今日吃瓜

Newman News Term 2 Week 4: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 13/05/2021

Student Use of e-cigarettes

Communication regarding e-cigarettes (vapes) was sent out to Years 7鈥�12 parents this week. The communication outlines that the possession and use of an e-cigarette at school, regardless of the content of the e-cigarette, is strictly prohibited. Students who are found to be in possession of an e-cigarette on College grounds or who are using one in College uniform will have their enrolment at the school suspended immediately.

As a parent, you hold a significant amount of influence over your child鈥檚 actions. Openly talking to your child about difficult topics such as vaping can support them in their decision making and encourage good choices. Before you begin this important conversation with your child, get to know the facts about vaping . Below are some tips for having a healthy conversation with your child:

  • Choose the right time and place
  • Appeal to their good judgement
  • Ask open-ended questions

If you require any further support, please do not hesitate to contact your child鈥檚 Leader of Wellbeing.

Highlights from the Past Two Weeks听

Year 7 Camp

On Monday 3 May, Year 7 students went to Swan Valley Adventure Centre for their Year 7 Camp.

The students were divided into 12 activity groups of mixed Guilds as a chance to get to know others in the cohort.

Over the three days, students participated in a variety of activities including:

  • Air; such as the Crate Stack/ Jacobs Ladder,
  • Water; canoeing/kayaking
  • Land; bush craft (setting fires & building huts) and Commando Course

They also participated in teacher-led activities such as Scavenger Hunt, Orienteering, Volleyball, Frisbee Golf, Catapult Build.
Some of the feedback from students:

Camp was a good opportunity to meet and get to know new people in the year.听
Tessa Hadfield听

Year 7 camp was a great experience where we could interact and collaborate with different peers and get to know new people. The crate stack was my favourite activity.听
Ruby Hankinson听

Year 7 camp was a great chance to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. It was also a great chance to make new friends and meet other year 7s and teachers.听
翱濒颈惫别谤听奥辞濒别测听

I enjoyed year 7 camp thoroughly and thought it was a great way to connect with my peers and meet some new people. My favourite activity was bush craft because I learnt some very interesting things.听Overall听I think camp was a great experience and I had an amazing time!听
Olivia Hildebrandt

I really enjoyed year seven camp as I was able to meet and complete activities with my peers. My favourite activity was the crate stacking as I believe that it was the activity that required the most cooperation between all of the students. It was also a fun and challenging activity.听
Jess Lewis

Year 7 Camp encouraged me to make new friends and strengthen bonds with old friends. My favourite activities were canoeing, crate stack and commando course.听
Hannah Woolfrey

The camp was a good way to meet people and my favourite activity was frisbee golf.听
Liam Steber

A huge thank you to the staff that made this camp possible.

Year 7 Camp 2021 今日吃瓜

Year 9 YMT Retreat

Last Tuesday Year 9 had the fantastic opportunity to participate in a retreat held by the Youth Ministry Team.

There where many highlights in the day that everybody participated in. These included team activities, fun games, activities regarding faith and wellbeing, as well as learning the true meaning of gratefulness. The day was overall a great way to work together and share ideas as a cohort.

We are very grateful to have these wonderful opportunities to collaborate with others we don鈥檛 usually interact with. Two highlights out of the many was a game in which we played where we moved between chairs based on what we were wearing. Another was the prayer held at the end of the day, where we lit candles and had the chance to really reflect and have a conversation with Jesus. A beautiful thing to see. Thank you YMT!

Year 10 Exam Preparation听

Last Wednesday saw the Year 10 cohort come together to receive details relating to their upcoming Examinations which will take place in Week 7. This assembly covered a range of topics including:

  • Exam Etiquette
  • Structure of Exam Week (Week 7)
  • Expectations of students during this week
  • Exam Tips and how to approach each exam
  • Study Skills and Time Management
  • Stress Management and Wellbeing Support
  • The importance of Sleep
  • How to seek support at 今日吃瓜

All students have been given access to this presentation and are able to refer to this at any point in their preparation. Further and more detailed study skills will be distributed at the end of this week to support their study and revision program.

Important Information For Next Two Weeks听

Senior School Exams

The Senior School exam period is fast approaching and the Years 10, 11 and 12 students have been busy preparing for their exams. In order to support students in their exam preparation, Homework Club will be open from 3.15pm鈥�6.00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Weeks 4鈥�6 and specialised support tutorials have been organised by our staff.

Academic self-efficacy is the belief in your own ability to successfully achieve an academic goal, combined with effective study habits, students can build their academic self-efficacy through:

  • Targeted goal setting
  • Having a growth mindset towards challenging tasks
  • Active participation in class
  • Developing a deeper interest in concepts taught (researching beyond what is taught in class)
  • Using feedback as a tool to improve

The exam timetables can be found below:

Canteen Payments

As of Monday 31 May (Week 7), students will no longer be permitted to pay for items at the canteen using听a mobile听phone.听The canteen will only accept cash,听card听or听SmartRider听payments.听Mobile phones cannot be carried by students throughout the school day.

Photo Day

A reminder of the following dates for School Photos:

  • Monday 21 June: Years 7-12 Sport Photo Day
  • Tuesday 22 June: Years 10-12 Photo Day
  • Wednesday 23 June: Years 7-9 Photo Day

Careers and Pathways Update

Contact details:

Justin Farley
Pathways听 Coordinator听
pathways@newman.wa.edu.au听
Tel. 9204 9457

Alastair MacNeill
VET Coordinator
vet@newman.wa.edu.au
Tel. 9204 9415

Year 10, 11 and 12

Newman Careers Expo

The Newman Careers Expo will be held on Monday 21 June (Week 10) after school in the Marist Auditorium. There will be a wide variety of exhibits, including:

  • All Universities: UWA, Curtin, Notre Dame, ECU, Murdoch
  • TAFE
  • Defence Force
  • Private VET providers
  • SAE Creative Media Institute
  • Apprenticeships and traineeships
  • Disability Support

3.30pm to 4.30pm: Year 11/12 students attending

5.00pm to 5.45pm: Year 10 students attending

5.45pm: Year 10 parent information evening

Year 10听

Subject Selection for Year 11, 2022

Please see below the timeline for subject selection for Year 11, 2022.

  • Term 2, Week 5
    Students and families provided with written communication about the subject selection process
  • Term 2, Week 6
    Year 10 students receive their subject selection research booklets, and the Senior School Pathways Information Booklet. Online subject selection handbook () will be updated and available to students and families.
  • 听Term 2, Week 7
    Year 10 Examinations.
  • 听Term 2, Week 9
    Year 10 Semester 1 reports available to students and families.
  • Term 2, Week 10
    Monday 21 June
    5.00pm to 5.45pm: Year 10 Careers Exo
    5.45pm:Year 10 Parent Evening
    Tuesday 22 June
    Subject selections will open (online) for students and families.
  • Term 2, Week 11
    Friday 2 July: Final date for Year 11 subject selections to be听entered online.
  • Term 3, Week 1-2
    College staff will contact families on an as-needed basis to discuss concerns or questions.
  • Term 3, Week 3
    Information about enrolling in Onsite (work experience) and TAFE will be provided to students and families.

Year 12

University applications open (TISC)

As of 19 April, Year 12s can apply for a place at University in 2022. In Term 3, all Year 12s will be provided with detailed information on how to apply via TISC.

There is no rush to apply and students will not miss out on a place at University. It is better to take your time and think carefully about the right course for you.

Closing dates are 30 September (for Medicine/Dentistry) and 21 December (all other courses).

University Early Offers

Western Australian universities are publishing their Early Offer programs for students entering university in 2022. Please see below for details:

  • Curtin University

    Offer conditional on attaining the necessary ATAR for that course.
  • Edith Cowan University (ECU)

    Offer conditional on attaining the necessary ATAR for that course.
  • Murdoch University

    Unconditional offer even if you don鈥檛 achieve the necessary ATAR for that course. However, students must meet any subject prerequisites.
  • Notre Dame University

    Unconditional offer but also includes an interview and consideration of non-academic achievements.
  • University of Western Australia (UWA)

    Unconditional offer if students have a high enough predicted ATAR (predicted ATAR +3 for courses below 92 and +1 for courses above 92). Otherwise the offer is conditional on attaining the required ATAR for that course.


Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry next year?

If you are in Year 12 and thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry next year (either at Curtin, or via direct pathway to UWA) you must sit the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.

The dates for UCAT testing 2021 are:

  • 17 May: Bookings close
  • 1 July: Testing begins
  • 11 August: Last test date

You can find out more about the UCAT at or you are welcome to book an appointment to talk to me. There are many different ways into Medicine and Dentistry so come and ask if unsure.

Students and parents might also find useful.

Upcoming Careers Events

  • Construction Careers Expo Evening
    18 May CTF, Belmont
  • Teacher Education Evening
    20 May ECU Mt Lawley
  • Curtin University Open Day
    30 May Curtin
  • Science and Mathematics Evening
    4 June ECU Joondalup
  • Engineering and Technology Open Evening
    8 June ECU Joondalup
  • Parent Information Webinar
    UWA (online)
  • 今日吃瓜 Careers Expo
    21 June 今日吃瓜 Auditorium
    Expected attendance for Year 11-12 students (3.30pm to 4.30pm).
    Compulsory for Year 10 students (5.00pm to 5.45pm)
  • Year 10 Parent Information Evening
    21 June 今日吃瓜 Auditorium
    Compulsory for Year 10 students (5.45pm to 6.30pm)
  • Admission Pathways Evening
    16 June and 15 September Murdoch University
  • A Day at UWA (Year 12)
    16 July UWA
  • Murdoch University Open Day
    18 July Murdoch University
  • Notre Dame Open Day
    1 August Notre Dame
  • Nursing and Midwifery Evening
    13 August ECU Joondalup
  • Skills West Careers and Employment Expo
    26-28 August Perth Convention Centre
  • Admissions Pathways Open Evening
    15 September Murdoch University
  • A Day at UWA (Year 10)
    30 September UWA
  • A Day at UWA (Year 11)
    7 October UWA
  • ECU Open Evening 鈥� Admissions
    20 October ECU Joondalup
  • Engineering and Technology Evening
    8 November ECU Joondalup

Newman News Term 2 Week 4: From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 13/05/2021

Newman Parents – NPCC Meeting

Ms Lara Ognenis, our Gifted and Talented Teacher K-10, delivered a thorough presentation on Monday night to our Newman Parents Consultative Committee. She covered how we identify and extend students with gifted traits from PP to Year 9. Lara outlined the future vision for the space and the types of activities and competitions students are currently involved in. Thank you to those parents who were able to attend.

NPCC 今日吃瓜

Problem Solve It Parent Information Evening

Our Leader of Learning in Science, Ms Krystal Skelin, launched our new Problem Solve It Immersion on Tuesday night. The program has been recognised as a National Excellence Awardee, and Krystal and John Finneran will travel to Sydney to participate in this prestigious award ceremony. The student immersion lasts for three nights and four days during the Term 2 holidays and sees Year 9 and 10 students immerse themselves in thinking routines that can be employed to creatively solve real life problems. Newman has partnered with UWA, Republic Polytechnic Singapore and an Innovation Coach from RACWA for the experience. Places are limited. For more information, please email krystal.skelin@newman.wa.edu.au

NAPLAN

In 2020, one of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was the abandonment of the annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. This important assessment of Australian students’ learning progress resumed听on Tuesday.

The 2021 NAPLAN tests will provide useful external learning progress data for parents,听teachers,听and students to reflect upon in a manner that is proportionate with all other rich formative, summative and professional observational assessments that occur in our schools each day.

Artist in Residence

The College is pleased to welcome acclaimed Western Australian textile designer Tanya Cain-Abbs as part of the 2021 Artist in Residence Program.听听Tanya will work with select groups of students in Years 2鈥�12 to learn the technique Shibori, a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique which produces patterns on fabric.听听The art works will be exhibited at the Students Art exhibition opening Tuesday 26 October.

Community workshops will be held in term three inviting families and friends to share in the听Shibori听workshop experience. More information regarding community workshops will be posted on the College website, social media pages and in the College newsletter.

Artist in Residence 2021 Shibori 今日吃瓜

Extended Absences听鈥� change of procedure

In the event of planned extended absences, such as holidays and sporting representations, parents/guardians are requested to inform the Vice Principal, in writing with the reason for the absence, giving as much notice as possible. This is a new procedure that will streamline our PK 鈥�12 absentees. Please send notifications to lucie.mccrory@newman.wa.edu.au

Social Media

The College celebrates student achievements and other important events through our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages online. Please join our networks and stay abreast of life at Newman:

Study Techniques

It is mid Term 2 and an apt time to review our study techniques and routines. Regularly reviewing and revising what we have learnt is an important part in the process of knowledge consolidation.

Questions to consider:

  1. Have you got a study routine in place that includes breaks and down time?
  2. Have you asked someone to keep you accountable to your study routine?
  3. Are you studying effectively?
  4. Is your learning space conducive to study?
  5. What does the research say about studying? Read the below except from the article written in Edutopia 鈥�5 Research Backed Studying Techniques鈥�

5 HIGH-INTENSITY STUDY HABITS

Researchers have found that the following techniques increase sustainable learning and retention when incorporated in students鈥� daily study habits. These techniques are difficult and require effort, and they slow down learning. Initially the learning gains seem to be smaller than with some ineffective practices. However, these techniques lead to long-term mastery.

The book Make It Stick identifies several research-proven studying techniques.

  1. Pre-test: When students practice answering questions, even incorrectly, before learning the content, their future learning is enhanced. Research has shown that pre-testing improves post-test results more than spending the same amount of time studying.
  2. Spaced practice: Spacing out study sessions鈥攆ocusing on a topic for a short period on different days鈥攈as been shown to improve retention and recall more than massed practice. The book How We Learn explains that spaced practice can feel difficult due to an initial forgetting of knowledge鈥攔eacquiring that knowledge takes effort.
  3. Creating flash cards that can be used for spaced practice and self-quizzing is effective. Students should create different piles when reviewing the flash cards. The cards they鈥檙e able to answer immediately should be placed in a pile to review three days later; those answered with some difficulty should be reviewed two days later; and those that they answered incorrectly should be reviewed the next day.
  4. Self-quizzing: Testing has a negative connotation in this era of standardized testing, but it is a form of active retrieval practice. Encourage students to make test questions for themselves as they learn a new concept, thinking about the types of questions you might ask on a quiz or test. They should incorporate these quizzes into their study sessions, answering every question, even those they believe they know well.
  5. Interleaving practice: Students may rely on blocked practice, studying a set of problems鈥攕uch as multiplication problems鈥攁s a group until they feel mastery. A more effective method of studying is to work on a set of problems that are related but not all of the same kind鈥攆or example, a set of math word problems that call for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. The consecutive problems cannot be solved with the same strategy. This is more effective than doing one multiplication problem after another.
  6. Paraphrasing and reflecting: Many of us have read a few paragraphs in a textbook only to realize that we didn鈥檛 retain a single concept or key point presented in those paragraphs. To show your students how to combat this, have them utilize intentional learning strategies. These include relating what is being learned to prior knowledge, thinking about how they would explain the content to a 5-year-old, and reflecting on and asking questions about the content.

Code of Conduct

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.听 Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person.听In order to听do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community.听The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.听 Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

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.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure听confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and听those听College associated听events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct.听We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.

Newman News Term 2 Week 2 : From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 30/04/2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Term 2.

We were delighted to have been able to resume our teaching and learning program on Monday following the lockdown of the Perth and Peel Regions and we look forward to the further relaxation of restrictions this weekend. I take this opportunity to thank all students for their respect of and adherence to restrictions this week. They have been very accepting of switching to online events in some instances.

Thank you also to families for supporting the College in the implementation of restrictions and having your children well prepared. It was unfortunate that some events had to be cancelled (hopefully postponed) and others switched to online formats. We are most fortunate to have the technical expertise at 今日吃瓜 enabling us to pivot to online events at such short notice. Please click here to view the Newman Covid page

ANZAC Events

One of the highlights of our first two weeks back at school was the observance and acknowledgement of Anzac Day. I attended all three ceremonies across the College, all of which marked the significant sacrifice that others have given, and continue to give, so that we may live out our lives in freedom and opportunity. All students showed a high level of respect and attention for such a solemn occasion.

At the Principal鈥檚 assembly on Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Mr Robert Wilton, retired serviceman for both the British & Australian Military Forces. He spoke about the impact of his service on his life and, in particular, his 鈥榙aily renewable contract鈥�.

Following Robert, during the Principal鈥檚 Address, I reiterated how our ceremony encapsulated his message. We have so much to be grateful and thankful for and it is this grace that it is incumbent on us to make the most of what we have. The term ahead is full of opportunity. Learning is such a gift – how we use it determines our success.

I put to the students 鈥� 鈥淲ho do you want be?鈥�

At 今日吃瓜 we have a vision that frames the canvas of what is possible: Shine Through Discovery 鈥� Let Your Light Shine. What is your light? How will it shine?

Take every opportunity this term to be the best person God intends you to be in whatever pursuit you endeavour. Let us be mindful of those around the world who are suffering at this moment. Let us keep them in our prayers. (Please click here to read the Principal鈥檚 Address in full.)

Further information about our three Anzac Day ceremonies (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary) can be found in other parts of this Newsletter

Year 6 Camp

We were fortunate to have been able to go ahead with the Year 6 Camp this week, albeit with relevant restrictions put in place by Forest Edge Recreation Camp. I visited the Camp last evening and the enjoyment and high spirits of the students was evident. I thank the Year 6 teachers for ensuring this very important event continued, even with the COVID restrictions in place.

Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)

We warmly welcome all families to attend our first NPCC meeting of the year on Monday 10 May.

Featured on the meeting agenda will be an overview of our Annual School Improvement Plan for 2021 with a presentation from our Gifted and Talented Teacher K-10, Ms Lara Ognenis.

Lara will speak about our Strategic Intent for this year 鈥�To develop extension learning pathways that enhance the opportunities for gifted and talented students.鈥� The strategies we have put in place to enable the College to achieve this intent are:

  • Implementation of a K-10 GATE program utilsing contemporary, evidence-based practices
  • Upskill teaching staff on strategies to extend gifted and talented students within mainstream classrooms.
  • Explore external and internal opportunities (competitions, programs, electives) that enable Newman students to be challenged academically at a state and national level.

I look forward to seeing you there.

 

We look forward to the term ahead.

John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

Newman News Term 2 Week 2 鈥� Latest Sport News

Jo Dunn on 30/04/2021

Champagnat Cup

This year 今日吃瓜 will be hosting Bunbury Catholic College and St Josephs Northam on Friday week 3 for the Champagnat Cup. This is a tri-school competition across Marist Netball, Marist Basketball boys and the First XVIII football team. Newman currently hold the Champagnat Cup after being undefeated last year. All students are invited to spectate the games during recess and lunch. Good luck to all players and coaches involved.

Friday Night Lights

Friday 7th May is Friday Night Lights at Shenton College. This is a tri-school competition for our Marist Boys and Girls Basketball. Schools involved are 今日吃瓜, Churchlands SHS and Shenton College. Games start at 5pm in the Shenton College gym. Food trucks will be available from 5pm so it is a great excuse for the whole family to come down, have some dinner and support our players. It would be great to have a big presence of support from Newman. Good luck to all players and coaches.

Newman Sienna Netball Club

This Saturday the Newman Sienna Netball Club begins its 2021 season and for the first time in the Club鈥檚 history we will be represented in the Years 9-12 competition Division 1.

It鈥檚 been many years in the making to have players of this quality represent our Club at the highest level and we believe that with our depth of talent we can be here competing against the best players in the Association for years to come.

The team is as follows:-

  • Adelaide Berry听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(今日吃瓜)
  • Charlotte Gale听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(Churchlands SHS)
  • Amber Grover听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(今日吃瓜)
  • Ellie Jones听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (今日吃瓜)
  • Sarena Kriletich听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (今日吃瓜)
  • Saoirse Larkin听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (今日吃瓜)
  • Tayla Sadgrove听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(今日吃瓜)
  • Jasmine Stewart听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(Churchlands SHS)
  • Ashleigh Warner听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (今日吃瓜)

Coach: Natasha Kriletich听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 (今日吃瓜 Staff)

The Club is extremely proud of this group鈥檚 achievement and wish them all the very best for their season opener on Saturday 1st May @ Mathews Netball Centre.

 

Newman News Term 2 Week 2: From the Leader of Primary

Jo Dunn on 30/04/2021

Highlights from past two weeks听

Dear families ,

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone back to what promises to be a very busy and exciting term for our students. The holiday break often gives us time to pause and reflect on the term that has just been, and to renew our focus and energy for the year ahead. I am very proud of the way students have started this year, and the positive way our boys and girls are seeking to make a difference in both their own lives, and even more importantly, those around them. I hope that every student can build on their positive start to the year this term, as we encounter several events including NAPLAN, Year 6 camp, and reporting. We will continue to gather as a school community each morning to begin our day, with a focus on 鈥榙oing the little things right鈥� while being mindful of the small but positive ways we can all impact each other.

New Staff

I hope everyone in our community will join me in welcoming Natasha De听Gois听to our College this term. Natasha joins us from Mercy College where she taught in Year Four.听Natasha will be teaching in the 5 Blue classroom Wednesday听鈥� Friday.

We also welcome to our campus Miss Katya Anderson. Many families will already know Miss Anderson from their time at Marian campus, however in her new role of Leader of Learning PK-6, Miss Anderson will听also have听presence听here at Lavalla.听 She is very much looking forward to connecting with听all听her previous students who are now that little bit older and working with our teachers to create wonderful learning opportunities for all our children across the school.听We are very lucky to have someone of her knowledge and expertise as part of our team.

Finally, we also welcome two pre-service teachers to our campus this term 鈥� Lachlan Howard who will be working听with听Miss Sankar in 5 Green, and Imogen听Crostella听who will be working听with听Mrs听Fitzpatrick in 4 Blue. We hope you will join us in making our new staff feel very welcome.

Assembly

Last Friday we were treated to a very entertaining assembly item from 4 Red, who used 鈥楾he Amazing Race鈥� to share with us some of the things they have听been working on听in class, especially their Writing. We also acknowledged those students who have started the term in a very positive manner,听presenting听several听merit certificates听to students听across听all year groups. We also recognised the efforts of some of our Year 6 students who听achieved great results听in the recent Solar Car challenge as part of the Gifted and Talented program. Congratulations to all students who have made a positive start to the term!

今日吃瓜 Lavalla

Marcellin Award

Hamish Macgregor听(Year 5)听was听the recipient of our first Marcellin Award for Term Two. I was very proud to present Hamish with his award as his positive actions to begin the term have not only had a positive impact on our community,听but he has also听set a fine example for others. Hamish has been instrumental in these first weeks of school in welcoming one of our new students to the College; sitting with him, offering him support in class, and just being that welcoming face that new students hope to find in every school. Hamish, you truly embody the Marist charism of Family Spirit through your actions, and the example you have set is one that we can all learn from. We are very proud to call you a 今日吃瓜 student!

