Welcome to our first newsletter for Term Two, I hope that you had a safe and restful break with family and friends over Easter.
It is with great excitement that I write this newsletter as the new Principal of 秀秀直播.听 I am honoured to become part of this community which has already given me such a warm welcome.听 I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with students, families and getting to know the diverse 秀秀直播 Community, finding out the strengths and talents of our students and helping our teachers to support our students in their learning journeys.听
I would like to thank Dr Lucie McCrory who was acting Principal in Term One. Her professionalism and leadership was exemplary and to be commended as it was a very challenging term. Mr Simon Martino supported Dr McCrory as acting Vice Principal and also showed exceptional leadership.
I would also like to welcome new staff members and families to the College Community. Best wishes for the term ahead and I trust the Marist experience will be a rewarding one.
Formation Day
Staff from 秀秀直播, Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph鈥檚 Northam gathered at 秀秀直播 on Monday 24 April for a joint Marist Formation Day.
In 2023, we are invited by our Marist theme 鈥� Created and Called: a revolution of love and tenderness, to look at our lives and to see how we might better be the people that God has created and called us to be, the Marist Formation Team focused on this on the day.
Anzac Service
ANZAC ceremonies were held on Wednesday 26 April at each of the campuses. Each of the ceremonies highlighting the significance and importance of ANZAC day. We remembered and gave thanks for those women and men who served and for those they left behind. The students led a respectful and reverent service and I sincerely thank the staff and students who were involved. I also had the opportunity to speak with the students briefly and share my support of them in their 秀秀直播 journey. One message that I want them to hear is that their personal best in whatever they do is always good enough, and it should be shared and celebrated
Y7-Y9 Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent, Teacher, Student interviews provide a formal opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student achievements and progress. Feedback was given along with actionable steps for students to meet their goals. The hybrid model of both face-to face and online via Teams was well received by families
Y7-Y12 Guild Cross Country Carnival
Our annual Year 7 to Year 12 Cross Country was completed on Friday, it was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic runners on the day. Congratulations to all the students who participated,there were some superb performances. Thank you to the PE staff who organised the day and the students for their participation and efforts. It was a fantastic day.
Year 12 Tie Ceremony
On Monday, Year 12 gathered in the Champagnat Chapel to receive their ties. This was another milestone moment in their 秀秀直播 Journey and we took a moment to consider the significance of this event.
Year 6 Camp
The camp is a milestone event in the life of a Year 6 and both the students and staff entered into the adventure with great spirit and unity. I am sure Year 6 will have many stories to share and cherish from the great learning and community experiences they encountered on camp. Thank you to our staff, Delia Kretzman, Robyn Hatchett, Sarah Dalton, Justin Kirry, Marnie Fitzpatrick, Stuart McClorey, Marnie Fitzpatrick, Kathy Biancuzzo and Ryan von Bergheim who attended and for the work they did to make this a truly memorable event for all.
Events Ahead
We look forward to significant events occurring within the next few weeks which include Years 9-10 Singapore Immersion Trip departing this Saturday, Mother’s Day celebrations on Thursday 11 May and Friday 12 May, Years 7-12 Principal鈥檚 Assembly on Wednesday 17 May and Years 11-12 Marist Connect Night scheduled on Thursday 18 May.
Wishing our families all the best for the weeks ahead.
I trust that students and families were able to enjoy down time during the Term 1 holidays and that students returned to school with a renewed sense of vitality, ready to embrace both the joys and the challenges of Term 2.
Over the break I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of attending the Marist Pilgrimage 2023. The experience saw 30 Marists from across the country spend three weeks overseas retracing the stories of the Old and New Testament in Jerusalem surrounds, the Old City, Jordan, Palestine and Bethlehem. We then followed in Marcellin鈥檚 footsteps across Rome and France. Each place and space had its own unique energy and emotion associated with it, which opened a deeper insight into my Christian faith, the Marist heart, and our spiritual stories. A pilgrimage of this nature can be experienced as the fifth Gospel, completing the spiritual understanding, and that was certainly the case for me.
Highlights of the first part of the pilgrimage included visiting the town of Magdala, where Mary Magdalene is suggested to have come from. The presence in the Chapel of the Encounter was particularly moving, as was celebrating the eucharist in Jesus鈥� tomb. Visiting Marcellin鈥檚 hometown and sitting at the Marist table in Lavalla were powerful experiences.
