From the Vice Principal Term 2 Week 11

Marist Netball Carnival

On Friday 14 June, our Marist Netball Squad headed to Sydney for the 27th Marist Netball Carnival. The team attended the opening mass on Sunday, followed by team photos and dinner at St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill.  

The tournament was held at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush, beginning with a round-robin competition. Our team competed in 5 games on Monday and 7 games on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they partook in their final two matches. Entering the semi-finals in 8th place, they faced Cardijn College, who were ranked 5th. Despite a strong second-half comeback, we narrowly lost by 2 goals. The squad then played St Patrick’s, the host school, in the final for 7th and 8th place. In another intense game, the team secured a win, finishing 7th – an improvement from last year’s 9th place. Sacred Heart College, Adelaide went undefeated throughout the tournament, winning the Champion School title for the second year in a row. 

The girls played exceptionally well, with various players receiving ‘Player of the Day’ awards, highlighting the talent across the team. Special congratulations to Madie Peou, who was named in the Highly Recommended Team, an honourary team recognising the best players at the carnival. 

Well done to the following students for representing the College;

• Tania Barilla
• Darcy Bird
• Clancy Boss
• Thalia Curley
• Sophia Fasolo
• Audrey Fitzpatrick
• Chloe Menzies
• Madeline Peou
• Ava Prentice
• Emma Richardson
• Isobel Robinson
• Madison Turnbull

A special thank you to Miss Tiyana Kerimi and Miss Jorja Clark, who coached and supervised the team leading up to, and during the carnival. We look forward to partaking in next year’s Marist Netball Carnival, hosted by Cardijn College and Sacred Heart College in Adelaide, South Australia. 

Champagnat Day

On Friday 14 June, our College community came together to honour our founder, Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The day began with special Eucharistic celebrations across the College, fostering a sense of unity in faith and gratitude. Following this, we presented the prestigious Champagnat Awards to students and staff who exemplify the Marist Characteristics of Family Spirit, Simplicity, Presence, Love of Work, and In the Way of Mary. Congratulations to all our award recipients for their dedication and embodiment of these Marist values!

  • James Cunningham (Kindy)
  • Everest Kabir (Pre Primary)
  • Maggie Gregoriou (Year 1)
  • Harley Burns (Year 2)
  • Kairav Sunker (Year 3)
  • Aanav Patel (Year 4)
  • Krishav Gondariya (Year 5)
  • Jack Edwards (Year 6)
  • Bella Burnett (Year 7)
  • Charlie Steel (Year 8)
  • Greta Schwertfeger (Year 9)
  • Linus Keane (Year 10)
  • Campbell Smith (Year 11)
  • Oliver Laurent (Year 12)
  • Suzanne Pluske (Staff – Primary)
  • Bernie Roberts (Staff – Secondary)
  • Dave Ricci (Staff)

Year 11 Retreat, Leadership Day and Dinner Dance

Last week, our Year 11 students participated in two special days filled with enriching activities and meaningful discussions.

On Thursday, the Youth Ministry Team led a retreat program in the Marist Auditorium, focusing on life choices and character building. Students were challenged to appreciate the importance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges and to understand the impact of their positive and negative choices.

Friday focused on themes of Dignity and Vulnerability, Leadership, and Legacy, presented by members of the College Executive. The afternoon provided an interactive session with a leadership panel featuring teachers and student captains, followed with time for legacy planning. The day concluded with a joyous Dinner Dance at Ambrose Estate.

A huge thank you to Mr Van Der Heever, Mr McClorey and Mr Husband for organising these memorable occasions for our Year 11 students.

Winter Music Night

The 2024 Winter Music Night was held on Monday 10 June featuring solos from our Marcellin Scholarship students, Marcellin and Lavalla Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles. Performances included the Clarinet Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Ukelele Club, Jazz Combo, Year 3 Strings, Chamber Strings, Lavalla Choir, Lavalla Rock School, Lavalla Strings, Concert Winds, Ruah, Certificate III – Top Deck. Congratulations to all who performed on the night and thank you to staff and parents for their ongoing support.

Semester One Reports

Semester One Reports are now available for viewing on SEQTA Engage. We encourage you to take the time to review the reports with your child/ren, discuss the report attributes and achievements, and celebrate their growth points. This is an excellent opportunity to set goals and address areas needing improvement together. By engaging in this process, you can help your child/ren recognise their strengths and identify strategies for academic growth. For discussion around your child’s results, please book an interview at our Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 16 July.

2025 College Term Dates

Please click here to access the 2025 College Term Dates. 

2023 Yearbooks

We are excited to announce that the 2023 Yearbooks have arrived at the College. Each family should have received a copy through their youngest child enrolled at the College. We hope you enjoy celebrating all the wonderful events and achievements featured in this publication.

Staff Movements

Staff Farewells
We thank the following staff for their contributions to our College:

  • Rachel Mowatt – Teacher Home Economics
  • Jenny Lindsay – Teacher Religious Education
  • Julia Farinaccio – Teacher Religious Education
  • Grace Walker – Teacher Italian
  • Monica Marziano – Teacher Italian
  • Kate Wells – Education Assistant Primary
  • Anna-Marie Terry – Numeracy and Literacy Support Primary
  • Molly Rowbottam – Teacher Early Childhood
  • Kate Berridge – Education Assistant Primary

Staff Returning from Leave
We welcome back the following staff who took leave in Term 2:

  • Justin Kirry – Leader of Wellbeing Y3-6
  • Heather Tate – Teacher Home Economics
  • Sheree Hart – Teacher Religious Education
  • Sarah Francia – Teacher Primary

New Staff Term 3
We are excited to welcome the following staff to our Newman College community

  • Doug Watson – Head Groundsperson
  • Maria Lynch – Italian Teacher
  • Jenna Childs – Education Assistant
  • Kane Varghese – Finance Officer
  • Nicole Gray – Social Worker
  • Danay Savva – College Psychologist
  • Tania Vandenberg – Canteen Assistant
  • Arden Lavelle – Education Assistant Primary

Parking – University Avenue

We understand that picking up or dropping off students can sometimes be hectic, but it is essential for everyone’s safety and convenience that vehicles are parked in designated bays. This helps maintain traffic flow, ensures emergency access, and prevents unnecessary congestion.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support as we strive to offer our students the highest quality education. Wishing everyone in our College community a happy and safe holiday.