The end of Term 2 has arrived, and the first Semester is finished. Looking back on this term there have been so many highlights that reflect our vision to lead our students to ‘Shine through Discovery’. The move at Lavalla into the new Years- 3-6 building; the Year 11 Retreat and Dinner Dance; Year 7 and Outdoor Education camps; Champagnat Feast Day, Gamechangers and Marist Connect events, the Winter Music Night, Primary and Secondary carnivals and sport events; the Archbishop’s Lifelink Primary Launch at Newman, Year 13 (Class of 2023) Brunch, and the Medals of Marcellin are just a few of the opportunities where our students strove for personal best and engaged with our Marist Characteristics. My sincere thanks to our children and young adolescents, staff and parents who work together to make our Marist community.
Newman College Year 11 Dinner Dance 2024
Some Words About Success
Success looks different for all students, and is achieved in and out of the classroom, on and off the sporting arena and co-curricular pursuits. The achievements and successes of the term are the culmination of persistence, overcoming adversity, learning from failure, discipline, dedication and sacrifice. I see in so many of our students’ learning journeys the seeds of what Daniel Coyle refers to as ‘deep practice’. Coyle writes: Deep practice feels a bit like exploring a dark and unfamiliar room. You start slowly, you bump into furniture, stop, think, and start again. Slowly, and a little painfully, you explore the space over and over, attending to errors, extending your reach into the room a bit farther each time, building a mental map until you can move through it quickly and intuitively. Anyone who has played a ball sport or taken up a musical instrument can relate to deep practice. Making those next notes or next shot with the racquet is about taking in all the data, feeling or hearing the mistake of the last effort and planning to execute it better in the next kick or passage of music. I have regularly spoken with students about working just beyond the margin. Not inside it where you have already mastered learning and skill, not way beyond the margin where the gap is too big to bridge, but just at the point of stretch- stretching barely. That is the sweet spot of learning and gradual, personal success.
We have celebrated so much student achievement and commitment over the term in our Celebrate Assemblies. Congratulations to the students who have been recognised in these moments. Equally, I want to congratulate the many more students who do not appear on a stage for recognition. The real measure of success is not necessarily the accolade. Instead, it is the hard work behind it leading to deep learning through deep practice. Many students have worked exceptionally hard and have not necessarily been recognised this term. Their efforts, sometimes without affirmation, are truly admirable. The Semester report is the opportunity to look for the moments of personal progress with your child, be that coach and mentor who helps your young person recognise success behind the data and support them gently with the ‘stretch’.
Student Absentee Patterns – Pressure on Students
As we prepare for the second half of the year, I share this information with you. Today, the last day of term we have experienced a far greater number of absent students than our normal pattern would present. This pattern of large numbers of students being absent on the last day of term, the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat and days associated with ACC Carnivals is concerning. I ask all parents’ support in ensuring early holidays or absence from school on special event days is avoided. The impact of absence falls on all students and staff. Assessments and new learning are squeezed into tighter and tighter timeframes in the remainder of the term, which can only add unnecessary stress and burden to the students and staff, in general. Please make sure you plan to have your children at school until the end of the term.
Best Wishes
I wish all families a restful break and hope everyone finds some time to share special moments which is the beauty of Family Spirit.
Thank you to our dedicated staff who lead and support learning in any form across the College. We look forward to seeing everyone back at the beginning of Term 3 wearing their uniforms with pride and energised for another term of learning and engagement in College Life.
We are excited to approach our annual Champagnat Day celebration which will take place on Friday, 14 June. This date has been chosen to accommodate our senior students who will be sitting exams during the actual feast day on 6 June. This adjustment maintains the tradition of celebrating Champagnat Day at a time that allows all students to participate fully.
This year, our celebrations will centre around the Mass and an awards ceremony. We will begin with a special Champagnat Day Mass, followed by the presentation of the Champagnat Awards to outstanding students from each year level and dedicated staff members. In addition, we will recognise several staff members with service awards for their contributions.
After the Mass and awards, our primary school students will participate in the Annual Lapathon. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our students to raise funds for LifeLink, supporting the Catholic agencies in Western Australia that provide essential assistance to those in need.
Traditionally, we have hosted various activities such as bouncy castles, food stalls, and other fun events following the Mass and awards. However, for the past three years, these activities have been affected by rain, limiting our ability to enjoy the day to its fullest.
To ensure better weather and greater enjoyment, we have rescheduled this part of the celebration to 15 August, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the patronal feast day of the Marist Brothers. On this day, students will attend Mass and then enjoy a fete and a student-led concert in the afternoon. Due to current restrictions on inflatable amusements, we are planning an exciting fete where each class or year level will contribute a stall or activity.
We look forward to celebrating these special days as a Marist community.
Marist Netball Carnival
The Marist Netball Team, coached and managed by Miss Jorja Clark and Miss Tiyana Kerimi, has been diligently preparing for their upcoming tournament in New South Wales. This morning, the team had an exciting match against the Marist “Old Girls” in the Gymnasium, followed by a delightful breakfast shared by both teams.
Our team departs for Sydney next Friday. Their itinerary includes a cultural day on Saturday, the opening Mass, team photos, and dinner on Sunday, and the tournament will take place from Monday, 17 June to Wednesday, 19 June. The team is set to return on Thursday, 20 June.
On behalf of the entire Newman College community, we extend our best wishes to the Marist Netball Team. We are proud of your hard work and dedication, and we look forward to cheering you on as you represent our school. Safe travels and good luck!
Team members:
Tania Barilla
Darcy Bird
Clancy Boss
Thalia Curley
Sophia Fasolo
Audrey Fitzpatrick
Chloe Menzies
Madeline Peou
Ava Prentice
Emma Richardson
Isobel Robinson
Madison Turnbull
Year 10 Preparation for Subject Selection
Throughout this term, our Year 10 students have been actively exploring their subject choices for Senior School. They have attended presentations from Learning Area leaders and reflected on their strengths and interests using their Careers Booklet.
On Tuesday 18 June, students and their families will attend the Careers Expo. This event provides opportunities to engage with Learning Area teachers and representatives from universities, TAFEs, and other institutions. In the evening, there will be a presentation outlining pathway offerings, SCSA requirements, and next steps for determining the right pathway.
The process culminates in Subject Selection mentoring sessions on 15 July. Each student will be guided by a College Executive or Middle Leader to make informed choices, aligning with our Vision for Learning: striving for individual excellence, valuing student voice, fostering metacognition, and recognizing each student’s unique gifts and talents.
These mentoring sessions also enable parents and guardians to positively partner with teachers, share responsibility for their child’s education, and actively support the College’s holistic approach to faith, learning, and wellbeing. Together, we celebrate the individual pathways and achievements of each student.
Please refer to the Pathways Section of the newsletter for further information provide by our Leader of Pathways & Partnerships, Mr Justin Farley.
It is wonderful to be back in our Newman Community after seven weeks of undertaking the Marist Pilgrimage and Professional Renewal Leave.
At the Pilgrimage, I had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of St Paul and St Marcellin. St Paul’s three journeys into Asia Minor and Greece help spread the Gospel in those early years after Christ. The Paulene Church has formed our modern expression of faith and is evident in our own Marist Spirituality and Mission. Time spent in Champagnat country at the Hermitage, La Valla, Le Rossey and Lyon deepened my understanding of St Marcellin Champagnat’s vision, and work to make Christ known and loved to the forgotten and downtrodden in the most tumultuous times of the French revolutionary period. I hope to write more of these reflections in newsletters to come.
I would like to thank Mr Michael Chiera and Mrs Beth Murphy whose leadership as Principal and Vice Principal in my absence was so positive and professional. Mrs Sarah Pagett assumed the role of Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning K-12 and Ms Nicki Winterbourn covered Sarah’s role as Leader of Learning Support. Michael, Beth, Sarah and Nicki performed outstandingly and received excellent support by the College Executive and the whole staff. I thank Mrs Glenda Gillespie who took care of the Director of Finance and Operations’ role while Mr Steve Halley-Wright was on long service leave.
Feast Day of St Marcellin
Yesterday, June 6 marked the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat. Our examination period falls on this date, so we will celebrate Champagnat Day fully next Friday (please see the Vice Principal’s section for details).
St Marcellin faced many obstacles and uncertainties in his mission to provide education to young people, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to making Jesus known and loved. As families and teachers, we are entrusted with the sacred task of shaping the hearts and minds of young people, we are grateful for the example of St Marcellin Champagnat, whose life continues to inspire us in our work as a Newman community. This year we celebrate the 25 Anniversary of the canonisation of St Marcellin Champagnat.
In my pilgrimage, I was fortunate to be in Rome for this celebration and view the wonderful statue of Marcellin that sits on the outside wall of St Peter’s. Here is a wonderful reflection of the statue and I think it encapsulates our Marist Way. Happy Champagnat Day!
The statue of Marcellin portrays his strength and determination. Upon his shoulders he bears the burden of universal childhood with tenderness and sensitivity. His essential human traits are given a Christian dimension though the symbol of the crucifix that he holds in his left hand. Children, especially those who are poor and neglected, are waiting upon the kind of educational setting that will assure them of being secure and loved. To create such a setting was Marcellin’s goal, and it radiates from the statue that brings to mind the image of the Good Shepherd. The positioning of feet and hands expresses an affective interplay, the good soil that receives both the word of God and the formative experiences of education. The child on the shoulders leans upon the head of Marcellin, a position from which to look out upon life. At the same time, the child’s foot reposes secure on Marcellin’s right hand. In its turn, the child-figure at the sculpture’s base leans against Champagnat’s foot to express a personal relation. The open book in the child’s hand recalls the educational opportunity in which the child will find delight; and the countenance bespeaks a special way of viewing life. The message: Marcellin’s humility and simplicity.
Opening of Lavalla Building
The joy of celebration continued this week with the first days of occupancy at Lavalla of the Year 3-6 building. It is a superb facility supporting upper primary education and bringing us one step closer to One Campus One Community. We are planning the opportunity for families to view our new facility once the settling in process has taken place.
The second project of our Class of 2024 will come to fruition in Week 9 and it is titled: Spirit Week. With the Champagnat Day Mass and Awards taking place on Friday 14 June, the Year 12 students would like to begin the tradition of each day of the week of the Champagnat Day mass to reflect one of the Marist characteristics. The five Marist characteristics of In The Way of Mary, Presence, Love of Work, Simplicity and Family Spirit will be represented in our Secondary College in Week 9.
Monday – In The Way of Mary Whilst our uniform incorporates various shades of blue, students are encouraged to add an extra splash of blue to their uniform. Students may choose to collect a blue ribbon from Student Admin or the Leaders of Wellbeing Office to put in their hair or around their wrist or they may wear blue socks of their choosing with their uniform.
Tuesday – Presence All Pastoral Care Groups on Tuesday will engage in a mindfulness activity in Pastoral Care time in the morning. This focus on presence will support our students in their learning throughout the day.
Wednesday – Love of Work Across the first couple of days of the week, students will be encouraged to write a message of appreciation to the staff at Newman College who demonstrate a love of work in their support of the students in our care. These will be displayed on the Vivi screens around the College.
Thursday – Simplicity Random Acts of Kindness will be the feature of Thursday: encouraging members of our College Community to acknowledge that the simple things can make a big difference.
Friday – Family Spirit On Friday, we will come together as a Secondary College for our Champagnat Mass Celebration, and as a PK-12 Community for our Champagnat Awards.
We look forward to sharing the beginnings of this tradition in our next newsletter and across social media next week.
The Year 11 Dinner Dance is scheduled for Friday 21 June. Year 11 students will be dismissed at 2.30pm following the conclusion of the Year 11 Retreat. Before they depart on this day, students will be given their ticket which will be required to enter the venue. Students are expected to follow the College’s Uniform and Personal Presentation Guidelines on both days of the Retreat; no additions to nails or lashes are permitted.
We ask all Year 11 students to have a mature understanding of the dress code appropriate for the Year 11 Dinner Dance. Formal occasions such as these require dressing in a special way which helps to generate a sense of occasion. We therefore ask all students to be mindful of their choice of attire and ask for a reasonable standard of modesty as befitting such a formal event. It is an expectation that all students respect College guidelines and policies regarding personal presentation and behaviour.
We are looking forward to this event with our Year 11 students as a way to celebrate their incredible efforts this semester.
2025 Year 12Leadership Process
The Leadership Process will commence for the Class of 2025 in Week 10 of this term. The Year 11 Retreat, which is scheduled for Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June, marks the start of this process. Following their sessions with the Youth Ministry Team, our Year 11 students will work with Mr Van Der Heever (Leadership Coordinator) and Mr Husband (Leader of Wellbeing Year 11) to explore what leadership looks like, the expectations of our College leaders and their thoughts about the legacy that they want to leave as the Class of 2025. Our Year 11 students will be asked to express interest in Leadership positions from Friday of Week 10. We encourage parents/guardians to have conversations with their child about the potential of being one of our College leaders in 2025. For further information on the process and the leadership roles, please have a look at the 2025 Leadership Nominations Booklet.
Secondary Campus Photo Days – 13, 24 & 25 June
A reminder that Fotoworks will be attending Newman College on Thursday 13, Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 June.
On the 13 June our Years 7-9 students will have their individual photos taken, along with their PCG photo. Additionally, our Education Support Centre students, one of our Dance Troupes and some of our music groups will also have their photos taken on this day.
On the 24 June all Year 10-12 students will have their individual and guild photos, as well as Year 12 leadership, special ministers and the remaining music group photos.
On the 25 June all sports team photos will be taken.
Students will be released from class to have their photos taken.
Students are reminded to observe our College’s Uniform and Personal Presentation Guidelines. Any student who does not meet these guidelines will not be permitted to have their photo taken on the scheduled day. If any students have concerns about their appearance or uniform not meeting our College Guidelines, they are encouraged to speak to their Leader of Wellbeing.
Years 7-10 and 12 students from should have received their photo order forms. Year 11 students will receive their photo forms on Monday. Students can either bring these forms in on the day or hand them to their Pastoral Care Group teacher.
ACER Wellbeing Survey – Wednesday 12 June
Schools play an important role in supporting students’ engagement and wellbeing. Students who are positively engaged in their learning and are provided with safe and supportive environments experience positive academic achievement. Our Secondary Wellbeing program, which encompasses the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, is adapted to suit the needs of each cohort. This program aims to support the students at Newman College to develop the skills required to succeed and thrive in their years beyond secondary education. As a College, we prioritise evidence-based practices and as such, we are seeking to gain data to continue to develop our wellbeing support for the young people in our care.
Our Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 students will be completing the ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing survey on Wednesday 12 June during Extended Pastoral Care Time. This survey is a confidential, strength-based survey. The results will provide us with a comprehensive report on a wide variety of social, emotional and behavioural outcomes. We will be able to use the data to identify themes among year groups and genders allowing us to engage in needs-based wellbeing support and intervention.
We look forward to sharing the data with our students, staff and parents in the near future. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact your child’s Leader of Wellbeing.
Pathways and Careers
Year 10
Subject selection for Year 11, 2025
Please see below for some resources associated with subject selection for Year 11, 2025:
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
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
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
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:
The April 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 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
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here: https://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/video.tisc
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. CASPER scores are valid only for the next available admissions year, so applicants should only complete the test in the year immediately preceding their planned year of admission.
The CASPER Test is held nationally and is sat online from home. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements to register for the CASPER Test. Available Casper Test dates are:
This Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Trinity, a significant feast day in the Catholic Church. This solemnity invites us to contemplate the mystery of one God in three Persons, a central tenet of our faith. The doctrine of the Trinity emphasises the unity and co-equality of the three distinct Persons – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, illustrating the profound and loving relationship at the heart of God’s very being.
In our daily lives, we can bring the essence of Trinity Sunday into practice by fostering relationships built on love, respect, and unity. Just as the Holy Trinity exemplifies perfect communion and cooperation, we are called to reflect these values in our interactions with one another.
As a Newman College community, let us take this opportunity to renew our commitment to embodying the love and unity of the Holy Trinity in all aspects of our lives.
Year 3-6 Build
With great anticipation, the Newman College community looks forward to the arrival of our new Years 3-6 building in Week 8. Comprehensive plans are in place for the transition, and both students and staff are enthusiastic about beginning teaching and learning activities in this state-of-the-art facility. We look forward to welcoming parents to explore the space once the new building is operational.
On Wednesday, some of our students had the privilege of touring the new building. Their excitement was palpable as they shared their thoughts on the innovative learning spaces and the exciting opportunities they bring. Please enjoy the short video capturing the tour as we move closer to our goal of #OneCampusOneCommunity.
MSA Assistant Principal’s Conference
This week, I attended an Assistant Principal’s Conference in Mittagong. Participants were invited to explore the topic “Leading a Faith Community”.
The conference was a thought-provoking experience, offering numerous moments for reflection on what it truly means to lead a faith community. Engaging with insightful presentations and discussions, we delved into the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of faith-based leadership. The opportunity to hear from distinguished speakers such as Most Rev Shane Mackinlay DD, Bishop of Sandhurst, Miss Pam Betts, a Marist Schools Australia Board Member, and Dr. Frank Malloy, the National Director of Marist Schools Australia, provided valuable perspectives and inspired a renewed commitment to our roles as leaders.
Marist Family Day
The Marist Brothers’ Community invites you to join us for the Marist Family Gathering on Sunday, 26 May. The celebration will begin with Mass at 10.00am in the Champagnat Chapel, followed by a morning tea with refreshments in the Auditorium. This special event is an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate our shared faith and community spirit.
We look forward to welcoming families to this significant event.
Cross Country
Congratulations to our outstanding Cross-Country Team for their remarkable achievement of first place in the All School’s Cross Country Carnival! Your dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship have paid off, and we could not be prouder of your achievement. Thank you to the students and teachers who attended the event and supported our team.
