From the Principal's Desk
Family
In past editions of our Newman Newsletter I have written about the importance of developing skills in students that allow them to find personal identity, meaning and purpose in their lives and that this type of education is fundamentally about the holistic development of the individual. Somewhat ironically, one of the ways that we can help to develop personal identity, meaning and purpose is by exposing them to experiences, ideas and situations that challenge them to think beyond themselves.
Whilst we acknowledge that the world of lockdowns, isolation and blended learning has been challenging for our students in recent months, it is important that they are aware that it has also been challenging for parents and caregivers during this time. Parents and caregivers have not only had to deal with the same restrictions on life, but they have had to continue to find ways to provide for their families and become frontline educators all at the same time.
With this in mind, I would like to highlight the fact that today, 15 May, is International Day of Families. The day was founded by the United Nations in 1994 and is observed on 15 May every year to celebrate the importance of families, people, societies and cultures around the world.
International Day of Families highlights the fact that families - conventional or not - are the foundation of society. Some of the most formative years of our lives are spent growing up with our families. It also acknowledges that families come in many forms and there is no one true definition of family, as someone once said - "Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who love you no matter what." - (Anonymous).
So with this in mind take time today to think critically about what family really means to you, and how you can be closer to the people you love.
As Dr Brian Babington, Chief Executive Officer of Families Australia states, "Families are society’s most important building block. Strong families equate to strong communities because they embody caring for others, connectedness with people and providing hope, support and comfort."
I would like to thank our families again for your help and support during this most challenging of times. As we continue to work together and transition back to full time face to face lessons on Monday 25 May, be assured that by helping your son/daughters understand, respect and develop a strong sense of family is a perfect example of challenging them to think beyond themselves and is truly holistic education in action.
World Support Staff Day
Tomorrow is also a significant day, particularly in education, 16 May is World Support Staff Day. This is an initiative of Education International, the global organisation of education unions, and it offers all of us an opportunity to pay tribute to those who play a most vital role in education.
Many families can attest to the fact that school support staff in all schools play a critical role in allowing schools to offer to families the type of holistic education that each individual child deserves. Whether it be the friendly voice at the end of a phone in the office, the teacher assistant supporting students in their lessons, the maintenance team that keep everything working, the canteen staff, the finance managers, advisors or administration (just to name a few), they are the team of people who mostly go about their business quietly and somewhat unnoticed but whom without, the school would fall apart.
To all of our wonderful support staff, thank you. We appreciate everything that you do for our students and we would be lost without you.
Have a great weekend.
Mark Nunan
Principal
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When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.
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Assistant Principal's Message
Learning and Teaching
Dear Students and Families
I would just like to take this opportunity to share my thanks on the return to face to face teaching that happened this week. Many have commented on how the week has started to feel normal.
Thank you to all the students for the way in which they have returned with their new timetables, whilst continuing to operate one day per week in this online environment.
During Week 4 (18 - 22 May) the daily program will remain the same as this week.
YEAR 12:
Monday = face to face teaching
Tuesday = online learning
Wednesday = independent study
Thursday = face to face teaching
Friday = face to face teaching
YEAR 11:
Monday = online learning
Tuesday = face to face teaching
Wednesday = face to face teaching
Thursday = independent study
Friday = online learning
Please remember:
- Full school uniform on your days at school
- Bring any PPE / Prac gear that you may require.
- Normal bell times apply.
- There will 30+ hand sanitising stations spread around the school site
If you have any questions please contact your PC teacher, subject teachers or phone the office.
As you would be aware from Mark Nunan's announcement earlier this week, we are moving towards a full return to school very soon. Later next week I will again email all students with another new timetable that will commence on Monday 25 May (Week 5). This timetable is not really "new" but a return to the original timetable. Some students may notice some room changes etc.
Andrew Banham
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
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Oops! We made a Typo!
We apologise for making a mistake with a student's name in last weeks Newsletter.
Ruby L Taylor was the recipient of the VET in School's Student of the Year for Business in this year's NSW Training Awards.
Sorry Ruby!
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Mental Wellbeing: Complete a mindfulness meditation - Meditation has been around for 100’s of years if not thousands. It’s no surprise that we use meditation in our daily lives to help us relax.
Meditation helps with;
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved blood circulation
- Lower heart rate
- Less anxiety
- More feelings of well-being
- Less stress
- Deeper relaxation
Suggested apps: - Headspace, Meditation minis by Chel Hamiltion on spotify & Smiling minds
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Student Services News
Hi Newman family
This week it was great to see the smiling faces of our students return to the College for some face to face learning. We will continue with our adjusted timetable for Week 4, before returning to our normal timetable in Week 5.
This week Year 11 participated in a wellbeing activity that saw them compete against each other in trivia and physical challenges (with a little bit of cheating thrown in). Well done to Crystal Jackson’s team in 11.7 who proved to be superior on the day. Congratulations 11.7 on winning, you've earned valuable GRIT points for your team.
This week Year 12 had their jerseys arrive, which proved almost as exciting as selecting a formal outfit. It's great to see Year 12 proudly wearing their College jersey around with a bit of pride and a strut in their step. Do the jersey proud Year 12 in everything you do.
As we return next week, please help the teachers by being prompt to school, wearing the College uniform correctly and maintaining an image that we would expect in the workplace, that is, clean shaven and without facial piercings.
Have a great week everyone and remember that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
Take care of each other.
Adrian Ryan
Student Services Manager
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Blair MacLachlan - CCA Aged Care - Front Line Worker
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Human Services News
While COVID-19 has caused widespread disruption to the Newman Workplace Learning Program, some of our Human Services students have been fortunate enough to continue their School-based Traineeships in our local CCA aged care facilities. One of these is Blair MacLachlan (pictured doing a waltz with Gladys) who is considered a valuable staff member at Maryknoll House, often working additional shifts to make up staff shortfalls.
The pandemic has allowed Blair to apply in “real time” his learning on topics such as infectious diseases, appropriate use of PPE, and infection control in a health care setting. This is particularly important in aged care, because the elderly are more susceptible to infection due to the natural weakening of the immune system and the increased likelihood of suffering chronic medical conditions.
We are proud of Blair for his continued efforts as a front-line health care worker and we know that this appreciation is shared by his nursing colleagues as well as the residents to whom he ministers. Keep up the wonderful effort Blair and all of our School-based Trainees.
Wendy Schumann
Human Services Teacher
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The Pathways & Careers Team News
A reminder to all students that there is no block week next week for Year 11 as per the calendar. We will continue on the Week 4 timetable as per the Term 2 Return To School Plan.
Next week is National Careers Week - during the week the attached email was sent to all students and parents regarding workplace learning and there are many fabulous Careers Week Activities Happening so get involved!
A Day in the Life of Your Dream Career
Wanting to find out if the career you’ve been dreaming of is right for you? Work experience isn’t the only way – check out the video resources we’ve gathered showing you a typical ‘day in the life’ of heaps of different careers.
See if there is a career to suit you.
Brain Boosting Snacks
Find it hard to study on an empty stomach? Don’t reach straight for the chips or lollies – check out some of the healthy snacks we’ve found to help enhance your study.
Find out what they are on our blog.
Even More Competitions
If you’re in need of something to do, we have even more competitions posted to our database this week. And you might even win a great prize for your efforts.
Check out the latest competitions you can enter here.
Please find early entry programs for NSW Universities attached here.
Kylie Ham
Pathways & Careers Team Leader
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St Agnes Uniform Store Opening Hours
Online and physical store trading will resume Monday 11 May.
Trading hours at our Boronia Street store will be Mon - Fri 1.00pm to 5.00pm until further notice.
Online orders are available for click and collect or delivery
We can be contacted through email – uniformstore@stagnesparish.org.au
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School Bus Service Update
Busways would like to advise that all school and route services to your school are still operating.
Busways is continuing to work with Transport for NSW to ensure vital services keep running for all our customers during COVID-19. The health and safety of our drivers and our passengers is our top priority and as such, we encourage you to remind students to maintain hygiene practices, remain cautious of the virus and follow social distancing guidelines when they’re on the bus (where possible). Students should always maintain social distance from the bus driver.
It’s important that we all continue to exercise every Government outlined requirement to ensure we get through this together. Busways has continued to:
- Maintain extra cleaning on buses, with every bus receiving a disinfectant treatment every day, including all regularly touched areas such as handrails, poles, seats and doors.
- Exercise additional procedures for all Busways employees to follow in order to limit any chance of the virus spreading. This includes issuing employees with hand sanitiser, requiring employees to wash their hands every time they enter and leave a worksite, employees staying home if they’re unwell, and minimising the handling of cash.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and appreciate schools providing information to students to assist in minimising the spread of the virus. Please remind students that they are still required to tap on and off with their Opal card or show their School bus pass when boarding.
Current advice:
If a student is experiencing flu-like symptoms, until they know what type of illness they have, they must stay home and avoid contact with other people. They should not board the bus. Students undergoing 14 days of mandatory isolation should also not board the bus.
This information may change at any time subject to Government decisions.
Parents should seek medical advice over the phone and follow all recommendations from their medical professional.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Busways at infoline@busways.com.au.
Regards,
Sarah Langthorne
Customer Experience Manager
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LitFest
LitFest was due to be held at Newman College in June, but due to the ever changing COVID-19 LitFest has been transitioned online. See below for online workshop dates.
Let the storytelling fun begin!
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Our College counsellor can now resume face to face appointments as needed. For students who have previously seen the counsellor please email or go to the counsellors office to make an appointment.
For students who feel they would like some support please follow the procedure for referral.
Students are able to fill out a referral form or your teacher can help you with this and the counsellor will make contact with you. The referral form is located on the Newman Moodle website (see link below).
Newman Moodle page - Wellbeing - Student Referral Form
Counselling is a process of talking about and working through what is on your mind or what is going on in your life. Through talking and getting things out, you are often able to find some clarity for your concerns. In this current situation it may be helpful to talk about what is happening for you.
Everything in the counselling session is kept private and confidential, however if we believe you are going to cause harm to yourself, or someone else or could be involved in a highly illegal activity, our counsellor or teachers are mandated to report.
Our College counsellor, Linda McGuire is located upstairs in the Futures Hub – Pathways and Careers area.
Availability:
Monday 9.00am - 3.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 3.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm
Friday 9.00am - 3.00pm
Click here for Tips for Parents returning to school
Click here for the Counselling Brochure
Online support options and information
This current environment may bring more challenges so please reach out if you need assistance. I have added some useful links and information below including 24hr supports.
Local Essential Services
Mental health access line 1800 011 511
Suicide call back service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids helpline 1800 55 1800
Parent line
Raising children
Head to health
Headspace
Smiling mind
Reachout tools and apps
Centrelink
Any Questions? You can call Linda McGuire on 6580 3800 or email linda.mcguire@lism.catholic.edu.au
Stay safe and take care.
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Headspace Happenings
In addition to our counselling services we have moved our meetings, and social groups to a zoom format. Our headspace Youth Reference Group (YRG) is one of these groups with 13 volunteers aged between 16-25 years regularly meeting to advocate for their peers, voicing the impact the pandemic has had on them socially, economically and culturally. Julia Smith,a YRG member and current CSU student has written an article specifically for our newsletter sharing her personal experience (see below for the full story).
Monday, May 11th saw The Push Up Challenge begin with over people 70,000 people registered Nationally, many of whom are from the Port Macquarie-Hastings area (pictured below) and are raising funds for our centre. This years challenge sees individuals or teams combine to complete 3,046 push ups over 21 days promoting fitness, fun and mental health awareness- something we can all benefit from while staying at home!
Read the Headspace Newsletter for the latest news, events & information.
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Catholic Care Of The Aged Currently Taking New Admissions
The situation that is facing us regarding Corona-virus (COVID-19) is a constantly changing one.
Catholic Care of the Aged services including Residential Care, Respite Care, Home Care and Independent Villages remain operational in our community. It is our intention and our aim to be able to continue taking new admissions, to welcome and support individuals and their families at their time of need.
Our priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, clients, team members and communities. To minimise contact and maintain the guidelines specified by the Australian Government, we have introduced several changes to the way our services are delivered.
We are enforcing mandatory sanitisation for staff and authorised visitors on the site, COVID-19 screening continues along with temperature checks to ensure reduced risk of exposure. Staff are utilising personal protective equipment (PPE) and practising high-level sanitisation procedures and our routine quality infection controls remain in place.
If you or someone you know is considering Residential Care, Respite Care or Home Care we are currently taking new admissions and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Simply contact our Client Relationship Team on 5525 3600, or email enquiries.cca@stagnesparish.org.au
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Joining the Army Reserves
Did you know that you can join the ADF part-time through the Reserves? It’s a great way to learn valuable skills and get paid while having the flexibility to work around your other commitments.
Learn more about the Reserves in our latest blog.
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National Careers Week & Year 13 Digital Careers EXPO May 18-22
While we don't have workplace learning happening due to Government restrictions, there are so many other productive ways to spend your dedicated workplace learning day.
Finding what you want to do made easier! Through a series of live chats, webinars and online ‘booths’, the Year13 Expo will help you figure out what it is you’re passionate about and what you need to do in order to get there. Hear from experts, chat with influencers and explore all of your post-school options. Watch an overview video, see more information and click to attend at https://year13.com.au/expo
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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@newmancollege
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This week Year 11 participated in a wellbeing activity that saw them compete against each other in trivia and physical challenges.
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Welcome back Year 11, we can't wait to see all your fresh faces back at school today. #don'tforgettoshave #backtonormal
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Welcome back Year 12, looking forward to seeing you today, We think Mrs Dempsey's been watching too much Tiger King.
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As we transition back to onsite education we'd like to remind you of some COVID Considerations #we'reinthistogether
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Dates for your Diary
Year 12 at College
Mon 18 May
Year 11 at College
Tue 19 May - Wed 20 May
Year 12 at College
Thu 21 May - Fri 22 May
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WE'RE ONLINE, COME FIND US...
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