This week we have been celebrating Arts Week in the College. It is one of my favourite weeks, with so many shows and celebrations occurring, and it brings back many memories of my own time in school when I used to take part in the choir and the concert band.
The Music Collective and Dance Showcase, to which I always bring my daughter, especially reminds me of just how much unseen dedication sits behind these great moments of joy and beauty. I am sure many students have been rehearsing since the beginning of the year, with countless hours of practice, for a performance that may only last a few minutes. Our younger students in the audience might find themselves wondering, 鈥榃hy go to all that effort?鈥� Why indeed. I think these moments capture something that is very Marist 鈥� our love of work. In the Marist tradition, love of work means giving our best effort in what we do, not for recognition or reward, but because our hard work is an act of love, service, and faithfulness. It is the perfect way to give glory to God by using our gifts to be our best.
For some reason, as I was watching the Music Collective in particular, I was struck by the thought of prayer. Just like rehearsing a piece of music, prayer often takes patience and persistence. It can feel repetitive and even unproductive at times鈥lmost as if nothing is happening or we are standing still in our development. But every time we show up in prayer, just as every time a student practices their part, something within us is strengthened. Our relationship with God grows quietly, like skill grows through practice.
I think the Arts and prayer have a lot in common. They both have the capacity to shape the heart, they both take many forms, and they both have a way of revealing beauty that already exists, but that we sometimes miss. They also take discipline and love, and are both most beautiful when they become less about the performance, and more about the person we are becoming through them.
So, as we celebrate the creative gifts of our students this week, perhaps we can also be inspired to approach our own prayer lives with the same steady dedication, trusting that even the smallest moments of effort can create something beautiful in time.
At this week鈥檚 assembly, Year 5G shared a thoughtful and engaging item highlighting the importance of teamwork 鈥� reminding us that anything is possible when we work together, and that collaboration is a key part of our Newman Norms. The assembly also included the presentation of merit awards, certificates to participants in the Australian Mathematics Competition, and the announcement of Thomas More as the winning Guild in the recent Athletics Carnival. Congratulations were also extended to Emily, who reached the Grand Final of the Speak Up competition. The assembly concluded with an energetic performance by our Primary Dance Troupe, who recently achieved third place in the School to Stage competition.
Athletics Carnival
On Friday 12 September, we celebrated our PP-6 Guild Athletics Carnival. As we did not finish all the events on the day, there was a delay in announcing the winner of the Carnival and the champion boys and girls. Congratulations to MacKillop for winning the Guild Spirit Award and to Thomas More as the winning guild.
Champions
YEAR 3
Champion Boy
Dustin Marshall
Champion Girl
Zita Zuchkan
2nd
Harry Bluff
2nd
Isla Cahalarn
3rd
Thomas Atkinson
3rd
Olivia Erichsen
4th
Jack Macri
4th
Frances Baily
YEAR 4
Champion Boy
Miles Sanford
Champion Girl
Zoe Harris
2nd
Donovan Johnson
2nd
Odette Taylor
3rd
Owen Atkinson
3rd
Mila Haagman
4th
Harry Kolka
4th
Chanelle Liew
YEAR 5
Champion Boy
Harvey Anderson
Champion Girl
Audrey Barnard
2nd
Hugo McBain
2nd
Clara Schlitter
3rd
Julian Posselt
3rd
Isla Dorrington
4th
Lucas Ramsden
4th
Sicily Moschopoulous
YEAR 6
Champion Boy
Jack McCagh
Champion Girl
Amelia Heath
2nd
Sam Baily
2nd
Lila Adamini
3rd
Blake Martin
3rd
Annabel Gilbert
4th
Aiden Long
4th
Sammy Glyde
St John Henry Newman Day and Loud Socks
On Friday 17 October (Week 1), we will be celebrating St John Henry Newman Day and Loud Socks Day in support of Telethon Speech and Hearing. We will be celebrating a Primary Mass, followed by some special activities and asking all students to wear their loudest socks to increase awareness of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2026 Class Allocations
At the start of Term 4, teachers will commence working on class groupings for the 2026 School year. Many factors are considered when selecting student class placements, including gender, pastoral needs, social and emotional needs, academic needs, special learning needs, and relationships. Every effort is made to give children the best opportunity to succeed. All 今日吃瓜 teachers are outstanding professionals in their field, and students will receive a high-quality education no matter which class they are placed in.
Early in Term 4, students will be asked by their Classroom Teacher to nominate five friends, of which at least one will be placed in their 2026 class.
If you believe your child has special pastoral needs that may need consideration, you are asked to contact your child鈥檚 classroom teacher or contact Ryan via email at ryan.vonbergheim@newman.wa.edu.au early in Term 4.
Any requests must be provided to the class teacher or myself by 3:00pm Tuesday 21 October (Week 3). Requests made after this date cannot be considered.
Parents should understand that requests cannot be guaranteed as staff must consider a wide range of factors when creating class groupings within a triple-stream school. Parents should be aware that requesting a specific teacher is not a consideration in the class allocation process.
Once class lists have been finalised, they cannot be changed. Class lists will be published to families at the conclusion of our Move-up Day, details of which will be communicated next term.
Mindful Mornings
As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all families to take time for rest, renewal, and to keep safe while enjoying time together. This term has been particularly special as we have continued the journey of bringing our campuses together, strengthening the sense of one community united in spirit and purpose.
As I wrap up my time as Acting Head of Primary, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for the incredible support, warmth, and trust you have shown. It has been a privilege to serve during this time of growth and transition. At the beginning of next term, we look forward to welcoming back Mr Ryan Von Bergheim from leave, and I know you will join me in supporting him as he resumes his role as Head of Primary.
To support a neat and consistent appearance during our Winter uniform period (Terms 2 and 3), the College will introduce a College black belt to be worn with the College trousers from Term 2, 2026. Families will need to purchase the belt from the Uniform shop for a cost of $20.
Trousers will now be sold with belt loops. If your child鈥檚 current trousers do not have loops, please arrange for loops to be added prior to the commencement of Term 2, 2026. The College Uniform Shop can assist with this alteration for a charge of $10 per pair of trousers, or you may use your preferred alterations service or make the adjustment at home.
Thank you for your support in implementing this change to keep our students looking smart and ready to learn. If you have any questions, the Uniform Shop team is happy to help.
Arts Week
In Week 2 of Term 4, we鈥檒l be celebrating the incredible creativity and talent within our community through a vibrant series of showcases. Each day will highlight a different artistic discipline, offering something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by:
Monday: featuring performances from both Primary and Secondary students 鈥� a celebration of storytelling and stagecraft.
Tuesday: 鈥� an evening dedicated to recognising the creativity and innovation behind the camera.
Wednesday: 鈥� a chance to see and hear the heart of our artists and musicians in a stunning display of colour and sound.
Thursday & Friday: 鈥� bringing energy, expression, and connection to the stage in two unforgettable performances.
Tickets can be purchased via the links in the .
Child Safeguarding 鈥� Policy Updates
The College has recently completed a comprehensive review of our Child Safeguarding policy suite to ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of our students and complies with best practice and regulatory requirements. Please find below links to the updated policies.
Social Media Ban 鈥� Online Parent Information Session
On 10 December 2025, new legislation will take effect, banning children under the age on 16 from accessing social media platforms. The College seeks to support parents and students as they navigate this change and has engaged Paris MacNeill, a consultant who specialises in student mental health and the challenges of 鈥淕en Z.鈥�
Paris will unpack the new legislation, what this will mean for our children, and provide practical advice and resources on how parents and the College can work together to minimise the anxiety and uncertainty that this change may create for students.
This online session will take place on Thursday 30 October at 6.00pm, and further registration details will be available to families in the first week of Term 4.
Year 7 鈥� 11 Annual Awards Evening 鈥� Save the Date This year, the Annual Awards Assembly will be held as an evening event. The evening will serve to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of students across all the College Portfolios.
The Annual Awards Evening will take place on Wednesday 26 November at 5.30pm in the Marist Auditorium. Award recipients and their families will receive a formal invitation closer to the day.
This week, we welcomed 25 students and three staff from our fellow Marist school, Sacred Heart College, Adelaide. The occasion was the inaugural Music Exchange between the two Colleges and the 50 今日吃瓜 musicians joined with Sacred Heart in a week of practice, two concerts and the forging of great friendships. Congratulations to our Arts team with the overall leadership of the week being undertaken by Ms Selena Barrett, supported by Mrs Kathy La Brooy and Mrs Aleisha Dows. The concerts were outstanding in their professionalism and quality and both the residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor Aged Care and our families in the Marist Auditorium thoroughly enjoyed the events. Thank you to Ms Meaghan K, and the two teachers from Sacred Heart who joined us and our own 今日吃瓜 Music Tutors.
Dance 鈥� School to Stage Primary
This prestigious showcase of Primary dance was held in our Marist Auditorium last weekend and our Lavalla Year 5-6 group, Ascend, placed third overall. Year 1-2 group, Genesis, was placed first in their section. We now have Dance groups across the whole College and the quality just keeps on getting better. Well done to our Dance students and the work of Mrs Sam Wynne with support from Leader of the Arts, Mrs Kathy LaBrooy.
Student Leaders 2026
Recently, we were delighted to introduce to you the College Captains for 2026, Grace Bradshaw and Thomas Butson. Earlier this week, we announced the Portfolio and Guild Captains for 2026 and they featured in the handover of leadership at the Year 12 Final Assembly. Congratulations to these fine young leaders. We are very excited to start the work with the Leadership Team and the whole of Year 11 in Term 4. A special mention to the dedicated students in the leadership process who did not receive a 鈥榖adged鈥� position. They remain passionate and committed to exercising their leadership for the benefit of the whole College and are eager to do their part in 2026.
Congratulations to the following students:鈥�
College Captains:
Grace Bradshaw and Thomas Burton
Academic Captains:
Ruby Hankinson and Will Murphy
Art Captains:
Alyssa Petracca and Matthew Stephens
Community Captains:
Ella Hills and Riyan Naveed
Mission Captains:
Isabel Jimenez-Fuentes and Poppy Vogl
Sports Captains:
James Bornmann and Hannah Seaborn
Wellbeing Captains:
Evelyn Brennan and Olvia McMahon
Brigid Guild Captains:
Oliver Groughan and Alessia Infirri
Camara Guild Captains:
Bobby Bogos and Lucinda Short
Catherine Guild Captains:
Micaela Buddle and Alice Humbert
Chisholm Guild Captains:
Ava Tolley and Jack Wigley
Marcellin Guild Captains:
Olivia Hildebrandt and Scarlett Sharp
Mackillop Guild Captains:
Levi Afkos and Mia Harris
Romero Guild Captains:
Lulu Brickland and Andrew Giumelli
Thomas More Guild Captains:
Sebastian Ferreira Ballinger and Lola Corbett
Year 12 Music Night
Last week, our Certificate III Year 12 music students entertained us with their final concert. This was another wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Graduating Class of 2025, as the music students showcased their skills and passion through a diverse program of performances. Well done!
Write a Book in a Day Competition
This week, a group of our Year 7 students took on the Write a Book in a Day challenge 鈥� an exciting competition where students have just 8 hours to plan, write, and illustrate a book from scratch. Congratulations to these students and staff for taking on the colossal challenge of writing.
IPSHA Athletics Carnival
Our Year 3-6 Athletics team competed in the IPSHA carnival late last week, finishing second overall. A great performance by our students and so well supported by Mrs Hannah Barnsley and Mr James Bristow.
ACC Division A Athletics Carnival
Our team gave it their absolute best last week in the top tier Carnival at the State Athletics Centre. Pretty tough conditions and a number of illnesses were met with determination from our athletes. Well done to all students and staff involved.
Lavalla Disco
Last Friday afternoon and early evening, the Marist Auditorium was rocking to the annual Lavalla Disco. Such a popular event, and our students had an amazing time with the fun support of their teachers and staff.
Year 12 Final Week
This was a beautiful week for our Year 12 students to experience their last days together as a graduating class on Newman ground. Career dress-up day, Guild lunches, Slip and Slide, a BBQ breakfast cooked by incoming Student Leaders and staff and the Final Assembly rounded out a fitting way to farewell the group. They have been a wonderful class to work with over the years, and we wish them all the best in upcoming examinations and preparation for work. Thank you to the many staff involved in the week, especially Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12 Wellbeing, and Mrs Anna Scanlan, Deputy Principal Secondary.
It鈥檚 Coming 鈥� Arts and Dance Showcases
Read more in the Vice Principal鈥檚 section of the Newsletter about the great events in the Arts weeks coming up in Term 4. We can鈥檛 wait for the explosion of Arts ahead!
Wishing all families a safe and relaxing break across the next two weeks. Thank you to our families for their support and partnership over this term.
“You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve, and chivalry, Set Gryffindors apart.聽
The line from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer鈥檚 Stone focuses on the sorting hat determining which of the Houses the new students will be assigned. This week鈥檚 inaugural Year 1-12 Guild activity was not quite as dramatic, but in seeing students from Primary and Secondary coming together in Guild and Family spirit, there was a lot of excitement and deep connection that demonstrated pride and belonging. To see older students getting to know their Guild friends in Primary and our young ones being thrilled to be amongst the 鈥榖ig kids鈥� was a moment of magic. The activity was about building bonds, connections and unity under the name of the Guild. Well done to Student Leader Co-ordinator, Mr Mike Van Der Heever, the Guild Co-ordinators, Leaders of Wellbeing and Mrs Sarah Pagett and Mrs Anna Scanlan on an excellent moment in Guild. The last congratulations go to our students who really understood the historical moment they crafted.
Lavalla Father鈥檚 Day Breakfast
So many sausages! What a great morning we had a week ago when we invited Fathers, Grandfathers and Father- Figures to our Lavalla Father鈥檚 Day Breakfast! We all enjoyed the strong sense of community and fun that then followed in the liturgy and classroom visits. Thank you to the College Executive, Primary Leadership Team and a number of mums who fed the huge crowd.
Game Changers Graduation
Ends are not bad things, they just mean that something else is about to begin. This came to mind as we celebrated the Year 12 Game Changers Graduation evening this week. It is a heart-warming event every year where we celebrate the great work of students involved in our Game Changers program over the course of their time at Marcellin. Such wonderful students and families, strongly supported by great staff mentors in the program, and it is just a sample of the Class of 2025, who have committed deeply to all the College has offered over the years. That very day, many of our Year 12 students had taken part in the Great Shave and Haircut. This is their legacy piece, where over $56,000 was raised for Cancer support and cure. An amazing day to be a part of! Each of the days of these final weeks of term will be a significant 鈥榣ast鈥� for the graduating class. Please keep them in your prayers.
PP-Y6 Athletics Carnival
Beautiful weather and great involvement marked today鈥檚 Primary Guild Athletics Carnival. We have been amazed by the way in which Lavalla students and families have taken to being a part of the Guild system after the move away from the previous Primary factions. As with the Father鈥檚 Day Breakfast, where many mums jumped in to help, today鈥檚 event was made even more special by the work of parent volunteers on the sausage sizzle. Thank you to … for the donation of the sausages. The sales will go to the Archbishop鈥檚 Lifelink. Congratulations to the Primary and Grounds teams for their dedicated planning and running of the carnival.
ACC ISP Athletics Carnival
Carnival season continued this week and we were delighted to see the participation and commitment of our students in the Inclusive Sport Carnival. An excellent day always, the carnival is a keenly awaited event on the Education Support calendar every year.
R U OK Day
We are proud to work alongside the RU OK program every year to maintain a strong spotlight on mental health. Resources, conversation starters and awareness were a part of 今日吃瓜’s recognition this week, with the leaders of Wellbeing and the Wellbeing Captains leading us in recognising RU OK.
Our best wishes to the ACC Athletics team, who compete next week in the A Division Carnival.
