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Remar Blue Solidarity Camp

Remar seeks to form Christian leaders who are prepared to stand in solidarity with those experiencing disadvantage and injustice, and who are motivated to take action. To this end, 24 Year 11 Remar Blue Rowers (students) embarked on a week-long Solidarity Camp. As one student explains: “Solidarity is about walking with others through both the easy and hard times. It’s not about telling people how to fix issues, it’s simply about being present. Solidarity is a great representation of living as Christ’s disciples, by being the hands and feet of Christ”.

The camp ran from Wednesday 22 September to Tuesday 28 September in Mullewa, Western Australia, a small farming town 470km North-East of Perth. After spending the previous month preparing for the camp and learning about solidarity, the students lived and worked alongside the community of Mullewa. The students had a packed itinerary that involved various services to the Mullewa community including helping to host their annual Agriculture and Wildflower Shows, which involved setting up, helping to run and packing down each of the shows; cleaning the pioneer cemetery, working and playing with the students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School and hosting their school disco. A small group of students also spent a day out in the community of Yalgoo, helping the local primary school (with a total of 19 students) practice and prepare for their Athletics Carnival held in Mount Magnet this month.

The Rowers slept on the floor of the school, cooked their own meals and worked as a group to provide service to the community all of which helped to deepen their experience of communal living and form deeper relationships with each other. Living in this way also helped the Rowers to explore issues of social justice that can be found in many areas across Australia. Ultimately, the camp was successful in helping the Rowers understand solidarity through lived experience and helping them to realise that they have the capacity to be the ‘hands and feet of Christ’.

A huge thank you goes out to Mr Michael Van Der Heever (Blue Helm), Mr Nathan Wear and Mr Roger O’Neill for accompany our students on this special journey. Thanks also to Mr Stephen Arnold for helping the Rowers to make a cross for the Pioneer Cemetery. Finally, we thank Mrs Jill Hollands (Principal of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Mullewa), Mr Phillip Joseph (Principal of Yalgoo Primary) and the Mullewa community for their hospitality and hosting our students during their time away.

Please to view a video with some of the highlights from the camp.

Clare Cole, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy

Student Reflections

“Living day to day with the caravel made us realise how lucky we are to have all these people that truly care about us”.

“We realised that there are some disadvantaged communities in Australia. Some of the kids back stories would normally shock people. It made us realise our issues can be over exaggerated”.

“Through service and reflecting after each day, we have been motivated to thank God for what we have”. (reflection from the caravel). “We have realised there is nothing stopping us from making a difference”.

Term 3 Week 8: From the Head of Primary

The College believes that by keeping parents informed of events and activities we are joining together to promote your child’s success. Through the introduction of Seesaw, emails, school reports and work samples, we hope you are able to understand not only what we are teaching, but why. I am truly grateful for the support and collaboration of parents in sharing our desire to offer the best opportunities for your children. We will continue to seek feedback from our students to see how we can best meet their needs. It is vital that as a large community centered around Christ and striving for a common goal, that we continue to work together, that we communicate freely, and support each other.


Marcellin Award

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Marcellin Award in Weeks 6,7 and 8:

Harry Cooley, Year 2 Blue –  for helping to clean up and tidy the nature play area. Harry always works cooperatively with other students.

Leila Rossi, Year 1 Blue –  for her honesty and integrity as a person. Leila found a $5.00 note in the playground and handed it in to the duty teacher.

Livia Bogdanov, Year 2 Red –  For quickly inviting a classmate to join in play when they were alone.

Mikayla Short, Year 6 Blue –  Mikayla always demonstrates a sense of inclusivity in everything she does. She has an active awareness of her faith; this is displayed through participation at Thursday Morning Mass on a regular basis and the way she lives the Christian message everyday at school. Mikayla always gives willingly of her time and her level of service and commitment has been noted by several staff on many occasions. Mikayla is not one to make a fuss, rather, she goes about things in a quiet and subtle manner which is beautiful to see. Her qualities of sincerity, cooperation and diligence are noted by classmates and teachers. Every action is without thought of personal gain. She sees a need and does something about it.

The Marcellin Award is presented to children who show, in their everyday actions and words, the spirit of the character of St Marcellin Champagnat. The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly. At Lavalla Campus, the Marcellin Award is presented at campus assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.

Marian Athletics Carnival

On Thursday 20 September, students in Pre Primary – Year 2 will enjoy a fun filled day of competition and faction spirit at the Marian Campus Athletics Carnival. for all details regarding the Carnival and the schedule for the day.

 

ֱ Arts Festival

Artist in Residence Program
The ֱ Arts Festival program has been in full swing over the last couple of weeks with some truly wonderful inspirational and enriching arts experiences being facilitated by our 2018 Artist in Residence, Mr Andy Quilty. to read more.

Save the Date: ֱ Art Show – Wednesday 10 October
The student artwork inspired by Andy will be showcased at the exhibition on Wednesday 10 October along with a multitude of 2D and 3D artworks produced by students from across all three campuses (this includes Technology Materials and Design projects). The showcase will also feature the presentation of awards and Performance Art by Years 9 and 10 Drama students and an array of musical items from Music students in the Music programs at Lavalla and Marcellin campuses. to read more.

Parents of ֱ Soiree – Friday 12 October
Join our community for a night of fun and fanfare, set amongst the artwork of our student community. On Friday 12 October join parents and friends at the Marist Auditorium from 6pm to 9m. A cocktail reception including drinks and canapes will be provided, along with live jazz performances from experienced jazz musicians. Every ticket purchased will provide an entry into the major prize draw, which includes a first prize of 50% discount on your eldest child’s tuition fees in 2019; along with other great prizes! Tickets are just $30 and can be purchased by . Bookings close October 2, so please book promptly.


Save the Date: Primary School Disco, Friday 9 November


Cyber Safety

Parents are reminded to monitor their children’s device use and their online presence to ensure they are being safe. They should never share passwords or personal information with anyone.

Behaviour Management – Respect

The Primary Leadership Team and staff have been reminding students of the College’s pillars of respect.

  • Respect for our faith – Acknowledge the faith journey of each person and share positively in the faith life of our Marist school
  • Respect for others – Value differences in other people and respect all who work in the ֱ community
  • Respect for self – Value the talents we have and achieve to the best of our ability
  • Respect for learning – Contribute to a safe, orderly and productive learning environment. Interact respectfully with teachers and peers.
  • Respect for the College – Be proud of the College and show consideration for the property of others and of the College

To ensure our students strive for excellence, respect is critical and we have been working with our students to be their best. This includes their faith, academic pursuits, behaviour and their social interactions. We appreciate you supporting the College in upholding these expectations.

Staffing

In Term 4, Mr Peter Hunt (Year 5 Red) will be taking Long Service Leave and Deferred Leave in 2019. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for all he does here at ֱ and we look forward to his return in 2020. I am pleased to inform you that Ms Davina Sankhar will be teaching Year 5 Red and we welcome her to our College community.

Fathers Day

A big vote of thanks to all of our ֱ Dads, Grandads and those who are like fathers to us. You are wonderful role models for your children and your commitment to our College is much appreciated. We hope you enjoyed the Marian and Lavalla Liturgies, class celebrations, free coffee from the coffee van and freshly baked muffins organised by our Primary Social Committee in your honour. Thank you to the Primary Social Committee for working so hard to support our community.

Family Scitech Night

Congratulations to our Primary Social Committee for their successful Family Scitech Evening on Friday 31 August. With a wonderful turnout of over 200 parents, children and grandparents attending all the feedback was very positive and a great night was had by all. We thank all the ֱ families for supporting this evening and again thank our Primary Social Committee for all their time and effort planning and organising such fun community events.

Ideas Lab – Year 2 Project

Last week the Year 2 classes enjoyed working on their integrated project “Paper Planes Pilot” in the IDEAS Lab. It was wonderful seeing the individualised project take place in the Lab which displayed again the different ways the Lab can be used to help further extend students understanding in the classroom. The excitement and learning that took place was amazing to see and no doubt the students shared this knowledge with their parents and siblings when they get home.

Staff Collaboration – Scope and Sequence

Last week the primary staff engaged in generating a writing scope and sequence. The meeting allowed staff to work together to increase collaboration and tap into various perspectives and ideas, but also to share responsibility for our students’ learning. The more people invested in a student’s education, the better the chance that student has to be successful.


Flexible Learning – Year 4

Year 4 have been involved in flexible learning in Mathematics this Term. This initiative takes place every Tuesday in the Multipurpose Room. The process of flexible learning is that it enables the teachers to cater for all learning abilities, improve student outcomes and foster our Vision for Learning.

 

Swimming Lessons Term 4

In-term swimming lessons will take place from Monday 19 November to Thursday 29 November. Parents must register their children online. Please note, registration is compulsory as swimming lessons are part of the school program. Registrations will be open from Monday 2 September to Saturday 22 September. It is essential that you register during this time so classes can be organised. for more information and to register your child.

 

Upcoming Events

Past Events

The children at ֱ are continuously engaging in motivating learning experiences that support embedding and enhancing their education. Some highlights from the past two weeks are:

Term 3 Week 8: From the Deputy Principal Learning and Staff Development

Using growth mindset language between students, teachers and parents is becoming increasingly important in the learning cycle since it serves to maximise student achievement, collaboration and feedback. Students receive most of their feedback from their peers. This includes feedback on their learning, and feedback on their wellbeing and peer relationships. Growth mindset language encourages students to persist through difficulties, embrace challenges and learn from feedback.

Parents and teachers can work with students to get the most from their learning by asking growth mindset questions to generate feedback. Questions such as What can you learn from this mistake? Did you ask for help when you needed it? Have you reviewed your work for improvements? Are you proud of your result? help students to work collaboratively with their peers and respond positively to feedback.

Gratitude Project

Earlier this term, “The Gratitude Project” was launched as part of the College’s commitment to supporting the Wellbeing of staff and students. To date, all teaching staff have heard about the benefits of gratitude in relation to our own health as well as commencing working explicitly with classes on both the concept of gratitude as an emotion, as well as a practice. In summary, gratitude has enormous positive benefits for our psychological Wellbeing and it is very easy to teach, learn and live with gratitude.

Some examples of this include Kindy students discussing picture books that deal with the concept of gratitude and drawing things they are grateful for in their lives. Pre Primary and Year 1 students are sticking notes on their classroom walls stating what they are grateful for. The Year 2 students have developed a Gratitude Tree. Coloured leaves will be added to the tree which are reflections of gratitude the students have. Year six students have developed a Gratitude Graffiti Wall, while the Years 7 and 8 students celebrate Gratitude Tuesday and are journaling “the best thing that happened to me today”, “what I am grateful for today and why” and, “what I am looking forward to most tomorrow”. Year 11 students are sending “Shout Outs” of appreciation to others. It is particularly lovely to see that these shout outs are being sent to staff and students alike! It is wonderful to see the practice of gratitude grow in the ֱ community and hear all the amazing and yet simple things we have to be thankful for.

Save the Date- Parents of ֱ Soiree, Friday 12 October

The ֱ Parents Soiree is an opportunity for our parent community to enjoy drinks, canapes and jazz music with friends, whilst celebrating the student works of the Arts Festival. to purchase your tickets.

 

ֱ Parents Consultative Committee

Thank you to the parents that attended the Consultative Committee meeting on Monday night. The Senior Leadership Team shared progress reports relating to the Annual School Improvement Plan and other significant developments including the new College website which was launched this week.

Our College Psychologists, Jon Laden-Wearne and Denise Bendotti shared with the group the schoolwide Gratitude Project. Gratitude has been identified as one strategy to support our school-wide Wellbeing program that seeks to foster student resilience. Across the life of the College, students and teachers have been practicing gratitude in a number of different ways from journaling to creating a gratitude graffiti wall at Lavalla Campus, and growing a gratitude tree at Marian Campus. Please find the presentation from the night attached 

Please find attached the minutes from the meeting 

 

Code of Conduct

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. Please . 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 and extends to all forums including social media and email forms of communication. The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and support professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code. The ֱ Sports Association has also embedded the Code of Conduct as part of its alignment with College policies. Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

All families are reminded that if they have a concern about the education or Wellbeing of their child, they should contact the College directly. We are always willing to support families, but school matters must be managed by the College. It is not appropriate to contact other families about concerns you have about their child. Please direct these matters to the classroom teacher, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The College recognises the convenience of year group Facebook pages that are moderated by parents. This is an excellent platform for sharing information involving College events and requirements. It is not appropriate to use social media platforms to seek clarity on teaching and learning or to debate College policies. Please refer these matters to your child’s classroom or PCG Teachers, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with each other.

Term 3 Week 8: From the Dean of Wellbeing

Educational research cites ‘feedback’ as having the greatest effect on student learning and improving the quality of teaching. Feedback can be self-reflective, from the teacher, or in most cases from peers. Teachers enable peer to peer feedback by ensuring success criteria is understood by all students in relation to the task. Asking questions of students such as, “Where am I going”? and “Where to next”? help to support all students to achieve their goal and evidence their learning gain.

Teachers create environments to draw out student thinking and understanding; that identify ‘gaps’ and next steps for each student; and provide feedback to help each student address their learning ‘gap’. Processes such as drafting, practising, prototyping and trialling; all seek to gather feedback, foster collaboration and enhance the learning cycle.

The Jazz Lounge

The Jazz lounge at ֱ will get your toes tapping, fingers snapping and your smile cracking.
Join us for a relaxed evening of swing, blues, funk, lounge and a variety other contemporary music styles performed by the Marcellin Campus jazz, contemporary and chamber ensembles.

2019 Humanities Tour

The Humanities Department is pleased to be calling for expressions of interest from Year 9 students for the 2019 Humanities Tour. The tour will be taking place from Wednesday 3 – Wednesday 10 July 2019. Some of the places/sights students will see are:

  • Exploring Sydney CBD
  • Enjoying the sights of country New South Wales and the Eastern Highlands
  • Discovering the political, historical and cultural delights of Canberra
  • Visits to Parliament House, the National Electoral Education Centre, the Royal Australian Mint, the National Portrait Gallery, Government House, the National Museum of Australia, the High Court and the Australian War Memorial.

Expressions of interest are to be handed in to the Humanities office by Friday 14 September (Week 9).

2019 Arts Tour

In 2019, the College is offering a 14 day Arts Tour of New York City. On Monday 3 September, the Arts Department hosted an expression of interest evening for students (and their parents) in Years 10-12 involved in Arts programs, where they had the opportunity to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Some of the activities/sights students will be involved in and see are:

  • Performance masterclasses and arts workshops with industry professionals
  • Iconic New York experiences such as biking through central park, viewing Broadway shows, the Highline, and walking the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.

The tour company Platinum Travel Corporation has prepared a tour pamphlet with all necessary details regarding the tour. These are available from the Arts office. Alternatively please contact maree.grayden@newman.wa.edu.au if you are interested in receiving an electronic copy.

In response to parent feedback from Monday’s meeting, the College has decided to extend the offer to current Year 8 students who are planning to be involved in Arts programs or courses in 2019 and beyond. Year 8 students enrolling in Year 9 Visual Art, Drama, Dance, Music (including bands and ensembles) and or Dance Troupes are invited to apply for the tour.

Please register your interest with Maree Grayden, Leader of Learning Arts PK-12 to receive an application form and all necessary tour details. All inquiries regarding the Arts Tour should be directed to Maree Grayden.

Please note: APPLICATIONS with $500 DEPOSIT are required to be received by Friday 14 September.

ֱ Arts Festival

Artist in Residence Program

The ֱ Arts Festival program has been in full swing over the last couple of weeks with some truly wonderful inspirational and enriching arts experiences being facilitated by our 2018 Artist in Residence, Mr Andy Quilty. to read more.

Save the Date: ֱ Student Art Show – Wednesday 10 October

The student artwork inspired by Andy will be showcased at the exhibition on Wednesday 10 October along with a multitude of 2D and 3D artworks produced by students from across all three campuses (this includes Technology Materials and Design projects). The showcase will also feature the presentation of awards and Performance Art by Years 9 and 10 Drama students and an array of musical items from Music students in the Music programs at Lavalla and Marcellin campuses. to read more.

Parents of ֱ Soiree – Friday 12 October

Join our community for a night of fun and fanfare, set amongst the artwork of our student community. On Friday 12 October join parents and friends at the Marist Auditorium from 6pm to 9m. A cocktail reception including drinks and canapes will be provided, along with live jazz performances from experienced jazz musicians. Every ticket purchased will provide an entry into the major prize draw, which includes a first prize of 50% discount on your eldest child’s tuition fees in 2019; along with other great prizes! Tickets are just $30 and can be purchased by . Bookings close October 2, so please book promptly.

The Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges 2018

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival has come to a close for 2018. We have had a record number of entries this year, with a record number of outstanding, excellence and merit awards being presented to our Performing Arts students. to read more.

Year 10 2019 Blazer Requirements

To signify entering into Senior School, students in Years 10,11, and 12 wear braiding on their College Blazers.

  • ALL students in Year 9 entering Year 10 in 2019 are asked to bring their DRYCLEANED blazers to the Uniform Shop with a payment of $25 to have the braiding added.
  • Only Blazers which have been drycleaned will be accepted.
  • The preferred time is during the second week of the holidays. for opening hours
  • If you are unable to make these times, blazers can be dropped off during normal trading hours until Friday 2 November 2018
  • Students will be notified to collect their blazers from the Uniform Shop before the end of Term 4.
  • Alternatively NEW Blazers with the trim can be purchased for $200 if your current blazer does not fit and is not suitable for the next few years.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results will be released to parents once the school receives copies. SCSA is currently printing the reports in Melbourne and has not yet made data available to schools. The NAPLAN results provide a snapshot across the year groups and can help inform the College about student and cohort progress. If you wish to discuss any literacy or numeracy concerns, please speak with your child’s relevant teacher.
Recently, ֱ undertook a mandated School Readiness Trial for NAPLAN Online as part of the system wide preparation. As a part of this trial we have set in place measures to ensure students are able to perform at their best when NAPLAN moves online in 2019.

Homework Club

Homework Club continues to be a place where students can work together or receive assistance from Marist Youth Mentors or a range of teachers.

 

OLNA

Students have begun sitting the second round of OLNA. OLNA assistance has been offered via Homework Club with a Literacy focus on Monday and Tuesday; Numeracy focus on Wednesday. The College will still have Literacy and Numeracy specialists attending during Term 4 and are a valuable source for assistance. Due to the popularity of the specialists, Marist Youth Mentors, who were high performing students at ֱ, are also in attendance to help with course work.

Peer Mentors

Last Friday, 41 very enthusiastic 2019 Year 10 Peer Mentors who are assisting with the Year 7 2019 student transition program attended their first meeting.
The Peer Mentors will be meet the incoming Year 7 students on their Orientation Day (Monday 8 October) which is one day before the commencement of Term 4 for all other students.
On Thursday 13 September, the Year 10 Peer Mentors will be inducted at our Community Mass in the Champagnat Chapel. I would like to congratulate the students and thank them for their generous contribution to the Wellbeing of our Year 7 2019 students.

Maths Pathway Parent Information Evening Year 7

The Year 7 Maths Pathway Parent Information Evening was held last week on Wednesday 29 August. Mrs van der Heever, Maths Coordinator addressed parents explaining the rationale behind the changes to the way Maths will be taught to Year 7 students in Term 4, and why the Maths Department would like to implement this program in 2019. Richard Wilson, one of the co-founders of the program then explained how the program works, the research behind it and the role parents can play in helping their child achieve success to the best of their ability in this subject.

Thank you to those who were able to attend the evening. We understand that there were a number of Year 7 students involved in the Catholic Performing Arts which limited the ability of some parents to attend. Many questions were asked at the end which provided us with valuable feedback and insight into both concerns and appreciation for this exciting initiative. Further information regarding Year 7 Maths in Term 4 will be emailed to Year 7 parents in due course. The presentation was recorded and can be viewed by .

Year 8 and 9 return of Laptops

To assist with the update process and to carry out warranty repairs, students in Years 8 and 9 are required to return their Macbooks on the final day of school in Term 3 (Thursday 20 September). Mr Simon Martino, LOWB Year 8 and Mr Mat Puljiz, LOWB Year 9, will oversee the collection of the laptops. Laptops will be returned to students on the first two days of Term 4.

Year 11 Semester 2 Exam Timetable

Please click here to view the Year 11 Semester 2 Examination Timetable which runs from Monday 5 to Friday 16 November. 

Year 12 Semester 2 (Mock) Exam Timetable

Please click here to view the Year 12 Semester 2 Examination Timetable which runs from Monday 1 October to Friday 12 October.

Absence from Examination Venue

  • An acceptable reason for absence from an examination is illness or extenuating circumstances which must be confirmed by a doctor’s certificate
  • Please contact Mr James McLaughlin, LOWB Year 12 via email james.mclaughlin@newman.wa.edu.au on the day of your absence. Your Medical Certificate should be presented on your return to school
  • Alternative arrangements for you to sit your examinations will then be negotiated

VET Completion Dates

Year 12 students completing a Certificate II or III must submit all work by Thursday 20 September. Students who need to make up work, due to their workbooks not being 100% correct will need to come back during the second week of the holidays from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 October. Please contact your child’s Certificate teacher or Mr Al McNeill for clarification if required

Upcoming Events

Past Events

The students at ֱ are continuously engaging in motivating learning experiences that support embedding and enhancing their education. Some highlights from the past two weeks are: