As I write a summary of a few key events over the past few weeks, I find myself reflecting on the ways Marist Family Spirit is expressed in our community.
November
In the last edition of the newsletter, I highlighted the importance of November in the Church calendar. Starting with All Saints and All Souls days, November is the month to remember. In each of our Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin settings, we recognised Remembrance Day with assemblies, prayers and laying of wreaths on Monday 11 November. Along with this solemn time, we have held in our prayers and thoughts all members of the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ community who have passed away.
A beautiful part of our remembrance is the Memorial Garden which sits alongside the Champagnat Chapel. During the year, various seasonal flowers, including roses, are in bloom which are memorials to members of our College community who have passed away during their time at the College. A lovely plaque sits in front of each rose and reminds us of the name and life of these dearly held people. As November progresses, let us take the time to remember all in our families who have passed away.
Primary Music Concerts
This week, we have been entertained by the talented students in Primary who are learning musical instruments or involved in singing. Each of the performances have been greatly supported by proud parents and family members in the audience and have been a joy to watch. Thanks to Ms Laura van Rijn with the assistance of Ms Selena Barrett and the Music Tutors.
Year 5 Leadership Letters and Speeches
Following the recent, very successful Leadership Day, the Year 5 students have been busy discerning their part in leading Primary during 2025. I have received wonderful letters written to me by Year 5 students keen to be a part of the leadership group for 2025 and showing the desire to strengthen the Primary family we have at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. Year 5s also gave speeches to staff and students this week outlining their desire to serve the College and outline a legacy of commitment. Well done, Year 5! In true Marist spirit, you have embraced the duty of leadership.
Year 7 2025 Secondary Experience
Last week, we hosted our Year 7 2025 students and their parents in an after-school experience of the Marcellin Campus. The students and parents met with the Pastoral Care Group teachers and followed a self-guide familiarisation tour around the campus, stopping to talk with various speciality area staff along the way. We were very pleased to have representatives from the eight ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Sports Association clubs on hand to chat to interested parents and students.
The feedback we have received from our existing students and parents when they went through transition to secondary very much shaped the nature of this event. Both our incoming Year 7 parents and the students have each had two events in recent months to assist the transition into Secondary.
Alumni Reunions
Family Spirit does not cease when formal schooling ends. We warmly welcomed back two Alumni year groups for milestone celebrations during the past weeks. The Class of 1994 celebrated 30 years since graduation with a well-attended event in the John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Hub. Alongside our Alumni Team were Mr Bern Willett, Mrs Jenny Lindsay and Mr Mike Diamond, three faces the Class of 1994 knew so well. These staff members led the tour of the College, and our past students had a great time reminiscing. Br Terry Orrell was their Principal and sent his best wishes to the group as he was unable to attend.
A week later the Marist Class of 1974 were in the Hub for their 50th reunion. They were joined by a small group of students from Brigidine College from the Class of 1974, as the connection between the two schools was so strong. Again, these men and women had a great time catching up and attentively listening to the development of the College on their tour of the facilities. They had a video message played to them from their Principal of the day, Br Tim McDonald who now lives in the United States.
In these two reunions are a number of current parents, grandparents and past parents of our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥-Marist-Brigidine network.
School Fee Reminder
Families are reminded that fees and music accounts are to be finalised by 30 November 2024. Parents and guardians are encouraged to process any outstanding monies as soon as possible. If there are any issues, please contact fees@newman.wa.edu.au.
This morning our Year 1 Green class shared with us a wonderful assembly based on the story of Christmas. Year 1 Green were very creative by putting an ‘Aussie twist’ on the story of Jesus birth, with Aussie songs such as ‘Jingle Jingle Jesus’ and ‘Aussie Jingle Bells’. The assembly was full of wonderful singing, dancing and acting! Thank you 1 Green for creatively reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas!
Primary Music Concerts
Throughout this week, Music Concerts for each cohort from Kindy to Year 6 have taken place. These concerts have provided opportunities for our students who participate in private music tuition to show off their wonderful skills, and for each class to share with the parent group some of the fantastic things they have been learning in Music classes this year. A huge congratulations to all of our Kindy to Year 6 students for their outstanding performances. A special thanks to our wonderful Music teacher Mrs Laura van Rijn for her planning, organisation and coordination of these events throughout the week. A fantastic opportunity for our students.
Kindy to Year 5 2024 Transition Afternoon and Class List Distribution
On Friday 29 November, students from Kindy to Year 5 will participate in a transition session ‘Move Up Day’. This is part of our Wellbeing program, which aims to provide students with a smooth move into their 2025 class.
Students will be informed of their 2025 classroom allocation on this day and will then spend the afternoon session with their 2025 classroom teacher and classmates. This session will be focused on familiarising students with their new learning space, learning more about their teacher and undertaking some fun activities.
Class lists will be distributed to families that afternoon, and parents are encouraged to support their child’s placement and successful transition by engaging in positive discussion about the process and excitement about the future possibilities for their child.
Please note: Class lists are final and no changes are possible.
Year 3 2025 Transition
On Friday 29 November, as part of our Transition program, all current Year 2 students will attend a Transition Day at the Lavalla Campus, in preparation for 2025.
The purpose of the day is to familiarise students with the Lavalla Campus and will involve a range of lessons and activities that will allow them to familiarise themselves with and experience their new Campus in 2025.
Year 2 students should wear their blue ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ sports uniform and bring their school bag containing recess, lunch, a water bottle, and the College hat.
Families can drop students off at the Lavalla Campus from 8.20am, and students need to assemble on the grassed area (Marcellin Oval) outside the Lavalla Admin block. Staff will be visible in fluro vests and be able to direct you. Students should be collected from the same grassed area at Lavalla from 2.45pm.
Year 1 to 6 Swimming Lessons
A reminder swimming lessons commence next week for our Year 1-6 students. Important information regarding swimming lessons was placed on SeeSaw and the College app on Wednesday of this week. This information can also be .
Marian Campus Fun Day!
In Week 9, Marian Campus will be hosting their annual Fun Day! This year, the children will be immersed in a variety of soft play including giant building blocks, dinosaur bones and giant Lego to name a few!
Kindy Fun Day will be held on Tuesday 3 December.
Pre-Primary to Year 2 Fun Day will be held on Wednesday 4 December.
Please ensure your child is wearing sunscreen before school. Class teachers will ensure students reapply during the day as necessary. Students from Pre-Primary to Year 2 can wear their Sports Uniform (Blue Polo) for the day. At different times throughout the day the students will be participating in the Fun Day activities.
This year, Pre-Primary to Year 2 students will have the opportunity to order a special meal deal from the canteen on this Fun Day. Parents can view the meal deal on Flexischools. All orders must be placed on Flexischools by Friday 29 November. No orders will be accepted after this date.
Please note, parents are unable to attend Marian Fun Days. Supervision will be provided by teaching staff.
Lavalla Pool Parties
As in previous years, Lavalla students in Years 3 – 5 will take part in a Pool Party at the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ pool on the following days from 11.00am until 3.00pm.
Year 3 – Monday 2 December
Year 4 – Tuesday 3 December
Year 5 – Wednesday 4 December
Students will need to bring:
morning tea
water
school bathers
rashie
towel
shoes and socks
thongs
hat
Sunscreen
Students may wish to wear their bathers underneath their clothes / sports uniform on this day.
Parents can view the canteen meal deal available on the day on Flexischools. All orders must be placed on Flexischools by Friday 29 November. No orders will be accepted after this date. If your child is not ordering a meal through the canteen, they will need to bring their own packed food as usual on this day. The canteen will still be available throughout this week, with a limited menu. No other food is to be delivered on the day.
Please note, parents are unable to attend the Pool Parties. Supervision will be provided by teaching staff.
Christmas Carols & Primary Awards Night
Parking will be available on the Secondary top oval, with access from Dolomite Court. Staff will be in attendance to assist.
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms / Medals of Marcellin
Our new ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms are now on our website and I encourage you to have a look at these expectations for our Primary students – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. Each week our staff and students will focus on 1 Norm, to discuss and unpack what that norm means for our students in their day-to-day school life.
Recently Harvey (Lavalla) and Finn (Marian) were drawn out of the raffle for demonstrating our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms. Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in the past fortnight.
Congratulations to Blake Martin Year (5) who recently won the Boys 10 Year Old Group Pentathlon at the recent Swimming WA meet. This title is based on points accumulated over 5 events in freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and Individual Medley.
Congratulations to Cruz Priolo who has had an extraordinary karting season in 2024. Cruz has won the WA Kart Championship, King of the Hill, Coastal Classic, Triple Crown, and the City of Perth title. He was then invited to compete in the ROK Cup World Championship in South Garda Italy where he finished 19th out of 45.
Mrs Tash Richards
Physical Education Teacher
iPad Program 2025
The College will continue with its rollout of College owned and managed iPads. In 2025, students in Years 2 – 5 will have a College owned and managed iPad. Students in Years 6 will continue to use their BYOD iPad.
URSTRONG
A reminder parents continue to have access to a . We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
2025 Parent Reps
I am pleased to confirm that we have received an increase in volunteers willing to put their hand up for becoming a parent rep in 2025, and as such we will be able to move forward with a ‘1 parent rep per class structure in 2025, which is wonderful news and the ideal scenario. Thank you to all those parents! I will be in touch with those have expressed their interest in the coming weeks with further information.
