今日吃瓜

Secondary Update – Term 2 Week 11

Jenni Vile on 03/07/2026

Year 11 Leadership Retreat

In the final week of term our Year 11 students took part in a two-day Leadership Retreat. The retreat was a valuable opportunity to step back from the classroom and reflect on what it truly means to lead.

The retreat was built around a simple but powerful idea: leadership is influence, not a position. Across the two days, students explored what authentic leadership looks like in the everyday moments of College and Marist Community life.

Students heard from College Principal, Mr Watson, and Vice Principal, Mrs Beth Murphy, who each shared their leadership journeys in candid Q&A sessions, offering honest insights into the challenges and rewards of leadership, the importance of servant leadership, and the habits that build trust over time. Hands-on team challenges, run by our PCG staff and Year 12 Leaders, gave students the chance to put collaboration, communication and resilience into practice 鈥� and to notice who listened, encouraged and lifted others along the way.

A highlight of the retreat was busting some common leadership myths: that only extroverts can lead, that leaders must be perfect, or that leadership requires a badge or title. Students were reminded that courage, empathy and consistency matter far more than popularity, and that sometimes the bravest act is being the first to stand with someone else.

The retreat concluded with students reflecting on their own leadership styles, considering the leadership process at Newman, and beginning to plan the legacy they hope to leave as a cohort.

We thank the staff who facilitated the program and congratulate our Year 11 students on the openness and maturity they brought to the two days. We look forward to seeing the many ways they lead in the year ahead.

Year 11 Dinner Dance

Last Thursday evening, our Year 11 students gathered at the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club for one of the most anticipated events on the 今日吃瓜 calendar 鈥� the Year 11 Dinner Dance.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of City Beach, the evening was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together outside the classroom and celebrate the friendships they have built throughout their journey at Newman. Students looked fantastic in their cocktail attire and enjoyed a great night of music, dancing and delicious food in the company of their peers.

Thank you to the staff who supported the evening and to our families for helping make the night such a success. It was a joy to see our Year 11 students celebrating together, and the evening will no doubt be a highlight of their year.

State Sporting Representation

Congratulations to the following student for the state achievement in their sport:

  • Oliver Duck, Jack McCagh, Ashton Westwood (Year 7) The 3 boys completed in the Little League Baseball National Championships in Sydney in June, finishing 4th in Australia representing WA playing for the Eastern Phantoms.
  • Daniel Anderson (Year 9) is representing WA in the Australian National Gymnastics Championships in June 29-July 7.

State and National 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 this form. 

Mrs Anna Scanlan

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10 

Year 11 subject choices 2027 

Next week, you will receive an invitation to book your meeting with your staff mentor, for the purpose of selecting your Year 11 subjects for 2027. 

In the meantime, you can find a link to the Family Information Evening presentation here:  

And you can check on Teams for the Research Booklet, or find it here:  

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here:   

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it鈥檚 like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 

Time: 09:00 鈥� 12:00 

Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 

Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You鈥檒l meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here:   

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University鈥檚 Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at:   

Career conversations for parents 

The WA Government offers a suite of free resources to assist parents and guardians with starting career-related conversations. Families can access them here: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/parents

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11 

Selecting Year 12 subjects 

Please see below a summary of the rules for selecting subjects in Year 12, 2027: 

  • Students who select鈥痑 Year 12鈥疉TAR subject must have achieved at least 50% in that ATAR subject in Year 11. 
  • Students who select鈥痑 new Year 12 ATAR subject in Year 12 (not having studied that subject in Year 11) will be required to seek permission. 
  • Students with a predicted ATAR of less than 70 will not be permitted to continue the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. 
  • Students who have an ‘E’ grade in a Year 11鈥疓eneral subject will not be permitted to re-select that General subject in Year 12. 
  • For students wishing to enter the鈥疷niReady or UniPathway Programs in Year 12: 
  • If coming from the ATAR Pathway in Year 11, students must have passed at least 4 Year 11 subjects. 
  • If鈥痗oming from the General Pathway in Year 11, students must have a ‘B’ grade or better in at least 4 Year 11 subjects, including English. 

Next week, the selections for Year 12 will open and you will be able to login and select your subjects for next year. 

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it鈥檚 like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

  • When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 
  • Time: 09:00 鈥� 12:00 
  • Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 
  • Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You鈥檒l meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here:   

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here:   

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University鈥檚 Law Start Program (once you finish Year 12). All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More information at:   

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries.  
  • ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work.  
  • EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy.   

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:  or this one:   

Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12 

Key dates for University and TAFE applications for 2027 

You can access the TISC University application instructions here:  

Year 12s are welcome to come and collect (and keep) any of the University handbooks that are on the table near my office. These can be very helpful in making your choice. 

