Mission Update – Term 4 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 07/11/2025

Last week, I had the opportunity to join eight of our 2026 student leaders at the Student Leaders Gathering, which is a special retreat experience facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry. Our Year 11 students joined with other students from St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College, where they had the chance to come together and discover a little more about what it means to lead with a Marist heart.

This is a great question for our students to consider and one that is perhaps worth reflecting on for all of us. What does it mean to lead, or even to live, with a Marist heart?

Throughout the retreat, students focused on three key ideas:
 • being curious about others
 • serving with humility
 • and finally, doing all things in the way of Mary – one of our Marist characteristics.

It is this last point that can sometimes be difficult for students and families to understand. What does it really mean to live ‘In the way of Mary’?

We can begin to understand what it means to live in the way of Mary through the stories of her life. In the Annunciation, we see Mary’s faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and her courage to step beyond what she knows. In the Visitation, we encounter her selflessness and joy in serving others. And at the foot of the Cross, we see Mary as a steady, compassionate presence…one who remains when it matters most.

I am particularly struck by the story of the Annunciation, when Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and told she will become the mother of the son of God. Imagine the questions she must have had: Why me? Can I do this? What should I do?

I feel that these are the same kinds of questions many of our students hold today, especially our senior students, who are beginning to think about the next steps in their journey. To live in the way of Mary is to face these questions with the same trust, courage, and openness that Mary showed…to listen to our hearts, to say ‘yes’ even when the path ahead is uncertain, and to believe that God is with us in it all – a God who pours out his love for us forever and without condition.

As I watched our students reflect, share, and listen to one another, I think we were all reminded that leading with a Marist heart is not about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to say yes, just as Mary did, and trusting that God will walk with us along the way. I was so grateful to be part of this experience, and for the participation and engagement of our students. They did themselves and the College proud. A big thanks to Miss Ellis for her support of our students during this retreat too.

November – A time of Remembrance

This week, we entered the month of November, a sacred time in the Church when we pause to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. It is a season of gentle reflection and gratitude, as we give thanks for the lives of loved ones who have shaped our own.

Throughout November, all students, staff, and families are warmly invited to visit our College Chapel. There, you are welcome to write the name, or a short note, of someone special whom you would like our community to remember in prayer. These names will be placed before the altar during each of our Community Masses this month, serving as a visible reminder of the love, faith, and connection that bind us together across time and eternity.

From the Principal – Term 4 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 24/10/2025

Dear Newman College Families,

Welcome back to Term 4! In what is a shorter term there is so much to look forward to in the programs and events that showcase our students across the College.

Year 10 Camp – Growth, Challenge and Formation

Last week, the Year 10 students attended their Camp at Contos in the majestic setting of the Boranup Forest. The experience aims to foster further relationships within each Guild, set challenging exercises that stretch our students at the margin and develop teamwork. The camping experience also supports the rite of passage program we introduced to Year 9 this year, The Rite Journey. Thank you to Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing, Lara Vlahov, for the outstanding planning and running of the camp, Sharee Hart for her onsite experience and support over the 5 days and the Guild PCG and extra staff who camped with the students. The Year 10 students were amazing in their maturity and cohesion, and personally, I had a fantastic time joining Catherine Guild for the camp and wished I could have had time with other Guilds – hopefully next year!

Arts Week 2025 – Connection

This week we have been treated to the talent, passion and creativity of all students in the Arts. A whole College focus saw students from Year 1 to Year 11 take part in showcases for Drama on Monday evening, Media on Tuesday, Visual Arts Exhibition opening and Music Showcase on Wednesday evening, and the Dance Showcases on Thursday and Friday. The Arts is an amazing place for so many students to find their place, their passion and their confidence. Thank you to our incredible Arts staff, whose commitment to the program inspires our young people to go further. Ms Kathy Le Brooy leads this team and is to be congratulated for bringing a vision to reality.

Year 12 Class of 2025 Graduation

On Monday evening, we will celebrate the Class of 2025 in the Graduation Mass and Dinner at Optus Stadium. We look forward to the joy and family spirit of the evening. As the next Newsletter is not due for another fortnight, let’s celebrate the Class of 2025 by honouring them by name in this edition.

Blake AdaminiGrace GordonOscar Properjohn
Jasmin AfflickScarlett HalleenOlivia Ralls
Anica AloMadeleine HemingtonJames Ralph
Valentina Arias CaceresBrian HoangMia Ralph
Austin BaldwinChristian HoangCameron Ramage
James BarnardAshley HowsonStefano Rapanaro
Caelee BelcastroCallum JackEmma Richardson
Tahlia BellSamuel JeffcoteSarala Rivett
Jodie BelzunceDjordje JelicDyllan Roberts
William BinningMcKenzie JenkinsIsobel Robinson
Jesse Blitz-CokisHolly KallawkIsaac Robinson
Jack BorgasAmy KimAriyana Rodericks
Holly BoshartEllen KingIsabelle Roper
Amelie BoucherJenna KingElla Rose
Maya BoyceMatthew LarcombeAdam Rowe
Zoe BrownKobe LawrenceRebecca Rubens
Alicia BruceKate LeThomas Sadgrove
Kira BurnsElla LeachTheo Sanchez
Helena BurtIndia LilleeJesse Scotford
Chloe ByrneHannah LimElla Amy Scott
Sarah CabelloOlivia LimElla Scott
Aidan CarberrySofia LittlejohnHayden Seaman
Alexia CarboneTyson LoveEmily Semaan
Genevieve CarlessAva LucaRuby Shelton
Madison CarrollMonet LucasJacob Sindall
Klara ClarksonTristan LuuNatalie Smith
Kesia ConneryOliver LuxfordThanakon Smith
Stefan ConstantineTomas MacriLucy Smith
Jack CooleyElla MadeleineCampbell Smith
Charlie CossomWill MalajczukJames Spriggins
Olivia CowanJack ManolikosMitchell Squiers
Aston CowleyFletcher MarlboroughLiam Stannard
Bianca DanasLeonardo MasonMia Swain
Grace D’ArcySebastian MatkovichJude Tanham
Audrey DevlinRuby McAdamSophia Tartaglia
Luca DimitriadisAbbey McAllisterAidan Taylor
Andre DimitriouAdam McAullayRiley Taylor
Leyla DoBenjamin McDonaldKimora Te Raki
Lachlan DoepelJohn-Paul McGinnityAsha Thomas
Liam DolanCaleb McMahonFinnigan Thompson
Maclain DoustDaniel MinielloJames Tolley
Oakley DrummondFlynn MorisonGeorgie Tomich
Tahlia DwyerTimothy MorleyBrodie Trettel
Sebastian DziedzicPaolo MoroniJayda Trewhella
Jaxon EcclesJoshua MurphyMadison Turnbull
Tyson EdwardsSophia NardiJessica Turner
Kai EhlersArchie NewmanSara Vespoli
Katja EkkertAmelia NgAbby Vile`
Lara EslerElla NguyenRyan Warner
Lily FallLaura NolanHarrison Warrick
Claudia FamianoCaitlin NorthmoreTaj Westergerling
Catherine FardellCian O’DeaChelsea White
Sophia FasoloAidan OffenburgAbbie White
Spencer FaulknerIsabella PapaliaKasper Wikstrom
Audrey FitzpatrickVass PapasAidan Williams
Jasmine FordGemma PauletAlexander Wills
Abigail FowlerSarah PearceAmy Wilson
Dean GazisLucy PeelKevin Xanthis
Lara GeogheganDominik PelikanLia Young
William GilbertImogen PerryAria Zeid
Catelyn GillKeean Phua 
Jake GoochAlexander Plaganyi 
Mia GoodlichHarry Prentice 

The culture at Newman College has been built on generations of family spirit, connection and deep respect. I see this lived out daily in the positive and supportive relationships between school and home.  You, like I, would have noticed in recent years the messages that are at the front of department stores, shops, and places of interaction between customers and those providing service, reminding us of the importance of respectful and constructive communication. It is sad to think that in the wider community, we are at that point where organisations have to be explicit regarding the behaviour expected in written and face to face communication.  I thank our families for the way in which they engage with our College and staff, and ask that we all continue to approach this most important relationship in a way that is mindful of respect.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 4 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 24/10/2025

Social Media Ban – Online Parent Information Session

On 10 December 2025, new legislation will take effect banning children under the age on 16 from accessing social media platforms. The College seeks to support parents and students as they navigate this change and has engaged Paris MacNeill, a consultant who specialises in student mental health and the challenges of “Gen Z.”

Paris will unpack the new legislation, what this will mean for our children and provide practical advice and resources on how parents and the College can work together to minimise the anxiety and uncertainty that this change may create for students.

This online session will take place on Thursday 30 October at 6.00pm and can be accessed by booking here.

WACE Examinations

Our Year 12 students will soon begin their final WACE Examinations. We ask our community to keep them in their prayers, that they may approach this time with confidence, clarity and a steady focus. We are immensely proud of their effort and perseverance throughout the year and look forward to celebrating all that they have achieved.

World Teachers’ Day – Friday 31 October

World Teachers’ Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary role teachers play in shaping lives and building a better future through education. It reminds us of the dedication, care and passion that teachers bring to their vocation each day, and the lasting difference they make in the lives of their students and communities.

At Newman College, we are deeply grateful for our exceptional staff who consistently go above and beyond in their work. Our teachers live out the call to help students “Let their Light Shine” and to grow as Good Christians and Good Citizens. Their commitment to the Marist values of Family Spirit and Presence enriches every aspect of College life.

As we mark this special day, I invite families to take a moment to express their gratitude to our teachers. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated, compassionate and faith-filled educators guiding our young people each day.

Uniform Change – Winter 2026

To maintain a neat and consistent appearance during the Winter uniform period (Terms 2 and 3), the College will introduce a black College belt to be worn with College trousers from Term 2, 2026. The belt will be available for purchase from the Uniform Shop at a cost of $20.

All trousers purchased from the Uniform Shop will now be sold with belt loops. If your child’s current trousers do not have loops, please arrange for them to be added before the start of Term 2, 2026. The College Uniform Shop can assist with this alteration for $10 per pair, or families may choose to use their own alterations service or make the adjustment at home.

We appreciate your support as we implement this change to ensure our students continue to present themselves with pride and readiness for learning. For any queries, please contact the Uniform Shop team, who will be happy to assist.

Mr Michael Chiera

VICE PRINCIPAL

Primary Update – Term 4 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 24/10/2025

Year 3 Assembly

At today’s Y3-6 assembly, Year 3 Blue brought to life the magic and fun of reading. Our students took us on a magical journey and delved into some of our classic book favourites; Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the Magical Faraway Tree, just to name a few.

We were also lucky to enjoy some special musical performances by our Junior Bands. Well done to all of these little performers!

It was another opportunity for our Upper Primary classes to come together and celebrate our students’ academic and musical achievements over the past fortnight. Congratulations to all students who were recognised and received a Merit Award / Achievement Certificate. Continue to let your talents shine.

Footsteps through Lavalla

On Tuesday, 4 November, families are invited to walk through our new PK-6 buildings from 3.15pm -4pm. We look forward to welcoming you all to view our fantastic spaces.

Homework Club 4 November    

Due to our Footsteps through Lavalla event on Tuesday, 4 November, Homework Club will be cancelled on this day. OSH Club will be operating as per usual. Should you require childcare that afternoon, please reach out to OSH Club here.

Fathering Project- The Amazing Race

Teacher Contact

We ask that all parents please ensure that they use email to communicate with teachers. If you have access to the personal mobile phone number of a teacher, please ensure you refrain from using this for school related correspondence.

Medals of Marcellin Winners

Congratulations to our Medals of Marcellin winners for this week, Saanvi Gondariya Year 3, Indi Ellies Year 1, and Hugo McBain, Year 5.

Carpark Courtesy and Safety

Since returning for Term Four, a few parents have reached out to share concerns about some tense moments in the carpark and an increasing number of cars parking on the grass, even when spaces are still available in the overflow carpark.

We kindly ask all families to demonstrate our Family Spirit when accessing the carpark, showing patience, care, and respect for others.

