From the Principal – Term 1 Week 5
Milestone Moments
The term ‘milestone’ seems to have its origin in Ancient Roman society. In building their extensive road system, the Romans placed stones along the way to mark a distance in travel and to give a sense of how far to the next destination. It appears that in the 17th Century, the term milestone came into use to mark a significant moment in life. Two important milestones in the Newman College journey were celebrated in the past fortnight. The Year 9 The Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony and the Year 12 Ball.
The Rite Journey Calling and Departure
This simple but beautiful event was shared with Year 9 students and their parents and caregivers at City Beach recently. The event is timed for the end of the day, as the sun sets across our beautiful coast and it marks the symbolic departure from childhood to the road of adulthood for our Year 9 students in the Rites of Passage program. In recognising that our students have begun to depart from childhood, we pay respect to, and show gratitude for, the forming moments that childhood have provided; and we do this as family and Newman College family. As we moved through the Calling and Departure, watching our parents stand behind their children with a hand on their shoulder was a moving experience. It was a symbol and sign of total love and a commitment to gently pushing their daughter or son towards the next stage of life. The number of families who then took the time to sit and chat with their child showed the gift of presence that a parent is to their young one.
Year 12 Ball
The Class of 2026 and staff gathered at Fraser’s in Kings Park last week for the Ball. Congratulations to all involved! The students certainly enjoyed this time of celebration and connection. They talked and danced the night through, taking the opportunity to capture the moment in Guild and friendship photos. I think they take from the night a cherished moment in their final year of schooling. In this proud milestone moment, I am sure the families of the Year 12 students would have also reminisced about the speed at which it seems life has brought each of them from that little, dependent child to the point of young independent adulthood.
The Season of Swimming
Swim carnivals continued to dominate our sports program in recent weeks, with the Lavalla Swimming Carnival and the NAS Year 7-10 Swim Meet. In the second year of Guild competition, students from Year 3 to 6 gave their all for their Guild. Congratulations to all who competed, the staff for their organisation, the families for their support and our volunteer mums and dads on the barbecue. The NAS meet is the warm-up event for the Division A ACC Carnival in the final week of the term, and we had great competition against Sacred Heart, John XXIII, Chisholm and Servite Colleges.
International Women’s Day Breakfast
We were delighted to host 180 parent guests and their children at the inaugural Newman College International Women’s Day Breakfast this morning. Over the past three years, we have made it our aim to grow our celebration and recognition of International Women’s Day. The breakfast was a new addition in 2026, as well as an organising committee of Year 12 students who worked with key staff to plan and run this event. This year’s theme is ‘Balance the Scales,’ and we were treated to guest speakers from three Newman College families, whose journeys through life, career and sport provided great food for thought in addressing action to support the theme.
Our Year 12 students sold purple ribbons, and proceeds will be directed to Dress for Success, an organisation that supports women advancing in the workplace. If you would like to donate, please follow this link https://give-aus.keela.co/newman-college-x-dfswa
Thank you to our three guest speakers, Newman College parents
- Anna Snodgrass (Class of 97), HSE Business Partner Rio Tinto,
- Lisa Webb (past staff member) Fremantle Football Club AFLW Senior Coach, and
- Jayne Taylor, Director and Owner, Taylor HR Consulting.
Congratulations to the IWD Committee on their fabulous work:
- Students:
- Grace Bradshaw
- Evie Brennan
- Lulu Brickland
- Harrison Burrows
- Oliver Groughan
- Ruby Hankinson
- Mia Harris
- Ella Hills
- Alice Humbert
- Alessia Infirri
- Isabel Jimenez-Fuentes
- Olivia McMahon
- Scarlett Sharp
- Poppy Vogl
- Staff:
- Beth Murphy
- Anna Scanlan
- Jenni Vile
- Donna McFadden
- Tara Gray
- Lara Ognenis
- Megan Guglielmana
- Kassandra Conway
A Conversation about Communication
In our opening presentations at parent evenings this year, our leaders and I have touched on the importance of respectful communication in our community. It is an opportune time to revisit the messaging and the ‘why’ behind the message of respectful communication in partnership between home and school.
