Newman Selective Gifted Education Program

Newman Dance News

On Wednesday, our incredible Newman Dance Group took to the stage at the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod at Mount St Joseph, Milperra and what a performance it was! 

Performing to Zoo by Shakira in their vibrant jungle-inspired costumes, our students absolutely captivated the audience with their energy, teamwork, confidence and talent. We are so proud to share that they received a Highly Commended result! 

It has been such a privilege to watch these students grow together, encourage one another, perfect their craft and truly shine as a team. Their dedication, enthusiasm and courage to perform on stage made Wednesday incredibly special.

Newman Writing News - News in My Neighbourhood Competition

In Term 1, Newman Writing students were invited to enter the News in My Neighbourhood writing competition, which encourages young people across Australia to share their ideas, passions and perspectives through creative writing. As part of the challenge, students were asked to write a letter to a group or organisation they believed could make a positive difference about an issue they cared deeply about.

We are very proud to congratulate Helena, who was announced as one of the runners-up in the competition for her engaging and creative writing piece. Helena chose to write a thoughtful letter addressed to mums about the importance of healthy school lunchboxes and making nutritious choices for children.

Helena’s writing impressed with its creativity, strong message and sense of purpose. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and the enthusiasm and care she demonstrated through her writing.

Below, I am delighted to share the written composition that earned Helena this recognition. Congratulations again, Helena, on this wonderful accomplishment!

Attention Parents,

This message is for YOU. 

Imagine opening your lunch box after a long morning at school and finding….. a salad sandwich just staring back at you. Lunch boxes should be exciting, not disappointing. 

Yes, all kids know that eating healthy makes you strong, but having a yummy treat in your lunchbox makes you happy. Every child deserves to have a smile on their face especially when it comes to lunches. 

Here's the problem: Most kids are meant to be looking forward to lunch and recess, but when they open their lunchbox, they wish they were back in class doing spelling. So, your mission is to try and make your child's lunch box exciting for them. Tip: Ask your child what they want for lunch.

A lunch box without chips is incomplete. Most kids adore chips, including me, my sister and my dad. The solution? Try to include in your child's lunchbox: a sweet, a sandwich, chips, veggies and fruit.

Once you’ve done all this there is one more step… The Lunch Box itself. A good lunch always deserves a nice looking lunchbox!

“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what you can do for your child's lunch.”

Your sincerely, 

Helena 

ICAS News

What is ICAS?  ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’  higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science  and Digital Technologies.  

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.  

ICAS testing at Our Lady Star of the Sea

The ICAS assessments are scheduled for August this year. Please note that the tests will be administered before school, starting at 7:50 am. If you would like your child to participate, it will be the parents' responsibility to ensure that your child is dropped off for testing at this time. Please note that parents will fund the ICAS assessments.

Last week, a note was sent home to all students from Years 3 to Year 6. They will be offered the opportunity to register for the ICAS Testing.

The Year 2 student application note is by invitation only and was sent out earlier this week.

If you would like your child to participate, please return the expression of interest form to Miss Burland by Friday 12th June.  You will then be notified if your child’s application is successful and provided with details regarding the registration and payment. 

Miss Natalie Burland

Newman Leader of Learning