We鈥檝e had a fantastic start to our first two weeks as a united Pre-Kindy to Year 6 Primary Campus. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all staff for their tireless efforts over the school holidays in preparing the classrooms to warmly welcome our youngest students.
It has been a joy to see students proudly showing their parents around their new learning spaces. The excitement and energy across the campus have been palpable, with students thoroughly enjoying their new classrooms and playgrounds.
4 GreenAssembly
Today, 4 Green took us on a Star Wars inspired journey through the galaxy, reminding us of the power of choosing the path of good and showing how setbacks can strengthen us and sometimes turn out even better than we imagined.
A big thank you to the students and teachers of 4 Green for their creativity, energy, and meaningful message.
6 GreenAssembly
Last week, 6 Green led our first assembly of the term with the theme centred on recognising the unique gifts and talents that God has given each of us. They reminded us that God calls us to use these gifts in positive ways to support and uplift others, helping us grow as good Christians and good citizens. Well done to 6 Green for starting the term with such a thoughtful and inspiring message.
Lavalla Carpark
We have been working hard to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at school pick up. I wish to thank you all for embracing our Marist characteristics, allowing everyone to exit the carpark in a timely manner. To support this, I request:
PK and Kindy parents promptly collect their child at 2.45pm and vacate the carpark promptly prior to the rush.
Year 3-6 families arrive at Kiss n Ride at 3.10pm, allowing our junior primary students to pick up first. I understand that this is not always possible if you have children across different year groups.
You ensure your surname is easily visible on your dashboard or car visor, allowing duty staff to prepare your child for pick up.
As per my correspondence last week, we will be trialling right hand turns onto Empire Ave from week 3. I will update you on how this goes. Thank you again for your patience and cooperation over the past two weeks.
Child Safety
We have had some instances of older siblings dropping off Pre-Primary students to class. A friendly reminder to please ensure that an adult drops off Pre-Primary students. We have also had some instances of students waiting in the auditorium for sport practice after school for up to 90 minutes without any supervision. We are blessed at 今日吃瓜 to have OSH Club before and after school, fees may be eligible for government rebates .
Homework Club
Homework Club for years 3-6 is up and running for Term Two, taking place every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the 3鈥�6 Building (Ground Floor).
To ensure the safety and accountability of all students:
Teachers will sign in students upon their arrival.
Parents or guardians are required to present themselves to sign their child out at the conclusion of the session.
If you wish for your child to be dismissed without parent collection, please inform us by emailing primary.admin@newman.wa.edu.au no later than the Friday prior to the Homework Club session.
We kindly ask that all students are collected promptly at 4:30 pm to ensure staff can conclude the session on time.
Primary students are NOT permitted to attend secondary Homework Club in the JHN Learning Hub.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for our students.
PP to Year 6 Disco- Save the Date
Get your dancing shoes ready! Our School Disco will be held on Friday 19th September.
Pre-Primary to Year 2: 4:00pm 鈥� 5:00pm
Year 3 to Year 6: 5:15pm 鈥� 6:30pm
Stay tuned for more details and the booking link coming soon!
Book Week Parade
Our book week dress up and parade will be held on Tuesday 19th August in the undercover basketball courts.
I was very fortunate last night to attend the Middle School production of Emil & The Detectives. I really enjoy these shows, and it is so heartwarming to see how well the students come together to produce something so amazing. One of the things I really enjoyed in the lead up to the show was reading the short biographies of all the students taking part. In their reflections on the show, many students spoke to the strong sense of belonging and connection opportunities like this bring. This is something that is so important to recognise.
For many students involved in the arts, shows like Emil & the Detectives are more than just giving a performance, they are moments to share their gifts, form strong friendships, and express themselves. Shows like this also help students build confidence and allow them to feel seen and valued for who they are, as well as the talents they bring to our community. Just as heartening for me, however, is the sight of so many students in the audience supporting and cheering on their peers. Their presence to each other reminds me of our great Marist sense of family spirit. In relating to each other in the same way as we would a loving family, it is a good reminder that we all have a part to play in building an inclusive, encouraging environment, where the value and worth of students can be uplifted as we share in each other’s successes and efforts.
