Teaching & Learning – Term 1 Week 8

Marcellin Homework Club

Homework Club runs weekly in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub (Level 1) from 3.15 – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday. Homework Club is a place where students can come to study, collaborate with their peers and complete homework or unfinished classwork. We are excited to announce that there are now eight Homework Club tutors working across Monday-Thursday. Most Homework Club Tutors are recent Newman College graduates and are all studying at university. This is in addition to our dedicated specialist teachers. You can access the updated Homework Club roster here.

Parents are kindly reminded to please present to the library reception when collecting your children from Homework Club and refrain from accessing the JHN Learning Hub in line with College’s child safeguarding procedures.

Marcellin Student Learning Conversations – Tuesday 29 April

In keeping with the College’s 2025 Annual School Improvement Plan’s strategic priority to further improve student learning outcomes and growth, parent-teacher interviews scheduled for Tuesday 29 April have been rebranded as Student Learning Conversations. In preparation for Student Learning Conversations, students will be reflecting on their learning late Term One to ensure they are prepared to have meaningful conversations with their teachers and parents/guardians, articulating their celebrations and aspirations for their learning moving into Term Two. This small change is a proactive step in increasing student voice and agency as supported by research finding that achievement and engagement are higher at schools that allow students to voice their opinions in decision-making about their education.

Students must attend their Student Learning Conversations (both online and in person) in their academic uniform.

Oral Presentations

Newman College strives to create inclusive environments that address the diverse needs of all students, including those with diagnosed mental health disabilities. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA)’s Equitable Access Policy underscores the importance of ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their abilities.

In keeping with SCSA’s Equitable Access to Assessment Policy, students wishing to access alternatives to oral presentations must provide to the College diagnostic evidence from a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician stating their condition and associated F code, for example, Generalised Anxiety Disorder F41.1, and requesting accommodations for oral assessments be implemented for this condition. This documentation will be shared with the Leader of Learning Support to action a Curriculum Adjustment Plan and relevant assessment accommodations. A reasonable period of time between receiving the documentation and initiating accommodations will be observed, this may be up to a week. Such documentation will be valid for up to 24 months.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL TEACHING & LEARNING PK-12

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10

Try-A-Trade applications open

The Try-A-Trade program provides students with an opportunity to ‘have a go’ at various trades such as bricklaying, stone masonry, ceramic tiling, solid plastering, wall and ceiling lining, painting and decorating and carpentry in a real trade training environment. It is a three-day program that runs from either the Clarkson or Balga campus of North Metropolitan TAFE. Please note that the trades above are the only ones available from the Try-A-Trade Program.

If interested in applying, please contact Mr Farley.

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

  • And here is the “First in Family” resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University: http://firstinfamily.com.au/

Bricklaying free course

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 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson
  • Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie

Apply NOW: Bricklaying job ready program | HIA

New Electrical pre-apprenticeship course

The College of Electrical Training is offering an Electrical pre-apprenticeship course (Certificate II Electrotechnology), commencing Semester 2. To be successful in your application, students will need good grades in Maths, Science, English and also NAPLAN.

Further information is available at this link, and please contact me if you wish to apply.

Future Female Health Leaders Program

The Future Health Leaders Program is designed to inspire female high school students to enter a career in health and medical research, innovation and life sciences. The program will bring together twelve Year 11 science students from across Australia for a full-day event in Canberra in August 2025 to:

  • Showcase the diversity of career pathways in health and medical research
  • Inspire a passion for a career in health and medical research
  • Meet with exceptional female leaders in research, education, industry and government
  • Get some hands-on experience in world-class science facilities

Information and applications here: https://researchaustralia.org/events/future-health-leaders-program/

Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities

Army

Navy

Air Force

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12

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.

University Early Offer Information

Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information.

Early Offers will open on 3 June 2025. Prior to this date, all Year 12 students will be provided with information about how to access the TISC system and enter preferences.

Curtin UniversityNo details as yet.  
Edith Cowan UniversityFull 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.  
Murdoch UniversityNo details as yet.  
Notre Dame UniversityFull information and list of eligible courses at: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/pathways/early-offer   Opens 1 May 2025.First offers released to students on 1 September 2025.Apply via the Notre Dame online portal or via TISC.Open to ATAR Pathway students only.All offers are conditional offers.  
University of WANo details as yet.  

University information

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
  • 1 July 2025:                UCAT testing begins
  • 5 August 2025:          Last test date
  • September 2025:       Results available

You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for more information, tips and practice tests.

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.

You can find more information about this, and book your test, here: https://acuityinsights.app/casper/

UWA Medical entry handbook here (for Assured Pathway): https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/-/media/uwafs/docs/course-guides/2025/uwa-2025-hms-admissions-guide-web.pdf

Curtin Medical entry handbook here: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/5804HS_Medicine-Admissions-Guide-2025_web-updated.pdf

Notre Dame Medicine program information is here: https://www.notredame.edu.au/programs/school-of-medicine/postgraduate/doctor-of-medicine-wa

University scholarships

Curtin UniversitySearch scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia  
Edith Cowan University (ECU)ECU | Overview : Scholarships  
Murdoch UniversityScholarship finder (murdoch.edu.au)  
Notre Dame UniversityFind a Scholarship | Notre Dame  
University of Western Australia (UWA)The University of Western Australia : Scholarships (uwa.edu.au)  
Christian Leaders Scholarshiphttps://ichthys.org.au/christian-leaders-scholarship/

Gap year information

Students interested in taking a gap year in 2026 might find the following interesting:

    Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities

    Army

    Navy

    Air Force

    UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS

    EVENTDATELINK
    UWA Open Day30 Marchhttps://www.uwa.edu.au/open-day
    Career Conversations: Free WA Government events for students and families1 April (Wembley)https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1355579
    Career Conversations: Free WA Government events for students and families2 April (Bentley)https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1356450
    Murdoch University Open Day5 Aprilhttps://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/open-day
    Curtin University Open Day6 Aprilhttps://www.curtin.edu.au/open-day/
    Sound and Engineering College Information Night16 Aprilhttps://sae.edu.au/event/perth-info-night/
    Engineering Open Evening (ECU Joondalup)1 Mayhttps://www.trybooking.com/CYPLT
    ECU Open Day (Mt Lawley)4 Mayhttps://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview
    Perth Careers Expo15-18 Mayhttps://www.careers-expo.com.au/
    Notre Dame Open Day24 Mayhttps://events.nd.edu.au/open-day-freo-2025
    Year 10 Information Evening (ECU Joondalup)27 Mayhttps://www.trybooking.com/CZAMR
    Teaching degrees information evening (ECU)3 Junehttps://www.trybooking.com/CZAMY
    Engineering Information Evening (ECU)4 Junehttps://www.trybooking.com/CYPMK
    Year 9 and 10 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)4 Junehttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/year-9-10-parent-supporters-information-evening-tickets-1232500053839?aff=oddtdtcreator?aff=oddtdtcreator
    Year 11 and 12 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)4 Junehttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/year-11-12-parent-supporters-information-evening-tickets-1229599558379?aff=oddtdtcreator?aff=oddtdtcreator
    Parent Information Evening for Year 12 students (ECU)5 Junehttps://www.trybooking.com/CZCDR
    Psychology Information Evening (ECU)10 Junehttps://www.trybooking.com/CZMLH
    Newman College Careers Expo and Year 10 Parent Evening24 June Marist Auditorium3.30pm to 4.30pm:         Yr 11/12 Careers Expo 5.00pm to 6.00pm:         Yr 10 Careers & Subject Expo 6.00pm to 6.45pm:         Yr 10 Family Info Session
    WAAPA Information Evening 29 Julyhttps://www.trybooking.com/CZAMD
    Engineering Information Evening (ECU)5 Septemberhttps://www.trybooking.com/CYPND
       

    If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this blog might help you get the most out of it: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2025/02/07/year-12-how-to-approach-university-open-days-in-2022/

    Mr Justin Farley

    LEARNING AREA COORDINATOR PATHWAYS

    From the Principal – Term 1 Week 8

    All things that are caught, rather than taught in good schools

    Most of all, perhaps, they help to create that indefinable atmosphere associated with all those things which are caught, rather than taught in good schools

    This was a quote from a member of a religious teaching order, documenting their efforts as they laboured to establish a new Catholic school in the 1960s. They referred to the elements that are not necessarily taught but are reinforced in the environment and the culture of the school. Some have referred to this as the hidden curriculum and associated it with the culture of the community in which young people learn and grow. Reggio Emilia also refers to the environment as a significant teacher and influencer on learning and formation.  

    We draw on an amazing store of the story that is ‘caught’ in our Newman College community, both in the Marist tradition and the development of Newman College. Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts, a very Marist phrase, is caught as much as it is taught. In our programs for supporting the development of young people in a faith community through Marist tradition, through wellbeing initiatives and our agile learning – the framework, knowledge and skills for young people’s toolboxes are taught, and this is fantastic. Complementary to this are the actions, words and involvement our children see in adults and their fellow students. Good standards for behaviour, for care, for respect and high expectations for involvement all play their part, alongside the valuable in-class learning that we strive to bring to the formation of our students. A measure for our current strategic directions should be observing what is caught by our children as much as what is taught.   

    Great Moments in a Day 

    During Tuesday afternoon this week, I had the most pleasant moment to break the hours in front of a screen and regular operational work in my role. Two of our Year 8 girls were eager to stop by my office and share with me the excitement of their group of three girls taking out the interschool competition for the Solar Car Challenge. They now move on to the finals at Murdoch University, which is sensational! More exciting was their absolute joy to share with me what had happened. Again, perhaps this is a ‘caught’ and not ‘taught’ moment where sharing learning and achievement comes naturally and without affect.  

    Year 12 Careers Breakfast 

    Last week, we hosted the annual Year 12 Careers Breakfast. Our Class of 2025 were tasked with being at school earlier than normal, and there they were, ready to soak up all the advice from the 25 Newman College Alumni who gave of their time to discuss their professions and career journeys. The buzz around the room was fantastic and the event demonstrated our Family Spirit. So many generous and passionate past-students, from most recent, to 10 years, 20 and 30 years graduated, through to an alumnus from the 1960’s. These past students dropped everything to be back at their school and to guide and mentor the next generation of Newman College graduates. What a blessing to have such invested and caring alumni – thank you!  

    What I learn as a Principal 

    Another fortnight has gone by, and great opportunities have come my way to walk alongside our students. I had the chance to read Alpacas with Maracas with two classes of Pre-Primary. Moving along the dial, I had some great times with Year 5 and Year 6 as we unpacked the Newman Norms and, in the last week, I have started my annual morning teas with Year 12 students. What did I learn? Our Pre-Primary students love engaging with reading and relating stories to their own life. Year 5 and 6 students could have written the Newman Norms themselves, such is their level of empathy and care. Year 12 students are our wider community leaders of the future, so they are perceptive in their feedback about the Newman College journey and ever-ready to make things better for those to come.  

    Some Newman College Moments 

    Congratulations to the ACC Swimming Team for their hard-fought 4th place in the 10-team A Division competition this week. A highlight within the team’s performance was the first place for our Junior boys. On the same day, our First XI Cricket defeated Kent Street H.S. in the Graeme Wood Shield. They move to the Grand Final next Thursday to be played at the WACA ground against Mazenod College. All the best! Finally, we are all very excited for the opening show of the Newman College Production- Bugsy Malone. The first show is this Thursday evening. What a wonderful cast, crew and staff to bring to this production. Break a leg! 

    As we move through Lent to Easter, there are so many important learning days still to come in the term. Please make sure our students are in class right through to the end of term. 

    Wishing you a great fortnight ahead until the next newsletter.  

    Mr Andrew Watson

    PRINCIPAL

    From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 6

    Neurodiversity and Harmony Week

    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.

    Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines and Procedures for further information:
    Years 7-9 Assessment Guideline and Procedures
    Years 10-12 Assessment Guideline and Procedures

    Traffic Warden Absence

    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.

    From the Principal – Term 1 Week 6

    A Little About Lent

    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.

    Ministry Update – Term 1 Week 6

    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. 

    Mr Stuart McClorey

    DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY