ÐãÐãÖ±²¥

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 22/08/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Welcome to another edition of the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ News! 

Feast of the Assumption  

On August 15, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption followed by our Fete and Buddy Activities. Staff and students attended one of three beautiful Masses in the morning.  I passed on our thanks to Fr. Kaz and Fr. Hyginus for celebrating the Eucharist. The remainder of the day was a time for community, fun and involvement. Guild sporting activities and Primary Buddy activities followed the Fete times across the whole College. A beautiful element of the day was the focus on gratitude and awareness. 

Each Secondary year group embraced the challenge of expressing gratitude, support, and social awareness. Year 7 and 8 students created friendship bracelets to share, while Year 9 wrote advocacy letters for Amnesty International. Year 10 sent letters of appreciation to healthcare workers, Year 11 wrote to local aged care residents and Year 12 spread messages of support and inspiration across the campus for all students. Meanwhile, our Primary students enjoyed games and buddy activities. The spirit of family and connection to the broader community was evident throughout the day, and I commend our students for their leadership on this Feast Day. 

Year 10-12 High Achievers Celebrate Assembly 

Last week also saw us celebrating the students from Semester 1 who were recognised as academic high achievers. We were joined by many parents and grandparents in the assembly, where the central message was the importance of celebrating and supporting excellence in academic achievement. It is the basis on which society positively moves forward, nurturing the academics, researchers, community leaders and innovators of tomorrow. In my address, I highlighted that this achievement is as important as celebrating the wonderful successes we have witnessed at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.  

Primary Book Week 

It was such a joy to join our Marian and Lavalla students as they celebrated the wonderful world of literature. As a parent, I can relate to the sudden rush when you realise Book Week has snuck up, and your child asks, ‘What am I wearing?’ The Children’s Book Council of Australia, founded in 1945, took on the important task of promoting Australian literature for children, an area that was not yet well developed. This year’s Book Week Parade, themed ‘Reading is Magic,’ showcased the incredible imagination of our Primary students. But beyond the costumes and fun, the true essence of Book Week lies in fostering a love for reading and encouraging children to discover books and stories that capture their imaginations. 

The week-long celebration ended with a book-focussed Marian Assembly hosted by the very entertaining Pre-Primary Blue.  Marcellin campus also joined in the fun of Book Week, organised by the English Department. 

Mullewa Year 11 Game Changers 

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥’s long-standing relationship with the Mullewa community continued this week with three staff and 13 students working in the community for the week. The immersion included time helping in the local primary school, working in the Parish and helping the community to prepare for the local flower show. It is a great and enduring relationship that the College is so blessed to have with the Mullewa community. 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Our students have been participating in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, which began in mid-July and features over 20,000 students from 162 schools. The performances span various categories and will continue until the finale on September 6. We look forward to sharing the results of our talented performers in our September newsletter after the finale. 

With blessings.   

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL 

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Feast of St Mary of the Cross  

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop in our Community Mass with MacKillop Guild and Year 5. Mary MacKillop is our first Australian saint and a woman of great vision, determination and passion for education. Mary paved the way for the education of poor children, especially in rural and remote parts of Australia. She was born in the year that St Marcellin Champagnat died and there is much similarity in the work of both Mary and Marcellin to bring the Good News of the Gospel and education to young people. 

Feast of the Assumption 

Next Thursday we celebrate one of the most important feast days in the Church, the Assumption. The Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. As Marists, we believe that Mary is the first disciple of Jesus, and that we will come to know better Christ’s love for us by following her example of faith, strength, care and compassion. In the Way of Mary is central to how we live our faith as a ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ community. 

Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ 

Next week we host a panel from Marist Schools Australia whose role is to meet with the College Executive, sample groups of students, staff and parents to help the College form its next School Strategic Improvement Plan for 2025 to 2027. The community was so helpful in completing the Diagnostic Inventory for School Alignment and Leuven Catholic Identity surveys. This information will also have its place alongside the feedback from the panel in shaping our direction for improvement over the next 3 years. 

In the upcoming ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parent Forum, held on Monday 19 August commencing at 6.00pm, the College Executive will be sharing a summary of our perceptive data with parents. We will be outlining the celebrations and commendations that flowed from the school improvement process of our last Plan. We will also be highlighting the areas we are seeing for the work ahead. If you are available, please join us. 

Year 10 Rites of Passage Camp 

On Monday evening, Secondary Deputy, Sarah Ellam and I joined Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Lara Ognenis and Year 10 parents in an information session on the upcoming Year 10 Camp. At ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, we are developing a very intentional program of formation for young people as they move through adolescence and begin the journey towards adulthood that links to rites of passage. As parents and school, we are all very keen to ensure that our young people develop in a holistic way, feeling that life isn’t just all pace with no space. We want them to feel confident that they have an extensive toolbox to draw from when navigating their own unique identity and place in the community on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.   

Across the campuses in Wellbeing Week 

During this week, we have focused on the wellbeing approaches that are present in our programs across the College. Our Marian and Lavalla students recognised Zones of Regulation on Thursday by dressing in the colours of the zones. Each day of the week has had a theme that we are following throughout the College. Our Wellbeing Captains, Ava and Jordan, have worked alongside students and staff to highlight the importance of wellbeing.  

As the staff have been involved in wellbeing activities today, and there is a mid-term break for students today and Monday, I take the opportunity to wish families a good break. We will see everyone return next Tuesday. 

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL 

From the Vice Principal Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Assumption Day Mass, Fete and Buddy Day

Next Thursday, 15 August, we celebrate Assumption Day, a significant event in our College calendar. This special day will be marked by various activities, including masses, a fete, and a series of exciting festivities including staff versus student sports, wellbeing and ‘buddy’ activities.

Assumption Day commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a key feast day in the Catholic Church. This event is particularly important to us as a Marist school, given our deep connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is central to our faith and tradition.

In the Marist tradition, Mary is revered not only as the mother of Jesus but also as a model of faith, humility, and service. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, envisioned a community that embodies Mary’s virtues, fostering a spirit of family, simplicity, and love. Assumption Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew our commitment to living them out in our daily lives.

For more information about the schedule and logistics for the day, please . Students will need to purchase tickets to access the food, drink, and activities at the Fete. These tickets can be purchased here.

We look forward to a joyous and meaningful celebration.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum

On Monday 19 August, we will have our Term 3 ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum gathering in the John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Hub from 6-7pm. Some topics covered include:

  • Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry Update
  • Proposed Road
  • Building Update
  • New AI Endorsed Program (developed by Beth Murphy, Deputy Principal PK-12 Teaching and Learning)
  • Uniform Minor changes Update

We warmly invite all parents to join us for the evening.

Student Driver Safety

The safety of our community is always our top priority. We kindly remind all students driving to school to exercise caution on the roads, especially in wet weather, which can increase risks. Please encourage your child to be extra vigilant during these conditions.

We also want to remind parents that it is mandatory for student drivers to complete the form. This form is crucial for registering vehicles with the school and ensuring that parental permission is obtained for any passengers. Instructions for completing the form have been shared with students via Teams.

We request that parents confirm their child has submitted the form, which requires a parent or guardian’s signature. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe and organised environment for all members of our College community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Year 11 Leadership Workshops

Mr Andrew Watson and I had the pleasure of leading the final Leadership Workshop for our aspiring Year 11 leaders yesterday. During the session, we explored the concept of legacy, with students considering what initiatives they would implement if they were Principal for a day. The workshop concluded with groups collaborating on a mission statement for their Year 12, 2025 cohort. Earlier sessions on Christ-centered Leadership, Values, and Personality and Leadership Styles were well-received and have equipped these outstanding students for their leadership roles in 2025.

We extend special thanks to Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Leadership Coordinator, and Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing, for coordinating the program. We also appreciate the contributions of our workshop presenters – Mr Stuart McClorey, Mrs Sarah Ellan, Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Mrs Beth Murphy, and Mr Andrew Watson.

A reminder to Year 11 students: please submit your Year 12, 2025 Leadership Applications by Friday, 9 August.

Primary Update – Term 3 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 26/07/2024

Welcome back to Semester 2 at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥! It has been wonderful to see all of our Primary students returning to school with big smiles and positive mindsets as we commence Term 3! As always, Term 3 is shaping up to be big, with so much exciting learning and a wide range of activities to engage in. I look forward to working alongside students, parents and staff to help our students shine this term.

3 Green & 5 Red Assembly

In Week 1, the 3 Green class entertained the Lavalla Campus with an assembly all about the importance of recycling, and the difference even the smallest of actions can make in our world. It was a timely reminder for us all to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we possibly can.

Today, Year 5 Red shared their assembly that was based around the upcoming Olympics and demonstrating courage, strength, perseverance and friendship by all. Year 5 Red focused on the four new sports included this year, which will be wonderful to watch! Thank you to 3 Green and 5 Red for sharing their wonderful learning with us.

Student Illness

As we travel through the middle of the winter months, it is important to remind families of the importance of keeping children home if they display symptoms of being unwell. Illness spreads quickly amongst primary students. We ask that if your child is sick you do not send them to school, and instead keep them home until symptoms clear, to avoid passing on sicknesses to other students and staff. This is particularly important for vulnerable members of our community. Students who present to school with symptoms of being unwell will be sent home. Your support is greatly appreciated.

ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms / Medals of Marcellin

Our new ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms are now on our website and I encourage you to have a look at these expectations for our Primary students – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. Each week our staff and students will focus on one Norm, to discuss and unpack what that norm means for our students in their day-to-day school life.

In Week 1, Spencer (Marian) and Jadyen and Alice (Lavalla) were drawn out of the raffle and congratulated for demonstrating our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms. Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in Week 1. Our token collection tubes have been reset to zero and we look forward to seeing which faction will take out the win this term!

URSTRONG – Lesson 5 Upcoming

Lesson 5 will be rolled out across the Primary next week. The areas of focus for this upcoming lesson are:

Pk-2: This session helps students identify the difference between healthy & unhealthy friendships and the impact that body language has on our friendships.

Yr 3 & 4: This session teaches students, step-by-step, how to resolve conflict with a friend. They learn how to respond to both a positive and negative reaction, plus practice giving a genuine apology.

Yr 5 & 6: This session teaches students how to respond to intentionally cruel, rude or mean behaviour. They reflect on the difference between low-level friendship issues and mean-on-purpose behaviour.

A reminder parents have access to a . We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.

Lavalla Homework Club

Lavalla Homework Club continues in Term 3, commencing this week and concluding in Week 9.

If your child has not attended previously, please email Mrs Alison Le Dan to confirm your child’s attendance in Term 3 – Alison.LeDan@newman.wa.edu.au.

Primary Staffing

We welcome Mrs Kate McMahon to the Primary staff as a Special Needs Education Assistant.

We also welcome Mr Justin Kirry back to his role as Leader of Wellbeing, after his Term 2 Long Service Leave.

Ryan von Bergheim

HEAD OF PRIMARY

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 26/07/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

It is here again! This week marked the beginning of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, and we have 277 students that entered in this extensive festival. The promotion and celebration of the Arts is as important as any other facet of student involvement and achievement. We are very proud of our talented, dedicated students and staff in the Arts. Our best wishes to all performers in their various events over the next six weeks. 

Preparing for Leadership Year 12 2025 

As the term gets underway, our Year 11 students who have nominated for leadership have begun working through a series of workshops. Yesterday, they gathered at our Morning Mass to receive the community’s blessing and support. There are 52 students applying to serve the College in Portfolio and Guild leadership and they are a wonderful group of young people eager to serve. The leadership process will be concluded by the end of the term and there will be the symbolic handover Class of 2024 and the incoming Year 12 2025 leaders. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers.  

Shine Program 

The Shine program operates across our whole College, providing opportunities for extension in learning. Last week, I had the opportunity to sit with the Year 7 Shine class and listen to their developing Shark Tank concepts. The class members were tasked with looking at ways to tackle real-life challenges at school with the view to making experiences better for other students. Several groups were examining ways to help the Year 7 2025 cohort transition smoothly into secondary school. As they worked, it was inspiring to see them grapple with our Vision for Learning pillars: Challenge, Collaborate Create and Celebrate.  

Marist Schools Australia Conference  

Beginning this weekend and concluding on Tuesday evening, the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference takes place in Alice Springs. The accompanying image First Light – Reveal the Spirit has been our Marist theme for 2024 and is an image taken from Standley Chasm in Alice Springs. The Conference focuses on enlivening the provision of high quality, contemporary evangelisation, its connection with indigenous spirituality and Catholic education in the Marist tradition. Three ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ staff will be attending with me and we will also be presenting in one workshop on the topic of school improvement and student growth.

Year 10 Girls AFL Team  

The AFL girls team showed amazing hard work and great teamwork, finishing the day undefeated and winning the Dockers Cup Division 2. Well done and congratulations to the whole team on this fantastic achievement! 

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL