Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of meeting many families during enrolment interviews for our Year 7 cohort of 2028. It is one of my favourite parts of the year. Hearing what matters most to families, and what they hope for their children. So often, I hear hopes that their children will feel safe, grow in confidence, succeed in their learning, and become good young people. These hopes echo the same vision that St Marcellin Champagnat held for the young people in his care 鈥� 鈥�to form good Christians and good citizens鈥�.
Today, 6 June, marks the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat. While we will celebrate this occasion with mass and our annual Champagnat Awards following our Year 11 and 12 Exams, it is worth pausing to remember the mission of the Marist Brothers – to make Jesus Christ known and loved.
When I speak to my Year 7 students, I often say there are two ways you can accomplish this. One way is to talk about him, to attend mass, to reflect on the scriptures, and to learn the stories of his life. The other, is in how we live, and how we choose to treat each other, how we choose to build a community of faith and love. Marcellin Champagnat saw Jesus not only in churches or classrooms, but in every young person. He believed that to truly love Jesus meant making sure others experienced that love through kindness, encouragement, and presence in the small, every day moments.
We see that same mission alive in our College today. When teachers go the extra mile for their students, when students include someone who is feeling left out, or when families come together in faith and service. It is in our relationships, in our values, and in our culture. This week, I saw a perfect example of this in action.
I was doing a tour of our Marcellin campus with the family of a Year 4 girl, when we visited one of the Food Tech classes. We popped in to say hello to two Year 8 students, Eva and Grace, who had waved at us enthusiastically through the window, welcoming us in. They spent time speaking with the young girl on tour, laughing with her, sharing what they had been doing, and even offering her some of the food they had just prepared. In their brief interaction, Eva and Grace displayed something really beautiful – kindness without being asked, joy without hesitation, and a genuine welcome to someone new to our community. In that moment, perhaps without even knowing it, they made Jesus known and loved. Not through words, or a lesson from the stories of his life, but through their actions; how they made someone feel seen, included, and valued.
Often, people think that the mission of making Jesus known and loved is beyond them. That they don鈥檛 have the knowledge, or the expertise, or the required level of 鈥榟oliness鈥� needed to do such a task. But the reality is, the mission of making Jesus known and loved is within the grasp of every member of our community 鈥� students, staff, and families. We are all capable of being good and loving, and sharing this with others. As we celebrate the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat this week, I invite you to ask yourself:
How am I helping to make Jesus known and loved in my own way?
What small, but meaningful thing(s) can I do in our community to make a difference to someone else?
In the Marist spirit, it鈥檚 not about grand gestures. It鈥檚 about the quiet faithfulness of people who choose, again and again, to care 鈥� and we are lucky to have students like Eva and Grace who choose to do that. That鈥檚 the legacy of St Marcellin, and one that we are invited each day to be a part of.
Marist Parent Formation Evening
Have you ever wanted to understand a little bit more about the Marist story?
Or to better understand the roots and values of our 今日吃瓜 community?
We warmly invite you to join us for a special evening of conversation, connection, and reflection as we explore the heart of our Marist story while enjoying some food and drink together.
This is an opportunity to learn more about the values that shape our College – simplicity, presence, family spirit, love of work, and following the way of Mary – and how these continue to guide our community today.
Whether you’re new to the College or have been with us for years, we鈥檇 love for you to be part of this relaxed and welcoming evening. Come and discover how the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat lives on in our shared mission to form young people as good Christians and good citizens.
As mentioned in the Vice Principal’s update, the recent removal of site sheds by our builder, Badge Constructions, indicates that the construction of our new PK 鈥� Year 2 facilities are nearly complete. Some aerial photos below show the ongoing development of the site. We are anticipating the handover of the facilities next month. The process of relocating from the Marian campus is underway, and we will provide further updates in due course.
Bus Survey
Thank you to those parents who expressed interest through our recent survey, with a view to evaluating the possibility of chartered bus services to and from the College. Unfortunately, the level of interest required to provide a sustainable service was not received. I have included a small table below showing the data from the survey. It was noted that the cost of the service was a likely reason for the less than expected response. Concerns were also raised about committing to the required number of weekly journeys.
Total responses received:
16
Glendalough Station
5
Karrinyup Bus Station
9
Other Areas
2
As you know, Transperth have declined our request for additional services to/from the areas mentioned. Families seeking increased bus services from Karrinyup & Stirling are suggested to continue to liaise with Transperth regarding possible increases to their services.
City of Stirling 鈥� Parking
We have received notification from the City of Stirling regarding parking infringements and the resulting impact on our neighbours, particularly around the areas of Tuscany Way, Mantua Crescent & Dolomite Court. Parking rangers have asked us to convey their requests for drivers to adhere to the signage and restrictions marked. In the event that breaches continue, they are likely to resort to issuing infringement notices without further warning.
Thank you for your understanding and respect for our neighbours.
This week, I had the joy of taking some families on a tour of our College. One of the highlights of these moments is being able to introduce families to what it means to be part of a Marist school community – to speak about our Marist charism, the characteristics that underpin our way of being, and of course, the story of our founder, Saint Marcellin Champagnat.聽
In establishing his vision for the education and formation of young people, Marcellin said:
鈥淭o educate children, you must first love them and love them all equally.鈥�
It sounds so simple, and something we might hope to take for granted, but I find myself reflecting on this call often. To not just love children鈥� but to love all children.
Loving all children equally means seeing the dignity, worth, and value in every child, not just those who are well-behaved or high-achieving. It also includes those who may challenge us. It means recognising the quiet child, the restless child, the upset child, and the child who carries wounds from a story we may not yet know or fully understand.聽
In our Marist community, 鈥榓ll children鈥� includes every young person in our care. But as we approach National Reconciliation Week, it鈥檚 an opportunity to widen our lens – to include children and families from communities we may not yet fully know or understand. This includes our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. Loving them equally means listening to their stories, honouring their experiences, and walking alongside them toward healing.
This is the heart of reconciliation.
At its core, reconciliation is about healing relationships. Not only between individuals, but also with the truth of our shared history, and with those whose voices have often gone unheard. It asks us to take the first step: to listen with humility, to reflect with honesty, and to approach one another with the Marian qualities of simplicity, gentleness, and presence.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus reach out to those who were hurting or excluded. He met people where they were and reminded them of their worth. As Marists, we hope to follow his example by how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond with compassion.
This year鈥檚 theme for National Reconciliation Week, 鈥楤ridging Now to Next,鈥� encourages us to honour the past, including the pain and injustice experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while working together to build a more just and united future. It reminds us that reconciliation isn鈥檛 a one-off event, but an ongoing journey.
It鈥檚 natural to wonder, in the face of something so significant, whether our small actions make a difference.
But it is easy if we begin with something simple.
We can begin by listening to the call of St. Marcellin and simply loving all children, even those we don鈥檛 yet fully understand. We can honour the dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by continuing to walk with them, to learn from them, and to commit ourselves to truth and healing.聽
Next week especially, we are invited to be bridge-builders: people who listen, who learn, and who choose to lead with love.
On Monday 12 May, all Year 7 students competed in the Winter NAS Carnival and ACC Lightning Carnival. Students participated in Netball, AFL, Soccer, Badminton and Volleyball. Our students represented Newman beautifully and displayed great sportsmanship throughout the day! So far this year, we have had 45 teams, or 523 students play at the NAS carnivals! We look forward to the Year 8 and Year 11/12 Winter carnivals coming up in Week 8 and 9 of this term.
Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge
Some of our talented Year 10 Science students represented 今日吃瓜 at the Science and Engineering Challenge at Murdoch University on Friday 16 May. Students competed against eight other schools, where they took part in a range of hands-on STEM activities, from building model bridges to designing sustainable house solutions. Students worked in teams to tackle real-world problems and gained valuable insights from industry professionals about future careers in science and engineering. We are so proud of the 今日吃瓜 team who placed 1st overall! Congratulations to all students involved!
Term 2 Celebration Assembly
On Thursday 22 May, we took the time to celebrate what has been an enriching and busy start to the year across all pillars. At the Term 2 Celebration Assembly we reflected on the 2024 Italian Tour and the Senior Production of Bugsy Malone and we acknowledged our Marist Tour Teams, Graeme Wood Shield Winners, and ACC A Division Swimmers. Students were also updated on the current standings for the Champagnat Shield, Romero has the current lead, however, with many opportunities for students to still earn points for the Guild, it should be an exciting race.聽聽
Thank you to our College Captains, Pillar Captains and musicians for another great Celebration Assembly.
Senior School Exams
For our Year 10, 11 and 12 students, the weeks ahead are an opportunity. Exams are not just a test of your knowledge but a chance to demonstrate your growth, perseverance, potential and your commitment to achieving personal excellence. Lean into your preparation, stay organised, remember the supports offered by our wonderful classroom teachers, and the opportunities presented at Homework Club. Remember, the habits you build now shape your success in the future. Shine through your discipline and determination.
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Mrs Lucy Lane will be leaving 今日吃瓜 at the end of Term Two. Mrs Lane has been a valued member of the 今日吃瓜 community since 2020, teaching within the Humanities Learning Area, with particular contributions to Modern History ATAR and Politics and Law ATAR. In recent years, Lucy has also served as Leader of Wellbeing, a role in which she has demonstrated exceptional care, commitment, and passion for supporting the students in her care. Mrs Lane will be greatly missed, and we sincerely thank her for all she has given to the life of the College.
I am pleased to inform you that Mrs Lara Vlahov will be taking on the role of Leader of Wellbeing Year 10 for Semester Two. Congratulations to Mrs Vlahov 鈥� the Secondary Wellbeing and PCG teams look forward to working with you.
Mrs Carla Pastorelli
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject handbook open
Current Year 10 students and families can now access information about Year 11 subjects for 2026, using this link:
A reminder about the major subject selection event coming up in Term 2. It is expected that all students attend this event, accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.
Tuesday 24 June
Marist Auditorium, 今日吃瓜
5pm to 6pm: Careers and Year 11 Subjects Expo.
6pm to 6.45pm: Year 10 Family Information Evening.
The Year 10 students have been listening to presentations about each Learning Area and their Year 11 offerings for 2026. A link to the presentations is available below:
Year 10 subject selection research
To assist in their subject selection, Year 10 students are currently undertaking a guided research process during EGT time. This process will answer most questions and provide a structure for subject selection. Please see below for a link to the Research Booklet:
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
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:
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:
New TAFE Certificates for Semester 2
There are some new TAFE certificates (one day per week) opening in Semester 2 of 2025. If interested, please contact Mr Farley:
Certificate II in Animal Care
Certificate III Aviation (Drone Pilot)
Certificate II Cabinet Making (pre-apprenticeship)
Certificate III Health Services
Certificate III Fitness
Certificate II Cosmetics
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
University Early Offer Information
Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information.
Early Offers will open on 3 June 2025. After this date, all Year 12 students will be provided with information about how to access the TISC system and enter preferences.
Curtin University
No details as yet.
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
No details as yet.
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
No details as yet.
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:
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
Notre Dame Open Day
24 May
Year 10 Information Evening (ECU Joondalup)
27 May
Army Reserve Information Session
27 May
Creative Industries Open Evening (North Metro TAFE)
28 May
Teaching degrees information evening (ECU)
3 June
Engineering Information Evening (ECU)
4 June
Year 9 and 10 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)
4 June
Year 11 and 12 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)
4 June
Parent Information Evening for Year 12 students (ECU)
5 June
Defence Force Careers Information Session
5 June
Psychology Information Evening (ECU)
10 June
Defence Force Trades Information Session
12 June
Year 9-12 Information Evening (Curtin)
18 June
Defence Force: Special Forces Information Session
19 June
Army Reserve Information Session
24 June
今日吃瓜 Careers Expo and Year 10 Parent Evening
24 June Marist Auditorium
3.30pm to 4.30pm: Yr 11/12 Careers Expo 5.00pm to 6.00pm: Yr 10 Careers & Subject Expo 6.00pm to 6.45pm: Yr 10 Family Info Session
WAAPA Information Evening
29 July
Year 12 application support session (Murdoch)
29 July
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
If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this blog might help you get the most out of it:
On Friday of last week, Year 1 Blue entertained us with the assembly dedicated to their Mums, sharing the many reasons they love their Mums and acknowledging all the many balls that the Mums in our community juggle while always having the time to stop and have a cuddle. Thank you, 1 Blue, Miss Tess McKenna and Mrs Julie Romano for such a well-performed, heart-warming assembly.
Year 2 Green Assembly
This morning, 2 Green entertained and educated us with their love of Science, experiments and potions! They even performed experiments on stage! Massive thank you to 2 Green, Mrs Catherine Nicolaou, Mrs Trish Eindorf and Ms Aishlin Fritz, for highlighting not only is Chemistry fun and exciting, but it is also important in improving our world.
Year 3-6 Guild Cross Country
Last Friday, we celebrated our inaugural Year 3-6 Guild Cross Country, showcasing the incredible spirit and perseverance of our students. From the first stride to the final finish line, each participant demonstrated remarkable grit, determination, and sportsmanship. The energy was palpable as students cheered on their peers, embodying the true essence of our school community. A special thank you to Mrs Hannah Barnsley for all of her organisation and coordination of the event.
Congratulations to our medal winners:
Girls
Boys
Year 3
1st
Lucy Summerfield (Camara)
Harry Bluff (Chishom)
2nd
Finley Shephard (MacKillop)聽
Tom Atkinson (Thomas More)
3rd
Frankie Baily (Camara)聽
Noah Steens (Camara)
Year 4
1st
Zoe Harris (MacKillop)
Donovan Johnson (Catherine)
2nd
Indiana Dutton (Thomas More)
Austin Houlahan (Camara)
3rd
Sophie Magee (Camara)聽
Cristian Cameron (Brigid)
Year 5
1st
Sicily Moschopoulos (Romero)
Nikhil Nair (Brigid)
2nd
Lucy Cumberworth (Chisholm)
Izei Goldaracena Zubiri (Chisholm)
3rd
Clara Schlitter (Brigid)
Julian Posselt (Chisholm)
Year 6
1st
Isabelle Hobson (Romero)聽
Blake Martin (Catherine)
2nd
Samantha Glyde (Thomas More)
Rohan Shephard (MacKillop)
3rd
Maya Martin-Booth (Thomas More)
Samuel Baily (Camara)
Homework Club
A friendly reminder that Homework Club for Years 3鈥�6 takes place every Tuesday from 3:00鈥痯m to 4:30鈥痯m 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鈥痯m to ensure staff can conclude the session on time.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for our students.
Marian Photos
Just a friendly reminder that photos at the Marian campus will take place on 29 and 30 May. Uniform requirements for these two days are:
