Next Thursday, 15 August, we celebrate Assumption Day, a significant event in our College calendar. This special day will be marked by various activities, including masses, a fete, and a series of exciting festivities including staff versus student sports, wellbeing and ‘buddy’ activities.
Assumption Day commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a key feast day in the Catholic Church. This event is particularly important to us as a Marist school, given our deep connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is central to our faith and tradition.
In the Marist tradition, Mary is revered not only as the mother of Jesus but also as a model of faith, humility, and service. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, envisioned a community that embodies Mary’s virtues, fostering a spirit of family, simplicity, and love. Assumption Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew our commitment to living them out in our daily lives.
For more information about the schedule and logistics for the day, please . Students will need to purchase tickets to access the food, drink, and activities at the Fete. These tickets can be purchased here.
We look forward to a joyous and meaningful celebration.
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum
On Monday 19 August, we will have our Term 3 ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parents Forum gathering in the John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Hub from 6-7pm. Some topics covered include:
Marist Schools Australia Cyclic Inquiry Update
Proposed Road
Building Update
New AI Endorsed Program (developed by Beth Murphy, Deputy Principal PK-12 Teaching and Learning)
Uniform Minor changes Update
We warmly invite all parents to join us for the evening.
Student Driver Safety
The safety of our community is always our top priority. We kindly remind all students driving to school to exercise caution on the roads, especially in wet weather, which can increase risks. Please encourage your child to be extra vigilant during these conditions.
We also want to remind parents that it is mandatory for student drivers to complete the form. This form is crucial for registering vehicles with the school and ensuring that parental permission is obtained for any passengers. Instructions for completing the form have been shared with students via Teams.
We request that parents confirm their child has submitted the form, which requires a parent or guardian’s signature. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe and organised environment for all members of our College community.
Thank you for your continued support.
Year 11 Leadership Workshops
Mr Andrew Watson and I had the pleasure of leading the final Leadership Workshop for our aspiring Year 11 leaders yesterday. During the session, we explored the concept of legacy, with students considering what initiatives they would implement if they were Principal for a day. The workshop concluded with groups collaborating on a mission statement for their Year 12, 2025 cohort. Earlier sessions on Christ-centered Leadership, Values, and Personality and Leadership Styles were well-received and have equipped these outstanding students for their leadership roles in 2025.
We extend special thanks to Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Leadership Coordinator, and Mr David Husband, Leader of Wellbeing, for coordinating the program. We also appreciate the contributions of our workshop presenters – Mr Stuart McClorey, Mrs Sarah Ellan, Mr Michael Van Der Heever, Mrs Beth Murphy, and Mr Andrew Watson.
A reminder to Year 11 students: please submit your Year 12, 2025 Leadership Applications by Friday, 9 August.
On Monday evening, the College was very fortunate to have Scottie and Mary Wood from Adventure Works speak to our staff and then our Year 10 parents and guardians about the upcoming Year 10 Camp. Scottie spoke about the value of camps for our adolescents in providing them with space to challenge themselves and get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Mary spoke about the bonds that students create when in these environments, and how these benefit students, Pastoral Care Groups and cohorts in the future. We are looking forward to our students embarking upon this experience in Week 6.
Leadership Program
52 aspiring Year 11 student leaders are currently engaging in our Leadership Program. Over the past couple of weeks, our student leaders have heard from several key staff on topics such as: servant leadership, the influence of values, leadership styles and legacy. Our Year 11 students have actively engaged in these workshops: sharing ideas, promoting active listening and demonstrating a love of work. All formal applications are due on Friday 9 August, with voting for students and staff commencing in Week 5.
Guild Athletics Carnival
Our Guild Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday 1 August and despite the concerning forecast, it was the perfect day for an Athletics Carnival. Guild spirit was alive and well, and there was healthy competition and keen participation across the day. Marcellin Guild retained the Guild Athletics Shield for the second year in a row, and Thomas More won the Guild Spirit award. Thank you to Mrs Marnie Barrett, Miss Kate Thayer, our Guild Coordinators, Health and PE staff and all of our Marcellin staff for their efforts and support of such a fantastic day.
Celebration Assembly – Wednesday 14 August
On Wednesday 14 August, the Year 10, 11 and 12 students will gather in the gym to celebrate our high achievers across these year groups from Semester One. Year 10 students who received three or more academic excellence awards will be acknowledged, along with our Year 11 and Year 12 General High Achievers and our students with a predicted ATAR of over 90 based on their Semester One results. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians of our high achievers to the College to celebrate their achievements as a community.
State Representation
Congratulations to the following students for selection in the Western Australian teams in their respective sports:
Ruby Hankinson (Year 10) – Ruby is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast for the second year in a row. She competed as an Aerobic Gymnast and this year made the final in a very competitive field.
Savannah Doyle (Year 12) – Savanah is a member of the Gymnastics Western Australia State Team and recently attended the Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast
Jackson Paynter (Year 10) – Jackson represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events and 1 final achieving PB’s across all strokes.
Rhys Fowler (Year 8) – Rhys represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 6 events including the 400m Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly, where he achieved a PB.
Kaydee Van Deventer (Year 8) – Kaydee represented WA in the 2024 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships, competing in 7 events, making 6 finals and winning silver in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 100m Butterfly.
State Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport.
Pathways and Careers Information:ÌýYear 10Ìý
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.
VET Certificates (TAFE courses) and Work Experience for 2025
Please see this link for information about applying for VET Certificates for 2025:
The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024.
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11Ìý
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).Ìý
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.Ìý
Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.Ìý
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.Ìý
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: Ìý
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you: ÌýÌý
VET Certificates (TAFE courses) and Work Experience for 2025
Please see this link for information about applying for VET Certificates for 2025:
The College will open applications for 2025 Work Experience in Term 4 of 2024.
Pathways and Careers Information:ÌýYear 12Ìý
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).Ìý
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.Ìý
Be enrolled in at least 1 ‘List B’ (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.Ìý
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.Ìý
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2025 might find the following interesting:
Defence Force Gap Year: Ìý
Other gap year ideas: Ìý
And: Ìý
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 InformationÌý
Early Offers
Students and families are advised that applications for University in 2025 are open as of 1 May 2024. Early Offers for University in 2025 will not be made to students until 2 September 2024. The currently available information about Early Offers is in the table below.
University
Early Offer Information
Curtin University
Early Offers are available for ATAR and non-ATAR students. Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. If your predicted ATAR is five points above the ATAR score required for your selected course, you will receive an early offer that secures your place in Semester 1, 2025. Your offer won’t be dependent on your final Year 12 ATAR score. You will still need to complete WACE and meet the English and subject requirements for your course.   If your predicted ATAR is less than five points above the ATAR score required for your course, you will still receive an early offer for a place at Curtin. You will need to achieve a final ATAR that meets course entry requirements, and meet WACE, English and subjects requirements for the course. If you are not studying the ATAR Pathway, your early offer will be conditional upon you meeting the admission criteria for your chosen course, achieving WACE and meeting Curtin’s English requirements.
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Early Offer calculated from your most recent school results including exams. Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Early Offers for Certificate IV and UniReady/UniPath students will be conditional on passing. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. Offers will be made on 2 September, 23 September, 14 October, 18 November and 2 December. Allow around 2 weeks for us assess your application. List of courses available for Early Offers is at:
Murdoch University
Must achieve WACE and meet any prerequisites. Early Offers for Certificate IV and UniReady/UniPath students will be conditional on passing. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference.
Notre Dame University
Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. Offers will be made on 2 September, 20 September, 4 October, 11 December. Allow a few weeks for us assess your application. In the application you will be asked to provide details about your non-academic achievements and commitments, which may include work, caring responsibilities at home, volunteering, sports and school leadership, among others. Further information and eligible courses at
University of Western Australia
Must be completing the ATAR Pathway in Year 12. Submit your application via TISC, putting your Early Offer course as your first preference. All students must satisfy UWA’s English requirements and any subject prerequisite requirements. Students can apply for an Early Offer for all degrees with UWA excluding Assured Pathways to Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy and Podiatric Medicine or the Bachelor of Biomedicine (specialised). Further information at:
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: Ìý
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you: Ìý
Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This might assist: Ìý
Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition to University: ÌýÌý
Students and families may also find these resources from Curtin University helpful: Ìý
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
Engineering Open Evening (UWA)
13 August
Careers in the Australian Government (online)
15 August
Business and Commerce Information Evening (UWA)
21 August
Careers in the Australian Government (online)
22 August
Open Day (SAE Creative Media Institute)
24 August
WAAPA Tour (ECU)
27 August
?
Social Work Information Evening (ECU)
27 August
Health and Education Information Evening (Murdoch)
28 August
Data and Computer Science Open Evening (UWA)
28 August
Science, IT, Engineering Information Evening (Murdoch)
29 August
Nursing and Midwifery Open Evening (ECU)
30 August
Pathways to Health and Medicine (Notre Dame)
31 August
Undergraduate Course Expo (Curtin)
4 September
Business and Law Information Evening (Murdoch)
4 September
Science and Maths Information Evening (ECU)
4 September
Engineering Information Evening (ECU)
6 September
Medical and Health Sciences Information Evening (ECU)
11 September
Teacher Education Information Evening (ECU)
12 September
Computing and Cybersecurity Information Evening (ECU)
Welcome back to Semester 2 at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥! It has been wonderful to see all of our Primary students returning to school with big smiles and positive mindsets as we commence Term 3! As always, Term 3 is shaping up to be big, with so much exciting learning and a wide range of activities to engage in. I look forward to working alongside students, parents and staff to help our students shine this term.
3 Green & 5 Red Assembly
In Week 1, the 3 Green class entertained the Lavalla Campus with an assembly all about the importance of recycling, and the difference even the smallest of actions can make in our world. It was a timely reminder for us all to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we possibly can.
Today, Year 5 Red shared their assembly that was based around the upcoming Olympics and demonstrating courage, strength, perseverance and friendship by all. Year 5 Red focused on the four new sports included this year, which will be wonderful to watch! Thank you to 3 Green and 5 Red for sharing their wonderful learning with us.
Student Illness
As we travel through the middle of the winter months, it is important to remind families of the importance of keeping children home if they display symptoms of being unwell. Illness spreads quickly amongst primary students. We ask that if your child is sick you do not send them to school, and instead keep them home until symptoms clear, to avoid passing on sicknesses to other students and staff. This is particularly important for vulnerable members of our community. Students who present to school with symptoms of being unwell will be sent home. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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.
In Week 1, Spencer (Marian) and Jadyen and Alice (Lavalla) were drawn out of the raffle and congratulated for demonstrating our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Norms. Congratulations to all students who received a raffle ticket in Week 1. Our token collection tubes have been reset to zero and we look forward to seeing which faction will take out the win this term!
URSTRONG – Lesson 5 Upcoming
Lesson 5 will be rolled out across the Primary next week. The areas of focus for this upcoming lesson are:
Pk-2: This session helps students identify the difference between healthy & unhealthy friendships and the impact that body language has on our friendships.
Yr 3 & 4: This session teaches students, step-by-step, how to resolve conflict with a friend. They learn how to respond to both a positive and negative reaction, plus practice giving a genuine apology.
Yr 5 & 6: This session teaches students how to respond to intentionally cruel, rude or mean behaviour. They reflect on the difference between low-level friendship issues and mean-on-purpose behaviour.
A reminder parents have access to a . We hope that as a URSTRONG Family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, & kindness at home.
Lavalla Homework Club
Lavalla Homework Club continues in Term 3, commencing this week and concluding in Week 9.
If your child has not attended previously, please email Mrs Alison Le Dan to confirm your child’s attendance in Term 3 – Alison.LeDan@newman.wa.edu.au.
Primary Staffing
We welcome Mrs Kate McMahon to the Primary staff as a Special Needs Education Assistant.
We also welcome Mr Justin Kirry back to his role as Leader of Wellbeing, after his Term 2 Long Service Leave.
It is here again! This week marked the beginning of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, and we have 277 students that entered in this extensive festival. The promotion and celebration of the Arts is as important as any other facet of student involvement and achievement. We are very proud of our talented, dedicated students and staff in the Arts. Our best wishes to all performers in their various events over the next six weeks.
Preparing for Leadership Year 12 2025
As the term gets underway, our Year 11 students who have nominated for leadership have begun working through a series of workshops. Yesterday, they gathered at our Morning Mass to receive the community’s blessing and support. There are 52 students applying to serve the College in Portfolio and Guild leadership and they are a wonderful group of young people eager to serve. The leadership process will be concluded by the end of the term and there will be the symbolic handover Class of 2024 and the incoming Year 12 2025 leaders. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers.
Shine Program
The Shine program operates across our whole College, providing opportunities for extension in learning. Last week, I had the opportunity to sit with the Year 7 Shine class and listen to their developing Shark Tank concepts. The class members were tasked with looking at ways to tackle real-life challenges at school with the view to making experiences better for other students. Several groups were examining ways to help the Year 7 2025 cohort transition smoothly into secondary school. As they worked, it was inspiring to see them grapple with our Vision for Learning pillars: Challenge, Collaborate Create and Celebrate.
Marist Schools Australia Conference
Beginning this weekend and concluding on Tuesday evening, the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference takes place in Alice Springs. The accompanying image First Light – Reveal the Spirit has been our Marist theme for 2024 and is an image taken from Standley Chasm in Alice Springs. The Conference focuses on enlivening the provision of high quality, contemporary evangelisation, its connection with indigenous spirituality and Catholic education in the Marist tradition. Three ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ staff will be attending with me and we will also be presenting in one workshop on the topic of school improvement and student growth.
Year 10 Girls AFL Team
The AFL girls team showed amazing hard work and great teamwork, finishing the day undefeated and winning the Dockers Cup Division 2. Well done and congratulations to the whole team on this fantastic achievement!
At ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, we take great pride in our students representing our community with excellence and integrity. To maintain our high standards, we ask all students and parents to ensure that our uniform guidelines are followed. This includes shirts tucked in, top buttons done up, ties worn properly to the top button, skirts worn at the correct length, and blazers worn to and from school. These expectations apply not only at the College but also in the wider community, including on public transport and when entering and leaving the College grounds.
We encourage parents and guardians to work in partnership with the College to help students uphold our uniform standards. Checking that your child is dressed appropriately before they leave the house or step out of the car will assist in our shared approach to maintaining high standards of uniform. Additionally, we appreciate any effort to reiterate the importance of adhering to uniform requirements and personal presentation at the College. Your efforts to check uniforms and personal presentation prior to your child leaving for school or any College activity is greatly appreciated.
We thank you for continued support.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular school attendance and punctuality are essential for students’ academic success and wellbeing. Consistent attendance allows students to benefit fully from our learning programs and activities.
We are excited to announce a new resource developed by Ms Sarah Ellam and the Wellbeing team, to support parents in this effort. For more information about this new, evidence-based resource, please check the Secondary section of the newsletter.
If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the relevant Pastoral Care Group teacher or Leader of Wellbeing.
Marcellin Campus Guild Athletics Carnival
Next Thursday, the Year 7-12 Guild Athletics Carnival takes place at the State Athletics Centre. Students have been preparing hard at pre-carnival events and training with the help of Physical Education and Guild staff. A reminder to families that the day is a compulsory event for all students. We wish all involved the very best and look forward to celebrating outstanding achievement and passionate involvement.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. Further details can be found here.
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the Sarah Pagett, Leader of Support and Pedagogy.
