From the Principal – Term 2 Week 9
Announcement – Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Appointment
I am delighted to share with our Newman College community that Mrs Sarah Pagett has been appointed to the substantive position of Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, a role which she has been acting in this year. The interviews took place with an interview panel, following submissions of applications from a large field of experienced leaders in Catholic and Independent education. Sarah’s strong Marist heart shone through along with the many successful senior leadership positions she has undertaken in our community over recent years.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Sarah on her appointment.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy — And What to Do About It
In an age defined by endless scrolling, highlight reels, and curated perfection, the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy” feels more relevant than ever. Often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, this simple observation captures a powerful truth about human nature: when we, in an unhealthy and unfiltered way measure our lives against others’, we can risk losing sight of our own progress, purpose, and happiness.
The Silent Habit We All Share
In childhood and adolescence particularly, comparison is natural. From childhood, we learn by observing others—who runs faster, scores higher, or performs better. In measured and considered doses, and as a refined skill, comparison can motivate growth, model the way or lead us to be people of social justice action. But in excess, it becomes a silent habit that erodes confidence and distorts reality.
From Reel to Real
Today, that habit is amplified by social media. We are no longer comparing ourselves to a handful of peers—we are measuring our lives against hundreds, even thousands, of people. The problem? We’re comparing our behind-the-scenes life in its fullness and a ‘work in progress’ to someone else’s highlight reel. Promotions, vacations, milestones, and celebrations are shared quite freely, while struggles, failures, and doubts often remain hidden in that ‘highlight reel’- a real danger in the making.
When Comparison Steals Joy, especially for our children.
Comparison robs us in several ways:
- It shifts children and adolescents focus away from gratitude. Instead of appreciating what we have, we fixate on what we lack.
- It creates unrealistic standards. We begin chasing benchmarks that may not align with our values or circumstances.
- It undermines self-worth. Constantly “falling short” in comparison leads to self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
- It delays genuine fulfillment. We postpone happiness, thinking we’ll feel content once we catch up—a moving target that never quite settles.
Joy thrives in presence, simplicity, gratitude, and authenticity. Unhealthy comparison, by contrast, pulls us out of the moment and into an endless cycle of measuring and evaluating.
The alignment of the work we do at the College to nurture young people’s self-worth, from the big picture to the small moments, is really intentional work alongside your family, and it flows from our Vision for Wellbeing- age and stage programs for wellbeing. The Marist Characteristics, especially the characteristic of Simplicity, is so important in teaching our young people that simplicity means authenticity – the framework to celebrate who you are and how to gauge your own personal learning, social and emotional growth against true measures.
You may recall completing a College survey last year where we asked for your really important opinion regarding how we (school and family) support our students in navigating the digital world with success. On a national scale, the Government implemented a social media ban on children under the age of 16. On a school community scale, your data, alongside work with the Newman Parent Forum, has shaped our Raising Digital Citizens: Supporting Families in a Digital World: Parent & Community Learning Suite. This is a series of 6 practical workshops, with the first workshop happening on Monday 29 June. Click here to read about the topics covered.
Turning Comparison into Awareness
The goal isn’t to eliminate comparison altogether—it’s to become aware of it and redirect it. Here are a few practical ways we can walk alongside young people to frame their joy:
1. Pause and Name It
When you notice unhealthy comparison, simply acknowledge it. Awareness is the first step to regaining control.
2. Shift to Gratitude
Ask your child to actively list what is going well in their life. Gratitude grounds them in reality and centres perspective.
3. Redefine Success
Ask the question regularly: What does success look like for you? Align goals with values—not someone else’s timeline.
4. Limit Unhealthy Inputs
Be mindful of what is consumed. If certain platforms or accounts trigger negative comparisons, consider setting boundaries.
5. Compare with Your Past Self
The most productive comparison is internal. Ask your child to measure how far you’ve come—not how far others appear to be ahead. Growth and gain is an integral part of being Marist. It has been said to me before that God’s gift to us is who we are. Our gift to God is who we become. It also reminds me of Little Athletics days when the focus of competing was about working towards “PBs”.
A Different Lens
Imagine if, instead of comparison, we practised curiosity. Instead of thinking, “Why don’t I have that?” we might ask, “What can I learn from this?” This subtle shift transforms comparison into a teacher.
It also opens the door to empathy and social justice action. I have never met a child or adolescent who, when they see another person’s suffering and circumstance, does not want to help. Newman students rally to support Catholic support agencies and fundraising for causes
Everyone’s journey includes unseen struggles, setbacks, and uncertainties. When we recognise this, the pressure to “keep up” begins to fade.
Final Thoughts
Joy is not found in being better than others—it’s found in being present, purposeful, and aligned with your beliefs. It is found in the authentic connections we have with one another too.
The next time you feel unhealthy comparison creeping in to your child’s life, remember: life is not a competition. It’s a story—uniquely owned, unfolding at its own pace.
And joy?
It’s not something you win. It’s something you protect.
Champagnat Day
We had great joy in celebrating Champagnat Day today at the College. The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat falls on June 6, but we have our senior students involved in examinations around this time. Champagnat Day was celebrated with a wonderful Mass, followed by recognition of students and staff awarded the annual Champagnat Awards with the input of students, parents and staff nominations. We finished the day in great joy with the fete activities across the whole College. What a great time we had with the Rhythm of the Guilds Dance event! Each Guild with students from Year 1 to 12 showed their moves in their choreographed dance. Fantastic Guild Spirit- fantastic College Spirit!
Mr Andrew Watson
PRINCIPAL
Secondary Update – Term 2 Week 9
Champagnat Day
On Friday 19 June, Newman College came together to celebrate Champagnat Day, honouring the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers and of Marist Education. In a very special first, this year we celebrated as one K–12 community — and what a joy it was to see our whole College, from our youngest Lavalla students to our Year 12’s, sharing in the day side by side.
The morning began with Mass, a moment of reflection and thanksgiving that set the tone for everything that followed. We then gathered for our annual Champagnat Awards, recognising the staff and students who so genuinely live out our Marist characteristics through their words, actions, leadership, service and care for others.
From there, the energy lifted as we moved into the Champagnat Day Fete. The grounds came alive with colour, music and the unmistakable buzz of a community enjoying itself. Our guilds ran a wonderful array of stalls — from Waffle Bars, Sausage Sizzles, Pulled Pork Rolls, Fairy Floss and Krispy Kremes to Dunk Tanks, Mini Golf, Race-the-Teacher challenges and FIFA e-sports. There was something for everyone, and the creativity and effort our students showed in all the stalls.
Importantly, the Fete raised valuable funds for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) and several local agencies, allowing our celebration to extend care and support well beyond our own community.
The afternoon drew to a close with our inaugural Rhythm of Guilds competition, a spirited dance-off contest that brought out an incredible display of guild pride, talent and good-natured rivalry. It was the perfect way to round out a day defined by togetherness and joy. Our new guild mascots and mottos were also revealed. Click here to view.
To our students, staff and families — thank you. Your enthusiasm, generosity and hard work made our first K-12 Champagnat Day as one community a day we won’t soon forget. We look forward to building on this wonderful new tradition for years to come.
Photo Day
Photo Day is fast approaching, and we ask for your support in helping our students present at their best.
Upcoming photo days are:
- Monday 22 June — Years 10–11 and a range of Years 7–12 Sports & Music Photo Day
- Tuesday 23 June — Year 12 and a range of 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.
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:
- Brody Warner (Year 9) who competed in the recent National Junior League Baseball Championship where his team, the Eastern Phantoms, won the tournament and will represent the Australia region at the Junior League World Series in Michigan.
- Georgia De Boer (Year 7) and Audrey Barnard (Year 6) has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2026 AFL 12s Girls Championship. This team will be competing at the School Sport Australia National championships in Canberra, ACT from 2nd August – 9th August 2026.
- Siena O’Rourke (Year 12) has been selected in the WA Gymnastics Women’s Artistic Gymnastics State Team heading to Sydney for the 2026 Australian Gymnastics Championships.
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:
A summary of the different pathway options for Year 11 and 12 can be found here:
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:
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/
- 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/
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
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/
- 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 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
- 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
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 |
| 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
Primary Update – Term 2 Week 7
This fortnight has been a wonderful celebration of the diverse talents and achievements of our students, from champion runners to shining stars on the stage.
The Wizard of Oz
Our Newman community was truly dazzled by the outstanding performances in The Wizard of Oz musical. With 115 primary students involved, the production was a remarkable showcase of creativity, confidence and teamwork. The excitement leading up to the performance was evident and an extraordinary amount of effort went into preparation by both students and staff. A sincere thank you to Mrs Wynne, as well as the dedicated staff and supportive parents who made this production possible. It was a joyous experience watching our students shine and delight in their success as the curtain fell.
Cross Country
On the sporting field, a number of our Year 3–6 students represented Newman at the Junior ACC Cross Country. They again demonstrated the depth of talent within our school, alongside exemplary sportsmanship. Many of our runners achieved top 20 finishes, with special congratulations to Jack Macri (1st, Year 4), Harry Bluff (3rd, Year 4), Archer Johnson (1st, Year 3) and Nicolas Cameron (3rd, Year 3). We also celebrate the success of both our Year 3 and Year 4 boys’ relay teams, who placed first. Overall, Newman College achieved an impressive 2nd place shield, an outstanding result.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Our ECE classes also enjoyed National Simultaneous Story-time, where they were engaged by special guest readers sharing this year’s book, Luna Roo. This annual event is an important part of promoting literacy and a love of reading, bringing children across the country together to share the same story at the same time. The story of Luna Roo reinforced the importance of self-belief and perseverance, messages that strongly support the growth of our young learners.
As always, we appreciate your support in helping keep our students safe, two of everyone’s favourite topics, playgrounds and parking. A reminder that students are not permitted to use the playground or swings before or after school, even when supervised by parents, as this ensures the safety of all students. Parking continues to require our attention. Please avoid parking on verges or in undesignated bays and remember that patience is essential during busy times. We have had instances of cars being blocked in and some near misses, so your cooperation in keeping our community safe is greatly appreciated.
Mrs Laura Christopher
HEAD OF PRIMARY
