Movement- Good for the Body and Nourishment for the Spirit
As we reflect on recent events of student celebration with highlights of the Primary Musical – Wizard of Oz, World Scholars Cup, ACC Inclusive Fun Run – Sue Bigelow Spirit Shield, Junior ACC and ACC Cross Country Carnivals and the Marist Netball Carnival, Bendigo, it just highlights the incredible value of movement, expression, competition and creativity in a young person’s life.
No child or adult commits to opportunities like those listed without facing the important concept of ‘stretch’ – the notion of going safely beyond the margin of ‘the known’ and ‘the comfortable’, to the experience of a little discomfort and uncertainty of outcome, but the reward of further personal growth, accomplishment and celebration.
Advocates of positive psychology discuss the three happinesses in some sense. Psychologist, Martin Selegman identifies the Pleasant Life, the Good Life and the Meaningful Life. Each are important and are satisfied in various ways. The Pleasant Life appreciates interaction and appreciation of nature. The Good Life challenges us to recognise we all have unique virtues and strengths we can lean into to nurture self-esteem and satisfaction for our unique self. The Meaningful Life brings depth of fulfilment when we use our strengths and virtues for a greater purpose beyond ourselves – for others.
Crafting away as a part of the cast and crew of The Wizard of Oz, collaborating and deep thinking in the moment of the World Scholars Cup, running as a part of the Cross Country teams or playing in the highly competitive Marist Netball Carnival are examples of being a part of a bigger thing and contributing to a deep sense of fulfilment for the group, as much as for the personal challenge, stretch and celebration on offer. The old saying applies here: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
We are extremely proud of our Newman students who compete, participate and play in the Co-Curricular Program. A huge congratulations to the cast, crew and staff of The Wizard of Oz, the students and mentor staff in The World Scholars Cup, the runners and coaches of the Inclusive (Education Support), JACC and ACC Cross Country Carnivals and the players and coaches of the Marist Netball team. Our Netball Team reached a height the College has not had in this Carnival for many years; we were Runner-Up in the Challenger Shield to Red Bend College, Forbes.
I encourage you to read further into this edition of the Newsletter to hear about the whole College recognition of National Reconciliation Week, Game Changers Retreat and the National Simultaneous Storytime event in Lavalla. Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight ahead.
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.
Earlier this year we provided families with the school holiday break between Term 2 and Term 3, which from 2027 onwards will be 3 weeks. We have now finalised all Term Dates for 2027 and we are pleased to provide these to families for their planning. To view click here.
Traffic Warden – Mantua Crescent/ Tuscany Way
The Traffic Warden who works at the Children’s Crossing on Tuscany Way, near Manutua Crescent is unable to work between Monday 8 June, and Thursday 2 July (remainder of the term). The crossing unit have been unable to find relief staff to cover this absence.
If your child using this crossing, please remind them to take care, and if you use this road in the mornings and afternoons please be vigilant and allow students to cross.
Newman Parents Forum – Monday 8 June
The Term 2 Newman Parents Forum (NPF) is scheduled to take place this Monday 8 June in the John Henry Newman Hub. All families are invited to attend in person or online via this TEAMs link. The agenda for the evening is available here.
Champagnat Day
Saturday 6 June marks the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and of Marist Education. The Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat is an opportunity to gather with other Marist schools across Australia and throughout the world to give thanks, and to celebrate our shared Marist identity. Our Kindergarten to Year 12 College community will celebrate Champagnat Day on Friday 19 June with Mass/Liturgy, our annual Champagnat Day Awards, Fete activities and the inaugural “Rhythm of Guilds” competition.
Attendance on this day is compulsory for all students, and active participation in all aspects of the day is expected. Students are required to attend Mass in order to participate in the Fete. Students arriving to school during or after Mass will not be permitted to attend the Fete and will be supervised for private study. Should your child have an appointment on the day it is recommended that this is rescheduled.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
This Saturday, 6 June, Marists around the world will celebrate the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and the inspiration behind the mission we continue today.
When we hear stories of saints, it can sometimes be difficult to relate to them. We may imagine them as extraordinary people whose holiness places them somehow beyond the experiences of ordinary life. Yet the saints were, first and foremost, people just like us. They faced challenges, doubts, and limitations. What made them remarkable was not perfection, but their willingness to love God and to love others.
Marcellin Champagnat was one such person. Born in rural France in 1789, he was not a man of wealth, influence, or exceptional academic ability. Rather, he was a priest who saw a need in his community and chose to respond. He noticed the young people who were overlooked, forgotten, and lacking access to education and faith formation. Seeing their needs, he acted with humility, courage, and determination.
I often wonder whether Marcellin could ever have imagined what would grow from those simple beginnings. Could he have envisioned Marist schools on the other side of the world in Australia? Could he have imagined the thousands of students, families, staff, and communities who would one day be touched by his vision? I suspect that he would be genuinely surprised. Yet perhaps that is the beauty of his story. He did not set out to change the world; he simply responded faithfully to the needs he saw before him.
As we celebrate his feast day, we are reminded that the call to holiness is not reserved for a select few. Each of us is invited to be part of the communion of saints by continuing their work in our own time and place. Like Marcellin, we are called to notice those who may be overlooked, to respond with compassion, and to bring the love of God to others through our words and actions.
I wish all members of our community a wonderful weekend as we reflect on the life and example of St Marcellin Champagnat. While his feast day falls this Saturday, we are very much looking forward to celebrating together as a College community on Friday 19 June, once our senior students have completed their exams.
