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Teaching & Learning Update – Term 3 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 22/08/2024

In a time of rapid technological change, Newman College is proud to be the first school in Western Australia to offer an AI course approved by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) as a School-Developed Endorsed course. This course not only prepares students for life after school but also contributes credits towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education.

Our course, AI Empowerment: Equipping Students for an Intelligent Future, is designed to meet the needs of students in Western Australia today. To thrive in modern society, every person needs to be ‘digitally literate’—meaning they should have the basic digital skills to succeed in the workplace (Bawden, 2008). By 2030, there will be a demand for 161,000 specialist AI workers in Australia (CSIRO, 2019), which makes it crucial that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they will need in an AI-driven world.

Students graduating in 2030, like those currently in Year 6, will face this new reality, yet many of them, and those in later years, currently have limited understanding of AI. Our course aims to fill this gap, focusing on empowering students, particularly those in Years 10-12, as they prepare for life after school. Whilst mapping our digital technology electives in the middle secondary school to begin empowerment even earlier.

It is vital that schools, from primary through to secondary, teach AI concepts so that future generations can become informed citizens who understand the technologies they use every day. Students need to develop AI literacy to live, learn, and work in the digital world (Steinbauer et al., 2021). By giving secondary students, the chance to learn about the basics of AI—its science, possibilities, limits, and social and economic impacts—we prepare them for further AI studies or careers (Heintz, 2021). Introducing AI concepts early in their education sets a strong foundation for their future, fostering curiosity and innovation in young minds and setting them up for lifelong learning and exploration.

Our course emphasises real-world learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, students see how AI can automate and enhance tasks (Ali et al., 2022). The course also nurtures creativity—a uniquely human trait that is less likely to be automated. Encouraging creativity helps students use AI to generate new ideas and innovative solutions, making them more employable in the future. As AI becomes part of many industries, understanding AI concepts, applications, and ethics will become even more valuable. This course prepares students for success, whether they choose AI-related careers or become developers of AI technologies. It also helps develop a generation of AI-literate professionals who can navigate and contribute to our rapidly changing technological world and understand their ethical responsibilities when using AI.

By introducing AI concepts before students reach tertiary education or the workforce, and by focusing on critical thinking, ethics, practical skills, and future readiness, this course helps schools equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century as traditional academic learning alone no longer meets the demands of the modern world (World Economic Forum, 2016).

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 22/08/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Welcome to another edition of the Newman News! 

Feast of the Assumption  

On August 15, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption followed by our Fete and Buddy Activities. Staff and students attended one of three beautiful Masses in the morning.  I passed on our thanks to Fr. Kaz and Fr. Hyginus for celebrating the Eucharist. The remainder of the day was a time for community, fun and involvement. Guild sporting activities and Primary Buddy activities followed the Fete times across the whole College. A beautiful element of the day was the focus on gratitude and awareness. 

Each Secondary year group embraced the challenge of expressing gratitude, support, and social awareness. Year 7 and 8 students created friendship bracelets to share, while Year 9 wrote advocacy letters for Amnesty International. Year 10 sent letters of appreciation to healthcare workers, Year 11 wrote to local aged care residents and Year 12 spread messages of support and inspiration across the campus for all students. Meanwhile, our Primary students enjoyed games and buddy activities. The spirit of family and connection to the broader community was evident throughout the day, and I commend our students for their leadership on this Feast Day. 

Year 10-12 High Achievers Celebrate Assembly 

Last week also saw us celebrating the students from Semester 1 who were recognised as academic high achievers. We were joined by many parents and grandparents in the assembly, where the central message was the importance of celebrating and supporting excellence in academic achievement. It is the basis on which society positively moves forward, nurturing the academics, researchers, community leaders and innovators of tomorrow. In my address, I highlighted that this achievement is as important as celebrating the wonderful successes we have witnessed at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.  

Primary Book Week 

It was such a joy to join our Marian and Lavalla students as they celebrated the wonderful world of literature. As a parent, I can relate to the sudden rush when you realise Book Week has snuck up, and your child asks, ‘What am I wearing?’ The Children’s Book Council of Australia, founded in 1945, took on the important task of promoting Australian literature for children, an area that was not yet well developed. This year’s Book Week Parade, themed ‘Reading is Magic,’ showcased the incredible imagination of our Primary students. But beyond the costumes and fun, the true essence of Book Week lies in fostering a love for reading and encouraging children to discover books and stories that capture their imaginations. 

The week-long celebration ended with a book-focussed Marian Assembly hosted by the very entertaining Pre-Primary Blue.  Marcellin campus also joined in the fun of Book Week, organised by the English Department. 

Mullewa Year 11 Game Changers 

Newman College’s long-standing relationship with the Mullewa community continued this week with three staff and 13 students working in the community for the week. The immersion included time helping in the local primary school, working in the Parish and helping the community to prepare for the local flower show. It is a great and enduring relationship that the College is so blessed to have with the Mullewa community. 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Our students have been participating in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, which began in mid-July and features over 20,000 students from 162 schools. The performances span various categories and will continue until the finale on September 6. We look forward to sharing the results of our talented performers in our September newsletter after the finale. 

With blessings.   

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL 

From the Principal – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Dear Parents and Guardians 

Feast of St Mary of the Cross  

Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop in our Community Mass with MacKillop Guild and Year 5. Mary MacKillop is our first Australian saint and a woman of great vision, determination and passion for education. Mary paved the way for the education of poor children, especially in rural and remote parts of Australia. She was born in the year that St Marcellin Champagnat died and there is much similarity in the work of both Mary and Marcellin to bring the Good News of the Gospel and education to young people. 

Feast of the Assumption 

Next Thursday we celebrate one of the most important feast days in the Church, the Assumption. The Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. As Marists, we believe that Mary is the first disciple of Jesus, and that we will come to know better Christ’s love for us by following her example of faith, strength, care and compassion. In the Way of Mary is central to how we live our faith as a Newman College community. 

Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry at Newman 

Next week we host a panel from Marist Schools Australia whose role is to meet with the College Executive, sample groups of students, staff and parents to help the College form its next School Strategic Improvement Plan for 2025 to 2027. The community was so helpful in completing the Diagnostic Inventory for School Alignment and Leuven Catholic Identity surveys. This information will also have its place alongside the feedback from the panel in shaping our direction for improvement over the next 3 years. 

In the upcoming Newman Parent Forum, held on Monday 19 August commencing at 6.00pm, the College Executive will be sharing a summary of our perceptive data with parents. We will be outlining the celebrations and commendations that flowed from the school improvement process of our last Plan. We will also be highlighting the areas we are seeing for the work ahead. If you are available, please join us. 

Year 10 Rites of Passage Camp 

On Monday evening, Secondary Deputy, Sarah Ellam and I joined Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing, Mrs Lara Ognenis and Year 10 parents in an information session on the upcoming Year 10 Camp. At Newman College, we are developing a very intentional program of formation for young people as they move through adolescence and begin the journey towards adulthood that links to rites of passage. As parents and school, we are all very keen to ensure that our young people develop in a holistic way, feeling that life isn’t just all pace with no space. We want them to feel confident that they have an extensive toolbox to draw from when navigating their own unique identity and place in the community on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.   

Across the campuses in Wellbeing Week 

During this week, we have focused on the wellbeing approaches that are present in our programs across the College. Our Marian and Lavalla students recognised Zones of Regulation on Thursday by dressing in the colours of the zones. Each day of the week has had a theme that we are following throughout the College. Our Wellbeing Captains, Ava and Jordan, have worked alongside students and staff to highlight the importance of wellbeing.  

As the staff have been involved in wellbeing activities today, and there is a mid-term break for students today and Monday, I take the opportunity to wish families a good break. We will see everyone return next Tuesday. 

ANDREW WATSON  
PRINCIPAL 

From the Vice Principal Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Assumption Day Mass, Fete and Buddy Day

Next Thursday, 15 August, we celebrate Assumption Day, a significant event in our College calendar. This special day will be marked by various activities, including masses, a fete, and a series of exciting festivities including staff versus student sports, wellbeing and ‘buddy’ activities.

Assumption Day commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a key feast day in the Catholic Church. This event is particularly important to us as a Marist school, given our deep connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is central to our faith and tradition.

In the Marist tradition, Mary is revered not only as the mother of Jesus but also as a model of faith, humility, and service. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, envisioned a community that embodies Mary’s virtues, fostering a spirit of family, simplicity, and love. Assumption Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew our commitment to living them out in our daily lives.

For more information about the schedule and logistics for the day, please click here. Students will need to purchase tickets to access the food, drink, and activities at the Fete. These tickets can be purchased here.

We look forward to a joyous and meaningful celebration.

Newman Parents Forum

On Monday 19 August, we will have our Term 3 Newman Parents Forum gathering in the John Henry Newman Hub from 6-7pm. Some topics covered include:

  • Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry Update
  • Proposed Road
  • Building Update
  • New AI Endorsed Program (developed by Beth Murphy, Deputy Principal PK-12 Teaching and Learning)
  • Uniform Minor changes Update

We warmly invite all parents to join us for the evening.

Student Driver Safety

The safety of our community is always our top priority. We kindly remind all students driving to school to exercise caution on the roads, especially in wet weather, which can increase risks. Please encourage your child to be extra vigilant during these conditions.

We also want to remind parents that it is mandatory for student drivers to complete the ‘Permission to Park’ form. This form is crucial for registering vehicles with the school and ensuring that parental permission is obtained for any passengers. Instructions for completing the form have been shared with students via Teams.

We request that parents confirm their child has submitted the form, which requires a parent or guardian’s signature. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe and organised environment for all members of our College community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Year 11 Leadership Workshops

Mr Andrew Watson and I had the pleasure of leading the final Leadership Workshop for our aspiring Year 11 leaders yesterday. During the session, we explored the concept of legacy, with students considering what initiatives they would implement if they were Principal for a day. The workshop concluded with groups collaborating on a mission statement for their Year 12, 2025 cohort. Earlier sessions on Christ-centered Leadership, Values, and Personality and Leadership Styles were well-received and have equipped these outstanding students for their leadership roles in 2025.

We extend special thanks to Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Leadership Coordinator, and Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing, for coordinating the program. We also appreciate the contributions of our workshop presenters – Mr Stuart McClorey, Mrs Sarah Ellan, Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Mrs Beth Murphy, and Mr Andrew Watson.

A reminder to Year 11 students: please submit your Year 12, 2025 Leadership Applications by Friday, 9 August.

Child Safeguarding Policy

Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Parents and Adults

Secondary Update – Term 3 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 09/08/2024

Year 10 Camp – Adventure Works

On Monday evening, the College was very fortunate to have Scottie and Mary Wood from Adventure Works speak to our staff and then our Year 10 parents and guardians about the upcoming Year 10 Camp. Scottie spoke about the value of camps for our adolescents in providing them with space to challenge themselves and get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Mary spoke about the bonds that students create when in these environments, and how these benefit students, Pastoral Care Groups and cohorts in the future. We are looking forward to our students embarking upon this experience in Week 6.

Leadership Program

52 aspiring Year 11 student leaders are currently engaging in our Leadership Program. Over the past couple of weeks, our student leaders have heard from several key staff on topics such as: servant leadership, the influence of values, leadership styles and legacy. Our Year 11 students have actively engaged in these workshops: sharing ideas, promoting active listening and demonstrating a love of work. All formal applications are due on Friday 9 August, with voting for students and staff commencing in Week 5.

Guild Athletics Carnival

Our Guild Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday 1 August and despite the concerning forecast, it was the perfect day for an Athletics Carnival. Guild spirit was alive and well, and there was healthy competition and keen participation across the day. Marcellin Guild retained the Guild Athletics Shield for the second year in a row, and Thomas More won the Guild Spirit award. Thank you to Mrs Marnie Barrett, Miss Kate Thayer, our Guild Coordinators, Health and PE staff and all of our Marcellin staff for their efforts and support of such a fantastic day.

Celebration Assembly – Wednesday 14 August

On Wednesday 14 August, the Year 10, 11 and 12 students will gather in the gym to celebrate our high achievers across these year groups from Semester One. Year 10 students who received three or more academic excellence awards will be acknowledged, along with our Year 11 and Year 12 General High Achievers and our students with a predicted ATAR of over 90 based on their Semester One results. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians of our high achievers to the College to celebrate their achievements as a community.

State Representation

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

  • Ruby Hankinson (Year 10) – Ruby is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast for the second year in a row. She competed as an Aerobic Gymnast and this year made the final in a very competitive field.
  • Savannah Doyle (Year 12) – Savanah is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast
  • Jackson Paynter (Year 10) – Jackson represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events and 1 final achieving PB’s across all strokes.
  • Rhys Fowler (Year 8) – Rhys represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 6 events including the 400m Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly, where he achieved a PB.
  • Kaydee Van Deventer (Year 8) – Kaydee represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events, making 6 finals and winning silver in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 100m Butterfly.

State 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.

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10 

Subject selection for Year 11, 2025 

Thank you to all families who participated in the subject selection process for Year 11, 2025. The College is currently finalising missing selections and constructing the timetable for 2025. 

VET Certificates (TAFE courses) and Work Experience for 2025 

Please see this link for information about applying for VET Certificates for 2025: Applying for VET Certificates for 2025.pdf 

The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024.  

Pathways and Careers Information: 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 

VET Certificates (TAFE courses) and Work Experience for 2025 

Please see this link for information about applying for VET Certificates for 2025: Applying for VET Certificates for 2025.pdf 

The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024. 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12 

Parent and family resources 

Each year, the Australian Government publishes a resource for parents / guardians to assist in career conversations. The 2024 version can be found here: https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/school-leavers-support/parents-and-guardians-guide  

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: 

Apprenticeship and Trades information 

The 2024 edition of the Apprentice Intake Guide has now been published. This guide is a large listing of many different apprenticeship opportunities available. 

Students and families can access the Guide here: https://asa.cciwa.com/mp-files/intake-guide.pdf/ 

ATAR Examinations Timetable 2024 

The 2024 ATAR examinations timetable can be found at the links below: 

ATAR Written Exams Timetable 

ATAR Practical Exams Timetable 

University Information 

Early Offers 

Students and families are advised that applications for University in 2025 are open as of 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 subjects 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 Offer calculated from your most recent school results including exams. 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. Offers will be made on 2 September, 23 September, 14 October, 18 November and 2 December. Allow around 2 weeks for us assess your application. List of courses available for Early Offers is at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/early-offer-program  
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 

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/ 

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT DATE LINK 
Engineering Open Evening (UWA) 13 August https://seek.uwa.edu.au/engineering-open-night?studyLevel=Undergraduate&aoi=Engineering 
Careers in the Australian Government (online) 15 August Microsoft Teams link 
Business and Commerce Information Evening (UWA) 21 August https://seek.uwa.edu.au/Business-and-commerce-open-night?studyLevel=Undergraduate&aoi=Business%20and%20commerce 
Careers in the Australian Government (online) 22 August Microsoft Teams link 
Open Day (SAE Creative Media Institute) 24 August https://sae.edu.au/event/open-day-perth/  
WAAPA Tour (ECU) 27 August https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1167027? 
Social Work Information Evening (ECU) 27 August https://www.trybooking.com/CTMTF  
Health and Education Information Evening (Murdoch) 28 August https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/mu-open-nights-health-education 
Data and Computer Science Open Evening (UWA) 28 August https://seek.uwa.edu.au/data-and-computer-science-open-night?studyLevel=Undergraduate&aoi=Data%20and%20computer%20science 
Science, IT, Engineering Information Evening (Murdoch) 29 August https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/mu-open-nights-sciences-information-technology-engineering-maths 
Nursing and Midwifery Open Evening (ECU) 30 August https://www.trybooking.com/CPQJF 
Pathways to Health and Medicine (Notre Dame) 31 August link here 
Undergraduate Course Expo (Curtin) 4 September https://events.curtin.edu.au/UGcourseexpo_Sep2024/register  
Business and Law Information Evening (Murdoch) 4 September https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/mu-open-night-business-law-humanities-arts-social-sciences 
Science and Maths Information Evening (ECU) 4 September https://www.trybooking.com/COKLI 
Engineering Information Evening (ECU) 6 September https://www.trybooking.com/COXTM 
Medical and Health Sciences Information Evening (ECU) 11 September https://www.trybooking.com/COKMA 
Teacher Education Information Evening (ECU) 12 September https://www.trybooking.com/COKLT 
Computing and Cybersecurity Information Evening (ECU) 17 September https://www.trybooking.com/COKNO 
Free ATAR Revision Courses 23-27 September https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1208138? 
Engineering Information Evening (ECU) 9 October https://www.trybooking.com/COKXE 
Year 12 Online Information Evening (Murdoch) 15 October https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/year-12-online-information-evening 
WAAPA Tour (ECU) 30 October https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1167027? 
Future Students Information Evening (ECU) 20 November https://www.trybooking.com/COKYN