今日吃瓜

The Feast of the Assumption

Today the College commemorated the Blessed Virgin Mary in preparation for the Feast of the Assumption being celebrated on Saturday. This is the Feast day which Marcellin Champagnat chose to dedicate the Institute of the Marist Brothers to when he founded them in 1817. We give thanks for Br John Furlong, Community Leader, Br Terry Orrell, Br Paul Murphy and Br Noel Hickey from the 今日吃瓜 Brothers鈥� Community.

Marcellin Campus began with Thursday morning Community Mass led by Fr Garner and reflected on the important role the Brothers have played in the life of the Church and particularly the life of our College.

Lavalla and Marian Campus鈥� began their day with a liturgical celebration and the rest of the day followed with Buddy Activities and their annual Lapathon to raise money for our Social Justice Organisations, Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS), Catholic Mission & Lifelink.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout and Blanket Drive

2020 led to a new way to engage with our annual St Vincent De Paul Winter Sleepout and Blanket Drive. Students from across Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin, brought an abundance of blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing for those living on the streets. Families are to be congratulated for their generosity. Friday 7 August was our Vinnies Sleepout. This year looked different as families, staff and students were asked to engage in a range of activities and share this experience online. to watch the highlights video.

Marist Youth Ministry

Our Year 7 students began their journey with Gamechangers, a new Marist Youth Ministry Program that begins to form their identity and sense of community. This great initiative builds students’ leadership skills, a sense of community, offers faith formation and service opportunities. The students had the opportunity to hear from Br Terry at their first meeting, where they reflected on the what it means to be in Gamechangers.

Our Years 11 and 12 Remar students took part in a two-day retreat, which allowed them to reflect on their journey and how they will live their mottos, 鈥淟iving as Christ Disciples鈥� and 鈥淏eing a Witness in my Community鈥�. It was an important opportunity for the students to come together and continue to build their sense of 鈥淔amily Spirit鈥� and to be challenged to experience God through prayer and community.

Student Reflections

“Remar Gold and Blue retreat gave us the opportunity to join as two caravels to celebrate our journey through our crossings and to look to the future. This retreat gave Gold rowers the chance to connect with the wider Remar community through an interactive online experience. My favourite part was the inter-caravel bonding at lunch time when we played sports and games together.”

“My favourite part was the Have You Been Praying Attention Quiz where we had the chance to reconnect with people from the caravels who we had met in Melbourne on the Red Leadership Camp. Prayer was done in a new and exciting way through the Taize song prayer style, which enabled participation from all. We finished the retreat off with an energetic rendition of ‘My Lighthouse’. This was so special as we all came together as one to celebrate our journey in the Gold caravel and share our experiences and joys with the Year 11 students as they continue the journey.”

Draw Near Outreach Program

The Draw Near program sees 今日吃瓜 partnering with St Dominic鈥檚 and Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary Schools, St Dominic鈥檚 Parish and the Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office to help the 500 people seeking asylum on temporary bridging visas who are currently living and working in Perth.

The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected many, however this group of people are unable to obtain financial support from the government. Temporary jobs normally held by those on bridging visas are also directly impacted by the current economic downturn, causing significant financial stress. These people are in very real danger of unemployment and homelessness as well as going hungry. With 26 of the 500 people living in the Stirling area, we are called to help those both in our community and outside of it. Jesus tells us that “when we support those who have less in our community, we are showing our love for God” (Matthew 25:40).

今日吃瓜 will be running a food donation drive to create hampers to give to the poor and vulnerable among us. Families from each campus are asked to bring the items listed below. Please place your donations in reusable shopping bags and drop-off to your respective campus administration. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we have over 10 hampers already.

Marcellin

• Plain Wholegrain Cereal e.g. Weetbix
• Long Life Milk 2L
• Pasta Sauce
• Cooking Oil
• White Sugar

Lavalla

• Teabags
• Instant Coffee
• Tinned Tuna
• Table salt and pepper shakers
• Basmati Rice
• Jam / Honey / Peanut butter

Marian

• Muesli / Cereal Bars
• Biscuits and snacks
• Nuts
• Dried Fruit
• Plain Flour

Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat gathered for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Association is for people who make a commitment to live their faith in a distinct Marist way and choose to commit to a local group that fosters this spiritual development. Members of the Association gathered to reflect on our journey and where we are heading for the rest of 2020. It was an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to the Association and to welcome new members into the group. The group celebrated Mass together with Fr Ruben Cardona and continued to build 鈥渇amily spirit鈥� through sharing a meal.

Sacramental Program

The Sacramental Retreats for Years 3 and 4 were held in the Marist Auditorium in Week 3 and bring a conclusion to the school-based preparation program for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Here at 今日吃瓜 we prepare students to receive the sacraments, however families must contact their parish to know when they will be celebrating the sacraments. Click here to access Parish contact details.

Please be aware that due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Parishes will only be celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion in 2020 through the direction of The Archbishop of Perth.

Download Temporary Suspension of Confirmation Directive by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe

Student Reflections

“On Thursday 6 August, Unit 4 attended the Eucharist Retreat led by 24:7 Youth Ministry. We learnt about the four symbols of Baptism and were taught more about what the Eucharist is and the important parts of the Eucharist. We re-enacted the full story of Jesus鈥� Last Supper and used wraps to represent bread and grape juice to represent wine. We learnt about Jesus loving us so much that he died for us. We played lots of games along the way which was a blast. Overall, the Eucharist retreat was very enjoyable and prepared us to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” Savannah Doyle and Ella Baws, Year 4 Blue students

“We had a Eucharist Retreat. I liked it because we played in fun games. My favourite game was link chasey.” Lucy Ringrose Year 4 Green

“The Eucharist Retreat was a good experience and it was really fun and entertaining. I learnt some new things about the Eucharist. I also liked playing the games. The youth leaders leading the day were very fun.” Joshua Woods, Year 4 Green

Using Data to Inform Practice

Our learning cycle uses data to inform practice. Student data comes in a variety of forms and teachers use this data to understand each student and to ensure all students grow in their learning and social emotional development. Thank you to the parents who attended our NPCC meeting that showcased how teachers use data in early childhood, primary and in upper secondary. Please find below the minutes from the NPCC meeting:

Download NPCC Minutes

Wellbeing Week: BE ACTIVE 鈥� BE MINDFUL 鈥� BE GRATEFUL 鈥� BE CONNECTED

This week, staff and students came together to engage in lessons, activities and professional learning designed to support the holistic wellbeing of our College community.

We recognise the importance of educating, raising awareness and providing opportunities for students to develop their own wellbeing and contribute and participate in our flourishing community. We look forward to discovering together, ways to enhance our individual and collective wellbeing.

I extend my thanks to our Wellbeing Captains, Ruby Vance and Meg Hobson for their leadership and support of Wellbeing Week.

College Closure

• Friday August 14 – Staff Wellbeing Conference (PUPIL FREE DAY)
• Monday August 17- CEWA Faith Day (COLLEGE CLOSED)

Newman Parents

Due to COVID restrictions relating to interstate travel, our presenter for Term 3 Jocelyn Brewer, is unable to join us at the College for Newman Parents. However, she will present via Zoom to student and parent groups. A link to her presentation will be shared with families who register to attend Newman Parents closer to the date. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Wednesday 26 August
7.00pm 鈥� 8.30pm
Marist Auditorium
RSVP: jo.dunn@newman.wa.edu.au

Covid-19 Update

With the delay of moving to Phase 5 restrictions by the State Government, the following protocols will remain in place until 29 August.

Assemblies and College Community Events
Adult visitors and staff should maintain physical distancing of one person per 2m2 and limited to 300 people.

Parent and Caregiver Meetings
Pre-arranged parent/caregiver meetings can proceed, adhering to physical distancing and hygiene protocols.

Parent and Caregiver Access
Parents can enter school grounds to drop off and pick up their children and to attend scheduled meetings with staff. Parents can enter classrooms at the invitation of the teacher.

School Visitors
All visitors with a lawful purpose are allowed onto the school grounds. Physical distancing with a 2m2 rule per adult and good hygiene practices should apply. All official visitors as per College guidelines are required to sign in.

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 lisa.fogliani@newman.wa.edu.au

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).

Newman Newsreel

The Newman Newsreel is a new and innovative way for the College to engage and share content with families and staff through the power of augmented reality (AR). Each family will receive a fridge magnet called the 鈥楴ewman Newsreel鈥�. By downloading and using the 鈥榁iewa鈥� Augmented Reality App, users may scan the magnet, bringing to life options to view weekly videos. These videos are campus specific and contain important information about upcoming events and critical information for students and families. The videos will be updated weekly and provide only essential information to families about the upcoming week. Updated videos will be uploaded each Friday and remain active for one week.

It is important to note that users MUST download the Viewa app to be able to activate the magnet and videos.

Please to view a short introduction video which includes instructions on how to download the Viewa app.

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鈥檚 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.

FAMILY SPIRIT: This Marist characteristic inspires the principle of 鈥榗ollaborate鈥� as with a pedagogy of presence and family spirit, united in Christ鈥檚 love, we can build a community with a spirit of friendliness and collaboration, enabling young people to become responsible for their own formation. (今日吃瓜 Vision for Learning)

Developing relationships is at the heart of our Marist narrative. Being present to each other imbues a sense of family and underpins the strength of our community. The strength of this College is in the multiple opportunities students have to engage with each other in and outside the classroom.

Central to our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery – Let Your Light Shine Matthew 5:16 – is for our students and teachers to collaborate. Education and learning are interactive, social processes. We believe that students learn best in an environment where they can interact and experience the curriculum, gaining knowledge and learning how to live. Recently I read an article, Why relationships — not money — are the key to improving schools (Ohio university) that posits sustained interactions over time, focused on children’s learning and effective teaching practice, is the best way for people to build trust and build networks that are at the heart of social capital. Put simply, if we build relationships, our learning experience at school will improve.

Goal Setting

Over the last two weeks I have been in many classes across the school where teachers and students are setting their goals for Term 3. For our Year 12 students they are closing in on the end of their schooling life at Newman. Their goals are centred on utilising the time afforded to work hard, seek answers and collaborate with their teachers and each other. There will not be another time in their life when they will have this level of support at their disposal. Making the most of their time is crucial for their success now and for when they approach life post school.

It is no different for students across PK-12: I sat in a Year 4 class this week where students鈥� goals are centred on the mastering of timetables to twelve by the end of the Term. Their energy and joy and commitment will ensure they succeed; for a group of Year 10 students who toured our new learning hub building site, their goals are focused on meeting the requirements that will enable them to qualify for an apprenticeship. In conversation with the construction manager they were reminded that their attitude will be the prime indicator to their success.

At the core of all this is that the College seeks to offer students opportunities and a space to discover what is possible. Our aspiration is that the dreams of our students will animate them to commit, participate and work towards achieving them. In our College we seek to live out the opportunities for growth in our learning, wellbeing and faith. God has given us the capacity to embrace our talents and our gifts to make a difference in the world we live in.

We wish all students every success this term.

Newman Parent Consultative Committee, Monday 3 August 7.00pm, Marist Auditorium

Collaboration and ultimately the partnership between the College and families are integral to the success of every student. On Monday evening, we will be highlighting 鈥榙ata to inform practice鈥�. As always, we welcome all families and look forward to the discussion.

Our Marist Family

We keep in mind our Marist schools in Victoria who have returned to remote learning due to the spike in Covid-19 cases. Our prayers and thoughts are with them and all people who are suffering across the world at this time.