ÐãÐãÖ±²¥

Guild Cross Country Carnival

Jo Dunn on 10/06/2020

Our first major student event since restrictions eased took place in Weeks 6 and 7 during extended PCG. Our Y7-10’s certainly showed their Guild spirit, sportsmanship and perseverance while competing in the annual Guild Cross Country Carnival. Well done to each student that participated and represented their Guild with pride. All participation points will contribute to the 2020 Champagnat Cup. Congratulations to the following Age Champions:

Y7 Girls
1st Jenna King
2nd Mia Swain
3rd Olivia Lim

Y7 Boys
1st Charlie Cossom
2nd James Barnard
3rd Harrison Warwick

Y8 Girls
1st Yelena Kelleher
2nd Angelica Roumbouts
3rd Ariana Mason

Y8 Boys
1st Luke Bourke
2nd Presley Ellis
3rd Jack Stahl

Y9 Girls
1st Meg McAullay
2nd Evie Liddell
3rd Maddy Irish

Y9 Boys
1st Daniel Gleeson
2nd Nick Worley
3rd James Hart

Y10 Girls
1st Lucy Hills
2nd Sienna Greig and Monique Faraone
3rd Amalyn Chapman

Y10 Boys
1st Nick Tranter
2nd Max Hobson
3rd Andrew Sutherland

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 6: From the Principal

Jo Dunn on 05/06/2020

Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat

In a school where students ‘Shine through Discovery’- Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16), the development of critical thinking, creativity and reflective practice is paramount to the culture of our College. To that end, we aspire for our young people to engage and participate in society where our founder St Marcellin Champagnat contended that “they will be good Christians and Citizens.

This Saturday 6 June, we celebrate the life of our Marist founder; St Marcellin Champagnat. As a Marist Community we acknowledge his life and the impact his actions and words have had on the world we live in. St Marcellin Champagnat was an extraordinary man. Born in France at the end of the 18th Century at time of great change, Marcellin responded to God’s call to work with and educate young people. The people of the town of La Valla France, and the young men whom he gathered around him to be the first Marist Brothers, found his way of being Christian to be compelling. He won their hearts. They sought to develop in their own lives, the same deep faith and trust in God that Marcellin had; the same mix of strength of will and warmness of heart, the same generosity and giving spirit. His educational philosophy was a simple one: “to teach children, one must love them”. His life is a witness to the truth that the actions of one man can make a difference.

Today, Marcellin Champagnat’s vision for change and transformation inspires us to break new ground, forge new pathways and build better futures. We have a chance to enliven our community with a new way, a new pathway of hope, with our founder St Marcellin Champagnat at the heart of our growth and sustainability for generations to come.

Our Champagnat Celebrations will be held in Week 8 which will include our support of the work of our Marist International Non Government Organisation. Click on the link below to access a letter outlining the K-12 Champagnat Week celebrations occurring in Week 8.

Download Champagnat Day Letter to Families 2020

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Last week we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – an example of living out the vision of St Marcellin Champagnat. Significantly, this plan has been the sum of 18 months collaboration with staff, students, the Catholic Education WA Aboriginal Team, with the support of facilitator Christine Sindley of Waangara Marra Consulting.

As a Marist School we strive to embed our Marist characteristics everyday; Family Spirit, In the Way of Mary, Simplicity, Presence and a Love of Work. At the core of these characteristics is the developing of relationships that are imbued by our family spirit, united in Christ’s love. To this end, we want our staff, students and families to increase their understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning. We strive to create a culturally supportive environment so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australian families build a community of respectful and right relationships. Please to watch the video launch of the plan.

Community Presence

From next Monday, we welcome all families back onto College grounds. I recognise it has been a challenging few months but our students have been resilient in their learning. There have been many learnings from COVID-19 in how we collaborate and function as a school. Our first onsite parent function will be our NPCC Meeting this Monday, 7.00pm in the College Chapel Ministry Space. We will welcome the new NPCC Executive and discuss Reporting, COVID-19 Learnings and an update on our Capital Development Program.

Finally I would like to acknowledge our Marist Brothers (Churchlands Community). To Brs. John, Paul, Terry and Noel; thank you for your presence and symbol of hope that you bring to our College Community. Happy Feast Day!

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 6: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary

Jo Dunn on 05/06/2020

This week marks the conclusion of National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to the reconciliation of Australia. The theme of this year’s week was ‘In this together 2020’ – a perfect summary of the importance of all people in contributing to a happy society.

In school it is not much different – it is up to everyone in our community to contribute to the growth and development of our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ family. This means teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families. I am always asking our students what contributions they are making to the school. What contributions are they making to the lives of others? We all have an important part to play in making our school a wonderful place to be and we all have the power to impact others. It is how we choose to use that power that really matters.

Assembly

This week Year 3 Red put on a great assembly item, recapping their start to the year and some of the important things they have been learning throughout the year. The students even managed to give us a very enthusiastic version of Sub Tuum – the oldest known prayer to the Virgin Mary. Well done to the Year 3 Red class for preparing so well and entertaining us this week. If you missed the assembly please to watch it.

Marcellin Award

Congratulations to Marissa Manolikos from Year 5 who was this fortnight’s recipient of the Marcellin Award. Marissa was nominated by her teacher Miss Cresp who describes Marissa as a helpful and friendly person. Marissa is always willing to lend a hand, always reliable and ALWAYS works hard. It is wonderful to hear such positive things about Marissa. Congratulations on your fine efforts so far this year and for setting such a great example to your peers. Your award is thoroughly deserved.

The Marcellin Award at Lavalla is presented at assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.

Student Voice Outcomes

Last week we announced the opportunity for students at the Lavalla Campus to have their say in some of the aspects of school life. Students have responded very positively and the College has been able to act on some of their suggestions already. These include:

  • Leaving the football goals up all year for students to practice their goal kicking
  • Getting ping pong tables out at lunch time (weather permitting)
  • Plants inside some classrooms
  • The Year 5 Blue class is putting together a proposal for bench seats outside their classrooms

Although as a school we cannot make everyone’s dreams come true, all ideas and suggestions are discussed with the Student Councillors and followed up with each student who made a suggestion. We look forward to seeing what other student led changes will occur in the future!

Green Time vs Screen Time

There have been some very interesting observations made over these last few weeks by teachers and parents over the use of iPads in school and at home, especially as we are coming off the remote learning experience. Obviously during this time, students were using their devices much more than they usually would and, with limited opportunities to be outside and play as well as visit family or friends, understandably many students would have turned to their devices for entertainment.

Now that we are back at school and restrictions around Covid19 are beginning to lift, it is more important than ever for students to put their devices down, engage in the real world, and get moving again. I know from talking to parents and students that many families already have conversations with their children around appropriate screen time and would encourage other families to do the same. I will also be writing to families in the next few days about some important considerations around social media and the impact these can have on students.

Nature Play WA is a great resource for families in understanding the balance required between ‘green time’ and ‘screen time’. to access resources and guides on how to best manage screen time in your family.

Latest Sport News

Save the Date – Lavalla Cross Country Carnival

Here’s one for the diary – the Lavalla Cross Country Carnival will take place on Friday 26 June (Week 9). At this stage, parents will be invited along to spectate. A full schedule of the day’s events will be made available to families via the classroom teacher over the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming everyone down to what should be a great event!

Marist Football Club – Years 5/6 Girls Team

The Marist Football Club is seeking a few more Year 5/6 girls to play in the girls team in 2020 *you don’t have to be a ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ student to play

Training will likely be held on a Thursday afternoon, with games played on a Friday evening *TBC

If your daughter is interested please contact Linda hadfields2@iinet.net.au or 0409 998 386

Parking/Pick-up

The parking/pick-up area continues to be an issue for a minority of people who persist in doing the wrong thing. Unfortunately, this is creating a very unsafe and sometimes unpleasant environment for those families who do the right thing by showing patience and understanding to other drivers and families. In the past few weeks alone staff have observed:

  • Vehicles failing to stop at a crosswalk for students crossing the road
  • Vehicles double parking or parked across crosswalks
  • Vehicles stopping in the middle of the road and waving children through the traffic
  • Parents parking in the teacher carpark area and allowing students to cross through cars (both before and after school)

The double parking and waving through of students into vehicles is especially dangerous and puts children at unnecessary risk. If parents wish to park their cars they should do so in the appropriate carparks, including the overflow carpark where senior students park. They can then wait at the cross walk areas to collect their children, leaving the drive through area for the ‘kiss and drop’.

Unfortunately residents in the area have also commented on the behaviours of parents in areas around the school. Photos from residents below show many families are parking on verges or in narrow streets obstructing traffic. These residents are well within their rights to call the council ranger so please be equally mindful in these areas too.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 6: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Jo Dunn on 05/06/2020

Reconciliation Week Highlights

Our College had a beautiful launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan to celebrate Reconciliation Week. Our plan is centered around building relationships with our local community and equipping our students to have a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and culture. The event was live streamed to over 2,000 people which included students, staff and many families from our broader College community. to watch the launch.

Students engaged in a symbolic bridge walk from the Lavalla Campus to the Marcellin Campus in remembrance of the event that took place 20 years ago when over 250,000 Indigenous and Non-Indigenous People walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. During class students were introduced to Aboriginal art and the story of Stuart McMinn who crossed the bridge as a 15 year old boy. Mr McMinn, now 30 years old, recorded a message for our students that explained the significance of Reconciliation and used the analogy of a watch to explain how all Australians have a role to play in building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians. to watch a highlights video from Reconciliation Week.

Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat Celebrations

Saturday 6 June is the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat. This year, our College community will be celebrating the Feast Day with a range of activities throughout Week 8. Please click on the link below to access the letter that outlines all of the details for the week. Our community will be fundraising for Australian Marist Solidarity and specifically, the Kuya Centre for Street Children. Families are being asked to donate $5-$10 to support this organisation that our students visit on the Philippines Immersion.

Download Champagnat Day Letter to Families 2020

Thursday Morning Community Mass

This week saw the commencement of our Thursday morning Community Mass. The College is committed to offering the Eucharist for our students during this time. This week saw students from the Lavalla and Marcellin Campuses celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat. Next week, students in Years 8 and Years 4 will be hosting our morning mass.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News Term 2 Week 6: From the Deputy Principal Wellbeing Secondary

Jo Dunn on 05/06/2020

Over the past two weeks we returned to a more normal routine on the Marcellin Campus. Students were allocated their new lockers and were able to move into them over the course of Week 5, while also being able to retain their bags during the day if they wished. We also celebrated the launch of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday 27 May. This was a great reflection of the effort of numerous staff and students over the past 18 months.

We held our first Principal’s Assembly since February this year and while our assembly was held remotely with students watching from their PCG rooms it was a wonderful opportunity to recognise our Year 7 Guild Leaders, academic awards and ACC swimming awards.

Week 6 has seen our Years 11 and 12 ATAR students embark on their Semester 1 exams and we wish them the best of luck during this time. Week 6 also saw our Years 7 and 8 students take part in their Covid-19 postponed Guild Cross Country Carnival, more of which you can read about below.

I hope our students and staff are enjoying their time together back on campus, something for which we have all found a new appreciation. As we continue into the second half of term I wish our students the best of luck with their studies.

Year 9 OLNA

The School Curriculum & Standards Authority (SCSA) has sent out information to parents/carers regarding the Online Literacy & Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).

This is an online test that focuses on reading and numeracy components during a series of 45-50-minute tests.

Normally Year 9 students would sit their final round of NAPLAN testing to demonstrate they have reached the required band and do not need to complete OLNA in Year 10. However, due to the interruptions experienced this year, students were unable to complete their Year 9 NAPLAN. SCSA will now conduct a series of OLNA tests specifically for Year 9 students.

Please click on the link below for full information on Year 9 2020 OLNA testing. As test dates are locked in further information will go out to students and families regarding how this will work at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥.

Download Letter to Year 9 Parents OLNA 2020

Year 7 Parent Teacher Expo (Online)

As per Mr Patrick Woolley’s letter sent 15/5, a series of videos will be released outlining an introduction to the various learning areas available to Year 7 students at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. Please click here to access the videos via the College website. The remaining videos will be published throughout Week 7.

Extended PCG Activities

Over the course of Weeks 6 and 7, students in Years 7-10 are taking part in two activities during extended PCG.

This week saw our Years 7 and 8 students take part in a shortened Cross Country in which they could earn points for their Guild and challenge themselves while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Next week the Years 9 and 10 students will have the opportunity to take part in their own Cross Country. If there are any Years 11 and 12 students who would like to take part, they are encouraged to contact Mr Williams for further details.

While the Years 7 and 8 students were running in their Cross Country race, the Years 9 and 10 students completed the Arts Challenge. This saw PCG classes lip syncing parts of the Suub Tum which forms a strong part of our Marist heritage. Once all of the year groups have taken part in this challenge, the full version will be edited and made into one video showcasing the talents of our students.

A big thank you to all the staff involved in facilitating these activities, particularly to Mr Tom Williams and Ms Ashlyn Le Cava.

During Week 8, we will have another Principal’s Assembly that will be live streamed. While speakers and award recipients will be in the auditorium, students will remain in their PCG rooms and watch the assembly remotely.

During extended PCG in Week 9, Headspace will be presenting to all students on the impacts of Covid-19, with a focus on self-care. The presentation will be delivered via live stream, with students accessing these in their PCG classes. It is hoped that this presentation will help students to develop strategies to maintain positive wellbeing, particularly during stressful times. More information will be provided to parents in the next newsletter regarding the content of the presentation and this will also be communicated to students prior to the presentation.

Years 11 and 12 Exams

Our Years 11 and 12 students commenced their exams this week which will conclude by Friday 12 June. We know they are giving their all during this time period and we wish them well with their studies.

While Semester 1 has been a very different journey to what was planned at the commencement of 2020, students have been outstanding in their commitment to their learning and we know this will come through over the coming weeks.

Missed Assessments

With a range of in-class assessments returning, missed assessment sessions have recommenced.

The priority is for students to be in the classroom with their teacher when returning from absence. To maximise time within the classroom and to ensure assessment conditions are monitored, the College provides three sessions per week for missed assessments to be completed:

  • Tuesday morning 7.45am
  • Wednesday afterschool 3.20pm
  • Friday morning 7.45am

When returning from absence after missing an in-class assessment, students should complete the assessment in one of the two closest missed assessment sessions. E.g. sick for an assessment on Tuesday, assessment needs to be completed on Wednesday or Friday. If students do not complete the task during the allocated missed assessment session then a zero score will be recorded and an academic detention may be issued by the Leader of Learning.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Knights Hockey Club – Seeking Years 7 and 8 players

Looking for a great team sport for your son or daughter?

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Knights Hockey Club (NKHC) is interested to hear from any boys or girls in Years 7 or 8 to play hockey. New or experienced players welcomed, all training provided.

NKHC is a fun, social, family oriented club based within the grounds of ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. NKHC has a long history with ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ students dating back nearly 100 years and would like to encourage students to consider playing hockey with us.

Please contact our Junior Coordinator on juniors@newmanknights.com.au for more information.

Parent Parking- Surrounding Streets

Understandably the parking around the College has been busier than usual and traffic can be an issue. Just a reminder to please be careful using side streets as they can become traffic hazards when there are too many vehicles and can pose an increased risk to students exiting the College. I would also ask that parents are extra careful in regard to the properties surrounding the College as we have had reports of some damage to resident’s lawns, particularly on University Avenue and Coneflower Corner. Your support is appreciated.