2022 High Achievers and Principal鈥檚 Assembly, 10.20am in the Gymnasium
Thursday 16 February
Y3-6 Swimming Trials, Marcellin Pool (Click for details)聽 Y1-12 Guild Swimming Carnival, HBF Stadium (all day event)聽 K 鈥� Y6 Parent Information Evening聽 (Click HERE for details)
Year 12 Retreat Serpentine Camping Centre, Jarrahdale (Brigid, Camara, MacKillop and Thomas More – Mon 鈥� Wed) (Catherine, Chisholm, Marcellin and Romero – Wed to Fri)
Monday 20 February
Year 8 Information Evening, 6.00pm Auditorium (Click for details) Year 9 Information Evening, 6.00pm JHN Learning Hub (Click for details) Year 10 Information Evening 6.00pm ONLINE
Tuesday 21 February
Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 22 February
Ash Wednesday KG-Y2 St Cecilia鈥檚 Church 9.00am Y3-6 Champagnat Chapel 9.00am Y7-12 Gymnasium 10.20am
It is with great pleasure that we welcome back our community to begin the 2023 school year. Staff and students have made an outstanding start with a whole range of events and activities already underway. As we begin the new school year, I would like to remind our families to please read our newsletter as it covers important information and dates that impact you and your children.
Newman Parent Forum
The Newman Parent Forum (NPF) occurs once a term and is open to all parents. It is a parent community gathering which is led by the Principal and Vice Principal in collaboration with a nominated Newman Parent K12 Executive Committee. The Newman Parent K-12 Executive Committee can be found on the College website. The NPF works in partnership with the College Executive to support College events, and the Strategic Plan and to promote and advocate for the College and parents, both in school and in the local community. The NPF is held in our St John Henry Newman Hub in the Marcellin Campus at 6.00pm. Dates can be found on the College Calendar. Parents are welcome to attend the NPF. Below is a copy of the current NPF dates from the calendar.
TERM MEETING DATES
NPF Term 1 Monday 13 March 6.00pm 鈥� 7.30pm
NPF Term 2 Monday 22 May 6.00pm 鈥� 7.30pm
NPF Term 3 Monday 21 August 6.00pm 鈥� 7.30pm
NPF Term 4 Monday 6 November 6.00pm 鈥� 7.30pm
2022 Results
Congratulations to our Class of 2022 who received excellent WACE and ATAR results. We will have an opportunity to celebrate their success on Wednesday 15 February at the 2023 High Achievers Assembly. The infographic below highlights our top performances.
As a community that strives for excellence, our Vision for Learning: Shine Through Discovery continues to underpin our teaching and learning across PK-12. We are proud of all our student results in 2022.
We enjoyed welcoming all our students and staff back to school, the grounds have been alive with vibrant energy. The students have made an excellent start to the year. I would especially like to acknowledge our new staff and our new students; the littlies in PK and K the new high schoolers in Year 7 – all of our new Newman Beings across the College. Starting in a new community can be daunting, and they have risen to the challenge admirably.
This year, we will focus on our Marist characteristic of 鈥楶RESENCE鈥�, in acknowledgement of staffing and leadership changes and anticipation of the new Principal, Mr Andrew Watson in Term Two. The Marist understanding of presence is underpinned by 鈥榓 way of being鈥� that requires relationships to be intentionally based on care, attentiveness, and acceptance of the other. A still and mindful presence helps us to come to know God. A physical, compassionate and respectful presence allows us to come to know each other. Over time, presence promotes familiarity and is foundational to the development of trust and respect. Being present to one another in a school setting also requires a joint appreciation of the reasonable boundaries, established norms and expectations of behaviour in our community. The Marist theme this year is 鈥楥reated and Called: a revolution of love and tenderness.鈥� The theme focuses on the notion that we are each created unique and are called to express our deepest and truest selves in this world, safe in the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by God. It is in living as our truest selves that we reach the potential that lies within each of us.
Family Mass
We were fortunate to be able to gather as a community of staff, students and parents at our Family Mass on Wednesday evening. It has been three years since we have come together in this way and the Mass was a beautiful way to start the year. We commissioned our 2023 Year 6 and 12 student leaders on the night. We wish them well as they embark upon their leadership journeys. I know they will serve our school confidently, with kindness and respect. Thank you to students and families for attending and participating in the Family Mass. I have had many people approach me to share positive affirmations about this special occasion.
WACE Results
We congratulate the Class of 2022 on their achievements as a graduating class. Their successes are evident not only in their results but in their contribution to the College. We will have an opportunity to celebrate the results when our top 30 students return for our High Achievement Assembly next week. We wish all of the wonderful young women and men in the cohort continued success in their future endeavours. Click here to view the full WACE results brochure
Year 11 and 12 Information Evening
Thank you to Year 11 and 12 students and parents for attending the Information Evening on Thursday 2 February. The Information Evenings are important occasions for parents and students to attend. We take the opportunity to introduce the PCG teachers and leaders and share information about the journey ahead. These nights set the tone for a productive year.
Parent Welcome Sundowner
It was wonderful to host our Newman Parents at our Welcome Sundowner on Friday evening. The night was a great success, parents and the executive staff mingled in Founders Court while the band played. It was a perfect setting for new families to meet current families, and for our current families to reconnect ahead of the school year.
Funeral Duncan Pugh
It was with great sadness that we shared the news of Duncan Pugh鈥檚 passing on the 25 January, a much-loved Physical Education and Outdoor Education teacher of 17 years. We celebrated the life of Duncan yesterday at the College with his funeral service in our Champagnat Chapel, which flowed outside to Founders Court. Vast numbers of friends, family, current and past students and colleagues came to pay their respects to Duncan, his wife McKenzie and his boys Charlie and George. Ex-students and ex-staff commented that returning to Newman to celebrate Duncan was like coming home. His impact was evident in the crowds of people that gathered on our grounds. Duncan鈥檚 death at just 48 is a stark reminder that life can be fleeting. He was well-known as a devoted family man and a loyal and loving friend. The beautiful service yesterday should inspire us to reach out and be present to those we love, our friends and our family. We closed the secondary school from lunchtime yesterday to facilitate the funeral and I extend a thank you to all our parents for supporting this significant occasion.
CEWA Student achievement
On Monday 6 February, Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) celebrated the top 70 ATAR students in the state. Two of our graduating Class of 2022, Owen Karamfiles and Saskia Wigley, were invited to receive recognition. We congratulate both Owen and Saskia on this most significant commendation.
Lavalla Carpark
The Lavalla Carpark is now open and the feedback from parents has been very positive. The traffic flow in both the morning and afternoon is smooth and efficient. The kiss 鈥榥 ride section will be operational shortly. We thank parents for their patience and understanding around the unavoidable delay in opening.
2022 Annual
The 2022 Annual has been printed and is available for families. It is a large publication that represents the 2022 year well. The Annual can be picked up at the school. Instructions for the collection of the publication will be sent via the classroom and PCG teachers.
Events Ahead
We look forward to the significant events occurring in the next two weeks, which include the K-6 information evening on 16 February, Year 7 to 12 Swimming Carnival on 16 February, Years 8 and 9 Information Evenings on 20 February, the Year 10 Information Evening will be online. The Year 3 to 9 auditions for our junior school musical, The Lion King are occurring, and our High Achievers Assembly is next week.
We look ahead to the coming weeks with a sense of hope and presence as we collaborate to provide an engaging Marist education for our young people.
鈥淔or I know the plans I have for you,鈥� declares the Lord, 鈥減lans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.鈥� Jeremiah 29:11
The first few weeks of school are always some of the most exciting, with students, families, and even teachers adjusting to the life of being back at school (or for many students like our Year 7鈥檚, getting used to a whole new community). This year has certainly been no different! We were very grateful to come together to celebrate our PK-12 Family Mass, and there has already been evidence of many of our Marist characteristics in the words, actions, and efforts of our students. I am looking forward to working with students, staff and families across the year as we seek to make Jesus Christ known and loved in our community in 2023.
PK-12 Family Mass
It was wonderful to be able to gather again as a whole community for the first time in three years to celebrate our PK-12 Family Mass on Wednesday. It was a beautiful occasion, and we were so glad to be able to welcome so many students, families, and staff to our celebration. Darren McGregor, the visiting Regional Director of Marist Schools Australia, was impressed by the reverence and participation of our students, and the large number of families in attendance. It really was a shining example of the Family Spirit that exists so strongly within our community. We are very grateful to our celebrants for the evening, Fr Ruben, and Fr Kaz, as well as to our choir, readers, altar servers, extraordinary ministers, tech, catering, and grounds teams. We also had the opportunity to recognise our student leaders across Year 6 and Year 12 for 2023 as we gave them a blessing before the begin their ministry of service. Thank you to all those students, families, and staff who attended and made our evening so special.
Marist Theme 2023
Each year, Marist schools across Australia have a theme to guide us in both our reflections and actions for the year. The Marist Theme for 2023 is Created and Called a revolution of love and tenderness. It reminds us that we are created by God, each with a unique purpose, identity, and mission in life through his divine will and plan.
Our theme also reminds us that God has a personal relationship with each of us. Indeed, God loves us more than we could ever know! It is through this relationship he seeks to guide and shape us, leading us towards fulfilment and a closer relationship with God.
A revolution of love and tenderness is an invitation to us all to prioritise love and kindness in our thoughts, actions, and relationships, leading to a more compassionate and empathetic society. This movement reinforces treating others with respect, compassion, and promoting a more peaceful and harmonious community. The goal is to create a world where people put aside differences and treat each other with dignity and grace, leading to a more fulfilling and happier life for all.
I look forward to sharing more on our Marist theme, and unpacking its meaning over the course of the year.
Abstract oil painting in Rothko style
Sacramental Program
Students in Years 3,4,& 6 will this year have the opportunity to take part in the sacramental programs offered by their local parishes:
Year 3
Penance (Reconciliation)
Year 4
Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
Year 6
Confirmation
In order for students to complete the sacraments, families must enrol their child in the sacramental program in their local parish. Registrations for these programs can vary from parish to parish, and many parishes have already commenced this program. The links for our local parishes are below. I would encourage families to reach out shortly to their parish so their child does not miss out.
(closes today!)
As part of their preparations to receive these sacraments, students will complete learning in class around their chosen sacrament, and also partake in a retreat day. Following this, students will be issued a certificate as evidence of their completed preparation which they can present to the parish. They can then go ahead and partake in their sacrament.
If you are a student outside of these year levels and you are interested in making one of the sacraments, you can do so by making enquiries at your local parish.
Did you know: The Marist Heart
If you have ever visited our Champagnat Chapel, you may have noticed in the foyer our 鈥楳arist Heart.鈥� Many people walk past it every day, but I wonder if everyone understands the significance of this symbol?
As Marcellin鈥檚 Champagnat鈥檚 Brothers of Mary began to grow, many of his brothers would travel far through the countryside to do their work. Champagnat would print the names of these brothers on small pieces of paper and place them in the heart. This heart became a symbol of the unity and brotherhood within the Society, and a reminder of Champagnat鈥檚 deep love for his brothers.
Today, the Marist Heart remains a cherished symbol of the Marist heritage and a testament to the love Champagnat had for his brothers. It serves as a reminder of the close bonds of friendship, solidarity, and Family Spirit that exist within Marist communities. Inside the Marist Heart that sits in our chapel are the names of all our students and staff, so that even if they are not physically present, we know to keep these people in our thoughts and prayers always. Perhaps next time you pass by the Marist Heart, you can say a prayer for all of those in our community, and in other Marist communities across the world.
Community Mass
Each week, the College celebrates a community mass on Thursdays at 8.10am in the Champagnat Chapel. Our first community mass for this year will be celebrated in Week 4, and will be hosted by Brigid Guild and 6 Red. All students, staff, and families are welcome to attend.
Whether you are a regular visitor to our community masses, or you are thinking about joining us for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together in prayer and reflection. We hope to see many of you there as we come together to give thanks to God for all we have been blessed with.
If you have any questions about the mass please don鈥檛 hesitate to contact the College.
The first two weeks of the 2023 school year has been a joyous experience for our Primary students and staff. In spending time in classrooms over the past two weeks it has been wonderful to see the amazing learning environments that teachers have created for our students, designing spaces in which children are truly engaged and can be challenged. Our students are already engaged in the curriculum, and I have been so impressed with the way all students have settled back into the routine of school and are letting their light shine in so many ways.
It was exciting to welcome new students to 今日吃瓜 last week, especially our youngest students in Pre-Kindy and Kindy who experienced their very first days as part of the 今日吃瓜 community.
Student Testimonials
Circulating through classrooms this week, I have asked some of our Early Childhood students to share with me their favourite part of school so far this year. Here are some of their wonderful responses:
鈥淚 like to play with other children and do painting.鈥� – Patrick (Kindy)
鈥淧laying blocks because I like playing with them.鈥� – Tom (Pre-Primary)
鈥淏uilding magnets because I love building!鈥� – Fox (Pre-Primary)
鈥淚 get to discover things every day.鈥� – Aurora (Year 1)
鈥淩eading because Miss Ferris reads us really nice books.鈥� – Mila (Year 2)
In the next Newsletter I will share some responses from our Years 3-6 students.
I have enjoyed getting to know students and parents over the past two weeks and I look forward to meeting even more parents at our Primary Information Evening on Thursday 16 February.
Lego Donation
We are reaching out to ask for your help in donating any used LEGO bricks that you may have at home. These bricks will be used to build, create, and imagine during our Lego club, providing our students with a fun and educational activity that promotes teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Donating LEGO brinks is a great way to support our school and help our students. If you have any bricks or kits that you would like to donate, please drop them off to your specific campus administration office.
Library Volunteers
We have wonderful libraries on both our Primary campuses and we encourage students to discover their love of reading by coming to browse and choose books from our large collection. Help is needed with the shelving or covering of books on both campuses and we are seeking parent and or grandparent volunteers to help.
If you would like to offer your assistance, please complete the form by Monday 13 February. A roster will then be drawn up and details will be emailed to you.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Alison Le Dan Teacher Librarian
Fitness Fridays At Marian
Commencing Week 3, Marian Campus will be bringing back 鈥楩itness Friday鈥�! This will be held on the Marian Oval from 8.20am and all students (PP 鈥� Year 2) will be able to participate in a variety of physical activities. Please note, Pre-Primary Parents are required to stay on campus to supervise until their classroom doors open at 8.45am.
Parent Reps
Parent reps are in the process of being finalised. These parents will be contacted in the coming week and an induction session will be held at the school before each rep commences their role.
Years K-6 Parent Information Evening 鈥� Thursday 16 February
The Kindy to Year 6 Parent Information Evening is being held next week on Thursday 16 February 2023. This event is an opportunity for parents to meet their child鈥檚 classroom teacher and visit their individual classrooms.
To allow parents with multiple children attending Primary School (including across both campuses) to attend sessions for more than one child, all classroom teachers will be running two back-to-back sessions presenting the same information. This allows parents to select suitable times. We have also factored in cross campus travel time.
The evening will commence with a welcome by Principal – Dr Lucie McCrory, Vice Principal -Simon Martino and myself. Immediately following this, classroom teachers will present to parents in their individual classrooms.
The format for this information evening is below:
MARIAN CAMPUS 5:00-5:15pm 鈥� Principal, Vice Principal and Head of Primary Welcome in Marian Hall 5:20-5:45pm 鈥� Teacher Presentations: Session 1 (in individual classrooms) 5:50-6:15pm 鈥� Teacher Presentations: Session 2 (in individual classrooms)
LAVALLA CAMPUS 5:45-6:00pm – Principal, Vice Principal and Head of Primary Welcome in Lavalla Hall
6:05-6:30pm 鈥� Teacher Presentations: Session 1 (in individual classrooms)
6:35-7:00pm 鈥� Teacher Presentations: Session 2 (in individual classrooms)
I look forward to welcoming you on Thursday 16 February at either Campus Hall to begin the evening.
Please click HERE for details regarding PE and Sport timetable, and swimming trials scheduled to take place on Thursday 16 February. Please click for more information.
Thursday 2 February 鈥� Y11 and Y12 Parent Information Sessions, 6.30pm Gym and Auditorium
Friday 3 February 鈥� Parent Welcome Sundowner, 5.30pm Marist Auditorium
Wednesday 8 February 鈥� PK-12 Family Mass, 5.00pm Marcellin Oval
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the 2022 school year. It is a great privilege to be involved in the lives of young people and I thank our families, parents, and carers for your trust in the College to nurture your daughter鈥檚 and son鈥檚 development and growth. I also offer my thanks and gratitude to our teachers and support staff for their commitment to our students and families.
Wishing you all a safe and holy Christmas and a happy New Year.
Save the Dates
Friday 3 February – Parent Welcome Sundowner
Please join us in celebrating the start of the 2023 school year, as we welcome new families into our community, and reconnect with each other. To purchase tickets please click here
Wednesday 8 February
The College warmly invites our College community, students, staff and families, to join us to celebrate our PK-12 Family Mass to commence the 2023 school year. The Eucharist will commence at 5.30pm on the Br Terrace Gleeson Oval. More information will be forthcoming.
Reports
Families in Years K 鈥撯��11鈥痺ill have access to their reports from 4.00pm on Friday 9 December.
Please ensure you can log into SEQTA to retrieve the reports. Any families leaving 今日吃瓜,鈥痠ncluding鈥痮ur class of 2022 students,鈥痑re reminded to download all reports from SEQTA as鈥痜iles will be archived at鈥痶he鈥痚nd of December and will鈥痭o longer be accessible.
Booklists
Please click HERE to access booklists for students in years 7 鈥� 12.
2023 Term Dates
Term 1
Monday 30 Jan – Staff Commence
Tuesday 31 Jan – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Wednesday 1 Feb – Students Commence: K-Y7 and New Students Y8 -11 (Orientation)
Thursday 2 Feb – Students Commence: Y8-12
Monday 6 March – Labour Day 鈥� Public Holiday (College Closed)
Thursday 6 April – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 2
Monday 24 April 鈥� Marist Faith Formation Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 25 April – Anzac Day 鈥� Public Holiday (College Closed)
Wednesday 26 April – PK-12 Students return
Monday 5 June – Western Australia Day 鈥� Public Holiday (College Closed)
Friday 30 June – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 3
Monday 17 July – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 18 July – PK-Y10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 19 July – PK-12 Students return
Friday 11 August – Staff Wellbeing Day (College Closed)
Monday 14 August – Staff Catholic Faith Day (College Closed)
Wednesday 20 September – Y12 last day
Friday 22 September – Term concludes for staff and students
Term 4
Monday 9 October – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Monday 9 October – Y7 2024 Orientation Day
Tuesday 10 October – PK-12 Students return
Thursday 23 November – Y11 last day
Friday 1 December – Y10 last day
Thursday 6 December – PK-Y9 last day聽
Friday 8 December – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Monday 11 December – Staff Professional Learning Day (College Closed)
Tuesday 12 December – Staff final day (College Closed)
