Category: Future Families

Key Dates – Next fortnight

Click here to view the key dates for the next fortnight.

Advent

The season of Advent arrives Sunday 28 November following the Feast of Christ the King this week. The Feast of Christ the King invites us to let Christ become King of our hearts and minds. This means letting hope, joy, peace and love found in Christ, rule our heart. At Newman College, we encourage this in our community through our Vision for Mission to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”.

Year 5 Altar Ministers

Our Year 5 Students were invited to consider the call to be Altar Ministers and 10 students responded and underwent training with Mrs Short and I over the past few weeks. They were recently commissioned at our Thursday morning Community Mass by Fr Christian Iridi. Congratulations to all the students and the families who supported them in this call to serve the community and their parish.

Caritas Australia Student Panel Discussion

Our College was invited to participate in the Caritas Australia Student Panel Discussion. This was an opportunity for our students to discuss with other students from around Australia about different initiatives relating to social justice and share their dreams for a better future for the most vulnerable in our community. Four Year 10 students participated in the discussion and were outstanding in articulating their hopes for our school and how we can continue to support and raise awareness for those who struggle in our community.

Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat met for the final time in 2021 at St Joseph’s Subiaco Parish. This group involves a number of people who are staff, ex staff or ex students who seek to maintain a connection and receive formation within the Marist Tradition. 25 people gathered as Marist Br Tony Leon, facilitated a reflection “Marist Dreaming” on the Marist mission and gave staff an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of living their faith within their community. The Marist Association is an important part of our formation program for staff as they seek to live out an authentic Christian witness to students in our community.

 

Thursday morning Mass

All members of our community are invited to attend Thursday morning Community Mass commencing at 8.10am. Each week priests from local parishes will celebrate Mass for us being led by students from secondary and primary. We look forward to seeing you there.

Key Dates – Next fortnight

Click here to view the key dates for the next fortnight.

All Saints and All Souls Day

The week began with November 1 and 2, where in the Catholic Tradition we celebre All Saints and All Souls Day. Pope Francis reminds us that “Saints are not super people who are born perfect, but rather ordinary people who follow God with all their heart”. An important reminder that all of us can be saints in the way we choose to live.

All Souls Day is an opportunity to remember the people in our lives who have died and the important role they played in our formation. For the month of November, a prayer table has been set in the Chapel that will allow staff, students, and families to write the names of their loved ones and place it in our bowl. This bowl will be offered up on Thursday morning Community Mass, where we will remember those special people in the lives of our community.

Socktober for Catholic Mission 

Staff and students across the life of the College have participated in the annual “Socktober” celebrations. “Socktober” is an annual event initiated by Catholic Mission. This year fundraising and advocacy has a focus in Thailand where the Good Shepherd Sisters are supporting vulnerable families by providing for the nutritional, medicinal and educational needs of young children at their Kindergarten centre in Bangkok. Click here to access more information about “Socktober” and how Catholic Mission continues to support the most vulnerable in our global community.

It was a picture of colour on Friday morning as staff and students wore their colourful and crazy socks. Lavalla students played a soccer match against staff, where staff were 1-0 victors and Marian students lined up to shoot the handmade balls at Mrs McClue, Miss Anderson and Mr Martino. Year 8 students at Marcellin participated in a soccer competition with Brigid winning the Boys competition and Thomas More winning the Girls competition.

Thank you to our families, staff and students for living out the Catholic Social Teaching of ‘preferential option for the poor’, where we put the needs of the poor and vulnerable at the centre.

Altar Server Training 

Students have been training to be Altar Servers within the life of our College and their Parish. Training has taken place in the Chapel, where students have reflected on the purpose of serving, the role of the Altar Server and the importance of this ministry. We look forward to commissioning all students at next Thursday 11 November community Mass.

Marist Global Network 

Over three days, the Marist Institute launched its Marist Global Network of schools which Newman College is proud to be connected. Our College had a special role in creating a video that captures how we as a Marist community are connected to this global family. This network offers an exciting opportunity for staff, students and families as we continue to consider our place in the world and how we through our Family Spirit, can follow in the way of Mary, to make Jesus Christ known and loved.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Network, please head to this website. https://champagnat.org/en/marist-mission/schools/ 

Thursday morning Mass

Our Thursday morning Mass continues to grow in support from our families and students. All are welcome to attend Thursday from 8.10am. Mass concludes by 8.40am. The next 2 weeks, will be hosted by Marcellin and Year 4, followed by Mackillop and Year 3. We are also excited to be welcoming some of our Year 2’s to these celebrations. All families are welcome at this Eucharistic celebration each week.

Newman College has launched its Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, with Year 7 and 8 students. The purpose is to engage students in service activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community. Students have participated in a range of activities across, recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students and keep up the good work. There actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work.

Key Dates – Next fortnight

Click here to view the key dates for the next fortnight.

SOCKTOBER –Catholic Mission

October marks World Mission Month, a celebration of the global work of the Church and the dedication of missionaries as they reach out and support children and communities in need around the world.

Socktober for Mission Month encourages students across Australia to kick goals on and off the pitch to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Thailand and around the world.

Throughout next week students will be involved in several activities to raise awareness of the work of Catholic Mission and on Friday 29 October all students are encouraged to show their support by wearing their brightest, loudest and craziest socks and donating a gold coin. All funds raised will be contributed to Catholic Mission.

More information about Socktober will be shared through our social media channels.

Thursday morning Community Mass 

All students and families are invited to attend our Thursday morning Community Mass in the Champagnat Chapel. Mass commences at 8.10am. Each week, a year group from primary and a Guild from the secondary, host the celebration for our College.  e way of attending the mass, however it would be great to see families come together particularly in these uncertain times.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal 

Term 4 is our annual Christmas Appeal fundraiser. Every year, Newman College, partners with Floreat and Doubleview St Vincent de Paul groups to create hampers for families in our area who without support, will not be able to celebrate Christmas.

Our commitment to this appeal, brings Christian joy and hope to families.

More information about this appeal will be shared in the coming weeks.

Across PK-12, students will be asked to bring in a particular item to assist in creating the hampers.

Last year we were able to create more than 120 hampers for families within Doubleview and Floreat, I know this is something we will be able to do again.

 

St John Henry Newman 

October 9 is the Feast Day of St John Henry Newman. As the name chosen for our College it is an important day to celebrate our PK-12 community. Our students from Kindy to Year 11 gathered to celebrate the Eucharist with Fr Israel. St John Henry Newman challenged his contemporaries to be open to change and it is only through change that we can be perfect and know truth.

Marist Connect Night 

On Tuesday afternoon, our Year 11 and some Year 12 students, gathered with students from St Joseph’s Northam and Bunbury Catholic College to reflect on belonging to a Marist community.

The students look at Marcellin Champagnat and his formation from a shy and timid young boy into a bright, confident, and out going young man. Students discussed how the joyful experiences in our life, often provide an opportunity for us to grow and better understand the person God is calling us to be. Thank you to Marist Youth Minister, Liam Street for his preparation of this event and Charlotte Eaden, alumni who has returned to work with this students.

We look forward to growing our partnership with Bunbury and Northam in 2022.

 

Ministers of Communion Commission 

Thursday Week 1, students were recently commissioned by Monsignor Kevin Long, to become Ministers of Communion. This role is an important calling to serve the Newman College community and also their local parish. Congratulations to our students and families for undertaking this important role in the life of the Church and our College.

Breathe: The Spirit of Life 

As we break for the end of Term 3, our Marist theme, Breathe: the Spirit of Life, is a reminder of what these holidays could look like for many of us. Our Year 12’s will no doubt be feeling the pressure of heading into their first round of exams but should be reminded of the wise words of St Padre Pio “Pray, hope and don’t worry, worry is useless, God is merciful and will hear your prayer”. Through prayer and simply breathing, we can slow down these holidays, take time for family, friends, and ourselves. I will keep in my prayers our Year 12 students who finish formal classes this Term and hope they look back with joy on their time at Newman College.

 

Remar Graduation

This week our Year 12 Remar students completed their three-year journey of the Marist Youth Ministry Program. The program focused on leadership development, community, service, and prayer. 18 students journeyed together in Remar and the Graduation evening was an opportunity to reflect on where they have come from, how they have grown and how they will move forward.  Students thanked the staff who walked with them over the years, particularly Louise O’Mahony who met with students fortnightly to provide formation. Thank you also to Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, who organised the occasion and will be concluding with the Ministry Team at the end of this Term.