As we come to the end of these first weeks of Term 3, I find myself in a space of deep gratitude for those staff, students, and families who support these endeavours. The P.E. staff preparing for a busy Athletics Carnival, our Game Changers mentors preparing for retreats, and of course our Arts team, who are constantly seeking new opportunities to build that sense of presence, family spirit, and love of work across our community. These are just some of the groups hard at work in our College, helping to shape our 鈥楳arist heart鈥�. These experiences remind us of the importance of a holistic education that is not just about learning outcomes, but also about forming young people who are confident, connected, and compassionate. My sincere thanks to everyone who continues to bring this spirit to life in so many meaningful ways.
Assumption Day
On Friday 15 August, we will come together to celebrate Assumption Day, a significant day in the life of the Church, and especially for us as a Marist school. The Feast of the Assumption is also the Feast Day of the Marist Brothers, and it holds deep meaning for those of us seeking to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat.
We will celebrate with mass across our primary and secondary campuses, before celebrating the afternoon with our annual fete day. Students will be able to pre-order their lunch for the fete this year and have the chance to buy tickets in $5, $10 and $20 denominations so they can take part in the fete activities. Links for preordering lunches and purchasing tickets will be provided closer to the date. Importantly, all funds raised on the day will be going toward Australian Marist Solidarity, an organisation that supports vulnerable communities across Asia and the Pacific through education. This includes some of the organisations we visit as part of our Philippines Immersion, which will occur in late November again this year.
We look forward to welcoming students to what should be a beautiful day.
As we begin the new school term, I鈥檇 like to remind students and families of the importance of adhering to the College鈥檚 Uniform and Personal Presentation Standards. Unfortunately, there was a noticeable decline in standards as we approached the end of Term 2, and it is my hope that we can work together to improve. Setting and expecting consistent and high standards of uniform and grooming creates a sense of belonging and minimises distractions, which allows students and staff to focus on teaching and learning.
This term, uniform standards will continue to be monitored, and Leaders of Wellbeing will reinforce expectations and issue consequences for students who consistently do not adhere to the College鈥檚 Uniform and Personal Presentation standards. There will be particular attention to students wearing their blazer to and from school (and to PCG, Period 1 and Period 2), skirt length, tucked in shirts and personal presentation such as make-up, jewellery and hair.
We appreciate your continued support in upholding these expectations.
Year 10 Camp Parent Information Session:
The Year 10 Adventure Camp takes place in Term 4 and is a compulsory event for all students. The camp is run in conjunction with Adventure Works and will see our Year 10 students enter an unfamiliar and somewhat remote environment. The camp will give students the opportunity to challenge themselves to develop leadership and self-management skills, resilience, and personal independence. There will be a parents and guardians information session on Monday 4 August from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Marist Auditorium. We look forward to seeing you there. Further information can be found .
On Friday night, June 27, the Year 11 students gathered at the beautiful Wembley Golf Course to celebrate a memorable evening of fun, friendship, and reflection at their annual Dinner Dance. This highly anticipated event came on the heels of a two-day leadership retreat, where students explored personal growth, built team connections, and developed essential leadership skills for their upcoming final year of high school.
The Dinner Dance provided the perfect opportunity for students to unwind, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen the bonds formed during the retreat. Dressed in elegant evening wear, students arrived at the venue with excitement and energy. The atmosphere was vibrant, with music and laughter.
Throughout the evening, students enjoyed a delicious meal and shared moments that will last a lifetime.
Special thanks must go to the staff who organised both the retreat and the Dinner Dance. The evening was a true highlight of the school calendar, and one that students will remember fondly as they continue their journey into Year 12 and beyond.
Poppy Vogl 鈥� Year 11 Brigid
今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025今日吃瓜 Year 11 Dance 2025
Year 11 Leadership Retreat:
At the end of Term 2 Year 11s had the opportunity to engage with student leaders, members of the Executive, and teachers to reflect on and learn about leadership in different contexts.
These two days reminded students that all students have the capacity to within the College community, particularly as we move into Year 12. Becoming leaders within our school means being responsible, accountable, and full of creative ideas that benefit everyone. On the first day, the current year 11s chose what leadership activities they wanted to participate in for the day. Activities included public speaking, leadership in sport, leadership in the army, creativity and collaboration, leadership styles, and many other fantastic activities. On the second day the Year 11s participated in team building in guilds, legacy and leadership, an introduction to the student leadership process, and a panel discussion with the current year 12 leaders. Thank you to Mrs Ognenis, Mr van der Heever and Mr McClorey for their support and organisation of the Year 11 Leadership Retreat, the College Executive team, and our teacher volunteers for their engaging and interesting workshops. Year 11 students are now beginning the process of applying for Year 12 leadership positions.
Alana Lenzo 鈥� Year 11 Catherine
Guild Athletics Carnival:
The Guild Athletics Carnival is being held on Thursday 7 August, Term 3, Week 3. This is a compulsory event for all students in Years 7 鈥� 12 (excluding those Year 11-12 students who are required at TAFE for these days).
Students are expected to make their own way to and from the WA State Athletics Stadium. Students are asked to arrive by 8:25am and be collected at 3pm. There will be buses to and from the College for any students that are not able to make their way to and from the venue. If your child requires a spot on the hired buses, complete the following form:
Students must wear their Guild Uniform, not PE shirts, with correct PE footwear. PE jackets may be worn, and non-College jumpers will not be permissible. It is also highly recommended that students bring a hat and sunscreen and wet weather gear if rain is expected. Students must bring their own lunch and water, as no food will be available for purchase at the Stadium.
Parent spectators are welcome and seating for parents is available at the northern end of the main grandstand. Parking for parent spectators is available at the southern end of the stadium. Parent spectators and helpers are asked to sign in at the northern end of the main grandstand and collect a College visitor badge. To ensure a respectful and comfortable environment for all our students and families, we kindly ask that parents and guests be mindful if taking photographs at the Guild Athletics Carnival. Please avoid taking close-up photos or videos of children other than your own, and refrain from sharing group photos on social media. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all.
Assumption Day/Fete Day:
Assumption Day will be celebrated on August 15 with a College mass followed by our annual Fete Day. To assist with planning for the day, students have been asked to complete an online form to place a food order via their Year Group Team. Please encourage your child to complete the form this weekend if they haven鈥檛 already. Further information regarding our Assumption Day/Fete Day celebrations, including the link for purchasing lunches and tokens, will be communicated shortly.
Recognition of State Representation:
Congratulations to Year 10 student Benji and Year 11 student Ruby, who represented Western Australia at the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast in July.
Benji competed in the Level 9 Men’s division, earning his place among the nation鈥檚 best with a consistent performance that saw him finish strong in a highly competitive field.
Ruby had an outstanding meet, qualifying for the finals in all three of her aerobic routines. She placed 7th in the Individual event, 5th in the Pair, and capped off the competition with a Bronze medal in the Group routine.
State Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete鈥檚 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 .
Mre Carla Pastorelli
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:
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:
Here is a parents guide to University:
And here is the 鈥淔irst in Family鈥� resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University:
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you:
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:
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
University Early Offer information
Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information.
Early Offers are now open, and all Year 12 students have been provided with information about how to access the TISC system and enter preferences.
Students and families can find this information here:
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 Curtin Early Offer course as your first preference. Full information and list of eligible courses at:
Edith Cowan University
Full information and list of eligible courses at: 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.
Notre Dame University
Full information and list of eligible courses at: Opens 1 May 2025. First offers released to students on 1 September 2025. Apply via the Notre Dame online portal or via TISC. Open to ATAR Pathway students only. All offers are conditional offers.
University of WA
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鈥檚 English requirements and any subject prerequisite requirements. Further information at:
University information
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here:
Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This might assist:
Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition to University:
Here is a parents guide to University:
This resource is a place where you can ask current University students questions about their University courses:
University scholarships
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Murdoch University
Notre Dame University
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Christian Leaders Scholarship
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2026 might find the following interesting:
Defence Force Gap Year:
Other gap year ideas:
And:
Also this Marist volunteering opportunity:
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:
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
EVENT
DATE
LINK
Open Day (Sound and Engineering College)
16 August
Nursing Information Evening (Murdoch)
27 August
Health and Education Information Evening (Murdoch)
2 September
Science, IT, Engineering Information Evening (Murdoch)
3 September
Business and Law Information Evening (Murdoch)
4 September
Engineering Information Evening (ECU)
5 September
Entry pathways to Medicine (Notre Dame)
30 September
If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this blog might help you get the most out of it:
Monty Omodei (1960) is the son of contract miner Remo 鈥楻ay鈥� Omodei and Helen nee Stewart, and was born in Wiluna, on the western edge of the Gibson Desert, in 1943.
