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ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 2: From the Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary

Jo Dunn on 10/05/2019

Years 7-12 ANZAC Service

On Tuesday 30 April, the Years 7-12 staff and student community came together for a short ANZAC service in the Founders Court. Max Hinch and Indi Bell led the College through a prayer and commemorative address before a wreath was laid on behalf of the College. The service concluded with the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post. I would like to acknowledge the respectful and reverent way our students conducted themselves during the service.

Year 10 Parent Information Night

On Thursday 2 May, the Year 10 Parent Information Night took place regarding subject selection for students in Year 11 2020. There was a very positive student and parent turnout on the night as the process for subject selections was outlined and possible academic pathways for students. I would like to thank all the staff who supported the night, particularly Mr Justin Farley for all his hard work.

Years 11 and 12 Assessments and Semester 1 Exams

Year 11 and 12 students are working hard in preparation for their upcoming assessments this Term. Please ensure you are checking the notices on SEQTA for more information regarding Externally Set Tasks (EST) and Semester 1 examinations. If you require any additional support, please contact your child’s subject teacher or PCG teacher.

Counselling Team

On Wednesday 8 May, the Year 12 students were the first to participate in a series of Wellness Talks scheduled to run in various PCG periods over the course of the year as part of the College’s Wellbeing Program. This session, run by the College Wellbeing and Counselling Team, was intended to be interactive and engaging, and provided tips for self-reflection, helpful self-talk and self-care. Ultimately, students were encouraged to value themselves for who they are as people (not their skills or abilities). It is hoped that the Year 12’s will carry this message forward with them in their final year of schooling and into their future endeavours!

Carrying on from this, guest presenters, arranged by the Counselling Team, will be coming into the College in Week 3 to present to our Year 10 & 11 students. This presentation will be focused on mental health and positive behaviour. In addition to guest presenters there will also be activities for Years 10-12 students taking place after school that are focused on physical and mental wellbeing, such as boxing/gym classes or meditation/yoga. More information will be coming out shortly via SEQTA so please keep an eye out if you believe your child might be interested.

Pathways and Careers Update

for the latest information that will assist students in Years 10-12 to make decisions about future careers and life beyond school.

Homework Club

Year 11 and 12 Exam Preparation Sessions

Throughout the coming weeks, there will be a range of exam preparation and revision workshops running at Homework Club. In Weeks 3 and 4, workshops will be tailored to Year 12 students preparing for their Semester 1 exams. On Wednesday’s, Homework Club will be open until 8.00pm.

Sessions for Year 11 students will primarily be running in Week 5. All ATAR students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities, which will be running from 3.30pm – 4.30pm each day. A full list of the available sessions will be posted on the SEQTA notices.

We look forward to supporting students in preparation for their exams!

NAPLAN

Over Weeks 3 and 4, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be completing NAPLAN. Aside from Writing in Year 3, students will be completing NAPLAN online.

It is essential that students come to school with their devices fully charged and working. This includes having the NAP Locked Down Browser installed and a pair of plug in headphones.

There will be catch-up sessions throughout the week if students are absent.

Any questions can be directed to the relevant Leader of Wellbeing at Marcellin Campus.

Secondary – Year 7 & 9

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Year 7
Writing		 Year 9
Writing		 Years 7
Reading 		Year 9
Reading 		Year 7
Language
Conversation		 Year 9
Language
Conversation		 Year 7
Numeracy		 Year 9
Numeracy

Uniform Expectations

All students and families are reminded that jackets for Marist Sport Touring Teams are not included as College Uniform items. Students wearing touring jackets will be asked to keep them in their lockers. Uniform guidelines can be found via the College website.

Year 12 General Surfing Outdoor Ed Camp

Jo Dunn on 10/05/2019

In the final week of Term 1, the Year 12 General students embarked on a surfing camp down to Yallingup. They had been completing surf lessons down at Trigg so were all excited to see how they would go surfing some much bigger waves. Everyone had a great time surfing waves bigger than they had surfed before, with lots of awesome rides and a few graceful falls as well. When the students weren’t surfing they spent their time completing a 15km hike along the cape to cape, a tour of a local surfboard shaper to see how the boards go from an unrecognisable rectangle of foam to the boards they ride everyday, and even a fitness session at the beach in the pitch black whilst it was raining. On the final day the students were lucky enough to have conditions that saw waves a few meters high and were able to witness a few brave locals plying their trade. Overall the students learned a lot from the instructors down there, relished the opportunity to surf in different conditions, and most importantly all had a great time.

