今日吃瓜

Newman News Term 4 Week 6: From the Leader of Wellbeing Year 9

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is about celebrating the diversity, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Marcellin students celebrated NAIDOC Week by engaging in two PCG activities and a PCG Kahoot Quiz. Our first activity looked at what NAIDOC Week is all about and shared an Aboriginal Creation story, focusing on the language and spiritual connection to land.聽 Our second activity focused on the 2020 NAIDOC theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ and the Indigenous knowledge of land and management of land to create a bountiful country.

Years 7-9 Guild Team Building

Years 7-9 students engaged in Guild Team Building activities during Wednesday鈥檚 Extended PCG. In this PCG session, we worked on building a sense of Guild Spirit and setting the scene for Solve It, 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Problem Based Learning task, which will take place in Week 9.

Year 7 Music Collective

On Wednesday 18 November, the Year 7 Music Collective showcased the talents of our Year 7 musicians, including those in the Special Instrumental Program (SIP) and the Year 7 Choir. The evening presented the SIP Band as well as selected solos and groups including the Year 7 Rock band.

Vocal Showcase

Sunset Vibes, the 2020 Vocal Showcase was held on Sunday 8 November in the Marist Auditorium. It was an enjoyable evening of performances from students in Years 7-11, covering different genres of music performed by choirs, soloists and the glee club.

Congratulations to all performers and thank you to Music staff and parents for their support.

Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp

Student Reflections

“Year 10 Outdoor Ed embarked on their camp from Wednesday 11 November – Friday 14 November.

Once arriving in Collie, the three classes separated and embarked on their camping experience. My group started with a 16km hike carrying our bags on our backs. Along the journey it was obvious we were becoming closer with one another after engaging in conversations and supporting one another to get through the tough times of the hike. Upon our arrival at the designated campsites, tents were set up and the dinner preparation began. After dinner we debriefed giving us time to reflect on the day’s learnings.

Thursday was a bright and early start which introduced abseiling and rafting. All classes thoroughly enjoyed the experiences. Abseiling and rafting both took place either near the Collie Dam or on the Collie River. The students learnt to gain trust by supporting each other by taking control of each other鈥檚 abseiling ropes and being supportive and understanding of the importance of teamwork in rafting. At the conclusion of the activities, classes had a short hike to their next camp, where tents and their dinner preparations took place.

On the last night, we found ourselves enjoying the evening and reflecting on the amazing time we had with one another. Friday morning was another early rise, packing up camp and preparing for the last stretch of hiking which was between 12-16 km. With constant motivation and teamwork, all students appreciated the spectacular views and engaging in conversations with people they wouldn’t usually talk to.

Overall, every student walked away from the camp with a sense of pride and achievement knowing what they can achieve when they put their mind to it, whilst appreciating the support of others. All class members connected with one another and gained trust which made the camp experience unforgettable.

Many thanks to all the teachers involved in organising the camp and the teachers that came to support us.聽聽All this made the Outdoor ED camp of 2020 simply an experience we would never forget!” – Isabella O鈥橰ourke, Year 10 Student

“Early last Wednesday, the Year 10 Outdoor Ed students left Newman for their camp at Wellington Dam. We walked 32 kilometres over two days carrying all of our own food and supplies. We also spent one day abseiling and rafting.

The walks were through the beautiful bush land of the South West and were a challenge to some, but brought the three classes together. Abseiling was down a quarry right next to Wellington Dam, again this pushed the boundaries for many. We leant how to bottom belay and do our own ropes to go down the wall. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19 rafting was a little different this year. We only went through a short portion of the river, but were allowed to splash and push each other in, even getting the teachers in the water. We then had to stack all the rafts on top of each other which ensured we had to work as a team and show leadership.

It was perfect timing as it gave all of us a break from the real world and our studies before exams. As a whole, this camp was a great learning experience of how to work and lead with others, building persistence, resilience and determination. We thank all the teachers and staff who gave up time to give us this amazing experience.” – Olivia Dixon, Year 10 Student

Year 7 2021 Transition Workshop #2

Incoming Year 7 students had their second transition workshop on Tuesday 17 November. This workshop gave the students the opportunity to get to know their PCG teacher and those within their PCG. Year 9 mentors assisted with the experience, leading icebreakers and activities where students focused on things they have in common and appreciating the diversity within their Guilds.

Newman News Term 4 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

Lord let us see your face and we shall be saved. PS 80: 3

As we聽move towards聽the end of the year, we approach the beginning of the Church calendar, the liturgical season known as Advent. This聽word comes from the Latin adventus聽and聽refers to the 鈥榗oming鈥� or 鈥榓rrival鈥�, hence in the Church it is used to prepare us for Jesus鈥� birth at Christmas.

Ah, another Christmas! What immediately comes to mind? Be honest. Do we think of God鈥檚 love for each of us? A divine love so perfect that he sent his only Son to save us; a Son who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, is truly God-made-Flesh?聽Or聽are our first thoughts about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards to be written and sent, the food to be prepared, beating the last-minute traffic rush? Oh yes, and where will I most conveniently fit in Christmas Mass this year?

I think we can all relate to this. But in doing all these things, let鈥檚 not forget the very reason why we do them.聽 We are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, our Lord and our salvation. So, while still doing all these other things leading into Christmas, please also take the time to stop, to remember, and to pray.

Game Changers Launch

In Weeks 5 and 6, our Years 9 and 10 students have been introduced to Game Changers and invited to participate in the 2021 program. Game Changers is a Marist Youth Ministry Program that aims to build an understanding of Christian Leadership, Prayer, Community and Service. Students can participate in this program from Years 7鈥�12. to watch the Game Changers video that explains more about our program.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Our Christmas Appeal is in full swing across PK-12. Students are asked to bring in food donations that will go into hampers that will be distributed to those in need within our local community.

This week students at Marian and Lavalla began collecting donations to support the annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal at St Cecilia鈥檚 Church in the Parish of Floreat / Wembley. Each class has been allocated a variety of items to donate to support those families in our community who are struggling this Christmas. These donations include items to help create a Christmas meal for families, ensure their pantries will be stocked and a variety of gifts for families in need. Donations will be collected over the next two weeks.

Marcellin students have been collecting for the past week and will continue to collect until Week 8. Collected donations from Marcellin support Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview Parish in supporting families in the local community.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of this appeal, especially to those students who have already bought in their donation.

Altar Server Training

Years 5 and Year 6 students have commenced Altar Serving training in the Chapel with Mr Diamond and Mrs Short. The preparation takes place over four sessions and invites students to consider what it means to be an Altar Server and how they will carry out this ministry in both the life of the College and in their Parish communities. At the conclusion of the formation training students will be commissioned at our Community Mass.

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

On Wednesday 11 November, 今日吃瓜 and Bunbury Catholic College staff gathered online via Zoom and in person to reflect on the 2020 year.

The evening was facilitated by Br Tony Leon, a Marist Brother residing in NSW, who is an expert at adult formation. Br Tony encouraged participants to reflect on vulnerability and recognise the strength in being vulnerable with one another. It was a fantastic evening that allowed staff across different schools to reflect on the challenges of the year and to stop and reflect on our relationship with God and each other. We look forward to continuing our formation together in 2021.

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

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

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 Leader of Early Childhood

Jo Dunn on 19/11/2020

Pre Primary Excursion 鈥� Kings Park

Last week, our Pre Primary students travelled to Kings Park on an excursion that taught them about the native Western Australian Marri Tree and the flora of the surrounding WA bushland. This excursion linked to the students’ Biological Science unit and enabled them to bring some native saplings back to College which they plan to plant and nurture.

NAIDOC Week

Year 2 students engaged in a collaborative NAIDOC project that showcased Aboriginal artworks as the students explored the traditions of our local Noongar People. The action of each little piece culminating together into one large artwork symbolised the coming together of the First Nation Peoples.

Tying Laces Incursion

Marian students聽undertook the complex task of learning how to tie their shoelaces.

Representatives from Athletes Foot stepped students through the process and each child received a take-home pack to consolidate their learning. We look forward to seeing all the shoelaces across the Campus neatly tied from now on!!

St Cecilia鈥檚 Feast Day Liturgy

A big thank you to the Year 2 Unit for leading us in a reverent and meaningful liturgical celebration in honour of St Cecilia. It was lovely to experience such wonderful singing, given that St Cecilia is the patron Saint of Music.

Year 2 Transition Day

In preparation for their transition to the Lavalla Campus in 2021, Year 2 students will engage in a transition day on Friday 27 November. The purpose of the day is to enable students to familiarise themselves with the Year 3 Teachers and Classrooms and engage in some activities.

Parents are asked to drop their child at the Lavalla Campus from 8.15am. Year 2 students should gather in the Lavalla Hall where their Year 2 classroom teachers will be waiting to greet them. 鈥疭tudents are required to bring their recess and lunch or lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools as normal. 鈥疭tudents can bring a small amount of money to purchase items from the canteen if they wish. 鈥疭tudents must also remember to bring their hat.
Please pick-up students from the Lavalla Hall at 3.10pm.

Pre Kindergarten Parent Information Session

Thank you to all the families who joined us for the 2021 Pre Kindergarten Information Session. It was lovely to see lots of new and familiar faces of children who are about to embark on the Newman journey. Parents who were unable to attend the session can collect their Information Pack from the Marian Administration Office.

Swimming Lessons

Our Years 1 and 2 students have been thoroughly enjoying their first week of swimming lessons. This is a much-anticipated event and the students have been great representatives of the College’s values as they strive for their personal best.

Punctuality

Attendance records show we have a consistent number of students who regularly arrive after the morning bell has gone. Students are required to arrive at school prior to the 8.45am bell ready to commence the day punctually. The Campus is open from 8.20am. Late arrivals into the classroom are very disruptive for other students and the classroom teacher. We ask you make every effort to ensure that your child is at school on time.

College Hats For Sale

All Pre Primary – Year 2 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 Marian 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.