We had an audience with the Pope and enjoyed our time learning about the future Marist global intuitions with the Brothers in the Marist General House in Rome, led by Brother Ernesto Sanchez, Superior General. The pilgrims spent a week in the first official Marist home of L鈥橦ermitage in St-Chamond, France, which felt like home away from home. The Brothers鈥� welcoming hospitality across the three countries was warm and inviting.
The pilgrimage was a spiritually nurturing experience that will no doubt lead to sustained friendships and significant encounters that will stay with me for life.
Singapore Immersion 6 to 13 May
秀秀直播 recognises the challenge and importance of creating resilient, global thinkers; students who are agile, collaborative, and embracing of the demands of our modern world. I am delighted the College are once again able to facilitate this Project Based Immersion in collaboration with Republic Polytechnic Singapore. We have 18 students across Years 9 and 10 who will be immersed in classes facilitated at the Polytechnic where their learning and metacognition (thinking about thinking) will be challenged. This experience will ultimately provide the participants with skills they can apply to their learning within the setting of 秀秀直播 and beyond the College walls.
We wish the students and accompanying teachers a safe journey and look forward to sharing their experiences upon their return. Thank you to Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Mrs Beth Murphy for leading the immersion and to Digital Innovator Mr Joel Kandiah, Digital Integrator Cate McKnight and teacher Adeline Hendriks for your efforts in attending the immersion.
Uniform Review and Alignment Committee 鈥� Expression of Interest
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought to join the Uniform Review and Alignment Committee. By 2025 all students PK-12 will be on one site, and it is important to have alignment of our uniform. The College will therefore be auditing our current uniform items across the College. It is essential we receive EOI鈥檚 from a broad range of parents, PK-12, to form this committee. We encourage you to by Friday 12 May. The committee will be announced as soon as possible after this day.
School Photos
Please ensure students are well-groomed and ready for their Year Group鈥檚 scheduled photo days. Order envelopes with details on ordering procedures have been distributed to students. Students are required to bring their envelopes to school on their scheduled photo day, regardless of whether an order has been made.
Staffing
We welcome the following new staff to the College, Matthew Brown 鈥� Arts Technician and Joaquin Connelly 鈥� Education Assistant. And welcome back Janet March and Rosalia Testa as they return after their time away.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
We have a very exciting performance opportunity this year and we invite our 秀秀直播 Music Students Years 4 鈥� 12 to participate.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival is an annual event which provides Year 4 鈥� 12 students an opportunity to perform on any instrument they have been learning and be provided with feedback from a professional musician in the industry. They can perform as a soloist or duet, attached is the calendar details outlining the dates for each available section to enter. The 秀秀直播 ensembles will be entered at the discretion of the ensemble director.
We have a very short timeline to enter these applications, and therefore if you would like to participate, please:
Notify your tutor and they will complete your online entry form (if you are receiving Music Tuition from 秀秀直播)
OR
Email Selena Barrett or Aleisha Dows our Music administrator, by Tuesday May 2nd听with the following details:
Solo Performers Name
Teachers Name
Teachers Email
Student Year Levels
Item Name
Item Duration (MM:SS)
Item Composer/Arranger
We encourage all students from Years 4 鈥� 12 to participate, as it is a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop as a performer. Click here for a draft calendar.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful first two weeks to begin the term. We were very fortunate as a staff to commence our term with the Marist Life Formation team where we undertook a faith formation day alongside our other Marist communities from Western Australia 鈥� Bunbury Catholic College and St. Joseph鈥檚 School Northam. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on our Marist theme for 2023 and to gather together as one Marist Community.
May the month of Mary
This week marks the beginning of May, the month of Mary. This is an especially important time for our Marist community, with Mary playing such a pivotal role in the formation of the Marist Brothers.
Many people may be unaware, but when Marcellin Champagnat first went to school as a child, he only stayed one day due to the cruel nature of his teachers. He left to work at home with his Dad instead and was able to do some learning with his mother.
