½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

Vice Principal – Dr Lucie McCrory

Lucie McCrory ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏIt is with great excitement that I begin as Vice Principal of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï this year. The Marists have an inspiring tradition and I look forward to learning about the history of the school, its students, staff, parents, and distinct culture. I am particularly excited to be back working in the Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 space. It is a privilege and a blessing to see the full spectrum of student growth, from entry to graduation. I look forward to developing relationships with this wide variety of learners and teachers.

I have a passion for the craft of teaching and learning and a keen interest in the ‘future of education’. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner in the school of life, and plan to actively encourage those around me to find their unique gifts, untapped potential and ‘let their light shine’ (Matthew 5 : 16).

A school is a learning organisation that should inspire a curiosity for learning, it is a place of growth. The underlying mechanism to enable this growth lies in some form of actualisation of the human potential. Pursuits in this realm require a Christ-centred and improvement focused approach to life, an understanding of the value in failure and the provision of experiences that are developmentally appropriate to the journey-point of the individual.

I look forward to playing an important collaborative role in leading the learning at Newman, for its next phase of life. We will shine through discovery, towards excellence and innovation. On that note…have you seen the new Learning Hub on the Marcellin campus? Impressive. Opportunities galore. Watch that space.

Dr Lucie McCrory

VICE PRINCIPAL

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: From the Leaders of Wellbeing

Awards Ceremonies 

On Thursday 26 November we celebrated the Years 7-11 Awards for the Academic, Cultural and Sporting pursuits of students.

Over two assemblies, we heard a number of musical items by the Newman Voices, along with an item from our 2020 College production Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.

In his Principal’s Address, Mr Finneran reflected on how lucky we are to be living in Western Australia and to be able to gather together. He asked our students to view their education as a precious gift and to embrace the opportunities afforded to them to enhance their ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï experience.

Click here to view photos and read Principal’s Address.

Year 10 River Cruise

The Year 10 River Cruise has been one of, if not the most anticipated event on the Year 10 calendar this year. COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works earlier this year, with the potential that this event could not go ahead, but thankfully students were able to get onto the boat and celebrate what has been an eventful but a successful year for this cohort.

Students really committed to the theme: Popular Culture Icons and staff and crew on board were very impressed with the effort and execution of their costumes. The Year 10’s spent the night dancing away on the boat together as a united cohort. It was very special to see the sense of unity, cohesion and togetherness throughout the night. All staff involved were so impressed and proud of the way in which this cohort of students presented and conducted themselves on the night.

A special thank you to the staff who accompanied the Year 10’s on this social event and their wholehearted commitment to their costuming! It really made the night a great success.

Gemma​ Beekink, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10

Click here to view River Cruise photos.

Year 11 Dinner Dance

We waited and waited and finally the night we had been waiting for arrived- our final day as Year 11’s and the Year 11 Dinner Dance!

After exams, COVID-19 and a jam-packed year, the Dinner Dance was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year as a cohort. We enjoyed a mocktail on arrival and spent some time with the stingrays, jellyfish and sharks as we explored AQWA’s aquarium before entering the dining room. 2021 College Captains Matao and Taylah welcomed us to the event and said Grace before we began feasting on the buffet.

Everyone looked amazing as we danced the night away, treated ourselves to a donut wall and took endless photos in the photo booth. It was great to see the teachers on the dance floor with the students enjoying classic tunes such as Thunderstruck! This event really showed our year group motto #togetherasonein2021 as all students and PCG teachers came together on the dance floor. It was a fantastic evening and I am so very proud of all the Year 11 students.

Thank you to the Year 11 PCG teachers, support staff and senior leadership whose attendance made this event possible.

Rebecca​ Bramanto, Leader of Wellbeing Year 11

Click here to view Dinner Dance photos.

Music Rocks Concert and Parent Lunch

On Friday 27 November family and friends of the Education Support Center students joined together to enjoy the annual Music Rocks end of year concert, followed by a shared lunch.

The students certainly let their musical gifts and talents shine, performing a variety of songs and playing an array of instruments.

Music Rocks caters for people of all abilities, allowing students to learn music and perform with confidence.

Click here to view photos from the Music Rocks Concert.

Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp

The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp was vastly successful for both students and teachers.

Students were able to experience, for some, environments unfamiliar to them and spent the night under the stars. Over the two days the students were away from home, they went mountain biking across the varied terrain, they were all challenged by multiple uphill sections and rode the down hills with speed and confidence.

After a grueling 20+ kilometers on the first day, a refreshing swim was enjoyed at Stringers.

Day two, with sore legs, the students rode another 20+ kilometers enjoying the forest and admiring the extra large trees around them.

The students were beautifully behaved and all learnt some new skills, whether it be cooking skills, tenting, cleaning, riding or team work and collaboration.

A massive thank you must go to all staff that assisted and accompanied the students overnight away from their families. Mr Van Der Heever, Miss Clark, Mr Pugh, Mr Williams, Jaxon and Mr Webb.

Jamie Pedler, Thomas More Guild Coordinator/Health and PE teacher Secondary

Student Reflection

“The Year 9 Outdoor Education camp was an amazing experience and one that I would recommend to all students who are considering doing Outdoor Education in Year 9. Our camp was very tiring, at times riding around 50km in total, but it was worth all the hills and sore muscles to finally get to the top and see the incredible view and go down the tracks. Throughout the camp I made friends with a lot of new people that I hadn’t known very well the day before. Dwellingup is truly a beautiful place and the wildlife and plants where amazing. I think that the camp was a major highlight of the year and was extremely successful.” Tabitha Stevens, Year 9 student

Solve It

In the final week of 2020, students in Years 7-9 have been involved in Solve It, our problem based learning activity.

Students were guided through a design thinking approach to solve a variety of problems and pitch their ideas in an intra-school competition.

Monday’s sessions involved ice-breakers, looking at unnecessary inventions and creative problem solving. The fun activities were based around teaching essential skills for Solve It such as creativity, making mistakes and critiquing potential solutions.

Students were introduced to the range of problems that covered a range of topics such as fake news, climate change, consumerism, motor skills, changes to the Marcellin Campus, food delivery services and how we can change the world for the better.

They then went to the department based workshops on their chosen problem.

Tuesday brought about students coming up with some solutions for their chosen problem. Students were using plasticine, paint and various computer programs to create models for their solutions.

On Wednesday students continued working on their solutions and how they would present their solution. Students who weren’t involved in the semi-finals engaged in Guild activities including dodgeball, a short film and capture the flag.

Thursday was a great celebration of the week and wrap up of 2020 with the Pitch Off Final. Eight groups pitched their solutions to our team of judges, Mrs Nerreda Hillier (Board Member), Mr Anthony Bochrinis (Head of Mathematics and entrepreneur) and Ms Lisa Fogliani (Vice Principal).

Kelly​ Johnson, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9 / Food Science and Technology Teacher

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: From the Vice Principal

Celebrate 2020

Despite the unprecedented nature of 2020, we have much to celebrate. As a school community we responded to and navigated the challenges of shifting to remote learning, albeit for a short time. We have remained prepared and ready to respond to the wellbeing of our community during uncertain times. We have work hard to ensure curriculum continuity, learning experiences and activities even though at times, the restriction placed on schools seemed difficult to overcome. Our capital development on Marcellin Campus has continued and will be ready for the 2021 school year.  Thank you for journeying with us. May this time of Advent remind us of the blessings of the year past and the hope of the year ahead.

Gratitude for College Staff

At the end of each year, it is appropriate to acknowledge the dedicated service that members of the teaching and non-teaching staff have made to the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï community and the lives of the students that have been under their care and leadership. As Marist educators, we share and continue Marcellin Champagnat’s dream of transforming the lives of young people through education and faith formation that is underpinned by a genuine care for our students. Despite the challenges and disruption of this year, I am proud to say that the dedication and professionalism of every teacher in this community did not waiver. During times of uncertainty, every teacher responded with commitment, care and concern for their students and their families. I hope that you can join with me in acknowledging the efforts of teachers and staff that have guided the students in 2020.

2020 Learning and PCG Reporting Attributes – Marcellin Campus

As per Semester One, students from Marcellin Campus will receive learning feedback aligned to our vision for learning principles. Teachers intentionally design learning experiences aligned to these pillars so that the students can demonstrate their ability to activate the soft skills of learning.  An explanation of our learning attributes for students on Marcellin campus,  aligned to our vision for learning can be found here.

Reporting K-10

Families in Years K – 6 will have access to their reports from 4.00pm on Thursday 10 Dec.  Years 7 – 10 will have access to their reports on Friday 11 December.  Please ensure you can log into SEQTA to retrieve the reports. Any families leaving ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï are reminded to download all reports from the SEQTA as once you have withdrawn from the College, access to SEQTA is restricted. 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.

Staff Farewells

We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.

Anthony Bochrinis, Nicole Boddy, Karen Cassidy, Alan Fitzpatrick, Lisa Fogliani, Melissa Foss, Ana Frankovic, Cassandra Hall, Amelia Ioannides, Peter Jones, Susan Kadak, Gillian Kennedy, Charlotte Krause, Henny Mansveld, Amanda Mariotti, Anthony Murphy, Pauline
Murphy, Roz Newton, Jan Robertson, Ella Rosher, Avani Sheth, Laura Talbott, Nathan Wear, Kathy West, Patrick Woolley and Natalie Zagar Thompson

Booklists

Booklists are available here.

Marcellin Awards Ceremonies- list of Award Winners/ photo gallery

On Thursday 26 November, students from Marcellin Campus came together to celebrate the achievements of students in Years 7 to 11. Click here for a full list of Award Winners.

We thank the following members of the College community for their contribution and service. I hope our Marist spirituality continues to give you strength and that you leave with fond memories of your time at the College.

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 ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï?”

Teachers and staff recognise a child and young adult’s 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.  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.

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: Latest Arts News

Roal Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

The long awaited College production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical opened on Wednesday last week to a rapturous audience in the Marist Auditorium.

Congratulations to the company of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical! It was so well worth the wait. Thank you on behalf of our leadership and College community for bringing this production to the stage and for bringing so much joy to the close of a very long and challenging year!

College productions at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï have always been of an exceptional standard and this year was no exception.

Thank you to the industry professionals and artists in residence that collaborated with our students and creative team on this production. The level of professionalism in the orchestra, bio box and within the creative team (set painting and costume design) lifted the production this year to new heights. Expertly directed by Ms Dixie Johnstone, no stone was left unturned and the retelling of this iconic musical did not disappoint!

Thank you to the team of hard working ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï staff and parents who supported this production journey. We are very grateful, it could not have happened without your hard work and dedication to ringing this beautiful show to life.

PK-12 Christmas Carols

The annual PK-12 Christmas Carols closed the year in style with plenty of festive spirit from the families picnicking and students performing on stage. The event opened with our College instrumental ensembles and band showcasing their talents. The massed choir of Pre Primary – Year 2 students sang a beautiful rendition of Away in a Manger, followed by a well prepared festive dance, choreographed by the Year 9 Dance students and performed by Year 5 Blue.

Families opened their song book through the Newman Newsreel and the carols began accompanied by Perth Fortress Band and the Chamber Choir, conducted by Ms Ava Bilton.

A special visit from the big guy in red closed the evening and we all watched Santa leaving for the North Pole, followed by many little people in hot pursuit of him and the sack full of presents.

Thank you to; our MC Mr Martino, Ms Goldsmith, Mr Olsen, Ms Bilton, Primary staff and Marcellin Arts team for their support and coordination of this event.

 

Newman News Term 4 Week 9 2020: From the Principal

Advent

In our final weeks we celebrated 2020 through our Christmas liturgies across the College.  The significance of these liturgies is at the very heart of our Christian journey with the impending arrival of the birth of Christ.  The preparation period of Advent invites us to reflect on the year and to give thanks for our lives and our relationships with each other.

Advent also reminds us that the birth of Christ heralds a new beginning, a fresh start, a renewal for new life and new opportunities.

PK-12 Christmas Carols and Marian Campus Christmas Nativity

We have enjoyed our annual celebrations; the Marian Campus Nativity and the PK-12 Christmas Carols.  Many thanks to all involved in these respective celebrations.

The Season for Giving

Thank you to all students and families who have been generous in their support of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Our contribution of items will go a long way to bring joy to many families who are doing it tough this Christmas.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

On Saturday I attended the matinee session of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical with my family. This was an outstanding College production which showcased the extraordinary skills and talents of our students and staff – an excellent example of our students letting their light shine.

Significant challenges were presented to the cast and crew this year in their preparation for this event; they have been accepted and overcome. The extraordinary efforts and patience of each and every person involved in Matilda, over such an extended period of time, are so very highly valued and appreciated. With the unprecedented year we have had, we are indeed fortunate to have been able to stage Matilda last week.

There has been significant and very positive feedback both from industry and our local community including surrounding Catholic primary schools. All were fulsome in their praise of the students and this magnificent production, brought to life at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï.

I take this opportunity to thank all our families who supported their children in ensuring they attended rehearsals and assisted with costumes. Without this support, such an event could not have been staged.

Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful production.

International Day of Persons with Disability

Last Thursday 3 December was International Day of Persons with Disability. The day has been an international day of observance and celebration promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim of the day is to promote understanding and create awareness about persons with an impairment and our College environment is a perfect vehicle for this message. Our thanks to Madison Heady (ex-Sacred Heart student) who delivered an inspirational speech to our Year 6 students about her journey with disability, as ambassador for the ACC and Inclusion Sport. Madison also participated in a PE lesson with Year 4 Blue.

Marist Cricket Carnival

On Monday, our 1st XI Cricket Team travelled to Bunbury to play Bunbury Catholic College in a series of games. In 2020 we inaugurated the WA Champagnat Cup in which these fixtures will be part of the overall Shield which will be contested in 2021.

In a Pre-COVID-19 world, our cricket team would normally have travelled to the Eastern States to play other Marist schools. To negate that disappointment, this Carnival has been an opportunity for our cricketers to play at a similar level of competition here in our own State.

Congratulations to both schools for the spirit in which the games were played.

2021 PK-12 Family Mass – Save the Date

Our PK-12 Family Mass will be held on Thursday 11 February, commencing 5.00pm, on the College oval. This Mass is a compulsory event for students as we celebrate the commencement of our school year. We will also commission our students for Years 6 and Year 12 on this occasion.

Detailed correspondence will be circulated to families early in the new year.

We look forward to celebrating the commencement of the 2021 school year with our College Community.

PK-12 Awards

Marcellin Campus Awards

On 26 November we celebrated our Marcellin Campus prize giving assembly. We recognised the achievements of those who have excelled in their academic, sporting and cultural pursuits. Our Awards celebrate our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery, let your light shine, and what it represents – that we in our PK-12 College value learning, value education and the impact it will have on our destiny.

Click here to see photos from the Awards and Principals speech.

Lavalla Campus Celebrations

The Lavalla Campus celebrated its Year 6 students finishing their formal years of Primary School on Tuesday 8 December. It was a beautiful assembly highlighted by a moving liturgy and Year 6 dance item. Academic Achievement and Major Awards were also presented. I wish our Year 6 students every success and blessing, both to those moving on to other schools and to those who will continue their journey across the bridge to Marcellin Campus.

We also celebrated our Lavalla Campus Award Ceremony which again showcased our Years 3-5 students who have excelled in their learning this year.

Congratulations to all students.

Click here to see photos from the Awards Ceremony.

Sister Mary Assumpta OP, RIP

Sr Assumpta was a much-loved member of the Dominican Sisters for 70 years, who taught in Scarborough, Doubleview, Innaloo, Bedford and Dongara. She was loved and respected by many past pupils and staff for her leadership and fine scholarship.

We are grateful for her Congregational leadership over many years. She will be sadly missed by her Dominican Sisters.

Christmas and Holidays

At the Marcellin and Lavalla final gatherings I asked students to consider those children around the world who will not have the opportunity to gather with loved ones this Christmas as many countries are still battling to overcome the challenges that the COVID-19 Pandemic have presented.

How fortunate we are here in Australia to have the opportunity this Christmas to attend Mass, family celebrations and to even consider an interstate holiday.

My best wishes to all our families for a wonderful Christmas celebration with families and friends. We look forward to seeing all our families, current and new, at the commencement of the 2021 school year.