From the Vice Principal – Term 1, Week 3

2027 Three Week Break

In 2027 the College will implement a three-week Semester break between Term 2 and Term 3. The confirmed dates for this break are as follows:

  • Term 2 Concludes – Friday, 25 June 2027
  • Semester Break – Saturday 26, June to Sunday, 18 July 2027
  • Term 3 Begins – Monday, 19 July 2027

We are providing this advance notice to assist families with forward planning for 2027. The full 2027 College Calendar, including all term dates and key events, will be published once finalised.

CrossSafe Survey

We encourage all families to complete this short survey to assist in the establishment of the CrossSafe initiative, designed to keep our student and young people safe.

Our College has a pedestrian crossing on Tuscany Way that is manned through the Traffic Warden Program. When there is an absence that cannot be covered, through this program, this puts our students at risk.  Your insight is critical to ensuring the work of the CrossSafe initiative delivers meaningful outcomes for students and school communities.

Transperth Bus Services

The College has been made aware of issues with some School Special bus services arriving late. These have been reported to Transperth when we are made aware, and we ask that families also report the issues.

Students who arrive late due to buses will not be penalised as long as they sign in at Student Reception or Primary Reception.

Newman Parents Forum – Save the Date

The Newman Parent Forum (NPF) occurs once a term and is open to all parents/guardians. It is a parent community gathering led by the Principal and Vice Principal, in collaboration with a nominated Newman Parent K-12 Executive Committee.

The NPF for Term 1 is scheduled for Monday 9 March at 6.00pm. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend in person in the JHN Learning Hub or via TEAMs. An agenda will be emailed to families closer to the evening.

International Women’s Day

On Friday 6 March we will celebrate International Women’s Day, a special time to recognise the incredible women in our community and continue to bring awareness to gender inequality.

Families were invited to a breakfast and panel discussion. The response has been overwhelming and the event is now sold out. Students will lead the discussion with our panellists:

  • Anna Snodgrass, Rio Tinto,
  • Lisa Webb, Fremantle Dockers, and
  • Jayne Taylor, Taylor HR.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the event. If you have a ticket but are unable to attend, please contact communications@newman.wa.edu.au so that the opportunity can be made available to others.

Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL

Primary Update – Term 1 Week 3

The first few weeks of term have been full of energy, enthusiasm, and achievement across the Primary School. It has been wonderful to see students settling confidently into routines and embracing the many opportunities available to them both in and out of the classroom.

Swim Trials and Upcoming Swimming Carnival

Over the past two weeks, all students from Years 3–6 have participated in our annual Swim Trials. These sessions have been extremely successful, with students demonstrating not only their swimming skills but also admirable perseverance, sportsmanship, and a willingness to challenge themselves. Many students pushed beyond their comfort zones, tried new events, and encouraged their peers throughout the trial process. The positive atmosphere around the pool has been a highlight of the term so far.

We are now looking forward to the Primary Swimming Carnival on Friday, 27 February. Due to planned upgrades to our pool facilities later in the year, our carnival will be running in a split format to ensure all students have ample time to compete and enjoy the day:

  • Years 3 and 5: 9:15am – 11:30am
  • Years 4 and 6: 12:00pm – 2:30pm

At 2:30pm, all year groups will gather back at the pool to watch the highly anticipated Year 6 relays, always a favourite event for students and families alike. We will then conclude the day with the announcement of the Champion Guild and the Guild Spirit Award, recognising not only athletic achievement but also teamwork, encouragement, and positive participation.

Families are warmly invited to join us throughout the day. A sausage sizzle will be available for parents to purchase with money raised going to Caritas.

Run Club off to a Flying Start

Our Run Club for Years 3–6 has started the term with excellent momentum. Held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, the program is already attracting a strong group of enthusiastic students.

Run Club focuses on fitness, stamina, and on building confidence and creating healthy habits. The sense of camaraderie among students has been noticeable, and we look forward to seeing their progress over the coming weeks.

The Wizard of Oz – Musical Rehearsals Begin

Rehearsals for our 2026 Primary production, The Wizard of Oz, have officially commenced, and the excitement is building. This year’s audition process saw an impressive number of students stepping forward to showcase their singing, acting, and dancing talents. Their courage, creativity, and willingness to try something new were truly inspiring.

With the cast now finalised, students have begun working with Mrs Wynne on character development, choreography, vocal work, and staging. The early enthusiasm from the cast promises an outstanding production for our community in Term 2. We are delighted to see students embracing the arts and committing to a collaborative project that will stretch their skills and spark their imagination.

Lavalla Carpark

The car park has presented a number of challenges throughout the first few weeks of term, and we appreciate the patience families have shown during this busy period. While traffic does clear quickly once students begin arriving at the pick‑up area, we are still experiencing congestion earlier in the afternoon that is impacting the smooth flow of vehicles.

A reminder that Kiss and Ride does not begin moving until 3:00pm, once the school day has officially ended. However, we are seeing a significant line of cars forming on Empire Avenue well before this time. When this occurs, it prevents families who wish to park from being able to enter the car park, causing further delays and frustration.

To help ease congestion, we kindly ask that families using Kiss and Ride aim to arrive closer to 3:00pm, rather than significantly earlier. This small adjustment would greatly improve access for those who need to park and reduce the queue extending onto Empire Avenue.

For families who arrive and are unable to join the drive-through line, please remember that you will need to loop around again. Waiting or stopping in ways that block the car park entry affects visibility, access, and overall safety.

In addition, we ask that families avoid parking on the grass or in areas that are not designated parking bays. Vehicles in these spaces not only block sight lines for moving cars but also create difficulties when attempting to exit.

There is, unfortunately, no quick fix for a car park that many families are trying to access at the same time. However, these small adjustments will make a noticeable difference. Ultimately, a smoother and safer car park experience relies on everyone doing the right thing, showing patience, and working together.

Mindful Mornings 

As an extension to our Mindful Mornings initiative, students who arrive at school between 8:15am and 8:35am are welcomed into our undercover area, where they are supported by staff in a calm and supervised environment. It has been wonderful to see students engaging in board games, card games, construction and colouring. These purposeful activities foster positive social interactions while creating a settled atmosphere. This structured start to the day supports student wellbeing and ensures everyone feels focused, connected, and ready to learn.

Save the Date – Primary Family Picnic

We are delighted to announce that our Annual Family Picnic will be held on Friday, 6 March. This is always a much-loved community event and a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, relax, and enjoy an evening of fun and connection.

This year, we will have two food vans on site offering a variety of meal options for purchase, along with a dedicated ice cream van for a sweet treat. Families are welcome to bring picnic rugs, chairs, and any additional food they wish to enjoy.

We are delighted to announce that our Annual Family Picnic will be held on Friday, 6 March. This is always a much-loved community event and a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, relax, and enjoy an evening of fun and connection.

This year, we will have two food vans on site offering a variety of meal options for purchase, along with a dedicated ice cream van for a sweet treat. Families are welcome to bring picnic rugs, chairs, and any additional food they wish to enjoy.

We are also excited to welcome back the bush band The Pioneers, who will once again provide lively musical entertainment throughout the evening. In addition, some of our talented music students will be performing, showcasing the skills they have been developing through our Music program.

We look forward to sharing this special evening with our school community, please mark the date in your calendar.

State Sporting Representation

Congratulations to the following students for selection in the Western Australian teams in their respective sports:

  • Zoe Harris, Year 5, in December represented the UWA Little Athletics Club, competed in the 4 x 100m relay final, winning a bronze medal at the Athletics West State Relay Championships at the WA Athletics Stadium.

State and National Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport. 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

Mission Update – Term 1 Week 3

Our Family Mass this week was a wonderful celebration of our Newman College community. It was a joyful opportunity to gather as students, families and staff, to pray together, to introduce our 2026 Marist theme, and most importantly, to share in the Eucharist. In coming together around the table of the Lord, we were reminded that our College is not simply a place of learning, but a faith community grounded in Christ and shaped by the Marist spirit.

A special word of thanks must go to our many Year 12 students who have generously committed themselves to serving as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist this year. Their willingness to prepare, to step forward, and to serve at the altar is a quiet but powerful witness of leadership in action. In the Marist tradition, leadership is always expressed through service, and these young people model that beautifully for our community.

We were very grateful to have Fr Michael Twigg OMI as our celebrant. In his homily, he offered six simple but profound words: ‘Give without remembering; receive without forgetting.’ These words capture something essential about the Christian life. To give without remembering is to offer our time, compassion and generosity without keeping score. To receive without forgetting is to live with gratitude – recognising the love, forgiveness and grace we have been given, and allowing that gratitude to shape how we treat others.

These six words resonate deeply as we begin the season of Lent and reflect on our Ash Wednesday liturgies this week. Lent invites us to look honestly at our lives and to ask how we might live more like Jesus – in humility, in generosity and in love. It is a time to let go of grudges, selfishness and indifference, and instead to grow in compassion and gratitude.

As a Marist community, may we take Fr Michael’s words to heart. May we give freely, without seeking recognition. May we receive God’s blessings – and the kindness of others – with thankful hearts. And throughout this Lenten season, may we continue to grow into people who reflect Christ more clearly in the way we live, serve and love.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

From the Principal – Term 1 Week 1

Dear Newman College Families,

Welcome back to the 2026 Academic Year. We have enjoyed a great start to the year and it is so good to have our students returning to continue their Newman College journey. The start of the year is about so many ‘firsts’. The first day of compulsory schooling for our Pre-Primary children; the first day of Pre-Kindy and Kindy for our smallest little people; the beginning of Secondary school for Year 7, the Class of 2031, and the start for a group of students who have joined us for the first time in other year groups. The new beginnings along with our returning students, families and staff bring great joy to our Newman College community. We welcome new families and staff to our community and look forward to the contribution they will make to our College.

2026 Marist Theme

The beginning of a new year also allows us to refocus on our Marist way of being and learning. This year’s Marist Theme is, again, a beautiful invitation to live and learn. In 2026 the theme is Full of Grace- Transform the World with God’s Love. Pope Leo wrote last year “Now is the hour of love”. What if the world’s peace and flourishing began not with grand gestures, but a humble yes? Grace is that yes. It is God’s love, freely given, undeserved, unmeasured, and without conditions. It is offered to everyone. Once accepted, it overflows from our hearts and radiates outward, moving us to share God’s love with others. Grace is not abstract or distant; it is the living presence of God in the ordinary: a word of encouragement, listening with patience, a hand extended in peace. Abbot Jamison captures its power beautifully: “Grace is God’s way of restoring our trust in the goodness of life.”

We look forward to unpacking and understanding this most beautiful Marist theme with our community in 2026 – the small moments, the awareness of Grace and the sharing of Grace.

College Events

Thank you to families for their presence at the Lavalla Primary Information Evening and we look forward to the Parent Sundowner tonight and the upcoming Marcellin Secondary Information Night and College Family Mass. These events and further opportunities like the Lavalla and Marcellin Guild Swimming Carnivals, Lavalla Primary Picnic, the launch of the Year 9 Rite Journey 2026, the High Achievers Assembly and Lavalla assemblies are great moments to share with you in partnership and presence.

E-Scooter, E-Bikes and E-rideables

As outlined in our 2026 Welcome Pack Newman College is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students. We recognise that eRideable devices such as eScooters and eBikes have become a popular mode of transport. However, these devices are subject to legislation that prohibit children under the age of 16 from using them.

Government Regulations

 Under the Road Traffic Code 2000 (s228):

  • A person under 16 years of age must not ride a power-assisted pedal cycle with the power assistance engaged.
  • A person under 16 years of age must not ride an electric rideable device with its motor engaged.

