Secondary Update – Term 2 Week5

Jenni Vile on 22/05/2026

Year 10 Camp: An Adventure to Remember

Last week, our Year 10 students headed out on the annual camp at Manjedal Adventure Centre in Karrakup.

Nestled in the Jarrah forest midway between Byford and Jarrahdale, Manjedal Adventure Centre provided the perfect backdrop for challenge and adventure. The journey-style program pushed students in the best possible way. Carrying all their essentials in backpacks, cooking on camp stoves, and setting up and packing down their tents each morning, students quickly discovered what they were capable of. Daily activities — including hiking, high ropes and team-challenge exercises — tested them physically and mentally, while each evening’s debriefs and reflections gave them space to process their experiences and grow.

During the camp, students had the opportunity to build leadership, self-management, resilience, and personal independence — skills that will serve them well as they navigate the daily challenges of life. The program also provided meaningful time for students to reflect on their relationship with self, others and creation.

We are very proud of every student who stepped outside their comfort zone, supported their peers, and embraced every moment. Thank you to the staff who accompanied our students and to Adventure Works for delivering such a meaningful program.

Well done, Year 10 — you were outstanding!

Bus Travel and SmartRiders

The College has been made aware that a significant number of students are travelling on school buses without a SmartRider, and that many students who do have a SmartRider are not tagging on and off for their trips.

If your child has a valid Student SmartRider, they can travel free on Transperth Monday to Friday during the school year, provided they tag on and tag off for every trip. Tagging on and off is essential — it helps Transperth understand how many students are using the service, so enough buses can be scheduled to get everyone to and from school safely and on time.

Please note that students travelling without a SmartRider will need to pay the fare for the travel. In addition, an infringement may also be issued.

Please remind your child of the following important rules for bus travel:

  • Tag on at the front door only — tagging on at a centre or rear door will result in a default fare being charged
  • Tag off at any door when exiting

Replacement SmartRiders

If your child has lost or damaged their SmartRider, a replacement can be ordered through Student Reception at a cost of $5.00, payable at the time of ordering. Payment can be made by EFTPOS at Student Reception or by card over the phone. Please note that the College no longer accepts cash payments.

We appreciate your support in ensuring your child travels safely and in accordance with Transperth requirements.

Upcoming Events

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

On Tuesday 26 May, Newman College will come together as a whole school — from Pre-Primary to Year 12 — to mark National Sorry Day and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

Our Primary students will lead the College in a short assembly, followed by a whole-College handprint activity where senior students and their Primary buddies will create a united College display — a symbol of our shared commitment to reconciliation and a more just and equitable future.

Examination Timetable          

As we progress through Term 2 are Year 10, 11 and 12 students prepare for their first set of Examinations for the year. Exam timetables are linked below:

Year 12 Examination Timetable

Year 10 Examination Timetable

Year 11 Examination Timetable

State Sporting Representation

Congratulations to the following student for the state achievement in their sport:

  • Marcus Lark (Year 8) and William McGrath (Year 8) were selected to represent UWA Water Polo in the Under‑14 State Team, competing at this year’s Australian Youth Championships (AYC) in Brisbane. The tournament featured 25 teams from across Australia and New Zealand, providing a highly competitive environment. Both students performed strongly throughout the competition, making a meaningful contribution to the team’s overall performance.
  • Jackson Paytner (Year 12) has been selected in the School Sports WA team to compete in the 13-19 National Swimming Championships in Victoria in July.
  • Ashlee Kruger (Year 10) and Torah Wellman (Year 10) have been selected in the School Sports WA 15s Hockey Team, competing in the National Championships in Melbourne in July.
  • Otis Keane (Year 9) has been selected in the School Sports WA Australian Football 14s to compete in the National Schoolboy Championships in Melbourne in July.

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 Anna Scanlan

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10 

Year 11 prerequisites for 2027 

Year 10 students and families have now received the prerequisites for Year 11 subjects at Newman College for 2027. This is to allow for goal-setting in time for the Semester 1 Year 10 report. Prerequisites for Year 11 2027 can found here.

