From the Principal – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Feast of St Mary of the Cross  

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop in our Community Mass with MacKillop Guild and Year 5. Mary MacKillop is our first Australian saint and a woman of great vision, determination and passion for education. Mary paved the way for the education of poor children, especially in rural and remote parts of Australia. She was born in the year that St Marcellin Champagnat died and there is much similarity in the work of both Mary and Marcellin to bring the Good News of the Gospel and education to young people. 

Feast of the Assumption 

Next Thursday we celebrate one of the most important feast days in the Church, the Assumption. The Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. As Marists, we believe that Mary is the first disciple of Jesus, and that we will come to know better Christ’s love for us by following her example of faith, strength, care and compassion. In the Way of Mary is central to how we live our faith as a Newman College community. 

Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry at Newman 

Next week we host a panel from Marist Schools Australia whose role is to meet with the College Executive, sample groups of students, staff and parents to help the College form its next School Strategic Improvement Plan for 2025 to 2027. The community was so helpful in completing the Diagnostic Inventory for School Alignment and Leuven Catholic Identity surveys. This information will also have its place alongside the feedback from the panel in shaping our direction for improvement over the next 3 years. 

In the upcoming Newman Parent Forum, held on Monday 19 August commencing at 6.00pm, the College Executive will be sharing a summary of our perceptive data with parents. We will be outlining the celebrations and commendations that flowed from the school improvement process of our last Plan. We will also be highlighting the areas we are seeing for the work ahead. If you are available, please join us. 

Year 10 Rites of Passage Camp 

On Monday evening, Secondary Deputy, Sarah Ellam and I joined Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Lara Ognenis and Year 10 parents in an information session on the upcoming Year 10 Camp. At Newman College, we are developing a very intentional program of formation for young people as they move through adolescence and begin the journey towards adulthood that links to rites of passage. As parents and school, we are all very keen to ensure that our young people develop in a holistic way, feeling that life isn’t just all pace with no space. We want them to feel confident that they have an extensive toolbox to draw from when navigating their own unique identity and place in the community on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.   

Across the campuses in Wellbeing Week 

During this week, we have focused on the wellbeing approaches that are present in our programs across the College. Our Marian and Lavalla students recognised Zones of Regulation on Thursday by dressing in the colours of the zones. Each day of the week has had a theme that we are following throughout the College. Our Wellbeing Captains, Ava and Jordan, have worked alongside students and staff to highlight the importance of wellbeing.  

As the staff have been involved in wellbeing activities today, and there is a mid-term break for students today and Monday, I take the opportunity to wish families a good break. We will see everyone return next Tuesday. 

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL 

From the Vice Principal Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Assumption Day Mass, Fete and Buddy Day

Next Thursday, 15 August, we celebrate Assumption Day, a significant event in our College calendar. This special day will be marked by various activities, including masses, a fete, and a series of exciting festivities including staff versus student sports, wellbeing and ‘buddy’ activities.

Assumption Day commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a key feast day in the Catholic Church. This event is particularly important to us as a Marist school, given our deep connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is central to our faith and tradition.

In the Marist tradition, Mary is revered not only as the mother of Jesus but also as a model of faith, humility, and service. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, envisioned a community that embodies Mary’s virtues, fostering a spirit of family, simplicity, and love. Assumption Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew our commitment to living them out in our daily lives.

For more information about the schedule and logistics for the day, please click here. Students will need to purchase tickets to access the food, drink, and activities at the Fete. These tickets can be purchased here.

We look forward to a joyous and meaningful celebration.

Newman Parents Forum

On Monday 19 August, we will have our Term 3 Newman Parents Forum gathering in the John Henry Newman Hub from 6-7pm. Some topics covered include:

  • Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry Update
  • Proposed Road
  • Building Update
  • New AI Endorsed Program (developed by Beth Murphy, Deputy Principal PK-12 Teaching and Learning)
  • Uniform Minor changes Update

We warmly invite all parents to join us for the evening.

Student Driver Safety

The safety of our community is always our top priority. We kindly remind all students driving to school to exercise caution on the roads, especially in wet weather, which can increase risks. Please encourage your child to be extra vigilant during these conditions.

We also want to remind parents that it is mandatory for student drivers to complete the ‘Permission to Park’ form. This form is crucial for registering vehicles with the school and ensuring that parental permission is obtained for any passengers. Instructions for completing the form have been shared with students via Teams.

We request that parents confirm their child has submitted the form, which requires a parent or guardian’s signature. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe and organised environment for all members of our College community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Year 11 Leadership Workshops

Mr Andrew Watson and I had the pleasure of leading the final Leadership Workshop for our aspiring Year 11 leaders yesterday. During the session, we explored the concept of legacy, with students considering what initiatives they would implement if they were Principal for a day. The workshop concluded with groups collaborating on a mission statement for their Year 12, 2025 cohort. Earlier sessions on Christ-centered Leadership, Values, and Personality and Leadership Styles were well-received and have equipped these outstanding students for their leadership roles in 2025.

We extend special thanks to Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Leadership Coordinator, and Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing, for coordinating the program. We also appreciate the contributions of our workshop presenters – Mr Stuart McClorey, Mrs Sarah Ellan, Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Mrs Beth Murphy, and Mr Andrew Watson.

A reminder to Year 11 students: please submit your Year 12, 2025 Leadership Applications by Friday, 9 August.

Child Safeguarding Policy

Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Parents and Adults

Primary Update – Term 3 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 26/07/2024

Welcome back to Semester 2 at Newman College! It has been wonderful to see all of our Primary students returning to school with big smiles and positive mindsets as we commence Term 3! As always, Term 3 is shaping up to be big, with so much exciting learning and a wide range of activities to engage in. I look forward to working alongside students, parents and staff to help our students shine this term.

3 Green & 5 Red Assembly

In Week 1, the 3 Green class entertained the Lavalla Campus with an assembly all about the importance of recycling, and the difference even the smallest of actions can make in our world. It was a timely reminder for us all to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we possibly can.

Today, Year 5 Red shared their assembly that was based around the upcoming Olympics and demonstrating courage, strength, perseverance and friendship by all. Year 5 Red focused on the four new sports included this year, which will be wonderful to watch! Thank you to 3 Green and 5 Red for sharing their wonderful learning with us.

Student Illness

As we travel through the middle of the winter months, it is important to remind families of the importance of keeping children home if they display symptoms of being unwell. Illness spreads quickly amongst primary students. We ask that if your child is sick you do not send them to school, and instead keep them home until symptoms clear, to avoid passing on sicknesses to other students and staff. This is particularly important for vulnerable members of our community. Students who present to school with symptoms of being unwell will be sent home. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Newman Norms / Medals of Marcellin

Our new Newman Norms are now on our website and I encourage you to have a look at these expectations for our Primary students – Newman Norms – Newman College. Each week our staff and students will focus on one Norm, to discuss and unpack what that norm means for our students in their day-to-day school life.

In Week 1, Spencer (Marian) and Jadyen and Alice (Lavalla) were drawn out of the raffle and congratulated for demonstrating our Newman Norms. Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in Week 1. Our token collection tubes have been reset to zero and we look forward to seeing which faction will take out the win this term!

URSTRONG – Lesson 5 Upcoming

Lesson 5 will be rolled out across the Primary next week. The areas of focus for this upcoming lesson are:

Pk-2: This session helps students identify the difference between healthy & unhealthy friendships and the impact that body language has on our friendships.

Yr 3 & 4: This session teaches students, step-by-step, how to resolve conflict with a friend. They learn how to respond to both a positive and negative reaction, plus practice giving a genuine apology.

Yr 5 & 6: This session teaches students how to respond to intentionally cruel, rude or mean behaviour. They reflect on the difference between low-level friendship issues and mean-on-purpose behaviour.

A reminder parents have access to a FREE URSTRONG parent membership. We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

Lavalla Homework Club

Lavalla Homework Club continues in Term 3, commencing this week and concluding in Week 9.

If your child has not attended previously, please email Mrs Alison Le Dan to confirm your child’s attendance in Term 3 – Alison.LeDan@newman.wa.edu.au.

Primary Staffing

We welcome Mrs Kate McMahon to the Primary staff as a Special Needs Education Assistant.

We also welcome Mr Justin Kirry back to his role as Leader of Wellbeing, after his Term 2 Long Service Leave.

Ryan von Bergheim

HEAD OF PRIMARY

From the Vice Principal – Term 3 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 26/07/2024

Uniform and Personal Presentation Expectations

At Newman College, we take great pride in our students representing our community with excellence and integrity. To maintain our high standards, we ask all students and parents to ensure that our uniform guidelines are followed. This includes shirts tucked in, top buttons done up, ties worn properly to the top button, skirts worn at the correct length, and blazers worn to and from school. These expectations apply not only at the College but also in the wider community, including on public transport and when entering and leaving the College grounds.

We encourage parents and guardians to work in partnership with the College to help students uphold our uniform standards. Checking that your child is dressed appropriately before they leave the house or step out of the car will assist in our shared approach to maintaining high standards of uniform. Additionally, we appreciate any effort to reiterate the importance of adhering to uniform requirements and personal presentation at the College. Your efforts to check uniforms and personal presentation prior to your child leaving for school or any College activity is greatly appreciated.

We thank you for continued support.

Attendance and Punctuality

Regular school attendance and punctuality are essential for students’ academic success and wellbeing. Consistent attendance allows students to benefit fully from our learning programs and activities.

We are excited to announce a new resource developed by Ms Sarah Ellam and the Wellbeing team, to support parents in this effort. For more information about this new, evidence-based resource, please check the Secondary section of the newsletter.

If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the relevant Pastoral Care Group teacher or Leader of Wellbeing.

Marcellin Campus Guild Athletics Carnival

Next Thursday, the Year 7-12 Guild Athletics Carnival takes place at the State Athletics Centre. Students have been preparing hard at pre-carnival events and training with the help of Physical Education and Guild staff. A reminder to families that the day is a compulsory event for all students. We wish all involved the very best and look forward to celebrating outstanding achievement and passionate involvement.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. Further details can be found here.

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the Sarah Pagett, Leader of Support and Pedagogy.

For more information click here.

Child Safeguarding Policy

Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Parents and Adults

Primary Update Term 2 Week 11

Jenni Vile on 28/06/2024

Year 6 Red Assembly

In Week 9, the Year 6 Red class entertained the Lavalla Campus with an assembly all about the exciting new Years 3-6 building, and the process that went along with the construction. Whilst highlighting these amazing new facilities, Year 6 Red importantly reminded us about our Newman Norms and that it is through our own efforts and attitude that we create a successful learning environment for ourselves, and our peers. Thank you, Year 6 Red for this important message presented in an entertaining way.

Champagnat Day Celebrations

Champagnat Day, celebrated last Friday, was wonderful celebration of St Marcellin Champagnat and his connection with Newman College. Our students engaged in Mass to start the day, where they were able to learn more about who St Marcellin was, and what he accomplished in his life. As always, the students loved spending time with their buddies doing activities and participating in a fantastic lapathon – with beautiful weather! We also gathered to recognise and celebrate those students and staff members who were awarded with the special Marcellin Awards. Overall it was a wonderful day spent together as a Primary.

Newman Norms / Medals of Marcellin

Our new Newman Norms are now on our website and I encourage you to have a look at these expectations for our Primary students – Newman Norms – Newman College. Each week our staff and students will focus on one Norm, to discuss and unpack what that norm means for our students in their day-to-day school life.

In Week 8, Sienna (Marian) and Isabella (Lavalla) were drawn out of the raffle and congratulated for demonstrating our Newman Norm of Line up before going into class & enter the classroom quietly.

Harlem (Marian) and Kyle’s (Lavalla) names were drawn out of the raffle in Week 9 and congratulated for demonstrating our Newman Norm of Take responsibility for our actions and act honestly.

In Week 10, Zita (Marian) and Noah (Lavalla) were drawn out of the raffle and congratulated for demonstrating our Newman Norm of Raise our hand if we would like to speak.

Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in Weeks 8, 9 & 10.

As it is the end of term, our winning faction (with the most ‘medals’) has been revealed at each campus! The results were very close amongst the factions. Our winning factions were:

Students in these factions received a prize of wearing free dress on the last day of Term 3. Congratulations to Brigid faction at both campuses.

The jars will now be emptied, and we start afresh at the start of Term 3!

URSTRONG – Lesson 4 Complete

Lesson 4 Review

All students through PK-6 engaged in URSTRONG Lesson 4 in Week 9. The areas of focus across our year levels in Lesson 4 were:

PK-2: This session anchors students in the ‘truths’ of friendship so they have realistic expectations. Students learn what respect looks and sounds like in their friendships.

Years 3 & 4: This session helps students identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships and the impact that body language has on our friends.

Years 5 & 6: This session teaches students, step-by-step, how to resolve conflict with a friend. They learn how to handle a friend’s negative reaction and what to do if the conflict is online.

Lessons 5-8 will be rolled out next term across the primary.

A reminder parents have access to a FREE URSTRONG parent membership. We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

Years 5 and 6 Speak Up Program

Our Years 5 and 6 students have been busy in class throughout Term 2 preparing their own original speeches as part of the “Speak Up” Program. The quality across these year levels was very high, and has culminated in the Speak Up finals on Wednesday of this week. The entire Lavalla Campus came together to hear some outstanding speeches from our eight finalists, who presented excellent speeches on a wide range of topics. The judging panel selected Vienna, Lucy and Lachlan to represent Newman College at the upcoming finals. Good luck to these students and well done to all Years 5 and 6 students.

Book Week

The theme for Book Week 2024 is Reading is Magic. Please see this letter from Mrs Le Dan for more information.

2024 Bookweek Letter

Lavalla Homework Club

Lavalla Homework Club will continue next term. This will begin in Week 2 and conclude in Week 9.

If your child has not attended previously, please email Mrs Alison Le Dan to confirm your child’s attendance in Term 3 – Alison.LeDan@newman.wa.edu.au

Fathering Project

The Fathering Project at Marian Campus shared a wonderful event together on Friday evening of last week, with Bangers & Bingo! There was a huge turnout of dads, granddads and Marian students who had a brilliant time playing Bingo together and enjoying a sausage sizzle afterwards. A huge thank you to Matt Hamilton and his group of dads who organised and ran the event – a huge success! Keep your eyes out for the next Fathering Project later this year!

Primary Staffing

As we finish up Term 2, there are some staffing changes within the Primary. The following staff finish up their time with us at the end of Term 2:

Teachers: Molly Rowbottam, Grace Walker, Anne-Marie Terry

Education Assistants: Kate Wells, Kate Berridge

I wish to thank the above staff members for their time, commitment and passion for their roles throughout Semester 1 at Newman College. They will be missed, but we wish them all the best for the next chapter of their careers.

We welcome the following staff members at the commencement of Term 3:

Sarah Francia (Pre-Kindy Red teacher, returning from Maternity leave), Maria Lynch (Italian Years 3-6) and Arden Lavelle (Years 3-6 EA). We are currently finalising the remaining Special Needs EA position.

Mr Kirry returns to his Years 3-6 Leader of Wellbeing role at the start of Term 3. I would like to make special mention and give my thanks to Mrs Jane Short, who has been in the Acting Leader of Wellbeing Role throughout Term 2, and has been outstanding.

End of Term 2

It is time to reflect on a busy, productive and exciting term as Week 11 concludes. There is much to celebrate from this term with individual student growth, achievement and engagement in their classrooms and school activities. Of note was the opening of the Years 3-6 building, which stands as a state-of-the-art facility for our students. With this Stage complete, we now look to the works ramping up for the new PK-2 and specialist classrooms over the coming months. We look forward to seeing the progress on the old Lavalla site throughout Term 3.

As we enter the holidays, I wish all Primary families a wonderful and relaxing Winter holiday break and look forward to seeing students back next term.

Ryan von Bergheim
HEAD OF PRIMARY