Menu
Search
START TYPING AND PRESS ENTER TO SEARCH
My cart

No products in the cart.

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 15/08/2025

The Feast of the Assumption 

‘Mary, our Good Mother – Pray for us’. In our litany for prayer, we are very used to saying this as a Marist community. Today, Friday 15 August, marks the Church’s celebration of the Feast of the Assumption. In the very early years, post the Ascencion of Jesus, the Church we now know was in its infancy and better described as the Jesus movement. The next few hundred years saw the successors of St Peter and the missionary disciples discern and capture our beliefs. While a few hundred years sounds like a long time, it is relatively short considering the nature of the times in communication and evangelisation. From the 400s-600s, the Christian communities became quite clear on the position of Mary and Marian devotion in our faith. It was then in 1950 that Pope Pius XII declared that the Assumption of Mary into heaven was a solemnity to be celebrated in the liturgical calendar.  

This brings us to our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption. We know that St Marcellin Champagnat entrusted the Marist project to Mary, and it was through Mary that Marists were to make Jesus Christ known and loved in the educational and pastoral work of Marists. This is why the Feast of the Assumption holds such an important place in the lives of our Marist community at Newman College. It is on Mary that we model our way of being present to one another.   

It was an absolute joy to bring our Lavalla and Marcellin communities together in the celebration of Mass today on the Assumption. The joy of a community modelled on Mary continued in the fete activities, Lavalla Buddy time and family spirit which followed Mass today.  Well done to the Guild Co-ordinators, Guild Student Leaders, Primary and Secondary staff and students for a great day! 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

We are in the second-half of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and Newman College students have shone in performance across music and dance. Just this week, 5 of our Dance Troupes performed at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for a Dance Showcase and excelled. Last weekend, our  Dance groups performed in the School to Stage Dance Competition and were placed:

1st – Liturgical Dance
2nd – Hip Hop
2nd – Senior Contemporary
2nd – Senior Jazz
3rd – Year 7 Jazz
3rd – Senior Jazz
Plus, a spectacular performance from our Year 8/9 Jazz troupe.

Great things are happening with our whole Arts program, which includes our Music, Drama and Visual Arts alongside Dance.  

Year 9 Parent Information Evening 

We were pleased to host the Year 9 parents and students at the College on Tuesday evening. This is the first time that we have brought the discussion of Year 10 and senior years’ studies to Year 9 in such detail. It is so important to build the understanding with students of applying yourself to your studies and understanding the requirements ahead with subject selection and pathway selection. Partnering with our parents to share the conversation can only lead to better support of our students working towards their personal best. Thank you to Beth Murphy, Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning PK-12, for designing the evening, and to Scott Smith, Leader of Year 9 Wellbeing and Justin Farley, Leader of Pathways for their work in the presentation. A key part of being in Year 9 this year is The Rite Journey and this program is about building the understanding and skills to start leaving childhood and preparing for adolescence and early adulthood.  

Wishing you a wonderful fortnight ahead. 

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 15/08/2025

Pupil-Free Days – Friday 22 August and Monday 25 August

You are reminded that we have pupil-free days for all students coming up at the end of Week 5. On Friday 22 August, our staff will be participating in a wellbeing day with a focus on service. Staff will be working on a range of activities, including cooking for Shopfront, flatpack construction for No Limits and more. Monday 25 August is Catholic Day. We hope many families will be able to make the most of this extended time together.

Newman Parents Forum – Save the Date

We are excited to invite you to our Term 3 Newman Parents Forum, where we will be trying something new! This time, you can choose the sessions that interest you most, with each presentation running twice.

Come along to:

  • Discover what’s changing in Social Media Legislation and discuss considerations for school, parents and students
  • Explore our rich Marist Identity and what it means for our community
  • Learn practical ways to help students build resilience
  • Gain insight into the Equip, Guide, Thrive program

It is a great opportunity to connect, learn and be part of important conversations shaping our school community. Full details and registration information will be sent out soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 12 Legacy Project – Do It For Cancer

The 2025 Student Leadership Team have spent time this year reflecting on what kind of legacy they want to leave behind. As a team, they wanted to do something to genuinely make a difference within the Newman community and beyond. Through a number of workshops, they considered how they could increase student engagement through hope and connection. They felt this could be achieved by supporting a cause that affects many Australians and many of our own families.

The Class of 2025 are supporting the Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer fundraiser. Year 12 students are either cutting their hair or committing to a physical challenge over the next month in the hope of raising awareness, hope, funds, and hopefully building a meaningful Class of 2025 legacy.

So far, the team has 40 participants and has already raised over $16000! The haircuts will take place in Week 8 during their Extended PCG.

If you wish to have a look at the team page or donate, you can do so at the following link: Class of 2025 Do It For Cancer Team Page

If there are any families who may be able to assist with the haircuts, please contact Mrs Carla Pastorelli, Deputy Principal Secondary via email carla.pastorelli@newman.wa.edu.au

The Class of 2025 thanks you for your support.

Wellbeing Week

Feeling well, or ‘wellbeing’ is fundamental to our overall health and enjoyment of life. We recognise the importance of education, raising awareness and providing opportunities for students to develop their own wellbeing and to contribute to and participate in our flourishing community. This year, Wellbeing Week will be celebrated in Week 6. Each day will focus on a different element of wellbeing; Together Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday & Fitness Friday.

On Friday 22 August, staff will be participating in a Wellbeing Day focusing on service. We are calling for parents or students to submit messages of appreciation or gratitude to our staff, which will be delivered on our Staff Wellbeing Day. You are invited to enter a message using this online form.

Hours of Supervision

Parents are reminded that the hours of supervision for students are outlined below. Students are not permitted on Campus outside of hours unless attending a prearranged College activity (such as Homework Club). Students are not permitted to wait for their parents inside the Auditorium or other College facilities.

College Policy Updates

The following College Policies have been recently updated:

After-Hours Access to College Grounds

We are fortunate to have beautiful College facilities that are enjoyed by our students, families and local community through College programs, club activities and special events. To keep these spaces safe, well-maintained and available for their intended purposes, we ask for your support in ensuring that our grounds are respected and used appropriately.

Please be reminded that no students or members of the public should be on College grounds outside of school hours unless:

  • Participating in College-organised activities
  • Taking part in activities run by our on-site clubs
  • Attending events in the Auditorium

Unfortunately, in recent weeks, there have been instances of anti-social and unsafe behaviour after hours on College property. While the majority of our community does the right thing, a small number of individuals have caused disruption and acted in ways that are not acceptable in our community.

We are asking parents and caregivers to speak with their children about the importance of respecting school grounds and the people who use them, and to reinforce that being on site outside of the times above is not permitted. If you become aware of any after-hours activity on our grounds, please contact the College or, if urgent, the police.

Together, we can help maintain a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all who use our facilities.

Mr Michael Chiera

VICE PRINCIPAL

Mission Update – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 15/08/2025

Today, we gathered as a College community to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary which is a day of great significance for the Catholic Church and for the Marist family. The Assumption reminds us of our belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a celebration of the hope we have in Christ, and the promise of eternal life. For Marists, this feast is particularly special, as it is our own feast day — a time to honour Mary, who is our model of faith, humility, and service.

Our celebrations began with three beautiful Masses across the College, celebrated by Fr Kaz, Fr Emmanuel, and Fr Edmond. These moments of prayer brought us together to give thanks for Mary’s life and her ongoing presence in our journey of faith. Following mass, the day continued with our annual fete, filled with delicious food, exciting activities, and a joyful atmosphere. All money raised from today’s fete goes towards supporting Australian Marist Solidarity – the international aid agency of the Marists. We then concluded the day with a special episode of Taskmaster filmed and edited by our talented Media Studies students, featuring our Leaders of Wellbeing under the creative direction of Mr Lang.

It was such a beautiful day of community and celebration, and one that could not be possible without the support of our students, families, and staff, especially our guild coordinators who led the many activities and food stalls at the fete. Their hard work and efforts really helped make today wonderful.

Primary Update – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 15/08/2025

5B Assembly

Last Friday delighted us with an assembly dedicated to dogs and all we can learn from them. We were reminded that dogs embody many of our Marist characteristics. My apologies to those whose child came home with a long list of reasons as to why they should get a dog. Ironically, last Friday was also International Cats Day, so a special mention to all of the cats in our community.

Catholic Performing Arts –Dance Troupes

On Wednesday night, I had the great pleasure of attending the Catholic Performing Arts – Dance Creative at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to watch our magnificent Primary dance troupes Genesis (Years 1 and 2) and Ascend (Years 5 and 6). Congratulations for a wonderful performance. A special thank you to our very talented teachers, Ms Kathy La Brooy and Mrs Samantha Wynne for their tireless work in preparing the girls for the stage.

Lavalla Carpark

We have been working hard to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at school pick up. I wish to thank you all for embracing our Marist characteristics, allowing everyone to exit the carpark in a timely manner. To support this, I request:

  • PK and Kindy parents promptly collect their child at 2.45pm and vacate the carpark promptly prior to the rush.
  • Year 3-6 families arrive at Kiss n Ride at 3.10pm, allowing our junior primary students to pick up first. I understand that this is not always possible if you have children across different year groups.
  • You ensure your surname is easily visible on your dashboard or car visor, allowing duty staff to prepare your child for pick up.
  • If the Kiss n Ride lane is full, please loop around where you will be given priority to re-enter the queue. Please DO NOT block cars wanting to enter the carpark in waiting to enter the Kiss n Ride lane. There have been times where cars have been backed up to Empire Ave due to this.

PP to Year 6 Disco

Get your dancing shoes ready! Our School Disco will be held on Friday 19th September.

  • Pre-Primary to Year 2: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Year 3 to Year 6: 5:15pm – 6:30pm

To purchase your tickets just click here.

 

Book Week Parade

Our book week dress up and parade will be held on Tuesday 19th August in the undercover basketball courts.

  • 8:50am: PP, Y2, Y4, Y6.
  • 9:50am: Kindy, Y1, Y3, Y5.

Athletics Carnival

The PP-6 Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 12th September. More information is coming soon.

Student Illness

As we travel through the middle of the winter months, it is important to remind families of the importance of keeping children home if they display symptoms of being unwell. Illness spreads quickly amongst primary students, so we ask that if your child is sick that you do not send them to school. Please keep them home until symptoms clear, to avoid passing on sicknesses to other students and staff. This is particularly important for vulnerable members of our community. Students that present to school with symptoms of being unwell will be sent home. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

ACTING HEAD OF PRIMARY

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 2

Jenni Vile on 01/08/2025

Dear Newman College Families,

Welcome back to Term 3! A great occasion as our PK to Year 2 students, staff and parents moved over to the Lavalla campus on the first day of this term. Thank you to all staff for the work they achieved over the break to have everything ready and running for our students. I also thank parents for their support of the move. So many families commented on the facilities and the warmth of the welcome. New students and families started their Newman College journey this term and I hope they are feeling settled and a part of the Family Spirit.

Emil and The Detectives plus Catholic Performing Arts Festival

Congratulations to the Arts team, Marist Auditorium team and the talented students who performed Emil and the Detectives on Thursday. Their last performance is tonight, Friday. The opening performance was fantastic and showcased the further development of the Arts at Newman College.

We are in the season of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and Over 400 students are performing from our College over the next 6 weeks. Best of luck to our orchestras, ensembles, soloists, artists, dancers and actors. Following the Catholic Performing Arts season, we will host fellow Marist School, Sacred Heart College, Adelaide, for the Marist Music Exchange. What a great term to celebrate everything to do with our Arts and then lead into Term 4 events with Arts Week and the Dance Showcase, Art Exhibition and the final Music Night.

Celebrating Academic Success

On the Marcellin Campus (Secondary), we will be holding our first Celebration Assembly for Term 3. This assembly focuses on Semester 1 academic high achievement and sits with the beginning of Year Academic Assembly and end of Year Awards Night, as the most prestigious of academic celebrations in the College. We are really looking forward to recognising this achievement alongside the students’ parents who have been invited to the event.

Planting for the Future

Today, a group of Year 6 and Year 12 Student Leaders planted over 200 native plants and trees on the Tuscany Way embankment. This is the next stage of the planting program that began in 2023, and we thank the City of Stirling for the donation of such important plants and trees to support corridors of green for native animal habitats. In a few weeks, staff will also be planting another 300 plants as a part of their service program.

100 Days of School

What a great delight to visit Pre-Primary on Thursday to celebrate the fun of 100 days at school. We all enjoyed dressing up like Centenarians to celebrate their 100th day. Pre-Primary students kindly reminded me that I was closer to 100 than them, as I paraded my ‘aged’ attire. A great laugh with the students and staff!

Newman Hearts Winter Edition

The second edition of Newman Hearts has been distributed electronically to families and the community. This publication is growing and doing a great job of providing more stories and photos of the great engagement of Newman College students and alumni. I hope you enjoy the read.

Your Support

We have significant College events coming up in the weeks ahead. Assumption Day Mass and Fete, Marcellin (Secondary) Guild Athletics Carnival and Lavalla (Primary) Athletics Carnival. While I do not really need to remind primary students that they need to attend these events, I do have to remind secondary students that these are compulsory days to attend (excluding those Year 11-12 students who are required at TAFE for these days). With a few weeks to go before the events, I ask you to discuss at home the compulsory nature of such days. Thank you in advance.

Wishing all Newman College Families a great fortnight ahead.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL