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From the Principal – Term 2 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 06/06/2025

Dear Newman College Families, 

Welcome to our latest edition of Newman News 

Feast Day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat  

Today we celebrate the Feast day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat in honour of the founder of the Marist Brothers, whose mission was the make Jesus Christ known and loved. As a College community, we will be honouring Champagnat Day on 20 June. 

As part of our celebrations, the College is hosting a Marist Parent Formation Evening In the Footsteps of Marcellin on Wednesday 25 June from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the Champagnat Chapel.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Marist values that shape our College – Simplicity, Presence, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and following In the Way of Mary, and how these continue to guide our community today.  

I encourage you to attend this relaxed evening that will explore how the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat lives on in our shared mission to form young people as good Christians and good citizens. 

More about this event, along with information about the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, can be found in the Mission section of this newsletter. 

National Sorry Day / Reconciliation Week 

We have just finished our observance of National Reconciliation Week at Newman College. Our students spent the time looking at what acts they could do to promote reconciliation and to walk with others. From being involved in seed planting initiative, to Year 12 Leaders discussing National Reconciliation Week at the recent Celebration Assembly, our students experienced what it means to make a commitment to reconciliation and growing together. They learned that ‘sorry’ is not about taking personal blame, but about acknowledging the pain of the past and committing to a more just and compassionate future. We stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples and continue to learn, listen and walk together toward healing.   

Cooking with Compassion 

Recently, Year 12 students led the way by putting their skills to work in the service of others. Shopfront is a Catholic Archdiocese of Perth support service for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Our students prepared a number of pasta meals and muffins for distribution through Shopfront. Great work by Newman College students and staff!  

Marist Netball Carnival 

You may have been following the Marist Netball team on our social media last week at the annual Marist Netball Carnival in Adelaide. Our team was made up of three Year 12 students, one Year 11 student and three from each of Year 10 and Year 9. Our senior netballers were magnificent in mentoring the younger players and the whole team played with great passion and determination. Against some outstanding teams from around the Marist schools in Australia, Newman College finished fifth in their division and did Newman College proud. Well done to all the players and to our coaches Ms Tiyana Kerimi and Ms Jorja Clark.  

Shine 

Our Shine program, which supports gifted and talented students, has featured heavily in recent weeks as they have engaged in some brilliant extended learning opportunities. Year 8 and 9 students worked alongside Murdoch University staff in challenges and forensic studies. Year 10 students visited the University of Western Australia to take their Problem-Based Learning session in Philosophy. The week concluded with 27 Newman College students from Year 6 to 12 competing in the World Scholar’s Cup. Newman College students competed against very talented students from across the metropolitan area and won a few trophies for their work. Thanks also to Ms Cate McKnight, Shine Co-ordinator, for all her work in assisting this learning.  

A Festival of Cross Country 

It has been a week of Cross-Country across both Primary and Secondary. We had 65 across Year 3-6 compete at the SSWA Cross Country event and the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival and 85 Secondary students across Year 7 to 12 compete at the All Schools Cross Country and ACC Cross Country events. Congratulations to all who competed. You have done Newman College proud. Thank you to our Sports teachers for running training since the beginning of the term.  Special mention to the following on some amazing results.

  • Under 19 Girls: Olivia Hilderbrandt placed 3rd, and Ava Stanley finished 11th
  • Under 19 Boys: Harrison Warwick claimed a strong 20th place
  • Under 16 Boys: Bastian Dominguez Rubina achieved an impressive 6th place
  • Under 15 Boys: Cooper Warrick placed 16th
  • Under 14 Boys: Taj Webster secured 15th place
  • Under 13 Boys: Jackson Piccoli came 15th and Julian Cameron 19th

Archbishops LifeLink Day 

This week, Newman College hosted the launch of the Archbishop’s LifeLink Day for Catholic Primary schools, with around 450 students in attendance from Catholic schools all across the Perth Diocese. Our Year 6 students listened to presentations from speakers about the important work all Catholic schools can contribute to in supporting the services of LifeLink for people in hardship and homelessness. There were great workshops held to discuss ideas and actions that each school can now go away and lead in their own communities.  

Year 8-9 Eagles Cup Football 

Quietly, the Year 8-9 Boys Football team has been building momentum and winning all their games since the beginning of the season. They have reached the finals after topping the Claremont Division. The Grand Final awaits them next term, so be sure to lend them your support when the fixture is posted. Congratulations boys! 

Newman Parents Forum Executive

We have a spot available on our Newman Parents Forum Executive Committee and we are looking for Expressions of Interest. If you are interested in joining or would like to find out further information about the role, please email andrew.watson@newman.wa.edu.au

Wishing everyone all the best for a restful weekend.  

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 2 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 06/06/2025

Champagnat Day

Today marks the Feast Day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and the visionary behind Marist Education. Deeply committed to the needs of young people, particularly those who were poor and marginalised, Marcellin believed that to educate children effectively, one must first love them and love them equally. His legacy continues to inspire Marist schools around the world to nurture communities built on Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work, and In the way of Mary.

To ensure all students have the opportunity to commemorate this special day, we will celebrate as a College on Friday 20 June. All students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will take part in a Mass or Liturgy, followed by the Annual Champagnat Awards. These awards honour students and staff who exemplify our Marist characteristics in their everyday actions, modelling the values and spirit of Marcellin Champagnat in our community. Primary students will also participate in a Lapathon to raise money for Lifelink.

A reminder that our K-Y2 students will spend the day at the Lavalla Campus. Pre-Kindergarten students will attend Marian Campus and their class as normal.

Further information on the day will be sent to families in the coming week. We look forward to coming together as a College to honour the life and mission of Saint Marcellin and to celebrate those in our community who live out his vision in meaningful and inspiring ways.

2026 Term Dates           

The 2026 Term dates have been finalised and can be accessed here.

Transperth Service Changes

To address the late arrival of the school specials Transperth will affect the following changes from 22 June 2025:

Route 422 

  • The service to Scarborough Beach Bus Station continuing as School Special 717 will now depart Karrinyup Bus Station at 7.38am.   

 School Special 717  

  • School Special 717 will now depart Scarborough Beach Bus Station at 7.57am.         

Carpark Courtesy

As a College, we have received several reports about dangerous behaviours in the Marcellin carpark.

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the expectations of carpark use:

  • Adhere to sign posted speed limits (8kph within the car park)
  • Do not stop in keep clear zones.
  • If you are dropping off or picking up students, pull into a bay or a ‘drop off/ pick up’ zone. Please do not stop in the middle of the carpark as this blocks traffic.
  • Adhere to any directive signage (give way, authorised access only, etc).

In the last newsletter I provided an update on the Lavalla Carpark Map and flow, in addition the above please observe the following when accessing this Carpark.

  • Please continue to clearly display your family names on the car dashboard if you are using the Kiss ‘N’ Ride service.
  • If your child is not ready for collection in the Kiss ‘N’ Drive zone, please continue through the loop and either rejoin the circuit or park in the Eastern section of the carpark.
  • Parents wishing to park should remain in the right lane and use the main carpark bays.
  • Please keep the left lane clear and moving to ensure traffic flows smoothly and to prevent cars from backing up onto Empire Avenue.

These small steps will ensure safety, a shared sense of courtesy, and will allow traffic to flow smoothly.

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 9 June at 6pm in the JHN Learning Hub. If you are unable to attend in person you can join online on Teams. The agenda and TEAMs link are in the key dates section. We hope to see you there!

Newman College Community Quiz Night

Our Community Quiz night is fast approaching and tables are selling fast. This year we are raising money for two very special causes.

  • Marist Solidarity – an aid organisation that provides education to young people in disadvantaged communities in our Province
  • Youth Focus – a not-for-profit working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young Western Australians, by offering evidence-based, safe, high-quality services, at no cost.


As a Marist school, these are causes that are close to our hearts.

In addition to purchasing a table, you can also support these causes in the following ways:

  1. Prize Donations – Prizes that can be used in a raffle, including but not limited to – gift vouchers, hamper items, electronics and experiences.
  2. Event Sponsorship – There various sponsorship opportunities available, local businesses can be showcased, while contributing to this cause.
  3. Volunteering – Assist various tasks on the evening, as well as setup and pack down.

Please contact Jenni Vile, Marketing Officer (jenni.vile@newman.wa.edu.au), if you are interested in assisting.

Your generosity and support will be instrumental in contributing to this unforgettable evening and ensuring that we can maximise our fundraising efforts.

Mr Michael Chiera

VICE PRINCIPAL

Primary Update – Term 2 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 06/06/2025

Assembly – 3 Red

Last Friday, 3 Red treated us with a walk down memory lane as they shared our Newman College journey over the decades, reminding us that no matter what era, what the buildings look like or the technology we have access to (or don’t!), our Marist Heart remains. Thank you Mrs McAuliffe and 3 Red for such an entertaining and informative assembly.

Assembly – 1 Green

Today, we had our very last assembly at the Marian campus, performed by Year One Green. We learnt about all the different types of habitats and what animals need to survive. It was a a great reminder that all living things are God’s creatures and we have a responsibility to not only take care of all living things, but our beautiful Earth too. Thank you for Miss Guarino, Mrs Eindorf and Ms Florias for all of your work in preparing for the assembly.

Application of sunscreen

Applying sunscreen to students in WA is crucial to protect them from the high levels of UV radiation that can lead to skin cancer and other sun-related health issues. In warmer months, the College supports children to apply sunscreen in the middle of the day. In early childhood, the College also assists by role modelling and supporting students initially, but if a student cannot do this independently, then the educator needs to assist in the application of sunscreen. Parents and guardians are welcome to discuss this with Sarah Pagett, Head of Primary (Acting), and to supply your own sunscreen, should they have any concerns about allergies or sensitivities.

Dolomite Crescent

We have had some concerns from local residents regarding our families dropping off their children on Dolomite Crescent, close to the Silkwood Turn intersection. Please observe the road rules, including speed limits and no standing section of Dolomite Crescent to ensure the safety of our students.

Marian Move – Library Closure

In preparation for our exciting move to from Marian to the Churchlands site, the Marian library will close in Week 7 to prepare and pack. Students will still participate in their library sessions in their classrooms. Please assist us by returning any library books you have as soon as possible.

Occupational Therapist Visit

On Thursday afternoon, our Marian families were invited to attend a Parent Information session with Occupational Therapist (OT), Meg Cameron. Meg explained what an Occupational Screen looks for, in relation to each age and stage of development in the early years. Parents were shown a range of tools and toys that can be used at home to help develop hand strength, a foundational aspect of pencil grip and handwriting development. There was a useful Q&A section where topics like core strength, crossing the midline, coregulation and the positive long-term impact of early intervention were discussed. We are excited to be connecting families with experts like Meg, who can explain how allied health professionals can help their children thrive.

Recognition of Outstanding Achievement

Congratulations to Anelle Seow on her 1st place in the Grade 4 category at the Fremantle Eisteddfod. Annelle began her violin journey in Kindergarten at Newman College. Just two days before the competition, she injured her thumb but through perseverance and determination, she was able to participate.

Congratulations also to Zechary Wong’s recent tennis achievements, winning the Championship in the J125 North Beach Junior Tennis Tournament and finishing as Runner-Up in the J250 IGA Hensman Junior Tennis Tournament. This is a fantastic effort and a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

ACTING HEAD OF PRIMARY

Mission Update – Term 2 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 06/06/2025

Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of meeting many families during enrolment interviews for our Year 7 cohort of 2028. It is one of my favourite parts of the year. Hearing what matters most to families, and what they hope for their children. So often, I hear hopes that their children will feel safe, grow in confidence, succeed in their learning, and become good young people. These hopes echo the same vision that St Marcellin Champagnat held for the young people in his care – ‘to form good Christians and good citizens’.

Today, 6 June, marks the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat. While we will celebrate this occasion with mass and our annual Champagnat Awards following our Year 11 and 12 Exams, it is worth pausing to remember the mission of the Marist Brothers – to make Jesus Christ known and loved.

When I speak to my Year 7 students, I often say there are two ways you can accomplish this. One way is to talk about him, to attend mass, to reflect on the scriptures, and to learn the stories of his life. The other, is in how we live, and how we choose to treat each other, how we choose to build a community of faith and love. Marcellin Champagnat saw Jesus not only in churches or classrooms, but in every young person. He believed that to truly love Jesus meant making sure others experienced that love through kindness, encouragement, and presence in the small, every day moments.

We see that same mission alive in our College today. When teachers go the extra mile for their students, when students include someone who is feeling left out, or when families come together in faith and service. It is in our relationships, in our values, and in our culture. This week, I saw a perfect example of this in action.

I was doing a tour of our Marcellin campus with the family of a Year 4 girl, when we visited one of the Food Tech classes. We popped in to say hello to two Year 8 students, Eva and Grace, who had waved at us enthusiastically through the window, welcoming us in. They spent time speaking with the young girl on tour, laughing with her, sharing what they had been doing, and even offering her some of the food they had just prepared. In their brief interaction, Eva and Grace displayed something really beautiful – kindness without being asked, joy without hesitation, and a genuine welcome to someone new to our community. In that moment, perhaps without even knowing it, they made Jesus known and loved. Not through words, or a lesson from the stories of his life, but through their actions; how they made someone feel seen, included, and valued.

Often, people think that the mission of making Jesus known and loved is beyond them. That they don’t have the knowledge, or the expertise, or the required level of ‘holiness’ needed to do such a task. But the reality is, the mission of making Jesus known and loved is within the grasp of every member of our community – students, staff, and families. We are all capable of being good and loving, and sharing this with others. As we celebrate the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat this week, I invite you to ask yourself:

  • How am I helping to make Jesus known and loved in my own way?
  • What small, but meaningful thing(s) can I do in our community to make a difference to someone else?

In the Marist spirit, it’s not about grand gestures. It’s about the quiet faithfulness of people who choose, again and again, to care – and we are lucky to have students like Eva and Grace who choose to do that. That’s the legacy of St Marcellin, and one that we are invited each day to be a part of.

Marist Parent Formation Evening

Have you ever wanted to understand a little bit more about the Marist story?

Or to better understand the roots and values of our Newman College community?

We warmly invite you to join us for a special evening of conversation, connection, and reflection as we explore the heart of our Marist story while enjoying some food and drink together.

This is an opportunity to learn more about the values that shape our College – simplicity, presence, family spirit, love of work, and following the way of Mary – and how these continue to guide our community today.

Whether you’re new to the College or have been with us for years, we’d love for you to be part of this relaxed and welcoming evening. Come and discover how the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat lives on in our shared mission to form young people as good Christians and good citizens.

To register your interest, click here.

Finance & Operations – Term 2 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 23/05/2025

Lavalla Build – Update

As mentioned in the Vice Principal’s update, the recent removal of site sheds by our builder, Badge Constructions, indicates that the construction of our new PK – Year 2 facilities are nearly complete. Some aerial photos below show the ongoing development of the site. We are anticipating the handover of the facilities next month. The process of relocating from the Marian campus is underway, and we will provide further updates in due course.

Bus Survey

Thank you to those parents who expressed interest through our recent survey, with a view to evaluating the possibility of chartered bus services to and from the College. Unfortunately, the level of interest required to provide a sustainable service was not received. I have included a small table below showing the data from the survey. It was noted that the cost of the service was a likely reason for the less than expected response. Concerns were also raised about committing to the required number of weekly journeys.

Total responses received:16
Glendalough Station5
Karrinyup Bus Station9
Other Areas2

As you know, Transperth have declined our request for additional services to/from the areas mentioned. Families seeking increased bus services from Karrinyup & Stirling are suggested to continue to liaise with Transperth regarding possible increases to their services.

City of Stirling – Parking

We have received notification from the City of Stirling regarding parking infringements and the resulting impact on our neighbours, particularly around the areas of Tuscany Way, Mantua Crescent & Dolomite Court. Parking rangers have asked us to convey their requests for drivers to adhere to the signage and restrictions marked. In the event that breaches continue, they are likely to resort to issuing infringement notices without further warning.

Thank you for your understanding and respect for our neighbours.