From time to time, there may be challenges that emerge in a child’s schooling life that require parent advocacy. We all want the best for each young person in our care. Some of those challenging moments will come with a great deal of emotion and concern, and the College staff are here to address them in partnership with parents.
What I do ask of each parent is what I expect of myself and our staff, that we communicate concern with respect. We all have a right to be heard. As Leaders of Wellbeing, the College Executive and I mentioned in parent sessions earlier in the term, a short, respectful request to be contacted about an issue or concern will always get our time and attention. There will be occasions where parents are aggrieved and play the important advocacy role. What cannot be accepted is communication that does not meet a standard of how grievances or concerns should be made.
I extend my thanks to the great majority of families who approach communicating in email with respect and courtesy as the basis of raising an issue. What concerns me is what we all, unfortunately, experience in modern life – the communication that does not fit with societal norms and expectations. For us, this commitment to one another is expressed in our Parent and Adult Code of Conduct.
The why. I hold two important duties of care at once. I have a responsibility not only for the education and safety of children but also, under workplace health and safety legislation, to maintain a safe workplace for staff.
I provide these template examples that can be used to start these very important conversations we necessarily have for the benefit of children and students. Again, I stress that our community, in vast numbers, support respectful and constructive communication, and this piece of information sharing is a topic we are all exposed to in the various community settings in which we live and work.
Mr Andrew Watson
PRINCIPAL
From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 5
Your Move Initiative
The Your Move Initiative encourages students, where possible, to ride or walk to school. Physical transport promotes a range of benefits for our physical and mental health as well as for the environment.
Recently, as part of this initiative, we were lucky to have WestCycles create a “How to get to Newman College” Guide.
On Tuesday morning, a group of Year 6 and Year 10 student leaders assisted Sam from WestCycles in painting footsteps around the College to give our community a visual guide of safe walking routes.
Keep up to date with our YourMove Journey here.
Newman Parents Forum
The Newman Parent Forum (NPF) occurs once a term and is open to all parents/guardians. It is a parent community gathering led by the Principal and Vice Principal, in collaboration with a nominated Newman Parent K-12 Executive Committee.
The NPF for Term 1 is scheduled for Monday 16 March at 6.00pm. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend in person in the JHN Learning Hub or via TEAMs. The agenda for the evening is available here.
Transperth Stirling Station Stand Changes
Please be advised that from Sunday 8 March 2026 there will be changes to Transperth bus services departing Stirling Station, which will impact student journeys.
- The following stands will be relocated slightly to the east of the station –
- Stand A (Stop 29719)
- Stand B (Stop 29720)
- Stand 1 (Stop 11537)
- Stand 2 (Stop 11538)
- Stand 3 (Stop 11539)
- Stand 8 (Stop 11544) will be closed and the services will now depart from the following stands:
- Route 413 will now depart from Stand 5 (Stop 11541)
- Route 424 will now depart from Stand A (Stop 29719)
- Route 427 will now depart from Stand A (Stop 29719)
- School Special services will now depart from Stand 5 (Stop 11541)
- The following services will also undergo stand changes:
- Surf CAT will now depart from Stand A (Stop 29719)
- Route 402 will now depart from Stand 2 (Stop 11538)
- Route 403 will now depart from Stand 2 (Stop 11538)
Information regarding these changes will also be available on the Transperth website shortly Transperth Service Updates.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Marist Child Safe Adult Code of Conduct
- Code of Conduct for Parents and Adults
Mrs Beth Murphy
VICE PRINCIPAL
Secondary Update – Term 1 Week 5
Year 7 & Year 10 Immunisations
The School-Based Immunisations team will be attending Thursday 12 March for Year 10 students (Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination) and Monday 23 March for Year 7 Students (Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinations).
Parents have received email communication and will need to complete an online consent form for their child prior to the day. The consent form is available here.
Y7-12: Marcellin Guild Swimming Carnival
On Thursday 19 February, the Newman College community descended on the Perth High Performance Centre in Mount Claremont for the annual Marcellin Guild Swimming Carnival — and what a day it was!
The day got off to an unforgettable start with the inaugural Synchronised Swimming event, led by our Year 12 Class of 2026. It was a brilliant and creative way to open the carnival, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd and immediately setting the mood for a wonderful day ahead.
The competition that followed showcased the very best of Newman College. Our Year 7s threw themselves into their first Secondary Carnival with great enthusiasm, while older students brought intensity and skill to every race. Guild pride was evident across the entire venue all day long. The standout achievement of the day was the remarkable breaking of 10 records — a reflection of the hard work and dedication our students bring to their sport.
Congratulations to Marcellin Guild, who claimed the Champion Shield, and to Chisholm Guild, who took home the Spirit Shield.
A huge thank you to our Guild Coordinators, Guild staff, the Physical Education team, and Ms Sara Kononen for delivering such a fantastic event.
Year 9: The Rite Journey — Calling & Departure Ceremony
On the evenings of Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 February, our Year 9 students gathered with their families at City Beach Oval for a truly special occasion — the Rite Journey Calling & Departure Ceremony.
The Calling Ceremony invited students to pause and reflect on their childhood — the people who loved and cared for them, the experiences that shaped them, and the community that raised them. As the sun set over the ocean behind them, students were called to acknowledge all of this with gratitude before beginning to say goodbye to childhood and stepping forward into young adulthood.
The most powerful moment of the evening came during the Departure. After each student received their personal Declaration, parents and loved ones placed a hand on their child’s shoulder — a gesture of love and support — before giving them a gentle push forward as a blessing for the journey ahead. Students then stepped forward themselves, reading their Declaration aloud and accepting the challenge of becoming young adults.
It was a deeply moving experience for students and families alike, and a reminder of just how significant this stage of life is.
Our Year 9 students are now on their journey — supported by their weekly Rite Journey sessions, regular challenges, and the community around them.
Thank you to every parent/caregiver, student and staff member who attended and made this ceremony so meaningful.
Year 12: The Ball
On Wednesday 25 February, our Class of 2026 gathered at the stunning Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park, for the Year 12 Ball — one of the most cherished and momentous occasions in the Newman College calendar.
The students looked amazing, and the evening was filled with celebration, joy, and hope for the year ahead. Our Year 12s are to be congratulated on the way they conducted themselves throughout the night, reflecting the values of our College with pride.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Lara Ognenis, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12, and all of the Year 12 PCG teachers for their tremendous work in organising such a fantastic and memorable event.
State Sporting Achievement
Congratulations to the following student for the state recognition in their sport:
- Ruby Hankinson (Year 12). The Gymnastics WA Awards Night was held in February, where Ruby was honoured as the Aerobic Gymnastics National Level Athlete of the Year — This was a fitting way for her to retire from gymnastics after 13 years.
State and National Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport. If your child has achieved state or national recognition in their sport or extra-curricular activity, we would love to hear about it so we can celebrate their success. Please let us know the details by filling out this form. https://forms.office.com/r/qaCxCYLNX6
Mrs Anna Scanlan
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
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
- Here is a parents guide to University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1099446/ECU-Parents-Guide.pdf
- 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/
- Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2024/02/20/year-11-how-to-approach-university-open-days/ or this one: https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/open-days
New TAFE course for Term 2
North Metro TAFE have offered a TAFE course (1 day per week) commencing in Term 2. This course is Certificate II Sport (Developing Athlete). Eligible students must be currently participating in competitive sport and belong to a club or group in which they are involved in regular interaction with coaches, club staff and volunteers. Please email Mr Farley if interested.
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
Key dates for TAFE and University applications for 2027
For those students applying for TAFE for 2027, applications will open in September of this year and close in November of this year. You will be advised of this at the time.
For those students applying for University for 2027, early applications (early offers) will open in June and you will have until mid-December to lodge your application. Closer to the time you will be provided with instructions and further information about applying.
Year 12s are welcome to come and collect (and keep) any of the University handbooks that are on the table near my office. These can be very helpful in making your choice.
Alternatives to University
Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth:
- SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries. https://sae.edu.au/
- ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work. https://www.acap.edu.au/
- EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy. https://www.eit.edu.au/
Applying for Medicine or Dentistry for 2027
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2027 (including Assured Pathway at UWA and Notre Dame) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
- 3 March 2026: UCAT bookings open
- 15 May 2026: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2026
- 12 June 2026: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
- 1 July 2026: UCAT testing begins
- 5 August 2026: Last test date
- September 2026: Results available
You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for further information, practice tests, and tips to succeed. It is recommended to book a UCAT as early as possible as demand for testing places is high.
UWA
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at UWA can be found at this link and Dentistry at this link. Please note that Medicine and Dentistry at UWA are postgraduate courses and require completion of a relevant Bachelor degree prior to entry.
Curtin
Curtin University offers the only direct entry medical program in Western Australia. In 2025, the cutoff ATAR for this course was 93.
In addition to the UCAT, students considering applying for Medicine at Curtin University are also required to sit the CASPER Test. Further information about CASPER can be found here: https://acuityinsights.app/ and here: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/category/56-casper-test-preparation
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at Curtin can be found at this link.
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame offers a small number of places in postgraduate Medicine via an assured pathway for school leavers. Information about this option can be found here:
https://www.notredame.edu.au/programs/school-of-medicine/postgraduate/doctor-of-medicine-wa
University information
- 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
- Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This might assist: http://www.firstinfamily.com.au/
- Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition to University: https://unireadytoolkit.com.au/
- Here is a parents guide to University: https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1099446/ECU-Parents-Guide.pdf
- This resource is a place where you can ask current University students questions about their University courses:
https://course-consultants.com/
University scholarships
| Curtin University | Search scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia |
| Edith Cowan University (ECU) | ECU | Overview : Scholarships |
| Murdoch University | Scholarship finder (murdoch.edu.au) |
| Notre Dame University | Find a Scholarship | Notre Dame |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | The University of Western Australia : Scholarships (uwa.edu.au) |
| Christian Leaders Scholarship | https://ichthys.org.au/christian-leaders-scholarship/ |
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2027 might find the following interesting:
- Defence Force Gap Year: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/careers/gap-year?page=2&perPage=21&query=
- And: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2022/07/13/leaving-year-12-these-gap-year-ideas-may-interest-you/
- Also this Marist volunteering opportunity: https://maristyouthministry.com/bridge-builders
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
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
Mission Update – Term 1 Week 5
One of the phrases often associated with Marist education comes from our founder, St. Marcellin Champagnat, who spoke about the importance of forming young people to become good Christians and good citizens. While these words were written nearly 200 years ago, they remain deeply relevant and the driving force behind our mission today.
For Marcellin, education was never just about academic achievement. Of course, learning, excellence and hard work matter greatly in a school community, but he believed that education should also shape the kind of people our young people become – people of integrity, compassion, and responsibility, who contribute positively to the families and communities around them.
During this season of Lent, the Church invites us to pause, reflect, and consider how we are living our values in everyday life – the things that help to make us good Christians and good citizens. We are invited into this special time of recentring – a time of prayer, generosity, and renewal, as we take the time to focus on what matters most. In many ways, Lent echoes the vision of Marcellin. It reminds us that faith is not just something we learn about, it’s something we live every day in the way we treat others, the choices we make, and the care we show for those in need.
This formation of our students is at the heart of what we do. At Newman, we know the formation of our students doesn’t just happen in the chapel or in the classroom, it happens in the corridors, in the quiet conversations, and in the everyday ways we interact with our young people. Just as important, it happens at home too, through the partnership between families and the school. As we journey through Lent, we might like to pause and consider how we are contributing to this great Marist mission of forming good Christians and good citizens.
Mr Stuart McClorey
DIRECTOR OF MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY
