Well, we have reached the end of the term and the conclusion to the 2024 academic year! We celebrated and gave thanks for 2024 in recent days with the Thursday Community Mass, liturgies and assemblies. In each celebration, we focused on the joy of the year, our expression of Marist characteristics and the various contributions of our students to College life. In recent days, we experienced the Christmas joy of the Primary Christmas Carols and Kindy – Year 5 Awards, the Marian Advent Liturgy, the celebration of the Education Support Music Rocks End of Year Christmas Concert, Ministry and Discovery Festivals for Years 7 to 9, the 2025 Year 12 Leaders Marist Leadership Camp and the Year 6 Graduation and Awards event. Our Year 11 Philippines Immersion have returned from a truly enriching experience and our Marist Cricket team are enjoying the competition of the Marist Carnival. The term’s end reflects the nature of our whole year program – wonderful opportunities for our students to Shine Through Discovery.
Awards Ceremonies
On Friday 22 November, we celebrated the Year 7-11 Awards Ceremony in the Gymnasium and Marist Auditorium. Students who have excelled in academic, service, leadership, the arts and sport were recognised. It was wonderful to host so many families who attended the function. The Kindergarten to Year 5 Awards and Primary Carol Evening was a wonderful family evening on Friday, 29 November. Again, it was so pleasing to acknowledge student achievement and be led in the singing of carols by each year group. The final awards event was our Year 6 Celebration Mass and Awards where we acknowledged the end of the Primary journey for the class.
Staff Farewells
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ is fortunate to have 259 dedicated staff to support our students. In any year there is movement and we offer a sincere thank you to the staff who will be moving on, whether they have been with us for a short period or many years. Each has made contributions which have helped our students flourish. Some are moving into leadership positions in other schools, which speaks highly of their abilities as leaders, and the support ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ has provided in nurturing their leadership. Some staff are moving into retirement. Many of our other departing staff will take their great experience and formation at the College and add to the rich fabric of their new schools. Farewell to
Retiring
Steve Halley Wright – Director of Finance and Operations
Liliana Bellandi – Teacher, Secondary
Kathy Fryer – Education Assistant Special Needs, Secondary
Peta Ing – Education Assistant Special Needs, Secondary
Sharon MacBean – Teacher, Primary
Promotional Roles at other schoolsÌý
Sarah Ellam – Acting Deputy Principal Secondary
Cameron Tremayne – Head of Health and Physical Education
Moving to other schools
Kate O’Keefe – Japanese Teacher, Primary
Charlotte MacLean – Teacher, Primary
Jane Ward – Teacher, Secondary
Joel Kandiah – Teacher, Secondary
Renee Passell – Teacher, Secondary
Annette Doe – Education Assistant, Primary
Elija Meegan – Education Assistant, Secondary
Non Teaching Staff
Jennifer Smith – Relief Coordinator
Kellie Pethick – Senior Laboratory Technician
Finishing after Short Term Contracts for Leave Cover
Lauren O’Brien – Teacher, Primary
Tamara Bastow – Art Teacher, Primary
Rosalba Bottega – GATE Teacher, Primary
A particular farewell to two of the College Executive:
Mr Steve Halley-Wright
Steve has been at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ for 17 years, undertaking the senior leadership role of Finance Director and Director of Finance and Operations. He has been an outstanding Marist leader and overseen the development of the College in providing first-class facilities for our students, staff and families. Steve is moving to retirement and will be greatly missed by the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ community.
Mrs Sarah Ellam
Sarah joined ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ three years ago as a Leader of Wellbeing on the Marcellin Campus. An experienced middle leader, Sarah quickly made her way into senior leadership as the Acting Deputy Principal, Secondary. She has been an outstanding leader at the College and now moves to the ongoing role of Deputy Principal at Holy Cross College.
We wish Steve, Sarah and all our departing staff all the best for the future.
American novelist, Ursula. K. LeGuin wrote ‘It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.’ The 2024 academic year ends with today’s newsletter and it has been quite a journey for our community. In our students, we witnessed a positivity and determination to make the most of every opportunity, event and program. Our whole staff have been professional and generous, not only through important in-class learning experiences but a full range of full co-curricular activities across the year. As always, we received great energy and support from our families throughout 2024. Thank you to for the many warm expressions of gratitude to teachers and staff in your Christmas messages. At the end of this article are the key Term 1 dates for 2025.
Advent and Christmas
We are in the season of Advent and we have begun this beautiful liturgical celebration which draws us towards Christmas. The notion of ‘waiting’ figures strongly in Advent; we await the birth of the Saviour. What an interesting message of patience and focus this presents for us against a backdrop of the more commercial tone of rush and a countdown of shopping days left until Christmas. May the Advent season sustain us in our waiting and give us courage in our living.
From all at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, having the opportunity to support, guide and celebrate your child’s journey is the greatest privilege any educator and mentor can possibly have. I wish every student, staff, parent, guardian and family of our community a joyous and blessed Christmas. I know many parents will have only a small window of opportunity over the break for rest and time with their families, but I hope it is precious time. See you all for the new academic year in 2025!
2025 Information
The College will be sending out a Welcome Pack and pertinent information relating to the 2025 school year, prior to the commencement of students. A list of upcoming important College events for Term 1 can also be found here.
After extensive consultation and consideration of the future needs of the College, the following start and finish times will apply for classes from 2025:
Doors Open/First Bell
Start Time
Finish Time
PK-6 students
8:35am
8:40am
3:00pm
Y7-12 students
8:35am
8:40am
3:15pm
To support this change, Transperth has adjusted their services to ensure that all school buses will arrive by 8:30am. After-school teacher supervision will continue to be provided until all students are collected from Marian and Lavalla, giving families with children at both primary campuses time to manage pickups across the two sites.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. We value your input and appreciate your continued support.
2025 School Start Dates
Please refer to the table below for your child’s start date and time, as this will differ for each year group.
YEAR
DATE
TIME
VENUE
PK-6 Students
Thu 30 January
8.40am 8.40am
Marian – PK to Y2 Lavalla – Y3 to 6
Y7 Students Y12 Students Y8-11 New Students
Thu 30 January
8.40am 10.00am 8.30am
Founders Court Auditorium Main Administration
Year 8-11 Students
Fri 31 January
8.40am
Marcellin
Term One 2025 Key Dates
The table below provides a summary of some key events in the first few weeks of Term 1, 2025
EVENT
DATE
TIME
Parent Welcome Sundowner
31 January
5.30-7.30pm
Year 7-12 Information Evening
3 February
5.30-8.00pm
KG-Y6 Information Evening
6 February
5.00-7.30pm
High Achievers Assembly
13 February
9.35-10.50amÌý
PK-12 Family Mass & Commissioning of Student Leaders
18 February
5.30-6.45pm
Primary Family Picnic
28 February
5.00pm-7.00pm
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum
10 March
6.00pm-7.00pm
As events and activities for 2025 are confirmed, they will be added to the . We kindly ask families to consult the calendar when planning holidays and other commitments and to support and prioritise College events whenever possible.
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Primary reports are available to view via .
Secondary reports will be available through after Friday 6 December.
Students not returning in 2025
If your child will not be returning to ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ in 2025, please ensure you download all reports from SEQTA Engage by 31 December. After this date, student records will be archived and no longer accessible.
Thank you
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all families for their invaluable contributions to our vibrant Marist community. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our dedicated staff, who provide such rich learning experiences for our students. Thank you for continuing to entrust us with the responsibility of caring for your children and working together to develop them into good Christians and good citizens.
The College will be in touch early in the new year with the Welcome Booklet and Letters. Until then, I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday break and a blessed and holy Christmas.
On Tuesday of Week 9, the Discovery Festival will bring experiential learning to life for our Years 7-9 students. This exciting learning experience aligns with the College’s Vision for Learning and, at the heart of the festival, are experiential activities that foster Challenge, Create, Celebrate, and Collaborate—the four pillars of the College’s Vision.
Challenge: Students are invited to step outside their comfort zones, engage in problem-solving tasks like the Amazing Race and Escape Rooms, and build resilience through activities that require critical thinking, strategy, and perseverance.
Celebrate: Through this festival, students can celebrate their strengths and achievements by engaging in activities that showcase individual skills and allow for personal accomplishments. Each challenge provides moments for students to reflect on their growth, while also celebrating their contributions to their teams.
Collaborate: The festival emphasises teamwork and social connection through group-based activities like table tennis, mountain biking, and science workshops. Working with their peers encourages students to develop communication skills, foster inclusivity, and appreciate the value of different perspectives.
The Discovery Festival reinforces the College’s commitment to creating curious, confident, and capable lifelong learners who Shine Through Discovery. The event provides a living example of the Vision for Learning, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and connections that will support them academically and socially throughout their journey at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ and beyond.
We thank the dedicated Discovery Festival Team, who have spent the last five months preparing this exceptional experience. Their hard work and commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment creates meaningful opportunity for our students to grow, connect, and Shine.
Next Friday 22 November, our Secondary students will come together to celebrate outstanding achievements across the semester. The assembly will honour students’ accomplishments in academics, sports, and leadership, including Academic Excellence and Subject Awards, Sporting Awards, and the Game Changers Awards. We will introduce our Student Guild Representatives for 2025, and acknowledge the contributions of departing staff members. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication and spirit within our College community.
We look forward to sharing this special event with our students, parents and staff.
Further details can be found in the Secondary section of this newsletter.
Year 6 Graduation
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ is excited to celebrate the achievements of our Year 6 students as they complete their primary years and prepare for the next stage of their journey. The Year 6 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, from 5 – 7pm, beginning with a Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, followed by an Awards Ceremony in the Marist Auditorium. This special event will honour the accomplishments of our graduating students, and we look forward to celebrating with them and their families.
Further details on this event can be found in the Primary section of this newsletter.
Philippines Immersion
Next Saturday morning, 23 November, our Year 11 Philippines Immersion will begin, with sixteen students and three staff departing Perth for Manila. They will be joined by five students and a staff member from St Joseph’s School, Northam, embarking together on a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture and bring to life our vision of being “good Christians and good citizens.”
During the trip, students will visit four key organisations, including a local PK–12 Marist College similar to our own, where they will have the chance to listen, learn, and connect with Filipino students their age. They will also spend time at the Marist Asia Pacific Centre, where young brothers undergo formation to become Marist Brothers. Additionally, students will visit agencies that support vulnerable children, including those who have experienced abuse or face unstable family situations that lead them to live on the streets.
Our hope is that this experience inspires students to grow in their heart for service, returning with a deeper awareness of God’s presence, even in challenging circumstances. We wish our students and staff a meaningful journey and look forward to hearing about their experiences upon their return.
Reports
Primary reports will be available through SEQTA Engage after Monday 2 December.
Secondary reports will be available through SEQTA Engage after Friday 6 December.
Should your child not be returning to ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ in 2025, we remind parents of the requirement to download all reports from SEQTA Engage by 31 December. After this time, the student record is archived.
On Tuesday, 12 November, our Year 10 students enjoyed an unforgettable river cruise departing from Perth’s Barrack Street. The boat set off along the beautiful Swan River, basking under the last layers of sunlight, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with fun, friendship, and celebration.
Students arrived in creative costumes that added to the night’s lively atmosphere. Among the crowd we saw Ninja Turtles, pirates, superheroes, basketball players, and even the iconic Mean Girls. Not to be outdone, our teachers embraced the fun and dressed in classic Harry Potter-themed attire, blending in with the festive spirit.
With music filling the air and laughter all around, students danced the night away, creating memories they will carry long after this school year. Special thanks go to our Pastoral Care Group teachers for their support, making the night both safe and enjoyable, and to all staff who attended. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lara Ognenis, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10, for her organisation of the evening and for her efforts in making this event such a success for all who attended.
Years 7-11 Annual Awards Assembly – Friday 22 November
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Annual Awards Assembly will be held in the Auditorium and College Gymnasium on Friday 22 November commencing at approximately 8.50am. Our final assembly on Marcellin Campus allows us to acknowledge the academic and sporting achievements this year, recognise our Gamechangers participants and introduce our 2025 Guild Representatives to the College Community. We are in the process of finalising our award winners. Students and families will be notified on Monday 18 November if they are receiving an award. We ask families to RSVP to the event indicating their attendance at this event. Please note that whilst a live feed will allow us to engage in and watch the event from either venue, our Year 10 and Year 11s will be presented with their awards in the Auditorium and our Year 7s, 8s and 9s will be presented with their awards in the Gym. Following the event, light refreshments will be served in the Auditorium Foyer and parents/guardians and award winners are invited to join us.
Year 8 Parent Information Evening – Tuesday 26 November
On Tuesday 26 November, we will be sharing information about the implementation of the Rite Journey program with our Year 9 2025 students. All Year 8 families are asked to attend. Please to review communication that was sent out recently for more details.
Student Diaries 2025
In 2025, the College will only be providing our new Year 7 students with a Student College Diary. The use of diaries will be compulsory for all Year 7 students.
For all Years 8 – 12, there is an option to purchase a 2025 Student College Diary through the book list. Based on student feedback and observation, we are aware that students are opting for electronic means to keep themselves organised. We will be working with your child in early 2025 as to how to use these electronic means to keep them organised such as: widgets, OneNote, Outlook etc. Please be aware that the College will have spare diaries should your child in Years 8-12 wish to purchase one of the College-specific diaries.
Summer STEM Program at ECU
Edith Cowan University are running a Summer of STEM program at their Joondalup Campus from 22-24 January 2025. This three-day program provides students who have an interest in STEM with an opportunity to engage in a variety of science and math activities. The program is for students 14 years and older. For more information or to book .
Recognition of State Representation
Congratulations toÌýBastian DomÃnguez (Year 9) who has been selected again to represent WA at the Australian Futsal Nationals 2025 which will be played in January in Melbourne.Ìý
State Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend Bastian for his dedication and commitment to his sport.
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject Selection for Year 11, 2025
Thank you to all families who participated in the subject selection process for Year 11, 2025. The College is currently finalising missing selections and constructing the timetable for 2025.
In the near future, Year 10 students (and families) will be advised of their allocated subjects for 2025. This will allow sufficient time for purchase of the relevant books and class materials.
VET Certificates (TAFE Courses) and Work Experience for 2025
Applications for VET Certificates for 2025 have now closed. Students will be notified of the outcome of their application in the coming weeks.
Applications for Work Experience for 2025 are now open, and information regarding this has been sent to students.
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 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
Enrolling in Notre Dame UniPath for 2025
The Notre Dame UniPath program is now open for applications for 2025. Please see below a summary of the UniPath and UniReady Programs:
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UniReady
UniPath
Outcome
70 ATAR
70 ATAR
Valid for
All WA Universities (but to enter UWA you need 65% in UniReady)
Curtin, ECU, Murdoch, Notre Dame.
Structure
One of your 6 school subjects in Year 12. Taught here at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, by a teacher, in a classroom each day.
Attend Notre Dame Fremantle campus one day per week, for 12 weeks.
How to apply
Select UniReady as one of your Year 12 subjects next year. (Or tell me if you’d like to enter)
See below.
If you would like to enrol in UniPath for next year, you can now apply for entry to this program.
Read the information here:
If it looks right for you, see the “How To Apply” section for the process.
If you are already enrolled in UniReady but decide to switch to UniPath, please let me know.
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:
VET Certificates (TAFE Courses) and Work Experience for 2025
Applications for VET Certificates for 2025 have now closed. Students will be notified of the outcome of their application in the coming weeks.
The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024.
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
Parent and Family Resources
Each year, the Australian Government publishes a resource for parents / guardians to assist in career conversations. The 2024 version can be found here:
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 ‘List B’ (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 2025 might find the following interesting:
Defence Force Gap Year:
Other gap year ideas:
And:
Apprenticeship and Trades Information
The 2024 edition of the Apprentice Intake Guide has now been published. This guide is a large listing of many different apprenticeship opportunities available.
Students and families can access the Guide here:
University and TAFE Dates
University Deadlines and Information
Date
Information
29 November
Last date to upload any known medical/family evidence (via the TISC website) that might affect your ATAR.
2 December
Final round of early offers sent to students.
15 December
ATAR results available on the TISC website.
17 December
Closing date for applications / changes of preferences on the TISC website.
21 December
Offers sent to students.
15 January
Last date to apply for second-round offers.
21 January
Second-round offers sent to students.
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For instructions on how to apply using TISC (including for UniReady / UniPath students), please refer to .
For guidance on how the offer process works / how to accept / what to do if you don’t get an offer / deferring – please see here:  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
TAFE Deadlines and Information  
Date
Information
6 September
Applications open for Semester 1, 2025.
1 November
Last date to apply for Semester 1, 2025.
4 December onwards
Offers will be made after this date.
Students and families can find a list of all TAFE courses at this link: 
Information About University Entry
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:
Students and families may also find these resources from Curtin University helpful:
