Here we are at the end of Term 1! What a fantastic term it has been, full of exciting learning opportunities across the Primary! Our students (and staff) have worked extremely hard this term and everyone is ready for a well-deserved holiday break to rest and recuperate!
Easter Liturgies
This morning, we held Easter Liturgies at both Primary campuses. Both of these were joyful and reverent occasions, reminding us as a Newman College community of the true meaning of Easter. Special thanks to our Year 2 students and teachers for organising the Marian Liturgy, which saw all of our Marian students participating.
Easter Raffles
A huge thanks to all families who purchased tickets and also donated eggs for our Primary Easter Raffle. We have raised a great deal of money for Caritas Project Compassion – a truly worthy cause. Your donations will make a huge difference in the live of many people in need around the world. Many students will be coming home today as winners of the raffle – enjoy all of that chocolate! You can find out more about Project Compassion by visiting this link.
Assembly
Last Friday 2 Red shared their wonderful Term 1 learning with us. 2 Red started their assembly by signing the beautiful song My Lighthouse reminding us that Jesus is always there for us, ready to listen to us and help guide us in the right direction. 2 Red then took us on a journey around the world – teaching us all about the Continents, sharing wonderful facts, jokes and songs along the way! Thank you 2 Red for helping us to learn about our amazing world and inspiring us to travel!
Newman Norms / Medals of Marcellin
Each fortnight at each Primary campus, one person will be drawn out of the raffle and receive a small prize for living out our Newman Norms. Congratulations to Mateo, Shubh and Noah (Week 8 Lavalla) and Heath (Week 9 Marian) who were our recent winners! Each raffle ticket received is swapped for a token and the Guild with the highest number of tokens at the end of the term wins a prize for the whole Guild!
As advised earlier this week – the winning guilds for Term 1 2025 were as below:
The tokens now reset, with a fresh start for Term 2 Medals of Marcellin!
Mother’s Day
We invite all Mothers and Mother figures to join us for our upcoming Mother’s Day celebrations. Please see the flyer below for more information about these events, which are occurring early next term. RSVP form can be found here.
The Fathering Project
In exciting news, the College is looking to expand the Fathering Project into the Lavalla and Marcellin Campuses this year! Over the past couple of years the Fathering Project has run events with Marian fathers and children, which have been hugely successful.
Matt Hamilton, who is a Year 3 and Pre-Primary parent, has coordinated these events with a small group of dad helpers over the past couple of years and we are now looking to expand this group as we open this up to all of the Primary dads.
As such, we are looking for dads who are willing to get involved in helping to organise and run future events, particularly dads of students in Years 4, 5 & 6 (but also welcome dads of any year levels).
Nikki Cresp (currently on leave this term) will step into our Primary Library teacher role in Terms 2-4 this year. Having worked across both Primary campuses, Nikki knows the students and will be a wonderful addition to the Library team.
Hannah Barnsley joins us as our Sport Teacher, taking over from Mrs Richards for this year. Hannah is an experienced teacher who has taught across PK-12 in Physical Education, Special Education and Learning Support in her career.
URSTRONG
A reminder that parents continue to have access to a FREE URSTRONG parent membership. We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
Long Service Leave
As you will be aware from Andrew Watson’s email to parents earlier this term, I will be taking Long Service Leave across Terms 2 and 3 to travel around the world. The plans for the coming together of the Primary Campuses are well and truly in-hand and I am excited for my return to one Primary Campus at the start of Term 4.
During my leave, please contact Mrs Sarah Pagett (Acting Head of Primary Terms 2-3) or continue to contact the front office at either Campus who will direct your queries to the appropriate member of the Primary Leadership Team.
I wish all Primary families a restful and happy Easter with your families and a fruitful Terms 2 and 3.
The end of Term 1 and so much has been achieved by our students, guided in their learning and care by our staff and supported through our families. In the week just gone, our community was enthralled by the performance of the cast and crew of the College production – Bugsy Malone. Newman College has a rich history of the highest quality performances and I can say that Bugsy Malone was up there with the best school musical events that I have seen. The immersive experience of the audience as guests in the nightclub within the performance, the visual presentation of the Marist Auditorium and the clever adaptations created to make this a family-friendly production, supported by outstanding acting, dancing, music and singing. Congratulations to Mrs Kathy La Brooy, her team, our students and parent helpers. This from a family who just recently joined Newman College highlights the Family Spirit shown by all involved:
“We wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations, for a fantastic performance of Bugsy Malone. The time and effort it takes to go into making this special, not only for the students but also for the family and friends surrounding them is truly appreciated. I would also like to make special mention to all the lovely students who encouraged my daughter and made her feel a part of a team and through their own unique contributions, made this experience one to remember. The talent and team work of everyone shone through and created a memorable experience for all of us.”
Newman College First XI Win Graeme Wood Shield
Last week, we posted the exciting news of the First XI Cricket team’s win over Mazenod College at the WACA. The game showcased great teamwork, sportsmanship and individual talents of players on both sides. The Newman College Cricket program has gone from strength to strength with recent successes at the Marist Cricket Carnival and now this Shield. Congratulations to the students, Mr John Lucas and Mr Jake Goncalves.
Marist Basketball Carnival
Last week, our senior girls and boys basketball teams played in the Marist Basketball Carnival in Melbourne. Hosted by Marcellin College, both teams were a credit to Newman College and played great competitive games. Overall, we improved our positions in the final standings significantly from 2024. Congratulations to the players and thank you to our managers Mr Ben Goldie and Ms Jade Nicotra, and to our coaches Nick Vlahov and Brendan Gaunson.
A Milestone in Year 6
This week, College Captains Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard, along with the Year 6 Guild Captains, joined me in handing the Year 6 students their Celebration polo. This is another milestone in the Year 6 journey that culminates in our Mass and recognition of the end of the Primary journey in December. The students told me that the privilege of being able to wear the polos once a week, comes with the responsibility of being great leaders in the Newman Norms and demonstration of the Marist Characteristics.
Mid-Year Break – Parent Survey
In recent years, momentum has developed in looking at the spread of school holidays across the year. This would not mean much adjustment to the length of the summer break and would have a similar pattern to the 2025 first days of term we experienced this year. The important consideration is to maintain the number of teaching days and hours that we need to meet our registration as a school. The reasons to entertain a change in break are communicated in the below survey, and it is most likely that we would look at any change for 2027. The staff and students will also be consulted for their view on any proposed change. We would appreciate you and encourage you to take the time to complete the below survey as your feedback is an integral part of this consultation process
I will keep families informed as we progress through this consideration.
Marcellin Celebration Assembly – When the ground trembles, character stands still
To end the term, Secondary gathered for a Celebration Assembly. We highlighted achievements of the term and I spoke to the students about a connection between the tragedy of the Myanmar earthquake recently and their everyday lives. I opened my talk with this quote that I read recently.
When the ground trembles, character stands still.
Many of us have seen the footage of hospital staff protecting newborn babies in the hospital nursery as the building shook and rubble fell. They did not run, they did not take a moment to consider any other action than to place their bodies across the basinets to hold and protect the babies in their care. Courage, leadership, presence. Victor Frankl, prominent in psychology and a survivor of the concentration camps of World War II referred to the space between stimulus and response. Frankl wrote: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. Faced with adversity or a wrong situation, what occupies that space in our thinking before we respond? Mr Stuart McClorey writes about it in his Ministry section. How can that relate to Newman College students today and in our context? There are many ways we can stand still, be present and act in the right way while facing something that is wrong, unkind, undignified or diminishing. I put to our students that I had seen in many of them this term their character standing still and firm, acting with the care of others as their first thought. I also put the challenge to them that they start Term 2 afresh with the desire to be steadfast, courageous and selfless in going out of their way to think of another, whether at school or elsewhere, in person or online, when the situation could easily be dismissed as too hard to face.
Easter
We are in the final stages of Lent and we look forward to Holy Week next week. The Easter Triduum extends from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Treated separately, they are liturgically one day unfolding the final time of Jesus’ early life and to his resurrection. I hope you have the chance to be involved in these moments of the Holy Week.
Winter uniforms will be worn from the beginning of next term unless we have an unseasonal hot spell. There will be communication with families and students if this is the case. Wishing all families a restful break together over Easter
In Week 9, the Year 11 Guild Representatives organised a joint Walk for Water event with Year 11 and Year 4 students. Congratulations to Catherine Guild for winning the relay by efficiently and effectively moving water without any waste. This event highlighted the reality that some people face when they need to travel up to 6 kilometres daily to collect clean water. The Year 11 students thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the enthusiastic Year 4s on this meaningful challenge.
Paramedic Presentation
In Week 10, Jane Jennings from St John of God delivered an insightful presentation on key aspects of First Aid, focusing on the DRSABCD process. She encouraged students to reflect on various real-life scenarios and apply the DRSABCD steps accordingly. Ms Jennings also introduced several useful apps designed to facilitate access to health and emergency services, such as the St John First Responder App and Emergency Plus, both featuring GPS functionality, and Health Direct (1800 022 222). Families are encouraged to discuss these scenarios and apps with their children to empower them in handling health or safety concerns effectively.
St John First Responder App: This app helps users learn and provide first aid, locate nearby defibrillators.
Emergency Plus: Developed by Australia’s emergency services, this app uses GPS functionality to help users call Triple Zero (000) quickly and accurately communicate their location. It also includes SES and Police Assistance Line numbers for non-emergency situations
Health Direct (1800 022 222): A government-funded service providing 24-hour health advice from registered nurses. The app includes a symptom checker and access to trusted health information
Recognition of State Representation:
Congratulations to Year 12 student Caitlin, who, with her partner Kaia, won GOLD at the 2025 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships in Coolangatta in March!
A special shout out to Caitlin on receiving her third medal in three years at the AYBVC, including back-to-back Gold, and being named the MVP!
Congratulations to Year 11 student Koby, who last week captained the WA Under 16 State Team at the Australian Hockey Championships, taking out the bronze medal. Koby was also named Player of the Tournament.
State 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
Newman College Japan Tour: A Journey of Discovery, Culture, and Adventure
The Newman College Japan Tour is off to an exciting start, with students and staff diving straight into the colour, energy, and rich culture of Japan.
Exploring Tokyo: After a slightly delayed start organising train tickets, the group wasted no time exploring Tokyo’s vibrant streets. The first stop was the famous Shibuya Crossing—reputedly the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with hundreds of people moving in every direction (and just as many tourists taking selfies!). Students enjoyed the view from above while sipping on a traditional Japanese Starbucks coffee.
From there, they strolled through Yoyogi Park to the peaceful Meiji Shrine, where the cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. Harajuku and Takeshita Street brought a dramatic change of pace, with colourful shopfronts, quirky animal cafés (featuring everything from cats and dogs to pigs and otters!), and an assortment of unique street food. Culinary highlights included rainbow cheese-infused pancakes, chicken curry crepes, the longest swirled potato chips imaginable, and a wild assortment of sweets and toys.
The afternoon took them to Akihabara, the bustling hub of anime and manga culture, where students soaked up the atmosphere before enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner together. The day ended on a literal high—with an elevator ride 350 metres up the Sky Tree Tower, offering dazzling views of the Tokyo skyline at night.
A Magical Day at Disney Sea: The following day was nothing short of epic. Leaving the hotel at 7:15am and returning at 11pm, the group navigated Tokyo’s intricate underground transport system (even managing the peak-hour crowds at 10:30pm!) to spend the day at Disney Sea.
Each group carved their own path through the themed areas, enjoying rides that matched their interests. Favourites included the thrilling Tower of Terror and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The day concluded with a spectacular light show, featuring dancing, music, and dazzling effects choreographed to beloved Disney films. It was a long day, but one that left lasting memories.
Mt Fuji – A Lesson in Resilience and Natural Wonder: The group’s journey to Mt Fuji tested both patience and flexibility, as unexpected train cancellations meant reworking the entire travel plan. Instead of a direct express service, the group navigated multiple local trains to reach the Hakone region, showcasing impressive adaptability and teamwork.
Their efforts were rewarded with a breathtaking cable car ride over the mountain ridges. From the crest of the hill, Mt Fuji emerged—snow-capped and majestic, blending into the surrounding landscape. At the summit, the vivid hues of sulphur vents (greens and yellows) stood out against the rich reds and oranges of the rocks and the clear blue sky. After a bit of souvenir shopping, the group made their way back—tired but inspired after nearly 12 hours on the move.
2025 Year 7 Guild Representatives:
The following Year 7 students were elected Guild Representatives through a process of student voting and staff endorsement. Students elected to Student Leadership is an acknowledgement of their outstanding commitment to the College values. Congratulations!
BRIGID – Iaasha Ahearn and Joel Costley
CAMARA – Lucy Hayes and Alex Martinovich
CATHERINE – Hunter Popovsky and Oliver Slavicek
CHISHOLM – Claudia Fleming and Rita Kirk
MACKILLOP – Harper Chatfield and Luke Mathews
MARCELLIN – Olivia Gordon and Olive Mollet
ROMERO – Angus Kerns and Madison Stein-Frankel
THOMAS MORE – Eowyn Bishop and Henry Dudumas
Term 2 EGT Program:
The Term 2 Year 7 – 12 Equip, Guide, Thrive (EGT) program can be found here.
Term 1 Thanks:
This term has been filled which so much learning, growth and memorable moments. Throughout the term, I have had the privilege of seeing students step up in many ways – through the way in which they have approached their studies with curiosity, showing resilience during challenging times, or simply supporting one another throughout the term.
One of the highlights for me was the College Production of Bugsy Malone! It is so wonderful to witness the range of talent within our College community. What a pleasure it was to watch our students doing something they love with such determination and passion!
I would like to thank our students, staff and families for making this term such a rewarding one. I hope everyone has a wonderful break and finds time to rest, recharge and spend time with loved ones. I look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Wednesday 30 April. Students are asked to go directly to PCG and should be in their correct Winter Uniform.
Wishing all our families and students a happy Easter.
Mrs Carla Pastorelli
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject handbook open
Current Year 10 students and families can now access information about Year 11 subjects for 2026, using this link: https://handbook.newman.wa.edu.au/
A reminder about the major subject selection event coming up in Term 2. It is expected that all students attend this event, accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.
Tuesday 24 June
Marist Auditorium, Newman College
5pm to 6pm: Careers and Year 11 Subjects Expo.
6pm to 6.45pm: Year 10 Family Information Evening.
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
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
The March 2025 edition of the Apprenticeship Intake Guide has been published recently. This has details of dozens of apprenticeship opportunities with many major employers. You can access it here: Apprenticeship Intake Guide 2025
New Electrical pre-apprenticeship course
The College of Electrical Training is offering an Electrical pre-apprenticeship course (Certificate II Electrotechnology), commencing Semester 2. To be successful in your application, students will need good grades in Maths, Science, English and also NAPLAN.
Further information is available at this link, and please contact me if you wish to apply.
Future Female Health Leaders Program
The Future Health Leaders Program is designed to inspire female high school students to enter a career in health and medical research, innovation and life sciences. The program will bring together twelve Year 11 science students from across Australia for a full-day event in Canberra in August 2025 to:
Showcase the diversity of career pathways in health and medical research
Inspire a passion for a career in health and medical research
Meet with exceptional female leaders in research, education, industry and government
Get some hands-on experience in world-class science facilities
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.
Early Offers will open on 3 June 2025. Prior to this date, all Year 12 students will be provided with information about how to access the TISC system and enter preferences.
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.
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
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
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.
The March 2025 edition of the Apprenticeship Intake Guide has been published recently. This has details of dozens of apprenticeship opportunities with many major employers. You can access it here: Apprenticeship Intake Guide 2025
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 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson
Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
As a follow-up to discussions at our Parent Forum last week, please see below for a link to a survey regarding possible chartered bus services from Glendalough & Karrinyup stations.
We have lobbied Transperth for an increase in services, but unfortunately, they are unable to assist in this regard.
We have therefore investigated various charter options & whilst these services are possible, the cost of these services are far more expensive than normal Transperth services. The price estimates provided are purely reflective of the cost of the service quoted to the College by the charter company. There is no increase or markup included in these calculations.
If we receive confirmed commitment from the required minimum number of families, we will progress discussions to the next stage.
I have noticed recently that my son, who is nine, can find it difficult to ‘get over’ conflict with his sister. He holds onto feelings of frustration and anger, and although in time they often pass, it can take some gentle coaxing and conversation for him to reach this position. But that’s all ok – he is young, and he is learning.
Forgiving someone isn’t always easy – whether you’re 9 or 49, it can be a challenge. When someone hurts us, our first instincts are rarely to offer forgiveness. Instead, we might seek to retaliate or hold a grudge, or we might even hold on to the pain – replaying the moment in our minds, feeling the anger rise whenever we think about it. We might even believe that holding onto resentment gives us a sense of justice, as if our hurt proves that we were right. But the truth is, when we refuse to forgive, we’re the ones carrying the heaviest burden. This was the message shared with Year 8 students this week when we gathered as part of their Wellbeing program.
This week’s Gospel tells the story of the prodigal son – a young man who makes mistakes, squanders his father’s wealth, and then returns home with nothing. His father, rather than punishing him, welcomes him back with open arms, offering love and forgiveness. It’s a powerful lesson about the unconditional love and forgiveness offered to us by God. But there’s another character in the story who often gets overlooked – the older brother.
He’s the one who stayed. The one who followed the rules. Yet, when he sees his father celebrating his wayward brother’s return, he’s angry. He refuses to join the feast because he’s trapped in his own sense of injustice: Why should he be forgiven so easily? What about me?
Many of us can see ourselves in both sons in this story. Like the younger son, we’ve all made mistakes or acted in ways we regret. And like the older son, we’ve felt the sting of frustration or resentment toward others. But in clinging to his anger, the older brother shuts himself off from joy. He distances himself not only from his brother but also from his father too. This is what unforgiveness does to us – it builds walls. It keeps us stuck in the past when life is moving forward.
Letting go of resentment doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened. It doesn’t mean ignoring injustice, and it certainly doesn’t mean that what may have happened to us is ok. It means choosing to free ourselves from the weight of anger. It means making space for healing, for peace, and for the possibility of restored relationships.
Jesus calls us to love as He loves – not because it’s always easy, but because it’s what sets us free. In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus calls us to love our neighbour – a group that he later goes on to explain includes our enemies just as much as it does our friends.
You might like to take some time over these next few weeks to think about where there is space in your life for forgiveness – either for yourself or for others. What hurt, anger, or pain might you be holding onto, that deep down, you know is weighing you down? And what small steps might you take to allow these feelings to pass? These are some of the same questions we reflected on this week with our Year 8’s.
Keep in mind, forgiveness isn’t always instant, and it’s not always easy. In fact, it rarely is, especially for young people who are still learning to explore and understand their emotions. But when we choose to let go – even in small ways – we open ourselves to a sense of peace and contentment, and the chance to move forward without the weight of resentment holding us back.
As we continue through Lent, may we find the courage to forgive, the humility to seek forgiveness, and the wisdom to embrace the healing that comes with both.