Secondary Campus Experience – Tuesday, 5 November
As part of our Year 7 2025 Transition Process, we invite our Year 6 students and their families to our Secondary Campus Experience on Tuesday, 5 November. The afternoon provides an opportunity for families to connect, share reflections from the recent Orientation Day, and further explore the Marcellin Campus.
Beginning at 3:30pm in Founders’ Court, families can enjoy refreshments before hearing a welcome from the College Principal. Students and parents will then have the chance to meet with Pastoral Care Group teachers, explore key areas of the campus, and engage with staff and student leaders who will play an integral role in their journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ and supporting your family in preparing for a successful start to secondary school.
Remembrance Day Services
On Remembrance Day, the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ community will come together at our respective campuses to honour those who have served in times of war and conflict. As students gather, we reflect not only on past sacrifices but also on the importance of peace in light of ongoing conflicts around the world. From the war in Ukraine to the hostilities in the Middle East, recent events remind us of the preciousness of peace and the profound impact of war on countless lives.
This Remembrance Day, we stand in solidarity with all affected by conflict, both past and present. As we observe moments of silence and reflection, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting compassion and understanding within our own community.
Road Safety Reminder
As we approach the end of the year, it is easy to let road safety awareness slip. We ask everyone in our school community to stay vigilant, especially during peak traffic times in the mornings and afternoons. Students are reminded to cross roads carefully and take care when getting in and out of cars.
To help keep our school zones safe, please remember:
Drive slowly: Stick to the 40km/h limit (10km/h in school grounds)
Stay alert: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers, and pay attention to crossings.
Avoid complex manoeuvres: U-turns, three-point turns, and similar actions disrupt traffic flow and can be dangerous.
Give way to pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians, especially at driveways.
Follow crossing supervisors: Adhere to the guidance of crossing supervisors at all supervised crossings.
Let’s work together to keep all members of our community safe.
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum – Monday 4 November 6pm
All ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ parents and guardians are invited to attend the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum next Monday at 6pm in the John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Learning Hub. This event provides an opportunity to hear important updates on a range of school-related topics and engage with the College community. The agenda is as follows:
Strategic Plan 2025/2027
Student Wellbeing and Formation: Equip, Guide, Thrive Secondary Program
Primary Build Update
Bus Services
Parent Engagement Events in 2025
2025 NPF Proposed Meeting Dates
We look forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to make it in person please join us online using the following link –
Uniform Update: Stock Arrivals, Discounts, and Plans for 2025
With the introduction of the new skirts for secondary and guilds for primary, there are a number of updates regarding uniform availability, pricing adjustments, and what you can expect in the coming months at the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Uniform Shop.
New Arrivals
We recently received a shipment of new skirts and skorts, and we are anticipating the arrival of girls’ trousers very soon. These are in the new grey colour.
The new skirts and skorts will be available for sale or order by the new Year 7 students at their upcoming orientation session, while Year 6 students from ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ can also shop from our discounted old skirt selection as they prepare for secondary school.
Discounted Pricing on Select Items
We are offering substantial discounts on select items:
Faction Polos are now available for $15
Old Colour Skirts, Skorts, and Trousers are now $45
These discounts apply to old stock items as we transition to the updated uniform. Please note that these discounted items can only be worn until the end of 2026.
Guild Shirt Update
Some of the smaller sizes in guild shirts are currently in high demand. Orders have been placed for these sizes, and we expect their arrival in late November.
2025 Uniform
Looking ahead to the 2025 school year, we are expecting to have stock of the bulk of uniform items in January, in time for Term 1. We look forward to welcoming you to the Uniform Shop soon and helping you with your uniform needs as we transition to the 2025 school year!
On Wednesday 23 October, our secondary students gathered for our final Celebration Assembly for the term. We had an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements in the following areas:
Catholic Performing Arts Festival: Certificates for Outstanding Performances, Excellence and Merit.
Law Society Mock Trial Competition Participation
Ministry Involvement:
St Vincent de Paul Sleepout,
Year 11 Children, Family and Community Class, and
Mullewa attendees.
Our 2025 College Captains, Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard, officially addressed the Year 7-11 students for the first time. Amelia and Liam encouraged our Marcellin students to step outside their comfort zone and embrace every opportunity on offer at the College. They also acknowledged the importance of checking on friends, offering help and celebrating others’ success.
Year 11 Students – Exam Period
Our Year 11 students have their final day of classes on Friday 1 November with our Year 11 ATAR students returning to complete their ATAR examinations over the next two weeks. Students are reminded that they are to wear formal summer uniform to their examinations, and the usual uniform and personal presentation guidelines apply, along with the College’s Mobile Phone Policy.
Our Year 11s are reminded that the Annual Awards Assembly takes place on Friday 22 November, and is a compulsory event that all Year 11 students are expected to attend. We wish our Year 11 students well with their examinations over the next two weeks, as well as their TAFE and workplace commitments.
Recognition of State Representation
Congratulations to Madison Penberthy, Year 10, who was selected for the Touch Football WA State representative team, U16’s, competing at Coffs Harbour, in September 2024. The team had an excellent competition, making the quarter finals.
State Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend Madison for her dedication and commitment to her 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.
The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience later in Term 4 of 2024.
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:
 &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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:
ATAR Examinations Timetable 2024
The 2024 ATAR examinations timetable can be found at the links below:
University and TAFE dates
University deadlines and information
Date
Information
31 August
Last date to enter Veterinary Science as a preference on TISC. You can’t apply for Vet after this date.
30 September
Last date to enter a preference on TISC for Medicine (Curtin, UWA, Notre Dame).
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.
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:
University scholarships
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Murdoch University
Notre Dame University
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Christian Leaders Scholarship
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
EVENT
DATE
LINK
Curtin University Pathway support sessions
6 November
North Metro TAFE: Animation and Special Effects Open Evening
This morning Pre-Primary Green shared their learning in their assembly at Marian campus. The focus of their assembly was centred around the story of The Gingerbread Man. Pre-Primary Green started with a beautiful Acknowledgement of Country and sung the song ‘My Lighthouse’ for their prayer. They then shared with us a retelling and acting out of the story of the Gingerbread Man, which they have been learning about as part of the Talk 4 Writing Program, which is embedded throughout the Primary. To finish off, they performed a wonderful song and dance! Thank you to Pre-Primary Green for sharing their wonderful learning with us!
Grandparents Day
On Thursday of last week, we held our Grandparents Day. It was a wonderful celebration of our loving grandparents. It was lovely to see Lavalla grandparents attending Community Mass and sharing light refreshments together afterwards. Grandparents at Marian enjoyed spending the morning visiting classrooms, as well as relaxing over a tea/coffee and cupcake. It was a beautiful day celebrating these very special people in our lives.
Swimming Lessons
As the weather starts to heat up, swimming lessons are fast approaching. Please see the attached letter which details lessons times for each class, as well as important additional information.
.
Expressions of Interest – Parent Representatives
In 2024, we were required to move to only having 1 Parent Representative for each year level due to a lack of parent volunteers for these roles. I would like to take the time to thank these parents for their efforts this year, it is greatly appreciated. In 2025, we are wanting to move back to having 1 parent rep for each class across the school. Of course, this relies on having enough parent volunteers.
The Parent Representative role is purely a pastoral and social role for members of the class. The focus is purely and primarily a social, community-building role, which may involve liaising with the class teacher with regards to any support required. In 2025 we continue to ask parent reps to refrain from providing their parent groups with reminders or information about classroom/school events, dates, etc. In 2025, it is essential that parents refer to official College communication (SeeSaw, email, Newsletters) as their main source of information as all details are provided through these channels, and not rely on parent reps for this information.
If you are interested in becoming a parent rep in 2025, I ask you to please fill in by Friday 8 November.
Staffing
As we prepare for 2025 staffing, it is timely to share some staffing news with the community.
The following staff members will be moving on from ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ to pursue the next exciting chapters of their careers: Charlotte McLean, Annette Doe, Kate O’Keefe, Tamara Bastow, Lauren O’Brien.
We also have some staff taking a year’s leave in 2025 and wish them all the best: Marnie Fitzpatrick and Nicola Cresp.
We will farewell these wonderful staff members and celebrate their contributions to our community at the end of the term.
Christmas Carols & Primary Awards Night
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms / Medals of Marcellin
Our new ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms are now on our website and I encourage you to have a look at these expectations for our Primary students – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms – ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. Each week our staff and students will focus on one Norm, to discuss and unpack what that norm means for our students in their day-to-day school life.
Recently Rosellyn, Sophie and Tommy (Lavalla) and Elijah and Stirling (Marian) were drawn out of the raffle for demonstrating our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms. Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in the past fortnight.
URSTRONG
A reminder parents continue to have access to a . We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
Fathering Project
The next Fathering Project Event will be held on Friday 8 November from 4:30-6:00pm at Marian Campus. This event is for children and dads of students at Marian Campus. The event will be Paper Planes and Pizza. Please see flyer below.
To book tickets please click on this link –
Marian Morning Supervision
A reminder that supervision of students commences at Marian Campus when the gates are unlocked by the duty teacher – at 8:20am. Please ensure you do not drop your children off before this time as there is no supervision and this is a safety concern. Thank you for your support in ensuring the safety of our students.