Nathan Wear, Health & Physical Education and Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 12 ATAR Shark Bay Outdoor Ed Camp

Jo Dunn on 10/05/2019

The expedition started with an early 5.00am wake up, with most of the first day consisting of long 10 hour drive to Shark Bay. For the majority of the group, it was our first time visiting this World Heritage listed site and everyone was very excited for the week to come.

Shark bay is home to a large number of diverse and significant flora and fauna. On our second day of paddling we were lucky enough to come across and even paddle next to Dugongs, dolphins and a sea turtle, this was a highlight for everyone. It was also a moment to reflect on the natural beauty that surrounded us and how privileged we were to be witnessing this with a group of friends. After we had a quick lunch break on Baudin Island and enjoyed a snorkel and relax with friends, we went on to complete our kayaking practical assessment, testing our basic paddling skills and capsize drills we had learnt back at school. Followed by the second leg of the paddle into Double Beach for the night.

On our final day, with the weather being near perfect, we finished our 12km paddle in fine conditions and with smiles on our faces. During our debrief on the last night we reflected on the close bond we had all built during the week. We also considered how we could implement our experiences back into everyday life, as well as the new leadership skills we had learnt.

Our Year 12 expedition was one of the most significant and rewarding camps we have been on as a class, it was also a once in a life time opportunity for all of us. We felt privileged to visit the World Heritage listed site and overall the week was a very fulfilling and enjoyable way to spend the end of a busy Term 1.

Steve Gregory, Leader of Learning, Health and Physical Education

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 2 – From the Vice Principal

Jo Dunn on 10/05/2019

Across the College this term, we marked the significance of ANZAC Day by gathering as a community to respectfully mark the occasion and acknowledge the sacrifice men and women made for others. I sincerely thank the staff and students who led these services. The reverence and behaviour of all students was nothing but exemplary and a true reflection of the spirit of the ANZAC’s.

I extend my welcome to returning and new staff members and families to the College community and our Marist family. The commitment, preparation and planning that all teachers undertake to ensure a smooth transition to each term is indicative of the calling of our vocation to holistically educate the young people in our care. Best wishes for the term ahead and all the experiences that it holds.

Welcome new staff

We welcome back, after a period of long service leave, Leader of Learning Literacy, Aaron Richard. We also welcome the following new staff to our Community.

  • Bridgeen McDermott, Education Assistant Diversity Education Years 7 – 12
  • Michelle Wells, Education Assistant Diversity Education Years 7 – 12
  • Davina Sankar, Year 4 Teacher
  • Katie Closey, Pre Primary Teacher

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all families that the 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. 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.

Child Protection and Safety

In addition to writing to the College community regarding our Code of Conduct, we feel it is also appropriate to communicate the processes, policies and frameworks the College applies to ensure our school is a safe place for all children and that our staff are informed, assessed and aware of their responsibilities to this commitment.

Staff adhere to the following principles as articulated in the Staff Code of Conduct:

  • Employees must always treat students with respect
  • Employees must always treat students in a consistent manner without inappropriate familiarity or spending excessive private time with a student
  • Employees must be very cautious when engaging in any social activity with students
  • Using any form of technology for contact of a personal nature with students is unacceptable. Any interaction with students via technology must be professional and directly related to the educational context. Employees must be aware that as role models for students they have broad responsibilities – even beyond the school bounds

These guidelines inform processes to ensure child safety is a priority, for example, teachers are directed to not be in a space with a student in a one to one ratio.

If you would like any further clarity or information regarding the professional standards expectations and obligations at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, please call or email me so I can provide you with further support.

Professional Learning – Aboriginal Education Improvement Planning

On Monday 29 April, all teachers gathered for a professional learning experience that was facilitated by Catholic Education Western Australia to understand our commitment to improving education outcomes for aboriginal people and begin to consider the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan. The College, together with Catholic Education is committed to the Transforming Lives 2025 strategy and we look forward to sharing our RAP and Aboriginal Education Improvement Plan with our wider community in the months ahead.

College Calendar – Pupil Free Days

Please note the following dates as Pupil Free Days:

Term 3

Friday August 16 and Monday August 19

Term 4

Monday October 14 (Please note, all Year 10 students depart for Year 10 Camp on this day).

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 2 – From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 10/05/2019

Year 6 Camp

Today I attended the Year 6 Camp which took place at Forrest Edge Waroona. To acknowledge the significance of the students’ final year of primary schooling, I presented each student with a commemorative shirt. This process is intended to begin a new tradition at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ in recognising the contribution of our Year 6 cohort to the life of the School.

I joined the morning activities where I was inspired by the courage and camaraderie as they took part in the flying fox and the pamper pole tasks. The confidence developed at camp, along with the great example set by our Year 6 students throughout the year will no doubt serve to encourage and empower all Lavalla students to Shine through Discovery.

I would like to extend my thanks to the Year 6 teaching team for their support in organising this amazing experience.

MOTHERS DAY

There is but one and only one,
Whose love will fail you never.

One who lives from sun to sun,
With constant fond endeavour.

There is but only and only one
On earth there is no other.
In heaven a noble work was done
When God gave us a Mother.

We wish all families a happy Mothers Day this Sunday. It is a time when we can give thanks for our mothers and the mother figures in our world.

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day draws on the very best of Australian spirit as it calls to mind the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to fight for our nation. At each of our ANZAC Day ceremonies we remembered and gave thanks for those men and women who served and for those they left behind. At our Lavalla Assembly we were blessed to have Warrant Officer Class 1 Damien Liddell (Irwin Barracks – Army) speak to the students about his career; the experience of being a serving officer, both in Australia and overseas. The powerful and insightful words challenged our students and staff to consider how integrity, strong values and perseverance underpin our Australian identity. We are very fortunate to have the freedoms that are ingrained in our democratic nation. We want our students to be good citizens who, as the leaders of tomorrow, will ensure these rights are preserved. St Marcellin Champagnat’s instructive words to the early brothers was to ensure that our young people became good citizens and good Christians. Our Year 6 students who led the Lavalla ceremony are to be congratulated on their dignity and respect for the occasion.

Federal Election

The upcoming Federal Election will highlight some of the contended issues that may affect our College, such as school funding and the right to religious freedom. For the certainty of our community, clarification of federal funding will enable the College to forecast and plan into the future in the continued delivery of excellent teaching and learning. Moreover, certainty that recognises the changing demands on education as well as the rising cost of operating a school that keeps pace with the educational and wellbeing needs of our students. I ask you take time to  and read the National Catholic Education Commission Facts on School Funding.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)

This Monday 13 May will be our first ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parent Consultative Committee Meeting for the year. Our interaction with families is instructive to the strategic and operational direction of the College. In Term 1 we had multiple parent engagement opportunities through our annual information nights and the very successful ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents evening with Dr Justin Coulson. This Monday, Director of Operations and Engagement Tom Wagner, Leader of Wellbeing Early Childhood Lisa McClue and Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary Alan Fitzpatrick will be present. We look forward to your attendance.

Staff Development Tour

Our continued commitment to improve the learning experience of our students has led to the establishment of an international relationship with Republic Polytechnic Singapore. Next week, Mr Peter Jones PK-12 Leader of Pedagogy will lead four staff in a professional learning tour to Singapore, to undertake a course in Design Thinking and Problem Solving. Improving the skills of our teaching staff is fundamental in our drive to advance learning experiences for our students. Our Vision for Learning, Shine through Discovery – Let your light shine, highlights the need for our teachers to work hand in hand with students in this journey of discovery. We want our students to be flexible learners, to solve problems, work together and be challenged in their learning. This unique opportunity for our staff will open up new and innovative ways to enhance classroom activities that will drive better learning outcomes. This partnership with this internationally acclaimed College further supports our development as a College of excellence.