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From the Vice Principal – Term 3 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 29/08/2025

Newman Parents Forum

The Term 3 Newman Parents Forum will take place on Monday 1 September. This term, parents and guardians are invited to attend two sessions on some key topics relevant to our College Community. Please register your attendance here.

  • New Social Media Legislation and support for Parents and Students: This session will guide parents through the implications of the new Social Media Legislation, prohibiting the use of platforms for children under the age of 16 from December onwards. The session will give parents a forum to guide the College in how they can tailor information and strategies for parents and families as they manage this transition.
  • The Marist Mission Today: Parents will have the opportunity to understand how the vision of St Marcellin Champagnat is alive in our College community today, and explore further the Marist Charism, which is so unique to Newman College. Suitable for all families.
  • Reframing Failure: Teaching Resilience Through Setbacks: A practical session to explore ways to support your child from early primary to senior school when things don’t go as planned. You’ll learn simple strategies for building resilience, reframing setbacks as opportunities, and shifting from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet.” We’ll also look at responding to disappointment without rushing to fix it, nurturing a healthy mindset, and encouraging self-compassion. Suitable for all families.
  • Equip, Guide Thrive, Program Overview: The session will provide parents with a deeper understanding of the EGT Program, a holistic initiative that extends the foundations of the U R Strong and Zones of Regulation programs in the primary school. This program integrates academics, faith, and wellbeing, ensuring that students are supported to grow as confident learners, compassionate people, and resilient individuals. Parents will explore the framework and its key elements, connections to the 2024 DISA data and Strategic Improvement Plan and the programs from years 7-12. The session will also provide practical points on how you can support your child at home with what they are learning in the EGT.

Guild Activities Year 1 to 12

On Tuesday 9 September students in Year 1 to 12 will be participating in Guild activities. This is the first time that we will celebrate Guild Spirit since the College has come together on one campus. Students will be buddied up with another year group and will participate in team and spirit building activities, with the purpose of creating connections across the Lavalla and Marcellin campuses. We are looking forward to this opportunity to build community. Students are permitted to wear their Guild Uniform on this day.

Mr Michael Chiera

VICE PRINCIPAL

Mission Update – Term 1 Week 10

Jenni Vile on 11/04/2025

Earlier this week, I took a trip out to Officeworks to grab some items for a reflection I was running with Mr Husband and the Year 12 students. When I returned to my car and was just about ready to drive off, a young fellow reversed into me, damaging the rear door of my car. In that initial moment, my immediate thought was one of total frustration. After all, of all the things I needed that day, this was certainly not on the list! However, before I got out of the car I steadied myself – I thought quickly about the person who had just driven into me. Were they ok? Would they be upset? What could I do in that moment to bring just a little bit of calm to the situation? I got out of my vehicle, and there he was – a young man no more than 20. Very quickly I saw myself as a young driver in this man, and even though they are still in primary school, I saw my own children in him too…wondering how they might be encountered should they have their own bingle one day. We were both ok, swapped our details, and in amongst the several apologies he shared, we spoke about how it was all ok – these things happen, especially when we’re young, and as long as we’re both ok that’s what really matters.

It can be a difficult thing to do – to face a situation with a sense of calmness or patience, when all of your initial instincts are to explode or rush straight to a conclusion. Viktor Frankl, a psychologist who lived through the Second World War, wrote about this phenomenon. He was arrested and sent to a concentration camp, where he lost almost everything – his parents, his brother, even his wife.  

In the camps, he saw suffering beyond imagination. People were starving, mistreated, and stripped of their dignity. But Frankl noticed something: even though everyone was in the same horrible situation, people responded in different ways.  

Some became cruel, clinging to power wherever they could. Others gave up completely. But a few held onto their humanity- helping others, and finding reasons to hope.  

Frankl realised later that the difference in those prisoners wasn’t in their circumstances, but in their response. He later wrote these words:  

‘Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.’  

He meant that even when life seems unfair, when we are confronted with challenges, or when we are struggling, the one thing no one can take away is our ability to choose how we respond.

In last Sunday’s Gospel we heard the story of the adulterous woman. Religious leaders drag a woman before Jesus, demanding justice. They remind Him that the Law of Moses says she should be stoned. It’s a tense moment.

They expect Jesus to react quickly – to either approve of the punishment or contradict the law. But Jesus does neither. Instead, he pauses.  

Rather than speaking right away, He bends down and writes in the dust. We don’t know what He writes, but in that silence, something powerful happens. He creates space – space for reflection. Space for the accusers to examine their own hearts.  

And then He says:  ‘Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.’  

One by one, the crowd leaves, until only Jesus and the woman remain. He looks at her and says: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.’  

Jesus doesn’t ignore her mistakes, but He chooses mercy over judgment. He creates a space between the moment of accusation and His response. In that space, He chooses love.

So what does this mean for us?  

We all face moments when we want to react instantly – when we feel angry, hurt, or frustrated. Maybe someone says something rude, and we snap back. Maybe a friend lets us down, and we hold a grudge. Or maybe you battle peak hour traffic every day, and just the smallest thing can tip you over the edge.

But Jesus and Viktor Frankl teach us something powerful: there is always a space before we respond…and in that space, we have a choice.  

How do you respond to those challenging moments in your day? Or in your life?

Do you choose judgment or mercy? Do you choose anger or kindness? Do you choose to react or to respond?  

As we approach the end of Lent, it is a good reminder that there is time left to grow into the fullness of who God has created us to be – or as I would say to students – to move the dial just a little further along. Take the time to think about the circumstances or situations where maybe you need to create space. It could be at work, at home, or within a particular relationship…and next time you find yourself in that situation, remember, you have the power to choose how you respond. Let your response reflect the best of who you are, helping you to grow as a person – and perhaps even allowing others to encounter Jesus Christ through your considered words and actions.

It’s not easy, but it will be worth it.

Mother’s Day

I would like to extend a warm invitation to all our students, mums, and mother figures to our Mother’s Day celebrations next term. There will be two special celebrations:

  • Thursday 8 May Mother’s Day Community Mass at 8.00am (Lavalla & Marcellin)
  • Friday 9 May Mother’s Day Liturgy at 9.00am (Marian) Further details can be found in our flyer.

To find out more, click here.

Marian Lecture            

On Tuesday 13 May the College will host a live stream of the Marian Lecture in the Marist Auditorium. The Marian lecture is an annual event hosted by the Marist Association. This years lecture will be presented by Professor Stan Grant, and will delve into the Marist theme for 2025; Pilgrims of Hope: Look Belong.

All members of the College community are invited to this free event. Further information and booking are available here.

From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 10

Jenni Vile on 11/04/2025

Start to Term 2 – Pupil Free Days and 7-12 Student Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews)

As we head into a well-earned school holiday break, I would like to remind you about the start of Term 2.

Monday 28 April is a pupil-free day. Our staff will come together for a Faith Formation Day inspired by the Marist theme for 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond.” Guided by Pope Francis’s vision for the Jubilee Year 2025, the day invites staff to reflect on their personal and shared journeys of faith, renewal and mission. Through prayer, conversation and moments of quiet reflection, they will explore what it means to walk with hope – as individuals, colleagues and as a Marist community committed to nurturing the hearts and minds of our students.

Tuesday 29 April is a pupil-free day for students from PK to Year 6. Students and staff of Years 7 to 12 will participate in Student Learning Conversations. This is an opportunity for students to meet with their parents and teachers and share their reflections on their learning this term, to celebrate their successes, acknowledge their challenges and to plan for the next stage of their learning journey. Further information about the Student Learning Conversations can be found in the Teaching and Learning Week 8’s newsletter.

Holy Week

As the term draws to a close and we head into the school holidays, we also look toward Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s year. It’s a time when we remember the final days of Jesus’ life, His message of love and forgiveness, and the hope that comes with Easter.

Holy Week is a special opportunity for quiet reflection, prayer, and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. Whether it’s through a simple moment of gratitude, attending Mass, or spending time with loved ones, we are all invited to pause and remember what truly matters.

As we celebrate this season, may it bring peace to your homes, rest after a busy term, and a renewed sense of hope and joy.

We wish all our families a safe and blessed Easter break.

Uniform and Presentation Reminders

As we approach the school holidays, we kindly ask parents to support the College by ensuring that any student haircuts align with our grooming expectations. If your child is considering a style that may not meet College guidelines, we encourage this to be done early in the break to allow time for any necessary adjustments before Term 2 begins.

The commencement of term two also marks the transition to Winter Uniform for all students from Year 1 to Year 12. Students are expected to return to school in their full Winter Academic Uniform. Some points to note:

  • Shirts must be tucked in when wearing College trousers
  • Students in Years 4 to 12 are to wear College ties and blazers

We appreciate your ongoing support in helping maintain the standards and presentation of our College students.

Uniform Shop – School Holiday Trading Hours

To assist students and families with the transition to Winter Uniform in Term 2, the College Uniform Shop will be open for extended trading in the second week of the school holidays. The dates and times are listed below:

  • Tuesday 22 April 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 23 April 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Thursday 24 April 9:00am to 5:00pm

As usual, orders can also be placed online for collection. The link to the online store is here.

Mr Michael Chiera

VICE PRINCIPAL

From the Principal – Term 1 Week 6

Jenni Vile on 14/03/2025

A Little About Lent

We are into the season of Lent which began with our Ash Wednesday liturgies last week. Lent is a time for preparation, reflection and spiritual renewal, with prayer as a central piece in achieving these aims. Common to the great religious traditions is the notion of prayer and experiencing prayer. Lent lends itself to prayer, and the tradition of fasting in Lent helps prepare the whole person for a full experience of prayer. Fasting and abstaining from meat are expressed in Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Whereas in modern society, where we are comfortable with the notion of dieting and balance in diet, fasting is a bit of a challenge. Dieting is an act for oneself, fasting is a more outward expression of making an inner emptiness which God can then fill through the action of prayer. A strong feature of our Marist spirituality is a rich prayer life. During Lent, our students will continue to experience types of prayer and praying that help us prepare for the joy of Easter.

International Women’s Day

Our focus in 2025 was to increase our recognition and celebration of International Women’s Day. A group of senior students led by our Wellbeing Captains, Jasmin Afflick and Leyla Do, along with staff, planned celebrations and information to share within the community. We were pleased to present this last Friday in recognition of IWD on Saturday, 8 March. Raising awareness and joining in action to further this year’s theme of Accelerate Action is not just a job for one day of the year, and we look forward to the work of our Student Leaders in maintaining action throughout the year.

Twilight Tours

On Tuesday, we welcomed over 100 families to the campus for our Marcellin Twilight Tour. Guiding prospective families around the campus and highlighting the richness of opportunity available to students through our Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery is always a joy. The greater joy was the key role of our student leaders in the small groups. They took the lead in presenting to our visitors the Newman College journey and how it is experienced by our students. I was certainly very proud to listen to the rich expression of learning, service and formation they spoke to in their interactions with our guests.

Time with Year 5 & 6

In my two years at Newman College, I have greatly enjoyed spending time with our students, especially the chance to regularly read to our Marian students. Setting aside time with Year 5 and Year 6 is a focus for me as Principal during this semester. Year 6 Red and I explored, through a simple story of growth, kindness and friendship, a deeper dive into the Newman Norms and the Marist Theme for 2025- Pilgrims of Hope, Look Beyond. They took the lead in presenting their insights and actions in support of our Newman Norms and Marist Theme. They are true leaders in action, and I look forward to the upcoming time with Year 5 and 6 classes.

