Term 1 has presented many challenges for families and the College with the COVID-19 Omicron variant permeating Western Australia. As the State’s borders have opened we have seen numbers of infections steadily increase, impacting the wider community and our school. Thank you to families for responding to the many changes that have taken place throughout the term. We are hoping for a more settled College environment in Term 2 as some restrictions for schools are lifted.
Last week I spent time in Victoria visiting three Marist schools. Each school is different but all connected by our Marist family and shared mission. Speaking with students and teachers was an eye opener for me as they told of their experiences living in lockdown for the most part of the last two years. Year 9 students, for example, have not yet completed a full term of high school. This term will be the first. Year 9 students have never been to a College Mass, Assembly, a secondary school camp, excursion, incursion or any other whole school event. Only in the last few weeks has co-curricular recommenced for these schools. It has been a challenging road but they are on the journey together. Their resilience is marked by their aspirations; aspirations that we all have – to live life and live it to the full.
As we journey together towards the end of term, perhaps it is timely that we reflect on our local context. How we engaged in our learning this term, how we sought support, how agile and flexible have we been? The COVID-19 Pandemic is now a major disruption in our State and now our school. The uncertainty and the complexity of the road ahead can and is causing anxiety for teachers, students and families. Where we draw support and how we build resilience will be critical as we move towards Term 2.
150 Years of Marist Education in Australia
This year, we celebrate 150 years of Marist education in Australia. 56 schools will gather today at a Mass held in Sydney to celebrate our Marist Project – one where our Founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, championed the education and aspirations of dislocated youth. This hope and this mission is ever present today.
End of Term
So, as we reflect on the term, thank you for your presence and contribution to the life of our community. We have achieved much this term across curricular and co-curricular pursuits. Congratulations to all students for your resilience and commitment to your learning.
Easter Message
Marcellin Easter Liturgy
In many ways it is a blessing that Easter is upon us. Our Christianity is predicated on this story; the death and resurrection of Christ and the new life and the hope that emerges from the despair and dislocation that forever permeates our world. If anything, we need to draw on this hope that lies within us and those around us. This Marist community is founded on our family spirit and that presence that values relationships.
I encourage all families to attend the Easter services over Holy Week. Take a moment and give thanks with the hope that Easter brings.
Applications for VET Certificates at TAFE for 2024 have now closed, however, applications for VET Certificates at a small number of Registered Training Organisations remain open. If still interested in applying for a VET Certificate for 2024, please see the details here:
Applications for VET Certificates at TAFE for 2024 have now closed, however, applications for VET Certificates at a small number of Registered Training Organisations remain open. If still interested in applying for a VET Certificate for 2024, please see the details here:
Credit towards your WACE, from non-school activities
Are you doing a non-school-subject activity that you would like to count towards your WACE? This might include things like:
TAFE / VET Certificate studies that you are planning to complete this year
Work Experience
Any other ‘endorsed program’ like Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh, Dance Teaching, Bronze Medallion etc
If you would like any of the above counted towards your WACE, then you will need to provide the school with evidence that you have completed the activity. For example:
For TAFE – your Certificate
For Work Experience – completed logbook
The deadline for the school receiving this information was Term 4, end of Week 6.
Year 12
Applying to University for 2024 using TISC
TISC is the ‘normal’ way to apply to university. TISC applications are also open. Year 12 students have been provided with their login details and a detailed process via the Year 12 Team.
Advice and guidance for parents and students
Parents / guardians may find the following links useful:
We live in an increasingly digital society, and children are being exposed to social media at increasingly younger ages. This week we had some Lavalla students undertaking a TikTok challenge that had been shared amongst their peers via Snapchat outside of school hours. The age requirement for both of these apps is 13 years and above, yet we are continuing to see children exposed to content via these apps that is not age-appropriate and that they are not mature enough to understand and process.
I regularly utilise the website Commonsense media for impartial reviews on the appropriateness of digital and screen medias for children. It is a fantastic site that provides detailed and relevant information to enable informed decision making. Commonsense Media recommend that TikTok is only appropriate for children 15 years and over, and Snapchat for children 16 years and over. Whilst as a parent myself I understand the pressures of a persistent child who wants to access these applications, it is our role to understand that by allowing access to these applications, children are exposed to a large range of inappropriate media.
This year, the College will move towards a model of iPad management where we have greater control over the applications that can be downloaded onto devices. The roll-out of this management will commence in Term 2 and further information will be provided to parents as we begin this process. In the meantime, I strongly encourage parents to discuss responsible use of digital medias and discuss your rules and boundaries with your child regularly. This will be supported by our in-school programs on cybersafety and responsible use of digital technology.
Thank you to 2 Red students and Mrs McAuliffe for the wonderful assembly item that they prepared for our first Marian Assembly of 2022. A big congratulations to all our Merit Award winners also, who have all achieved wonderful things in a variety of different areas.
Due to COVID restrictions, we are unable to gather as a whole campus for our assembly but we encourage you to watch it here.
Swimming Carnival
Students in Years 3 to 6 competed in the Newman College Swimming Carnival today. Despite a required change to our usual format, due to COVID restrictions, we were pleased to still be able to run a fun-filled event that allowed children to participate across a range of different races.
A big thank you to Mrs Tash Richards, Lavalla Physical Education Teacher for her work in preparing students and organising the Carnival.
The students had a fabulous day and we saw some future-Olympians slicing through the water!
Easter Raffle Fundraiser – Project Compassion
In our efforts to raise funds for Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal this Lent, the Primary school will once again be conducting our annual Easter Raffle Fundraiser. This fundraiser relies on the generous donation of Easter eggs, by our Newman College families. The donated eggs are then assembled into hampers as prizes for the raffle.
In our efforts as a Catholic school community to address social injustices, we ask families to consider purchasing “slavery free” brand of chocolate.
We would also greatly appreciate the donation of any baskets or appropriate containers that can be used in assembling the prizes. Donations of eggs and baskets can be handed in at the Marian or Lavalla Administration office.
Separate raffle draws will be conducted at both the Lavalla and Marian campuses on Friday 8 April 2022. Tickets will be distributed to students on Monday 21 March and additional tickets will be available from the office on both campuses. Tickets will be 50c each or 6 for $2.50.
If there are any parents who are able to assist in assembling and wrapping the prize baskets, please let me know.
The devastating flood waters that inundated Lismore in recent days have completely covered Trinity Catholic College, causing damage to every classroom, staff area and facility. Whilst the town and College are used to floods and are well prepared for such events, the magnitude of this flood is beyond anything previously experienced. The destruction at the College is significant and the hardship on many hundreds of College families is acute, reflecting the situation for communities throughout the northern rivers region of NSW and southeast Queensland.
As fellow Marists, as we watch and listen to the news reports, we are compelled to ask, “How can we help?” One practical way is to provide financial support to the College community in order to help rebuild their school and more importantly the lives of the people who are Trinity Catholic College.
Thank you for your support of our Trinity College Lismore Appeal, everyone’s contribution will go a long way to supporting the community. If anyone wishes to make a further donation please contact me or money can be brought in on Monday.
Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday
Shrove Tuesday is the day prior to the beginning of the Lenten period which commences with Ash Wednesday. Pancakes were sold across the College to begin our fundraising for Project Compassion and are eaten on this day as a symbol to represent our commitment to fast, give alms and pray during Lent.
Although COVID restrictions meant we couldn’t gather as a whole school to acknowledge the beginning of Lent, we were able to move our Ash Wednesday Liturgy online. Students were able to receive ashes following the latest COVID advice that was distributed via the Vatican, with a sprinkle on the head. Classroom teachers and PCG teachers, led students through a liturgy prepared by our Year 6 students in the primary and the Faith & Liturgy and Social Justice Captains in the secondary. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and a time when we can reset our relationships with God, others, self and creation.
We are encouraged to do this through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Students across the College will be encouraged to give generously to Project Compassion again in 2022.
Project Compassion
Our Vision for Mission calls us to serve humanity and raise up those experiencing poverty. At Newman College, we commit to supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion every year during Lent. This is an opportunity for our school to raise funds to support under privileged societies around the world.
The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is For All Future Generations. Together, we can create lasting change for people living in some of the most vulnerable and low-income regions in the world.
Caritas Fast
Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year, in support of Project Compassion, students are invited to participate in the
Caritas Fast To be held on Tuesday 22 March 2022 (Week 8)
Students participating will be given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch. This small amount of food will help those participating appreciate how little some people in our world must eat.
Important Details:
Students wishing to participate will register with their PCG teacher by Monday 14th March.
Students participating in the Fast are asked to collect a minimum of $10 each.
Students who have raised $10, and are participating in the Fast, may wear Guild uniform on the day.
On a fun-filled Thursday, 3rd March 2022 a group of 24:7 Youth Ministry volunteers came to each class to teach the students about Confirmation and how to prepare to receive the Sacrament.
For the whole day they engaged us with fun, yet educational activities. The staff members were kind and friendly with a passion to teach and a positive mindset. We were given a friendly introduction before being split into smaller groups with a leader for each group. Students were given tasks and worksheets to discuss in their small groups. Now it wasn’t all just work. We would take small breaks in between tasks to reset our mind and have some fun too.
We learnt many things during this retreat such as, the seven sacraments and what each mean as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how you can use them to become a better person.
One of the best parts was definitely lighting the candles. Students lined up to receive a candle while the others prayed the Rosary. Students would light their small candles from a large candle. Once all the candles were lit, the illuminating glow helped us feel the warmth of God.
The Year 6s would like to thank 24:7 Youth Ministry for all the work they put into our lovely retreat. We would also like to that all the teachers who helped give us this amazing opportunity. This experience was fantastic and one we will always remember.
Student reflection by Ivy Sawkins and Madison Bradford
Service Learning
In Term 1, Newman College will be launching the Christian Service-Learning Program for Year 7, 8 and 9 students, “Living Marist”. Our Vision for Mission: to form Good Christians and Good Citizens, seeks to create within our students a spirit of service and compassion for the most vulnerable in our community.
This program is based on the Catholic Social Teachings and the imperatives of Jesus to serve others. Students will participate in a variety of experiences, be given opportunities to discern and reflect on their experiences and be encouraged to take further action in the community.
For information about this program can be found here.
Youth Ministry and Advocacy 2022
Newman College is a Catholic school founded on faith in Jesus Christ. Integral to this is the lived expression of the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The College is committed to engagement with the mission and expression of the Church through opportunities for reflection and practical works of outreach grounded in Catholic social teaching.
There is a wide range of ministry and advocacy opportunities available for our students in 2022 including Game Changers, Marist Connect Nights, Caritas, Lifelink and many more. Please click here for more information.
Game Changers
This Marist Youth Ministry Program encourages students to focus on areas of Leadership, Faith Development, Community and Ministry & Service. The program has three tracks from Year 7-12 and we gather every second Tuesday afternoon, with a retreat day each year, as well as camps and excursions in the senior years. Our next meeting is in Week 7, Tuesday 3:30-4:30
There is still time to join Game Changers for 2022 – students need to fill out the link here or see Mrs Bryson for more information.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Over the next few weeks our students in Year 4 – 6 will have the opportunity to celebrate the Rite of Reconciliation with their class. Through this Sacrament students have the opportunity to think about their lives, to understand their need for God’s forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness and healing. Many thanks to Fr Kaz from Floreat Parish, Fr Peter from Doubleview Parish and Fr Christian from Scarborough Parish who will be celebrating Reconciliation with our classes.
Thursday Morning Mass
Thursday morning Mass continues for students across the College.
Mass begins at 8.10am and is celebrated by our local priests.
Week 7, Thursday 17 March; Year 5 Students
Week 8, Thursday 24 March; Year 9 Students (hosted by those in Camara Guild)
Local Parish Event – St. Cecilia’s
24:7 Floreat Youth Group, for all youth in Years 6 to 12. Sunday @ St. Cecilia’s parish hall, 6-8pm. Water Fight 13th March 6pm-8pm at the Parish Centre. Call Clare on 0431944508 or Anthony on 045510885 for more information.
This week I met with our College Captains, Isabella O’Rourke and Joshua Downes. Under the guidance of Leadership Coordinator, Miss Guzzomi the Year 12 Student Leadership Team have certainly started strong. The enthusiasm for their roles and the commitment to school improvement is sensational and I cannot wait to see their vision become a reality for Newman College throughout 2022. This meeting was definitely the highlight of my week, reminding me how fortunate our staff are to work with Newman College students who let their light shine in all that they do.
Year 7 Parent Information Presentation & Subject Expo
Year 7 Parent Information Presentation and Subject Expo were made available online last week. The presentation contains important information for the year ahead. I encourage all Year 7 students to watch the video with their families.
Unfortunately, reports of students using e-cigarettes (vapes) at school has increased. I reminded students at our online Marcellin assembly on Monday morning, that possession or use of a vape on College grounds or in College uniform is a serious breach of College policies and will result in a student’s enrolment at the College being suspended immediately.
We are committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all students at Newman College and this behaviour does not contribute to a safe or healthy culture. I also encourage students who may witness this behaviour to speak to the Leader of Wellbeing so it may be followed up accordingly. For further information about e-cigarettes and the health impacts of vaping please click here.
Guild Cross Country
The Guild Cross Country Carnival has been rescheduled to Friday 18 March. Students are permitted to wear their Guild Uniform for the day and are encouraged to put on sunscreen before their event. Sunscreen will also be available at the start of the race. Zooper Doopers will be available for purchase for 50 cents after each race, all proceeds will go towards Project Compassion.
HASS Week
HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) Week will be celebrated at the College from March 12 – March 20. Students are encouraged to check the notices for more information. Lunch time activities for Years 7 – 9 will occur Wednesday – Friday in the St John Henry Newman Learning Hub.
Secondary Youth Leadership Conference
On Tuesday 16 March, a number of our Year 12 Student Leaders will participate in an online Leadership Conference. Students will have an opportunity to hear from guest speakers and participate in team activities which focus on positive approaches to leadership, creative ways to undertake teamwork and communication and coaching skills.
Year 9 WW1 Artefacts
This week the Y9s have been learning all about WW1 and we were lucky enough to have been loaned some artefacts from the museum to have a look at. Historian Lucy Lane has been brilliant with the students walking them through the significance of each piece.
Year 12 Geography
On Tuesday 8th March, at a very early hour, students studying 12 General Geography ventured off on a field excursion to Cunderdin and Meckering. The towns are located 200km east of Perth, and are the sites of the 1968 Meckering earthquake.
The students were able to experience what it felt like during the earthquake in the ‘earthquake house’ at the Cunderdin museum. Students then headed back to Meckering and were further fascinated to learn more about the earthquake by exploring the bent railway track, crushed water pipe and the old town site. Finally, before heading back to Perth, the students developed their field skills, creating a sketch map of the uplift of the land, which is still evident today.
We were all amazed to be standing on rock, the Yilgarn Craton, that is 2.8 billion years old.
Leeuwin Youth Development program – Experience new adventure in 2022!
STS Leeuwin II is based in Fremantle, is Australia’s largest tall ship, and was purpose built for the youth of Western Australia. Spending a week at sea will challenge students to test their personal limits and try new things. Students will develop their teamwork and communication skills, as well as build resilience and confidence. A Leeuwin voyage is a week at sea, a perfect opportunity to witness the vastness of nature in a marine environment and really get to know their peers and themselves. Follow this link to discover your sea legs Leeuwin Ocean Adventure – About Us (sailleeuwin.com)
Focus on Mining
The Focus on Mining program consists of residential camps that provide an opportunity for students to explore career and study pathways in WA’s resources sector. During the camps, students tour mine sites and meet role models in the industry. For more information on 2022 camps, please click on this link, Focus on Mining | Engage (curtin.edu.au)
YEAR 11
Subject changes
If you would like to change one (or more) of your subjects, please be aware of the following guidelines:
You can change out of a Unit 1 and into a different Unit 1 until the end of Term 1. However, the later you make the change the more work there is to catch up in your new subject.
After the Semester 1 exams you can change into a new subject and just study Unit 2 of the new subject. You will need permission from the relevant Leader of Learning to do this.
After 27 June no further subject changes can be made.
Please see Mr Farley or Ms Beekink with subject change requests.
Defence Force work experience program
Each year, the Australian Defence Force runs various work experience programs in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Considering a career in the Air Force? Air Force Aviation Program for Women, Bullsbrook, WA. Applications close Sunday 13 March 2022.
Wondering what a career in the Air Force or Navy would be like?
Air Force familiarisation, RAAF Base Pearce, WA. Applications close Sunday 27 March 2022.
Navy Familiarisation, HMAS Stirling, Garden Island WA. Applications close Sunday 29 May 2022.
This is a five-day program taking place in the April school holidays for young women considering a career in the Air Force as a pilot or a range of other Air Force careers. Read more and apply for the program here: Air Force Aviation Program for Women Applications close Sunday 13 March 2022.
Focus on Mining
The Focus on Mining program consists of residential camps that provide an opportunity for students to explore career and study pathways in WA’s resources sector. During the camps, students tour mine sites and meet role models in the industry.
2022 Focus on Mining Camps
4 – 8 July (Kalgoorlie – girls) – Northern Star
27 September – 1 October (Kalgoorlie – mixed gender) – Northern Star
These local businesses have contacted Newman as they have some connection with our College community, and they would like to offer an employment/apprenticeship opportunity to a student from Newman. Please contact the company directly if interested.
Plumbing: Paul Kelsall from Northstar Services: 0411 196 750
Air conditioning: Brent Davies from Supplied Air Scarborough: 0448 209 070
YEAR 12
Subject changes
If you would like to change one (or more) of your subjects, please be aware of the following guidelines:
You can change subjects until 30 March 2022.
After 30 March, the timetable is locked and no further changes can be made.
The one exception to the above is that ATAR students can drop one of their ATAR subjects and take up a study line until 20 July 2022. But you must have permission from your Leader of Wellbeing and you will need a very good reason.
Please see Mr Farley or Mr Puljiz with subject change requests.
Early University Offers
Information is starting to appear about Early Offers for University entry in 2023.
A summary of this appears in the table below.
Scholarships – Keep up to date and informed on future scholarship opportunities
The Larsen Jewellery Design Scholarship aims to support and educate students wishing to either commence or further their education in a visual arts, design or jewellery related field. The Scholarship is designed for students who display a passion for jewellery, design or visual arts. Scholarship details | Curtin University, Perth, Australia Applications open 16 February 2002 and close 30 November 2022
2022 National Council of Women WA – STEM Bursary
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 11 MARCH 2022
National Council of Women of WA are calling for nominations for the 2022 Science, Technology & Mathematics (STEM) Bursary. The bursary is available to female students studying a STEM course in Western Australia at a Year 12, TAFE or University level. Scholarship details | Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Love animals? Are you interested in a career in Zoo Keeping?
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (Perth) is a competitive 12-month course at Perth Zoo delivered by the Taronga Training Institute.
Applications open 15 August each year for commencement the following February.
Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry next year?
If you are planning to study Medicine (at Curtin, or Assured Pathway at UWA) or Dentistry next year, you must sit the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year. Please see below for some important dates:
1 March: bookings open
17 May: deadline for booking
1 July: testing begins
12 August: last testing date
You can check https://www.ucat.edu.au/ for things like practice tests and tips to succeed. Also you are welcome to book a time with Mr Farley if you’d like to discuss entry to Medicine / Dentistry.
Early University Scholarships
Year 12 students may be interested in applying for the Christian Leaders Scholarship, which provides financial assistance throughout a University degree. For further details, please visit: https://ichthys.org.au/wordpress/christian-leaders-scholarship/
Careers at the ABC
ABC News Cadetship Program for aspiring journalists and Trainee Programs in operations, content making and technology are available at the ABC. Keep up to date with opportunities via www.abc.net.au/careers
Women in the Air Force Program
This is a five-day program taking place in the April school holidays for young women considering a career in the Air Force as a pilot or a range of other Air Force careers. Read more and apply for the program here: Air Force Aviation Program for Women Applications close Sunday 13 March 2022.
Local job opportunities
These local businesses have contacted Newman as they have some connection with our College community, and they would like to offer an employment/apprenticeship opportunity to a student from Newman. Please contact the company directly if interested.
Plumbing: Paul Kelsall from Northstar Services: 0411 196 750
Air conditioning: Brent Davies from Supplied Air Scarborough: 0448 209 070
Ever dreamt about speaking on stage at TEDx? Now’s your chance!
TEDx KingsPark, in partnership with Curtin University, is looking for people aged 14-21 years with a great idea for creating change! All you need to do is upload a 30-second video of yourself explaining your idea, and you’ll be in the running. The top six finalists will get to share their idea at TEDxYouth@KingsPark on Saturday 30 April 2022 – Australia’s largest TEDx event for young people. The winning idea will be turned into a 4-5 minute TEDx talk and published on the official TEDx YouTube channel! Interested? Submit your 30-second video now: https://tedxkingspark.org/30-second-ideas/
Open Day at University
University Open Days are coming up in the months of March and April. Open Days are a great way to find out what the campus offers, see the facilities, and meet lecturers and fellow students. Check the Upcoming Career Events calendar for more information or visit Justin Farley at the Pathways office.
