Secondary Update – Term 1 Week 1

Jenni Vile on 06/02/2026

Uniform and Personal Presentation

I’d like to thank parents and guardians for their continued support of the Colleges Uniform and Personal Presentation Policy.

During uniform checks this week, we identified a number of students who were not meeting the College’s expectations. The uniform guidelines that were most commonly not being met were:

Hair

  • Must be clean, neat, and tidy.
  • Kept off the face; fringes no longer than eyebrow length.
  • Hair longer than the bottom of the collar must be tied back.
  • No extreme contrasts or styles (e.g., mullets, extreme fades, undercuts, mohawks).
  • Minimum blade length: #3.

Grooming

  • Makeup is not permitted.
  • Students must be clean‑shaven.
  • False eyelashes are not permitted.

Jewellery

  • Only a discreet cross or religious medal on a fine chain is allowed.
  • Earrings: one pair of plain studs (max 5mm) or sleepers (max 12mm) in the lower lobe only – “Plain” = silver or gold; clear diamantes or small white pearls accepted if within size limits. No retainers or spacers are allowed.

College staff have been instructed to send notifications home when students are in breach of these expectations, and your support in consistently reinforcing them is greatly appreciated.

Punctuality

A reminder to students that they should be on campus no later than 8.30am. Students who are late to school for appointments must be signed in by a parent or guardian, or have their parent notify the Student Reception (secondary.admin@newman.wa.edu), ahead of the appointment.

Students are given time between periods to ensure they have adequate time to make it to their next class. Students should not be arriving late to class or visiting their lockers between periods.         

Instilling punctuality in our young people reinforces the sense of responsibility and commitment that will be integral to their success in life.

Locks

A reminder that all students are required to purchase a coded lock for their child’s locker. These are available at the College Uniform shop. Padlocks and other variations are not permitted.

Leaders of Wellbeing will be doing an audit on Wednesday of Week 2 and will be in contact with parents if their child does not yet have a lock.

Year 7 Transition Week

Today marks the end of the Year 7 transition program, and the students have had a fantastic start. The transition program focused on equipping students with the practical knowledge and tools needed for secondary schooling, and students had the opportunity to form social connections through their team building day.

A big thank you to Mrs Lara Vlahov, the Year 7 Team, Guild Coordinators, and all Year 7 teaching staff for your work this week. It’s been a calm and smooth beginning.

As students move to their full timetable next week, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s PCG teacher if you have any queries or concerns.

State Sporting Representation

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

  • Stella Ferguson, Year 11, represented Western Australia at the Women’s Second XI Series in Perth in November, Under 19 Female National Cricket Championships in Newcastle in December, and Under 16 Female National Cricket Championships in Launceston in January. What a busy summer!

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 

Contact details: 

Justin Farley 

Leader of Pathways and Partnerships 

justin.farley@newman.wa.edu.au 

Tel. 9204 9457 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11 

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 

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/ 

University information 

University scholarships 

Here is a new scholarship at UWA: 

  • Engineering Excellence Scholarship. 
  • Must have an ATAR of 90+ and accepted an offer into Engineering at UWA. 
  • This scholarship is worth $10,000 and will be automatically awarded if you fit the above criteria. 
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 2026 might find the following interesting: 

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT HOSTED BY DATE LINK 
School Leavers, Parents and Teachers Information Session Defence Force 12 February https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/4kwc899 
Gap Year Information Session Defence Force 17 February https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/2azful3 
Officers & Management Information Session Defence Force 19 February https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/82c97fk 
Open Day ECU Joondalup 15 March https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
Open Day Murdoch University 28 March https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/open-day 
Open Day Curtin University 29 March https://www.curtin.edu.au/open-day/ 
Open Day ECU City Campus 9 August https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
    

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  

Teaching & Learning – Term1 Week 1

Jenni Vile on 06/02/2026

Secondary Parent Information Evening

On Monday 9 February, Secondary parents and students will gather for the Parent Information Evening. This is a key event that allows families to begin the year well-informed. Each year group session is compulsory, and families may then attend a range of other sessions on offer. The full schedule of events is available here.

YouTube at School

At the College, we are always looking for ways to support student learning, wellbeing, and online safety. With this in mind, we have made the decision to block direct student access to YouTube for all students during the school day.

While YouTube is an age-restricted platform for students under 16, our decision goes beyond age alone. We know that open access to YouTube during the school day can sometimes make it harder for students to stay focused and can create challenges around learning time and online safety. Taking a consistent, whole-school approach helps set clear expectations for students and supports staff in managing digital learning spaces effectively.

