Term 4 Week 8: From the Head of Primary

Jo Dunn on 29/11/2018

As we conclude another year, it is important that we look back and reflect on how much we have achieved. I am incredibly proud of how our students have grown in confidence and it is important to celebrate how they have come together to create such a positive community.

As we celebrate Christmas, it is important that we keep the birth of Christ as the focus and remember to renew our faith and Marist values of; Simplicity, Love of Work, Presence, Family Spirit and In the Way of Mary. Our staff have worked tirelessly to provide for your child and your family and I thank them all for this extraordinary effort. I hope you are able to enjoy the time of Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. On behalf of my family and myself I wish you a merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year.

Marcellin Award

Congratulations to the following student who recently received a Marcellin Award in Week 7:

Jaiden Rumbold, Year 4 Green – Jaiden only joined our College community this year. In this short space of time, he has shown himself to be someone who works hard to always try his best, even if things are difficult. Jaiden’s selfless actions are notable especially his kindness and compassion towards others. What has made him stand out, particularly in recent times, is that his Christian actions are truly selfless. Even when he is acknowledged for something he has done, it’s as if he is questioning, “Well, doesn’t everyone do that?” The consideration that Jaiden shows is truly genuine, given without prompting, and we are blessed to have him in our community

The Marcellin Award at Marian Campus is drawn from submitted nominations each Wednesday morning at Prayer Assembly. At Lavalla Campus, the Marcellin Award is presented at campus assemblies to one student selected by the Leadership Team from submitted nominations.

Farewell to the Year 6 Cohort

As our Year 6 students end their time as Primary School students, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them for the outstanding way that they have led the Lavalla Campus this year. As they say farewell to their Primary years, I am confident they are ready for the challenges that await them in High School. I wish you all the best and thank Mrs Zelich, Mrs Horn, Mrs Short and Mr Harvie for shaping these young men and women.

2019 Student Council

Congratulations to the following students who were elected into a position on the Student Council for 2019:

Ella Rose, Stefan Constantine, William Gilbert (Delany captain), Addison Blizzard, Harry Prentice (Brigid captain), Stefano Rapanaro, Matt Pyne, Leyla Do, Kai Ehlers, Maddy Carroll (Marcellin captain), Harrison Warrick (Knox captain) and Jasmin Afflick. We wish you all the best in your service to our College. Thank you also to the current Student Council for their hard work and commitment to our College this year.

Lavalla Awards Ceremony – Tuesday 4 December

We look forward to celebrating and recognising our Year 6 students and acknowledge the significant award winners from Years 3 – 5 at the Awards Ceremony next week. As there is limited seating, only parents of the Year 6 students and award winners are invited to attend. Overflow seating may be provided in the adjoining studio for grandparents.

Return of iPads and Chargers

Please ensure students are aware of the following return date;

Year 6 – Students must ensure they have their iPads at school on Thursday 6 December.  The ICT Department will collect them from their classrooms after Lunch.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure all students have signed out of iCloud on the iPads

Sustainability @ Lavalla – Eco Ninjas

The dedicated Year 5 students have banded together to support our College and our environment. They have formed a team to improve the Lavalla Campus in terms of sustainability, waste management and environmental care. These Eco Ninjas have already transformed the veggie gardens and will shape significant changes in the future. Well done!

Primary Social Committee

Thank you to the dedicated members of the Primary Social Committee, led by Mr Arnold for their service to the College this year. You have provided the students, staff and families with many opportunities to come together as a community and bring joy to our College.

Christian Service @ Lavalla

Well done to Hannah Seaborne and Matthew Stephens Y4, who demonstrated how much they care for our Lavalla Campus by picking up rubbish without being asked all of lunch on Monday. Thank you.

Swimming Lessons

Thank you to the Newman Churchlands Swimming Club for their amazing support of our In-Term Swimming Lessons program. The students have learnt so much and enjoyed being in the College pool.

Class Lists 2019

The staff are currently placing your child in their class for 2019. This forms the basis of the detailed handover that will take place between their current teacher and their 2019 teacher. All relevant information is considered when placing your child and a detailed handover ensures all of their academic, social and emotional needs are understood before they begin the year. Class lists will be sent home in the week after students conclude Term 4, to allow staff time to work through this process. Parents are encouraged to meet with their child’s teacher in the new year if necessary.

Reports

Your child’s report will be will be made available through SEQTA on Friday 7 December from 4.00pm. Please ensure you are able to access SEQTA before this date. Your child’s report outlines their achievements and effort for Semester 2. I would like to thank the staff for the time and effort that has been dedicated to this process.

Staffing 2019

The College welcomes the following staff members in 2019

  • Queva Fitzgerald – Lavalla Campus
  • McKenzie Pugh – Lavalla Campus
  • Antoinette Montil – Lavalla Campus
  • Catherine Young – Marian Campus
  • Karen Cadd – Marian Campus

Lucy Zambonetti will return from leave and Peter Hunt and Paola Rich will be on leave for the duration of 2019.

I would like to thank Jacqui Campbell-Howard, Kim Williamson, Ebonee Hutchinson-Brown, Davina Sankar and Denise Ford for their service to our College.

Lost Property

This week is the final chance to reclaim any lost property. Please see the lost property at each campus as thousands of dollars of clothing and equipment is there.

Years 3-6 Book Lists 2019

Please click here to access the 2019 Book Lists.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

The children at Newman College are continuously engaging in motivating learning experiences. These enhance their education and assist in embedding the learned content. Some highlights from the past two weeks include:

Kindy and Pre Kindy Orientations 2019

Over the last two weeks, the College has held the Kindy and Pre-Kindy Orientations for 2019. We have welcomed many new families to the school and recognised familiar faces as younger siblings start their journey. Each program was outlined, and the parents were able to connect with the families their children will become friends with. Thank you to the Primary Social Committee for supplying the refreshments and to Melissa Corbett, Katya Anderson and Lisa McClue for their support on the day.

Christmas Celebration Evening

Thank you to Amanda Collins-Ford and Ailsa Gleeson for preparing and supporting our students at the Christmas Celebration this year. The students were in fine voice, as were the parents who enjoyed a night of carols and fun. Click here to see more photos from the night.