Secondary Update – Term 2 Week 7

Jenni Vile on 05/06/2026

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week — A Reflection

On Tuesday 26 May, Newman College came together as a whole school — from Pre-Primary to Year 11 — to mark National Sorry Day and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week.

Our Primary students led the College in an assembly, bringing meaning and voice to this important occasion. Students across all year levels reflected on the significance of reconciliation — what it means, why it matters, and what it looks like in our everyday lives and relationships.

Following the assembly, students worked alongside their buddies to create handprints decorated with words and phrases of reconciliation, coming together to form a whole-College display — a symbol of our shared commitment to a more just and equitable future.

To mark the occasion further, the College also planted a number of native hibiscus plants along the courts. The native hibiscus holds deep significance — it is the official flower of National Sorry Day, for its resilience and its ability to thrive across the harshest Australian landscapes. It stands as a powerful metaphor for the enduring spirit, survival, and strength of the Stolen Generations and their families.

Our students and staff came together with openness and respect. Days like these remind us of who we are as a community and of the ongoing journey we are all part of.

Upcoming Events

Year 12 Retreat

Congratulations to our Year 12 students, who have now completed their exams! As they look ahead to the final months of their senior schooling, the Year 12 Retreat, taking place in Week 8, offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, relax, and reset.

The Retreat is a significant part of the school journey and is integral to our Vision for Mission: to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”. It is an important time of quiet reflection away from the usual school routines, where students can consider their self-esteem, relationships, and responsibilities, while building a stronger sense of community within the cohort.

We wish all our Year 12 students the very best as they take this time to refresh and prepare for the journey ahead.

Photo Day

Photo Day is fast approaching, and we ask for your support in helping our students present at their best.

Photos will be taken across three days:

  • Monday 15 June — Years 7–9
  • Monday 22 June — Years 10–12
  • Tuesday 23 June — Years 7–12 Sports & Music Photo Day

Individual schedules will be posted to Teams for students in the week leading up to Photo Day, so please encourage your child to check Teams for their specific timing.

In the lead-up, PCG teachers will be following up with students this week regarding uniform and grooming. Students may be asked to have a haircut beforehand or to address an issue with their uniform or grooming so that everyone is presentation-ready on the day. We would be very grateful for your support at home in making sure these expectations are met. Please note that students who are not meeting the College’s uniform and grooming expectations on the day may not be permitted to participate in certain photos.

Ordering your photos

Approximately two weeks before Photo Day, each student will be given an order form to take home. To order online, scan the QR code on the order form or visit https://online.fotoworks.com.au/ordering/access and enter your child’s 2026 Access Key, printed on the order envelope (each child has a unique key). The photography team will bring a personalised barcode on the day to identify each student. The last day to order online is 30 June 2026. For more information, click here.

Thank you for your support in helping our students look their best for Photo Day.

Bus Travel and SmartRiders

The College has been made aware that a significant number of students are travelling on school buses without a SmartRider, and that many students who do have a SmartRider are not tagging on and off for their trips.

If your child has a valid Student SmartRider, they can travel free on Transperth Monday to Friday during the school year, provided they tag on and tag off for every trip. Tagging on and off is essential — it helps Transperth understand how many students are using the service, so enough buses can be scheduled to get everyone to and from school safely and on time.

Please that students travelling without a SmartRider will be expected to pay the fare. In addition, an infringement may also be issued.

Please remind your child of the following important rules for bus travel:

  • Tag on at the front door only — tagging on at a centre or rear door will result in a default fare being charged
  • Tag off at any door when exiting

Replacement SmartRiders

If your child has lost or damaged their SmartRider, a replacement can be ordered through Student Reception at a cost of $5.00, payable at the time of ordering. Payment can be made by EFTPOS at Student Reception or by card over the phone. Please note that the College no longer accepts cash payments.

We appreciate your support in ensuring your child travels safely and in accordance with Transperth requirements.

State Sporting Representation

Congratulations to the following student for the state achievement in their sport:

  • Gianni Germano (Year 12) has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2026 Football (Soccer) 18s Boys Championship. This team will be competing at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Melbourne, VIC from 26th July – 31st July 2026.
  • Violet Zuchkan (Year 7) has been selected to represent WA in the School Sports Australia Swimming Championships in Melbourne in November 2026.

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 10 

Year 11 prerequisites for 2027 

Year 10 students and families have now received the prerequisites for Year 11 subjects at Newman College for 2027. This is to allow for goal-setting in time for the Semester 1 Year 10 report. Prerequisites for Year 11 2027 can found at: 

Pathways and Careers

A summary of the different pathway options for Year 11 and 12 can be found here: 

Pathways and Careers

In Term 2, all Year 10 students will commence their subject selection research, in preparation for Year 11 2027. 

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

  • When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 
  • Time: 09:00 — 12:00 
  • Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 
  • Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home  

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start  

Career conversations for parents 

The WA Government offers a suite of free resources to assist parents and guardians with starting career-related conversations. Families can access them here: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/parents

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11 

Selecting Year 12 subjects 

Please see below a summary of the rules for selecting subjects in Year 12, 2027: 

  • Students who select a Year 12 ATAR subject must have achieved at least 50% in that ATAR subject in Year 11. 
  • Students who select a new Year 12 ATAR subject in Year 12 (not having studied that subject in Year 11) will be required to seek permission. 
  • Students with a predicted ATAR of less than 70 will not be permitted to continue the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. 
  • Students who have an ‘E’ grade in a Year 11 General subject will not be permitted to re-select that General subject in Year 12. 
  • For students wishing to enter the UniReady or UniPathway Programs in Year 12: 
  • If coming from the ATAR Pathway in Year 11, students must have passed at least 4 Year 11 subjects. 
  • If coming from the General Pathway in Year 11, students must have a ‘B’ grade or better in at least 4 Year 11 subjects, including English. 

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

  • When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 
  • Time: 09:00 — 12:00 
  • Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 
  • Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home  

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start  

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/ 

For students thinking of attending University 

  • 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/ 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12 

Key dates for University and TAFE applications for 2027 

For those students applying for University for 2027, you will be provided with instructions and further information about applying once you return from your exam break. 

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. 

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. 

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/ 

Applying for Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science 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 
 

Veterinary Science 

Students wishing to enter Veterinary Science at Murdoch will need to undertake the Casper testing during 2026, by June at the latest. Further information can be found here: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/schools/veterinary-medicine/study/admissions/casper-situational-judgement-assessment 

Applying for Notre Dame UniPath for Semester 2, 2026 

Notre Dame runs an entry program called UniPath. Completing UniPath will give you an ATAR of 70, which can then be used for entry to University courses at Curtin / ECU / Murdoch / Notre Dame. Students doing UniPath attend Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus one day per week for 12 weeks. 

If you would like to enrol in UniPath for Semester 2, you can do so here in the “How to apply – UniPath” section: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/how-to-apply  

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it’s like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 

Time: 09:00 — 12:00 

Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 

Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You’ll meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here: https://events.nd.edu.au/architecture_winter_school/home  

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia  

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University’s Law Start Program. All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/study/pathways-to-uni/enabling-pathways/law-start  

University information 

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: 

It is also worth taking a read of this useful article which details the pros and cons of taking a gap year: https://studyworkgrow.com/what-to-think-about-before-deferring-university/  

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT HOSTED BY DATE LINK 
Army Careers Information Session Defence Force 9 June https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/5vvdrzi  
Fremantle Dockers Sports / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 10 June https://seda.edu.au/register/fd/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fremantle 
Engineering Open Evening ECU Joondalup 11 June https://www.trybooking.com/DJEAR 
Federal Police Information Session Aust Federal Police 16 June https://marketing.afp.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69c9b924aaaae173/interface.html  
Architecture and Design Open Evening UWA 17 June https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/events/school-of-design-open-night  
Perth Wildcats Sport / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 17 June https://seda.edu.au/register/pw/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wildcats  
Newman College Careers Expo / Year 10 Parent Information Evening Newman College  23 June 3.30pm to 4.30pm: Year 11 and 12 Careers Expo  5pm to 6pm: Year 10 Careers / subjects Expo  6pm to 6.45pm: Year 10 Parent Info Session 
Computer Science Information Evening SAE University College 24 June https://sae.edu.au/event/online-info-session-computer-science/  
Electrical Careers Open Day College of Electrical Training 27 June https://events.humanitix.com/2026-cet-open-day-joondalup 
Army Reserve  Careers Information Session Defence Force 30 June https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/6xtm67k  
Year 12 Information Session ECU 30 June https://www.trybooking.com/DJELT 
Defence Careers Information Session Defence Force 21 July https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events/events-detail/0q7vezx 
Year 12 Application Support Session Murdoch University 28 July https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/07/28/information-evenings/year-12-university-application-support-session 
Open Day ECU City Campus 9 August https://www.ecu.edu.au/open-day/overview 
Year 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 20 October https://www.murdoch.edu.au/events/all-events/2026/10/20/information-evenings/year-12-online-information-evening 
Open Day SAE University College 15 August https://sae.edu.au/event/open-day-perth/ 
Fremantle Dockers Sports / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 19 August https://seda.edu.au/register/fd/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fremantle 
Perth Wildcats Sport / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 26 August https://seda.edu.au/register/pw/?utm_source=seda_networks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wildcats  
Computer Science and Cybersecurity Information Evening ECU Joondalup 1 September https://www.trybooking.com/DLPPQ 
Teaching Degrees Information Session ECU 7 September https://www.trybooking.com/DKJNY  
    

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