Primary Update – Term 2 Week 3

Jenni Vile on 08/05/2026

As Mother’s Day approaches this weekend, we pause to acknowledge and celebrate the many mothers, grandmothers and significant mother figures within our school community. Your care, generosity and unwavering commitment enrich the lives of our children in countless ways. We extend our sincere appreciation for all that you do and wish you a very happy Mother’s Day.

ANZAC Day

We extend our sincere thanks to our students and to Mrs Terry for leading our ANZAC Day service. Our choir contributed beautifully to this solemn occasion. The service provided an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and to reflect on the broader impact of war, conflict and peacekeeping in Australia’s history. As a community, we also took time to pray for those involved in wars, their families, and for peace throughout the world.

Guild Cross Country

It was wonderful to witness the strong sense of participation and sportsmanship displayed at last week’s Cross Country Carnival. Students approached the event with enthusiasm, determination and a commitment to giving their best. We were particularly pleased to introduce a Mini Cross Country for our Pre-Primary to Year 2 students. This initiative encouraged perseverance, with students striving to complete as many laps as possible while developing confidence and resilience in a supportive environment. We also saw outstanding talent among some of our runners, with those who had trained in the lead-up to the event achieving impressive personal bests.

As we approach the end of Week 3, many students have already begun working towards the goals established during the recent parent-teacher interviews. This provides valuable opportunities for both students and families to celebrate progress while continuing to strive towards new goals.  By working in partnership, we can ensure our children are supported to flourish as compassionate, responsible and faith-filled individuals. We thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the mission of our school.

Recognition of Outstanding Achievement

We congratulate several students on their recent achievements.

  • Cruz Priolo was outstanding in finishing first in the Esperance WA State Series Kart Championship.
  • Indi Priolo achieved remarkable success at the Fierce Talent Competition, placing first in her singing solo and receiving the highest overall score across all genres.
  • Harry Bluff has been selected for the Perth Glory Youth Academy, a wonderful acknowledgement of his talent and dedication.

If your child has achieved state or national recognition in their sport or extra-curricular activity, we would love to hear about it so we can celebrate their success.  Please let us know the details by filling out this form. https://forms.office.com/r/qaCxCYLNX6

Mrs Laura Christopher

HEAD OF PRIMARY

From the Principal – Term 2 Week 3

Jenni Vile on 08/05/2026

As this is our first Newsletter for Term 2, I am sending a warm welcome back to the winter term. Our students continue to show great commitment and a focus on personal best through the many events and learning opportunities they have been involved in for these three weeks. Here is just a snapshot of our students’ great work and our flourishing Newman College community:

Student Learning Conversations

Congratulations to our secondary students for the way in which they led the Student Learning Conversations (Parent-Teacher interviews). A firm part of successful learning is being able to understand where you are at, how you know this, and where you can be with strategies that you can employ for learning gains. The Student Learning Conversation is a part of the developing MyLearning approach that is coming into our pedagogy in the College. Lavalla Learning Conversations were another valuable time to share the progress of our primary students with families.

Guild Cross Country Carnivals

Both Lavalla and Marcellin campuses had beautiful weather for their cross country events. The commitment to Guild participation and the passion to achieve personal and Guild ‘bests’ has just grown so much over this year. Congratulations to Marcellin Guild for their win in Secondary. Romero Guild gave Marcellin a huge shake with their efforts to win the title from them. At Lavalla, it was Thomas More who took out the honours.

Mock Trials

For a number of years, our Senior Mock Trial teams have been a force to be reckoned with in the Mock Trial competition. This week, the 2026 team had great success against Penhros College.

Mother’s Day Celebrations and the Month of May

A Mass and a Liturgy dedicated to Mothers and mother figures, morning teas, games, photo booths and portrait painting were just some of the activities on campus late this week to celebrate Mother’s Day. May is also the Month of Mary and, in our Marist tradition, we know the important place Mary has in our Marian spirituality. Early next week, students will run the Crowning of Mary ceremony and produce a video that honours Mary our Mother. 

A Reflection on Mothers

The gaze of the Mother, and the gaze of every mother. A world that looks to the future without a mother’s gaze is shortsighted. It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters. The human family is built upon mothers. A world in which maternal tenderness is dismissed as mere sentiment may be rich materially, but poor where the future is concerned. 
Pope Francis 2019

We wish all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures a wonderful celebration on Sunday.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Principal – Term 1 Week 9

Jenni Vile on 02/04/2026

Secondary Celebration Assembly- Colours and Honours 

On the Marcellin Campus, we came together for the final Celebration Assembly of the term on Holy Thursday. The Assembly was a capture of the wonderful work and achievements of our students across the pillars of Learning, Mission, Sport and The Arts. Within this celebration, we were delighted to award our first round of Colours and Honours to senior students. A Colour and an Honour is a recognition of excellence in one of the pillars. Excellence is not an end in itself, nor is it reserved for only a few. The excellence shown by these students is the persistence to strive for a personal best and to have the most positive effect on those around you. I also spoke to the students about reflecting on the term through the lens of personal growth in learning. At Newman College, we want to help our students move from where they are to where they can be. This applies to all students across the whole College – growth is the key. 

ACC Swimming and IPSHA Swimming Carnivals 

Our Swimming teams represented the College with outstanding commitment and spirit in the secondary ACC A Division Carnival and the primary IPSHA Carnival recently. Congratulations to the ACC team for lifting the College into the top three schools. The focus and commitment of the students, coaches and staff have really paid off in the pool. Likewise, the IPSHA team competed with a determination to secure the highest position in every single race, coming second overall. The culture of Swimming continues to grow at Newman College! 

Marist Schools Basketball Carnival 

We were proud to be the hosts of this year’s national carnival. 19 schools  (27 teams) travelled to Newman College and Perth for 5 days of basketball competition and the strengthening of the Marist Family Spirit. The students and staff in the carnival were outstanding ambassadors for our community. Former Wildcats Basketballer, Greg Hire, was the guest speaker at the carnival dinner on Wednesday evening.  

Holy Week 

Our final week of term coincides with Holy Week. Holy Week is the most important week in the Church and it is ushered in by Palm Sunday last weekend. In effect, Holy Week traces the final week in Christ’s life leading to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter Triduum is the final lead of three days to Easter Sunday, beginning with Holy Thursday – the time of the Last Supper, Good Friday – the trial and crucifixion of Jesus and Holy Saturday – that time of reflection and pensive waiting the disciples of Jesus undertook before his resurrection. Easter signifies the victory of good over evil, eternal life over death. Easter Sunday is about hope, renewal and God’s love. Families celebrate Easter in many ways. For some it is the thrill of an Easter hunt, for others it is the sharing of hot cross buns, or a meal together. Family spirit is central to all the traditions of Easter, and over the Easter break I encourage all in our community to: 

  • Make time for family, enjoy activities together and show each other how much they are appreciated; 
  • Re-connect with God’s creation by being a part of our natural environment, stop and appreciate the beauty if you are travelling as we live in such a privileged place and; 
  • Being a part of services in yours or another parish. 

This is the final Newsletter for the term and what a full program we have enjoyed since the year begun! So much has been achieved by our students and staff. The welcoming of our new students in all year groups across the College in January. The beautiful celebration of the Family Mass as a full community in February; the ‘Celebration’ assemblies in Lavalla showcasing the work and talents of our primary classes, the recognition of International Women’s Day and Harmony Week. The Year 12 Ball, Lavalla and Marcellin Guild Swimming Carnivals, the IPSHA Year 6 Basketball Carnival, and this week’s Easter Liturgies. What strikes me about these events and the learning program in the classrooms is the level of engagement and effort students are putting in to work to their personal best.  There has been great work and initiative shown by students and our staff have been so supportive in bringing this full program to life during the term, and, as families, I extend my thanks to you all for your great support in Term 1.  

I wish all of you a Happy Easter and a Holy Easter. 

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 9

Jenni Vile on 02/04/2026

Winter Uniform and Presentation Reminders 

As we approach the school holidays, we kindly ask parents to support the College by ensuring that any student haircuts align with our grooming expectations. If your child is considering a style that may not meet College guidelines, we encourage this to be done early in the break to allow time for any necessary adjustments before Term 2 begins. 

The commencement of term two also marks the transition to Winter Uniform for all students from Year 1 to Year 12. Students are expected to return to school in their full Winter Academic Uniform. Some points to note: 

  • Shirts must be tucked in when wearing College trousers 
  • All students must wear the College belt when wearing the College trousers 
  • Students in Years 4 to 12 are to wear College ties and blazers 

The Uniform Shop holiday opening hours are below. We appreciate your ongoing support in helping maintain the standards and presentation of our College students. 

  • Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Hours 
    • Tuesday 14 April 2026 – 8.30am to 4.30pm 
    • Wednesday 15 April 2026 – 12.30pm to 5.30pm 
    • Friday 17 April 2026 – 12.30pm to 4.30pm  

To visit the online shop, just click here.

Parent Access to Campus 

A reminder to all parents and guardians that you are not permitted to access the College Campus between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm, unless you have signed in at the office and are accompanied by a staff member. The exception to this is the Uniform Shop and primary school families for pick up and drop off. If you are collecting your child from Secondary Homework Club, you must arrange to meet them in the carpark or see a staff member at the front desk.  

This is an important Child Safeguarding measure.  

Afterschool Duty of Care 

A reminder to parents that students need to be picked up or have left campus no later than 3.40pm each day. At this time, duty will cease. Homework Club is available to all Marcellin students Monday to Thursday until 5.00pm in the John Henry Newman Hub. 

Planned Extended Absence – Process Change  

mailto:Extended.absence@newman.wa.edu.au  

Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL

Primary Update – Term 1 Week 9

Jenni Vile on 02/04/2026

This term has been a busy and wonderful one, filled with learning, laughter and opportunities for our students to shine. Across the school, students have proudly showcased the Newman Norms through their positive attitudes, teamwork and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. From engaging assemblies and music performances to hands‑on classroom learning and memorable camp experiences, it has been a joy to see students growing in confidence and celebrating their strengths. As we head into the break, we are proud of all that has been achieved this term. 

Year 6 Leavers Shirts

Our Year 6 students also proudly received their Year 6 Leader tops and have been wearing them with great pride, demonstrating their readiness to take on their leadership roles within the school community. 

Pre-Primary – Year 2 Choir

This week, our Pre‑Primary to Year 2 Choir truly amazed both the leadership team and teachers by showcasing their beautiful voices. Students confidently performed two songs they have been practising throughout the term, demonstrating great focus, enthusiasm and joy. It was an absolute privilege to watch them shine and embrace the opportunity to try something new. The choir is already looking forward to performing for parents’ next term. 

Assemblies – Year 1 Blue and Year 4 Red

Year 4 students led us in a beautiful assembly this week, proudly showcasing their learning around neurodiversity. They highlighted the important message that we all have different strengths and learn in different ways, delivering this message with confidence and maturity. 

Last week, our Year 1 students dazzled us with a water‑spectacular assembly, perfectly timed on what turned out to be a very wet day! They enthusiastically shared their learning and showcased the wonderful science experiments they have been exploring throughout the term. It was a joyful celebration of curiosity, discovery and learning in action. 

Year 6 Camp 

Our Year 6 students recently returned from a wonderful and memorable camp experience at Forest Edge, Waroona. Throughout the camp, students were challenged by a wide variety of exciting activities, including kayaking, raft building, screen printing, crate climbing, billy karts and the flying fox. Each activity encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and try something new. 

Along the way, we shared plenty of laughs. From life jackets being confidently put on the wrong way, to kayakers initially facing the wrong direction and paddling enthusiastically against each other, there was never a dull moment. Some students found themselves stuck in the mud, while others watched their carefully constructed rafts come apart far sooner than planned. These light‑hearted moments became some of the highlights of camp and reminded us all that learning is often best supported with teamwork, persistence and a good sense of humour. 

Camp also provided a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen peer relationships and see one another in a different light. Working together as a team, students encouraged one another, shared responsibilities such as serving meals, and helped with cleaning up. These shared experiences fostered independence, resilience and a strong sense of cooperation. 

Online Safety / Keeping Safe

As our children continue to grow up in an increasingly digital world, it is more important than ever that we work together to ensure their online experiences are safe, respectful, and age-appropriate. While technology offers wonderful opportunities for learning and connection, it can also expose children to risks, including contact from strangers through seemingly innocent platforms like gaming modules.

We remind parents and carers to be extra vigilant when it comes to their child’s online interactions. This includes monitoring chat functions in games, setting parental controls, and having open conversations with your child about who they talk to and what they encounter online.

At Newman College, we take a proactive approach to digital safety. The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum is taught across all year levels, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to stay safe, including in online environments. We also enhance this learning through initiatives such as the upcoming Constable Care Incursion for our Year 3–6 students, which includes key messages around personal safety and online behaviour.

For practical advice on how to support your child’s online safety at home, we recommend visiting the eSafety Commissioner’s website.

Mother’s Day Morning Tea

End of Term  

As we come to the end of a busy but wonderful term, it has been fantastic to see our students finish strongly while consistently showcasing our Newman Norms. Their commitment, resilience and positive attitudes have been evident across classrooms, playgrounds and school events, and we are very proud of their efforts. 

Thank you to our students, staff and families for your continued support throughout the term. We wish everyone a safe, restful and happy Easter break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the new term. 

Mrs Laura Christopher

HEAD OF PRIMARY