As a Marist school, we are guided by the core value of Family Spirit – a commitment to welcoming, supporting, and respecting one another. Neurodiversity and Harmony Week is an opportunity to live out this characteristic, celebrating the diversity that makes up our school community and nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Just as a family embraces its members with love and understanding, we embrace the diverse backgrounds, traditions, experiences, and ways of thinking, including neurodiversity, that enrich our school.
Over the course of the week, students from PK to 12 will partake in a range of activities focusing on shifting perceptions, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusive environments where difference is celebrated, and individuals are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. Further details on these activities can be found in the Primary and Secondary school updates of this newsletter.
Newman Parents Forum
The Newman Parent Forum is an opportunity for parents to connect with College leadership and contribute to the life of the school. Held once per term, the Newman Parent Forum is led by the Principal and Vice Principal in collaboration with the Newman Parent K-12 Executive Committee.
The Newman Parent Forum works in partnership with the College Executive to support key events, advance the Strategic Plan, and advocate for both the College and its families within the school and wider community.
We encourage all parents to take part in these forums to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing growth of Newman College.
The next Newman Parents Forum is taking place this Monday 17 March at 6pm in the JHN Learning Hub or you can join online on Teams, just click here. We hope to see you there!
Student Planned Absence during Term Time
At Newman College, we value the role of family time and shared experiences, but we also emphasise the importance of regular school attendance to ensure the best educational outcomes for our students. As part of our commitment to academic integrity and fairness, the College has a strict Assessment Policy regarding absences for holidays during term time, which may result in students being penalised on assessments if the absence is not approved.
Under the Education Act 1999 (WA), parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school unless there is a valid reason, such as illness or exceptional circumstances. Extended absences for holidays disrupt learning and place students at a disadvantage, especially when assessments and coursework cannot be replicated outside the classroom without compromising the assessment validity.
Classroom assessments are carefully designed to measure a student’s understanding and progress within the curriculum. When students miss these key learning opportunities, it becomes challenging to ensure they meet academic expectations. Additionally, teachers are unable to provide alternative assessments or replicate the in-class experience, reinforcing the importance of attendance.
We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during designated school breaks to support their child’s academic success. If extenuating circumstances arise, parents must seek approval from the College in advance.
We have been advised that the Traffic Warden, who supervises the pedestrian crossing on Hale Road, near Lombardy Street, will be absent on Wednesday 19 March 2025. The Children’s Crossing Unit (WA Police) has confirmed that a replacement will not be available during this time.
We kindly ask all families to exercise extra caution when using the crossing during this period.
We are into the season of Lent which began with our Ash Wednesday liturgies last week. Lent is a time for preparation, reflection and spiritual renewal, with prayer as a central piece in achieving these aims. Common to the great religious traditions is the notion of prayer and experiencing prayer. Lent lends itself to prayer, and the tradition of fasting in Lent helps prepare the whole person for a full experience of prayer. Fasting and abstaining from meat are expressed in Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Whereas in modern society, where we are comfortable with the notion of dieting and balance in diet, fasting is a bit of a challenge. Dieting is an act for oneself, fasting is a more outward expression of making an inner emptiness which God can then fill through the action of prayer. A strong feature of our Marist spirituality is a rich prayer life. During Lent, our students will continue to experience types of prayer and praying that help us prepare for the joy of Easter.
International Women’s Day
Our focus in 2025 was to increase our recognition and celebration of International Women’s Day. A group of senior students led by our Wellbeing Captains, Jasmin Afflick and Leyla Do, along with staff, planned celebrations and information to share within the community. We were pleased to present this last Friday in recognition of IWD on Saturday, 8 March. Raising awareness and joining in action to further this year’s theme of Accelerate Action is not just a job for one day of the year, and we look forward to the work of our Student Leaders in maintaining action throughout the year.
Twilight Tours
On Tuesday, we welcomed over 100 families to the campus for our Marcellin Twilight Tour. Guiding prospective families around the campus and highlighting the richness of opportunity available to students through our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery is always a joy. The greater joy was the key role of our student leaders in the small groups. They took the lead in presenting to our visitors the Newman College journey and how it is experienced by our students. I was certainly very proud to listen to the rich expression of learning, service and formation they spoke to in their interactions with our guests.
Time with Year 5 & 6
In my two years at Newman College, I have greatly enjoyed spending time with our students, especially the chance to regularly read to our Marian students. Setting aside time with Year 5 and Year 6 is a focus for me as Principal during this semester. Year 6 Red and I explored, through a simple story of growth, kindness and friendship, a deeper dive into the Newman Norms and the Marist Theme for 2025- Pilgrims of Hope, Look Beyond. They took the lead in presenting their insights and actions in support of our Newman Norms and Marist Theme. They are true leaders in action, and I look forward to the upcoming time with Year 5 and 6 classes.
Farewell to Marian
Earlier in the year I wrote about the significance of 2025 as a year of celebration. The new Primary campus, 60 years of Marist education at Churchlands and 25 years as a K-12 school. Today, we celebrated another moment, the Farewell to Marian campus. In 2025, we are farewelling a beloved Peebles Road grounds and honouring its Brigidine and Newman College history. This afternoon, over 200 past students, staff and current staff are expected to gather for Mass at St Cecilia’s, followed by an afternoon tea, to retrace the rich education history of the campus. Look out for our social posts which will capture this lovely event. As we track closer to the move, we look forward to our current students and staff’s farewell to Marian, honouring its place in our extended history.
Year 12 Leavers’ Jackets
This week, we held a brief but important ceremony where we distributed the Year 12 Leavers’ Jackets. A group of students and staff worked on the design and schedule for wearing the jackets over the remaining time in Year 12. Week 6 in Term 1 was chosen for the distribution as it marked the end of the first period of assessments undertaken by the year group and the move into the season of Autumn. The gift of wearing the jackets is accompanied by the expectation that it is a privilege, and that privilege is respected in the high standard of leadership and witness to our Marist characteristics that the Class of 2025 can show the community. Enjoy those jackets, Class of 2025!
Primary Picnic
We were so pleased to be able to host the return of the Primary Picnic recently. Family Spirit is at the core of the Newman College community and our families enjoyed a great early evening of entertainment, games, food trucks and friendship. Thanks to the staff for their organisation, the support of families who could attend and the Year 12 Student Leaders who kept the children entertained with games.
As we enter past the halfway point of the school term, I see more and more students having to make choices between what occupies their time. Everyday students are juggling study, homework, friendships, co-curricular opportunities…I am sure for some students it feels like a list that could go on forever! In the busyness of it all, it is easy to bounce from one thing to the next. Our life quickly becomes a ‘tick box’ exercise where we seek to move from one thing to the next, clearing our schedules only for more things to take their place. It is very easy in these moments to neglect our spiritual wellbeing, and yet making time for this, is so vital to our health and having a sound mindset.
The season of Lent is an invitation for us to pause and reflect on how we are living. What are the things we are giving priority to in our lives? Who are those around us that could benefit from our presence, our love, and our care? Lent is not just about giving things up, as we may all remember from our time in primary school It is about making space – for God, for ourselves, and for others. It is a time for us to slow down, to refresh, and to realign our hearts with what truly matters.
On Wednesday, we had a number of our Year 11 and 12 students travel down to Bunbury for the first of our Marist Youth Ministry Connect Nights – an opportunity to step away from the distractions of school and life, and focus on faith, community, and self-reflection. Forming a group of over 60 from Newman College, Bunbury Catholic College, and St Joseph’s Northam, students gathered together, being present to one another, and allowing themselves time to be nurtured as they explored our Marist theme Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond together. Their example of finding space in the busiest of circumstances is one we can all share in.
Moments like these Connect Nights remind us that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen – it requires us to be intentional about putting aside time in our lives. Creating space can be difficult, but in those moments when we can, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, we can better hear God’s call in our lives, and be cognisant of his presence among us. We gain clarity about who we are, who we are becoming, and how we can be more present to others.
As we approach the second week of Lent, my great hope is that the students, staff, and families of our community can be intentional about making time for their own reflection and renewal – whether it be through a family conversation at the dinner table at the end of the day, committing to doing something for the community together, or even simply expressing gratitude to someone who has done something special for you. By doing so, we open ourselves to transformation, drawing closer to God and becoming more fully like the people he calls us to be.
Looking for a moment in your week to pause, reflect, and reset? Each Friday during Lent, students, staff, and families are welcome to join us for a short reflection in our Champagnat Chapel. We look forward to making everyone feel welcome.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. The purpose of the week is to help others understand, value, and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds. During the week, secondary students will have an opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity with the aim to increase acceptance and understanding and to celebrate neurodiversity.
HarmonyWeek is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Australia’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and makes Australia a great place to live. Building on over 65 000 years of First Nations cultures, Australia has become home to migrants from nearly 300 different ancestries.
All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions. They also take on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
While Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s rich cultural diversity, it is also important to focus on the urgency of combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises. Whilst Harmony Day is celebrated on Friday 21 March, it also coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD).
To show support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia, students are invited to wear orange accessories such as a hair ribbon, socks or scarf or an accessory that recognises their own cultural heritage such as a scarf or piece of jewellery with their Academic Uniform on Friday 21 May. Your child is welcome to check with their Leader of Wellbeing prior to Friday if they are unsure about their accessory.
Year 7 & 11 EGT Programs:
As part of the Year 7 EGT program, Year 7s will be participating in physical activities on Tuesday 18 March. Year 7 students are permitted to wear their Guild Uniform to and from school on this day.
On Tuesday 25 March, Year 11 students will be attending the RAC bstreetsmart event at RAC Arena. This event aims to demonstrate the consequences of distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and informs students on how to reduce risk taking behaviours. Further information has been communicated with families via Consent2Go.
Student Early Departures:
If your child needs to be collected prior to the end of the school day for a scheduled appointment or another approved reason, please ensure that you have contacted the College beforehand. As students do not have their mobile phones on them during the school day to receive reminder messages, it is imperative that they know what time they are to meet you at Student Reception in order to minimise disruptions to classes. Thank you for your support.
Please be reminded that all students are required to adhere to the Uniform Requirements and Personal Appearance Guidelines. Students who do not meet the College’s uniform expectations will be required to address the issue before attending classes. Students are required to wear full academic uniform on all days, unless parents have been notified.
Marching Forward: UN Women’s International Women’s Day at Optus Stadium
On March 7th, Optus Stadium hosted the UN Women’s International Women’s Day event, a powerful gathering focused on gender equality, leadership, and change. With a stark gender pay gap of 21.8% and 1 in 3 Australian women experiencing violence, the event served as both a celebration and a call to action.
Speakers included Minister for Women Sue Ellery, highlighted the need for systemic change, particularly in leadership, where only 1 in 5 CEOs are women. Discussions explored how shifting cultural expectations—especially in traditionally nurturing and service roles—can create a more balanced future.
Dr. Carmen Lawrence emphasized that true collaboration depends on trust, while Suzy Urbaniak of Core Learning Foundation promoted reverse mentoring, encouraging young women to guide seasoned professionals in today’s evolving workforce. Lyn Beazley and June Oscar AO championed First Nations gender justice, aligning with Beijing +30’s global goals.
A key theme was the intersection of climate change and gender, with projections indicating that by 2050, 158 million girls could be pushed into extreme poverty.
Celeste Barber, known for her impact on social media, shared insights on using digital platforms for advocacy. She also spoke on ADHD diagnosis, choosing resilience over insecurity, and forging ahead despite obstacles.
The event also emphasised financial empowerment, mentorship, and advocacy, reinforcing the four essential pillars of change—government, industry, community, and business.
Mrs Delia Kretzmann, Miss Tiyana Kerimi and Mrs Lara Ognenis attended the event on behalf of the College.
Year 7 – 12 Guild Swimming Champions Assembly:
On Monday, 10 March, the entire secondary College community gathered to celebrate our 2025 Guild Swimming Champions. Our Sports Captains, Amy Wilson and William Gilbert, reflected on the hard work and dedication of all our swimmers, whether they were chasing personal bests or competing to represent their Guild, the energy was incredible. A heartfelt thanks was extended to the many supporters whose cheers created an atmosphere of excitement that drove every race.
We also had four impressive records broken of the day.
