Our Targeted OLNA Support Workshops, offered at 今日吃瓜’s Homework Club, provide students with the focused preparation they need to succeed in OLNA. These workshops, offered in the lead up to the assessment, are specifically designed to expose students to a variety of practice questions across reading, writing, and numeracy, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the types of challenges they will face during the actual assessments.
In addition to practicing questions, students will also learn effective test strategies and time management skills crucial for performing well under exam conditions. The workshops offer a supportive environment where students can build confidence, refine their skills, and receive guidance from experienced teachers who understand the demands of OLNA. Whether students need to strengthen their understanding of specific concepts or develop strategies to maximise their performance, these workshops provide the tools and support necessary to help every student achieve their best possible outcome.
These workshops will have a focus on Year 11 and 12s who will be sitting OLNA in May. Further OLNA workshops will be offered later in the year in preparation for the September testing period including Year 10.
OLNA.com.au
In addition to OLNA Support Workshops, the College has purchased OLNA.com.au subscriptions for all students requiring to sit their OLNA assessment in 2025.
Login: Student 今日吃瓜 email
Password: Student first name, eg Sarah
If you encounter any issues accessing your olna.com.au account, please contact Mrs Nicky Winterbourn, Leader of Learning Support (Acting), on nicola.winterbourn@newman.wa.edu.au.
Marcellin Homework Club
Just a friendly reminder to parents collecting their child from the Marcellin Homework Club to please check in with a staff member at the library desk and they will advise your child of your arrival. Please refrain from accessing the JHN Learning Hub as this can pose a duty of care issue for our students.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN will be held for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 from 12 鈥�24 March. Further information will be shared to families in the coming days.
This week has seen the first Primary assembly for the year and it was a delight to present merit certificates to our Marian students and watch Year 1 Red perform about their way of 鈥楽hining鈥� and the many ways we are smart. Primary continued their big week with the successful running of the Year 6 Camp at Waroona and the Lavalla Swimming Carnival. The week鈥檚 events saw our students shining through class work, adventure and teamwork, and sporting endeavour. Tonight, we celebrate the Primary Family Picnic at Lavalla and the response from families has been great, even with a long-weekend backing onto the event. Thank you for your strong support of Family Spirit.听听
Primary Build
The Primary build continues to go well and we will ensure we provide the community with good notice as to when, in Term 2, the move from Marian to Lavalla Campus will occur.听听
Student Voice and Agency 鈥� Your children leading the way听
There鈥檚 so much importance in nurturing the voice and involvement of students in their own education and formation. In our new Strategic School Improvement Plan 2025-2027, initiatives of student-adult partnership feature heavily.
Student voice and agency happens in the classroom through empowering young people to give feedback to teachers, feedback to others and feedback about their own learning. Their agency is promoted in providing the opportunity to be responsible and own what is happening in their lives. It is the nurture of partnership and was described within the Australian government-endorsed Through Growth to Achievement: Report of the Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools 2018. Projects underway in 2025 across the whole College that nurture voice and agency include:
The building of Guild spirit and identity;
Involvement in planning transition programs to secondary school, feeding back the successes and challenges of the program, and
Co-designing a student recognition system (colours and honours in Christian Service Learning, Academic, Cultural and Sport participation).
In Term 2, we will highlight 鈥楳y Learning,鈥� which is our approach to further voice and agency in each student鈥檚 learning journey. One project just about to finish began with the Year 6 group from 2024 who planned and presented to the school a 鈥榝riendship bench鈥�. This will shortly be installed on the听 Lavalla Campus. We are blessed with caring, considerate and community concerned children and it is heartening to see the work they are leading at 今日吃瓜.听听
Active Transport – My Way
Another exciting initiative we will be developing in the next few months, that has the leadership of students and involvement of parents, is our plan to encourage walking and riding to school. In today鈥檚 edition, Mr Michael Chiera, Vice Principal, writes about our plan in partnership with the City of Stirling to encourage alternative ways of coming to school. This always needs to be considered in context of the individual鈥檚 age and journey from home to school and back, but it is important in so many ways to encourage active transport.听听
I wish all 今日吃瓜 families a wonderful long weekend. It is hard to believe that we are at a mid-way point of Term 1.
The 2025 school year is off to a fantastic start, filled with engaging activities and events that have brought our community together.
A special welcome to our new families – I hope you are settling in well and embracing the opportunities to connect with others. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Wishing all parents and students a year of growth, success, and meaningful experiences!
Family Mass
Next Tuesday 18 February, our 今日吃瓜 community comes together for the Family Mass, an event that holds great significance in reinforcing our identity as a Catholic school in the Marist educational tradition. The occasion is made even more special as we will celebrate the commissioning of our Year 6 and Year 12 Student Leaders.
I remind parents and students that participation in all aspects of College life, including events like the Community Mass, are an integral part of our shared commitment upon enrolling in the College. As a Catholic school, there are few occasions more significant than coming together for a Community Mass, where we not only share in the Eucharist but also celebrate our unique charism as one united community.
