Please note that the date that the College will celebrate Champagnat Day has been changed to Friday, 14 June. All students, including Years 11 and 12 with Work Placement and/or TAFE, are required to attend the College celebration.
Extended Absences
Parents are reminded that all extended absences (3 days or more) must be referred to the Vice Principal by email.
During Weeks 4 and 5 Year 12 students in General and Foundation Courses will sit Externally Set Tasks, which are compulsory and form part of the school-based assessment.
The EST:
is a written assessment task
is constructed to be completed in 50 minutes
is based on selected syllabus content from Unit 3
has a 15% weighting
It is important that students attend, and the College’s Assessment Policy will be followed.
Game Changers Retreat Year 9/10
The Year 9/10 Game Changers retreat will take place this Wednesday 1 May. Students will gather to reflect on the role of simplicity in their lives, and how as young Marists, they are encouraged to live in the present. The group will also explore Christian leadership and service through the stories and experiences of Marcellin Champagnat in La Valla and Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum.
Year 3 Reconciliation and Year 4 Eucharistic Retreats
Over the next few weeks, the Year 3 and Year 4 students will have the opportunity to participate in a Sacramental Retreat to deepen their understanding of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, which they have been learning about in class. The retreat days (Year 3 Reconciliation, Thursday 2 May and Year 4 Eucharistic, Thursday 9 May) begin with students participating in our Community Mass, followed by the Retreat, facilitated by 24:7 Youth Ministry. The facilitators provide meaningful and engaging activities that explore how the Sacraments can draw us closer to God and one another. Our prayers are with our students as they prepare to receive the Sacraments.
Year 7 Camp, NAS competition and Science Excursion
The Year 7 cohort have a busy couple of weeks coming up.
The Year 7 cohort will hold their year group Camp at Swan Valley Adventure Centre from Monday 29 April to Wednesday 1 May. The Camp’s theme will build on the Year 7 overarching theme of EMBRACE, fostering bonds, expanding horizons, and stepping out of their comfort zones. Through group activities such as orienteering, bushcraft, and canoeing, they will forge friendships and discover newfound passions, all amidst the stunning backdrop of the Swan Valley. We wish the Year 7s, Leader of Wellbeing Year 7, Mr Hofman, and the dedicated staff attending a wonderful time.
On Monday 6 May, the Year 7s will attend the Northern Associated Schools Winter Carnival. Students will participate in Soccer, Netball, Football, Badminton and against 4 other Catholic schools.
Thursday 9 May, the Year 7s will be attending the Perth Zoo to assist with their Science curriculum. Guided by zoologists and Perth Zoo staff, students will explore the hierarchical systems and naming conventions that are used to discover more about a selection of fantastic animals. They will explore the concept of taxonomic classification and how other types of classification, such as diet and conservation status, are essential in organising and caring for animals.
ICT Social Media Usage
Please see the link below for information regarding ICT Social Media Usage at Newman College.
We would like to officially acknowledge those members of staff who concluded their time at Newman College at the end of Term 1 and the beginning of Term 2. We sincerely thank them for their dedication and support of students, parents, and staff during their time at the College and wish them well in their future endeavours.
New Staff Commencing
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the following staff members to our community in the indicated roles.
Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 2! As we enter this new term, I hope each of you had a blessed Easter, celebrating the joy of Christ’s resurrection and the promise of new life. I trust your break was not only restful but also filled with moments of reflection and renewal, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Marist Formation Day
Our staff commenced the term with a meaningful Marist Faith Formation Day. We were honoured to welcome the Marist Formation Team from NSW to lead us in a day focused on the theme “First Light – Reveal the Spirit.” The sessions, facilitated by Br Michael and Michael Nayla, were enlightening and deeply appreciated by our staff.
One of the highlights of the day was a reflection on finding the presence of the Holy Spirit in ordinary moments of our lives. This exercise reminded us that God’s grace is always around us, waiting for us to notice and embrace it.
The day was not only educational but also a spiritual rejuvenation for our team, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing our Marist faith and community within our school. We look forward to carrying this inspiration throughout the term and continuing to grow in our understanding of the Marist values that guide us.
ANZAC Services
On Wednesday 24 April, our three campuses united in solemn remembrance during student-led ANZAC ceremonies. Together, students and staff paid tribute to the courageous Australian and New Zealander service personnel who have selflessly served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.
These ceremonies provided a poignant moment for reflection as we honoured the memory of those who left their homes, including the young men who embarked from Perth to Gallipoli, embodying dedication and values that continue to inspire us.
As we commemorate their sacrifices, we are reminded of the precious freedoms we enjoy today, made possible by the bravery and commitment of our service men and women. Let us always be grateful for their sacrifices and honour their legacy by upholding the values they fought to defend.
Together, we will remember them. Lest we forget.
Y7-Y12 Parent Teacher Interviews
We recently conducted our Year 7-12 Parent-Teacher interviews, both in person at the Auditorium and online. These discussions focused on celebrating student achievements and identifying areas for growth, aiming to provide valuable support for students on their educational journeys.
We encourage both parents and students to actively engage with the feedback provided by teachers. By working together in this partnership, we can effectively support each student in reaching their academic and pastoral goals to ‘let their light shine’.
Thank you to all parents and teachers for your commitment to our students’ success and wellbeing.
School Production – The Tempest
Monday evening was a delightful experience as I had the privilege of attending the first evening show of our captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s final play, “The Tempest.”
The students’ performance in our Year 12 College production was truly remarkable. Their talent, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm shone through, captivating the audience from start to finish. Each actor brought their character to life with such authenticity, a testament to their hard work and countless hours of rehearsals, leaving the audience spellbound.
A heartfelt congratulations to Mr Joshua Lang and our talented Year 12 Drama students for their exceptional efforts in making the performance a resounding success. A special thank you goes to the dedicated team of teachers and the behind-the-scenes crew whose tireless work ensured a seamless and memorable show.
Our Secondary students participated in the Guild Cross Country Carnival on Friday 19 April. A significant number of students gave this race a go with a record number of students finishing the run before the 25-minute mark compared to previous years. Each year group had the opportunity to congratulate the top three students in the two categories. We will announce the winning Guild for the Cross Country at our Celebration Assembly in Week 4. Thank you to Mrs Barrett, the Health and PE team and the Guild Coordinators for the efforts, energy and organisation prior to and on the day.
ANZAC Service
The students and staff on Marcellin Campus came together in Founders Court for our ANZAC Service on Wednesday 24 April. Our service was led by our two College Captains, Matthew Tomassone and Bianca Trimboli, along with a small group of Year 9 students who shared stories of the ANZACs and read the prayers of the faithful. Our Secondary students were reverent and solemn during the service, reflecting on the sacrifices made by many young men and women. Thank you to Mrs Belinda McCagh (Leader of Learning Humanities) for her organisation of a beautiful service, and thank you to Mr Adam James for his technical support with the music and sound.
The Tempest
This week our Drama students performed four shows: a matinee and three evening shows. The entire cast and crew were incredible in their efforts and truly enthralled the audience. The cast embraced their roles and gave everything to each performance. The set was impeccable and well-suited to the performance and provided the cast with space to move and engage the audience. Thank you to Mr Josh Lang for his commitment and energy in orchestrating an incredible production, and thank you to Karla Nessfield-Thomas and Adam James for their event and technical support.
TikTok Use
The College has become aware of a few TikTok pages in which our students are using the social media platform to make disparaging comments about other students in our College Community. Additionally, the Newman College logo and College name have also been used on some of these pages as the profile picture and title respectively. We have addressed the Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts about their involvement in and possible awareness of these pages and discussed that their actions will be managed in line with our College Behaviour Support Policy when the College is mentioned.
TikTok is a social media app which allows for the creation and consumption of short-form videos by its users. TikTok requires that users be 13 years or older to use its basic functions. Parents and guardians can enable time limits and the content filter on their child’s phone and protect settings with a passcode. Parents and guardians can also download TikTok, create their own account and use the Family Pairing feature to manage their child’s TikTok settings on their own phone. If you have any concerns, please contact the relevant Leader of Wellbeing.
Year 11 2025 Subject Offerings
On Friday 3 May, our current Year 10 students will not be attending timetabled classes prior to recess. Instead, our Year 10 students will have the privilege of hearing from each of the Leaders of Learning across Marcellin Campus as they begin to understand the many subject offerings for them in Year 11 2025. These conversations mark the start of the subject selection process which will continue on Tuesday 18 June with the Year 10 Parent Information Evening. Thank you to Justin Farley and the Leaders of Learning for their organisation of this event.
2025 Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship Year 12 Recipient
The Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship is the first of its kind in WA and aims to provide exceptional young individuals with opportunities to continue their positive contributions to our world. The scholarship seeks to acknowledge and support students who have demonstrated proactive and impactful leadership, advocacy and active engagement in endeavours that have led to positive outcomes aligned with one of the University’s three strategic themes: Sustainability, First Nations; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
The recipient can receive the Scholarship while studying any course at Murdoch University and can be awarded to a student on any pathway that will meet a selection rank of 70.
Valued at $12,000, the scholarship is awarded as a cash payment in semester instalments throughout their degree, which can extend up to four years. In addition, recipients will have access to further leadership and development mentoring throughout their academic journey, further enhancing their personal growth.
All secondary schools have the opportunity to nominate a Year 12 student who meets the eligibility criteria and will be commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2025. Nominations will be accepted between May and September each year. Information on the nomination process and application requirements are available via this link.
Secondary School Photos
Please be aware that the Secondary School Photos will occur on the following dates:
Thursday 13 June – Years 7-9 Photos and Special Group Photos
Monday 24 June – Years 10-12 Photos and Special Group Photos
Tuesday 25 June – Sport Photos
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Prerequisites for Year 11, 2025
Students and families are advised that prerequisites for Year 11 subjects (for 2025) are now available via the College website. Commencing in Term 2, Year 10 students will begin the process of guided reflection leading to their subject selections at the end of Term 2.
Careers Expo and Year 10 Parent Evening
Students and families are reminded that the Newman College Careers Expo and Year 10 Parent Evening will occur later in Term 2. At this event, students and families will be able to speak to teachers about each subject, and also seek information from Universities, TAFEs and training providers about possible courses and careers. It is expected that all Year 10 students will attend this event. Details are below:
Tuesday 18 June, 2024
Marist Auditorium
Careers Expo commences at 5.00pm
Parent Information evening commences at 6.00pm
Year 11
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
For students considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12
A reminder to students on the General Pathway who are considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12 next year. It is expected that students from the General Pathway would have participated in extra-curricular activities such as work experience, VET Certificates, Leadership, Service, and/or College sport. General Pathway students who have not participated in any of these extra-curricular activities may not be eligible for UniReady / UniPath.
For students thinking of attending University
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here.
Each year, the Australian Government publishes a resource for parents/guardians to assist in career conversations. The 2024 version can be found here.
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation. In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are: • Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA). • Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12. • Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject. • Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2025 might find the following interesting: • Defence Force Gap Year: Click here • Other gap year ideas: Click here • And here
University Information
Early Offers Students and families are advised that applications for University in 2025 will open on 1 May 2024. Early Offers for University in 2025 will not be made to students until 2 September 2024. The currently available information about Early Offers is in the table below.
University
Early Offer Information
Curtin University
– Early Offers are available for ATAR and non-ATAR students. – Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. – Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. – If your predicted ATAR is five points above the ATAR score required for your selected course, you will receive an early offer that secures your place in Semester 1, 2025. Your offer won’t be dependent on your final Year 12 ATAR score. You will still need to complete WACE and meet the English and subject requirements for your course. – If your predicted ATAR is less than five points above the ATAR score required for your course, you will still receive an early offer for a place at Curtin. You will need to achieve a final ATAR that meets course entry requirements and meet WACE, English and subject requirements for the course. – If you are not studying the ATAR Pathway, your early offer will be conditional upon you meeting the admission criteria for your chosen course, achieving WACE and meeting Curtin’s English requirements.
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
– Early Offers are available for ATAR and non-ATAR students. – Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. – Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. – If your predicted ATAR is five points above the ATAR score required for your selected course, you will receive an early offer that secures your place in Semester 1, 2025. Your offer won’t be dependent on your final Year 12 ATAR score. You will still need to complete WACE and meet the English and subject requirements for your course. – If your predicted ATAR is less than five points above the ATAR score required for your course, you will still receive an early offer for a place at Curtin. You will need to achieve a final ATAR that meets course entry requirements, and meet WACE, English and subject requirements for the course. – If you are not studying the ATAR Pathway, your early offer will be conditional upon you meeting the admission criteria for your chosen course, achieving WACE and meeting Curtin’s English requirements.
Murdoch University
– Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. – Early Offers for Certificate IV and UniReady/UniPath students will be conditional on passing. – Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference.
Notre Dame University
– Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. – Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. – Offers will be made on 2 September, 20 September, 4 October, 11 December. Allow a few weeks for us assess your application. – In the application you will be asked to provide details about your non-academic achievements and commitments, which may include work, caring responsibilities at home, volunteering, sports and school leadership, among others. – Further information and eligible courses at https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/pathways/early-offer
University of Western Australia
– Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. – Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. – All students must satisfy UWA’s English requirements and any subject prerequisite requirements. – Students can apply for an Early Offer for all degrees with UWA excluding Assured Pathways to Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy and Podiatric Medicine or the Bachelor of Biomedicine (specialised). – Further information at: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/early-offers/FAQs
Information about University entry TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here.
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you, click here.
Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry in 2025?
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2025 (including Assured Pathway at UWA) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
5 March 2024: UCAT bookings open
17 May 2024: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2024
10 June 2024: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
Also, students applying for Medicine at Curtin University are required to sit the CASPER Test. You can find more information about this, and book your test, here.
UWA Medical entry handbook here (for Assured Pathway): Curtin Medical entry handbook here. Entry to Medicine handbook (Australia-wide) is here.
At Newman College, we are committed to constantly reflecting on our practices and seeking feedback from students, parents, and staff on our strengths and opportunities for growth. To this end, staff, parents, and students have been invited to participate in the DISA and Leuven surveys. The information collected from these surveys will be used to underpin our 2025-2027 strategic plan.
The purpose of the DISA and what it measures.
Diagnostic Inventory for School Alignment (DISA) is an online diagnostic survey tool, developed by the Leadership Research International (LRI) team at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), that will examine the College’s overall alignment and provides baseline data and gap analysis for the purpose of planning our improvement agenda. DISA is comprised of three surveys customised specifically for staff, parents, and students.
School improvement is a whole-school effort. Success is informed by a cohesive and clearly articulated direction that is identified by the school community, particularly the students, staff, and parents/carers. DISA provides the College with the means to identify our perceived strengths as well as areas requiring work and gaps that need attention.
The purpose of the Leuven and what it measures.
An authentically Marist curriculum will always be informed by Marcellin Champagnat’s core imperative—to educate people to be good Christians and good citizens. What is consistent is the purpose of a Marist school, its characteristic emphases, priorities, cultures, and pedagogical approaches. One of the needs is to ensure that, as a spiritual family, we adapt and contextualise to find fresh ways to articulate its spiritual traditions so that they speak with relevance and saliency to the time and place.
Research indicates that the specifics of charismic traditions rest in the relationships and the particular fusion of the characteristic features common to that charism. A Marist charism expresses its particular spirituality in and through a pedagogy that has a focus on the following characteristics:
A ‘synodal’ pedagogy of walking together.
A loving pedagogy
A pedagogy of holistic formation
A pedagogy of family spirit.
A pedagogy of presence
A pedagogy of simplicity
A pedagogy of the love of work
A pedagogy of a practical and innovative spirit
A pedagogy of effective and responsible solidarity with the poor
The tool measures the mix of these characteristics.
To date, our parent engagement in the DISA and Leuven surveys has been limited and we are still approximately 60 surveys below our target. If you have not yet had the opportunity to engage in the DISA and Leuven survey, it would be much appreciated if you could make time to complete the survey and contribute to the future strategic direction of our college. Details on how to access the surveys were emailed on 27th March 2024. If you no longer have access to this information, please reach out to Christine Antoine Christine.Antoine@newman.wa.edu.au.
Parent Teacher Interviews (Year 7-12), Tuesday 16 April
To commence Term Two, we are pleased to offer parents the opportunity to meet with teachers at our secondary school to discuss their child’s academic progress. To accommodate the different availabilities of parents, we are once again providing both face-to-face and online meeting options. This ensures that parents can choose the mode of communication that best suits their schedule and preferences.
9.00am – 11.45am
Online Interviews via Teams
12.45pm – 5.30pm
In-person Interviews in the Marist Auditorium
Parents are encouraged to arrange meetings with teachers to discuss the student’s progress, particularly where the teacher has requested a meeting in the Parent Teacher Online system.
Students are required to be present for the interviews and are to wear the Full College Winter Uniform for in-person interviews.
Additional information and instructions for Teams Interviews will be emailed to parents a few days prior to the interviews.
Please feel free to contact Flora Hughes via email flora.hughes@newman.wa.edu.au should you experience any difficulty with logging in to the Parent Teacher Online system.
Student Winter Uniform from Term Two
We recognise the importance of collaboration between the school and parents/guardians in cultivating a culture of pride in students wearing the College uniform. Our staff is dedicated to improving the consistency of our student uniform standards, and we kindly seek your support in this effort.
Starting from Term Two, students are expected to wear the College winter uniform. We encourage students to prepare early to ensure their winter uniform is complete and fits properly, ready for the first day of Term Two. Additionally, we remind students and parents to use discretion regarding haircuts and permanent cosmetic enhancements, such as eyelash extensions, tattooed eyebrows, and facial piercings, during the holidays. These changes may not be easily reversed and likely go against our Uniform Requirements and Personal Appearance Guidelines. In extreme cases, students may be required to rectify their uniform discrepancies before they are permitted to commence classes.
We appreciate your ongoing support. I wish you and your family a happy and holy Easter, and a wonderful holiday break.
