Newman News Term 4 Week 2 2020: From the Leader of Early Childhood

As I watched our 2020 Year 12 cohort graduate last night, it was hard not to wonder about the futures of our early childhood students.

Reflecting on the educational journey’s that the Year 12 students have experienced over the past 14 years, many of whom started on the Marian Campus, is certainly a moment of celebration. Over the next decade, we will watch our current Marian students move through the College and before we know it, they too will be celebrating the many years of education that they have completed at their own Graduation ceremony.

However, before that day comes, there will be lots of memorable moments such as these that we have celebrated over the past week.

Book Week

Curious Creatures, Wild Minds! was the theme of this year’s Book Week and it was wonderful to see our students and teachers dressed as their favourite book character to celebrate the event. A fun-filled parade was held on Tuesday, with students from Kindy – Year 2 showcasing their creative costumes in celebration of reading!

An incursion by author James Foley concluded the week of festivities, with James sharing his knowledge and skills around writing stories for children.

Thank you to Mrs Alison Le Dan and Miss Catherine Hall for their hard work in organising all the festivities for the week. Thank you also to Mrs Kelly Simpson for once again coordinating our staff Book Week dance.

For more information and images from our Book Week click here.

Constable Care Incursion

On Thursday, students were lucky enough to have a visit from Constable Care. The theme of this year’s show was “Fun Scary” which focuses on protective behaviours. The topics covered in the incursion align with our classroom “Keeping Safe” protective behaviours program.

Loud Shirt Day 

As a Telethon Speech and Hearing Outpost school, we have several children with hearing impairment across all three of our campuses. Loud Shirt Day is an initiative of Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre that is designed to raise awareness of hearing loss. It was fantastic to see the brightly coloured shirts on children across the campus, as we strive to have a better understanding of how lives are impacted by hearing impairment.

Late Arrivals

A reminder to parents that the morning bell goes at 8.45am and all students should be on campus, ready to line up and enter their classrooms at this time.

There has been an increased number of late arrivals over the past term and we ask that parents make the effort to ensure their child is punctual to class each day. Whilst we are sympathetic to unexpected and occasional late arrivals, we have noticed that there are a number of children who are late to school on a regular basis. The student’s late arrival into class is disruptive to the teacher, the students and the learning program. Please ensure that you are respectful of each child’s learning by making every effort to get your child to school prior to the morning bell.

 

Newman News Term 4 Week 2 2020: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

At the end of last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with all of our Year 5 students to discuss nominations around our student leadership positions for 2021, with our first workshop taking place this morning. Many students (and maybe even adults) think that leadership is beyond them; that it is this ‘larger than life’ mystery reserved for a chosen few in the world. In fact the opposite couldn’t be truer. In this morning’s first leadership workshop, we spoke about many things but one of the most important takeaways was the impact small gestures can have on others. Leadership is not about changing the world; it begins simply with changing one person’s experience of the world.

How can we strive to make a difference for others? What small thing can we do that can change someone’s world? These are the questions facing our next cohort of student leaders and indeed, all students at the Lavalla Campus. By doing the small things really well, the big things will come easily enough.

Assembly

Well done to Mrs Fitzpatrick and the Year 4 Blue class for an entertaining assembly on what life in Year 4 Blue looks like through the lens of BTN! We also recognised a number of students who have made a positive start to Term 4. It is so pleasing to see students continue to give great effort and focus in class when we are so close to the end of the year. I would encourage all students to continue to strive hard for success and complete their year on a positive note. Well done to all students on their success!

Marcellin Award 

Congratulations to Year 6 student William Draper who was awarded the prestigious Marcellin Award at Assembly today. William was nominated by his teacher Mrs Horn for his calming effect on others, his persistence in working hard and his gentle and quiet nature in helping others so humbly. It is so great to see such beautiful qualities in a person so young who is dedicated to making the lives of others better. Well done William!

Book Week Celebrations 

The theme for Book Week this year is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds! Each year our school spends one glorious week celebrating Australian authors and illustrators, which is a wonderful way to promote books and literacy to our students.

For more information and images from our Book Week click here.

Year 6 Family Life Program 

On Monday this week, our Year 6 students took part in the ‘Becoming a Man/Woman’ program which as part of the Religious Education curriculum. Guest speakers from the Catholic Marriage and Fertility Services came to visit students and discuss a number of topics. Students had a chance to reflect on the amazing journey they have travelled so far and to be inspired to face future change with confidence. Students also explored dignity and self-worth, being the ‘boss’ of their bodies and the importance of respecting others. The presenters also encouraged all students to keep a close connection with their parents and caregivers for support and counsel.

Primary Dads Golf Day

Tim Winton Award

Recently, the City of Subiaco invited entries for the Tim Winton Award – a writing competition open to both Primary and Secondary students. There were a number of categories in which students could enter. Congratulations to Ruby Hankinson and Aidan Iannantuoni who were judged to have Highly Commended entries. An awesome job no doubt!

An extra special recognition must go to Oliver Groughan who was awarded 2nd place in the Upper Primary category for his story ‘Full Moon Rise’. You can read Oliver’s story here. Well done to our Year 6 writers!

Loud Shirt Day

Students were invited to wear a loud shirt to school in support of Telethon Speech and Hearing.

If you looked around the campus you might have thought we had gone back in time to the late 90’s as Hawaiian shirts seemed to be the shirt of choice.

The support of TSH from students and families is greatly appreciated.

Newman News Term 4 Week 2 2020: Latest Sports News

2020 ACC Athletics Carnival

Our athletes battled extremely hard in our second year of return to the A Division Carnival and achieved our goal of remaining in A Division. This was a very pleasing result given our reduced squad this year. Congratulations to Sacred Heart College who were the overall winners.

We had many students competing outside their age group against older competitors and in events in which they don’t normally compete. It was only through a team first mentality that we were able to achieve our result. There were plenty of personal bests on the day, with Imogen Boss (U14 Girls and *ACC ALL STAR) and Luis Uribe-Carrero (U16 Boys) being respective Division 1 Age Champions.

The Athletics Program is a large undertaking involving 150 students and many staff and coaches who worked tirelessly throughout term three. I would like to thank them all for their time and effort and in particular acknowledge the Health and Physical Education staff and education assistant Natasha Kriletich for their dedicated coaching and expert marshalling on the day. Special Thanks to Mrs Webb for her excellent work in preparing our relay teams.

Significant results;

  • Olivia De Rossi – 1st U16 Girls Long Jump Div 1
  • Liam Sartor – 1st U14 Boys Hurdles Div 1
  • Leo Kriletich – 1st U14 Boys High Jump Div 1
  • Tania Barilla – 1st U14 Girls Shot Put Div 2 *ACC ALL STAR
  • Ethan Penn – 1st Open Boys Long Jump Div 1
  • Dean Morse – 1st U16 Boys 100m Div 2 *ACC ALL STAR
  • Harry Prentice – *ACC ALL STAR
  • William Sartor – *ACC ALL STAR
  • U15 Boys Relay – 1st
  • U16 Boys Relay – 1st

All the results from the A Division Athletics Carnival are now available on the ACC web site (https://www.accsport.asn.au/carnivals/athletics/results/2020)

The ACC recorded the track events and posted to a Live YouTube Stream;

ACC Virtual Cross Country

Due to COVID, Newman College competed in a Virtual Cross Country this year in a finished in 3rd place. This was an outstanding achievement and the highest we have finished in a Cross Country Meet. Well done to the whole team, especially the following students who received ACC All Stars;

U13 Boys

  • Harrison Warwick
  • Charlie Cossom

U14 Girls

  • Yelena Kelleher

U14 Boys

  • Luke Bourke
  • Presley Ellis

U15 Boys

  • Daniel Gleeson
  • James Hart

U16 Boys

  • Nicholas Tranter

Open Girls

  • Ellie Jones

Open Boys

  • William McAullay

Thank you to all Parents for your ongoing support of our Athletics Program. We look forward to further improvement in 2021.

December 2020/January 2021 Vacation Swimming Lessons

Download the vacation swimming lesson program

Newman News Term 4 Week 2 2020: From the Vice Principal

Graduation Award Winners

Last night, families, friends and staff gathered to celebrate Mass and Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2020. This is a very special occasion on the College Calendar and marks the end of a journey from Kindy to Year 12. The achievements were acknowledged with the presentation of Subject Awards and College Awards. Congratulations to each student and their family. We extend our thanks to teaching staff, from Primary through to Secondary, who have guided, walked with and supported each student over many years. Special thanks to Mrs Carla Pastorelli, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12. Your commitment to this group of students has been unwavering and exemplifies the true mark of a teacher.

As Marist educators, we reflect on the words of Marcellin, ‘May their lives be an echo, of what you’ve taught them’. Our prayer for the graduates of 2020 is that their lives continue to be formed by the tenants of our Marist spirituality and each of you leave Newman College with the courage of your faith, a heart for compassion and a call for service.

Click here to see the full list of award recipients and more photos from the night.

Newman Parents 2021

Planning for the 2021 Newman Parents program is underway. If there is a topic you would like to explore, please email me at lisa.fogliani@newman.wa.edu.au

It is hoped the College can offer a program of both online and face to face parent engagement opportunities.

Awards Ceremonies 2020 

Mindful of the restrictions in place, the College is preparing and planning the best way to host respective Awards Ceremonies at the end of the year to maximise parent engagement, acknowledge the achievements of students and celebrate the 2020 school year.

Please Save the Dates below. Details of each event will be shared closer to the date.

  • Years 7-9 Awards Ceremony – Thursday 26 November, Marist Auditorium
  • Years 10-11 Awards Ceremony – Thursday 26 November, Marist Auditorium
  • Year 6 Celebration Assembly and Lavalla Awards – Tuesday 8 December, Marist Auditorium

Arts Festival

A reminder that the 2020 PK-12 College Arts Festival opens on Sunday 25 October with Divergence the Dance Showcase held in the Marist Auditorium. This is a ticketed event, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Click here for more information.

Covid-19 Update

With the delay of moving to Phase 5 restrictions by the State Government, the following protocols will remain in place until 24 October.

  • Assemblies and College community events: Whole school and campus assemblies are limited to ensure student numbers do not exceed the 2m2 rule. Adult visitors and staff should maintain physical distancing where possible.
  • The College will continue to enforce the 2m2 rule per adult for indoor spaces. All official visitors as per College guidelines are required to sign in.
  • Student attendance at school is compulsory, except for those who are recognised as medically vulnerable or who have medically vulnerable family members. If you are concerned about your own family situation, please contact Lisa Fogliani, Vice Principal for additional clarity and advice.

The Government has stressed the importance of Western Australians to continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and to maintain good personal hygiene to better protect ourselves and the general health of the community.

In addition, students will be continually and explicitly taught the importance of handwashing, physical distancing and observing personal hygiene to a high standard (as developmentally appropriate).

If Students are Unwell 

We ask that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear.  It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the wider College community.

Our Commitment To Child Safety

The College is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all children. We actively work towards and promote the principles of the Catholic Education’s Child Safe Framework. The framework upholds a child safe culture, healthy and respectful relationships, and extended guardianship in school communities, based on the latest research and recognised best practices.  At times, we rely on partnership with parents to ensure all members of our community are safe, supported and cared for. Thank you to community members that have positively and openly supported this intent. If you are concerned about a child, please communicate with Campus Leaders, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

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 2 2020: From the Principal

Start of Term

We have enjoyed a smooth start to the Term.

Year 12 students returned to exams and subsequent feedback sessions, the Year 10 students spent the week in Karridale on their Adventure Camp and we also welcomed our Year 7 2021 cohort to the College for Orientation.

It was wonderful to see Book Week come to life across the College this week. Many age appropriate activities took place and the Primary Parades were extremely colourful. I trust all will enjoy the wonderful photos taken during this week (click here).

Feast of Saint John Henry Newman

Friday 9 October was the official Feast Day of Saint John Henry Newman.

Saint John Henry Newman was an academic. He sought truth and believed that each of us has a purpose, that we are each a link in a chain, created by God to do good and to do God’s work.

During last week we had the opportunity to learn more about Newman’s story. Each campus celebrated through various activities to remember the contributions and learn about Newman. As a community, we celebrated the Feast Day at our Thursday morning Mass which was led by Monsignor Kevin Long.

Tom Brajdic

On Friday 16 October, Catholic Education WA celebrated long standing members of staff at a breakfast at Crown Burswood. Tom Brajdic, our Leader of ICT, was acknowledged for his 40 years of dedicated service to education. Congratulations Tom on this outstanding achievement.

Year 12 Graduation

Last evening we celebrated the Graduating Class of 2020 at Optus Stadium, commencing with Mass in the stands and followed by awards and dinner in the Riverview Room. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the event could not take place at Newman College and we were most fortunate to have secured this magnificent venue for what was, as College Captain Anastasia Berti referred to, the Grand Final of the Class of 2020.

In my speech, I put to the Class of 2020 – ‘What is it your plan to do with your one, wild and precious life?’, the Marist Theme for 2020.  At its heart, it is a question that invites us to look at who we are, the lives we are living, and our place in the world. Our response to this question can take us on a journey in search of understanding of what brings greater freedom and wholeness in our lives. It invites us at a deeper level to consider what it means to be truly human; the brevity, beauty and mystery of life….

Please click here to access the Principal’s Graduation Speech.

The event was an outstanding success.  The students presented beautifully and it was wonderful to see so many family members in attendance to see their children / siblings / grandchildren through this rite of passage.