Author: Andrew Oreb

Dear Newman Families

Arts and Technologies Exhibition

The College’s Art and Technologies Exhibition was a celebration of creativity and imagination, which was not only a testament to the talent of our students but also a reflection of the hard work of our Art Teachers. 

The results of the work our students put into their pieces were truly remarkable. 

I would like to extend my appreciation to our dedicated Art Teachers, who have played a crucial role in guiding our students along their creative journeys. This includes Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin Campus in the areas of Visual Art, Design and Technology, Technology and Enterprise, Dance, Music and Drama. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping these young artists and helping them find their voices. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the support staff, technicians, curators, and our auditorium crew for your commitment.  

Well done to the students for their beautiful pieces of Artwork showcasing their creativity, talent and hard work.  

Dance Showcase

The ICONIC Dance Showcase was held on Saturday, 21 October. It was an evening filled with mesmerizing performances, exceptional talent, and unforgettable moments, and I would like to express my gratitude to all those who made it possible.  

First and foremost, thank you to our remarkable students whose performances were nothing short of outstanding. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for dance shone through, leaving the audience in awe. The talent displayed on that stage was truly incredible, and we are immensely proud of our young dancers for their exceptional skills and creativity. 

In addition to the students, I would like to thank the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to put the show together. From choreography and costume design to stage management and technical support, their dedication was instrumental in making the event a success. The seamless coordination and dedication of our staff ensured that the music and performances were nothing short of fantastic. 

Year 12 Graduation

Our Year 12 Graduation evening at Optus Stadium was a remarkable occasion where we celebrated the achievements and hard work of our graduating students—the evening commenced with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Garner.  Following the Mass, we all gathered for dinner.   The breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Swan River provided a perfect backdrop for students, parents, and staff to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. 

During the evening we celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of our students. Awards were presented to those who have demonstrated excellence in various areas, reflecting their dedication to academics, leadership, and community service. 

I would like to congratulate our graduates for their achievements and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who made this event a success, including the parents, staff, and all those who contributed to this memorable evening. 

Once again, congratulations Year 12 Graduates. We believe in their potential and look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments. 

The Year 12s are sitting their WACE exams over the next few weeks, and our Year 11 students also sit their final examinations for the year; please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

PK-Y2 Liturgy/Grandparents Day

A heartfelt “Thank You” to all the wonderful grandparents who graced our school with their presence on Grandparents Day. The morning was extraordinary, marked by shared love and togetherness. 

The day began with a beautiful liturgy, a time for reflection and unity, reminding us of the values and traditions that bind generations together. It was a moment to express gratitude and to celebrate the role that grandparents play in our lives. After the liturgy, the grandparents had the opportunity to spend time with their cherished grandchildren, concluded by a morning tea.  

ESC-ISP Multisport Day

This event featured a variety of sports in which the students were eager to participate.  Our students encouraged one another and displayed true sportsmanship and collaboration.  The day was not about winning but about the joy of participating, learning and growing. It was a pleasure to watch.  Congratulations to the students who immersed themselves in the day.  

Celebrating our Staff 

Following on from the recognition of our Primary Leader of Learning, Mrs Catherine Young in the Teacher Awards, Mrs Edwina Battersby, Leader of Wellbeing at Marian was featured in this week’s launch of the national campaign “Be that Teacher”. Congratulations Edwina!  

Enjoy what’s left of the coming weeks

ANDREW WATSON 
PRINCIPAL 

Dear Newman Families 

Welcome back to Term 4! The first two weeks of the new term have seen all classes settle back into the excellent routine of learning and teaching. It has been so energising visiting classes across Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin campuses and watching our students dive deeply into their learning.   

We welcome two new staff members to the College this term and hope they settle well with our community.  

Feast Celebrations

Today, we celebrated the feast day of St John Henry Newman with a whole College Mass. Our College is named in honour of Newman, the most important English-speaking Catholic theologian of the 19th Century.  Spending the first half of his life as an Anglican, he was accepted into the Roman Catholic Church. In the second part of his life, he rose to Cardinal of the Church. Interestingly, Newman’s theological writings were to shape the documents later to be accepted in Vatican II, some 70 years after his death. John Henry Newman was canonised as a Saint in October 2019. 

This week, we also remembered St Mary MacKillop, whose canonisation anniversary falls on October 16, St Mary of the Cross. In Australian education and Christian faith, St Mary stands as a giant who, through the work of her sisters of St Joseph, brought education and Catholic education to much of Australia’s rural and regional areas in the late 19^th and through the 20^th centuries. Our Mackillop Guild is named in honour of Mary MacKillop.  

As you would know, when attending our parent nights and significant celebrations, we pray to St Mary of the Cross and St John Henry Newman, alongside Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat in our Litany of Prayer. 

PARADIGM: Arts & Technology Exhibition and Iconic Dance  

This week, the talent and creativity across the College in the Arts and Technology areas have inspired and entertained us. The display of works from Year 1 to Year 12 and the musical presentations have been a delight to experience. Many families have taken the opportunity to view the displays.  

Tomorrow evening, we are eagerly looking forward to the Iconic Dance program. Congratulations to all students who have displayed their work or performed pieces this week. Thank you to the Arts team for nurturing a high standard of work and guiding the talents of our young people.  

Celebration of Staff

Last Monday, Dr McCrory and I had the pleasure of accompanying some staff to the Catholic Education Staff Breakfast.  Mrs Diana Potter, Uniform Shop Co-ordinator, Mr Drew Elliott, Primary Staff and Mrs Robyn Faulkner, Marcellin Librarian, were all recognised for 30 years’ service to Catholic education. Mr Bern Willett, Secondary Staff, was celebrated for his 40 years of service to Catholic education. Congratulations to you all! 

Next Friday is World Teachers’ Day, and I know you will join me in celebrating all our staff who are educators and role models for our students. 

Best wishes for the weeks ahead. 

“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.”  

St John Henry Newman 

ANDREW WATSON 
PRINCIPAL 

Students have made a smooth transition back to Term 4. As we mark the beginning of the final term, it is important for students to maintain their focus and momentum and to finish strong. The Marcellin campus has been quieter this term with the Year 12s departure. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2023 formally next Tuesday night at their Graduation Mass, Awards and Dinner, held in Optus Stadium.  

Primary Information

Ryan von Bergheim, Head of Primary, would like to share a significant amount of information with Primary parents. Information includes, Grandparents Day, Morning Supervision, 2024 Class Allocations, Loud Shirt Day, Swimming Lessons, Uniform, and Primary Book Swap. 

Please click here to access these details.

Grandparents Day – Thursday 26 October

We extend a warm invitation to all families to attend our Grandparents Day celebrations.  Please RSVP for catering purposes by using the QR code on the invite or by using this link. 

Further information regarding the celebration on Marian Campus can be found in the Primary Information pod – refer above. 

Distressing Content Online 

If you or your child/children have seen distressing content online, talking to someone can make it easier to decide what to do and how to deal with its impact. 

We strongly recommend you access the The eSafety Commissioner’s website to access resources on how to get started with parental controls in social media, games, and apps and on devices.  

Please also refer to the Fact Sheet that explains what to do if you see distressing content online. 

Year 12 Semester (Statement of Results Report) 

Hard copies of the Statement of Results will be included in the students Graduation folder that will be presented at the Class of 2023 Graduation event being held at Optus Stadium on Tuesday 24 October. 

The Statement of Results will be available on SEQTA Engage after 4.00pm Friday 20 October.  Please be reminded to print of all student reports prior to 31 December when details will be archived. 

St Vincent De Paul Society Christmas Appeal 

Make it a real Christmas filled with joy! 

The annual St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal provides hope, comfort, and dignity to over 3000 families in Western Australia who will be struggling during the Christmas season. As a Catholic school educating in the Marist Tradition, Newman College seeks to reach out and serve those in our community following the example set by Jesus in the Scriptures: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”    

Matthew 25: 35;40  

This year, the focus of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal is on the continuing impacts of the cost-of-living-crisis in Australia, including rental and housing affordability and its compounding effects. 

Please click HERE to access full details regarding the appeal and how you can make your contribution. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of this appeal. 

Newman Parent Forum

The next NPF meeting is being held on Monday 06 November at 6.00pm in the St John Henry Learning Hub on the Marcellin Campus.  We encourage all parents to attend, and we look forward to welcoming you. 

Music Recitals/Term 4

The Arts Department would like to invite Families to attend the following Musical Recitals that showcase the fabulous talent of our Music Students and their Tutors over the following weeks.

Week 4

Woodwind Recital Tuesday, 31 October 3:30pm – 5:00pm Lavalla and Marcellin

Venue: Chapel

Lavalla and Marcellin String Recital Wednesday 1 November 3:30 – 4:45 Year 3-4

5:00pm – 6:15pm Year 5 – 11

Venue: Chapel

Week 5

Brass Recital, Tuesday 7, November 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Venue: Auditorium Studio

Guitar Recital Tuesday 7 November Lavalla and Marcellin 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Black Box Theatre EG4

Vocal Recital Wednesday, 8 November

Primary – 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Secondary: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue: Chapel

Week 6

Percussion Recital Tuesday, 14 November 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Black Box Theatre EG4

Piano Recital Wednesday, 15 November is Lavalla and Marcellin 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Venue: Auditorium Studio

Week 7

MUSIC Ensemble Collective Tuesday, 21 November 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue: Auditorium

CODE OF CONDUCT

Dear Newman families

Student Leaders 2024 

Earlier this week we announced the Year 12 leaders for 2024. The process was difficult due to the high calibre of students who expressed their passion and willingness to lead and serve our school community. We received numerous outstanding applications and were inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by all of the students.  

In my meetings with the incoming leaders, I have outlined that one of their most important acts of leadership is to ensure they include and develop the leadership of students without a badge. I thank all students who nominated for positions and encourage those who were unsuccessful in formal positions to continue to lead with courage and passion.  

Congratulations to the following students: 

College Captains:	Bianca Trimboli and Matthew Tomassone
Academic Captains:	Olivia Rubens and Jaydon Augustus
Art Captains:	Estelle Keller and Kristen King
Mission Captains:	Ava Terribile and Larni Cantelo
Sports Captains:	Imogen Boss and Sam Harby
Wellbeing Captains:	Jordan Clay and Ava Prentice
Brigid Guild Captains:	Eva Infirri and Alexander Cardaci
Camara Guild Captains:	Mikayla Short and Alyssa Coumbe
Catherine Guild Captains:	Mikayla Della-Polina and Olivia Taylor
Chisholm Guild Captains:	Jack Stahl and Zoe Boss
Marcellin Guild Captains:	Brianna Colley and Amity Dale
Mackillop Guild Captains:	Pippa Simpson and Savannah Doyle
Romero Guild Captains:	Marcus Malaxos and Ariana Mason
Thomas More Guild Captains:	Keira Reynolds and Darcy Bird

Principal’s Assembly 

This week, we celebrated the Class of 2023 at the Principal’s Assembly. The Graduation Mass and Dinner will take place early next term with families. This day and its rituals are greatly treasured by students and parents. The final week for Year 12 was an exciting one that provided opportunities at Guild, Year and College levels to express our care and best wishes for a fine group of young women and men. Thank you to the staff involved in the running of these events. In the Principal’s Address to the Assembly, I addressed this message at our Year 12s: 

“You are created and called. Let family spirit, presence, a love of work, simplicity and the way of Mary find a place in your heart, and I encourage you to draw on the Marist Way that keeps you considering always your important part in making a better world and invites you into a relationship with Jesus. Let these things help guide your journey as you follow your true North, and may you go into your adult lives knowing what you stand for and be prepared to represent it strongly. Each of you have different gifts and have followed different paths while at this College. Our sincere hope is that you have always felt that those diverse paths have been equally valuable and valued; that your worth and dignity are innate and inviolable; and that your school has been an extension of the care and hope held for you by your families.” 

Primary Build Update 

The landscape, and indeed the skyscape of the College is changing. These are clear signs of progress of our new Primary School facility. Inground services have been completed, with attention turning to the major structure for the Y3-Y6 building, which is beginning to reveal itself. The students are excited to see the scale of the building. It comes with the realisation that their new learning environment is not just a mere concept, but rather a rapidly approaching reality. 

The Newman College team, architects and builders continue to make positive progress. With dry weather forecast moving forward, we expect to see further exciting changes to the site in the coming months. I will continue to highlight these changes within the College Newsletter, as we acknowledge the great enthusiasm with which the College community has embraced this transformational project. 

ACC Athletics Carnival  

Congratulations to all the athletes who represented Newman College in the ACC Athletics Carnival. The participating students came 6^th overall in the competition, an outstanding achievement.  

A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff members for their encouragement and support of the students.  

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Jake Paynter for his outstanding achievement in Swimming.  Suzie Ehlers, the Executive Officer of ACC presented Jake with the “ACC LETTERS” award at the Principal’s Assembly this week. Jake’s dedication and determination serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Congratulations to Jake on receiving this prestigious award.  

End of Term

I find Term 3 is a special term in the calendar year. It is a unique term full of so many opportunities where students are so engaged in our “Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery”. In your participation in the events and opportunities Term 3 has offered, our students across the whole College have let their light shine in Challenge, Collaboration, Creation and Celebration as individuals and groups. It has been a joy to see them in small moments and large events, pursue their personal excellence.  

Please keep the Year 12s in your prayers as the students sit their final exams. 

I wish all students, families and staff a restful and safe break as this term comes to an end. 

ANDREW WATSON 
PRINCIPAL