½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

One of the things I most look forward to in the Term 3 holidays is the chance to enjoy the AFL Grand Final. Although the game wasn’t as close as one may have hoped, it was still a good game to watch, and we must offer congratulations to the Geelong Cats (sorry John!) 

However, it wasn’t the result that stood out most for me that afternoon, it was the actions of Cats captain Joel Selwood. There were three moments in the afternoon that really stood out. These were: 

• Joel walking out with Levi Ablett, son of Gary, who has a rare degenerative disease 
• Joel giving his boots to the young Auskicker who presented him with his medal, as well as getting a photo with all the kids immediately after being presented with the premiership cup 
• Inviting Cats spiritual leader and ‘hydration specialist’ Sam Moorfoot over the fence to join in the team celebrations, where he stayed with the team until they arrived back together in Geelong later that evening.  

What struck me as I was watching this unfold was how Christ-like Joel Selwood was in his actions that day. He was humble, showed love for others, and recognised the dignity of those around him others might consider the least – in this case children and people with disabilities. All this on a day where he could easily be forgiven for thinking only of himself or his team. 

There are lots of ways we can learn about Christ – we can go to mass on Sunday, and we can read from the Gospels. But we can also see Christ in the everyday actions of those beautiful people around us who seek to recognise the dignity of others, and make an effort to positively impact the lifves of others. In a Catholic community like ours, one may be forgiven for thinking it is up to the Principal, or Director of Mission & Catholic Identity to make Christ real in our community. But the fact is, this opportunity sits with every member of our community – parent, child, and teacher. We all share equally in the power to bring Christ to others through our words and actions, and each day brings us the opportunity to make this happen. What will you do with your power? 

Year 5 Leadership Retreat 

Yesterday, our Year Five students gathered in the auditorium to take part in a leadership retreat. Please enjoy this recount from Year 5 students below: 

Today we participated in the Year 5 Leadership Retreat. 24:7 Youth Ministry presented the retreat and one of our favourite activities was where we learnt about the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. We learned about the nine fruits of the spirit and how each one represents a quality that Jesus showed. We then found superheros that represent each fruit of the spirit. Some examples were, 

Self-control – Spiderman 

Peace – Wonder Woman 

Gentleness – Thor 

Faithfulness – Batman 

Goodness – captain America 

This retreat taught us a lot about leadership qualities, and we can’t wait for the future ahead of us. We really loved and enjoyed the leadership retreat. 

 Sia Halai & Berkley Blizzard 

New Ministers of Communion Commissioning 

Following thorough training with Br Terry Orrell, our new Ministers of Communion were commissioned on Wednesday of last week. It was so pleasing to listen to these students in their training speak about wanting to serve their community, and make a positive difference for others. We offer our congratulations to: 

Benjamin Butson, Sophia Brodie, Belle Jenkins, Indiana Lummis, Meg McAullay, Ethan Nguyen, Michael Pethic, Isaac Nolan, and Grace Rose. 

We are very proud to welcome these students to the student ministry team as they undertake this important role in the life of the Church and the College. We look forward to witnessing their service over the coming twelve months. 

St John Henry Newman Day 

The Feast Day of St John Henry Newman, after whom our College is named, is celebrated on October 9.  To mark this important date, students from Kindy-Year 11 gathered together as a whole school last Friday to celebrate the Eucharist with Fr Garner. It was wonderful to have all our students gathered together to celebrate as a whole community, and we are very grateful to Fr Garner for leading our celebrations.  

This day was also an opportunity for our students to join together in raising funds for Telethon to support our Year 3 Telethon Little Star, Emily Siew. Students took part in a carnival in the primary school with lots of games and activities such as silent disco, bowling, chocolate toss, and bowling led by our Year 11 student leaders. Marcellin students also took part in a number of fundraising activities in the secondary campus too. 

Year 12 GraduationÌý

On Wednesday night, several hundred family members, friends and teachers gathered to acknowledge and farewell our Class of 2022 students at Optus Stadium. The proceedings began with a thought-provoking Mass celebrated by Fr Garner, with beautiful music provided by the Ruah Choir under the direction of Ms Ava Bilton. The theme of our Eucharistic celebration was Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16) where Fr Garner challenged all Year 12 students to go into the world and be the light for others. This is a beautiful message for us all, recognising that we all have the power to impact the lives of others.  

Thursday Morning Community Mass – Grandparents Day 

On Thursday 27 October we will be celebrating the important role that Grandparents play in our families and community. All Grandparents are warmly invited to start the day with Community Mass in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am and to stay for refreshments afterwards in the Chapel Foyer.  

Our regular Thursday morning Community Mass is hosted by both primary and secondary students and is celebrated by a Priest from one of our local Parishes. Please see details below of the upcoming dates; 

Thursday 27 October (Grandparents Day), Catherine and Year 5 Blue, Fr Hyginus Ebede 

Thursday 3 November, Chisholm and Year 5 Red, Fr Emmanuel-tv Dimobi 

In our prayers 

We were very saddened to hear recently of the death of Thomas English – a Year 12 student from Marist College in Canberra, as well as the death of Father Israel’s father in the Phillippines. As a Marist community we pray that Mary our Good Mother and St. Marcellin Champagnat watch over their families and give them strength during this time. Please let us keep Thomas’ family and Father Israel in our prayers and thoughts at this time. 

LifeLink Thanks 

This week we received a letter from Most Rev Timothy Costello to acknowledge and thank the College for the donation raised as part of the LifeLink Day initiative last term. The LifeLink organisation was established by the Archdiocese of Perth in 1994 to provide for the ongoing financial and promotional support of agencies established or assisted by the Church. LifeLink’s agencies deliver professional services & caring support to thousands of people in need throughout Western Australia each year. We are very grateful for the support of the College community in supporting this important endeavour. Click here to read the full letter.

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal 

As Term 4 proceeds and Christmas approaches, we turn our attention to those families in our area who may be struggling with the resources to celebrate this year. 

Every year, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï partners with Floreat and Doubleview St Vincent de Paul groups to bring Christian joy and hope to families who need our support. Across PK-12, students will be asked to bring in a particular item to assist in creating Christmas hampers for these families. More information about this appeal will be shared in the coming days. 

Key Dates

Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October – Year 12 Semester 2 Exams 
Monday 10 October – Staff PL day (COLLEGE CLOSED) 
Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October – Year 10 Adventure Camp, Karridale  
Monday 10 October – Year 7 Orientation Day 
Tuesday 11 October – Students PK-12 return (wearing summer uniform) 
Friday 14 October to Tuesday 18 October – Year 12 Exam Feedback days 
Friday 14 October – St John Henry Newman Feast Day 
Wednesday 19 October – Year 12 Graduation (Optus Stadium)- click HERE to purchase tickets 
Thursday 27 October – Grandparents Day Celebration – Lavalla and Marcellin (details below) 
Friday 28 October – Grandparents Day Celebration – Marian 
Monday 31 October to Fri 18 November – WACE exams 

It has been a wonderful term of celebration and activity. So much has happened in the community and I sincerely thank our staff, students and parents for the ongoing collaboration and flexibility that embodies our Marist sense of family spirit. I wish everyone a magnificent break and hope the holidays offer an opportunity for relaxation, fun and time spent with loved ones.  

I look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 11 October wearing full summer uniform, remembering to ensure College expectations regarding grooming are adhered to. 

ACC Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the athletes who represented ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in the recent ACC Athletics Carnival. The hard work and dedication of both students and staff really paid off, with Newman ending the day in second place overall in A Division – a fantastic achievement. This is the College’s best achievement in over 30 years, and the effort put in by staff and students cannot be understated. articular thanks go to Matt Connell, Tom Williams and the wider PE Team for their dedication, coaching and organisation of the event. 

2023 Student Leaders 

After joining the leadership training program in Year 11 and completing the application and selection process, our new Student Leaders were introduced to the school during Assembly on Wednesday.  

Congratulations to all our Student Leaders for 2023. We look forward to developing your leadership skills and witnessing your contribution to the College Community. 

Guild: Aimee Byrne, Tasmyn Floate, Charlie Robinson, Nadia Monzu, Evie Liddell, Holly Agostino, Samuel Perkin, Evee Dennison, Ashlee Hale, Maud Buchanan, Caitlin Kojundzich, Mitchell Rogers, Rhyley Wake, Wesley Carren, Fabiana Di Donna, Benjamin Butson

Wellbeing: Kai Kazmer, Belle Jenkins

Sport Captain: Meg McAullay, James Hart

Social Justice: Sophia Brodie, Madeleine Irish

Arts: Poppy Corbett, Ethan Nguyen

Academic: Benjamin Borgas, Bethany Avins

F&L: Isaac Nolan, Grace Rose

College Captain: Michael Pethick, Indiana Lummis

Year 7 2023 Orientation Day  

Orientation day for our incoming 2023 Year 7 students provides an opportunity for them to become familiar with the College environment, meet some of their classmates and complete Allwell testing that will assist us in supporting them in transition.  Students will be given a tour of the College.  They will work with student leaders and participate in a series of games and activities designed to foster friendships.

Students gather in the Gymnasium at 8.30am and will be dismissed from the Gymnasium at 3.00pm. 

Year 10 Camp – Karridale

The Year 10 Adventure Camp is a significant and compulsory College event.  The camp is run in conjunction with Outdoor Education Group (OEG) and will see our Year 10 students enter an unfamiliar and somewhat remote environment. The experience provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves to develop leadership, self-management skills, resilience, and personal independence. 

Grandparents Day

The College is hosting two events to celebrate our Grandparents – Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October.Ìý Please click here for details.

Term 4 – Bathers and Rash Vest requirements 

As previously communicated, the College has introduced New College bathers and rash vests. In keeping with College uniform expectations, students are required to adhere to the following changes relating to College bathers and rash shirts.

Years 1-2 – No change.  Students continue to wear their own personal bathers and rash vests.

Years 3-9 (2022) – College bathers and rash vests are compulsory.

Students may wear the older version of the College bathers and rash vests for the remainder of 2022; otherwise, new bathers and rash shirts must be purchased.

Years 3-10 (2023) – New-style College bathers and rash vests will be compulsory. No old bathers or rash vests can be worn.

Year 12 Game Changers – Graduation  

On Tuesday, 20 September, we celebrated the conclusion of students’ participation in the program with a graduation dinner. Please join me in congratulating Joshua Lee, Sonia Bruce, Joseph Martin, Jack Daley, Luis Felipe Uribe, Isabella O’Rouke, Aneika Short, Sharya Ferdinandusz, Emily Holland, Harrison Prudham and Joshua Downes.

Year 12 Ball – Wednesday 21 September 

After several changes to the date of the ball, the Year 12 cohort was finally able to come together to celebrate their final year of secondary school.  Students met at Frasers in Kings Park, where they enjoyed a night of fun, food, and dancing. We look forward to receiving photos and will communicate information on how to purchase them in the coming weeks

Year 7 2023 Parents Evening – Monday 12 September

The College welcomed parents of incoming 2023 Year 7 students to an information evening.  This presentation covered relevant information pertaining to the Year 7 College experience. We look forward to welcoming incoming students to their Orientation Day on Monday, 10 October. 

Fame Lab

Students in the Year 8 and 9 SHINE program were invited to participate in the Fame Lab Academy competition this year. The Fogarty Foundation has partnered with the Foundation for the WA Museum to establish FameLab Academy – a school initiative to encourage their interest in STEM and develop their science communications skills.

Students in the competition were involved in workshops to refine their science research skills, their ability to communicate complex Science concepts in clear ways and to use storytelling techniques to engage audiences in STEM contexts. In our intra-school heats the following students should be commended for their outstanding presentations – Holly Kallawk; Ethan Wynne; Hannah Woolfrey; Alyssa Petracca and Leyla Do.

The FameLab Academy National Finals, held in Perth on September 20, showcased some of the country’s brightest minds as they told science stories in just three minutes, with no props, no jargon, and no PowerPoint. Leyla Do in Year 9 represented ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï at the National Finals on her topic ‘Factors Contributing to Height’. Leyla made it through to the finals from over 500 contestants and presented an entertaining and informative speech at the Heath Ledger Theatre.

Thank you to Ms Legg, Ms Bakeburg, Ms Hassell and Br Paul Murphy for their assistance for both the heats and Final competition.

Staff Movements 

Michael Sullivan (Mathematics Teacher Marcellin).  We wish him all the best in his future pursuits. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Dear Parents and Guardians

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I am sure that anyone who attended the College’s 2022 Production would agree that it was a magnificently staged event.

Under the leadership of Leader of Learning The Arts, Yvonne Wiese, and direction of Dixie Johnstone, this production demonstrates the imagination, dedication and hard work of our students and staff.  Our students were truly magnificent and I got to witness first hand back-stage the energy and passion they have for The Arts.  It is so important that we cultivate and nourish our Performing Arts Program in the years ahead.  Creating spaces like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory allow each child to test themselves and to grow their talent.  Thank you must also go to the parents and friends whose commitment to supporting their children exemplifies our Marist spirit.

I congratulate all involved in bringing this classic story to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï.

Graduating Class of 2022

On Wednesday we celebrated the final day of formal education for our Year 12 students with the Principal’s Assembly.  In my speech I spoke about what is the beginning of their journey onto a road that is unknown but full of promise and hope.  In contrast, the World has been mourning the recent death of the Commonwealth’s longest serving Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.  With the ending of the Queen’s journey, we now take time to reflect on her legacy and her impact on the world.  (Please click here to view the full speech.)

The assembly was live streamed throughout the College.  In addition, the Lavalla Primary school along with the Secondary students formed a guard of honour as the Year 12 students moved from the Gymnasium to the Auditorium.

We now look forward to the formal Year 12 Graduation ceremony in Term 4.

ACC Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the athletes who represented ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in the recent ACC Athletics Carnival. The hard work and dedication of both students and staff really paid off, with Newman ending the day in second place overall in A Division – a fantastic achievement. This is the College’s best achievement in over 30 years, and the effort put in by staff and students cannot be understated. articular thanks go to Matt Connell, Tom Williams and the wider PE Team for their dedication, coaching and organisation of the event.

Student Leadership 2023

At Thursday’s assembly we also announced the Leadership Group for 2023.  Congratulations to Indiana Lummis and Michael Pethick who have been appointed College Captains and all those students who have been selected for leadership. I am confident that you will let your light shine in your new roles.

2022 Little Telethon Star

Congratulations to our very own Emily Siew, Year 3, who has been named one of the 2022 Little Telethon Stars. (Please click to view the recent West Australian article)

We look forward to seeing more of Emily on the media as we lead up to the Telethon Weekend on 23 and 23 October.

Celebrating St John Henry Newman Feast Day

The Feast of St Henry Newman is celebrated on 9 October. To mark the significance of this occasion, our K-12 Community will come together for a combined Mass in the Marcelin Sports Complex on Friday 14 October.  Further details will be circulated to families, including the Primary Buddy Day.

End of Term

It has been a very busy term.  Once again our students, staff and families have been magnificent.  My prayer is that we take time to rest in preparation for the term ahead.  We keep in our prayers the Year 12 students who will be completing their Mock exams.

Reflection:

“Their whole life will be an echo of what you will have taught them.” – St Marcellin Champagnat

Y12 Game Changers Graduation 

Game Changers were sent off on Tuesday night with a lovely evening of celebration filled with friendship, laughter, delicious food and shared memories. Our Year 12 Game Changers gathered for the last time as students at the college with their parents for a lovely evening to celebrate their time together as Game Changers.  

There were lovely presentations from students, that really highlighted to the benefits of their time in this group, such as the great perspective they gained from going on their trip to Mullewa last year, and the lasting bonds of friendship they created as leaders this year. Mr Finneran spoke of the ongoing benefits the students will take away from the program and the impact their positive actions will have on other people. Issy, our Marist Youth Ministry Regional Assistant, spoke of the exciting opportunities post school MYM has to offer and some of the initiatives she is planning to get running for next year.  

Most importantly, however, it was just a lovely night for all to come together, reminisce and celebrate the journey this group has taken over the years. Game Changers continues to offer our students an opportunity to think about the world outside of themselves and reflect on who God is calling them to be. I am grateful to Sophie Monisse, Adeline Hendricks and Aleisha Bryson for walking with these students since they began their journey in Year 10. 

Living Marist Service Learning 

Our Christian Service Learning Program, Living Marist, has been running throughout the year with Year 7, 8 and 9 students. The purpose of service learning is to engage students in activities that challenge them to reflect, discern and act in the community.  

Students have participated in a range of activities, both in the community and at school; recently supporting Lavalla and Marian students. Congratulations to our students who have worked hard and shown great initiative. Keep up the good work! These actions espouse the Marist values of Family Spirit and Love of Work. 

The completed Service Learning booklets are due back at the beginning of Term 4 so there is still time for students to find opportunities for service in the community and add to their number of completed hours. 

Year 7 Game Changers Retreat

On the 7 September, a small group of driven year sevens embarked on their very first Game changers retreat. The day was filled with team-building challenges, opportunities for personal growth as young Marist leaders, and an introduction to what game changers is all about. We found fun and interactive ways to discover some key Marist role models, or ‘stars’, and even some celebrities who seem to live out the Marist values; simplicity, love of work, in the way of Mary, family spirit, and presence. We finished up the day by looking into ways we can live out these values at home and, quite literally, ‘planting the seeds for future growth’. This was encompassed in a ‘grow from home’ activity involving planting seeds in cups that the students decorated with goals. By the end of the retreat, the newest participants in the Game Changers program had a deeper understanding of what it means to be a young Marist and how they can grow to be the best versions of themselves and support each other in this journey. 

Br Bill Sullivan  

Last week we welcomed Br Bill Sullivan, Director of the Hermitage, Mittagong, into our Community. Throughout the year Br Bill works with our staff in faith formation and on this occasion he also offered a Parent Retreat.  

Called The Golden Thread; Sensing the Sacred in the Ordinary, this retreat-style  session gave participants an opportunity to pause, reflect, ask questions and develop a greater understanding of faith. 

Having Br Bill in our community is another way we seek to empower our staff to engage in their faith story, explore their own purpose and relationship with God. 

We look forward to welcoming Br Bill back to the College in 2023.  

John Henry Newman Mass  

October 9 is the Feast Day of St John Henry Newman. As the name chosen for our College it is an important day to celebrate our PK-12 community. On Friday 14 October our students from Kindy to Year 11 will gather to celebrate the Eucharist together. Primary students will then enjoy Buddy Day activities whilst those in Years 7-11 will return to normal classes. More information about these celebrations will be communicated to families in Term 4. 

Thursday Morning Community Mass 

Thank you to everyone who has attended our Thursday Morning Community Mass in the Champagnat Chapel this term. It is wonderful to see so many community members coming together each week to celebrate Mass with our students and staff. 

Next term, following the John Henry Newman Mass in Week 1, and the Year 12 Graduation Celebration in Week 2, Community Mass recommences in Week 3 on Thursday 27 October and will be hosted by students in Catherine and Year 5 Blue.