Newman News Term 2 Week 10: From the Vice Principal
I would like to use this edition of the Newman News to acknowledge the perseverance, resilience and patience of all students, staff and members of our College Community this semester. There is no doubt, the disruption caused to families and communities due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult and traumatic. However, we can say with the courage of our convictions, that we have navigated this challenge with hope, determination and agility. Thank you to all teachers for designing, adapting and considering the needs of each child in their planning and teaching. Thank you to families for their patience and support as we sought to make meaning during very difficult times. Most of all, thank you to our students for their positivity, engagement and presence. Teaching is a true vocation and the connection and relationships we have with our students is the single reason for our being.
Covid-19 Update
Due to the world-leading response by WA to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the restrictions for schools have been lifted. Effective immediately, the following apply:
- Assemblies and College community events – Adult visitors and staff should maintain physical distancing of one person per 2m2
- Parent and caregiver meetings – Pre-arranged parent/caregiver meetings can proceed, adhering to physical distancing and hygiene protocols
- Parent and caregiver access – Parents are able to enter school grounds to drop off and pick up their children and to attend scheduled meetings with staff. Parents can enter classrooms at the invitation of the teacher.
School Visitors
All visitors with a lawful purpose are allowed onto the school grounds. Physical distancing with a 2m2 rule per adult and good hygiene practices should apply. All official visitors, as per College guidelines, are required to sign in.
Attendance at school is compulsory, except for those who are recognised as medically vulnerable or who have medically vulnerable family members. If you are concerned about your own family situation please contact Lisa Fogliani, Vice Principal, for additional clarity and advice at lisa.fogliani@newman.wa.edu.au
The government has stressed the importance of Western Australians to continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and to maintain good personal hygiene to better protect ourselves and the general health of the community.
If Students are Unwell
We ask that students who are presenting with a fever or flu like symptoms stay at home until their symptoms are clear. It is the responsibility of all families to ensure they support the wider College community.
Save the Date – NPCC Meeting Term 3
Thank you to those parents who attended the Newman Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC) meeting on Monday 8 June. Minutes from the meeting can be downloaded below. The next meeting is being held on Monday 3 August, 7.00pm in the Auditorium Studios.
The NPCC meetings, convened by the Principal and attended by various members of the College Leadership Team, is a representative group, voice and forum to gain insight into our school improvement plan and to discuss school concerns. The NPCC serves to help advance the best interests of those within our College Community. Whilst policy is determined and set by the College Executive and supported by the Advisory Council, the NPCC is a critically important group in providing input and feedback.
Download NPCC Meeting Minutes Term 2 2020
Staff Movements
We are grateful for the service of Mrs Jemma Bulmer, Physical Education Teacher on the Lavalla Campus and Miss Ashlyn LaCava, Music Coordinator K-12. We wish them well in their future endeavours.
Staff Professional Learning
All staff will participate in Faith Formation Professional Learning on Monday 20 July and Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 21 July. I extend my thanks to staff for their professionalism in preparing for these important professional learning and parent engagement opportunities.
Return to School – Term 3
Students will return to the College on Wednesday 22 July. Please see communication from respective Campuses and Leaders of Wellbeing for additional details. Of particular note, all students must adhere to College uniform and grooming guidelines. Thank you in advance for your support.
Newman Newsreel
The Newman Newsreel is a new and innovative way for the College to engage and share content with families and staff through the power of augmented reality (AR). Each family will receive a fridge magnet called the ‘Newman Newsreel’. By downloading and using the ‘Viewa’ Augmented Reality App, users may scan the magnet, bringing to life options to view weekly videos. These videos are campus specific and contain important information about upcoming events and critical information for students and families. The videos will be updated weekly and provide only essential information to families about the upcoming week. Updated videos will be uploaded each Friday and remain active for one week.
It is important to note that users MUST download the Viewa app to be able to activate the magnet and videos.
Please click here to view a short introduction video which includes instructions on how to download the Viewa app. An instruction flyer can also be downloaded.
Download Newman Newsreel Instruction Flyer
Reporting
PK-12 reports will be available to access via Seqta on Friday 3 July, 4.00pm.
To ensure student progress is fair, valid and supported by evidence, the College has adapted its reporting protocols for Semester 1 2020 in response to the disruption cause by our Covid-19 response. We recognise there has been variation in the disruption experienced between students and the validity of assessment across developmental age groups.
Our reporting expectations are aligned to directives provided by both CEWA (Catholic Education Western Australia) and SCSA (School Curriculum Standards Authority). It is very important to note, student achievement is based on judging standards that articulate student achievement at the end of the school year.
We believe these minor changes to the Semester One reports ensures that:
- students are fairly assessed
- the professional judgement of teacher can be supported by evidence
- parents and students are given accurate ‘point in time’ feedback
SEQTA Login
Download SEQTA Engage Login Instructions
Parent Teacher Interviews
The College will host Parent Teacher Interviews for all students K-12 (except Year 7) on Tuesday July 21 July from 10.00am – 7.00pm. With restrictions lifting we are pleased to give parents the option to meet with their child’s teacher at the College.
Secondary students attending these interviews are to present in full College Winter Uniform.
Primary interviews will take place in classrooms and Secondary interviews will take place in the Marist Auditorium.
As per Covid-19 safe guidelines, parents who are unwell are asked to cancel their meeting times. Hand sanitizer will be available on arrival and hand shaking is discouraged.
We are very mindful that secondary teachers teach more students than available time slots for interviews and as such priority will be given for students in Years 11 and 12. We hope that student results and comments available to families on SEQTA together with the Semester 1 report, will give parents a level of feedback and academic progress information.
Year 7 families will have an opportunity to meet teachers on Thursday 30 July, from 3.30pm-7.00pm in the Marist Auditorium.
PTO Login
Download PTO Parent Instructions
College Calendar
With restrictions easing it is important that parents check the College Calendar for updated events, training, rehearsals, camps and incursions. Parent permission and information regarding excursions and camps will be shared via Consent2Go. For students on the Marcellin Campus, details regarding any upcoming learning experiences will be shared through the relevant teacher and via the daily notices on SEQTA.
Child Safety
The College is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all students. We actively work towards and promote the principles of Catholic Education’s Child Safe Framework. The framework of nine elements combined support a child safe culture, healthy and respectful relationships, and extended guardianship in school communities, based on the latest research and recognised best practices. At times, we rely on partnership with parents to ensure all members of our community are safe. Thank you to those that have positively and openly supported this intent. If you are concerned about your child, please communicate with Campus Leaders, Leaders of Wellbeing or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Code of Conduct
A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. 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.
The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensuring confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours AND outside of school hours that are associated with the College are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are also bound by the Code of Conduct.
Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with any member of the Senior Leadership Team. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support of how we strive to partner positively with one another.
Parent Facebook Groups
A reminder to parents that are members of the Parent Facebook groups that there are a Terms of Reference for the groups so that the intent of the group is understood by all parents. If you have concerns about College decisions and processes, teaching or learning, I strongly encourage you to direct your concern to your child’s Leader of Wellbeing or classroom teacher. Ensuring the parent community is accurately informed is important to us and College staff are best placed to resolve any queries.