A gentle reminder that Kiss and Ride should be accessed from 3.10pm onwards, allowing our younger students — whose classrooms are located closer to the carpark — time to move safely through the area before the afternoon rush.

Thank you for helping us keep our carpark a calm and safe space for everyone.

2026 Booklists

We’re pleased to share that from the 2026 school year, our Primary campus will be moving to a booklist system through Box of Books, an Australian company that specialises in simplifying school resource purchasing for families and schools alike.

What is Box of Books?

Box of Books is a trusted provider used by schools across Australia. The Secondary school has been using Box of Books for the past two years with great success. They offer:

  • Pre-filled, year-level specific booklists aligned with our curriculum
  • High-quality stationery and textbooks
  • Convenient online ordering with home delivery
  • Competitive pricing and clear instructions for each year group

What This Means for You

Instead of receiving a stationery list and sourcing items yourself, families will:

  1. Receive a link to a custom online booklist for their child’s year group.
  2. Place an order directly through the Box of Books online portal.
  3. Have items delivered to your home before the start of Term 1.

This change not only saves time and reduces the hassle of shopping, but also ensures all students have consistent, high-quality materials that support their learning.

What’s Next?

More details, including access instructions and key dates for ordering, will be sent via email to all families in the next week. Our school office will also be available to support any families who may need help with the process.

We’re excited about this improvement and confident it will make the back-to-school experience smoother for everyone.

Respectful Communication – Working Together for Our Students

At Newman College, we value the strong partnerships we share with our families. When we work together with kindness, understanding, and respect, we create the best possible environment for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

From time to time, concerns or questions naturally arise. If this happens, we encourage you to reach out directly to your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance, as they know your child best and are often able to resolve matters quickly and positively. For more complex issues, please contact the Leader of Wellbeing or Leader of Learning to arrange a time for a chat.

We also ask that communication with staff be respectful and considerate. Long or emotionally charged emails, particularly those sent late at night, can have a real impact on staff wellbeing. Our teachers and leaders are deeply committed to supporting your children, and approaching conversations calmly and constructively helps us do this in the best way possible.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us in a spirit of respect and care as we work together to help your children shine.

Grandparents Day

  • Friday 7 November 2025
  • 9.00am in the Undercover Area, followed by classroom visits and morning tea.
  • Concludes at 11.00am

For more information, please click here.

Please RSVP by Monday 27 October. Just click here.

Please note that there will be additional parking available on the oval, accessible from Dolomite Court.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

ACTING HEAD OF PRIMARY

Mission Update – Term 4 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 24/10/2025

This week we have been celebrating Arts Week in the College. It is one of my favourite weeks, with so many shows and celebrations occurring, and it brings back many memories of my own time in school when I used to take part in the choir and the concert band.

The Music Collective and Dance Showcase, to which I always bring my daughter, especially reminds me of just how much unseen dedication sits behind these great moments of joy and beauty. I am sure many students have been rehearsing since the beginning of the year, with countless hours of practice, for a performance that may only last a few minutes. Our younger students in the audience might find themselves wondering, ‘Why go to all that effort?’ Why indeed. I think these moments capture something that is very Marist – our love of work. In the Marist tradition, love of work means giving our best effort in what we do, not for recognition or reward, but because our hard work is an act of love, service, and faithfulness. It is the perfect way to give glory to God by using our gifts to be our best.

For some reason, as I was watching the Music Collective in particular, I was struck by the thought of prayer. Just like rehearsing a piece of music, prayer often takes patience and persistence. It can feel repetitive and even unproductive at times…almost as if nothing is happening or we are standing still in our development. But every time we show up in prayer, just as every time a student practices their part, something within us is strengthened. Our relationship with God grows quietly, like skill grows through practice.

I think the Arts and prayer have a lot in common. They both have the capacity to shape the heart, they both take many forms, and they both have a way of revealing beauty that already exists, but that we sometimes miss. They also take discipline and love, and are both most beautiful when they become less about the performance, and more about the person we are becoming through them.

So, as we celebrate the creative gifts of our students this week, perhaps we can also be inspired to approach our own prayer lives with the same steady dedication, trusting that even the smallest moments of effort can create something beautiful in time.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY