Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

As we are fast approaching the end of the school year, I have been spending some of my time this week reading over report comments and reflecting on some of the wonderful learning and growth that has occurred over the year. As educators, we always hope that our children have positive experiences at school and that these experiences contribute both to their learning and their wellbeing too. As first educators of children, parents and families play a really important role in this too. The way we talk about and discuss opportunities or challenges within school can really frame the experiences that many of our students will go on to have. It is important for children to have a positive mindset when it comes to school and look forward to the opportunities they are presented with each day. If you feel the College could help you or your family with this, please just talk to myself or your classroom teacher.

Assembly

Last week, students across the College celebrated NAIDOC Week. The theme for this year was ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ which recognises First Nations people who have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Part of our NAICOC Week celebrations saw Year 4 Red present a performance and dance that retold the story of the Rainbow Serpent. It was a beautiful and respectful item which was a lovely way to end our week of celebrations.

We also congratulated several Merit Award winners and some very special recipients of the Art Excellence Awards which were a part of the recent Arts Festival.

Marcellin Award

Last week, our Marcellin Award was awarded to James Bornmann in Year 6.  James is the living example of what it means to be an upstanding young man. Whether in class or on the sporting field, in a small group with friends, or in his role as Student Councillor, James epitomises what it means to be a student at Newman College. He has carried himself with both distinction and pride all year and put simply, is one of those special young people that makes our College a better place. Other students can learn from his positive approach to all aspects of school life as well as the way he treats others. James is a leader in the truest sense of the word. Well done James on setting such a fine example for others.

GATE Showcase

Last week, our Gifted and Talented (GATE) students from Years 3-6 gathered in the hall to present a showcase on a project they have been working on over the second half of the year. The showcase centred around the theme ‘Project Homeless’ which was a problem-based learning project where students were challenged to work together to create a solution to the homeless issues we see here in Perth.

Students were very excited to share their innovative ideas, completed projects and learning experiences. The students’ dedication, hard work and commitment to this project was excellent and it was wonderful to see so many families attending in support.
A big thank you to Mrs Zelich and Miss Sankar for their support of these students and the GATE initiative.

Lavalla Sing & Strings Concert

On Wednesday evening, a number of our Arts students took part in the Lavalla Sing & Strings Concert. Students performed a number of items as individuals, duets, bands and choirs. It was lovely to see the Marist Auditorium so full with families who are so keen to support the College’s Arts programs. We must give a special thanks to Mrs Grayden and the Arts Department for a wonderful evening, as well as the numerous music tutors across our Campus who have worked with our students all year to help them be ‘performance ready’.

Altar Servers

This week, a number of students from the Lavalla Campus have taken up the opportunity to become involved in altar server training. Students have been meeting at lunch time to work with Mr Martino and our Acolyte, Mr Diamond to learn the ways of altar serving and the significance of some of the processes and rituals of Mass. It is so lovely to see students so willing to serve their College community in such a positive way. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their training.

Caritas Virtual Social Justice

Yesterday, students from a number of classes participated in the first of the Caritas Virtual Social Justice sessions. A recount from two of our Year 6 students is below:

“Today we participated in the Caritas Virtual Social Justice Sessions. We joined other schools around Perth and listened to presenters from Honiara, Solomon Islands and learnt about the challenges faced when collecting water and the importance of water. They shared a story about Pete who lives in the Solomon Islands and what he goes through with his disability. We now have more of an understanding of how much of a struggle these people go through every day.” Lola Corbett & Grace Richardson, Year 6 Green students

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons commenced this week and it has been lovely to see so many students taking part so wholeheartedly. The manner and respectful nature of students has been on full show this week and it is so pleasing to see students leaving a positive impression on the swimming instructors. Swimming lessons will continue next week and we thank Mrs Short who has organised all our lessons this year.

College Hats For Sale

All students are required to have the College hat as part of the College’s uniform requirements. In line with our “no hat-no play” policy, students must wear a hat if they want to play outside. Hats are available to purchase from the College Uniform Shop or Lavalla Administration Office for $20. We ask you clearly mark hats and all other uniform items with your child’s name so misplaced items can be returned.

Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

Pre Primary Excursion – Kings Park

Last week, our Pre Primary students travelled to Kings Park on an excursion that taught them about the native Western Australian Marri Tree and the flora of the surrounding WA bushland. This excursion linked to the students’ Biological Science unit and enabled them to bring some native saplings back to College which they plan to plant and nurture.

NAIDOC Week

Year 2 students engaged in a collaborative NAIDOC project that showcased Aboriginal artworks as the students explored the traditions of our local Noongar People. The action of each little piece culminating together into one large artwork symbolised the coming together of the First Nation Peoples.

Tying Laces Incursion

Marian students undertook the complex task of learning how to tie their shoelaces.

Representatives from Athletes Foot stepped students through the process and each child received a take-home pack to consolidate their learning. We look forward to seeing all the shoelaces across the Campus neatly tied from now on!!

St Cecilia’s Feast Day Liturgy

A big thank you to the Year 2 Unit for leading us in a reverent and meaningful liturgical celebration in honour of St Cecilia. It was lovely to experience such wonderful singing, given that St Cecilia is the patron Saint of Music.

Year 2 Transition Day

In preparation for their transition to the Lavalla Campus in 2021, Year 2 students will engage in a transition day on Friday 27 November. The purpose of the day is to enable students to familiarise themselves with the Year 3 Teachers and Classrooms and engage in some activities.

Parents are asked to drop their child at the Lavalla Campus from 8.15am. Year 2 students should gather in the Lavalla Hall where their Year 2 classroom teachers will be waiting to greet them.  Students are required to bring their recess and lunch or lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools as normal.  Students can bring a small amount of money to purchase items from the canteen if they wish.  Students must also remember to bring their hat.
Please pick-up students from the Lavalla Hall at 3.10pm.

Pre Kindergarten Parent Information Session

Thank you to all the families who joined us for the 2021 Pre Kindergarten Information Session. It was lovely to see lots of new and familiar faces of children who are about to embark on the Newman journey. Parents who were unable to attend the session can collect their Information Pack from the Marian Administration Office.

Swimming Lessons

Our Years 1 and 2 students have been thoroughly enjoying their first week of swimming lessons. This is a much-anticipated event and the students have been great representatives of the College’s values as they strive for their personal best.

Punctuality

Attendance records show we have a consistent number of students who regularly arrive after the morning bell has gone. Students are required to arrive at school prior to the 8.45am bell ready to commence the day punctually. The Campus is open from 8.20am. Late arrivals into the classroom are very disruptive for other students and the classroom teacher. We ask you make every effort to ensure that your child is at school on time.

College Hats For Sale

All Pre Primary – Year 2 students are required to have the College hat as part of the College’s uniform requirements. In line with our “no hat-no play” policy students must wear a hat if they want to play outside. Hats are available to purchase from the College Uniform Shop or Marian Administration Office for $20. We ask you clearly mark hats and all other uniform items with your child’s name so misplaced items can be returned.

 

Newman News Term 4 Week 6 2020: From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

The Importance and Impact of Social Education

Our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery, values and promotes collaboration, as central to the learning experience of young people and how to aspire to partner with parents.
We believe that students learn best in an environment where they can interact with and experience the curriculum, therefore gaining knowledge and learning how to collaborate. This has been showcased by our commitment to Outdoor Education, the Arts and events that celebrate each year group and each student; from Year 6 Camp to the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Thank you to all staff who promote learning environments that celebrate each student and promote teamwork and cooperation.

End of Year Reporting

Australian Curriculum judging standards will be used to discern the end of year grade of student reports across the College. It is important to acknowledge the variety of inputs that are taken into consideration when reporting on each learning area. These inputs include, but are not limited to, formative and summative assessment, observations and running records. Learning attributes provide families and students with an insight into how students apply themselves to their learning and the classroom environment. Thank you to all teachers for their preparation, professionalism and attention to accurate and meaningful reporting as a critical element of our Learning Cycle.

Responsible Digital Citizenship

I encourage all families to discuss with their children the importance of ensuring all online behaviour is respectful, considerate and thoughtful. Leaders of Wellbeing have been supporting students and families who have been the target of inappropriate posts on social media.  The eSafety Commissioner website is an excellent resource for families and young people, designed to assist in establishing positive online habits. Our College Counsellors and Leaders of Wellbeing can also provide guidance, support and advice.

Leaders of Wellbeing – Marcellin Campus 2021

The 2021 Leaders of Wellbeing will be lead by Mrs Carla Pastorelli, who has been appointed to the role of Deputy Principal Secondary in 2021. Mrs Pastorelli has been a member of the Middle Leadership Team at Newman College for two years. This year she guided and supported the Year 12 cohort and their families in the role of Leader of Wellbeing.

Together with the Ministry Team, the Counselling and Wellbeing Team, Guild Coordinators, Learning Diversity and the Pathways Team, our collective commitment is to provide holistic care and support for students and families and aspire to meet the individual needs of the young people in our care.

We are pleased to confirm the following Leaders of Wellbeing in 2021:

Year 7: Miss Kelly Johnson
Year 8: Mr Jordan Naylor (joining us from Chisholm Catholic College)
Year 9: Miss Regan Dyer (joining us from Mandurah Catholic College)
Year 10: Miss Gemma Beekink
Year 11: Mrs Yvette Pearce (joining us from Corpus Christi College)
Year 12: Mrs Rebecca Bramanto

2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days

Please note the 2021 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days were published in Newman News Term 4 Week 4 2020. Please click here to view these important dates.

Christmas Craft Stall

The students from Education Support will hold a number of opportunities for staff, students and families to purchase their Christmas crafts.

  • Monday 30 November: 9.30am – 12.30pm at Floreat Forum
  • Friday 4 December: 8.15am (before school) at Marian Campus
  • Friday 4 December: 12.55pm (lunch) at Marcellin Campus in A31

Find the price list attached here.

Our Commitment To Child Safety

All members of the College community share responsibility for and actively promote an environment that prioritises the best interests of children and young people.

“What might this look like at Newman College?”

  • Teachers and staff recognise a child and young adult’s right to a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
  • Child safety is a responsibility shared by everyone at the College.
  • Standardised, quality training is provided to understand the indicators of child maltreatment, e.g. Child Protection Policy and Mandatory Reporting training.
  • Child safe policies and practices are in place to ensure that unsafe behaviour is recognised and reported.
  • There is a culture where children and young adults can raise concerns without worry.
  • Parents are treated as partners in child safety and have access to information and support on all aspects of child safety.
  • Staff actively seek to identify and eliminate racism and discrimination.
  • Staff feel confident to identify and present concerns about child safety activities and practices.
  • Teachers and staff are alert and aware about how others treat children and young people.

Code Of Conduct

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.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries.  Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct.  Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound by the Code of Conduct.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team.  We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.

Newman News Term 4 Week 4 2020: Latest Sports News

Jo Dunn on 06/11/2020

ACC Cross Country

The College finished 3rd overall in this year’s virtual Cross Country Meet and is the highest Newman has finished in the last 10 years. It was a total team effort, however congratulations to the following athletes who achieved top five finishes and ACC All Star status:

  • Harrison Warwick and Charlie Cossom: U13 Boys
  • Luke Bourke and Presley Ellis: U14 Boys
  • Daniel Gleeson and James Hart: U15 Boys
  • Nicholas Tranter: U16 Boys
  • Ellie Jones: Open Girls
  • Will McAullay: Open Boys

ACC Athletics

Despite some significant challenges, the whole team performed with genuine grit and determination in achieving our goal of remaining in A division this year. Many athletes competed in unfamiliar events and beyond their own age groups which proved the difference in achieving this fantastic result. Again, our relay teams delivered under the pressure of competition, reinforcing the importance of our training program. There were also many outstanding individual performances with the following students being awarded age champions and ACC All Stars:

  • Imogen Boss: ACC All Stars for 3 events and A Division U14 Champion Girl
  • Luis Uribe Carrero: A Division U16 Champion Boy
  • Dean Morse: ACC All Stars for 2 events
  • Harry Prentice: ACC All Stars
  • Tania Barilla: ACC All Stars
  • William Sartor: ACC All Stars

NAS Golf

Our NAS Golf team led by Mr Cotterel competed in the annual NAS Golf Competition at the Wembley Golf Course last week. For the first time in the College’s history, Newman won the event defeating John XXIII and Sacred Heart Colleges. The team was led by George Barclay, who with his partner Zac Rodkiewicz, shot an amazing even par 70. These two players were ably supported by Nathan King and Jude Tanham.

Marist Cricket First XI

The Marist First XI Cricket team has been selected and will be led by John Lucas. The team will compete against Bunbury Catholic College next month, vying for the Brother Redden Shield and Champagnat Cup. The boys will be travelling down to Bunbury, staying overnight and playing in a series of T20’s and 50 over games. We wish the team well.

ACC Letters

Congratulations to Emily Holland for being awarded the prestigious ACC Letters.

Junior Boys Triathlon

Congratulations Luke Bourke who won the Junior Boys Triathlon at the School Sport WA Championships at Champion Lakes.

 

Arts Festival 2020

Jo Dunn on 06/11/2020

A ‘new look’ Arts festival, aptly titled with the Marist theme for 2020, “One Wild and Precious Life” and designed around Covid-19 regulations, opened in a stunning fashion on Sunday 25 October with Divergence the Years 7- 12 Dance Showcase.  The 2020 showcase celebrated the work of our Years 7-12 dancers who were enrolled in curriculum Dance courses, and Junior and Senior Dance Troupes throughout 2020. The dancers were beautifully prepared by Dance teacher, Mrs Fuhr, Ms Mahoney and guest choreographers, despite a reduction in rehearsal hours due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Dance Showcase program, included styles and genres such as; lyrical, hip hop, contemporary and even traditional Indonesian and Jewish cultural dances. Original solo choreography performances from our Years 11 and 12 students also showcased the exceptional talent within our ATAR and Dance programs.

Congratulations to all the dancers in the program and to Mrs Fuhr who worked tireless to prepare the showcase. It truly was a remarkable celebration of our curriculum and co-curricular Dance program at the College. Thank you also to the production management and technical staff; Dixie Johnstone, Adam James, Dene, and Mason Velios, for their professional expertise that supported the set up and running of all the production aspects of all the Arts Festival events. The level of professionalism we are afforded at the College, in and around Arts production, enables our students artistic gifts to truly shine.

The Arts Festival continued on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 afternoons with the Student Art Exhibition. On both occasions our community enjoyed the student art that adorned the foyer walls and studio rooms and enjoyed musical performances from our music instrumental students who played solo, paired and ensemble pieces. ‘Beating Hearts’ opened the music program on Wednesday with some stunning drumming, guitar and vocal performances by our Lavalla students. Thank you Ms Goldsmith, Mr Cobb and Ms Herriman, Ms Moss and Ms Johnstone for preparing our students and supporting them within these special performances.

‘Street performances’ by Matilda characters stole the show at times, as two students from the cast of Matilda ‘took on’ Miss Trunchbull, with a little volunteer support from some of our very own Lavalla students and siblings who watched Ms Trunchball closely, but from a safe distance, as she moved through the Art exhibition. This impromptu, improvised, performance showcased the talent we are soon to see on stage in the Marist Auditorium as we look forward to the long awaited production of Roald Dahl’s, Matilda The Musical (December 3-5).

Student award winners were indicated by award cards placed on award winning art works. These award winners from each year group will receive certificates and prizes, to be presented at up and coming assemblies at respective campuses. View the full list of award winners here. Congratulations and thank you to Mrs Rose for coordinating the student exhibition again this year and to all the Visual Art teachers (particularly Mrs Spencer, Ms Farrell, Ms Gleisenger and Ms Yanev) and Design and Technology teachers (Mr Arnold, Mr Nelson, Mr MacNeill, Ms Newton, Mrs Tate, Ms Mahoney, Ms Yanev) who prepared the exhibitions of the student works in such an exquisite fashion to showcase the talent across all creative arts areas of the College.

Thank you to the Arts Festival parent committee for helping to organise the volunteers who supported hanging of the exhibition and catering. We greatly appreciated the parent help we received again this year. Thank you also to the newly appointed 2021 Arts Captains and Student Leaders for stepping up to assist with the craft activities, oval games and food stall. Our Grounds and Maintenance team, publicity and catering staff also support this event every year. We are so grateful for all this behind the scenes support, that contributes to the ongoing success of the event.

Congratulations to all staff involved in this year’s Arts Festival, “One Wild and Precious Life” and to the award winners and all artists who had their work exhibited this year. Thank you sincerely for sharing your gift with us, we were once again so amazing by the depth and breadth of artistic talent at Newman College.

Maree Grayden, Leader of Learning Arts PK-12

 

Divergence: 2020 Dance Showcase

 

The 2020 Dance Showcase Divergence, showcased the wide variety of dance styles and creative ideas the students have been working on this year. Featuring choreography from students, teachers and industry professionals, the two Showcase performances were a flurry of costumes, lighting and of course, the wonderful talent of the dancers themselves. 65 students from both curriculum classes and the co-curricular Dance Troupe were involved in the Showcase this year and each one of them put on an outstanding performance. Despite the excitement of the night, students conducted themselves with impressive professionalism which contributed to the smooth running of the shows.

Many staff provided their assistance both on the night and in the lead up to the event. Their support and generosity with their time is very much appreciated.

Thank you also to the numerous parent volunteers who assisted with hair styling, interval service, foyer decoration and other duties. It was lovely to see the College community come together to support the Dance program at the College.

Caroline Fuhr, Dance Teacher