ÐãÐãÖ±²¥

As school leaders and teachers, we are responsible for introducing our students to technology and learning tools that add value to learning experiences, develop skills in our students for a fast paced, agile world and to educate and teach principles of digital citizenship and eSafety. We recognise the complexities of managing student behaviour, expectation and screen time; both at school and at home.

We are currently planning and preparing our Wellbeing program for Semester Two with the intent to provide support, education and strategies to parents regarding our curriculum, learning with devices and managing student screen time. We recognise the disruption that COVID-19 has had on our parent engagement opportunities and parent teacher collaboration and look forward to working in partnership more closely regarding these important topics in the Term ahead.

Assembly

Last week we celebrated a large number of students who received merit awards. Congratulations to these students and the great efforts they have been giving both inside and outside of the classroom over these last few weeks. It is very encouraging to see so many students doing so well! Our final assembly for the Term will be held in Week 10 on Friday 3 July and will feature an assembly item from critically acclaimed director Mr Elliott and the Year 3 Blue class.

Marcellin Award

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

Congratulations to Ty Patterson, Year 6 who received this fortnight’s award. Ty was nominated by his teachers for the outstanding way he conducts himself in all aspects of school life. He is polite, respectful, and is always giving his best efforts. Ty goes out of his way to help others at all times, and his actions and behaviour reflect the Marist qualities we so often hope to see in our students. He should be very proud of his efforts and the fine young person he is becoming.

Champagnat Week

This week the College has been very active in celebrating Champagnat Week. Marcellin Champagnat was a man who saw a need not just for the education of young people in his community, but also to love them. Click here to read a full overview from Simon​ Martino, Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity.

Student Voice

Last week, students from Year 5 met with Mr Finneran and Mr Martino to discuss the possibility of having bench seats outside the Years 5 and 6 classrooms (on the oval side of the campus). Students had to prepare a letter to Mr Finneran which linked in with the persuasive letter writing unit they were doing in class with Mrs Zelich and Mrs Hatchett at the time. Students were then invited to meet with Mr Finneran to present their case in person. We are so glad to be able to give students the opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions here at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ and to recognise the important contributions they have to make to our community.

Cross Country Carnival

Students have been training hard for the upcoming Cross Country Carnival, taking place on Friday 26 June. The College has however had to make a few changes to ensure we meet the current COVID-19 guidelines. Please click here to access this information.

Approximately 8-10 parents are required for this event. Please email Jemma Bulmer if you can assist on this day jemma.bulmer@newman.wa.edu.au

Farewell Mrs Bulmer

At the end of this Term we will farewell Mrs Jemma Bulmer and her wonderful family. Mrs Bulmer has been our Physical Education teacher for the last twelve months and has done a wonderful job in guiding students to challenge themselves in all things sports related. We will dearly miss her loving and kind nature and the selfless way she approaches everything here at the Lavalla Campus. This means of course that Mrs Bulmer will be unavailable for parent interviews at the beginning of Term 3. If families would like to discuss the progress of their child in the physical education learning area, please email jemma.bulmer@newman.wa.edu.au to arrange a time with her next week (Week 9).

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.