cardile
  • Olivia Nathan
  • Hannah Jones
  • Charlotte Newland

Year 12

  • Eli Keane
  • Will Mcaulay
  • Grace Giglia
  • Stefania Cardile
  • Summer Falek
  • Charlotte Adams
  • Madeleine Adams
  • Fraser Whitely

Year 11 Leadership Preparation Program 

The Year 11 Leadership Preparation Program is underway, and students have completed two workshops on determining their Character Strengths and Core Values. We are so impressed by the way the students are engaging in these workshops. Applications are now available to students, and they are encouraged to start working on them. Applications for 2022 Year 12 Student Leadership is due on Friday 27 August.

Project RockIt Digital Ambassador Program

Year 7 Guild Representatives participated in Project Rockit’s Digital Ambassadors program on Friday 23 July.

The online event brought together students across Australia to grow a generation of digital ambassadors for school and wider online communities. The program aims to empower students to tackle (cyber)bullying, build empathy and grow young people to be Digital Ambassadors with tangible skills to lead a positive online world.

This new initiative aims to build their leadership skills and teach the Guild Representatives some valuable skills that they will share with their peers.

Athletics Carnival 

Last Thursday Newman’s Guild athletics carnival was blessed with the best weather of the last two months. The sun was shining and student participation, Guild spirit and performances were at an all time high. It was a fantastic day and it was great to see so many students getting involved and earning points for their guild.

The athletics carnival is a huge day and would not be able to happen with a lot of help. Special thanks go to:

  • Guild Coordinators, PCG teachers and LOWBS
  • All teachers and admin staff who worked an event or in a supporting role on the day
  • Our fantastic parent helpers
  • Our student helpers who were integral in the success of the day
  • The PE department
  • And finally all of our students who competed for their guild

We look forward to announcing age champions, guild spirit, record breakers and champion guild next Tuesday at assembly.

– Tom​ Williams, Assistant Head of Sport

Important Information For Next Two Weeks 

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

Mobile Phones and Canteen Payments 

A reminder that students are not permitted to carry their mobile phone on them during the day. Parents who need to get in contact with their child are asked to do so through Student Reception.
Students are no longer permitted to pay for items at the canteen using a mobile phone. The canteen will only accept cash, card or SmartRider payments.

Homework Club 

A reminder that Homework Club is open Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 3:30pm – 5pm in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub.
The Term 3 Homework Club Timetable can be found here.

Uniform and Personal Presentation

The long weekend would be an opportune time for families to check their children’s uniforms and ensure that their personal presentation meets the College’s expectations. Just a few reminders for families and students regarding uniform and personal presentation:

  • 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.

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

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.

Work experience program

Non-ATAR Pathway students can also apply for a place in the work experience program for 2022. Work experience can be undertaken at a workplace of the student’s choosing, and provides many valuable skills and industry connections. Further information about work experience, together with application forms, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/work-experience-program/

Applications for work experience close on 27 August 2021.

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.

Work experience program

Non-ATAR Pathway students can also apply for a place in the work experience program for 2022. Work experience can be undertaken at a workplace of the student’s choosing, and provides many valuable skills and industry connections. Further information about work experience, together with application forms, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/work-experience-program/

Applications for work experience close on 27 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 4: From the Leader of Primary

Jo Dunn on 12/08/2021

This week has been a great celebration of all things wellbeing at school. Students have taken part in a range of activities, lessons, and discussions centred around our four themes for the week: physical health & fitness, connection, mindfulness, and gratitude. Whilst I think wellbeing has always played an important role in schools (even when it may not have been called ‘wellbeing’) I think has been recognised even more over these last 18 months. The challenge of the COVID pandemic brought to light the importance of strong relationships, connection with others, and having the time and space to look after ourselves and one another. As adults, it is very easy to get caught up in our busy lives, and often I see parents doing so much for their kids, that we can sometimes neglect to take care of ourselves. I have encouraged all students today to give some time back to their Mum and Dad over the extended weekend break, and give parents an opportunity for some self care of their own too. Parents deserve to be looked after too!

Highlights from Past Two Weeks

Assembly 

Last week students gathered in the Auditorium to celebrate all of our Merit award winners, as well as celebrate Knox faction who were announced as the winners of the Cross Country Carnival. Congratulations to all students who took part in our carnival and for their great efforts on the day. We were also treated to a wonderful assembly from 3 Green. They took us on a journey all over the world exploring some of the different cultures of students in their class. It was so heart-warming to see students working together and so obviously enjoying putting on a show for us all. A big congratulations to 3 Green and all of our merit award winners this week!

Marcellin Award

This week the Marcellin Champagnat award was presented to Damon Caratti from 5 Red. Damon may just be one of the politest young men on our campus. He was nominated by a number of teachers for the kind, respectful, and gentle way he interacts with others. He leads by example through his beautiful actions, and always offers a friendly smile to those that pass him by in the class or playground. Well done Damon on setting such a good example for other students around what it means to be a fine young gentleman!

Wakakirri Dance Festival 

On Thursday August 5 our year 5/6 Primary Dance Troupe performed in the Wakakirri Nation-wide story telling competition at the Perth Concert Hall. Students performed a “story dance” called Sarah’s Heavy Heart, based on the picture book written by Peter Canavas.

The story was one of hope and resilience and friendship. Sarah struggles to carry her heavy heart which is sometimes heavy with worry until she meets a friend and the burden of worry is shared.

The dance was choreographed by Mrs Amy Raveendrakumar and danced expertly by our Primary Junior Dance troupe.  Newman College was awarded certificates of Best Minimalist Set and Best Public Speaking. Congratulations to Mrs Raveendrakumar all the wonderful dancers involved in performing this beautiful story.

IPSHA Cross Country 

Earlier today, 64 students across Years 3-6 ventured down to Bunbury to take part in the IPSHA Interschool Cross Country Carnival. While we can share the results of the carnival in our next newsletter, we can say for sure that students have had a great time today and represented our school very proudly. We owe a big thanks to Mrs Richards our coach Lenny who has been training with our students and working with them to prepare for their big day.

Fiona Wildey visit 

Earlier this week we were very fortunate to welcome former Olympian Fiona Wildey to our campus as she came to speak with our Year 3 and 4 students. Fiona spoke about her experiences at the Seoul Olympics, and the journey that took her there, showcasing to students a number of items of memorabilia, and providing students with some interesting facts about Olympic etiquette among other things. Most importantly though, Fiona spoke about the Olympic values and her own personal values, including determination, commitment, and sacrifice. It was very inspiring to hear her journey, and who knows…she may even inspire a future Olympian among us today!

Year 5 Special Visitor 

Yesterday afternoon, Year 5 students had a special visitor to their classrooms. 5 Blue student Luke Rombouts brought in two of his bobtail lizards to show to the classes. Luke was a wealth of knowledge as he discussed all things habitat, feeding, and characteristics. We are very grateful to Luke and for the learning experience he was able to share with his classmates.

Carpark 

This week I was out in the carpark making some observations of driver behaviour. Unfortunately, we are having trouble with vehicles double parking next to the drive through lane, and children walking through these vehicles into their own car. This is a very dangerous thing to do, and I am quite afraid that if this continues, it will eventually lead to an accident or injury of a child.

We encourage parents to display patience in our Lavalla carpark and demonstrate good road safety practices.  Please park your vehicles in the parking bays provided and walk over to pick your child/children up from the waiting area. This will assist with child safe practices and remove any risk of injury to students.

We appreciate your cooperation. We are currently reviewing the carpark pick up/drop off situation.

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!

Week 5 

  • (Week 4) Friday 13 August – Pupil Free Day (Staff Professional Development)
  • Monday 16 August – Pupil Free Day (Catholic Day)
  • Tuesday 17 August – Speak Up Awards Finals
  • Tuesday 17 August – Lavalla Music Night
  • Thursday 19 & Friday 20 August – Year 6 Leadership Camp
  • Friday 20 August – 3 Red Assembly

Week 6 

  • Wednesday 25 August – Year 3 & Year 4 Unit Mass
  • Wednesday 25 August – Year 5/6 Art Extension Artist in Residence Program
  • Thursday 26 August – ‘Write a Book in a Day’ Competition
  • Friday 27 August – Book Week Parade in Marist Auditorium