Newman News Term 3 Week 2: From the Deputy Principal Secondary

Jo Dunn on 30/07/2021

Highlights from the Past Two Weeks 

Marcellin staff have enjoyed welcoming our students back to Term 3. I am very pleased with the positive way our students have commenced the school term, prepared for another exciting term with many opportunities for our students to let their light shine. This term is the final term for our graduating class of 2021. It is my hope that our Year 12 students make the most of their final weeks at Newman College, setting an example of perseverance, determination, resilience and always striving to achieve their personal excellence in all aspects of College life.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all parents, students and families for the way you engaged in last week’s parent teacher interviews. Working collaboratively with our families ensures positive educational outcomes for our students and it is important that students take on feedback with a growth mindset. While the College offers formal interview times throughout the year, parents are encouraged to check SEQTA regularly for results and feedback and are also welcome to contact their child’s teacher to discuss the progress of their child’s learning.

Year 11 Leadership Day and Dinner Dance

On Friday 23 July, the Year 11 cohort celebrated the end of a very successful Semester 1 with the Student Leadership Day. Students had presenters from Alpha Motivation lead them in a range of group work challenges and activities which helped to build leadership skills and strengthen their bonds as a year group. Dr. McCrory, Mrs. Pastorelli and Mr. Martino also addressed the themes of Servant Leadership and Marist Leadership. This day signified the beginning of the groups journey as College Leader’s and was the perfect way to come together after the challenges of Semester 1.

Later that evening (and with much excitement!), the annual Dinner Dance was held at AQWA. Students were able to explore the aquarium before heading into the spectacular function room. The students looked incredible and danced the night away, taking many photos, while enjoying good food, great music, and even better company. The Donut Wall and Mr Diletti’s dance moves were a big hit!

I would like to thank all Year 11 students for their engagement on the day and the outstanding way they represented both themselves and the college.

– Mat Puljiz Leader of Wellbeing Year 11 

Big Science Competition

In May this year, the Big Science Competition was held. The Big Science Competition is a 50 minute, multiple choice competition testing scientific knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable and interesting. To receive a High Distinction, a student must perform in the top 5% of all competitors. I would like to congratulate Scarlett Jones, Year 8 on receiving a High Distinction this year. Scarlett was recognised for her achievements at the Principal’s Assembly this week.

Important Information For Next Two Weeks 

Athletics Carnival 

The Guild Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 5 August at the State Athletics Stadium, Claremont. We are looking forward to a great day of competition. Students are to make their own way to and from the stadium. If this is not possible, there are limited places on a bus that will depart from and return students to the College.

To secure a place, parents are to respond to the following form – click here

Click here to view the Guild Athletics Meet Program.

Homework Club 

Please download the new timetable here.

School Parking

I would like to remind parents and families to use the drive through/drop off system and designated parking on the Marcellin campus for school drop off and pick up.

At the end of the day, all students walk to the car park area and wait for parents to pick them up from the designated drive through/pick up area or the park/pick up area. Students who use public transport need to assemble at the assembly points on Tuscany Way where they will be supervised by teachers as they board the relevant bus.

Parents are asked to mindful of residents in the area, obstructing traffic and student safety during school drop off and pick up time. Parking in No-Standing Zones along Tuscany Way or Empire Avenue is not permitted and residents are within their rights to call the council ranger if cars are parked inappropriately.

Events and Activities

Please be aware of the following upcoming events and activities:

  • Year 9 Bishop’s Religious Literacy Assessment – Monday 8 August
  • Guild Athletics Carnival – Thursday 5 August
  • Wellbeing Week – Monday 9 August – Thursday 12 August
  • Newman Parents Consultative Committee Meeting – Monday 8 August 7pm
  • Assumption Day Mass & K-12 Lapathon – Tuesday 10 August
  • Pupil Free Days – Friday 13 August and Monday 16 August

Careers and Pathways Update

Contact details:

Justin Farley
Pathways  Coordinator 
pathways@newman.wa.edu.au 
Tel. 9204 9457

Alastair MacNeill
VET Coordinator
vet@newman.wa.edu.au
Tel. 9204 9415

Year 10 

Subject Selection for Year 11, 2022

Please see below the timeline for subject selection for Year 11, 2022.

  • Term 3, Week 1-2
    College staff will contact families on an as-needed basis to discuss concerns or questions.
  • Term 3, Week 3
    Information about enrolling in Onsite (work experience) and TAFE will be provided to students and families.

VET Certificate courses

Students can now apply for VET (TAFE) Certificate studies for the 2022 school year. VET Certificate studies allow students to attend training one day per week as they work towards their Certificate II, III, or IV qualification. A list of available qualifications, together with instructions for applying, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/certificate-qualifications-vet/

Please note that VET Certificates are only available to non-ATAR Pathway students.
Applications for VET Certificates close on 31 August 2021.

Work experience program

Non-ATAR Pathway students can also apply for a place in the work experience program for 2022. Work experience can be undertaken at a workplace of the student’s choosing, and provides many valuable skills and industry connections. Further information about work experience, together with application forms, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/work-experience-program/

Applications for work experience close on 27 August 2021.

Year 11

VET Certificate courses

Students can now apply for VET (TAFE) Certificate studies for the 2022 school year. VET Certificate studies allow students to attend training one day per week as they work towards their Certificate II, III, or IV qualification. A list of available qualifications, together with instructions for applying, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/certificate-qualifications-vet/

Please note that VET Certificates are only available to non-ATAR Pathway students.
Applications for VET Certificates close on 31 August 2021.

Work experience program

Non-ATAR Pathway students can also apply for a place in the work experience program for 2022. Work experience can be undertaken at a workplace of the student’s choosing, and provides many valuable skills and industry connections. Further information about work experience, together with application forms, can be found at: https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/work-experience-program/

Applications for work experience close on 27 August 2021.

UniReady Program for 2022

Year 11 students have the opportunity to apply for the UniReady Program for 2022. UniReady is an alternative (non-ATAR) pathway to University. By completing UniReady in Year 12, students will have the opportunity to enter University with an ATAR of 70.

To apply, Year 11s should check their Direct Messages and contact Mr Farley with the necessary information.

Further information about UniReady can be found at:
https://www.newman.wa.edu.au/careers-transition/curtin-university-uniready-program/ 

Year 12

University applications open (TISC)

As of 19 April, Year 12s can apply for a place at University in 2022. In Term 3, all Year 12s will be provided with detailed information on how to apply via TISC.

There is no rush to apply and students will not miss out on a place at University. It is better to take your time and think carefully about the right course for you.

Closing dates are 30 September (for Medicine/Dentistry) and 21 December (all other courses).

University Early Offers

Western Australian universities are publishing their Early Offer programs for students entering university in 2022. Please see below for details:


Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry next year?

If you are in Year 12 and thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry next year (either at Curtin, or via direct pathway to UWA) you must sit the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.

The dates for UCAT testing 2021 are:

  • 1 July: Testing begins
  • 11 August: Last test date

You can find out more about the UCAT at https://www.ucat.edu.au/ or you are welcome to book an appointment to talk to me. There are many different ways into Medicine and Dentistry so come and ask if unsure.

Students and parents might also find this webinar useful.

Take a Gap Year with the Defence Force

You may be interested in taking a Gap Year next year and spending a year working in the Australian Defence Force (Army / Navy / Air Force). Details of this program can be found at: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year 

ATAR Examination Timetables

The timetable for the 2021 ATAR examinations has been published, and can be accessed at: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/examination-timetables

Year 12 students and families are reminded that all students enrolled in ATAR courses must attend, and make a genuine attempt at, the ATAR examinations. Failure to do so will result in that subject not counting towards your ATAR and/or WACE (graduation).

Information for school leavers and parents

Families and students may find these recent publications useful:

Upcoming Careers Events