This is the final year Remar will be facilitated at Newman College as the Marist Youth Ministry is concluded. However, students can still get involved with the new Marist Youth Ministry initiative, Game Changers. We currently have groups in Year 7, Year 8, Year 10 and Year 11. If your son or daughter is interested in getting involved please let us know.

Game Changers

Year 7 and Year 8 Game Changers students participated in a school clean-up for their final meeting for the term. Students recognised the importance of being part of a sustainable future and reflected on the words of Pope Francis “You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens but also as followers of Christ”.

On Friday September 17, our year 10 game changers set off for an overnight retreat up at Ern Halliday, Hillarys. The students were full of energy when they arrived and ready for an exciting day ahead. The leadership retreat focussed on students exploring how they can grow more in their Christian leadership skills by discovering how to live the Marist values of presence, humility, sensitivity, and audacity both individually and with each other.

By exploring pivotal moments in the mission and lives of Jesus in Galilee and Marcellin in La Valla, the students can discover how such moments bring clarity in helping to identify the true meaning and purpose of Christian mission – to be signs of God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. Students will be given opportunities during the camp to explore their own mission and group projects.

Students concluded their retreat on Saturday morning with a mass in the Marcellin campus Chapel, followed by a light morning tea. It was wonderful to have the students’ families come along to mass as well. Thanks to Liam Street, Marist Youth Minister who facilitated the program, Bonnie Keynes, Matthew Box and Hannah Parker who attended and supported the students.

Community Mass 

PK-12 Community Mass continues to be celebrated every Thursday morning, commencing at 8.10am. All families, staff and students are welcome. Community Mass will return on Thursday Week 1 Term 4. We look forward to welcoming you to the Champagnat Chapel.

St John Henry Newman Feast Day

Newman College was the first school in Australia named after the great religious thinker and leader of the 19th Century, John Henry Newman. Declared a Saint by Pope Francis in 2019, the Feast Day of St John Henry Newman is celebrated on Saturday 9 October. To mark the significance of this occasion, our K-12 Community will come together in celebration on Friday 15 October. All Students will gather for a combined Mass in the Marcellin Sports Centre.

Information was sent to families earlier this week.

This is another opportunity for our students to gather as a whole College community and live out our faith story as expressed in our Vision for Mission: to form ‘good Christians and Good Citizens’. We look forward to celebrating this very significant event in the life and history of Newman College.

Ministers of Communion 

Congratulations to Andrea Acuna, Sonia Bruce, Jack Daley, Joshua Downes, Emily Burgess, Sharya Ferdinandusz, Joseph Martin, Isabella Meyer, Isabella O’Rourke, Aneika Short and Joshua Thomas for their commitment to serving the Newman College community as Ministers of Communion. Students underwent formation training with Br Terry, Campus Minister who used the Archdiocese of Perth Guidelines to prepare students. This responsibility is a response to a call to be a model of faith to the students within the College and within their Parish life.

Perth iStand Conference 

Youth Mission Team will be hosting an iStand event these holidays. Click here for further details.

iSTAND Events are for students in year 8-12 (age 14-18 yrs) and are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow young people in a welcoming environment while learning more about yourself, others and God.
This iSTAND Camp will include activities such as games, group activities, prayer, reflection, testimonies and talks.

• DATE: 1st – 3rd October
• TIME: 5.30pm Friday – 1.00pm Sunday
• LOCATION: Advent Park, 345 Kalamunda Rd, Maida Vale WA 6057
• COST: $140 inclusive of all food and activities

With two weeks left of Term Three, our Year 12 students are coming to the end of their time at Newman College and assessments are being scheduled across the life of the school, it is an important time to reflect on the College’s Vision for Mission: to form good Christians and good citizens and our Marist theme for 2021 Breathe: The Spirit of Life. This calls us to pause and reflect on our life and what is most important. I encourage all staff, students and families to give thanks for our experience, to reach out to friends or family in lockdown around Australia who may be struggling and to remember that as Marist’s we follow Mary’s example and place our trust in God and the plan God has for us. By trusting in God, we can recognise God’s love, grace and compassion and finish the term with the hope that we can truly let our light shine.

Governor’s Prayer Breakfast 

Newman College has launched its Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, with Year 7 and 8 students. The purpose is to engage students in service activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community. Students have participated in a range of activities across, recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students and keep up the good work. There actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work.

Marist Connect Night 

As Marist school we offer students opportunities to engage in formation that allows them to meet with students from other Marist schools. For the second time this year, students gathered, this time at Bunbury Catholic College to reflect on their future and what it means to follow God’s call in their life. One of our Yr11 students reflects below.

On the 7th of September, 5 of the year 11 Gamechangers members along with Mrs Parker and Mrs Day-Perkins took off to Bunbury Catholic College for a connect night. Connect nights are organized throughout the year and allow Year 11 and 12 students from Marist schools to come together to connect and share ideas centred on the Marist principals.

Bunbury Catholic College is a Marist school set in the South-West of Perth. Once there we met a group of Year 11’s and 12’s and with the help of the teachers began to discuss school life through the Marist traditions. We started connecting by looking at ourselves and how we live according to faith. This conversation grew and soon enough we were having fun and connecting through activities like making paper airplanes that had fun facts written on them about each of us. After throwing the paper planes we then had to match the fun fact to the person. This is harder than what it seems especially when you are meeting for the first time but it still makes for a great activity allowing all of us to share a little bit about ourselves!

After some initial activities, we shared a meal. Where we continued to connect over pizza and talking about how we see life after school and our plans for our future. Finally, we heard from Liam Street, an ex-Newman student and the Marist Youth Ministry Leader who spoke to us about vocation and what to think about when we finish at school. Once he shared his story about finding his vocation, it was over to the teachers who formed a Q&A panel where they shared their vocational experiences.
Thanks Bunbury Catholic College for a great evening.

– Sonia Bruce, Year 11 student. 

Thursday morning Community Mass 

very Thursday morning family’s are invited to join students and staff to celebrate the Eucharist with local priests from our parishes. The final two weeks of our Community Mass see Thomas More and Year 4 in Week 9 and Romero and Year 3 in week 10. It has been such a blessing to welcome our Year 2 students to our Community Mass in line with our Vision for Mission and their transition to Year 3.
Mr Sullivan, Thomas More Guild Coordinator sent the following message to families earlier this term.

On Thursday the 16th of September at 8.10am, the Thomas More Guild is participating in their community mass for years 7-12 at the Marcellin Campus Chapel. This is an important time for students across the Marcellin Campus as it will be the last mass that Year 12 students will be a part of before they commence their exams as well as marking the start of transition into 2022.

I wish to extend the invitation to all family members of students in the Thomas More Guild. This can be past students, pre-high school children, grandparents and extended family. As the new Co-Ordinator for Thomas More guild I want to foster a sense of family spirit across all year groups.

I understand that there may be other priorities such as work that may get in the way of attending the mass, however it would be great to see families come together particularly in these uncertain times.
We look forward to seeing you in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of our Catholic faith. This year, students across the primary and secondary have had the opportunity to celebrate this sacrament in year groups. The secondary students have been led by priests from the Redemptorist Monastery led by Fr Edmond Nixon and primary students have been led by Fr Kaz Stuglik from Floreat Parish. The sacrament is an opportunity for students to seek forgiveness and reflect on God’s love and mercy in their lives. We encourage all our families to participate in this sacrament through their local parish.

Floreat Parish Youth Mass

On Sunday 19 September, Floreat Parish supported by 24/7 Youth Ministry will be celebrating a Youth Mass. This celebration is an opportunity for students who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation to come along and share in the Eucharist, games and light refreshments. We all encourage all our Year 6 families to come along and celebrate. The parish will be providing an experience for our young people every third Sunday. Mass commences at 9.30am at St Cecilia’s Church.

Ministers of Communion Preparation  

In line with our Vision for Mission: to form “good Christians and good citizens”, we have had some of our Year 11 students apply to participate in the ministering of Holy Communion. This means they will undertake training with Br Terry, reflecting on what it means to serve in the Church and the sacredness of the Eucharist. Congratulations to our students who have put their name forward to be leaders in this way at Newman College.

Special Marist Project: Marist Institute launches Global network

At Newman College we are proud to be part of Marist Schools Australia and an international community that shares a vision “to make Jesus Christ known and loved.” Recently, Newman College was asked to be part of the International Marist Institutes Global Network launch. On Wednesday 15 September, students from across the College will participate in creating a new logo for the network that seeks to demonstrate the diversity of our Marist community and its vision for our Marists communities to be “a place where we all belong!” Click here to learn more about this initiative and how it will help build a better place for young people in our world.