St John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Feast Day, Lavalla and Marian Campus Buddy Day
On Thursday, 10 October, we celebrate the feast day of our College’s patron saint, Saint John Henry ÐãÐãÖ±²¥. ÐãÐãÖ±²¥â€™s theological writings, especially on the development of doctrine and the role of conscience, have profoundly influenced Catholic teaching and modern theology. Canonized in 2019, ÐãÐãÖ±²¥â€™s ideas continue to shape the Church’s understanding of faith, intellectual inquiry, and personal conscience.
To mark this special occasion, the College will hold Masses throughout the day, as well as Buddy Days at our Marian and Lavalla campuses. We look forward to celebrating together as a community.
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day
We are excited to welcome our incoming students to the Marcellin campus for their first experience of secondary school on Monday 7 October. With no other students on campus, we aim to create a calm and welcoming environment, understanding that first days can sometimes feel overwhelming. By reducing the number of people on campus, we hope to make this transition smoother.
The Student Orientation Day is designed to help students:
Get to know others in their Guild, which will also be their Pastoral Care Group,
Explore the wide range of subjects offered in secondary school,
Begin to familiarize themselves with the Marcellin campus,
Meet some of the staff they will engage with next year, and
Work alongside Peer Support Mentors who will guide them through Orientation Day.
We look forward to welcoming our new students as they begin this exciting journey with us.
Year 12 Examinations
As we head into the holiday break, please keep in mind our Year 12 students who are preparing for their upcoming Mock Examinations, commencing in the second week of the holidays.
Please remember them in your prayers, asking for focus, confidence, and peace during this important time. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing each of them achieve their personal best.
Uniform Update for Parents and Guardians
We would like to inform you about some important updates regarding the College uniform, particularly in response to inquiries from parents about the availability of the new skirts arriving next term. These skirts will be available for purchase during orientation appointments for new students.
In addition, the Uniform Shop will be reducing the price of current skirts, skorts, and girls’ trousers to $45. Please note that these items, sold at the reduced price, can only be worn for the next two years.
Students currently in Year 6 at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, transitioning into Year 7, will be permitted to continue wearing the old grey skirt for two years. All new students to the College will be required to purchase the new skirt.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for a fantastic term and to wish you all a restful holiday break with family and friends.
Earlier this week we announced the Year 12 leaders for 2025. The process was difficult due to the high calibre of students who expressed their passion and willingness to lead and serve our school community. We received numerous outstanding applications and were inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by all of the students.
In my meetings with the incoming leaders, I have outlined that one of their most important acts of leadership is to ensure they include and develop the leadership of students without a badge. I thank all students who nominated for positions and encourage those who were unsuccessful in formal positions to continue to lead with courage and passion.
This week, we celebrated the Class of 2024. Whilst the Graduation Mass and Dinner will take place early next term with families, this day and its rituals are greatly treasured by students and parents. The final week for Year 12 was an exciting one that provided opportunities at Guild, Year and College levels to express our care and best wishes for a fine group of young women and men. The Year 12 group also had fun in the official planned activities. Thank you to the staff involved in the running of these events.
In the Principal’s Address to the Assembly on Thursday, I addressed this message to our Year 12s:
“You are created and called. Let family spirit, presence, a love of work, simplicity and the way of Mary find a place in your heart, and I encourage you to draw on the Marist Way that keeps you considering always your important part in making a better world.
Each of you have different gifts and have followed different paths while at this College. Our sincere hope is that you have always felt that those diverse paths have been equally valuable and valued; that your worth and dignity are innate and inviolable; and that your school has been an extension of the care and hope held for you by your families.â€
Year 6 Leaders Initiative
Recently, a group representing the Year 6 Leadership gave a very good presentation to the College Executive highlighting their initiative for wellbeing. They have a ‘bench project’ designed to create spaces of wellbeing and friendship for Lavalla students. What a great initiative! Later in the year, we will report on the installation of the project.
ACC Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all the athletes who represented ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ in the ACC Athletics Carnival. The participating students came 5 overall in the competition, an outstanding achievement. The Overall Boys division saw us finishing third.
A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff members for their encouragement and support of the students.
Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Imogen Boss for her outstanding achievement in ACC. Imogen was awarded ‘Double Letters’ for athletics and swimming by Trent Sharpe from the ACC at the Celebration Assembly.Ìý Imogen’s dedication and determination serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. Congratulations to Imogen on receiving this prestigious award.ÌýÌý
The World’s Worst Breakups- Drama Performance
Last week we enjoyed an evening performance of this play brought to the stage by students from Years 7-10. Not only was it a joy to view on the night but the play received accolades on the weekend at the YouthFest awards.
Best Actor (senior division) Sam Cousins Year 10;
Best Production (senior division), and
Best Director (senior division) Mr Josh Lang.
Jasper Bock Year 9 received an adjudicator’s certificate for his backstage role. Well done, everyone!
Year 12 Music Night
One of the final events of the term is the Year 12 Music Night. Families and staff gathered in the Marist Auditorium to be entertained by the music students of Year 12. The group showed their many talents in presenting across genres of music and performing more than one instrument. A great night!
Italian Language Tour
Last weekend 15 students and three staff began their Italian Language Tour, landing in Rome. In the two weeks of the program, they will be immersing themselves in language workshops, as well as visiting the major cities of Italy. We wish them safe travels.
End of Term
I find Term 3 is a special time in the calendar year. It is a unique term full of so many opportunities where students are so engaged in our “Vision for Learning – Shine through Discoveryâ€. In their participation in the events and opportunities Term 3 has offered, our students across the whole College have let their light shine in Challenge, Collaboration, Creation and Celebration as individuals and groups. It has been a joy to see them in small moments and large events, as they pursue their personal excellence.
Please keep the Year 12s in your prayers as the students sit their final exams.
I wish all students, families and staff a restful and safe break as this term comes to an end.
Next Thursday 12 September, we will observe R U OK? Day, a day dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and conversations with those around us, especially those who may be struggling with life’s challenges. R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity that encourages us to check in on one another, offering support before someone reaches a point of crisis. It is about building confidence and the skills to engage in honest conversations, so we can be there for friends, family, and colleagues who may need us.
As we approach R U OK? Day, let us live out these Marist charisms by being present for one another, engaging in simple yet meaningful conversations, and fostering the spirit of family that makes ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ a place of belonging for all members of our wonderful community.
ACC A Division (Secondary) and IPSHA (Year 3-6) Athletics Carnivals
Next week, our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Athletics Squads will compete in their upcoming Athletics Carnivals. The ACC Athletics Carnival for our Year 7-12 students will take place on Wednesday, 11 September, at the WA Athletics Stadium, while our Year 3-6 students will compete at All Saints College on Thursday, 12 September in the IPSHA Athletics Carnival. Under the dedicated guidance of Ms Marnie Barrett, Ms Tash Richards and our Health and Physical Education staff, our students have been training diligently for these events. We wish all our athletes the very best and look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements.
Game Changers La Valla Leadership Camp
In Week 10, six of our Game Changers students from Year 10, along with Miss Nicotra and Mr James, will be travelling to Melbourne where they will come together with a number of other students from Marist schools around Australia for the La Valla Leadership camp. Over the three-day camp, students will have the opportunity to learn what it means to lead with a Marist heart while delving into the topics of authenticity, service, presence, empowerment, teamwork, and wellbeing. This is delivered through a series of prayers, games, presentations, and conversations. We hope the students and staff attending enjoy their experience and return to the College with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the leadership of our student community in the way of Saint Marcellin and Mary.
School Fees Reminder
Please ensure that you are on track to finalise payment of your College fees by 30 November 2024.Ìý If you need to discuss your account, please contact Accounts Receivable on 9204 9414 or fees@newman.wa.edu.au without delay.
Hopefully, you were able to see our celebration of Father’s Day through last week’s social posts or through attending the Community Mass or Marian Liturgy. It was heartening to see so many fathers, grandfathers and father figures at these celebrations and the expression of gratitude shown by the students. I hope all fathers had a great day.Ìý
Year 12 Game Changers Graduation and Marist Connect Night
We know the time for Year 12 farewell and graduation is close at hand when we are hosting the Year 12 Game Changers students, their parents and mentors at the Graduation Dinner. This group has journeyed together since Year 7, experiencing the Le Rosey, La Valla and Hermitage programs of Game Changers. As a part of Marist Youth Ministry, Game Changers explores core topics in the Catholic faith of Marist Charism. The students also express their ministry through service and connection to the community. It was a joyful family night where the students also presented their reflections on being a part of Game Changers.
The next evening saw our Year 11 Game Changers students meeting Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph’s Northam in the Marist Connect program. Each Connect evening focuses on a topical theme and ends with a shared prayer and meal. Thank you to our Ministry Team for their work in these programs.Ìý
Primary Athletics Carnival and ACC ISP Athletics Carnival
Today there was a real athletics theme at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥.Ìý Our Primary Athletics Carnival went ahead with much fun and high spirits. It was great to see our students doing their best and participating in the many events on the track, in the field and in novelty events. At the same time, the Secondary Support students were having a brilliant time competing in the ACC ISP Athletics event at McGillivray Reserve, UWA Sports Park. The students shone in their participation and support of one another across so many events. Thank you to the parents and families who attended both carnivals in support and to all staff involved in making the day a memorable one for Primary and Education Support students.Ìý
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Quiz Night
Over 200 people attended last Friday’s ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Community Quiz Night. This was the third event under Parent Engagement this year, following the Summer Soire and Autumn Family Movie Night. These events were planned with the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parent Forum input and Friday’s quiz night was so well supported. The event raised a further $800 towards Marist Solidarity and the funds will benefit the work of our Marist groups in supporting education and opportunity in communities needing help. Thanks to all who attended and to our great staff who organised and ran the night.ÌýÌý
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STEM, HaSS and Languages WeeksÌý
The past three weeks have seen the celebration of three learning areas. STEM Week was first and the staff and students explored interesting science activities with some fun – ice cream making, sherbet making, and rocket launching to name just a few. HaSS followed last week with Minecraft, Medieval combat displays and quizzes. This week was Languages’ turn and we have been treated to Japanese drumming, gelato, piano accordion and foreign language pop songs replacing the final bell. A great few weeks organised by our passionate and dedicated teachers, and the students have loved the variety.ÌýÌýÌý
Year 7-9 High Achievers Assembly
The second of the Marcellin Campus High Achievers Assembly was celebrated this week. The parents of the academic high achievers joined us to recognise outstanding achievements from Semester 1. In the assembly, I outlined the importance of celebrating and nurturing academic excellence in the same way that we proudly support sporting success. Congratulations to our high achievers!Ìý
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
The CPAF concluded with some wonderful performances and news. Last Thursday evening, the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Dance Troupe performed brilliantly, and we were also informed of the individual success of Heloise Nathan who was awarded the Monsignor Michael Keating Award. Congratulations to these Arts students.Ìý
Term Break
As we draw closer to the end of the term, which is on Friday, 20 September, I ask for families’ support in ensuring our students are present until the end of term. The College places the term, and mid-term breaks for families to plan holidays and time together. When holidays are taken in the final days of the school term days, there is a great disruption to learning and it projects an attitude that the last days of term are not important. Removing students early just creates pressure on classes and teachers by reducing the amount of time to learn and teach, and our students suffer by not being able to demonstrate their best or learn content sufficiently.
Thursday 13 September is R U OK? Day; the day when we are reminded that a conversation can change a life. R U OK? Day inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those who may be struggling. We encourage people in our College Community to follow these steps:
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
Ask R U OK?
Listen
Encourage action
Check in
Yellow cupcakes will be sold at recess time for $2.00 outside the canteen. Also proceeds will go to the RUOK organisation.
2025 Leadership Process
Congratulations to Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard who have been appointed as our 2025 College Captains. This is the highest student leadership role at our school, and we are very proud of these exceptional young leaders.
Staff and Year 11 students are currently voting for the remaining folio positions and interviews for these positions will take place across Week 9. The 2025 Student Leadership group will be presented to the College Community at the Secondary Assembly on Thursday 19 September.
Champagnat Shield Winner and Activities
On Wednesday of Week 10, our Marcellin campus students will come together in Founders Court and we will announce which Guild has won the Champagnat Shield in 2024. Academic awards, commendations, carnival performances and immersion attendance all contribute towards Guild points. The students from the winning Guild will participate in activities on Wednesday morning instead of going to Period 1 and Period 2. This event is a culmination of the hard work of our Guild Coordinators, 2024 Guild Captains and Leadership Coordinator, Mr Michael van der Heever. We look forward to sharing the results with the College Community in Week 10.
Year 12 Final Day
The final day for our Year 12 students is Thursday 19 September. The parents and guardians of our Year 12 students are invited to our College on this morning to celebrate this special occasion with their child. We will begin the day with a Secondary Assembly in the Gymnasium at which time our 2025 Student Leadership Group will also be announced. The Year 12s will walk through a Guard of Honour created by our secondary students and conclude with a Year 12 final assembly in the Auditorium followed by light refreshments with their parents and guardians. We look forward to celebrating with our Year 12 students and their parents and guardians on Thursday 19 September at the College.
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.
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 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.
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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:
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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.
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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: 
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.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;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:
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
UWA Application Help Week
2-6 September
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
Australian Society for Medical Research – Careers Evening
12 September
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Teacher Education Information Evening (ECU)
12 September
Diamond Fitness VET courses open day
14 September
Computing and Cybersecurity Information Evening (ECU)