A summary of the different pathway options for Year 11 and 12 can be found here. 

In Term 2, all Year 10 students will commence their subject selection research, in preparation for Year 11 2027. 

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Career conversations for parents 

The WA Government offers a suite of free resources to assist parents and guardians with starting career-related conversations. Families can access them here. 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11 

Selecting Year 12 subjects 

Please see below a summary of the rules for selecting subjects in Year 12, 2027: 

  • Students who select a Year 12 ATAR subject must have achieved at least 50% in that ATAR subject in Year 11. 
  • Students who select a new Year 12 ATAR subject in Year 12 (not having studied that subject in Year 11) will be required to seek permission. 
  • Students with a predicted ATAR of less than 70 will not be permitted to continue the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. 
  • Students who have an ‘E’ grade in a Year 11 General subject will not be permitted to re-select that General subject in Year 12. 
  • For students wishing to enter the UniReady or UniPath Programs in Year 12: 
  • If coming from the ATAR Pathway in Year 11, students must have passed at least 4 Year 11 subjects. 
  • If coming from the General Pathway in Year 11, students must have a ‘B’ grade or better in at least 4 Year 11 subjects, including English. 

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries. https://sae.edu.au/ 

For students thinking of attending University 

  • And here is the “First in Family” resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University: http://firstinfamily.com.au/ 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12 

Key dates for TAFE and University applications for 2027 

For those students applying for TAFE for 2027, applications will open in September of this year and close in November of this year. You will be advised of this at the time. 

For those students applying for University for 2027, early applications (early offers) will open in June and you will have until mid-December to lodge your application. Closer to the time you will be provided with instructions and further information about applying. 

Year 12s are welcome to come and collect (and keep) any of the University handbooks that are on the table near my office. These can be very helpful in making your choice. 

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries. https://sae.edu.au/ 

Applying for Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science for 2027 

All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2027 (including Assured Pathway at UWA and Notre Dame) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year. 
 
Please see below for some important dates: 

  • 3 March 2026:  UCAT bookings open 
  • 15 May 2026:  Deadline to book your UCAT for 2026 
  • 12 June 2026:  Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking 
  • 1 July 2026:  UCAT testing begins 
  • 5 August 2026:  Last test date 
  • September 2026:  Results available 

You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for further information, practice tests, and tips to succeed. It is recommended to book a UCAT as early as possible as demand for testing places is high. 

UWA 
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at UWA can be found at this link and Dentistry at this link. Please note that Medicine and Dentistry at UWA are postgraduate courses and require completion of a relevant Bachelor degree prior to entry. 
Curtin 
Curtin University offers the only direct entry medical program in Western Australia. In 2025, the cutoff ATAR for this course was 93. 
 
In addition to the UCAT, students considering applying for Medicine at Curtin University are also required to sit the CASPER Test. Further information about CASPER can be found here: https://acuityinsights.app/ and here: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/category/56-casper-test-preparation 
 
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at Curtin can be found at this link. 
 
University of Notre Dame 
The University of Notre Dame offers a small number of places in postgraduate Medicine via an assured pathway for school leavers. Information about this option can be found here:  
https://www.notredame.edu.au/programs/school-of-medicine/postgraduate/doctor-of-medicine-wa 

Veterinary Science 

Students wishing to enter Veterinary Science at Murdoch will need to undertake the Casper testing during 2026, by June at the latest. Further information can be found here: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/schools/veterinary-medicine/study/admissions/casper-situational-judgement-assessment 

Applying for Notre Dame UniPath for Semester 2, 2026 

Notre Dame runs an entry program called UniPath. Completing UniPath will give you an ATAR of 70, which can then be used for entry to University courses at Curtin / ECU / Murdoch / Notre Dame. Students doing UniPath attend Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus one day per week for 12 weeks. 