Importantly, students will still benefit from YouTube as a learning resource:

  • Teachers will continue to use carefully selected and previewed YouTube content as part of classroom learning.
  • YouTube videos embedded in OneNote will remain available at home, so students can revisit learning when needed.
  • In some cases, specific YouTube links may be temporarily enabled to support approved learning activities or research tasks.

This approach allows us to strike a balance, ensuring students can access high-quality digital resources while keeping learning time focused and safe.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment for all students.

Physical Education Curriculum Variation

At Newman College, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that supports students’ academic, physical, emotional, and social development. Our Physical Education program plays a vital role in this holistic formation, aligning with our mission to nurture the whole person in the context of faith, learning, and community.

Where students are unable to participate in Physical Education (PE) classes due to injury, illness, or medical conditions, a curriculum variation must be granted by the Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning and the Leader of Learning. All curriculum variation applications are to be supported by specialist medical documentation. Students must submit their curriculum variation and accompanying documentation prior to the commencement of their swimming unit. Students who have been granted a curriculum variation must remain in the PE class for the duration of the lesson and be under the direction of their PE teacher. This ensures the College’s duty of care and ensures students are present for important lesson content and do not fall behind.  Students are not permitted to use this time to study in the library or complete homework. In some cases, students may be asked to complete a theory-based task related to the lesson. This approach ensures continued learning while supporting our core values of excellence, integrity, and respect.

To ensure all students feel comfortable in the pool, the uniform policy was updated last year to allow all students in Years 7-12 to purchase school board shorts for swimming lessons.

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting Physical Education at Newman College.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL OF TEACHING & LEARNING PK-12

Mission Update – Term 1 Week 1

Jenni Vile on 06/02/2026

The beginning of a school year is always a time of fresh starts. New classrooms, new routines, new friendships, and new opportunities to grow. Much like the start of a calendar year, it is a moment when many of us pause to reimagine what lies ahead, thinking about goals we want to set, habits we hope to form, and the ways we might “do better” this year.

Working to grow, improve, and develop positive habits is, of course, a beautiful thing. But the beginning of a school year doesn’t only have to be about what we plan to change or achieve. It is also an opportunity to notice what is already present among us…the strengths we bring, the challenges we have overcome, and the many quiet successes that often go unnoticed. It invites us to recognise the ways God is already at work in our community.

Our Marist theme for 2026, Full of Grace: Transform the World with God’s Love, speaks directly to this moment. Scripture reminds us that ‘from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace’ (John 1:16). God’s love is not something we earn through achievement or effort. It is a gift, freely given, without condition or exception. Each member of our school community is already held, valued, and loved, simply because of who they are.

To be full of grace as we begin this school year is to live with that awareness, and to allow it to shape the way we treat one another each day. When we live from a place of grace, we begin to see the goodness in others, and the world around us is transformed – not all at once, but through small, faithful acts of love. A word of encouragement to a student, patience in moments of challenge, or taking the time to be present to one another. These ordinary moments are where God’s love becomes visible and life-giving.

As we begin the school year together, our invitation is perhaps to worry less about becoming someone new, and instead to live more deeply from the grace we have already received, allowing it to shape our learning, our relationships, and the shared journey ahead.

Newman College Family Mass

Our Family Mass is a special opportunity for us to gather not just as a school, but as a faith community. While attendance is an important expectation for our students, the deeper purpose of this celebration is about connection between families, staff, students, and our shared Marist story. When families gather for Mass, we witness to our young people that faith is something lived together, strengthening our sense of belonging and reminding us that we walk this journey side by side. In the Marist tradition, community sits at the heart of who we are, and moments like this help bring that family spirit to life as we place the year ahead in God’s loving care.

Cathedral Outreach on Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday, four of our Year 11 students will join Mr Box, Mrs Owen, and Mrs Scanlan in taking part in Cathedral Outreach at St Mary’s Cathedral. In preparation, students will cook soup and make sandwiches here at the College before partnering with Shopfront at the Cathedral to serve those in need, toasting sandwiches and sharing warm soup with members of the wider community.

This initiative brings to life a core part of our College’s vision for mission: outreach, service, and partnership with Church organisations. It is a practical expression of our commitment to stand alongside others with compassion, dignity, and respect, particularly at the beginning of the Lenten season.

In the Marist tradition, service is rarely about being seen. Marcellin Champagnat believed deeply in the power of quiet, faithful acts of love…the kind that may go unnoticed, but which carry lasting impact. Through this experience, our students are invited to encounter Christ in the ordinary moments of service: in preparing food, offering hospitality, and being present to those they meet.

As we begin our journey toward Lent, this outreach reminds us that transforming the world does not require grand gestures. It begins with simple acts, offered generously and humbly, that allow God’s love to become visible in the lives of others.

We are grateful to our students and staff for continuing the Marist tradition of service and for witnessing so beautifully to the Gospel through their actions.

Mr Stuart McClorey

DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

From the Principal – Term 4 Week 8

Jenni Vile on 05/12/2025

Dear Newman College Families,

Well, we have reached the end of the term and the conclusion of the academic year! We celebrated and gave thanks for 2025 in the final weeks with many memorable events and programs across the College. Lavalla Carols and K-5 Awards Night, final Community Mass, Year 6 Graduation Mass and Awards Night, Lavalla Pool Parties, Advent Liturgy, Music Rocks Concert for Education Support and the Year 7-9 Ministry and Discovery festivals. In each celebration, we focused on the joy of the year, our expression of Marist characteristics and the various contributions of our wonderful students to the life of the College. As I write this piece for the Newsletter, we have 15 Year 11 students and three staff in the Philippines, and our Marist Cricket team are competing at the Marist Cricket Carnival in Brisbane.  The term’s end reflects the nature of our whole year program – wonderful opportunities for our students to ‘Shine Through Discovery’. 

Awards Ceremonies

On Wednesday 26 November, we celebrated the Year 7-11 Awards Ceremony in the Gymnasium and students who have excelled in academic, service, leadership, the arts and sport were recognised. It was wonderful to host so many families who attended the function.

The Kindergarten to Year 5 Awards and Primary Carols Evening was a wonderful family evening on Friday, 28 November. Again, it was so pleasing to acknowledge student achievement and be led in the singing of carols by each year group. The Year 6 Student Leadership group for 2026 was also announced.

Outgoing Vice Principal – Mr Michael Chiera

On behalf of the College community, I extend my congratulations to Mr Michael Chiera on his appointment as Principal of Servite College beginning in 2026. Michael has been a calm and considerate leader in the complex role of Vice Principal and is ready to lead his own community. We thank Michael for his tremendous service to the Newman College community and wish him every success.

New Vice Principal Announcement

Today, Dr Frank Malloy, National Director of Marist Schools Australia, announced to the Newman College community MSA’s appointment of our new Vice Principal.

Congratulations to Mrs Beth Murphy, who has been appointed to the position of Vice Principal from the beginning of 2026. Read Marist Schools Australia Announcement letter here, which has also been emailed to all families this morning. Mrs Sarah Pagett will take on the role of Acting Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning PK-12 that Beth vacates.

Staff Farewells

In every school, as we reach the end of the academic year, there is staff movement, especially in a school our size with over 250 staff. Staff move for promotional positions, new experiences, the opportunity to secure an ongoing contract due to parental leave cover and retirements from the profession. This year we farewell 4 staff who are moving into retirement. Mr Sean Henderson is the shortest serving staff member but has a long history with Newman College through his family. Sean has had a long and distinguished career as a senior leader in Catholic and independent schools. As he reached the time to retire, it was his wish to end his career at Newman College and we were very grateful to have Sean teach upper school Economics and mentor younger staff. Our thanks and best wishes to Sean!

Mr Bern Willett

Mr Bern Willett retires from teaching at the end of 2025. Bern has taught at Newman College for 43 years. His family has had an unbroken association with the College since the late 1960s. Bern has held positions of middle and senior leadership over the 43 years in our community. His passion for teaching mathematics, his commitment to coaching football and cricket and being extensively involved in College life is known by generations of Newman College people. As a mark of respect and gratitude, the students formed a guard of honour at our final assembly to farewell Mr Bern Willett. Thank you, Bern! We wish you all the best in the next stage of the journey. 

Mrs Nadia Napoli

Mrs Nadia Napoli has been a staff member at Newman College for 20 years and 2026 sees Nadia enter retirement. She has taught across primary and secondary during this time, demonstrating a skill to deliver quality learning and pastoral care to all students at all ages. Thank you, Nadia! Our thanks and best wishes to you!

Mr John Spriggins

Mr Spriggins has taught at Newman College for 18 years and now moves to opportunities beyond teaching. A passionate and engaging educator, John has always brough excitement, enthusiasm and the ability to connect students with great learning opportunities in Physics and Science. We wish you all the best, John. Enjoy the years ahead!

Mrs Rosa Testa

Rosa has served the College for 15 years as an Education Assistant in Primary. Each class and each student has had the most excellent care when Rosa has been assisting the learning and pastoral care in the classroom. A dedicated and passionate career for which we are very grateful, Rosa!

Moving to other schools

  • Emily Mincherton – Teacher, Secondary
  • Paige Adams – Teacher, Secondary
  • Scott Smith – Teacher, Secondary
  • Veronica Wahba – Teacher, Secondary
  • Isabella Anastacio – Teacher, Secondary
  • Pamera Tee – Teacher, Secondary
  • Nicolletta De Gennaro – Teacher, Secondary
  • Jennifer Go – Teacher, Secondary

Non-Teaching Staff

  • Kate Thayer – HPE Administrator
  • Meegan Seaborn – Education Assistant, Primary

2026 Information

The College will send out a Welcome Pack and pertinent information relating to the 2026 school year prior to the commencement of students.  One event to flag with you is the annual Family Mass which will be celebrated on Tuesday 17 February at 5:30pm on the Br Terrence Orrell Oval (Marcellin Campus). This Mass sets the scene for the year and expresses our Marist characteristic of Family Spirit and is compulsory for all students to attend.

Advent and Christmas

We are in the season of Advent and we have begun this beautiful liturgical celebration which draws us towards Christmas. The notion of ‘waiting’ figures strongly in Advent; we await the birth of the Saviour. What an interesting message of patience and focus this presents for us against a backdrop of the more commercial tone of rush and a countdown of shopping days left until Christmas. May the Advent season sustain us in our waiting and give us courage in our living.

I take this opportunity to thank all students, staff and Newman College families for the blessing that has been 2025. A wonderful year full of historic moments alongside the small joys where we have seen our young people shine in their own special way. 

From all at Newman College, having the opportunity to support, guide and celebrate your child’s journey is the greatest privilege any educator and mentor can possibly have. I wish every student, staff, parent, guardian and family of our community a joyous and blessed Christmas. I know many parents will have only a small window of opportunity over the break for rest and time with their families, but I hope it is precious time. See you all for the new academic year in 2026!

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Principal – Term 4 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 21/11/2025

Celebration

In our Vision for Learning, ‘Shine through Discovery, ’ the pedagogical pillar of Celebrate is a key to learning and success. It is an opportunity for our students to shine through the celebration of faith, achievements, effort and growth. These celebration moments include family and school, which reinforces community recognition of our young people. In celebrating, we encourage intrinsic motivation to develop important attributes such as courage, perseverance and dedication.

In these final weeks, we are enjoying the time of celebration. Just this week, the Lavalla Class concerts in the Chapel have showcased our students’ achievements and dedication to music. Fantastic little concerts in the presence of families and staff. What a joy it is to watch our primary students master individual and group performance! Last week, we were treated to the many after-school recital performances by music students from primary through to Year 11. The growth in music ability and performance has grown so much in the 12 months since these last performances. A huge congratulation to our students, Ms Selena Barrett, Ms Laura van Rijn and the College music tutors also. Next week we celebrate the Year 7-11 Awards Assembly.

At Newman College, we shine through celebration of our faith, achievements, effort and contribution. Celebration builds strong communities and plays a major role in social, emotional and academic growth, learning and faith development. It encourages a sense of belonging, group coherence and purpose.

Head of Primary Announcement

Today, families would have received a letter from me announcing the new Head of Primary, Laura Christopher. A rundown of Laura’s leadership journey is in the letter. She joins our passionate Primary Leadership Team, who are an exceptional group of leaders. In an earlier communication this term, I thanked Mr Ryan von Bergheim for his dedicated leadership over the past three years. In appointing Laura, I also recognise Mrs Sarah Pagett, who has been Head of Primary since April. Sarah has led the move from Marian to Lavalla and provided leadership that I know our Primary families, students and staff have been most grateful for. Thank you, Sarah!

Social Media Survey

Mr Michael Chiera has information regarding both the survey results and an update to the incoming legislation changes in his section of the Newsletter. Please take the time to read Michael’s piece and the consultation with families will be really instructive with our approaches to supporting our young people.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL