ACC A Division (Secondary) and IPSHA (Year 3-6) Athletics Carnivals
Next week, our Newman College Athletics squads head to their interschool carnivals. Years 7–12 compete at the ACC Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 17 September at the WA Athletics Stadium. Years 3–6 take part in the IPSHA Athletics Carnival on Thursday 18 September at All Saints College.
Thank you to Ms Marnie Barrett, Ms Hannah Barnsley and our Health and Physical Education staff for their work with the squads. Best of luck to all students competing, and we look forward to hearing of your efforts, teamwork and personal bests.
Year 12 Music Exchange
On Monday 22 September, the College will welcome 23 students and accompanying staff from Sacred Heart College in Adelaide, to join our students in a Music Exchange Program. Over the week, the two schools will combine for Percussion, Concert Band and Choir rehearsals and masterclasses, culminating in a concert on Thursday 25 September. Students will also visit a local retirement village to perform for residents (including Brothers Noel Hickey and Terry Orrell) and Sacred Heart students will spend time sightseeing around Perth. The program will be a great opportunity for students to diversify their musical training experiences and create connections with students from within our Marist School network.
On Thursday, 11 September, the College came together to celebrate R U OK? Day—a national event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and encouraging meaningful conversations.
This year’s theme, “Ask R U OK? Any Day—Because Life Happens Every Day,” reminded us that checking in with others should not be limited to one day. It is about making space for genuine conversations and letting those we care about know we’re here to really hear them.
The day was led by our Leaders of Wellbeing and Wellbeing Captains Jasmin Afflick and Leyla Do. Bright yellow lollipops, ribbons, and wristbands were shared to lift spirits and encourage connection.
To support meaningful conversations, we encouraged everyone to follow these four steps:
R U OK? Day serves as a powerful reminder that mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success. Let’s continue to support one another and make wellbeing a priority—every day.
If you or someone you know is feeling distressed or struggling with their wellbeing, it is important to reach out for support.
For immediate support in Australia, you can contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 mental health support)
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 support for young people aged 5-25)
Headspace: Visit www.headspace.org.au for mental health support services tailored to young people
Year 12 Legacy Project – Do It For Cancer
Throughout 2025, our Student Leadership Team has been reflecting on the legacy they want to leave as a graduating year. They wanted it to be something purposeful, something that could bring the Newman College community together and also make a difference to the lives of people outside of school.
After a series of workshops and collaborative conversations, the team chose to support the Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer campaign. This Australia-wide initiative empowers individuals and groups to take on personal challenges—such as shaving their heads or completing physical feats—to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services. It is a cause that resonates deeply with many in our community, touching the lives of students, families, and staff alike.
Over 60 Year 12 students courageously committed to the challenge, either by shaving their heads or taking on a physical challenge, all in the name of raising awareness, funds, and hope. On Wednesday 10 September, the College came together for the Greatest Shave event, a celebration of compassion and community spirit.
We are proud to share that the Class of 2025 have raised over $56,000.
Donations are still being accepted until the end of term. To support the Class of 2025 you can head to their fundraising page via the link. Just click.
Thank you to Newman College Community for supporting our Year 12 students.
2026 Leadership Process
We are delighted to announce that Grace Bradshaw and Thomas Butson have been elected as our 2026 College Captains. These positions recognise their exceptional qualities of leadership and character, as well as their dedication to supporting and enriching the life of our College. Well done to both of these students.
Applications for the remaining positions in the 2026 Student Leadership folio are now in the interview and voting stage. The complete 2026 Student Leadership Team will be announced to the College community at our Celebration Assembly on Thursday, 25 September.
Year 12 Final Day The final day for our Year 12 students will be Thursday, 25 September. We invite the parents and guardians of our Year 12 students to our College on the morning to share in this special day with their child. The day will begin with a Celebration Assembly in the Gymnasium, where we will farewell our 2025 cohort. We will also announce our 2026 Student Leadership Team. The Year 12s will walk through a Guard of Honour of our students and conclude with a Year 12 Final Assembly in the Auditorium, followed by light refreshments with their parents and guardians. We look forward to sharing in this special celebration with our Year 12 students and their parents and guardians.
Guild Athletics Age Champions
Last Monday we celebrated the outstanding achievements from our recent Guild Athletics Carnival!
We announced the Age Group Champions across each year level and recognised the incredible students who set new records on the day. Their hard work, determination, and talent were truly inspiring. Congratulations to all who competed and contributed to making this year’s carnival one to remember!
Our athletes are now turning their focus to the ACC Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 17 September, and we can’t wait to see them represent Newman College on the big stage.
Year
Place
Girls
Boys
7
1st
Mia Dorrington
Lachlan Anderson
2nd
Maggie Hughes
Benjamin Ferguson
3rd
Izzie Fitzpatrick
Phoenix Kinner
8
1st
Jessica Avins
Taj Webster
2nd
Milla Grieve
Zane Thorstensen
3rd
Lola Vogl
Reef Wilsoncroft
9
1st
Jaime McNeill
Cooper Warrick
2nd
Raphielle Fisher
Andrew Marshall
3rd
Annabelle Adamini
Deion Fernando
10
1st
Jade Thorstensen
Bastian Dominguez Rubina
2nd
Clancy Boss
Kai Denham
3rd
Stella Ferguson
Thanavut Smith
11
1st
Hannah Seaborn
Thomas Butson
2nd
Poppy Vogl
Aidan Iannantuoni
3rd
Sienna O’Rouke
Xavier Avins
12
1st
Audrey Fitzpatrick
Harrison Warrick
2nd
Jenna King
Charlie Cossom
3rd
Amy Wilson
Archie Newman
State Sporting Representation
Congratulations to the following students for selection in the Western Australian teams in their respective sports:
Maxwell Franke, Year 7, who has been selected in the State Schools U12 Hockey Squad, that compete in the National Championships in Bendigo, Victoria in August.
Isla Kalebic, year 8, who will be representing WA at the National Baseball competition for U16 girls, called the Barclay Cup. They will be competing in Adelaide from 27 September – 4 October 2025.
Will Malajczuk, Year 12, who will be representing Australia as part of the Australian U19 Men’s Cricket Team, playing a 3 match series against India in Queensland from September 21 to 10 October.
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
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject selection for Year 11, 2026
Thank you to all the students and families who have now completed their subject requests for Year 11, 2026. The College is now in the process of constructing the timetable for next year, and after this process students and families will be advised of their allocated subjects for Year 11.
Apprenticeship Opportunities 2025
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
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
Re-selecting subjects for Year 12, 2026
Thank you to all the students and families who have now completed their subject requests for Year 12, 2026. The College is now in the process of constructing the timetable for next year, and after this process students and families will be advised of their allocated subjects for Year 12.
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
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
Free ATAR revision classes
Due to popular demand, ECU will once again be offering FREE ATAR revision sessions both on campus and also streaming live for our regional and remote students. The sessions will be delivered by engaging teachers currently delivering the 2025 syllabus.
Each session comprises a four-hour seminar covering: the Year 12 syllabus, exam techniques and revision tips, a Q & A session and a copy of revision notes. The 2025 Year 12 subjects are Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, English, Maths Applications, Maths Methods, Maths Specialist and Physics.
Sessions will run between Monday, 29 September and Friday, 3 October 2025.
Early Offers are available for ATAR and non-ATAR students. Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Curtin Early Offer course as your first preference. Full information and list of eligible courses at: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/undergraduate/early-offers/
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.
Murdoch University
Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Early Offers for Certificate IV and UniReady/UniPath students will be conditional on passing. Submit your application via TISC, putting your desired Murdoch Early Offer course as your first preference.
Submit your application via TISC, putting your desired UWA Early Offer course as your first preference. Open to ATAR Pathway students only. Students can apply for an Early Offer for all degrees excluding Assured Pathways to Medicine, Dental Medicine, Podiatric Medicine or the Bachelor of Biomedicine (specialised). Students must satisfy UWA’s English requirements and any subject prerequisite requirements. Further information at: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/early-offers/FAQs
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
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
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
EVENT
DATE
LINK
Calm and Conquer: Surviving your Exams (for families and students)
Thank you to all the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who attended our Father’s Day celebration last Friday. This was the first time that we have hosted a PK-6 Father’s Day event and it was so lovely to see so much family spirit. The weather held off until we were finishing up the Liturgy. A special mention to all the mums who gave up their morning to help with the cooking, Jane Short for preparing the beautiful Liturgy, and to all staff for their preparation and presence on the day.
Primary Athletics Carnival
Today we celebrated our first PP-6 Guild Athletics Carnival. The weather was magnificent, and the students had a wonderful day. Thank you to James Bristow and Hannah Barnsley for their preparation of this event. Also, thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to cook the sausage sizzle to raise money for Lifelink. I will let you know how much was raised in the next newsletter.
With so much action out there today, we ran out of time for the Relays. These will be run next week and the winning Guild and champion boy and girl for each year group will be announced at a later date.
Mary Poppins and Annie
Last Thursday, I had the absolute pleasure of watching our Annie and Mary Poppins Musical Excerpt in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. Both performances were outstanding, and we received Certificates of Excellence for both performances. A massive thank you to our magnificent Performing Arts teacher, Samantha Wynne, for her tireless work, including evening and weekend rehearsals, script writing, and choreography creation. She was supported by Ms Laura Van Rijn, who also put in endless hours in preparing our students for their performance. Thank you also to the many parents who helped with all aspects of the production.
Disco
Get your dancing shoes ready! Our School Disco will be held on Friday 19 September.
Please note: Teachers are on duty from 8:15am before school and until 3:15pm in the carpark after school.
We have noticed an increasing number of students remaining on site unsupervised and/or using the play equipment outside of these times. As the College cannot provide supervision or duty of care beyond the hours stated, we ask that families ensure children are actively supervised if on school grounds outside of duty times.
We are fortunate at Newman College to have before and after school care available onsite. For more information, or to enrol, please contact OSH Club Newman College here.
When I speak to students or families about our Marist characteristic ‘In the Way of Mary‘, I often reflect on service; Mary’s response of saying ‘yes’ to God’s call. If we look around, we can see that same ‘yes’ in many quiet ways across our community: Mrs La Brooy and Mrs Simpson giving up their Wednesday mornings to run the junior dance troupe, the office staff arriving early to set up morning tea, or a student who notices their teacher struggling and offers to carry their bag.
I found myself reflecting on this on Wednesday night at our Game Changers Year 12 graduation dinner. As part of the acknowledgements, I spoke about Fr. Hyginus and Fr. Emmanuel, two of our priests who do so much to support our community, who were both in attendance. Whenever they are asked to celebrate Mass with us, whether months in advance or even the day before, they respond with a generous ‘yes’. This is the same for Fr. Kaz, who supports our primary school. At first, I was inspired simply by their willingness to answer the call. But more recently, I have noticed something deeper: not just that they say yes, but how they serve. At the end of Mass, they often thank us for the opportunity to celebrate together or express how much they enjoy being part of our community. You can feel that their service is not out of duty, but out of joy.
As Catholics, we often say ‘yes’ to service because we want to be good people who follow in Christ’s footsteps. But sometimes, in the busyness of life, service can feel like an obligation. The example of our priests challenges us to consider: Do we serve only because we feel we should, or do we embrace service as a gift, a joyful sharing in God’s love?
The week prior, we saw the same spirit at our Father’s Day breakfast in the primary school. Mums, teachers, maintenance staff, and school leaders cooked a sausage sizzle together. The chatter, laughter, and smiles made it clear that everyone genuinely wanted to be part of the day. How many of us may have started feeling an obligation to serve, only to be transformed by the joy of the moment?
When Mary said ‘yes,’ she was not reluctant or half-hearted. She was filled with trust and joy. When we seek to serve with the same spirit, we go beyond simply meeting a need…we share in the joy of Christ himself.
As St Paul reminds us: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Like Mary, my great hope for our community is that we may respond to the call to serve with generous hearts, finding joy in service and bringing Christ’s love to those we meet.
Performing Arts Scripture Reading Shield Winners
I would like to give a special shout out to three of our students who recently competed (yes, you read that right) in the Catholic Performing Arts Scripture Reading.
Many families would be surprised to know that this is even a category in the Performing Arts Festival, but it is a great opportunity to introduce students to the some of the finer points and techniques for delivering the Word of God to an audience in a clear, articulate, and reverend manner that fully conveys the meaning and emotions of the words that are being read. As my previous parish priest, Fr Thai Vu so beautifully shared with me one day, when you read Scripture aloud, you should prepare “like it’s your first, last, and only time”.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 11 students for their hard work and preparation leading up to this event: Sam Cousins, Jack Polain, and Annie Clark. Each of them read beautifully and did a wonderful job representing themselves, their families, and the College.
I would like to offer a special congratulations to Annie Clark, who was judged best in the competition, being awarded the Performing Arts Scripture Reading Shield. Her reading of 1 Corinthians 13, about the joy of love, was shared with such warmth and gentleness, and the comments from the adjudicator said, ‘You have breathed new life into this reading. ’ Well done to Annie on her achievement! I would also like to thank Mrs LaBrooy for her support and hard work in preparing students for this competition. It will be lovely to enter again next year and defend our title!
Do you know what made my whole week this week? Two simple anonymous messages. I was sitting at my keyboard, wondering what I should write in this Newsletter editorial. Yes, let’s cover the great learning and commitment inside and outside the class by students and staff, with the ever-present support of families! What else, though? The anonymous messages gave me the theme on which to write. This week is Wellbeing Week at Newman College. Naming one week as Wellbeing Week is both educational and a bit clichéd. We want to focus on what ingredients and actions support wellbeing, but not condense it into just one week of focused activity and awareness. Nor do we want to suggest that there are no significant challenges to mental health faced by many on a daily basis or at times in one’s life, that require professional resources and support. How do we make every week a week of exercising towards balanced wellbeing? Not a construct of expecting to be in a constant and heightened state of happiness, but the mindset and ability to manage the ups and downs, and the awareness of how to seek help. It has been a superb few days led by our Wellbeing Captains, Leyla Do and Jasmin Afflick, senior students and staff. Balance, gratitude, mindfulness and flow have been discussed and shown alongside emotional regulation, perspective, setback, grit and reframing – the really hard bits to handle. Short, heartfelt Gratitude Assemblies were held in each year group at Marcellin, where representatives from each Pastoral Care Group expressed gratitude to their PCG teacher (the block of Cadburys helped too!). A range of wellbeing focused activities were held during the week, including wellness, mindfulness and fitness sessions, messages of gratitude between students and a staff v student soccer game.
Much of the Equip Guide Thrive programs at Marcellin and the U R Strong – Zones of Regulation at Lavalla that are being delivered to students are about balancing life and deepening the toolkit to manage life’s ups and downs. On Wednesday evening in the Marist Auditorium, the event adjudicator for the CPAF Concert Band-Symphonic Orchestra performance spoke of the importance music and playing musical instruments have in wellbeing. Music, dance, dramatic performance, sport and physical activity are great animators of wellbeing. So is connection.
You may be wondering about the two written messages that I mentioned earlier? Twenty-six precious words that just said thanks from a parent and hoped I was having a good day from a student. Very grateful for these words and even more grateful to know that many more expressions of simple gratitude flowed to our staff from families and students.
Book Week and Celebrating Story Telling
There are few better weeks in the school calendar than Book Week. I know, as a parent who has gone through Book Week planning, that you might groan at the thought of meeting your child’s expectation for a flash costume to conjure for the Parade. ‘Book an Adventure’ was this year’s theme, and Lavalla students dived into celebrating and exploring the land of stories. In Year 7, the students dived into reading time for the week, while our Pre-Kindergarten classes began the initiative of Celebrating Storytelling- the invitation to parents and grandparents to share the magic of storytelling at school. Families connecting through culture and language.
Mullewa Immersion
Finally, our annual visit to Mullewa took place this week. This is a long-standing relationship between the Mullewa community and Newman College, with our Year 11 Game Changers and staff deeply involved in acts of service to the local primary school, parish and shire.
Wishing you a great weekend and fortnight ahead (Go Dockers!)