Year 6 Camp

We were very lucky听that听the recent lockdown and resulting COVID restrictions听did not impact our Year 6 Camp. Students have had a great time on camp this week听where they took part听in听several听challenging and fun activities designed to build confidence and teamwork. Students have been able to try their hand at abseiling, target shooting, crate climbs, and kayaking, among other things. One of the major themes of the camp has been positive thinking and the impact thinking positively and acting positively can have on both ourselves and each other. It is very pleasing to see students take this message to heart and to see them supporting and encouraging each other.听We are sure they all had a great time! We owe a big thanks to our Year 6 teachers for their hard work in organising听camp, as well as those staff who gave up time with their families to be with our students this week.

Year 5 Maker鈥檚 Market听

This week, students in Year 5 ran an event in school called the Maker鈥檚 Market. A recount of this event and听the听learning that preceded it is provided below from Cooper, Zac, and Ella听in Year Five.

Firstly, we discussed the meaning of supply and demand. We also had to get into groups of four or five and choose a product to create. Next, we made prototypes of our product to look at what worked and what didn鈥檛. Then we went around to classes to see what people would like to buy by doing a survey. On the 27th of April we did a Market day in which we raised $1003.70. The day was not only good for charity, but it also taught us how to read the market and how to advertise our products. At 8:20am we opened the doors to the multipurpose room, where we had people queuing from 8:00am. We estimated around 80-100 kids took part just in the morning. Two groups sold out completely before recess and most other groups sold all their products by the end of recess. By the end of the day many people walked away happy with their experience and purchase. We are really grateful to everyone who took part and supported our market.

Uniform听

One of the things that really makes me proud as a school leader is seeing our students dressed smartly and taking pride in their appearance. There are many students who wear their uniform with great pride and consistency, and I would like to thank these students and their families for their commitment to our College uniform. Wearing the school uniform with pride demonstrates a willingness and commitment to our College and it is wonderful that so many families are supportive of this. This term we transition to our Winter Uniform, the requirements for which can be found听here.听I would also like to thank those students and families who consistently uphold the College鈥檚 grooming standards.

今日吃瓜 Uniform

Curriculum Letters听听

Last week families received a Curriculum Letter from their teachers. This contains information about what students will be learning this term, as well as some of the important events that will be occurring across each unit. I encourage any parents with questions about the term ahead to read the letter and be in touch with your child鈥檚 classroom teacher.听On behalf of all staff, I can say we are looking forward to a听very busy and听productive term ahead.

Important information for next two weeks听

Year 5 & 6 Art Extension AIR program听听

This term we have been lucky enough to secure Abby Telfer as an Artist for the听Artist in Residence听program for the Lavalla Art Extension Students. Students听will be working closely with Abby for three weeks to gain an understanding of different approaches, skills,听and application techniques within Textile Design. Students听will be听working towards creating an original design to decorate and embellish their own canvas sneakers. This week marked the beginning of the project; students immersing听themselves in image research to create a digital mood board for their sneaker design. We look forward to sharing updates over the term!

Arts Club听

This week saw the introduction of an Arts lunchtime club to our campus. This is a student led initiative, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of some of our Year 6 girls for their passion and energy in getting this club up and running. Well done to Antonia, Abby, Ava, Bailey, and Eva! Students worked this week painting rocks, and next week our Year 6 girls will be leading the group in creating a Mother鈥檚 Day piece of craft. We often speak about student leadership at our morning gatherings, and this is the perfect example. Leadership is not reserved for only those with a badge, it is within the grasp of anyone who simply wants to make a difference in their community. I applaud these girls for their initiative and the contributions they are bringing to our campus. A big thanks to our Art Specialist, Amy Farrell, who is also supporting the club through her presence and guidance.

Photo Day

A reminder to all families that our photo day is on Friday 7 May. It is very important that all students听attend听wearing the听correct winter uniform on this day. We hope that all students听can听be听present at school this day, as school photos听often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.

Liturgies & Retreats

Our Year 3 students will be celebrating a liturgy for their unit on Wednesday 12 May in the Champagnat Chapel at 9.00am. We hope to be able to invite families of Year 3 students to attend and will keep families informed of the latest COVID restrictions. On Friday 14 May, our Year 4 students will take part in a retreat as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers during this important time of preparation.