Newman Selective Gifted Education Program

ICAS Testing 

Congratulations to all of our students who completed the ICAS Testing.

At present, the school has not yet received the ICAS results. These results are sent by post and can take up to four weeks, from the testing date, to arrive. As soon as we receive the certificates, students will be presented with them at our Friday Awards Assembly. Each certificate includes login details to access your child’s results online.

Flashback - Newman Symposium

Another huge thank you to our OLSS families and friends who attended our Newman Symposium on Monday! This year, we were excited to merge our Symposium with Grandparents Day and showcase a snippet of some of the amazing things that happen here at Our Lady Star of the Sea. 

All of our dedicated teachers are trained in Gifted Education and they excel at creating challenging, authentic and supportive learning experiences every day. This commitment was evident as you visited our classrooms, from Kindergarten through to Year 6, and viewed the incredible showcases on display.

It was truly heart-warming to see our students sharing their learning with such confidence and pride, and to witness the joy on the faces of grandparents and families as they experienced these moments alongside them. Events like these remind us of the strong, supportive community we have here at Oor Lady Star of the Sea, where learning is valued, talents are celebrated and connections are cherished.

Chess Champions March to the Finals! 

In Term Two, ten students proudly represented our school in the Interschool Chess Challenge, hosted by the Sydney Academy of Chess. Our team consisted of Lachlan P, John A, Nicholas B, Oscar G, Issac L, Hugh P, Antonio L, Ethan L, Lincoln N and Marcus L with each playing seven intense games on the day. Calm under pressure and armed with strategic training, they supported one another, anticipated opponents’ moves and worked as a united force to claim first place. Their victory marked a back-to-back championship, earning them a spot in the semi-finals.

Alongside the team’s success, individual awards were also earned: Isaac placed 5th overall with Oscar and Hugh placing 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Under 10s division. A fantastic achievement!

The semi-finals were held this week during our Newman Symposium Day, with only five spots available on the team: Lachlan, Nicholas, Oscar, Issac and Hugh. Despite the limited selection, all ten students practiced together, showing incredible teamwork. Their preparation and clever strategies paid off when they finished equal first, and after a tight countback, were awarded second place, securing their place in the finals this September.

The celebrations didn’t stop there… Isaac went on to place 4th overall, and Oscar claimed 1st place in the Under 10s division.

We’re incredibly proud of their dedication, sportsmanship, and continued success. We wish them good luck for the finals.

Miss Natalie Burland

Newman Leader of Learning