今日吃瓜

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

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.聽聽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 今日吃瓜. 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 鈥楶roject Homeless鈥 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鈥 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 鈥榩erformance ready鈥.

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:

鈥淭oday 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.鈥 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 鈥渘o hat-no play鈥 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鈥檚 name so misplaced items can be returned.

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

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.聽 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 今日吃瓜 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 今日吃瓜?”

  • Teachers and staff recognise a child and young adult鈥檚 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.聽 Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct.聽 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.聽 We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.

Arts Festival 2020

A 鈥榥ew look鈥 Arts festival, aptly titled with the Marist theme for 2020, 鈥淥ne Wild and Precious Life鈥 and designed around Covid-19 regulations, opened in a stunning fashion on Sunday 25 October with Divergence the Years 7- 12 Dance Showcase. 聽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. 鈥楤eating Hearts鈥 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.

鈥楽treet performances鈥 by Matilda characters stole the show at times, as two students from the cast of Matilda 鈥榯ook on鈥 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鈥檚, 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鈥檚 Arts Festival, 鈥淥ne Wild and Precious Life鈥 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 今日吃瓜.

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

 

 

Newman News Term 4 Week 4 2020: From the Principal

Child Safeguarding

Catholic schools are entrusted in partnership with parents/guardians, with the total education of the child. In our College, every aspect of the child鈥檚 experience should reflect exemplary pastoral care which prioritises the best interests of the child or young person. Our staff hold this responsibility as an integral part of their vocation and overall commitment to the lives of all young people in their care.

In recent weeks, our Child Protection processes and procedures were affirmed by relevant regulatory authorities.

At 今日吃瓜 this imperative underpins the faith and learning experiences that we provide for our students. Under the governance of Marist Schools Australia and working with Catholic Education WA, our College is strategically focused on ensuring that all staff and community groups have undergone specific Child Protection training. Supporting and embedding this training has included the following strategies:

  • Whole school approach to compliance, safeguarding and professional learning
  • Fortnightly communication via the College newsletter
  • Newman Parents Consultative Committee / Newman Parent information seminars
  • Delivery of the Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum, K-12
  • Student Wellbeing Programs facilitated by Leaders of Wellbeing and College Counselling Team
  • Promotion of student wellbeing and student voice

In response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Catholic Professional Standards Limited (CPSL) were created and reflect the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Marist Schools Australia has adopted these Standards and, as such, 今日吃瓜 will launch its Child Safeguarding suite of policies at the commencement of 2021, replacing the current Child Protection Policy and associated procedures.

今日吃瓜 is committed to the effective implementation of the Child Safeguarding Program and ensuring that it is appropriately reviewed and updated. We adopt a risk management approach by identifying key risk indicators and assessing child safety risks based on a range of factors including the nature of our College’s activities, physical and online environments and the characteristics of the student body.

Our Child Safeguarding Program relates to all aspects of child safety and protecting children from abuse, grooming and other harm; and establishes work systems, practices, policies and procedures to protect children from abuse and to create and maintain a child safe environment and culture at the College.

Tuition Fees 2021

Following a detailed review of our income and expenditure, 今日吃瓜 Council has made several important decisions relating to fees and charges across the PK-12 school in 2021.

Our priority is to ensure every child can enjoy a comprehensive Catholic education. I recognise that 2020 has been a difficult year for many families with the advent of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This crisis has given us the opportunity to reflect on how we are best able to support families in the ongoing enrolment of their children at 今日吃瓜. Through feedback and consultation, 2021 will see the implementation of a number of important changes that will provide security and surety for families. This includes the significant decision not to increase tuition fees in 2021. In addition, a 10% discount has been extended to the second child of each family, along with further changes to our family fee structure. Please click here to view.

Art Festival Highlights

Our annual Arts Festival has been conducted over the past two weeks. It was an amazing showcase of the creative talents and gifts of our students and staff.聽 The festival (danced off) with our Dance Showcase Divergence which was an outstanding success. In the week that followed, we held two open days that saw hundreds of families come through to view the exemplary visual and creative arts of our students across the College. Thank you to our Arts Festival Committee and our staff for creating a truly memorable experience.

Year 6 Camp

Year 6 students were finally able to attend their camp at Forest Edge Recreation Camp in Waroona. It was a jam-packed three days for our students in a variety of activities that challenged them to go outside their comfort zone and to work as a team. The problem-solving skills that emerged, let alone the courage and resilience, truly exemplified our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery.

Most pleasing was the way the cohort came together and the enjoyment that was obvious in their participation and respect they had for each other.

Leadership

Leadership development is integral to building student confidence, self-worth, resilience and the capacity to bring people together. At 今日吃瓜, our leadership is inspired by the Gospel imperatives of faith, love and hope, exemplified in the words of Christ鈥 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

As a community we seek to serve others, to be transformative and engage in relationships that respect the dignity of each person. We ask our students to look beyond the boundaries of the school and to consider our local, national and world contexts in determining what actions we take and to an extent how we lead.

This week I was pleased to be present to our Year 5 Leadership Retreat which challenged our students to reflect on what it means to be a leader on our Lavalla Campus. The response of our students has been immense and many have risen to the challenges that leadership brings to the table.

This has also been evident at our Marcellin Campus, exemplified by our first Principal鈥檚 Assembly, led by our newly minted Student Leaders for 2021. Our first assembly for Term 4 not only reflected on the wonderful gifts and talents of our students but on the responsibility our whole community has to support people in need. Please click here to view my Assembly speech.

In our community, a group of Year 11 Remar students spent last Friday night on the streets of Perth serving meals and supporting the most vulnerable in our community. Significantly for our students, was the reality of actually being present to homeless people whose lives have been compromised by mental illness, unemployment, disability, addiction and stories very different to our own.

We are very privileged in our community to be able to have many choices. To that end, it is incumbent upon us as a Marist school to seek the opportunities that will empower us to make a difference in the world and to support people in need.

As we move towards Christmas, our school will again commit to supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. I urge you to give generously. I urge you to become aware of the social issues that affect families this Christmas, as many people will go without.聽 It is our responsibility, with what we have to give, and serve and support others.

Capital Development Update

Never has the momentum of change been as evident as in 2020. As the Learning Hub Development nears completion, 今日吃瓜 has embarked upon a significant renewal process that will deliver ongoing benefits to students for years to come.聽 The formal commissioning of the Learning Hub will take place early next year.

The year has seen three other significant and long-term planning decisions approved, with work currently being executed.

  • Marist Schools Australia approved the expansion of the Learning Hub Development Project to include W Block. This decision will see two new classrooms developed in W Block, along with the creation of a new Education Support Centre including life skills area.
  • S Block has been included in the scope of work for the Learning Hub. The central spaces will be refurbished, providing a learning experience that is consistent with the new Learning Hub. This includes the creation of new breakout areas, entrances to classrooms, lecture theatre, soft furnishings, meeting rooms, office, and main entries.
  • The approval of an exciting landscape design to accompany the major building program has also been approved. The magnificent design draws from the recent collaborative artwork created by students alongside local Noongar artists during our 2019 Artist in Residence program. This reflective space draws together the history of our Marist origins and our location on traditional Whadjuk land.

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These projects have commenced and will run in conjunction with the Learning Hub Development, due for completion ahead of the commencement of the 2021 school year.

Accompanying the new built environments is the commitment to appoint the spaces with new furniture. A significant furniture program has now been completed and will see new furniture installed throughout the Learning Hub, W Block and S Block. Further upgrades will be made to classrooms in B Block and T Block concurrently.

On Wednesday 4 November, Leaders or Learning and Leaders of Wellbeing were taken on a guided tour of the new Learning Hub. The excitement was evident in all, as the realisation of the significance and grandeur of the project was realised. We are now just a short journey to the finish line, with students and staff set to experience a learning environment that will be the envy of the State.