For those students applying for TAFE for 2027, applications will open in September of this year and close in November of this year. You will be advised of this at the time. 

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE: Offers degrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries.  
  • ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work.  
  • EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy.   

Applying for Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science for 2027 

All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2027 (including Assured Pathway at UWA and Notre Dame) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year. 
 
Please see below for some important dates: 

  • 3 March 2026:鈥�疷CAT bookings open 
  • 15鈥疢ay 2026:鈥�疍eadline to book your UCAT for 2026 
  • 12鈥疛une 2026:鈥�疍eadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking 
  • 1 July 2026:鈥�疷CAT testing begins 
  • 5 August 2026:鈥�疞ast test date 
  • September 2026:鈥�疪esults available 

You can check鈥�痜or further information, practice tests, and tips to succeed. It is recommended to book a UCAT as early as possible as demand for testing places is high. 
 

UWA 
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at UWA can be found鈥�痑nd Dentistry鈥�. Please note that Medicine and Dentistry at UWA are postgraduate courses and require completion of a relevant Bachelor degree prior to entry. 

 
Curtin 
Curtin University offers the only direct entry medical program in Western Australia. In 2025, the cutoff ATAR for this course was 93. 
 
In addition to the UCAT, students considering applying for Medicine at Curtin University are also required to sit the鈥疌ASPER Test. Further information about CASPER can be found here:鈥�痑nd here:鈥� 
 
 
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at Curtin can be found鈥� 
 
 
University of Notre Dame 
The University of Notre Dame offers a small number of places in postgraduate Medicine via an assured pathway for school leavers. Information about this option can be found here:鈥� 
 
 

Veterinary Science 

Students wishing to enter Veterinary Science at Murdoch will need to undertake the Casper testing during 2026, by June at the latest. Further information can be found here:  

Architects of the future 

Get a taste of the Bachelor of Architecture and find out what it鈥檚 like to study, work, and create amazing built environments as an architect! 

  • When: Monday, 6 July 2026 – Friday, 10 July 2026 
  • Time: 09:00 鈥� 12:00 
  • Where: The University of Notre Dame Australia, 4 High St, Fremantle WA 
  • Cost: $350. All materials and refreshments provided. 

You鈥檒l meet professional architects, create architecture models and drawings, explore the ways people and nature can thrive together, and photograph architecture around the vibrant City of Fremantle. You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn about what makes architecture such a rewarding career and hear from current students about life here at Notre Dame. 

Register here:   

Future Doctors Program 

The Future Doctors Program is a 4-day program that provides young people with an opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist’s relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. 

Perth sessions are available in July 2026 and January 2027. 

More information and costs here:   

Law Start Program 

Are you interested in studying Law at University but not likely to meet the ATAR requirements? In that case, you can apply for Murdoch University鈥檚 Law Start Program. All you need is a B grade in one ATAR subject that has a strong focus on communication and essay writing (eg English, Literature, History, Politics & Law). More 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 2027 might find the following interesting: 

  • Defence Force Gap Year:  
  • And:  
  • Also this Marist volunteering opportunity:  

It is also worth taking a read of this useful article which details the pros and cons of taking a gap year:   

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT HOSTED BY DATE LINK 
Defence Careers Information Session Defence Force 21 July  
How to get a job in retail MyFuture (online) 22 July   
Year 12 Application Support Session Murdoch University 28 July  
Open Day ECU City Campus 9 August  
ADFA Careers Defence Force  6 August  
Navy Careers Defence Force 11 August  
Scholarships Information Session Curtin 12 August  
Open Day SAE University College 15 August  
Hospitality Careers International Hotel School 15 August   
Fremantle Dockers Sports / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 19 August  
Engineering Careers Defence Force 20 August  
Army Reserve Defence Force 25 August  
Science and Maths Information Evening ECU Joondalup 25 August  
Perth Wildcats Sport / Business Programs 2027 SEDA 26 August   
Computer Science and Cybersecurity Information Evening ECU Joondalup 1 September  
Open Evening Murdoch 1 September  
Nursing and Midwifery Information Evening ECU Joondalup 4 September  
Teaching Degrees Information Session ECU 7 September   
Year 12 Online Information Evening Murdoch 20 October  
Year 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 20 October  
    

If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this link might help you get the most out of it:   

Teaching & Learning Update – Term 2 Week 11

Jenni Vile on 03/07/2026

Secondary Learning Conversations

We are looking forward to welcoming you and your child to the Student Learning Conversations on Friday 24 July.

A reminder that students attending face-to-face conversations are required to wear their full winter uniform.

As the purpose of the day is to strengthen student voice and advocacy in their learning, it is essential that students attend and actively participate in the conversations.

Students are also required to bring their completed reflection sheets for each subject (Years 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12). Year 8 students, who are engaged in the MyLearning program, are asked to bring their end-of-term MyLearning reflection.

During these conversations we ask all parents to remain respectful and constructive in their interactions with staff, the Parent Code of Conduct applies to this event.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to these valuable conversations.

Semester One Reports

Your child鈥檚 Semester One reports are will be available on SEQTA before the end of the day (if they have not already published).

If you have any queries regarding reports, please direct these to your child’s teacher. A reminder that all communication should remain respectful and constructive and adhere to the Parent Code of Conduct.

Mrs Sarah Pagett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL TEACHING & LEARNING

From The Principal – Term 2 Week 11

Jenni Vile on 02/07/2026

When Brand is Important

At this week鈥檚 Marcellin Celebration Assembly, the students and I had some fun doing a 鈥楤rand Quiz鈥� during my address with them. They were fantastic in recognising so quickly big brand names from just the logos that flashed across the screen. A brand is a fairly corporate term but I shared with students what this means when we make it real and human. A good personal brand is not about what we say about ourselves. It is about what others experience through our words and actions. The consistent demonstration of honesty, courage, empathy, dedication, reliability and perseverance earn the trust and respect of those around us.

Learning is more than just striving for personal academic success. It鈥檚 a journey of growth inside and outside the classroom. That growth we like to see is also about developing the values and character that help students become the best version of themselves.

Every day, we see students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 living our Marist characteristics through their actions. Whether it is showing respect to others, demonstrating kindness to a classmate, taking responsibility for their learning, or displaying resilience when facing challenges, our students are building a strong personal brand based on character and integrity.

We love seeing our students wear their values and principles like a badge of honour as they actively build a brand of their character. I congratulated all students whose efforts over the semester had let their brand shine, 鈥榣et their light shine鈥� through their dedication to learning gains, commitment to the life of the College and the way they have been good people for others. We then presented Colours and Honours that had been earned by senior students and recognised outstanding results in Football championships and NAS Sport pendants.

We are proud of the many ways our students represent 今日吃瓜 every day. By making thoughtful choices and striving to be their personal best, they are developing the character that will serve them well both now and in the future.

Wishing all students, families and staff some restful times over the holiday break. May there be moments, big and small, that make great memories for you and your family.

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 2 Week 11

Jenni Vile on 02/07/2026

Raising Digital Citizens: Families in a Digital World

The Raising Digital Citizens Parent and Community Learning Suite has been developed to provide parents and carers with contemporary knowledge, practical tools and evidence-informed strategies to help young people navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly connected world.

Earlier this term we kicked off the series with the first session on 鈥淪etting the Standard: A Unified Community Approach.鈥� We are excited to continue next term with Session 2: The Adolescent Brain and Screen Time Reality, presented by .

Families can opt into all sessions in the suite or select those that are relevant to them. Bookings are essential and can be made

Term 3 Start Date

All students return to school for Term 3 on Monday 20 July.

Students in Year 7 to 12 will have a pupil free day on Friday 24 July, for Student Learning Conversations.

Uniform Shop – Holiday Opening             

The College uniform shop will be open on the following days during the school holidays.

  •                 Tuesday 14 July, 8.30am to 4.30pm
  •                 Wednesday 15 July, 12.30pm to 5.30pm

Orders can also be placed

Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL

From the Principal – Term 2 Week 9

Jenni Vile on 19/06/2026

Announcement 鈥� Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Appointment

I am delighted to share with our 今日吃瓜 community that Mrs Sarah Pagett has been appointed to the substantive position of Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, a role which she has been acting in this year. The interviews took place with an interview panel, following submissions of applications from a large field of experienced leaders in Catholic and Independent education. Sarah’s strong Marist heart shone through along with the many successful senior leadership positions she has undertaken in our community over recent years. 

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Sarah on her appointment.

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy 鈥� And What to Do About It

In an age defined by endless scrolling, highlight reels, and curated perfection, the phrase 鈥渃omparison is the thief of joy鈥� feels more relevant than ever. Often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, this simple observation captures a powerful truth about human nature: when we, in an unhealthy and unfiltered way measure our lives against others鈥�, we can risk losing sight of our own progress, purpose, and happiness.

The Silent Habit We All Share

In childhood and adolescence particularly, comparison is natural. From childhood, we learn by observing others鈥攚ho runs faster, scores higher, or performs better. In measured and considered doses, and as a refined skill, comparison can motivate growth, model the way or lead us to be people of social justice action. But in excess, it becomes a silent habit that erodes confidence and distorts reality.

From Reel to Real

Today, that habit is amplified by social media. We are no longer comparing ourselves to a handful of peers鈥攚e are measuring our lives against hundreds, even thousands, of people. The problem? We鈥檙e comparing our behind-the-scenes life in its fullness and a 鈥榳ork in progress鈥� to someone else鈥檚 highlight reel. Promotions, vacations, milestones, and celebrations are shared quite freely, while struggles, failures, and doubts often remain hidden in that 鈥榟ighlight reel鈥�- a real danger in the making.

When Comparison Steals Joy, especially for our children.

Comparison robs us in several ways:

  • It shifts children and adolescents focus away from gratitude. Instead of appreciating what we have, we fixate on what we lack.
  • It creates unrealistic standards. We begin chasing benchmarks that may not align with our values or circumstances.
  • It undermines self-worth. Constantly 鈥渇alling short鈥� in comparison leads to self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
  • It delays genuine fulfillment. We postpone happiness, thinking we鈥檒l feel content once we catch up鈥攁 moving target that never quite settles.

Joy thrives in presence, simplicity, gratitude, and authenticity. Unhealthy comparison, by contrast, pulls us out of the moment and into an endless cycle of measuring and evaluating.

The alignment of the work we do at the College to nurture young people鈥檚 self-worth, from the big picture to the small moments, is really intentional work alongside your family, and it flows from our Vision for Wellbeing- age and stage programs for wellbeing. The Marist Characteristics, especially the characteristic of Simplicity, is so important in teaching our young people that simplicity means authenticity 鈥� the framework to celebrate who you are and how to gauge your own personal learning, social and emotional growth against true measures.

You may recall completing a College survey last year where we asked for your really important opinion regarding how we (school and family) support our students in navigating the digital world with success. On a national scale, the Government implemented a social media ban on children under the age of 16. On a school community scale, your data, alongside work with the Newman Parent Forum, has shaped our Raising Digital Citizens: Supporting Families in a Digital World: Parent & Community Learning Suite. This is a series of 6 practical workshops, with the first workshop happening on Monday 29 June. Click here to read about the topics covered.

Turning Comparison into Awareness

The goal isn鈥檛 to eliminate comparison altogether鈥攊t鈥檚 to become aware of it and redirect it. Here are a few practical ways we can walk alongside young people to frame their joy:

1. Pause and Name It

When you notice unhealthy comparison, simply acknowledge it. Awareness is the first step to regaining control.

2. Shift to Gratitude

Ask your child to actively list what is going well in their life. Gratitude grounds them in reality and centres perspective.

3. Redefine Success

Ask the question regularly: What does success look like for you? Align goals with values鈥攏ot someone else鈥檚 timeline.

4. Limit Unhealthy Inputs

Be mindful of what is consumed. If certain platforms or accounts trigger negative comparisons, consider setting boundaries.

5. Compare with Your Past Self

The most productive comparison is internal. Ask your child to measure how far you鈥檝e come鈥攏ot how far others appear to be ahead. Growth and gain is an integral part of being Marist. It has been said to me before that God鈥檚 gift to us is who we are. Our gift to God is who we become. It also reminds me of Little Athletics days when the focus of competing was about working towards 鈥淧Bs鈥�.

A Different Lens

Imagine if, instead of comparison, we practised curiosity. Instead of thinking, 鈥淲hy don鈥檛 I have that?鈥� we might ask, 鈥淲hat can I learn from this?鈥� This subtle shift transforms comparison into a teacher.

It also opens the door to empathy and social justice action. I have never met a child or adolescent who, when they see another person鈥檚 suffering and circumstance, does not want to help. Newman students rally to support Catholic support agencies and fundraising for causes

Everyone鈥檚 journey includes unseen struggles, setbacks, and uncertainties. When we recognise this, the pressure to 鈥渒eep up鈥� begins to fade.

Final Thoughts

Joy is not found in being better than others鈥攊t鈥檚 found in being present, purposeful, and aligned with your beliefs. It is found in the authentic connections we have with one another too. 

The next time you feel unhealthy comparison creeping in to your child鈥檚 life, remember: life is not a competition. It鈥檚 a story鈥攗niquely owned, unfolding at its own pace.

And joy?
It鈥檚 not something you win. It鈥檚 something you protect.

Champagnat Day

We had great joy in celebrating Champagnat Day today at the College. The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat falls on June 6, but we have our senior students involved in examinations around this time. Champagnat Day was celebrated with a wonderful Mass, followed by recognition of students and staff awarded the annual Champagnat Awards with the input of students, parents and staff nominations. We finished the day in great joy with the fete activities across the whole College. What a great time we had with the Rhythm of the Guilds Dance event! Each Guild with students from Year 1 to 12 showed their moves in their choreographed dance. Fantastic Guild Spirit- fantastic College Spirit!

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL