Earlier this week, our student leaders in Year 6 attended a Youth UN consultation where the theme for the day was, “What would Australia look like if young people were the key driver of decision making?” This is such a great theme to consider, as every day I am amazed at the brilliant talent and thoughts our students can offer. I shared this with students at one of our morning gatherings this week, discussing their futures. I let them know that even though they may only be in Years 3-6 now, I often look at our group of students and imagine them as our Years 9-12 leaders which they will become in just a few short years.

The young leaders that students become in the future is all to do with the young people they seek to become now. I spoke with students this week about the importance of setting positive habits – that the actions and behaviours we commit to today will be reflected in our future selves. At a previous school, I once met with a parent at the beginning of Term 4 when I was teaching in Year 6. She wanted to know how to bring her child to a ‘C’ grade standard in one of his subjects before he commenced high school; dismissing the advice we gave earlier in the year. Unfortunately, learning doesn’t work like this. We can’t always just ‘flick a switch’ at a certain point in time and expect everything to work perfectly. It takes years of positive habits and behaviours to build success and this is the message I had for students this week.

At home, I would encourage all families to chat with their child about their future – what sort of person do they hope to be? What type of student do they want to be? Do they already have a career in mind? As part of that discussion speak with them about the behaviours and attitudes that they will need to arrive at their goal. The earlier they can adopt these, the better their chances of success are in the long term.

Highlights from Past Two Weeks

Assemblies

Last week we celebrated our assembly with Year 6 Blue presenting an original piece about both bullying and Maths! Students presented a story through a poem, which highlighted the dangers of bullying and the importance of supporting one another. This is such an important message as there really is nothing more important than the way we treat others! We are very grateful to Mrs Horn and the Year 6 Blue class for being able to share with us such a positive message.

This morning we celebrated assembly with an item prepared by Year 5 Green and Miss Sankar. They presented a fantastic assembly based around the importance of having a growth mindset, with a very futuristic theme. I even got to meet another version of myself – thanks Niamh! A growth mindset is all about having the belief that your skills and talents can be developed through hard work, grit, and perseverance – a terrific message for all our students to hear. Well done to Miss Sankar, Mr Howard, Mrs Biancuzzo, and of the course the Year 5 Green class for an excellent performance!

Marcellin Award 

Last week we were very proud to present Declan Robinson in Year 6 the Marcellin Award. Declan was nominated by his teachers for all the small but very meaningful things he does for his class and classmates. He is the first to help others, includes other students in play and will hold the door open for the next student passing through. His respectful and good-mannered nature makes him a delight to be around and his actions perfectly model the Marist values of Newman College.  He can be very proud of his efforts and the impact he is having in his class. Great job Declan!

This morning we also presented a Marcellin Award to William Nyirongo in Year 5. William has taken it upon himself over these past few weeks to rid our school of excess rubbish and has often been spotted picking up rubbish in his own time in order to improve the look and feel of our grounds. I hope that his selfless act is an inspiration to other students, as this is a fine example of student leadership – making the choice to do something positive that benefits others. Congratulations Will on your outstanding efforts!

Student Expectations 

This week I wrote to all families in Year 6 to share some discussions we have been having in school about the standards and expectations of our students, particularly in relation to behaviour. It is important that families of students across all year levels understand that there is a level of expectation students, families and staff have for our community, and that it is the responsibility of everyone within that community to meet those standards. We frequently use our morning meeting time to set a positive tone or thought for the day, or sometimes to remind students about one of these expectations. We will continue this practice into the second half of our year, with teachers meeting in their classes to reiterate and support these points also.

UN Youth Conference 

Earlier this week, our Year 6 students, along with Mrs Horn and Mrs Biancuzzo, took the opportunity to travel to Loreto Nedlands with other schools to take part in a Youth UN consultation. The theme of the day was, “What would Australia look like if young people were the key driver of decision making?” Students listened to a presentation and took part in some activities and discussions around the theme. Students enjoyed the experience and certainly came back with lots to think about!

Culture of Excellence

I was so pleased to come across some fine examples of excellence in our classrooms this week.

In Year 3 Red, Joel Costley and Leo Goggin combined to achieve more than 50,000 points last week in Mathletics. This means that together, they answered more than 5000 Maths questions correctly. Amazing! I love seeing students setting a goal for themselves and working to achieve it and then inspiring others to do the same. Great efforts from Joel and especially Leo, who has been leading the charge in Year 3 Red for some weeks!

In Year 5 Blue, Kaydee Van Deventer recently took part in the School Sport WA State selection Cross Country race. Racing against girls from all over the state, Kaydee ran an amazing race to finish 2nd overall. This is an outstanding result and one that Kaydee can be really proud of. Kaydee was busy smashing swimming records in Term 1 and is now excelling in the world of athletics too! Well done Kaydee!

In Year 3 Green, Charlotte Nolan has been instrumental in a great example of student leadership. Along with some of her classmates, Charlotte has started a ‘study club’ where students from Year 3 Green go to the library each Monday and Thursday at lunch. Students use this time to finish off some work from class or complete some activities together with a goal of everyone helping others to succeed. Mr Finneran even proposed that Charlotte come and speak to our Year 12 students about it! Well done to her, and the rest of the Year 3 Green team for their dedication to improvement and excellence!

Years 5 and 6 Art Extension Program 

Last week our Art Extension students in Years 5 and 6 took part in a workshop with West Australian textile artist, Tanya Cain Abbs. Tanya worked with students, along with Mrs Grayden and Mrs Farrell, to create a traditional Japanese textile art called ‘Shibori’. Students will use their fabric design as part of a cushion they are designing and will display these artworks in the PK-12 Art exhibition later in the year. Students really enjoyed the opportunity to take part and expand their horizons with something new.

Year 3 Welcomes Mr Bailey 

Last week our Year 3 students were very glad to welcome Mr Bailey who came and spoke to them about his time in the armed services and the importance of ANZAC Day. Mr Bailey brought in some photos and medals (both real and replica) that he was able to share with students. He spoke about his journey through the armed services and some of the different jobs and tasks he undertook during this time, reflecting on some important qualities he was able to share with students such as determination, perseverance and friendship. We are very grateful to Mr Bailey for his time and the wonderful experience he was able to give our students.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

There are several upcoming events over the next two weeks at school that we look forward to sharing in with our students and the community. These include:

• Monday 31 May – Year 6 excursion to Parliament House
• Tuesday 1 June – Opening of the Saint John Henry Newman Learning Hub
• Wednesday 2 June – LifeLink launch day for primary schools
• Thursday 3 June – Year 6 Interschool sport (hosted here at Newman)
• Friday 11 June – Champagnat Feast Day celebrations (including buddy day!)

Celebrating 200 Years Catholic Education in Australia

A National Mass for Catholic Education was celebrated on Monday 24 May, the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, at cathedrals and parish churches across all states, territories and dioceses.

The Mass commemorated the rich 200-year history of Catholic education in Australia with students and colleagues at Catholic schools and education offices across the nation.  I attended the Perth Archdiocese Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral along with MSA Regional Director, Julie Ryan, Leader of Early Childhood, Lisa McClue and Year 11 students Elliana Celisano and Jack Carberry.  It was a beautiful and moving liturgy recognising the enormous contribution of Catholic Education in Western Australia.

National Simultaneous Storytime 2021

National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association.  A picture book is selected and read in schools, libraries etc across the country.

The story selected this year was ‘Give me some space’ by Philip Bunting.  I had great joy in reading this story to students at the Marian Campus.  A love of reading is a gift that needs to be nurtured and supported.  I encourage students and parents to read together to cultivate this important piece of becoming a lifelong learner.  As in the past, teachers had organised for an appropriate costume for me to become truly immersed in this story.   Being an astronaut and reading in character is one strategy to bring life and joy to reading.

Year 7 Interviews

Last Tuesday we commenced interviewing students for Year 7 2024.  This year, we were able to conduct our interviews in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub and therefore showcase our new learning environment.

Our enrolment numbers for Secondary are currently at an eight year high.  The elevated amount of interest in Year 7 is testimony to our ongoing pursuit of academic excellence as exemplified through our Vision for Learning ‘Shine through discovery’ – Let your light shine, pastoral care, comprehensive co-curricular program, upgraded facilities and quality teaching program.

An important part of our enrolment strategy still rests with the narrative that our current students bring to the dinner table when they come home from school.  Their experience of learning and being part of a community is our best advertisement.

National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

National Sorry Day is observed annually on 26 May and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were removed from their families and communities, to which we refer ‘the Stolen Generation’.

At Newman College we acknowledged this day across the College through prayer and various presentations.  At the Marcellin Campus the bells were switched to didgeridoo music for the day.

The following prayer was shared with Marist schools across Australia by our MSA National Director, Dr Frank Malloy:

Prayer for Reconciliation

Almighty and loving God,
you who created ALL people in your image.
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again
so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession
of land, language, lore, culture, and family kinship that
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.
We live in faith that all people will rise
from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.
We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless, and inflicted and heal their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us
as we continue our journey of healing
to create a future that is just and equitable.
Lord, you are our hope.
Amen.

Marist Family Mass, Sunday 30 May

After being cancelled last year due to COVID-19, Newman College is delighted to once again be hosting this event.  Such a gathering provides an opportunity for the relatives of our Brothers, Marist Priests, Affiliated Members and the Brothers themselves, to celebrate the Mass for Trinity Sunday together and then to socialise over a morning tea. The Mass commences at 10.00am and will be celebrated by Fr Steve Truscott SM.

We look forward to being with the Brothers on this day.

Opening and Blessing of the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub, Tuesday 1 June  

Our community has undergone significant renewal in the last five years, exemplified by a commitment to growing the authentic learning experience of our students.  We have pursued St John Henry Newman’s commitment to academic excellence and critical thinking that is animated through our Vision for Learning ‘Shine through discovery’ – Let your light shine.  This Vision inspires our faith and learning community to Challenge, Collaborate, Create and Celebrate who we are and what we seek to achieve.

The refurbished building will inspire us to delve deeply into Newman’s story, his spirituality and the inspiration he has evoked in educational circles around the world.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming the following distinguished guests to Newman College to perform official duties at this significant event –

• The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe, Archbishop of Perth
• Br Peter Carroll, Provincial of the Marist Brothers and the Leader of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat
• Dr Frank Malloy, National Director Marist Schools Australia

College Advisory Council Meeting

Our College Advisory Council convened last evening and we welcomed our Director Mission and Catholic Identity, Simon Martino, as guest speaker.  Mr Martino spoke about the development of the new Vision for Mission demonstrating how this is a living document which takes on a methodology to the way we bring our faith and life into action at Newman College.

 

The Mission and Faith Life of our College continues to shine through the work of our staff who continue to participate in the dream of St Marcellin Champagnat “to make Jesus Christ known and loved” to all the young people in our care. The past two weeks has seen students participating in a range of activities from Retreat Days to Mothers Day Liturgies and Sacramental retreats. All these activities play an important role in helping our students discover who they are and who God is calling them to be.

Australian Marist Solidarity Fundraising

This term, Newman College has been focused on Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) in its fundraising appeals. This year Australian Marist Solidarity have launched their campaign, Fratelli Tutti: the Spirit of Solidarity. Activities and resources will be shared to raise awareness with students across PK-12 as we continue through Term 2. A big congratulations to Year 5 students who through a Humanities special project has raised close to $1000. This is a great start and our fundraising will continue through our Champagnat Day celebrations later this term.  To learn more about the work AMS does, please click here.

Marist Youth Ministry Regional Gathering

Year 11 and 12 students joined with students from St Joseph’s College Northam to reflect on who is their neighbour and how they can better serve the most vulnerable in our community. These values and idea of service is underpinned by our Marist Spirituality.

Marian Lecture: The Post-Covid Church

Staff and colleagues from around the Archdiocese gathered for the 2021 Marian Lecture, facilitated by the Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, where Mr Christopher Lamb presented on the Post-Covid Church: Crisis or Opportunity?

Mr Lamb is the foreign correspondent for the Tablet to the Vatican and has great insight to the papacy of Francis. Over 50 people attended this event, hosted in our Marist Auditorium where Mr Lamb reflected on the papacy. In his reflection he outlined Pope Francis as a disruptor, who seeks to challenge the Church to rediscover the radical message of Christ. He went on to remind us that the Church today invites all members to become active and involved in shaping the future and we in Australia have an opportunity to do this through the Plenary Council. Lastly to point out that Pope Francis encourages us to live simply and to be empathetic to our brothers and sisters. In a time of uncertainty, a community of people who walk with and support each other, is one that Christ calls us to be and is our hope for our Newman College community.

Thursday morning Community Mass – 8.10am every Thursday

Thank you to Thomas More Guild and Year 5 students and Brigid Guild and Year 6 students who hosted our Thursday morning community Mass in Weeks 3 and 4. Chisholm Guild and Year 4 will be hosting in Week 5 and Camara Guild and Year 3 in Week 6.

Our community Mass is the perfect way to start your day where students can gather with staff and their parents to begin the day. All parents are invited to attend with their students at least once a term.

Student Led Prayer

Faith and Liturgy Captains Lucy Brennan and Sarah Kerr continue to play an important role in our school, offering opportunity for students and staff to gather in the Chapel for 10mins of quiet prayer and reflection. Over the past few week’s students have created Mothers Day cards and reflected on the Anzac spirit. Please encourage your son/daughter to attend Student Led Prayer, which takes place in the Chapel every Friday at 8.25am.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation over the next few weeks. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their relationship with God, with others and with themselves. The sacrament of Reconciliation is about forgiveness, mercy and encountering God’s love.

Through their Pastoral Care program, students will be asked to reflect on their behaviour and places where they need to seek forgiveness. Our students will be supported by the Redemptorist Monastery as they prepare for the sacrament.