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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 – BE MINDFUL – BE GRATEFUL – 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 – 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 ‘Newman Newsreel’. By downloading and using the ‘Viewa’ 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’s 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 ‘collaborate’ as with a pedagogy of presence and family spirit, united in Christ’s love, we can build a community with a spirit of friendliness and collaboration, enabling young people to become responsible for their own formation. (½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï 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’ 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 ‘data to inform practice’. 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.