Owen Wright broke the 50m Breaststroke record in a time of 32.98 seconds!
Jackson Paynter broke an incredible three records on the day:
50m Freestyle – 26.05 seconds
50m Breaststroke – 33.23 seconds
50m Butterfly – 28.27 seconds
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Guild Swimming Champions.
Jackson Paynter (Records – 50m Freestyle – 26.05 sec, 50m Breaststroke – 33.23 sec and 50m Butterfly – 28.27 sec)
Aaron Dines
James Bornmann
Year 12
Girls
Abi Fowler
Madie Turnbull
Jasin Afflick
Boys
Caleb McMahon
Jack Borgas
Flynn Morison
Year 7 Immunisations
Earlier this week families were sent an email regarding the Year 7 Immunisations taking place on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April. The School-Based Immunisation team will be visiting Newman College to administer the dTpa vaccine booster (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) and the HPV vaccination (human Papillomavirus) to all Year 7 students. For this to occur, parental consent needs to be given by no later than Wednesday 26 March. All vaccines provided will be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
If you have not yet completed a consent, please complete the consent via VaccinateWA as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can download the Paper-based consent form and return it to the College.
Mrs Carla Pastorelli
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
For students considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12
A reminder to students on the General Pathway who are considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12 next year. It is expected that students from the General Pathway would have participated in extra-curricular activities such as work experience, VET Certificates, Leadership, Service, and/or College sport. General Pathway students who have not participated in any of these extra-curricular activities may not be eligible for UniReady / UniPath.
For students thinking of attending University
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry.
Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:
Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham
Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga
Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson
Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
University Early Offer information
Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information.
Curtin University
No details as yet.
Edith Cowan University
Full information and list of eligible courses at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/early-offer-program Open to ATAR, Certificate IV, and UniReady students.Submit your Early Offer application by placing an eligible ECU course as your first TISC preference.First offers released to students on 2 September 2025.
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry in 2026?
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2025 (including Assured Pathway at UWA) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
4 March 2025: UCAT bookings open
16 May 2025: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2024
11 June 2025: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
Also, students applying for Medicine at Curtin University are required to sit the CASPER Test. CASPER scores are valid only for the next available admissions year, so applicants should only complete the test in the year immediately preceding their planned year of admission.
The CASPER Test is held nationally and is sat online from home. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements to register for the CASPER Test.
The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry.
Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:
Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham
Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga
Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson
Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
In Week 7, Newman College will be celebrating Neurodiversity & Harmony Week. Through discussions, prayers and activities, we aim to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about neurological differences and promote Harmony throughout our community.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles, such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome, Autism and ADHD. Newman College will focus on understanding, valuing, and celebrating the talents of neurodiverse minds through our activities during the week. Parents can find more information: Neurodiversity Celebration Week (neurodiversityweek.com).
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Parents can find more information: Harmony Week – Everyone belongs
On Friday 21 March, as a way of showing support for Harmony Week, students are encouraged to come to school dressed in their own traditional cultural top or full clothing for the day (e.g. Sari, Kimono, Boubou). If students do not have any cultural clothing, they can show support by wearing an item of orange clothing: orange being the official colour symbolising Harmony Week.
Students are asked to bring in a gold coin donation and hand it to their classroom teacher on Friday 21 March. This donation will go towards supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal.
To create an environment that is comfortable and pleasing for all students, please see below the guidelines for what is permitted on Friday 21 March.
Students may attend school in smart, neat, casual clothes.
Short skirts and shorts are not permitted (the usual length of the school skirt is the minimum length for skirts and shorts).
Students are not permitted to wear low-cut, backless, singlet tops or tops that show their midriff. Students are not permitted to wear clothing with inappropriate slogans or logos.
Leggings should only be worn under skirts or shorts.
College Standards regarding grooming, jewellery and makeup will apply. Hair that touches the collar must be tied up at all times. No additional jewellery is permitted.
Year 1 & 2 Genesis Dance Troupe
We are excited to introduce a new Dance Troupe for Years 1 and 2, adding to our thriving Dance programme. The troupe, named Genesis, will perform at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, Schools to Stage, and the Dance Showcase. The date for CPAF is to be confirmed but is usually Term 3 Week 6/7. Schools to Stage is Term 3 Saturday 20 September and Dance Showcase is 23 and 24 October.
Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:30am. Your child may not have to attend every Tuesday morning rehearsal, but needs to be available at this time and for all the performances to be involved in the Troupe.
An information session will be held for parents on Thursday 20 March at 2:40pm in Marian Hall to answer any questions. At this stage, we are seeking expressions of interest – please complete this form by Friday 21 March.
KISS N DRIVE – Marian Family Name Tags
As we continue preparations for the move of Marian Campus to the Main Primary Campus in the coming months, we look to prepare for the new cars that will utilise the Lavalla Kiss N Drive once our Marian families move across. To prepare ahead of time, if you will utilise (or think you might) the Lavalla Kiss N Drive option once Marian families move across, please complete this form so that we can prepare a family name tag for you which you can place on your dashboard to assist us with smooth and efficient collection procedures once the move is complete. We are hoping to do this now, ahead of time, so all families are ready when the move occurs.
All Lavalla families should now have their family name tags if ordered. If Lavalla families still require one, please email Amanda.johnson@newman.wa.edu.au
The name tag system saves considerable time when collecting students, so your support and use of these name tags is greatly appreciated.
Parking
Earlier this week I wrote to both Primary families about parking and safety, asking parents to be vigilant and take extra care when arriving at, and departing from the College. As a follow up to this, I ask all parents to ensure they are adhering to local road instructions regarding parking, including being polite and respectful to the community members who have houses neighbouring our College. We have recently had some reports of our neighbours experiencing unpleasant interactions with some members of our community, which do not align with our values. As a Catholic Marist community, I ask that all parents be aware and considerate of local parking signage, as well as our neighbours.
Community Mass
When your child’s Guild is invited to Community Mass on Thursday mornings at 8:00am, it would be wonderful if they could be there to support. To build Guild spirit, students that attend the Mass are able to wear their Guild sports top for the entire day. The Guild Masses for the remainder of the term are listed below for parents to mark in their calendars:
Week 7: Thursday 20 March – Marcellin
Week 8: Thursday 27 March – MacKillop
Week 9: Thursday 3 April – Romero
Week 10: Thursday 10 April – Camara
Easter Raffle
As we journey through this Lenten season, we continue to encourage all students to donate to Project Compassion to raise money for Caritas Australia, who provide vital aid to communities in Australia and developing nations.
In continuing our support for Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal, the Primary school will be hosting its annual Easter Raffle Fundraiser. This fundraiser relies on the generous donation of Easter eggs by our Newman College families. The donated eggs are then assembled into beautiful hampers as prizes for the raffle.
We would also greatly appreciate the donation of any baskets or appropriate containers that can be used in assembling the prizes. Donations of eggs and baskets can be handed in at the Marian or Lavalla Administration office.
Separate raffle draws will be conducted at both the Lavalla and Marian campuses on Friday 11 April. Tickets will be distributed to students this Friday and additional tickets will be available from the office on both campuses. Tickets will be 50c each or 6 for $2.50.
If any parents can assist in assembling and wrapping the prize baskets, during the last week of school, please let me know via email, jane.short@newman.wa.edu.au
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Yours sincerely
Jane Short RE COORDINATOR PRIMARY
IPSHA Primary Swimming Carnival (Y3-6)
Congratulations to the Newman College Interschool Swim Team (Years 4-6 students) who competed in the Interschool Carnival last week. It was wonderful to see our Newman College team demonstrate their commitment to their passion of swimming. All students tried their hardest and should be proud of their efforts. A big congratulations to the team who collectively produced outstanding results! Special thanks to Mrs Tash Richards for preparing our students for this fantastic event!
Newman Norms / Medals of Marcellin
Each fortnight at each Primary campus, one person will be drawn out of the raffle and receive a small prize for living out our Newman Norms. Congratulations to River (Marian Campus) who was the winner of our raffle in Week 5! Each raffle ticket received is swapped for a token and the Guild with the highest number of tokens at the end of the term wins a prize for the whole Guild!
URSTRONG
A reminder parents continue to have access to a FREE URSTRONG parent membership. We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
