News Archives - Page 79 of 182

Newman News Term 1 Week 4 – Latest Sport News

Jo Dunn on 12/02/2021

NAS Competition – Term 1

Round 1 of the NAS Summer season was completed this week. Years 7 -10 competed strongly against John XX111 with many great team performances taking place. Some of the many highlights include the come from behind victory by our Yr 10 Boys Basketballers and the fantastic efforts by our undermanned Yr 10 AFLW girls overcoming a strong John XX111 outfit. Big thank you to all players and coaches for committing to teams this term. Next week is a bye, however we look forward to further fun and exciting competition in week 6 when we compete against Chisholm Catholic College in Round 2.

Download NAS Summer Competition Parent Information Letter

Download NAS Summer Fixtures 2021

Guild Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all students who competed in last week’s School Swimming Carnival at HBF Stadium. All students swam hard in trying to maximise points for their Guilds and many Personal Bests were achieved along the way. Due to Year 12’s being on Retreat this week, the overall Guild winner and Age Champions will be announced on Tuesday at a special assembly. There were many outstanding individual performances at the Carnival with 7 School records being broken:

Oliver Groughan (Yr 7 Boys 100m Freestyle)
Jessica Bourke (Yr 7 Girls 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly)
Jake Paynter (Yr 10 Boys 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle)
Imogen Boss (Yr 9 Girls 50m Freestyle)

Our preliminary ACC Inter-School Swim Team has been announced. The squad has been training hard Tuesday and Thursday mornings and we look forward to competing in the A Division ACC Carnival in Week 8. Next Friday we have another opportunity for Years 7-10 swimmers to press for final selection at the NAS Swim Meet being held at the Newman Pool. Click here to view more pictures taken from the event.

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

Jo Dunn on 12/02/2021

Welcome to the 2021 school year, particularly to our students and families joining the Newman College community for the first time. The start of a new school year brings a sense of excitement and hope for the year ahead.

Week 1 saw the return of all students from Years 7 – 12. Students were welcomed by their Leaders of Wellbeing and PCG teachers in Year Group assemblies and then hit the ground running, commencing classes from period 3. Our Year 7 students participated in a Transition Program which gave students an opportunity to settle into the routine of high school before starting classes on Tuesday.

On Wednesday 10 February, our 2021 College Captains presented their first Principal’s Assembly. During this assembly the College acknowledged and congratulated the High Achiever’s from the Class of 2020 and commissioned the Student Leaders in Year 6 and Year 12.

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 below:

Download Wellbeing Program Term 1 2021

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.

Senior Blazer Trim Instructions

Students in Years 10 – 12 are required to have a braided blazer. To ensure your child’s blazer is ready for Term 2 please ensure:

Blazer is dry cleaned and dropped-off at the Uniform Shop by Friday 20 March
Payable at drop off $25
Please remember to have your child’s details on their blazer (name and phone number)
Please note if you need a new blazer with the braid already attached, these are available for sale at a cost of $200.

Please note that the Uniform Shop does not accept cash, we do accept all major credits cards however do not accept American express.

Assessment Guidelines and Procedures

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, providing students, parents/guardians and teachers with information on academic progress and feedback to inform future learning. Families and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Assessment Guidelines and Procedures, in particular information regarding approved and unapproved absences

Rules/Policies

From 2021 mobile phones and/or devices cannot be carried by students throughout the school day and must be switched off, or on silent and placed in their locker. Mobile phones that can be seen or heard may be confiscated by the teacher and a consequence issued. Students needing to contact parents throughout the school do can do so from Student Reception.

Upcoming Events

Guild Swimming Carnival

Next Thursday 18 February we will hold our Guild Swimming Carnival at Challenge Stadium.

Year 12 Retreat

As part of their Year 12 experience, the Year 12 students will attend a three-day Retreat in Serpentine during Week 4. Further information from Mrs Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12 will be communicated to parents.

Year 7 Retreat

Our Year 7 students will have their retreat day on Friday 26 February. This event is held at the College and sees an alternative timetable run for Year 7 that day. More information will be coming out shortly from Miss Johson, Leader of Wellbeing Year 7.

From the Counselling and Wellbeing Team

The Marcellin Counselling Team works with Leaders of Wellbeing and other school staff to support students who may be experiencing emotional, social or academic difficulties. If you have concerns for your child or would like to request the involvement of the Counselling Team, please contact your child’s Leader of Wellbeing. Students can self-refer to see the counsellor for their year group by contacting the relevant member of the Counselling Team directly via SEQTA message, or through their Leader of Wellbeing or Student Services.

Amber Newsome
College Psychologist
Years 9, 11 & 12 (Monday – Friday)

Siobhan Quirke
College Counsellor
Years 7 & 8 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday)

Food Allergy Reminder

Please click here to refer to the Food Allergy section of the newsletter regarding important information related to food allergies.

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Leader of Primary

Jo Dunn on 12/02/2021

After last week’s ‘false start’ to begin the year, it has been wonderful to welcome all of our students and families back to school, especially those who are new to our community. I am very pleased with the start students have made in their classrooms, and already we are seeing some fine examples of student excellence, both in work habits, and in how students are conducting themselves in the playground.

If I could sum up my hopes and aspirations for our campus in one word for 2021 it would be community. The Marist theme for 2021, ‘Breathe: The Spirit of Life (Rm 8:2) encourages us to pause after what has been an eventful twelve months and take stock of that which is most important in our lives. This year, I hope students come to appreciate the wonderful people in their lives; their friends, their teachers, and most importantly, their families. I hope that they can see the wonderful community that they are a part of, and the role they have to play in contributing to this. Each day, students at the Lavalla campus will gather as a community. It is our chance to set the tone for the day, encourage a reflective thought, or acknowledge the many examples of excellence we see in our community each day. I hope this year that all students can come to understand what it means to be a student at Newman College. I hope that they are able to see that they are an important and valuable member of our community, and that they have an important role to play in the success of our campus. We look forward to supporting and celebrating our students in their journey this year.

Year 6 Student Leaders

On Wednesday at the High Achievers Assembly this week, we commissioned our new student leaders for 2021. The standard of applications to the leadership program for this year was very high, and we are delighted to acknowledge those students who were successfully nominated by their peers to take on this responsibility. One of the many nuances of leadership students have come to understand though, is that leadership is not about wearing a badge; it is about setting a good example for others and doing the small things well. We look forward to the journey ahead of us with our new student leaders at the helm.

Congratulations to Isabella Crisona, Michael Ng, Brayden Lim, Anabel Raguseo, Tahlia Thayer, Xavier Dunstan, Nikita Aylmore, Benji Thompson, Jaspar Martin-Booth, Benji Davies, Aaron Stannard, and Madelyn Bertolini. You can watch the commissioning of our 2021 student leaders here.

Parking

As many families can appreciate, our carpark is always a very busy and hectic place, especially at the beginning of the year as new families and students get used to the drop-off and pick-up procedures. Parents are reminded to take it easy in the carpark, and be considerate of those around us. Students should only be entering vehicles at the designated areas, and only ever cross as the designated crossings. Parents are also reminded that there are teachers on duty until 3.30pm each afternoon, so if you want to miss the traffic and collect your child at 3.25pm you are more than welcome.

Homework Club & Coder Dojo

Homework will commence next week Monday 15 February. Homework Club takes place each Monday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the library. This is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on their homework for the week under the supervision and assistance of some of our teachers.

Coder Dojo will also recommence this term, though it will start on Tuesday 23 February. Coder Dojo occurs every Tuesday afternoon and is an opportunity for students to be involved in computer coding, and take part in other IT related activities. Students need to bring their iPad, and will be under the direction of staff at all times.

Both the Homework Club and Coder Dojo are open to all of our students. If you wish to attend, you just need to let your child’s teacher know.

Term 1 Swimming

Swimming for Term One has commenced, with our Year 4 students hitting the pool for the first time this week during Phys Ed. All students will be taking part in the Swimming Trials next Thursday 18 February in preparation for the Swimming Carnival which is on Friday 26 February.

More information around the requirements for swimming will be shared by Mrs Richards via the class SeeSaw pages, but generally, students will need to remember to bring bathers, rashie, towel, and goggles to take part. If you have any questions about the swimming program for this term, please see your class teacher.

Learning Hub Tour

Earlier this week, our Year 6 students took a tour of the new Saint John Henry Newman Learning Hub. The Hub is available to use for all students across Year 3-6, and families will have the opportunity to inspect the space on the same evening as the Parent Teacher Information sessions. It is an incredible learning space that really needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. Our students certainly thought so too.

“It was so big and fancy, but it also felt very calming and inspiring. The library was amazing and there were so many books. We are looking forward to going again.”- Fletcher Bell (6 Blue)

Food Allergy Reminder

The beginning of the school year is always a good time to remind families that there are a number of students at our school who have food allergies, some of which are life threatening. We please ask families to consider the foods their child brings to school, and to avoid nut products in lunchboxes. It is our job as a community to support all of our students and to keep them safe. If you have any questions about how student allergies are managed in the school please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Newman News Term 1 Week 2: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 12/02/2021

What an amazing start we have had to the 2021 school year. Despite some small challenges that the COVID restrictions have posed, we have had a very smooth and successful start. Our teachers have reported that their classes are filled with excited, happy children who have been eager to jump straight back into the learning journey. I would like to express my thanks to all families for their understanding and adherence to COVID restrictions, and for their patience in navigating the new processes.

We warmly welcome all new students and families that have joined the Marian Campus this year, including all our new Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students. We hope you feel very welcome at Newman College, and look forward to the many wonderful memories that will be shared during your child’s educational journey with us.

K-Y2 Parent Information Evening

The Parent Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 16 February from 5.00pm. Classroom Teachers will be presenting important information about the teaching and learning program, and other housekeeping information relevant to your child’s class.

Fitness Friday

We will be recommencing our very popular Fitness Friday activities starting next week. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces of the students as they enjoy a morning of fun with their family and friends. Click Here to see the full list of these activities.

We strongly encourage parents to come down in their exercise gear and join in with their children. Coffee at the College will also run in conjunction with this event, every Friday.

Primary Social Committee / Parent Representatives

All families will have received an email this week, requesting the completion of the Parent Representative Consent Form.
The Parent Representative role is a pastoral and social role, designed to support families throughout the primary school years. The parent representative of your child’s class will compile a contact list using information from consenting families and distribute it to each class member who is willing to share their details.

There is also a questionnaire calling for parents who may be interested in joining our Primary Social Committee (PSC). The PSC meet twice per term to coordinate social events for families and children throughout the school year. If you would like further information regarding the PSC, please email PSC Secretary Kara Edwards karaskyee@hotmail.com

Please complete this form as soon as possible.

Food Allergy Reminder

Please click here to refer to the Food Allergy section of the newsletter regarding important information related to food allergies.

Parking / Drop-off / Pick-up Etiquette

A reminder to all families to adhere to the City of Cambridge road regulations in surrounding streets. Our campus is located in a residential area, and we respectfully ask that you consider our neighbours during the busy pick up and drop off periods.

We continue to encourage families to utilise the drive-through pick up and drop-off area for students in Year 1 and 2. This is a 2-lane system and to ensure it is smooth process, families should utilise the left lane if turning left onto Cambridge Street, and the right drive-through lane if exiting right onto Cambridge street.

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

Jo Dunn on 12/02/2021

Marist Theme 2020

The Marist theme for 2021 is Breathe: The Spirit of Life.

Anthony Clarke, Director of Mission and Life Formation for Marist Australia, reflects:

“In this moment of history, we could not be more aware of how connected we are. An unknown virus spread from a largely unheard-of city to affect every human being on the planet. Pope Francis has been repeatedly reminding us that everything is connected (Laudato Si). I think we can say this realisation is now evident.”
Nothing connects us more intimately than the air we breathe. Life depends upon the exchange of breath between human beings and creation. The average person takes an average of 20,000 breaths each day, this subconscious activity can be easy to forget. Our breathing gives us life. We read in Scripture that God “breathed the breath of life” and created humanity, it is God’s breath, God’s Spirit that gives us life and connects us.

The Marist Theme is depicted in the image by Sharon Williams an Australian Aboriginal woman from the traditional land of the Eastern Arrente people. Ms Williams reflects:
“Creation is bigger than just our planet earth, Creation is about everything in the universe – everything Ngkarte (God) had put there and all those things have Ngkartele Utnenge (God’s Spirit) in them. We are all connected because we all have Ngkartele Utnenge in us. We humans hare very blest because we are able to share in Ngkarte’s creating – when I paint, it is Ngkartele Utnenge who guides me to create something that has never been before, and then Ngkartele Utnenge is that painting. When I care for my children in our families and help them grow – that is the being part of Ngkarte’s creating too. It is very precious to be able to share in Ngkarte’s creating in our Universe.”

As we journey in 2021, let us not forget our relationship to one another, our connection through the air we breathe. Let us make the choice to be a be a spirit of fresh air to one another, where we bring joy, peace, forgiveness and love to the people we encounter.

As we make this journey together in 2021 as a PK-12 community, let us remember God’s Spirit, the Spirit of Life, is walking with us as we strive to be the person God has called us to be. When we are feeling overwhelmed and stress, remember to breathe and recall the words of Jesus who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Looking forward to a great year in 2021.

Shrove Tuesday

On Tuesday the 16th of February in week 3, we will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, observed in many Christian countries through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year’s Holy Week palms, finalising one’s Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes! As such on Tuesday the 16th of February we will be selling pancakes to raise money for the College appeals. Students will be able to purchase pancakes from 8.15am on both the Marcellin and Lavalla Campus. Marian students will be making pancakes in their classrooms and are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation.

Ash Wednesday

As a PK-12 Catholic community, we will be holding a number of celebrations on Wednesday 17 February for Ash Wednesday. This is a significant day in the life of the Church and as such, Liturgies will be celebrated across Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin Campuses. This year ashes will be distribute by a sprinkling over the head of students. This is following the directives and mandate from the Vatican and CEWA.

Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent which is a 40-day season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, almsgiving and prayer. The colour purple is used for all liturgical events during Lent to remind us of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. We look forward to recognising and commemorating this sacred occasion in Week 3.

Project Compassion: Caritas Launch

Ash Wednesday is also the day that Caritas Launch their annual fundraising and awareness appeal – Project Compassion. Project Compassion brings together millions of Australians in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

This year’s Project Compassion theme is: “Aspire not to have more, but to BE MORE”. Each week of Lent, Caritas profiles a person who is involved in a Caritas project and always gives 100%. These stories will be viewed across the College with students being invited to understand the challenges others are facing around the world. In a fundraising effort for this appeal there will be several activities across the College, we ask families to please support generously to this worthy cause.

Thursday Morning Community Mass

Our community Mass will commence once more in Week 4 of Term 1. All families, staff and students are invited to attend this community event that is at the very heart of our Catholic story. Mass begins at 8.10am every week and will be hosted by different Year groups and Guilds throughout the year. Week 4 Thursday 26 February will be hosted by Catherine Guild and Year 5 students.

Year of St Joseph

Pope Francis on December 8, 2020 published an Apostolic Letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart), commemorating the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. Resources and information about the Year of St Joseph can be found at the Australian Catholic Bishop’s website here

200 Years of Catholic Education

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.

Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school. This represents some 768,000 students in 1,751 schools across the country and employing 98,000 teachers and staff. Nearly 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.

Marist’s arrived 50 years after the first Catholic school was established and began educating students in NSW before coming to WA in 1913. This year as part of Catholic Education we will look to celebrate this important milestone and reflect on the part we have played in growing people of faith for the future.

Resources and more information can be found here.