Farewell to Marian

Earlier in the year I wrote about the significance of 2025 as a year of celebration. The new Primary campus, 60 years of Marist education at Churchlands and 25 years as a K-12 school. Today, we celebrated another moment, the Farewell to Marian campus. In 2025, we are farewelling a beloved Peebles Road grounds and honouring its Brigidine and Newman College history. This afternoon, over 200 past students, staff and current staff are expected to gather for Mass at St Cecilia’s, followed by an afternoon tea, to retrace the rich education history of the campus. Look out for our social posts which will capture this lovely event. As we track closer to the move, we look forward to our current students and staff’s farewell to Marian, honouring its place in our extended history.  

Year 12 Leavers’ Jackets

This week, we held a brief but important ceremony where we distributed the Year 12 Leavers’ Jackets. A group of students and staff worked on the design and schedule for wearing the jackets over the remaining time in Year 12. Week 6 in Term 1 was chosen for the distribution as it marked the end of the first period of assessments undertaken by the year group and the move into the season of Autumn. The gift of wearing the jackets is accompanied by the expectation that it is a privilege, and that privilege is respected in the high standard of leadership and witness to our Marist characteristics that the Class of 2025 can show the community. Enjoy those jackets, Class of 2025!

Primary Picnic

We were so pleased to be able to host the return of the Primary Picnic recently. Family Spirit is at the core of the Newman College community and our families enjoyed a great early evening of entertainment, games, food trucks and friendship. Thanks to the staff for their organisation, the support of families who could attend and the Year 12 Student Leaders who kept the children entertained with games.

Secondary Update – Term 1 Week 4

Jenni Vile on 28/02/2025

Guild Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 20 February our secondary students gathered at Perth HPC for the Year 7 – 12 Guild Swimming Carnival. The day was filled with excitement and guild spirit led by our Guild Coordinators and Year 12 Guild Captains. The novelty events offered a lighter side of competition and were a lot of fun.

There were some fantastic individual achievements, and we look forward to celebrating these students in the coming week. Congratulations to Chisholm Guild who were awarded the Guild Spirit Award and to Marcellin Guild for taking out first place in a very close race!

Online Safety – How Parents can support their children in the digital world

In today’s digital age, the internet is an integral part of daily life for children. From school assignments to socialising with friends, online platforms have become essential tools for learning and entertainment. However, with the countless opportunities the internet provides, there are also risks that parents must be aware of and address. As guardians of their children’s wellbeing, it’s crucial for parents to play an active role in ensuring their children stay safe online and knowing what the legal consequences are, should a young person under the age of 18 be found to break the law. Further information for parents can be found here.

It is also a timely reminder that the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will take effect by December 2025 and will introduce a mandatory minimum age of 16 for certain social media platforms. The change aims to strengthen existing measures for protecting young users, especially where there are particular risks associated with accessing potentially harmful social media content and features, such as persistent notifications and alerts that have been found to have a negative impact on sleep, stress levels and attention. Further information of the

Transperth

The College is aware that there are some Transperth morning bus services that are arriving late. The College is liaising with Transperth regarding this and hope to reach a solution as soon as possible. Students arriving late to school due to these bus services will not be penalised.

Replacement Smart Riders

Replacement Smart Riders can be ordered from Student Reception at a cost of $5.00, which will need to be paid when ordering. This can be paid by EFTPOS at student reception or by parents paying by card over the phone. Please note that we will no longer be accepting cash payments.

FlexiSchools Ordering

The College Canteen operates through the ordering platform FlexiSchools. Students can link their FlexiSchools account to their SmartRider (Student ID), to preorder or pay for food in the Canteen. Please find below the FlexiSchools flyer and instructions on how to set up cashless payments through your child’s SmartRider.

FlexiSchools Flyer

Cashless Payment/Ordering Setup  

Parents are reminded that students are not permitted to pay with their phones, and are therefore encouraged to utilise this payment function provided through Flexischools.
 

Year 10 Immunisations

Earlier this week families were sent an email regarding the Year 10 Immunisations, taking place on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March. The School-Based Immunisation team will be visiting Newman College to administer the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination (1 dose of menACWY vaccine) to all Year 10 students. For this to occur, parental consent needs to be given by no later than Wednesday 5 March.  All vaccines provided will be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). If you have not yet completed a consent form, please complete the digital form (preferred) which can be accessed here. Alternatively, you can download the Paper-based consent form and return it to the College.

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 

Bricklaying free course 

The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry. 

Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:  

  • Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham 
  • Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga 
  • Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson 
  • Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie 

Apply NOW: Bricklaying job ready program | HIA 

Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities 

Army  

Navy 

Air Force  

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12 

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. 

University Early Offer information 

Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information. 

Curtin University No details as yet.  
Edith Cowan University Full information and list of eligible courses at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/early-offer-program  Open to ATAR, Certificate IV, and UniReady students. Submit your Early Offer application by placing an eligible ECU course as your first TISC preference. First offers released to students on 2 September 2025.  
Murdoch University No details as yet.  
Notre Dame University Full information and list of eligible courses at: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/pathways/early-offer  Opens 1 May 2025. First offers released to students on 1 September 2025. Apply via the Notre Dame online portal or via TISC. Open to ATAR Pathway students only. All offers are conditional offers.  
University of WA No details as yet.  

University Information 

Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry in 2026? 

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: 

  • 4 March 2025: UCAT bookings open 
  • 16 May 2025: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2024 
  • 11 June 2025: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking 
  • 1 July 2025: UCAT testing begins 
  • 5 August 2025: Last test date 
  • September 2025: Results available 

You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for more information, tips and practice tests. 

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.  

You can find more information about this, and book your test, here: https://acuityinsights.app/casper/ 

UWA Medical entry handbook here (for Assured Pathway): https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/-/media/uwafs/docs/course-guides/2025/uwa-2025-hms-admissions-guide-web.pdf 

Curtin Medical entry handbook here: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/5804HS_Medicine-Admissions-Guide-2025_web-updated.pdf 

Notre Dame Medicine program information is here: https://www.notredame.edu.au/programs/school-of-medicine/postgraduate/doctor-of-medicine-wa 

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 2026 might find the following interesting: 

Bricklaying free course 

The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry. 

Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:  

  • Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham 
  • Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga 
  • Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson 
  • Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie 

Apply NOW: Bricklaying job ready program | HIA 

Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities 

Army  

Navy 

Navy Careers Experience – HMAS Stirling – 30 June – 02 July 2025 

Applications close: 18 May 2025 

Apply here: Defence Careers – Navy Careers Experience: HMAS Stirling (June) 

Air Force  

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT DATE LINK 
Murdoch University Careers Fair 19 March https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2025/03/19/general/student-and-graduate-career-fair 
Engineering Institute of Technology: Careers in Engineering webinar 19 March Finding Your Path: Choosing the Right Engineering Discipline for your Career 
ECU Open Day (Joondalup) 23 March https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
UWA Open Day 30 March https://www.uwa.edu.au/open-day 
Murdoch University Open Day 5 April https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/open-day 
Curtin University Open Day 6 April https://www.curtin.edu.au/open-day/ 
Sound and Engineering College Information Night 16 April https://sae.edu.au/event/perth-info-night/ 
Engineering Open Evening (ECU Joondalup) 1 May https://www.trybooking.com/CYPLT 
ECU Open Day (Mt Lawley) 4 May https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
Perth Careers Expo 15-18 May https://www.careers-expo.com.au/ 
Notre Dame Open Day 24 May https://events.nd.edu.au/open-day-freo-2025 
Year 9 and 10 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University) 4 June https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/year-9-10-parent-supporters-information-evening-tickets-1232500053839?aff=oddtdtcreator?aff=oddtdtcreator 
Year 11 and 12 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University) 4 June https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/year-11-12-parent-supporters-information-evening-tickets-1229599558379?aff=oddtdtcreator?aff=oddtdtcreator 
   

If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this blog might help you get the most out of it: https://infocus-careers.com.au/2025/02/07/year-12-how-to-approach-university-open-days-in-2022/