Years later, when Champagnat was ordained as a priest, he knew that he wanted to make Jesus Christ known and loved to young people everywhere and to provide an education to those in his community. However, having remembered his own time at school, Champagnat was determined to create a different experience for his students. Following his ordination, Champagnat travelled with a group of his friends to Fourvi猫re in Lyon where at the feet of Mary, they promised to establish the Society of Mary (which later became the 鈥楲ittle Brothers of Mary鈥� or the 鈥楳ary-ists鈥� and eventually the Marists). Champagnat and his brothers dedicated themselves and all their good works to Mary. They wanted to educate children in the way of Mary 鈥� showing compassion and gentleness to the young people in their community. In this way, to be Marist means to be a disciple of Mary. The month of May is the perfect time to remember this and reflect on this throughout the month. I hope everyone can take some time to reflect on where they see Mary working in their lives.
2023 Marian Lecture
Each year, the Marist Association hosts a Marian Lectue 鈥� an opportunity for the community to come together to share in a message of hope and share in conversation around a particular theme or topic.
The 2023 Marian Lecture features a conversation with Dr. Medi Volpe about our Marist theme for 2023: A revolution of love and tenderness. This 1-hour lecture is a great opportunity to understand our Marist theme and to better understand how we can bring to life a revolution of love and tenderness in our own lives. This lecture is a live-streamed event and is open to all members of our community, including the general public.
Participants can enrol via the form below, and have the option of watching from home, or gathering together with other participants at the 秀秀直播 Auditorium.
You can register your intent to attend via the Microsoft Form below, which in turn will be registered with the Marist Association.
We look forward to sharing in this event very soon!
Mother鈥檚 Day Mass
Families are warmly welcome to attend our Mother鈥檚 Day mass celebrations next week. We look forward to welcoming all of our mothers and mother figures and celebrating their contributions to our community.
Marist Theme Art Competition
Students and families should keep an eye out for information coming shortly about an upcoming Art competition based on our Marist Theme for 2023.
Students will be invited to submit a piece of artwork that reflects the Marist theme for 2023 鈥� Created & Called: A revolution of love and tenderness. There will be categories for students from PK鈥�12 with prizes for award winners. Winning entries and honourable mentions will be showcased at our PK-12 Arts Festival later in the year.
We are looking forward to sharing details soon and seeing lots of excellent entries!
Year 9 Game Changers Retreat
On the 28th of May, a wonderful group of Year 9 Game Changers students assembled at St Joseph鈥檚 Church in Subiaco for their Regional Retreat Day. The students chose to begin the day with a beautiful Mass led by Monsignor Kevin, before meeting up with Issy, their Marist Youth Ministry MC for the day. From there, the group discussed the meaning and role of simplicity in their lives and how we, as Marists, are encouraged to live in the present. As Albus Dumbledore once said, 鈥淚t does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live!鈥� The students then explored the importance of solidarity and how they can contribute to this in not only their own communities but also the wider global community, even if it鈥檚 just in small steps. In summary, the Year 9 Game Changers had a fun yet reflective day and, by the end, had bonded closer as a youth group and become excited to 鈥榗hange the game鈥� for the year ahead.
This morning, the Year 10 Game Changers students set off to St. Joseph鈥檚 Subiaco to take part in their final La Valla Retreat Day. In the spirit of embracing our journey, students studied the symbol of the compass, and reflected on their personal North鈥檚, East/West鈥檚, and South鈥檚 (Goals, distractions, and significant past experiences). This symbol will be used to remind the Year 10鈥檚 that it is the compasses needle (people whom we can look to for guidance) that will make it a lot easier to find our True North. The day provided a safe and relaxing space for the students to reflect deeply on their lives moving forward, as we know many big decisions lie ahead for them!
Thursday 18 May 鈥� Year 11 & 12 Marist Connect Evening
Community Mass
A reminder that the whole College community is warmly invited to join us in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am on Thursday mornings for Mass celebrated by one of our local Parish Priests and hosted by our students from Marcellin and Lavalla.
Please see the upcoming schedule for the next two weeks:
Thursday 11 May, Chisolm and Year 3 Blue (Mother鈥檚 Day)
Thank you for a wonderful term. It has been a fantastic start with so much to celebrate as we head into the holiday period.
Term two students are to return to school wearing winter uniform. The first day of school for all students is Wednesday 26 April. Please take this opportunity to check your child鈥檚 clothing sizes to make sure they fit. Students in Years 4 鈥� 12 are required to wear their blazer.
Students are to be reminded of the expectations relating to their personal presentation and they must return to school with correct hair (styles and colour), nails, and jewellery.
On Monday 24 April we welcome Andrew Watson, the new Principal to the College. We are also hosting Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph鈥檚 Northam will join with 秀秀直播 staff for a faith formation professional development opportunity with the Marist Life Formation Team. This day will see the three Marist communities come together to reflect on our 2023 Marist Theme, Created and Called.
秀秀直播 Assessment Policy 10-12听
The College Assessment policy outlines the requirement that students in Years 10-12 must have a medical certificate for being absent for in-class assessments due to illness. Where students miss an in-class assessment and cannot provide a medical certificate they will be awarded a zero as per the College Assessment Policy.
The integrity of assessments in Senior School is important and as such the assessment policy requirements allows the College to invigilate assessments for all students that are valid, explicit, fair, equitable, publicly accountable, reliable and in adherence with statutory requirements, including those required by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.
The Assessment Policy and these requirements have been communicated to parents by the Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning at the 2023 Year 11 and 12 Information Evenings for parents and students and via recording sent out for Year 10s. Further communication has been provided in the fortnightly newsletter and students have been briefed on the requirement. Medical certificates can be obtained in person with your GP, via online medical GP services or at your local pharmacy. When students have obtained a medical certificate, these can be forwarded onto absenteesecondary@newman.wa.edu.au听
Extended Absences听
Parents are reminded that all extended absences must be referred to the Vice Principal.
Welcome to the end of Term One, and what a term it has been for the 秀秀直播 community!
Last year, after a particularly intense storm, had passed and once the rain cleared, I took my daughter for a drive to a popular walking spot not far from 秀秀直播. On the way there in the car, we noticed something developing out the front windscreen; it was spectacular in the sky. Against a backdrop of passing clouds, two rainbows emerged. The colours were bright and vivid. When we got out of the car, I looked around me. I saw that the storm had left behind a landscape that was both transformed and rejuvenated. The air was clean and crisp, the trees and grass were a vibrant green, the sky had cleared beautifully with the twin rainbows proudly glowing, and the birds were even chirping joyfully. I was struck by the way in which nature responded to the storm with such resilience and beauty. Despite the destruction that the storm had caused, and there was still debris around, the earth had bounced back with a renewed sense of vitality and hope. This experience reminded me of other examples of nature’s resilience that we have all witnessed over the years. We have seen trees that have been damaged by lightning strikes, fires, or heavy winds, only to grow back stronger or different and perhaps more beautiful than before. We have seen flowers that have been trampled underfoot, only to rise again with renewed vigour. These occurrences are powerful reminders from mother nature that during and after the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth and renewal. This process of death and new life, of endings and beginnings, is evident in our Christian Easter story. The Easter story of Jesus鈥檚 death on Good Friday, followed by a 3-day period of waiting to the resurrection of Jesus, in a different form, on Easter Sunday, reflects the same theme that mother nature continually shows us. As humans, we will have difficulty in our lives, followed by periods of waiting or stagnation and with the hope and light of Christ, we overcome and rise again. We have certainly seen this pattern in our own community this term, and genuine and caring support from each other has been critical to the process.
Kindergarten to Year 12 Easter Liturgies
With the conclusion of our term, we saw all three campuses celebrating the Easter season of new life. Staff and students came together to participate in liturgical celebrations. It was a fitting way to close a rather large term.
Year 10 to 12 Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews
In the Years 10 to 12 Parent, Teacher, Student interviews provided a formal opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student achievements and progress. Feedback was given along with actionable steps for students to meet their goals. The hybrid model of both face-to-face and online via Teams was received well by families, and we look forward to the Year 7 to 9 Parent Teacher Student interviews on the first Thursday of next term.
Zero 2 Hero Parent Series
On Monday 27 March, the College in partnership with Zero2Hero, presented our first of three events for the year. The 鈥楴ourishing Young Minds鈥� presentation provided detailed evidence-based information to primary parents regarding appropriate nutrition for young developing minds. The College welcomed leading experts Bobbie McPhail and Sarina Shirazee to the Marist Auditorium. They provided parents with practical measures on how to nourish young minds. The two experts were joined by our Head of Primary, Mr Ryan von Bergheim who gave insights into the College鈥檚 own support mechanisms and expertise in this area.
The Zero2Hero Parent Seminar Series provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear from leading experts in topical and relevant areas of concern. There will be two more seminars this year, and we hope to see many parents participate in this exceptionally well-organised partnership venture between 秀秀直播 and Zero2Hero.
PK-Year 2 Fathering Project
The Fathering Project recognises that fathers, and father figures, play a vital role in the lives of children. The evidence demonstrating fathers鈥� potential to positively influence their children鈥檚 health and mental health, social success and academic achievements is robust and compelling.
Research suggests that absent, disengaged, ill-equipped or busy fathers are a significant social issue that impacts the lives of Australian children and young people. We are living through a time of rapid social change, where community views of fatherhood are actively changing. Research suggests that many fathers and father figures are struggling to fulfil the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of being an engaged Father in the modern world. Many Fathers are struggling alone, contributing to poor mental health outcomes and higher rates of suicide and domestic violence. Delivering engaging prevention and intervention programs and research-based resources will equip fathers with the skills to be the best Father they can be and improve the lives of fathers, children, and families for generations to come.
This term, several motivated Marian parents have chosen to lead the College鈥檚 support of the Fathering Project. Their goal is to provide opportunities for fathers of 秀秀直播 students with an opportunity to engage with their children in fun activities. On Friday 31 March, the first event took place at the Marian campus, which was a Paper Planes and Pizza activity. Around 250 fathers or father figures and children attended the event. I am told that it was a wonderful and uplifting occasion which was enjoyed equally by the students and their fathers.
The goal of the coordinators is to host one event per term. Details of the next event will be made available to the community in due course.
Principal鈥檚 Assembly
At the Principal鈥檚 Assembly and Campus Assemblies in Marian and Lavalla, we acknowledged significant sporting and service achievements and contributions across the College. Students who demonstrated the Marist characteristics during the term were also recognised. The Principal鈥檚 Commendation Award in Secondary is given to students who set an example to others in the school community. I would like to again acknowledge and congratulate the following recipients of the awards; they are wonderful examples of our students living in the Marist way.
Jasielle Tan received the Marcellin Award (PK-2).
Oliver Slavicek received the Marcellin Award (Years 3-6)
Lucas Maher and Georgia Burt (Year 7)
Jasmine Love and Callum Bick (Year 8)
Oliver Groughan and Emma Lindsay (Year 9)
Ella Nguyen and Stefan Constantine (Year 10)
Bailey Moorfield and Faith Jones (Year 11)
Owen Hayes and Sean Heaney (Year 12)
Caritas Project Compassion
We have been raising much-needed funds for Caritas Project Compassion over the course of the Lenten season. Fundraisers have included the Primary Easter Raffle, bake sales, donations, a hilarious Staff Dance Off Concert and a Staff and Student Netball game. I have been inspired to see both students and staff get behind this worthy cause.
In conclusion
I would like to express my gratitude to the Marist Brothers, College Advisory Council, Executive and each and every member of the 秀秀直播 staff, student, and parent community for your support this term, during my time as Acting Principal. It has been an incredible privilege to lead this wonderful community, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served in this role during this time of transition. Over the last three years, I have been continually inspired by the dedication, talent, spirit and Marist heart of the students, staff and parents here at 秀秀直播. I have seen firsthand the amazing things that can be accomplished when we come together in family spirit, and I am so proud of all that we have achieved together during this term.
Term 2 will see our new Principal, Mr Andrew Watson commencing. I would like to extend a warm welcome Mr Watson. I have no doubt that he will bring new perspectives and vast experience, with a deep commitment to excellence and to the success and well-being of our students and staff. I offer my best wishes and full support to Mr Watson as he embarks on his new journey. I know that Mr Watson will find 秀秀直播 to be an extraordinary community, filled with talented and passionate individuals who are welcoming and committed to excellence, family spirit and a love of work.
I have been invited to go on the Marist Pilgrimage these holidays with 30 other Marists from across Australia. We will travel to the Holy Land and Champagnat country during the Easter break for a spiritual encounter. It is a trip that I am both humbled and excited to be experiencing and I am very much looking forward to entering the pilgrim mindset this Sunday.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy Easter and a restful holiday break. May this be a time for you to reconnect with family and friends, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to seeing you all again next term when I return as Vice Principal.
