This morning, we welcomed approximately 400 grandparents to celebrate Grandparents Day. The morning consisted of a beautiful Liturgy, time spent in classrooms, followed by a morning tea for grandparents. A huge thank you to Fr Kaz for celebrating our Liturgy, Mrs Short and Mrs Battersby for their organisation of the event, the maintenance team for their help with all things logistics, Year 1 and 2 teachers, and all students who helped prepare the liturgy.
Year 1-6 Swimming Lessons
All students in Years 1 – 6 will take part in the College’s in-school Swimming Lessons Program in Week 6 & 7.
Registration is compulsory and is due by the end of today. It is essential that you register your child so classes can be finalised in time for our lessons to commence.
Please click here to read the information about registering for swimming lessons.
Fathering Project
Class Lists- Pastoral Requests
Thank you to the many families who reached out with specific pastoral requests for their child in 2026. I remind families that the strict deadline for these was Friday 24 October. We are now well advanced in the process of finalising class placements for the upcoming school year. As such, we are unable to consider any further requests.
Carpark
I have noticed some issues re-emerge this week in regards to the carpark.
Double parking at Kiss n Ride entry.
Cars are still double parking at the start of the kiss n ride lane, preventing parents from proceeding to the carpark. I have had parents report waiting for 20 minutes or more due to cars doing the wrong thing. If the kiss n ride lane is full, please proceed to the loop where you will be prioritised to re-join the kiss n ride lane.
Parking on the grass
There are an increasing number of cars parking on our beautiful landscaping and, at times, damaging the reticulation. Please avoid parking on the grass.
Welcome back to Term 4! In what is a shorter term there is so much to look forward to in the programs and events that showcase our students across the College.
Year 10 Camp – Growth, Challenge and Formation
Last week, the Year 10 students attended their Camp at Contos in the majestic setting of the Boranup Forest. The experience aims to foster further relationships within each Guild, set challenging exercises that stretch our students at the margin and develop teamwork. The camping experience also supports the rite of passage program we introduced to Year 9 this year, The Rite Journey. Thank you to Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing, Lara Vlahov, for the outstanding planning and running of the camp, Sharee Hart for her onsite experience and support over the 5 days and the Guild PCG and extra staff who camped with the students. The Year 10 students were amazing in their maturity and cohesion, and personally, I had a fantastic time joining Catherine Guild for the camp and wished I could have had time with other Guilds – hopefully next year!
Arts Week 2025 – Connection
This week we have been treated to the talent, passion and creativity of all students in the Arts. A whole College focus saw students from Year 1 to Year 11 take part in showcases for Drama on Monday evening, Media on Tuesday, Visual Arts Exhibition opening and Music Showcase on Wednesday evening, and the Dance Showcases on Thursday and Friday. The Arts is an amazing place for so many students to find their place, their passion and their confidence. Thank you to our incredible Arts staff, whose commitment to the program inspires our young people to go further. Ms Kathy Le Brooy leads this team and is to be congratulated for bringing a vision to reality.
Year 12 Class of 2025 Graduation
On Monday evening, we will celebrate the Class of 2025 in the Graduation Mass and Dinner at Optus Stadium. We look forward to the joy and family spirit of the evening. As the next Newsletter is not due for another fortnight, let’s celebrate the Class of 2025 by honouring them by name in this edition.
Blake Adamini
Grace Gordon
Oscar Properjohn
Jasmin Afflick
Scarlett Halleen
Olivia Ralls
Anica Alo
Madeleine Hemington
James Ralph
Valentina Arias Caceres
Brian Hoang
Mia Ralph
Austin Baldwin
Christian Hoang
Cameron Ramage
James Barnard
Ashley Howson
Stefano Rapanaro
Caelee Belcastro
Callum Jack
Emma Richardson
Tahlia Bell
Samuel Jeffcote
Sarala Rivett
Jodie Belzunce
Djordje Jelic
Dyllan Roberts
William Binning
McKenzie Jenkins
Isobel Robinson
Jesse Blitz-Cokis
Holly Kallawk
Isaac Robinson
Jack Borgas
Amy Kim
Ariyana Rodericks
Holly Boshart
Ellen King
Isabelle Roper
Amelie Boucher
Jenna King
Ella Rose
Maya Boyce
Matthew Larcombe
Adam Rowe
Zoe Brown
Kobe Lawrence
Rebecca Rubens
Alicia Bruce
Kate Le
Thomas Sadgrove
Kira Burns
Ella Leach
Theo Sanchez
Helena Burt
India Lillee
Jesse Scotford
Chloe Byrne
Hannah Lim
Ella Amy Scott
Sarah Cabello
Olivia Lim
Ella Scott
Aidan Carberry
Sofia Littlejohn
Hayden Seaman
Alexia Carbone
Tyson Love
Emily Semaan
Genevieve Carless
Ava Luca
Ruby Shelton
Madison Carroll
Monet Lucas
Jacob Sindall
Klara Clarkson
Tristan Luu
Natalie Smith
Kesia Connery
Oliver Luxford
Thanakon Smith
Stefan Constantine
Tomas Macri
Lucy Smith
Jack Cooley
Ella Madeleine
Campbell Smith
Charlie Cossom
Will Malajczuk
James Spriggins
Olivia Cowan
Jack Manolikos
Mitchell Squiers
Aston Cowley
Fletcher Marlborough
Liam Stannard
Bianca Danas
Leonardo Mason
Mia Swain
Grace D’Arcy
Sebastian Matkovich
Jude Tanham
Audrey Devlin
Ruby McAdam
Sophia Tartaglia
Luca Dimitriadis
Abbey McAllister
Aidan Taylor
Andre Dimitriou
Adam McAullay
Riley Taylor
Leyla Do
Benjamin McDonald
Kimora Te Raki
Lachlan Doepel
John-Paul McGinnity
Asha Thomas
Liam Dolan
Caleb McMahon
Finnigan Thompson
Maclain Doust
Daniel Miniello
James Tolley
Oakley Drummond
Flynn Morison
Georgie Tomich
Tahlia Dwyer
Timothy Morley
Brodie Trettel
Sebastian Dziedzic
Paolo Moroni
Jayda Trewhella
Jaxon Eccles
Joshua Murphy
Madison Turnbull
Tyson Edwards
Sophia Nardi
Jessica Turner
Kai Ehlers
Archie Newman
Sara Vespoli
Katja Ekkert
Amelia Ng
Abby Vile`
Lara Esler
Ella Nguyen
Ryan Warner
Lily Fall
Laura Nolan
Harrison Warrick
Claudia Famiano
Caitlin Northmore
Taj Westergerling
Catherine Fardell
Cian O’Dea
Chelsea White
Sophia Fasolo
Aidan Offenburg
Abbie White
Spencer Faulkner
Isabella Papalia
Kasper Wikstrom
Audrey Fitzpatrick
Vass Papas
Aidan Williams
Jasmine Ford
Gemma Paulet
Alexander Wills
Abigail Fowler
Sarah Pearce
Amy Wilson
Dean Gazis
Lucy Peel
Kevin Xanthis
Lara Geoghegan
Dominik Pelikan
Lia Young
William Gilbert
Imogen Perry
Aria Zeid
Catelyn Gill
Keean Phua
Jake Gooch
Alexander Plaganyi
Mia Goodlich
Harry Prentice
The culture at Newman College has been built on generations of family spirit, connection and deep respect. I see this lived out daily in the positive and supportive relationships between school and home. You, like I, would have noticed in recent years the messages that are at the front of department stores, shops, and places of interaction between customers and those providing service, reminding us of the importance of respectful and constructive communication. It is sad to think that in the wider community, we are at that point where organisations have to be explicit regarding the behaviour expected in written and face to face communication. I thank our families for the way in which they engage with our College and staff, and ask that we all continue to approach this most important relationship in a way that is mindful of respect.
Social Media Ban – Online Parent Information Session
On 10 December 2025, new legislation will take effect banning children under the age on 16 from accessing social media platforms. The College seeks to support parents and students as they navigate this change and has engaged Paris MacNeill, a consultant who specialises in student mental health and the challenges of “Gen Z.”
Paris will unpack the new legislation, what this will mean for our children and provide practical advice and resources on how parents and the College can work together to minimise the anxiety and uncertainty that this change may create for students.
This online session will take place on Thursday 30 October at 6.00pm and can be accessed by booking here.
WACE Examinations
Our Year 12 students will soon begin their final WACE Examinations. We ask our community to keep them in their prayers, that they may approach this time with confidence, clarity and a steady focus. We are immensely proud of their effort and perseverance throughout the year and look forward to celebrating all that they have achieved.
World Teachers’ Day – Friday 31 October
World Teachers’ Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary role teachers play in shaping lives and building a better future through education. It reminds us of the dedication, care and passion that teachers bring to their vocation each day, and the lasting difference they make in the lives of their students and communities.
At Newman College, we are deeply grateful for our exceptional staff who consistently go above and beyond in their work. Our teachers live out the call to help students “Let their Light Shine” and to grow as Good Christians and Good Citizens. Their commitment to the Marist values of Family Spirit and Presence enriches every aspect of College life.
As we mark this special day, I invite families to take a moment to express their gratitude to our teachers. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated, compassionate and faith-filled educators guiding our young people each day.
Uniform Change – Winter 2026
To maintain a neat and consistent appearance during the Winter uniform period (Terms 2 and 3), the College will introduce a black College belt to be worn with College trousers from Term 2, 2026. The belt will be available for purchase from the Uniform Shop at a cost of $20.
All trousers purchased from the Uniform Shop will now be sold with belt loops. If your child’s current trousers do not have loops, please arrange for them to be added before the start of Term 2, 2026. The College Uniform Shop can assist with this alteration for $10 per pair, or families may choose to use their own alterations service or make the adjustment at home.
We appreciate your support as we implement this change to ensure our students continue to present themselves with pride and readiness for learning. For any queries, please contact the Uniform Shop team, who will be happy to assist.
At today’s Y3-6 assembly, Year 3 Blue brought to life the magic and fun of reading. Our students took us on a magical journey and delved into some of our classic book favourites; Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the Magical Faraway Tree, just to name a few.
We were also lucky to enjoy some special musical performances by our Junior Bands. Well done to all of these little performers!
It was another opportunity for our Upper Primary classes to come together and celebrate our students’ academic and musical achievements over the past fortnight. Congratulations to all students who were recognised and received a Merit Award / Achievement Certificate. Continue to let your talents shine.
Footsteps through Lavalla
On Tuesday, 4 November, families are invited to walk through our new PK-6 buildings from 3.15pm -4pm. We look forward to welcoming you all to view our fantastic spaces.
Homework Club 4 November
Due to our Footsteps through Lavalla event on Tuesday, 4 November, Homework Club will be cancelled on this day. OSH Club will be operating as per usual. Should you require childcare that afternoon, please reach out to OSH Club here.
Fathering Project- The Amazing Race
Teacher Contact
We ask that all parents please ensure that they use email to communicate with teachers. If you have access to the personal mobile phone number of a teacher, please ensure you refrain from using this for school related correspondence.
Medals of Marcellin Winners
Congratulations to our Medals of Marcellin winners for this week, Saanvi Gondariya Year 3, Indi Ellies Year 1, and Hugo McBain, Year 5.
Carpark Courtesy and Safety
Since returning for Term Four, a few parents have reached out to share concerns about some tense moments in the carpark and an increasing number of cars parking on the grass, even when spaces are still available in the overflow carpark.
We kindly ask all families to demonstrate our Family Spirit when accessing the carpark, showing patience, care, and respect for others.
A gentle reminder that Kiss and Ride should be accessed from 3.10pm onwards, allowing our younger students — whose classrooms are located closer to the carpark — time to move safely through the area before the afternoon rush.
Thank you for helping us keep our carpark a calm and safe space for everyone.
2026 Booklists
We’re pleased to share that from the 2026 school year, our Primary campus will be moving to a booklist system through Box of Books, an Australian company that specialises in simplifying school resource purchasing for families and schools alike.
What is Box of Books?
Box of Books is a trusted provider used by schools across Australia. The Secondary school has been using Box of Books for the past two years with great success. They offer:
Pre-filled, year-level specific booklists aligned with our curriculum
High-quality stationery and textbooks
Convenient online ordering with home delivery
Competitive pricing and clear instructions for each year group
What This Means for You
Instead of receiving a stationery list and sourcing items yourself, families will:
Receive a link to a custom online booklist for their child’s year group.
Place an order directly through the Box of Books online portal.
Have items delivered to your home before the start of Term 1.
This change not only saves time and reduces the hassle of shopping, but also ensures all students have consistent, high-quality materials that support their learning.
What’s Next?
More details, including access instructions and key dates for ordering, will be sent via email to all families in the next week. Our school office will also be available to support any families who may need help with the process.
We’re excited about this improvement and confident it will make the back-to-school experience smoother for everyone.
Respectful Communication – Working Together for Our Students
At Newman College, we value the strong partnerships we share with our families. When we work together with kindness, understanding, and respect, we create the best possible environment for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.
From time to time, concerns or questions naturally arise. If this happens, we encourage you to reach out directly to your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance, as they know your child best and are often able to resolve matters quickly and positively. For more complex issues, please contact the Leader of Wellbeing or Leader of Learning to arrange a time for a chat.
We also ask that communication with staff be respectful and considerate. Long or emotionally charged emails, particularly those sent late at night, can have a real impact on staff wellbeing. Our teachers and leaders are deeply committed to supporting your children, and approaching conversations calmly and constructively helps us do this in the best way possible.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in a spirit of respect and care as we work together to help your children shine.
Grandparents Day
Friday 7 November 2025
9.00am in the Undercover Area, followed by classroom visits and morning tea.
At this week’s assembly, Year 5G shared a thoughtful and engaging item highlighting the importance of teamwork – reminding us that anything is possible when we work together, and that collaboration is a key part of our Newman Norms. The assembly also included the presentation of merit awards, certificates to participants in the Australian Mathematics Competition, and the announcement of Thomas More as the winning Guild in the recent Athletics Carnival. Congratulations were also extended to Emily, who reached the Grand Final of the Speak Up competition. The assembly concluded with an energetic performance by our Primary Dance Troupe, who recently achieved third place in the School to Stage competition.
Athletics Carnival
On Friday 12 September, we celebrated our PP-6 Guild Athletics Carnival. As we did not finish all the events on the day, there was a delay in announcing the winner of the Carnival and the champion boys and girls. Congratulations to MacKillop for winning the Guild Spirit Award and to Thomas More as the winning guild.
Champions
YEAR 3
Champion Boy
Dustin Marshall
Champion Girl
Zita Zuchkan
2nd
Harry Bluff
2nd
Isla Cahalarn
3rd
Thomas Atkinson
3rd
Olivia Erichsen
4th
Jack Macri
4th
Frances Baily
YEAR 4
Champion Boy
Miles Sanford
Champion Girl
Zoe Harris
2nd
Donovan Johnson
2nd
Odette Taylor
3rd
Owen Atkinson
3rd
Mila Haagman
4th
Harry Kolka
4th
Chanelle Liew
YEAR 5
Champion Boy
Harvey Anderson
Champion Girl
Audrey Barnard
2nd
Hugo McBain
2nd
Clara Schlitter
3rd
Julian Posselt
3rd
Isla Dorrington
4th
Lucas Ramsden
4th
Sicily Moschopoulous
YEAR 6
Champion Boy
Jack McCagh
Champion Girl
Amelia Heath
2nd
Sam Baily
2nd
Lila Adamini
3rd
Blake Martin
3rd
Annabel Gilbert
4th
Aiden Long
4th
Sammy Glyde
St John Henry Newman Day and Loud Socks
On Friday 17 October (Week 1), we will be celebrating St John Henry Newman Day and Loud Socks Day in support of Telethon Speech and Hearing. We will be celebrating a Primary Mass, followed by some special activities and asking all students to wear their loudest socks to increase awareness of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2026 Class Allocations
At the start of Term 4, teachers will commence working on class groupings for the 2026 School year. Many factors are considered when selecting student class placements, including gender, pastoral needs, social and emotional needs, academic needs, special learning needs, and relationships. Every effort is made to give children the best opportunity to succeed. All Newman College teachers are outstanding professionals in their field, and students will receive a high-quality education no matter which class they are placed in.
Early in Term 4, students will be asked by their Classroom Teacher to nominate five friends, of which at least one will be placed in their 2026 class.
If you believe your child has special pastoral needs that may need consideration, you are asked to contact your child’s classroom teacher or contact Ryan via email at ryan.vonbergheim@newman.wa.edu.au early in Term 4.
Any requests must be provided to the class teacher or myself by 3:00pm Tuesday 21 October (Week 3). Requests made after this date cannot be considered.
Parents should understand that requests cannot be guaranteed as staff must consider a wide range of factors when creating class groupings within a triple-stream school. Parents should be aware that requesting a specific teacher is not a consideration in the class allocation process.
Once class lists have been finalised, they cannot be changed. Class lists will be published to families at the conclusion of our Move-up Day, details of which will be communicated next term.
Mindful Mornings
As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all families to take time for rest, renewal, and to keep safe while enjoying time together. This term has been particularly special as we have continued the journey of bringing our campuses together, strengthening the sense of one community united in spirit and purpose.
As I wrap up my time as Acting Head of Primary, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the incredible support, warmth, and trust you have shown. It has been a privilege to serve during this time of growth and transition. At the beginning of next term, we look forward to welcoming back Mr Ryan Von Bergheim from leave, and I know you will join me in supporting him as he resumes his role as Head of Primary.