We sincerely thank all our families, students, and staff for joining us for this special event.
A Reminder of Our Shared Values
I would like to remind parents that at 今日吃瓜, we deeply value our collaboration with families and caregivers in nurturing a supportive and respectful community. Our relationships are built on courtesy, mutual trust, and open communication.
To support this, we ask all parents and caregivers to familiarise themselves with the . Understanding these expectations ensures we can continue working together with respect and appreciation for one another.
Newman Norms
At 今日吃瓜, we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. To achieve this, we have established the Newman Norms – a set of non-negotiable expectations for student behaviour and conduct in the classroom. These norms provide clarity and consistency, ensuring that both students and teachers understand the standards that guide our interactions and learning.
The Newman Norms are not just rules; they are the foundation of a respectful and productive classroom culture. By upholding these expectations, students take responsibility for their learning, demonstrate respect for their peers and teachers, and contribute to an environment where everyone can thrive.
By embracing the Newman Norms, we create a community where learning is the priority, respect is non-negotiable, and every student can reach their full potential.
The Newman Norms are displayed in every classroom and can also be accessed on the College Website.
Transperth Updates
412 and 719 鈥� Route Disruptions
Due to ongoing road closures, Stop 19068 (Huntriss Rd before Williamstown Rd, Woodlands) is currently out of service. This disruption will remain in effect until further notice. Please refer to the for details on the nearest alternative stops.
Bus Arrival Times
We acknowledge concerns regarding the morning arrival times of School Special Buses. The College has reported these issues to Transperth and assures parents that all services should arrive by 8:35am.
If your child experiences ongoing issues with bus arrival times, we encourage you to notify both the College and Transperth. Contact details for Transperth can be found .
A big thank you to our 今日吃瓜 families for your support in getting the academic year underway. The term has begun well and it has been heartening to see the joy and engagement that our young people have brought to the new year. As parents and guardians, your presence at the Parent Sundowner, the Information Evenings and the High Achievers Assembly is such a strong show of our Marist characteristics, Family Spirit and Presence. Again, a warm welcome to all our families and a special welcome to the families who have joined us this year.
2025 is shaping to be a pivotal year in our community. It is a year of celebration with Brother Noel Hickey鈥檚 recent 100th birthday celebration, the 60th year anniversary of our Marist presence at Churchlands, 20 years as a composite school of primary and secondary and the completion of our Primary build project. The year also holds significance as a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, signified through many making a pilgrimage to Rome. Our 2025 Marist theme picks up the notion of journeys through 鈥楶ilgrims of Hope – Look Beyond鈥�.
We are also energised and focused in our Strategic School Improvement Plan 2025-2027, with our focus on deepening our identity in the Marist tradition, forging ahead with new approaches to student involvement and voice in our school, and learning gains and growth for our students.
The Equip Guide Thrive program in secondary has launched in the past two weeks. Designed with student, parent and staff input, EGT further responds to student needs in learning preparation, organisation, personal formation, wellbeing and faith. In Year 7, this program has been rolled out with extra planned time for transition into secondary schooling. Year 9 students have experienced EGT with the launch of The Rite Journey. Other year groups are experiencing their new EGT programs to assist their confidence, belonging, preparation for future learning and life beyond school. We now have an age and stage approach from PK-12 with the focus on URStrong, Zones of Regulation and the EGT programs.
Yesterday, we welcomed back the Class of 2024 to the High Achievers Assembly. We celebrated their achievements alongside the academic excellence of our current students. A beautiful moment we have built into our tradition of welcome was the guard of honour given by the Year 12 students to our Year 7 group.
I look forward to sharing with you further developments from our school improvement priorities and wish everyone a great 2025.
On Wednesday 29 January, the Class of 2025 gathered at the State Reception Centre, Kings Park for the Year 12 Ball. It is a momentous occasion in the Year 12 calendar, filled with celebration and hope for the year ahead. Students had a wonderful evening and are to be congratulated on the way they represented the values of our College throughout the evening. Thank you to Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12 and the Year 12 PCG teachers for their help in organising this fantastic event.
Year 7 鈥� 12 Welcome Gathering
On Friday 7 January all students in Year 7 鈥� 12 gathered on Founders Court for a welcome gathering and prayer, led by our College Captains, Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard. Amelia and Liam officially welcomed our Year 7 cohort, new students and staff to our Marist Family. After hearing from Mr Watson, our Year 7 鈥� 12 students gave a heartfelt Happy Birthday message to Br Noel who turned 100 on the weekend!
The Rite Journey
Throughout 2025, Year 9 students will participate in the Rite Journey. The Rite Journey is a rite of passage program that will see students engaging in conversations about what it means to be a thriving citizen while completing challenges along the journey that will build and expand their social and emotional toolkit.
The Rite Journey began with a Calling Ceremony at Trigg Beach across two evenings in Week 1. This Ceremony is an important part of the rite of passage program as they begin their journey into adulthood. Students, with their families, gathered in their Rite Journey groups with their mentor teachers and were given a memento to symbolise the occasion. Families were then invited to sit with their children on the beach and talk to them about their experiences as a child moving into adulthood and offered advice before leaving. It was a moving experience and an amazing way to begin such an important program. Thank you to Mr Scott Smith, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9 and the Rite Journey Mentor Teachers for their organisation and support of the Rite Journey.
Year 7 Transition & Camp
Our Year 7 students began their high school journey on the 30 January. Guided by their PCG teachers and Year 11 mentors, they began a Transition Program which aims to promote connection and set students up for success as a 今日吃瓜 student. Throughout the last two weeks, students have participated in a variety of activities and presentations from learning about what it means to be a student at 今日吃瓜 to how to ensure they are using resources such as devices and College diaries to assist their learning. Students were excited to begin their classes upon return from Camp.
The Year 7 Transition Program finished with a three-day camp at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp. Students embraced the various activities and challenges and this gave students an opportunity to further develop friendships within the cohort. A heartfelt thanks to all Year 7 PCG teachers and camp staff, led by Mr Nathan Pereira, Leader of Wellbeing Year 7 for all their efforts in the last two weeks.
Upcoming Events:
Swimming Carnival
Our 2025 Guild Swimming Carnival will take place on Thursday 20 February at HBC Stadium. It is a compulsory school day and all students are expected to be in attendance.
Students are asked to make their own way to the Carnival, entering through the McGillivray Oval gate. Students may arrive as early as 8:00am and by 8:30am at the latest. There will be buses for any students who are not able to make their way to and from the venue. If your child requires a spot on the hired buses, please complete by Monday 17 February.
Students should wear their Guild shirt with their PE uniform. Students must wear only College bathers/quick dry shorts and Guild swimming caps during competitive swimming events. Swim caps will be provided by their Guild Co-ordinator on the day. Students incorrectly dressed will not be allowed to compete. Year 12s ONLY have permission to dress up. No streamers, face paint or anything that might run in the pool. Students will need to provide their own food/drinks for the day. The kiosk will not be available to students. Any Uber Eats orders will be confiscated.
We look forward to a great day in the pool filled with Guild Spirit.
2025 Equip, Guide, Thrive and Pastoral Care Group Program
This year we are excited to launch our Equip, Guide, Thrive (EGT) Program for students in Years 7 鈥� 12. Our Vision for Mission, Wellbeing, and Learning complement each other and aim to create a holistic and cohesive educational experience for all students, helping them to become 鈥済ood Christians and good citizens鈥� (Matthew 5:16). The EGT program aims to provide an integrated and rigorous education that supports our students in becoming their best selves by giving them opportunities to build their spiritual, wellbeing and academic toolkits. An overview of the Term One Program can be found .
The Extended Pastoral Care Program will continue this year in a slightly different format. It will allow for more flexibility in meeting the needs of our individual cohorts as well as providing more time for building connections and pastoral care support.
Carla Pastorelli
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 鈥楲ist B鈥� (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
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:
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you:
Bricklaying free course
The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry.
Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:
Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
Apply NOW:
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Army
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 20 March 2025
Applications close: 23 February 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 22 May 2025
Applications close: 06 April 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 19 June 2025
Applications close: 04 May 2025
Apply here:
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 07-09 April 2025
Applications close: 23 February 2025
Apply here:
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
Air Force
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 25 March 2025
Applications close: 16 February 2025
Apply here:
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 24 June 2025
Applications close 11 May 2025
Apply here:
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 鈥楲ist B鈥� (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
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:
Bricklaying free course
The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry.
Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:
Start date 10 March – South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham Start date 17 March – North Metropolitan TAFE Balga Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
Apply NOW:
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 thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you:
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:
Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry in 2026?
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2025 (including Assured Pathway at UWA) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
4 March 2025: UCAT bookings open
16 May 2025: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2024
11 June 2025: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
1 July 2025: UCAT testing begins
5 August 2025: Last test date
September 2025: Results available
You can check for more information, tips and practice tests.
Also, students applying for Medicine at Curtin University are required to sit the CASPER Test. CASPER scores are valid only for the next available admissions year, so applicants should only complete the test in the year immediately preceding their planned year of admission.
The CASPER Test is held nationally and is sat online from home. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements to register for the CASPER Test.
You can find more information about this, and book your test, here:
UWA Medical entry handbook here (for Assured Pathway):
Curtin Medical entry handbook here:
Entry to Medicine handbook (Australia-wide) is here:
University scholarships
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Murdoch University
Notre Dame University
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Christian Leaders Scholarship
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Army
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 20 March 2025
Applications close: 23 February 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 22 May 2025
Applications close: 06 April 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 19 June 2025
Applications close: 04 May 2025
Apply here:
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 07-09 April 2025
Applications close: 23 February 2025
Apply here:
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
Air Force
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 25 March 2025
Applications close: 16 February 2025
Apply here:
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 24 June 2025
