Raising Digital Citizens: Families in a Digital World
The Raising Digital Citizens Parent and Community Learning Suite has been developed to provide parents and carers with contemporary knowledge, practical tools and evidence-informed strategies to help young people navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly connected world.
Earlier this term we kicked off the series with the first session on “Setting the Standard: A Unified Community Approach.” We are excited to continue next term with Session 2: The Adolescent Brain and Screen Time Reality, presented by Daniel from Levitate Learning.
Families can opt into all sessions in the suite or select those that are relevant to them. Bookings are essential and can be made here.
Term 3 Start Date
All students return to school for Term 3 on Monday 20 July.
Students in Year 7 to 12 will have a pupil free day on Friday 24 July, for Student Learning Conversations.
Uniform Shop – Holiday Opening
The College uniform shop will be open on the following days during the school holidays.
As we come to the end of the term, it is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved. Our students have worked incredibly hard across the semester and should feel genuinely proud of their efforts, persistence and growth. From the classroom to co-curricular activities, it has been wonderful to see students embracing challenges, supporting one another and striving to do their very best.
Speak Up Finals
A highlight of this week has been the Speak Up finals. We were privileged to watch our students take to the stage and demonstrate remarkable courage and confidence in their public speaking. Presenting in front of an audience is no small feat, and each participant should be commended for their preparation, composure and ability to communicate their ideas so effectively. It was inspiring to see students step outside their comfort zones and shine.
Year 3G Assembly
We were also treated to a vibrant and memorable assembly by Year 3G. With a lively 70s theme, students captivated the audience with their creativity, enthusiasm and sense of fun. Their retelling of the Parable of the Vineyard Workers was both engaging and meaningful, highlighting important messages around kindness, fairness and gratitude. It was evident how much effort had gone into preparing such a polished performance, and they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.
As the semester draws to a close, we wish all of our families a wonderful break. We hope this time provides a valuable opportunity to connect, relax and recharge together after a busy and rewarding term.
Looking ahead to Week 1 of Term 3, we are excited to be participating in the Plants for Schools initiative from the City of Stirling. Planting will take place on Friday 24th at 9:30am, and we warmly invite families who are available to join us for this special community event.
Adding to the morning, our coffee van will once again be on site, with coffee available for purchase, so you can enjoy a warm drink while connecting with others in our school community.
We look forward to another wonderful semester ahead and thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Announcement – Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Appointment
I am delighted to share with our Newman College community that Mrs Sarah Pagett has been appointed to the substantive position of Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, a role which she has been acting in this year. The interviews took place with an interview panel, following submissions of applications from a large field of experienced leaders in Catholic and Independent education. Sarah’s strong Marist heart shone through along with the many successful senior leadership positions she has undertaken in our community over recent years.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Sarah on her appointment.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy — And What to Do About It
In an age defined by endless scrolling, highlight reels, and curated perfection, the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy” feels more relevant than ever. Often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, this simple observation captures a powerful truth about human nature: when we, in an unhealthy and unfiltered way measure our lives against others’, we can risk losing sight of our own progress, purpose, and happiness.
The Silent Habit We All Share
In childhood and adolescence particularly, comparison is natural. From childhood, we learn by observing others—who runs faster, scores higher, or performs better. In measured and considered doses, and as a refined skill, comparison can motivate growth, model the way or lead us to be people of social justice action. But in excess, it becomes a silent habit that erodes confidence and distorts reality.
From Reel to Real
Today, that habit is amplified by social media. We are no longer comparing ourselves to a handful of peers—we are measuring our lives against hundreds, even thousands, of people. The problem? We’re comparing our behind-the-scenes life in its fullness and a ‘work in progress’ to someone else’s highlight reel. Promotions, vacations, milestones, and celebrations are shared quite freely, while struggles, failures, and doubts often remain hidden in that ‘highlight reel’- a real danger in the making.
When Comparison Steals Joy, especially for our children.
Comparison robs us in several ways:
It shifts children and adolescents focus away from gratitude. Instead of appreciating what we have, we fixate on what we lack.
It creates unrealistic standards. We begin chasing benchmarks that may not align with our values or circumstances.
It undermines self-worth. Constantly “falling short” in comparison leads to self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
It delays genuine fulfillment. We postpone happiness, thinking we’ll feel content once we catch up—a moving target that never quite settles.
Joy thrives in presence, simplicity, gratitude, and authenticity. Unhealthy comparison, by contrast, pulls us out of the moment and into an endless cycle of measuring and evaluating.
The alignment of the work we do at the College to nurture young people’s self-worth, from the big picture to the small moments, is really intentional work alongside your family, and it flows from our Vision for Wellbeing- age and stage programs for wellbeing. The Marist Characteristics, especially the characteristic of Simplicity, is so important in teaching our young people that simplicity means authenticity – the framework to celebrate who you are and how to gauge your own personal learning, social and emotional growth against true measures.
You may recall completing a College survey last year where we asked for your really important opinion regarding how we (school and family) support our students in navigating the digital world with success. On a national scale, the Government implemented a social media ban on children under the age of 16. On a school community scale, your data, alongside work with the Newman Parent Forum, has shaped our Raising Digital Citizens: Supporting Families in a Digital World: Parent & Community Learning Suite. This is a series of 6 practical workshops, with the first workshop happening on Monday 29 June. Click here to read about the topics covered.
Turning Comparison into Awareness
The goal isn’t to eliminate comparison altogether—it’s to become aware of it and redirect it. Here are a few practical ways we can walk alongside young people to frame their joy:
1. Pause and Name It
When you notice unhealthy comparison, simply acknowledge it. Awareness is the first step to regaining control.
2. Shift to Gratitude
Ask your child to actively list what is going well in their life. Gratitude grounds them in reality and centres perspective.
3. Redefine Success
Ask the question regularly: What does success look like for you? Align goals with values—not someone else’s timeline.
4. Limit Unhealthy Inputs
Be mindful of what is consumed. If certain platforms or accounts trigger negative comparisons, consider setting boundaries.
5. Compare with Your Past Self
The most productive comparison is internal. Ask your child to measure how far you’ve come—not how far others appear to be ahead. Growth and gain is an integral part of being Marist. It has been said to me before that God’s gift to us is who we are. Our gift to God is who we become. It also reminds me of Little Athletics days when the focus of competing was about working towards “PBs”.
A Different Lens
Imagine if, instead of comparison, we practised curiosity. Instead of thinking, “Why don’t I have that?” we might ask, “What can I learn from this?” This subtle shift transforms comparison into a teacher.
It also opens the door to empathy and social justice action. I have never met a child or adolescent who, when they see another person’s suffering and circumstance, does not want to help. Newman students rally to support Catholic support agencies and fundraising for causes
Everyone’s journey includes unseen struggles, setbacks, and uncertainties. When we recognise this, the pressure to “keep up” begins to fade.
Final Thoughts
Joy is not found in being better than others—it’s found in being present, purposeful, and aligned with your beliefs. It is found in the authentic connections we have with one another too.
The next time you feel unhealthy comparison creeping in to your child’s life, remember: life is not a competition. It’s a story—uniquely owned, unfolding at its own pace.
And joy? It’s not something you win. It’s something you protect.
Champagnat Day
We had great joy in celebrating Champagnat Day today at the College. The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat falls on June 6, but we have our senior students involved in examinations around this time. Champagnat Day was celebrated with a wonderful Mass, followed by recognition of students and staff awarded the annual Champagnat Awards with the input of students, parents and staff nominations. We finished the day in great joy with the fete activities across the whole College. What a great time we had with the Rhythm of the Guilds Dance event! Each Guild with students from Year 1 to 12 showed their moves in their choreographed dance. Fantastic Guild Spirit- fantastic College Spirit!
We have now finalised all Term Dates for 2027 and we are pleased to provide these to families for their planning.To view click here.
Raising Digital Citizens Parent and Community Learning Suite
Throughout 2025, Newman College sought feedback from parents regarding social media, technology use and student wellbeing. The College received approximately 600 responses. The feedback revealed a strong desire for greater support, practical guidance and a more consistent approach between home and school.
Feedback from parents identified ten key areas of concern:
Stronger school restrictions and enforcement
A desire for a unified community approach
Education for students, parents and the wider community
Screen time, health impacts and brain development
Devices at home and school, including school-issued laptops and iPads
Monitoring tools and parental controls
Alternatives to replace device time
Social media platforms, trends and emerging risks
Curriculum and learning-platform concerns
Student wellbeing, bullying and online safety
The Raising Digital Citizens suite has been designed to directly address each of these areas.
As a College community, we recognise that supporting young people in the digital age cannot be achieved by schools or families alone. It requires a genuine partnership built on shared expectations, common language and collective responsibility. The most successful outcomes occur when students receive consistent messages from the important adults in their lives and when families feel equipped to guide, monitor and support their children with confidence.
The Raising Digital Citizens Parent and Community Learning Suite has been developed in response to this feedback. The series aims to provide parents and carers with contemporary knowledge, practical tools and evidence-informed strategies to help young people navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly connected world. Through expert presenters, College leaders and community partnerships, we hope to strengthen our collective capacity to raise young people who are responsible, respectful, resilient and safe digital citizens. Further information and registration is availablehere.
Traffic Warden – Mantua Crescent/ Tuscany Way
The Traffic Warden who works at the Children’s Crossing on Tuscany Way, near Mantua Crescent is unable to work between Monday 8 June, and Thursday 2 July (remainder of the term). The crossing unit have been unable to find relief staff to cover this absence.
If your child using this crossing, please remind them to take care, and if you use this road in the mornings and afternoons please be vigilant and allow students to cross
Champagnat Day is one of the most significant celebrations in the life of our College. While the Mass, fete, and guild activities provide opportunities for fun and friendly competition, they also remind us of something much deeper: our identity as a Marist community.
At the heart of the Marist tradition is the characteristic of Family Spirit. St Marcellin Champagnat believed that schools should be places where people feel welcomed, valued, supported, and known. He wanted young people to experience a sense of belonging and community that reflected the love and care found within a family.
Each year, Champagnat Day brings this vision to life. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12, staff, parents, and students come together to celebrate not only the legacy of Marcellin, but also the relationships that make Newman College so special. Whether gathered in prayer at Mass, supporting one another at the fete, or cheering on guilds during the ‘rhythm of the guilds’ competition, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
As we celebrate the life and vision of St Marcellin Champagnat, may we continue to foster Family Spirit in our College, ensuring that Newman remains a place where every person feels at home, known by name, and encouraged to grow into the person God calls them to be.
Br Terry update
Last week, we shared with families on our social media an invitation to pray for Br. Terry, former principal of Newman College and Marist Brother here in our community. It was so beautiful to see so many well wishes for Br Terry, especially from past students, staff, and families.
This week, Br Paul and I visited Terry to share with him some of the comments and memories that people had shared, which lifted his spirits greatly. At this time, we invite families to continue to keep Br Terry in their thoughts and prayers. It certainly means a lot to Terry and his family to know that he is in everyone’s prayers and that the community are with him in spirit.