College Regulations

Newman College students are not permitted to use or store an eRideable or eBike on school premises. Examples of eRideables include:

  • eScooters
  • eSkateboards
  • Hoverboards
  • eSkates
  • eUnicycles

If brought to school, they will be held and must be collected by a parent or caregiver.

For more information about eRideable regulations, please visit the Road Safety Commission website.
We appreciate your support in implementing these measures to ensure the safety of our students and the wider community.

I wish everyone a great year ahead.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 1

Welcome back to all our students and families as we begin a new academic year. It has been a fantastic start, filled with energy, optimism, and a strong sense of connection across the College.

From our youngest students starting pre-kindergarten, year-level assemblies and transition days for our Year 7 students, to meeting new teachers and reconnecting with peers, the opening week has set a positive tone for the year ahead. We look forward to building on this momentum as students continue to learn, grow, and thrive throughout 2026.

2026 Parent Information Handbook

The Newman College 2026 Information Handbook outlines and summarises key information for 2026 families who have students in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. This publication provides the essential information needed for daily life at Newman College. We encourage families to bookmark this and use it as a reference throughout the year.  This includes:

  • Key Dates
  • College Leadership
  • Absentees
  • Uniform
  • Communications

Communication – General Queries

Please see Contact Us Page on our website for a list of emails to direct enquiries to.

Communication – Parent Concerns

We strongly value the partnership we share between families and the College to best support our young people. We understand concerns may arise throughout the year and we are here to address these together.  The best results come from respectful and courteous written and verbal communication when raising these matters with staff. The Parent Code of Conduct outlines our shared responsibility in maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful community for all.

As advocates for your children, it is important that concerns are raised in a timely and constructive manner, working in partnership with the College to seek positive outcomes. Open, respectful communication enables staff to respond thoughtfully and ensures that concerns are addressed in a way that supports student wellbeing, learning, and the strong relationships that underpin our community.

Sun Safety

As a SunSmart College, we ask that parents and caregivers remind students to apply sunscreen prior to the start of the school day. This supports our ongoing commitment to student health and wellbeing, particularly during outdoor learning, sport, and break times.

Extended Absences

Families are reminded that extended periods of leave, including holidays, should be taken during the gazetted school holidays. We understand that there may be occasions when parents/guardians need to make decisions regarding their child’s absence for important yet unapproved reasons. We want to highlight that such decisions may negatively impact your child’s learning and possibly result in a zero mark for assessments conducted during the absence, as per our College Assessment Policies. While we acknowledge that there may be unavoidable situations, we encourage you to consider the broader impact on your child’s learning journey.

There are special circumstances where extended absences may be approved and families should email beth.murphy@newman.wa.edu.au with as much notice as possible so that these may be considered.

Colours and Honours

In 2026 the College is excited to be introducing a colours and honours system to recognise student contribution in the Mission, Academic, Arts and Sport Pillars.

Students will be awarded points over their time in Years 7 to 12, students who earn over 50 points in a Pillar, will be awarded the Colours Badge for that Pillar, and students who earn over 100 points will be awarded the Honours Badge.

The College has collated existing student records and these will be distributed to parents and students via SEQTA this term.

Students who have achieved their Colours and Honours will be acknowledged at the end of term Celebration Assembly on Thursday, 2 April.

The College will work to implement a student recognition system for Primary students in 2027.

College Family Mass

Tuesday 17 February, our Newman College community comes together for the Family Mass, an event that holds great significance in reinforcing our identity as a Catholic school in the Marist educational tradition. The occasion is made even more special as we will celebrate the commissioning of our Year 6 and Year 12 Student Leaders.

I remind parents and students that participation in all aspects of College life, including events like the Family Mass, are an integral part of our shared commitment upon enrolling in the College. This is a compulsory attendance event for students in PP-Y12, and families are asked to ensure that students are present on this evening.

Communication has been sent to all families today from the Principal, Mr Andrew Waston, which can be found here.

We sincerely thank all our families, students, and staff for their support this special event.

Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL