Term 4 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Learning and Staff Development
Creative solutions to complex problems is the mantra of our students as they navigate their learning in the 21st century. As educators, we support students to collaborate with their peers to design solutions and options to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. STEM skills that promote processes of design, prototyping and experimenting challenge students to review and improve their ideas and refine their thinking. Across the College, from the Marian Makerspace, to the Coder Dojo at Lavalla and the entrepreneurship program on Marcellin, exploring ideas supports our students to Shine through Discovery!
NAPLAN Analysis
2018 NAPLAN results have been released and it is pleasing to note that Newman College performed above the national average in many outcomes. Spelling and Numeracy were areas of relative strength for most cohorts and reflects some of the different strategies utilised in both primary and secondary contexts. Writing persuasively and imaginatively is an area of growth for most groups of students and will be an area of focus in 2019.
Primary staff have been working with NAPLAN data to review areas of relative strength and areas for focus with current and future year groups. Staff meeting time has been allocated to data literacy and access to bespoke resourcing depending on cohort needs through an external group Best Performance. Extensive time has also been allocated to scope and sequencing of writing across the primary years to better target student areas of need.
Secondary staff have been engaged in productive projects and discussions this year to reflect on the way a range of data sources can be used to personalise the learning experience and activate growth for all students. NAPLAN data is one set of information which also helps target our literacy and numeracy intervention strategies along with Allwell Testing and class-based assessments and observations.
NAPLAN also assists us in providing data informed teaching and learning, which is in line with the College’s annual school improvement plan.
2019 Parent Funded BYODD
Next year Newman College will continue the parent funded, designated device model that commenced in 2016.
- All students in Years 3 – 6 will require an Apple iPad. A summary can be found here BYODD 2019 3-6 Summary
- All students in Years 7 – 11 will require a Microsoft Surface Pro. A summary can be found here. BYODD 2019 7-11 Summary
Parents will be required to purchase a device for students entering Year 7, current Year 8 and current Year 9 cohorts. 2019 will be the last year for the College funded MacBook program for students in Year 12. Please refer any queries to your relevant Leader of Wellbeing.
Gratitude Program
Year 11 students continue to affirm each other through the writing of Gratitude notes that are distributed through PCG.
All families are reminded that if they have a concern about the education or Wellbeing of their child, they should contact the College directly. We are always willing to support families, but school matters must be managed by the College. It is not appropriate to contact other families about concerns you have about their child. Please direct these matters to the classroom teacher, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Social Media
The College recognises the convenience of year group Facebook pages that are moderated by parents. This is an excellent platform for sharing information involving College events and requirements. It is not appropriate to use social media platforms to seek clarity on teaching and learning or to debate College policies. Please refer these matters to your child’s classroom or PCG Teachers, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with each other.
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 and extends to all forums including social media and email forms of communication. The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and support professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code. Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team.