If you would like to enrol in UniPath for Semester 2, you can do so here in the “How to apply – UniPath” section: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/how-to-apply  

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program. All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start  

University information 

University scholarships 

Curtin University Search scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia  
Edith Cowan University (ECU) ECU | Overview : Scholarships  
Murdoch University Scholarship finder (murdoch.edu.au)  
Notre Dame University Find a Scholarship | Notre Dame  
University of Western Australia (UWA) The University of Western Australia : Scholarships (uwa.edu.au)  
Christian Leaders Scholarship https://ichthys.org.au/christian-leaders-scholarship/  

Gap year information 

Students interested in taking a gap year in 2027 might find the following interesting: 

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT HOSTED BY DATE LINK 
Open Day Murdoch University 23 May https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/05/23/general/open-day-2026  
Open Day Curtin University 24 May https://www.curtin.edu.au/open-day/  
Army Reserve Information Session Defence Force 26 May https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/p8wcy9k 
Teaching Degrees Information Session ECU 26 May https://www.trybooking.com/DKJOC 
Year 12 Application Support Curtin University 27 May https://www.curtin.edu.au/events/application-support-evening/ 
Defence Force: Trade Careers Info Session Defence Force 28 May https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/l4inlkn  
Year 10 Parent Information Evening ECU Joondalup 2 June https://www.trybooking.com/DJEBI 
Year 11 and 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 3 June https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/06/03/information-evenings/year-11—12-parent—supporters-information-evening 
Year 12 Applications Support Session UWA 4 June UWA Early Offers and Year 12 Applications Webinar 
Fremantle Dockers Sports / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 10 June https://seda.edu.au/register/fd/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fremantle 
Engineering Open Evening ECU Joondalup 11 June https://www.trybooking.com/DJEAR 
Perth Wildcats Sport / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 17 June https://seda.edu.au/register/pw/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wildcats  
Newman College Careers Expo / Year 10 Parent Information Evening Newman College  23 June 3.30pm to 4.30pm: Year 11 and 12 Careers Expo  5pm to 6pm: Year 10 Careers / subjects Expo  6pm to 6.45pm: Year 10 Parent Info Session 
Computer Science Information Evening SAE University College 24 June https://sae.edu.au/event/online-info-session-computer-science/  
Electrical Careers Open Day College of Electrical Training 27 June https://events.humanitix.com/2026-cet-open-day-joondalup 
Year 12 Information Session ECU 30 June https://www.trybooking.com/DJELT 
Year 12 Application Support Session Murdoch University 28 July https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/07/28/information-evenings/year-12-university-application-support-session 
Open Day ECU City Campus 9 August https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
Year 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 20 October https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/10/20/information-evenings/year-12-online-information-evening 
Open Day SAE University College 15 August https://sae.edu.au/event/open-day-perth/ 
Fremantle Dockers Sports / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 19 August https://seda.edu.au/register/fd/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fremantle 
Perth Wildcats Sport / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 26 August https://seda.edu.au/register/pw/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wildcats  
Computer Science and Cybersecurity Information Evening ECU Joondalup 1 September https://www.trybooking.com/DLPPQ 
Teaching Degrees Information Session ECU 7 September https://www.trybooking.com/DKJNY  
    

If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this link might help you get the most out of it: https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/open-days  

From the Vice Principal – Term 2 Week 5

Jenni Vile on 22/05/2026

Around the College

This week provided another wonderful opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, who was born on 20 May 1789 in Marlhes, France. Through his vision for education and his commitment to young people, particularly those most in need, Marcellin established the Marist Brothers in 1817. His values of family spirit, service and presence continue to shape life at Newman College today. A beautiful example of this spirit can be seen in the legacy gift left by our graduating Year 6 Class of 2025. We are delighted to now see that vision beginning to flourish through the development of our new student garden space. The current Year 6 students collaborated to research, design and plan what would be planted in each space, while our Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students joyfully began planting seeds and seedlings, learning valuable lessons about sustainability, teamwork, responsibility and caring for the environment.

Our students have also been busy embracing academic challenges beyond the classroom through their participation in the Da Vinci Decathlon. Students from Years 5–10 competed across a range of disciplines including Engineering, Mathematics, Science, English, Art and Poetry, Cartography, Chess, Creative Producers and Code Breaking. The competition provided students with an opportunity to showcase creativity, collaboration and critical thinking while working together in teams under pressure. We congratulate all students involved for the enthusiasm and determination they demonstrated throughout the event. A special congratulations goes to our Year 6 team, who achieved first place in Creative Producers, and to our Year 7 team, who placed third in Cartography.

Over the past few weeks, our Year 11 Outdoor Education students have undertaken their hiking expedition in Denmark. Throughout the experience, students were challenged both physically and mentally as they developed their navigation, campcraft, teamwork and resilience skills in an authentic outdoor environment. Our Year 12 ATAR Outdoor Education students also recently completed a four-day paddling expedition through the stunning waters of Shark Bay and Cape Peron. The expedition provided students with the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting while building independence, perseverance and collaboration.

Experiential learning opportunities such as these are a vital part of the Outdoor Education program, allowing students to grow through challenge, connection and reflection beyond the classroom. We thank our Outdoor Education staff for their dedication, expertise and care in providing these rich and memorable learning experiences for our students.

Newman Parents Forum

The Newman Parents Forum for Term 2 is scheduled to take place on Monday 8 June in the John Henry Newman Learning Hub. Parents and guardians are invited to join online or in person from 6.00pm. Click here to view the Agenda and Teams Link for the meeting.

Parking Regulations

A reminder that the City of Stirling is active in monitoring parking compliance surrounding the College and will issue infringements where these regulations are not met. Families are asked to utilise the established parking and pick up and drop off points within the College. As always, active and public transport is encouraged.

Champagnat Day – Friday 19th June

On 6 June, Marist schools across Australia and around the world will mark the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers and of Marist Education. It is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks and celebrate our shared Marist identity alongside schools from our global network.

Newman College will come together to celebrate Champagnat Day on Friday 19 June — and in a special first, this will be the first year we celebrate as a K–12 community. The day will begin with Mass, followed by an assembly where we will present the Champagnat Awards, recognising staff and students who live out our Marist characteristics each day through their words, actions, leadership, service, and care for others. These awards are a significant honour within our College community. The assembly will be followed by a fete, which will raise funds for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) and other local agencies that support those who are poor and marginalised. Students will also take part in a guild activity to round out the day.

Attendance on this day is compulsory for all students. A detailed letter will be sent to all families outlining the day, events, and expectations.

We look forward to coming together as one College community to celebrate this very special day.

Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL

Mission Update – Term 2 Week 5

Jenni Vile on 22/05/2026

This week, our Year 7 students participated in their annual retreat day, centred on the themes of identity, God’s love, and our call to love others within our community. Throughout the day, students were invited to reflect on Jesus’ command to love your neighbour, considering what this means not only in theory, but in the everyday life of our College community. Through discussion and reflection, students explored how simple acts of kindness, inclusion, forgiveness, and compassion help to build a community where all people feel valued, known, and loved.

At the same time this week, five of our secondary students had the privilege of attending the Secondary Launch of the LifeLink Appeal, led by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe. The gathering invited students to reflect on the life and witness of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary year is being remembered across the Church in 2026. Francis’ life reminds us that holiness is not found in grand gestures alone, but in living simply, compassionately, and with deep love for both people and creation.

One of the central reflections of the day came through the well-known prayer often attributed to Saint Teresa of Ávila:

These words challenge each of us to recognise that the work of building a loving and compassionate community does not belong to someone else – it belongs to all of us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the hands that help, the feet that walk alongside others, and the eyes that see the dignity and worth of every person.

This message connects powerfully with the coming feast of Pentecost this weekend. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit was given not simply for comfort, but to send the disciples out into the world with courage, hope, and purpose. The same Spirit calls us today to continue the mission of Jesus in the way we speak, act, serve, and care for one another.

As a College community, may we continue striving to be people who reflect God’s love in practical and meaningful ways, building a community shaped by compassion, welcome, and service, where each person knows they belong.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

From the Principal – Term 2 Week 5

Jenni Vile on 22/05/2026

The Power of Break: It Leads to Connection, Appreciation and Reset

The mid-term break, which includes WA Day, is fast approaching and, as families, I am sure we are looking forward to time together and precious moments. That weekend, we have the Lavalla Wizard of Oz Production, which will be such a treat to watch, but I am sure many of you are planning an outing, a weekend away or a catch-up. I wonder how many of us are intentionally setting aside quiet and unstructured times to just be present, breathe and experience true downtime without an agenda to ‘do’?

Accompanying the Year 10 group to camp just over a week ago got me thinking more about the importance of stillness, quiet time and presence in the moment. The camp is designed for our students to experience ‘Becoming Adult’, and it follows on from The Rite Journey program undertaken in Year 9. There were challenging moments, expectations with responsibility for tasks, teamwork, problem solving and discomfort. There was also significant time for silence, stillness and presence to oneself and one another. Staring into the fires each camp area set nightly was not simply providing a function to keep the group warm before heading to bed. Gathered at the fire, like so many cultures across time and place, the fire invited the warmth of community, reflection, contemplation and the invitation to listen properly to others around us and to nature.

It is crucially important for our young people and our own wellbeing to experience quiet and presence in the moment. It just does not happen enough or for long enough in everyday life. A phone out to scroll or even in proximity, a journey in the car where all but the driver quickly put earbuds in and watch reels, movies or listen to music. All are distractions and foils to true stillness. They seem to be connections but are actually things that draw us from connection.

Recently, the College Executive and I had the great joy of interviewing families and Year 4 students for positions to join Newman College in Year 7, 2029. It is so heartening to meet wonderful families and joyful children who tell the story of their own learning and pursuits out of school. What I am also acutely listening for is the family time, the protection of the simplicity of sitting together to share a meal at night, to have board games and conversations. Happily, I am hearing more and more parents reducing the number of activities and programs that fill up a young person’s afternoon, early evening and weekend and their intentional efforts in the family to model and provide breaks that foster connection, appreciation and reset. What great examples of the Marist characteristics of Presence and Simplicity. I think you are doing it better than I did as a father of my children at this age.

Please read on through the Newsletter to the key sections of the publication. The Vice Principal’s piece will be covering more of the wonderful achievements and engagements of the past fortnight.

Within the next few weeks, may there be moments of stillness, quiet and old-fashioned connection in the life of your family that bring you great joy.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

Mission Update – Term 2 Week 3

Jenni Vile on 08/05/2026

This weekend, we celebrate all the wonderful mothers and grandmothers in our community. At this morning’s Mother’s Day Liturgy at Lavalla, we reflected on a simple but powerful moment from the Gospel. As Jesus was going through one of the most difficult moments of his life, Mary stayed beside him at the foot of the cross. She could not take away his pain, but her loving presence remained with him. During our reflection, I shared a conversation I had with one of our Year 2 students before the liturgy. I asked her how she felt about doing a reading in front of everyone. She smiled nervously and said, “I’m scared… but it will be okay because my mum is here.”

Those simple words captured something beautiful about our Mums. Often, mothers do not need to say or do anything extraordinary – their presence alone brings comfort, courage, reassurance, and love. I know it is certainly enough for my own two children. As a Marist community, we also look to Mary, our Good Mother, as an example of gentle strength, compassion, courage, and faithfulness. Mary teaches us how to live lives filled with love and care for others. God also teaches us ways we can be good and loving…with one of those ways being to honour our parents, especially on special days like Mother’s Day. My hope is that all of the children in our community can find a special way to give thanks to the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures who support and guide us today. While this weekend is a special opportunity to show our appreciation, perhaps it is also a reminder to show that gratitude more often – through our words, our actions, and the way we care for those who care for us so deeply.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY