Next Thursday 12 September, we will observe R U OK? Day, a day dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and conversations with those around us, especially those who may be struggling with life’s challenges. R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity that encourages us to check in on one another, offering support before someone reaches a point of crisis. It is about building confidence and the skills to engage in honest conversations, so we can be there for friends, family, and colleagues who may need us.
As we approach R U OK? Day, let us live out these Marist charisms by being present for one another, engaging in simple yet meaningful conversations, and fostering the spirit of family that makes Newman College a place of belonging for all members of our wonderful community.
ACC A Division (Secondary) and IPSHA (Year 3-6) Athletics Carnivals
Next week, our Newman Athletics Squads will compete in their upcoming Athletics Carnivals. The ACC Athletics Carnival for our Year 7-12 students will take place on Wednesday, 11 September, at the WA Athletics Stadium, while our Year 3-6 students will compete at All Saints College on Thursday, 12 September in the IPSHA Athletics Carnival. Under the dedicated guidance of Ms Marnie Barrett, Ms Tash Richards and our Health and Physical Education staff, our students have been training diligently for these events. We wish all our athletes the very best and look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements.
Game Changers La Valla Leadership Camp
In Week 10, six of our Game Changers students from Year 10, along with Miss Nicotra and Mr James, will be travelling to Melbourne where they will come together with a number of other students from Marist schools around Australia for the La Valla Leadership camp. Over the three-day camp, students will have the opportunity to learn what it means to lead with a Marist heart while delving into the topics of authenticity, service, presence, empowerment, teamwork, and wellbeing. This is delivered through a series of prayers, games, presentations, and conversations. We hope the students and staff attending enjoy their experience and return to the College with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the leadership of our student community in the way of Saint Marcellin and Mary.
School Fees Reminder
Please ensure that you are on track to finalise payment of your College fees by 30 November 2024. If you need to discuss your account, please contact Accounts Receivable on 9204 9414 or fees@newman.wa.edu.au without delay.
On Wednesday, 4 September, we will gather for our Year 7-9 Celebration Assembly to recognise and honour the outstanding academic achievements of our Year 7-9 students from Semester One. This occasion is an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and successes of our young learners.
At Newman College, we believe that putting students at the centre of their goal-setting journey empowers them to strive for and reach their full potential, both academically and personally. Celebration is a powerful motivator, encouraging all students to continue pursuing personal excellence.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our Year 7-9 High Achievers next week.
PP-Y6 Athletics Carnival
On Friday 6 September, the combined Marian and Lavalla Athletics Carnival will take place at the Marcellin Campus Oval. This year’s event will follow a roving carnival format, which is designed to enhance student engagement and participation. The event program and map are attached below. Please note that event timings are approximate, so we recommend allowing extra time if you plan to attend specific activities.
Parents and spectators are welcome to attend and are asked to sit in the designated area on the western side of the Marcellin Oval. Specific facilities, including restrooms, are assigned for your use – please avoid using other College facilities. This is also an alcohol-free event.
We look forward to a successful day of competition and camaraderie. Thank you for your continued support of our staff and students, and special thanks to Ms Vlahov and Ms Richards for organising this event for our PP-6 students.
At Newman College, we understand that there are times when you may need to make decisions about your child’s attendance due to important family events or other personal reasons. As a College, we are guided by the Department of Education regulations, which require us to categorise absences as either “Approved” or “Unapproved.” Approved absences include circumstances such as illness, bereavement, or participation in College-endorsed events, while unapproved absences generally refer to holidays or family gatherings during term time.
We recognise that every family’s situation is unique, and there may be unavoidable circumstances that require your child to be absent from school. However, we kindly ask you to consider the potential impact that missing school can have on your child’s learning and academic progress. Unapproved absences may lead to your child missing out on important assessments or classroom activities, which could affect their overall academic performance, in line with our College Assessment Policies.
To support your child’s continued growth and learning, we strongly encourage planning family leave during the designated school holidays whenever possible. By doing so, you help ensure that your child remains engaged with their studies and can benefit from the full range of educational experiences we offer.
In a time of rapid technological change, Newman College is proud to be the first school in Western Australia to offer an AI course approved by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) as a School-Developed Endorsed course. This course not only prepares students for life after school but also contributes credits towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education.
Our course, AI Empowerment: Equipping Students for an Intelligent Future, is designed to meet the needs of students in Western Australia today. To thrive in modern society, every person needs to be ‘digitally literate’—meaning they should have the basic digital skills to succeed in the workplace (Bawden, 2008). By 2030, there will be a demand for 161,000 specialist AI workers in Australia (CSIRO, 2019), which makes it crucial that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they will need in an AI-driven world.
Students graduating in 2030, like those currently in Year 6, will face this new reality, yet many of them, and those in later years, currently have limited understanding of AI. Our course aims to fill this gap, focusing on empowering students, particularly those in Years 10-12, as they prepare for life after school. Whilst mapping our digital technology electives in the middle secondary school to begin empowerment even earlier.
It is vital that schools, from primary through to secondary, teach AI concepts so that future generations can become informed citizens who understand the technologies they use every day. Students need to develop AI literacy to live, learn, and work in the digital world (Steinbauer et al., 2021). By giving secondary students, the chance to learn about the basics of AI—its science, possibilities, limits, and social and economic impacts—we prepare them for further AI studies or careers (Heintz, 2021). Introducing AI concepts early in their education sets a strong foundation for their future, fostering curiosity and innovation in young minds and setting them up for lifelong learning and exploration.
Our course emphasises real-world learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, students see how AI can automate and enhance tasks (Ali et al., 2022). The course also nurtures creativity—a uniquely human trait that is less likely to be automated. Encouraging creativity helps students use AI to generate new ideas and innovative solutions, making them more employable in the future. As AI becomes part of many industries, understanding AI concepts, applications, and ethics will become even more valuable. This course prepares students for success, whether they choose AI-related careers or become developers of AI technologies. It also helps develop a generation of AI-literate professionals who can navigate and contribute to our rapidly changing technological world and understand their ethical responsibilities when using AI.
By introducing AI concepts before students reach tertiary education or the workforce, and by focusing on critical thinking, ethics, practical skills, and future readiness, this course helps schools equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century as traditional academic learning alone no longer meets the demands of the modern world (World Economic Forum, 2016).
On Monday evening, the College was very fortunate to have Scottie and Mary Wood from Adventure Works speak to our staff and then our Year 10 parents and guardians about the upcoming Year 10 Camp. Scottie spoke about the value of camps for our adolescents in providing them with space to challenge themselves and get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Mary spoke about the bonds that students create when in these environments, and how these benefit students, Pastoral Care Groups and cohorts in the future. We are looking forward to our students embarking upon this experience in Week 6.
Leadership Program
52 aspiring Year 11 student leaders are currently engaging in our Leadership Program. Over the past couple of weeks, our student leaders have heard from several key staff on topics such as: servant leadership, the influence of values, leadership styles and legacy. Our Year 11 students have actively engaged in these workshops: sharing ideas, promoting active listening and demonstrating a love of work. All formal applications are due on Friday 9 August, with voting for students and staff commencing in Week 5.
Guild Athletics Carnival
Our Guild Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday 1 August and despite the concerning forecast, it was the perfect day for an Athletics Carnival. Guild spirit was alive and well, and there was healthy competition and keen participation across the day. Marcellin Guild retained the Guild Athletics Shield for the second year in a row, and Thomas More won the Guild Spirit award. Thank you to Mrs Marnie Barrett, Miss Kate Thayer, our Guild Coordinators, Health and PE staff and all of our Marcellin staff for their efforts and support of such a fantastic day.
Celebration Assembly – Wednesday 14 August
On Wednesday 14 August, the Year 10, 11 and 12 students will gather in the gym to celebrate our high achievers across these year groups from Semester One. Year 10 students who received three or more academic excellence awards will be acknowledged, along with our Year 11 and Year 12 General High Achievers and our students with a predicted ATAR of over 90 based on their Semester One results. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians of our high achievers to the College to celebrate their achievements as a community.
State Representation
Congratulations to the following students for selection in the Western Australian teams in their respective sports:
Ruby Hankinson (Year 10) – Ruby is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast for the second year in a row. She competed as an Aerobic Gymnast and this year made the final in a very competitive field.
Savannah Doyle (Year 12) – Savanah is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast
Jackson Paynter (Year 10) – Jackson represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events and 1 final achieving PB’s across all strokes.
Rhys Fowler (Year 8) – Rhys represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 6 events including the 400m Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly, where he achieved a PB.
Kaydee Van Deventer (Year 8) – Kaydee represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events, making 6 finals and winning silver in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 100m Butterfly.
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.
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject selection for Year 11, 2025
Thank you to all families who participated in the subject selection process for Year 11, 2025. The College is currently finalising missing selections and constructing the timetable for 2025.
VET Certificates (TAFE courses) and Work Experience for 2025
The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024.
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
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.
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2025 might find the following interesting:
The 2024 edition of the Apprentice Intake Guide has now been published. This guide is a large listing of many different apprenticeship opportunities available.
Students and families are advised that applications for University in 2025 are open as of 1 May 2024. Early Offers for University in 2025 will not be made to students until 2 September 2024. The currently available information about Early Offers is in the table below.
University
Early Offer Information
Curtin University
Early Offers are available for ATAR and non-ATAR students. Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. If your predicted ATAR is five points above the ATAR score required for your selected course, you will receive an early offer that secures your place in Semester 1, 2025. Your offer won’t be dependent on your final Year 12 ATAR score. You will still need to complete WACE and meet the English and subject requirements for your course. If your predicted ATAR is less than five points above the ATAR score required for your course, you will still receive an early offer for a place at Curtin. You will need to achieve a final ATAR that meets course entry requirements, and meet WACE, English and subjects requirements for the course. If you are not studying the ATAR Pathway, your early offer will be conditional upon you meeting the admission criteria for your chosen course, achieving WACE and meeting Curtin’s English requirements.
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Early Offer calculated from your most recent school results including exams. 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 Early Offer course as your first preference. Offers will be made on 2 September, 23 September, 14 October, 18 November and 2 December. Allow around 2 weeks for us assess your application. List of courses available for Early Offers is at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/early-offer-program
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 Early Offer course as your first preference.
Notre Dame University
Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. Offers will be made on 2 September, 20 September, 4 October, 11 December. Allow a few weeks for us assess your application. In the application you will be asked to provide details about your non-academic achievements and commitments, which may include work, caring responsibilities at home, volunteering, sports and school leadership, among others. Further information and eligible courses at https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/pathways/early-offer
University of Western Australia
Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. All students must satisfy UWA’s English requirements and any subject prerequisite requirements. Students can apply for an Early Offer for all degrees with UWA excluding Assured Pathways to Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy and Podiatric Medicine or the Bachelor of Biomedicine (specialised). Further information at: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/early-offers/FAQs
Information about University entry
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
It is here again! This week marked the beginning of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, and we have 277 students that entered in this extensive festival. The promotion and celebration of the Arts is as important as any other facet of student involvement and achievement. We are very proud of our talented, dedicated students and staff in the Arts. Our best wishes to all performers in their various events over the next six weeks.
Preparing for Leadership Year 12 2025
As the term gets underway, our Year 11 students who have nominated for leadership have begun working through a series of workshops. Yesterday, they gathered at our Morning Mass to receive the community’s blessing and support. There are 52 students applying to serve the College in Portfolio and Guild leadership and they are a wonderful group of young people eager to serve. The leadership process will be concluded by the end of the term and there will be the symbolic handover Class of 2024 and the incoming Year 12 2025 leaders. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers.
Shine Program
The Shine program operates across our whole College, providing opportunities for extension in learning. Last week, I had the opportunity to sit with the Year 7 Shine class and listen to their developing Shark Tank concepts. The class members were tasked with looking at ways to tackle real-life challenges at school with the view to making experiences better for other students. Several groups were examining ways to help the Year 7 2025 cohort transition smoothly into secondary school. As they worked, it was inspiring to see them grapple with our Vision for Learning pillars: Challenge, Collaborate Create and Celebrate.
Marist Schools Australia Conference
Beginning this weekend and concluding on Tuesday evening, the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference takes place in Alice Springs. The accompanying image First Light – Reveal the Spirit has been our Marist theme for 2024 and is an image taken from Standley Chasm in Alice Springs. The Conference focuses on enlivening the provision of high quality, contemporary evangelisation, its connection with indigenous spirituality and Catholic education in the Marist tradition. Three Newman College staff will be attending with me and we will also be presenting in one workshop on the topic of school improvement and student growth.
Year 10 Girls AFL Team
The AFL girls team showed amazing hard work and great teamwork, finishing the day undefeated and winning the Dockers Cup Division 2. Well done and congratulations to the whole team on this fantastic achievement!