By 1947 the Wiluna mine had shut down, and most of the town鈥檚 residents departed to find work elsewhere. Monty鈥檚 father Ray went on ahead to find work at the Mount Charlotte underground mine (now the Super-Pit, the world鈥檚 largest gold mine) and Helen, sons Raymond (now deceased), Monty, and daughter Cathy (now deceased) were among the last to leave Wiluna, walking out of their then-worthless home, leaving most of their belongings behind in the ghost town.
Monty spent the rest of his childhood in Kalgoorlie, attending CBC until 1955 when the family moved to Perth, as Raymond was at Teachers鈥� Training College, Graylands, and Cathy an announcer at 6KY Radio Station Perth. For the rest of 1955 Monty was at CBC Highgate, but came to St Ildephonsus College, New Norcia, in 1956.
At New Norcia, Monty found another family, the members of which he鈥檚 still in touch with today. He was in Sebastian House, played music, and competed ably in athletics, swimming, golf, handball, tennis, cricket, football, boxing and debating. He left New Norcia in 1958, having completed his Junior in English, Arithmetic and Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Geography, History, and Art.
Monty has very happy memories of his years at St Ildephonsus – the strict discipline (all to an ever tolling bell), of making your bed, attending mass, eating regular meals, a solid routine, school work, varied sporting activities, religion, singing in the choir as well as at Mass, or with the Benedictine monks, the picnics in the bush – and most of all, the mateship. His least favourite memory was having chicken pox one year, and being the only student left there over Easter during which, understandably, he really missed his family.
Monty came back to his parents’ North Perth home in time for Christmas, but it was quite a rowdy, lively home to which he returned as, from 1955, on behalf of the St Vincent De Paul Society, his parents ran 鈥楰eane House鈥�, accommodating older boys from Bindoon and Clontarf while they completed their apprenticeships. With roughly another dozen boys there, he was just another boy in line. Monty says his years at New Norcia prepared him well though, and toughened him up a bit, making it a little easier to deal with all the boys at home.
In 1959 his parents bought a home in Dianella and Monty returned to CBC Highgate for his final two years of schooling. On school holidays Monty worked as a labourer in a cordial factory, as well as in the timber yards. In 1961 he was fortunate to win the Perth Zone to get into the Grand Final of “Youth Speaks for Australia,” sponsored by Shell Co of Australia Limited, the programme for which he still has!
In 1962 one of Ray鈥檚 friends, (later Sir) Laurence Brodie-Hall, was Executive Director of Western Mining Corporation and gave Monty a start as a junior trainee in the Engineering Division at Cavalier Construction Company in Kwinana, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa.
This allowed him to continue living and working happily in remote areas thereafter, in the mining and resources sector, managing complex engineering operations, and launching new technology into established industries until the early 1990s, when he started his own group of companies, still operating today.
Now partly retired, Monty still works on major equity funding in the mining and resources sector, both within Australian and international markets.
Family-wise, Monty married Janet Stuart in Brisbane in 1985, and they have a son Stuart who, with his wife Lauren, has provided Monty with two granddaughters to dote on.
Monty says he is a simple man who loves life. With a long family history of mining pioneers, publicans, war, and military service, he is very interested in researching and reading about his family history. Now living in Brisbane, distance prevents him from attending SIC reunions, but he remains close to his classmates from so long ago, and speaks to some of them every week.
Images above: Top: St Ildephonsus College First Years, 1956 Back, L鈥揜:听Richard Passamani, Gerard O鈥機allaghan, Anthony Burke, Wally Deller, Kevin Clark, Maurice Jones, Charles Bermingham, Alan Plant, David Rencoule, Gavin Schwarzbach, Michael Jones, Patrick Dullard, Laurie Shervington, Michael Kinshela, John Ferguson 3rd row:听Brian White, Noel Jones, Lawrence Thompson, Theo Keeris, Thomas Morley, Terence Shine, John Stott, Eric Hogan, Neville Bugg, Maurice Priest, Frank Collins, Terence Bourke, Kieran Robinson, Peter Ryan, Denis Halligan 2nd row:听Brian Farrell, John McPartland, Peter Downey, Clarence Murray, Deryck Brockhurst, Peter Whittle, James Farrell, James Williams, Leo Yellema, Alan Doyle, Edward Smeding, Kevin Heffron, Peter Klarie, John Gianatti Front: Harry Davies, Peter Beckett, Terence Durkin, Julian Nussey, John Dwyer, Denis Larter, Ronald Ryan, Geffery Barnett,听Monty Omodei,听Boyden Marinich
In 1981 Miranda Barker (Coney 1983), at the age ofjust 15 in Year 10 at Newman Siena auditioned for, and was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and, in 1982, entered The Australian Ballet School. David McAllister AC (1980) knew Miranda from growing up in Perth, and also from Newman, and had entered The Australian Ballet School a year ahead of Miranda, after finishing Year 12 here. He became a Principal Dancer with The Australian Ballet in 1989.
In 1991 Miranda also became a Principal Dancer and was said to light up the stage, to take flight upon it, and to bring a breadth and depth to each role she danced. She caught the eye of then Music Director Charles Barker, who trained at the Manhattan School of Music and was with The Australian Ballet from 1997 to 2001.
Charles picks up the story: ” … Let me set the scene.
鈥淭he Australian Ballet opened in Perth last night [at His Majesty鈥檚 Theatre] with a performance of the Merry Widow with Miranda in the title role. I had planned to propose to Miranda after the opening night performances in Perth, for about six weeks. She has family in Perth, she was the Widow, it all seemed to fit. I had told my plans to no one except Ross Stretton, Artistic Director of Australian Ballet, who incidentally slyly engineered some of the technical parts. Extreme secrecy had to be maintained because there are no secrets in this company!
鈥淛ust before the performance Ross and I spoke to the stage manager to alert her that she needed to make an announcement over the PA just before the final curtain to get the audience’s attention and that she had to fit me with a body microphone because I was going to ‘make a presentation’. Then we swore her to secrecy for the next 2-1/2 hours.
鈥淎fter the performance finished (which, by the way, was quite good) the bows followed as usual – corps, soloists, principals, all forward and back, the Widow (Miranda) gets the conductor [Charles], all bow, curtain down, bows for principals in front of the curtain, … curtain up, all (except conductor) down and back. This is usually when the curtain falls for the last time for the evening. However, tonight, with the curtain still up and the audience still applauding, the stage manager spoke over the PA and said, 鈥楲adies and gentlemen, may we have your attention鈥�.
鈥淭he audience became quiet immediately and I walked out onto the stage, faced the audience, and spoke to them … saying, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Charles Barker, Music Director of the Australian Ballet. I have a question to ask tonight’s Widow.’ At which point I turned and walked a few steps toward Miranda, went down onto one knee, held out an engagement ring to her and said, ‘Miranda Coney, will you be my wife?’
鈥淢iranda had no idea that this was about to happen and the look on her face was priceless. She was quite overcome and came to me, nodded yes, took the ring and gave me a hug and kiss. At the same moment the stage and audience erupted with a deafening ovation, a type of which I had never heard before. Men were yelling their bravos and women were shouting through their tears – especially the ballerinas on stage. An usher brought Miranda some red long stem roses I had gotten for her, more applause, then the curtain came down. It was quite a scene. I couldn’t have hoped for a better scenario. Everything went my way.
鈥淭he next morning the press began to phone at 9:30am. We gave interviews and had photos taken until about 2pm. We are both still pretty high from the evening. It was fun and perhaps most important, it was successful! The amount of media coverage after the fact was surprising. We did dozens of newspaper and radio interviews including the BBC from London. I guess people like happy endings.”
Oh, they definitely do!
Miranda concluded an extraordinary 20-year career with The Australian Ballet when she and Charles left the company at the end of 2001. They then married and moved to New York, where Miranda is now a professional ballet coach and Charles has just celebrated 30 years conducting for the American Ballet Theatre. Their sons Riley and Max are both prodigiously talented; Riley has followed Charles into music and is a collaborative pianist, composer and teaching artist, while Max has followed Miranda into dance and is a rising star with the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company.
Images above: Top left: Miranda as The Merry Widow, 2000听(after the opening night performance of which, Charles Barker proposed) Top middle: Miranda in Year 10 at Newman Siena, 1981 Top 3rd from left:听Miranda and David McAllister AC (1980) after performing Copp茅lia, 1992 Photo courtesy Ronald G Bell and The Australian Ballet Archive. Top right: David McAllister AC (1980) and Miranda Barker (Coney 1983), Principal Dancers with The Australian Ballet Bottom middle: The Barker family, January 2025 L-R: Riley,听Miranda Barker (Coney 1983), Charles and Max Barker
