Earlier this week we announced the Year 12 leaders for 2025. The process was difficult due to the high calibre of students who expressed their passion and willingness to lead and serve our school community. We received numerous outstanding applications and were inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by all of the students.
In my meetings with the incoming leaders, I have outlined that one of their most important acts of leadership is to ensure they include and develop the leadership of students without a badge. I thank all students who nominated for positions and encourage those who were unsuccessful in formal positions to continue to lead with courage and passion.
Congratulations to the following students:
College Captains:
Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard
Academic Captains:
Laura Nolan and Leo Mason
Art Captains:
Ella Nguyen and Campbell Smith
Mission Captains:
Catherine Fardell and Kevin Xanthis
Sports Captains:
Amy Wilson and Will Gilbert
Wellbeing Captains:
Jasmin Afflick and Layla Do
Brigid Guild Captains:
Lia Young and Abby Vilé
Camara Guild Captains:
Grace D’Arcy and Gen Carless
Catherine Guild Captains:
Lucy Peel and James Barnard
Chisholm Guild Captains:
Daniel Miniello and Natalie Smith
Marcellin Guild Captains:
Jodie Belzunce and Flynn Morison
Mackillop Guild Captains:
Tahlia Bell and Stefano Rapanaro
Romero Guild Captains:
Holly Kallawk and Stefan Constantine
Thomas More Guild Captains:
Grace Gordon and Mia Swain
Celebrate Assembly – Year 12 Farewell Assembly
This week, we celebrated the Class of 2024. Whilst the Graduation Mass and Dinner will take place early next term with families, this day and its rituals are greatly treasured by students and parents. The final week for Year 12 was an exciting one that provided opportunities at Guild, Year and College levels to express our care and best wishes for a fine group of young women and men. The Year 12 group also had fun in the official planned activities. Thank you to the staff involved in the running of these events.
In the Principal’s Address to the Assembly on Thursday, I addressed this message to our Year 12s:
“You are created and called. Let family spirit, presence, a love of work, simplicity and the way of Mary find a place in your heart, and I encourage you to draw on the Marist Way that keeps you considering always your important part in making a better world.
Each of you have different gifts and have followed different paths while at this College. Our sincere hope is that you have always felt that those diverse paths have been equally valuable and valued; that your worth and dignity are innate and inviolable; and that your school has been an extension of the care and hope held for you by your families.”
Year 6 Leaders Initiative
Recently, a group representing the Year 6 Leadership gave a very good presentation to the College Executive highlighting their initiative for wellbeing. They have a ‘bench project’ designed to create spaces of wellbeing and friendship for Lavalla students. What a great initiative! Later in the year, we will report on the installation of the project.
ACC Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all the athletes who represented Newman College in the ACC Athletics Carnival. The participating students came 5 overall in the competition, an outstanding achievement. The Overall Boys division saw us finishing third.
A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff members for their encouragement and support of the students.
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Imogen Boss for her outstanding achievement in ACC. Imogen was awarded ‘Double Letters’ for athletics and swimming by Trent Sharpe from the ACC at the Celebration Assembly. Imogen’s dedication and determination serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Congratulations to Imogen on receiving this prestigious award.
The World’s Worst Breakups- Drama Performance
Last week we enjoyed an evening performance of this play brought to the stage by students from Years 7-10. Not only was it a joy to view on the night but the play received accolades on the weekend at the YouthFest awards.
Best Actor (senior division) Sam Cousins Year 10;
Best Production (senior division), and
Best Director (senior division) Mr Josh Lang.
Jasper Bock Year 9 received an adjudicator’s certificate for his backstage role. Well done, everyone!
Year 12 Music Night
One of the final events of the term is the Year 12 Music Night. Families and staff gathered in the Marist Auditorium to be entertained by the music students of Year 12. The group showed their many talents in presenting across genres of music and performing more than one instrument. A great night!
Italian Language Tour
Last weekend 15 students and three staff began their Italian Language Tour, landing in Rome. In the two weeks of the program, they will be immersing themselves in language workshops, as well as visiting the major cities of Italy. We wish them safe travels.
End of Term
I find Term 3 is a special time in the calendar year. It is a unique term full of so many opportunities where students are so engaged in our “Vision for Learning – Shine through Discovery”. In their participation in the events and opportunities Term 3 has offered, our students across the whole College have let their light shine in Challenge, Collaboration, Creation and Celebration as individuals and groups. It has been a joy to see them in small moments and large events, as they pursue their personal excellence.
Please keep the Year 12s in your prayers as the students sit their final exams.
I wish all students, families and staff a restful and safe break as this term comes to an end.
