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From the Principal – Term 1 Week 9

Secondary Celebration Assembly- Colours and Honours 

On the Marcellin Campus, we came together for the final Celebration Assembly of the term on Holy Thursday. The Assembly was a capture of the wonderful work and achievements of our students across the pillars of Learning, Mission, Sport and The Arts. Within this celebration, we were delighted to award our first round of Colours and Honours to senior students. A Colour and an Honour is a recognition of excellence in one of the pillars. Excellence is not an end in itself, nor is it reserved for only a few. The excellence shown by these students is the persistence to strive for a personal best and to have the most positive effect on those around you. I also spoke to the students about reflecting on the term through the lens of personal growth in learning. At ֱ, we want to help our students move from where they are to where they can be. This applies to all students across the whole College – growth is the key. 

ACC Swimming and IPSHA Swimming Carnivals 

Our Swimming teamsrepresentedthe College with outstanding commitment and spirit in the secondary ACC A Division Carnival and the primary IPSHACarnival recently. Congratulations to the ACC team for lifting the College into the top three schools. The focus and commitment of the students,coachesand staff have really paid off in the pool. Likewise, the IPSHA team competed with a determination to secure the highest position in every single race, coming second overall. The culture of Swimming continues to grow at ֱ!

Marist Schools Basketball Carnival 

We were proud to be the hosts of this year’s national carnival. 19 schools  (27 teams) travelled to ֱ and Perth for 5 days of basketball competition and the strengthening of the Marist Family Spirit. The students and staff in the carnival were outstanding ambassadors for our community. Former Wildcats Basketballer, Greg Hire, was the guest speaker at the carnival dinner on Wednesday evening.  

Holy Week 

Our final week of term coincides with Holy Week. Holy Week is the most important week in the Church and it is ushered in by Palm Sunday last weekend. In effect, Holy Week traces the final week in Christ’s life leading to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter Triduum is the final lead of three days to Easter Sunday, beginning with Holy Thursday – the time of the Last Supper, Good Friday – the trial and crucifixion of Jesus and Holy Saturday – that time of reflection and pensive waiting the disciples of Jesus undertook before his resurrection. Easter signifies the victory of good over evil, eternal life over death. Easter Sunday is about hope, renewal and God’s love. Families celebrate Easter in many ways. For some it is the thrill of an Easter hunt, for others it is the sharing of hot cross buns, or a meal together. Family spirit is central to all the traditions of Easter, and over the Easter break I encourage all in our community to: 

  • Make time for family, enjoy activities together and show each other how much they are appreciated; 
  • Re-connect with God’s creation by being a part of our natural environment, stop and appreciate the beauty if you are travelling as we live in such a privileged place and; 
  • Being a part of services in yours or another parish. 

This is the final Newsletter for the term and what a full program we have enjoyed since the year begun! So much has been achieved by our students and staff. The welcoming of our new students in all year groups across the College in January. The beautiful celebration of the Family Mass as a full community in February; the ‘Celebration’ assemblies in Lavalla showcasing the work and talents of our primary classes, the recognition of International Women’s Day and Harmony Week. The Year 12 Ball, Lavalla and Marcellin Guild Swimming Carnivals, the IPSHA Year 6 Basketball Carnival, and this week’s Easter Liturgies. What strikes me about these events and the learning program in the classrooms is the level of engagement and effort students are putting in to work to their personal best.  There has been great work and initiative shown by students and our staff have been so supportive in bringing this full program to life during the term, and, as families, I extend my thanks to you all for your great support in Term 1.  

I wish all of you a Happy Easter and a Holy Easter. 

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL

From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 9

Winter Uniform and Presentation Reminders 

As we approach the school holidays, we kindly ask parents to support the College by ensuring that any student haircuts align with our grooming expectations. If your child is considering a style that may not meet College guidelines, we encourage this to be done early in the break to allow time for any necessary adjustments before Term 2 begins. 

The commencement of term two also marks the transition to Winter Uniform for all students from Year 1 to Year 12. Students are expected to return to school in their full Winter Academic Uniform. Some points to note: 

  • Shirts must be tucked in when wearing College trousers 
  • All students must wear the College belt when wearing the College trousers 
  • Students in Years 4 to 12 are to wear College ties and blazers 

The Uniform Shop holiday opening hours are below. We appreciate your ongoing support in helping maintain the standards and presentation of our College students. 

  • Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Hours
    • Tuesday 14 April 2026 – 8.30am to 4.30pm
    • Wednesday 15 April 2026 – 12.30pm to 5.30pm 
    • Friday 17 April 2026 – 12.30pm to 4.30pm  

To visit the online shop, just .

Parent Access to Campus 

A reminder to all parents and guardians that you are not permitted to access the College Campus between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm, unless you have signed in at the office and are accompanied by a staff member. The exception to this is the Uniform Shop and primary school families for pick up and drop off. If you are collecting your child from Secondary Homework Club, you must arrange to meet them in the carpark or see a staff member at the front desk.  

This is an important Child Safeguarding measure.  

Afterschool Duty of Care 

A reminder to parents that students need to be picked up or have left campus no later than 3.40pm each day. At this time, duty will cease. Homework Club is available to all Marcellin students Monday to Thursday until 5.00pm in the John Henry ֱ Hub. 

Planned Extended Absence – Process Change  

mailto:Extended.absence@newman.wa.edu.au  

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Mrs Beth Murphy

VICE PRINCIPAL

Primary Update – Term 1 Week 9

This term has been a busy and wonderful one, filled with learning, laughter and opportunities for our students to shine. Across the school, students have proudly showcased the ֱ Norms through their positive attitudes, teamwork and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. From engaging assemblies and music performances to hands‑on classroom learning and memorable camp experiences, it has been a joy to see students growing in confidence and celebrating their strengths. As we head into the break, we are proud of all that has been achieved this term. 

Year 6 Leavers Shirts

Our Year 6 students also proudly received their Year 6 Leader tops and have been wearing them with great pride, demonstrating their readiness to take on their leadership roles within the school community. 

Pre-Primary – Year 2 Choir

This week, our Pre‑Primary to Year 2 Choir truly amazed both the leadership team and teachers by showcasing their beautiful voices. Students confidently performed two songs they have been practising throughout the term, demonstrating great focus, enthusiasm and joy. It was an absolute privilege to watch them shine and embrace the opportunity to try something new. The choir is already looking forward to performing for parents’ next term. 

Assemblies – Year 1 Blue and Year 4 Red

Year 4 students led us in a beautiful assembly this week, proudly showcasing their learning around neurodiversity. They highlighted the important message that we all have different strengths and learn in different ways, delivering this message with confidence and maturity. 

Last week, our Year 1 students dazzled us with a ɲٱ‑s𳦳ٲܱ assembly, perfectly timed on what turned out to be a very wet day! They enthusiastically shared their learning and showcased the wonderful science experiments they have been exploring throughout the term. It was a joyful celebration of curiosity, discovery and learning in action. 

Year 6 Camp 

Our Year 6 students recently returned from a wonderful and memorable camp experience at Forest Edge, Waroona. Throughout the camp, students were challenged by a wide variety of exciting activities, including kayaking, raft building, screen printing, crate climbing, billy karts and the flying fox. Each activity encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and try something new. 

Along the way, we shared plenty of laughs. From life jackets being confidently put on the wrong way, to kayakers initially facing the wrong direction and paddling enthusiastically against each other, there was never a dull moment. Some students found themselves stuck in the mud, while others watched their carefully constructed rafts come apart far sooner than planned. These light‑hearted moments became some of the highlights of camp and reminded us all that learning is often best supported with teamwork, persistence and a good sense of humour. 

Camp also provided a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen peer relationships and see one another in a different light. Working together as a team, students encouraged one another, shared responsibilities such as serving meals, and helped with cleaning up. These shared experiences fostered independence, resilience and a strong sense of cooperation. 

Online Safety / Keeping Safe

As our children continue to grow up in an increasingly digital world, it is more important than ever that we work together to ensure their online experiences are safe, respectful, and age-appropriate. While technology offers wonderful opportunities for learning and connection, it can also expose children to risks, including contact from strangers through seemingly innocent platforms like gaming modules.

We remind parents and carers to be extra vigilant when it comes to their child’s online interactions. This includes monitoring chat functions in games, setting parental controls, and having open conversations with your child about who they talk to and what they encounter online.

At ֱ, we take a proactive approach to digital safety. The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum is taught across all year levels, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to stay safe, including in online environments. We also enhance this learning through initiatives such as the upcoming Constable Care Incursion for our Year 3–6 students, which includes key messages around personal safety and online behaviour.

For practical advice on how to support your child’s online safety at home, we recommend visiting the .

Mother’s Day Morning Tea

End of Term  

As we come to the end of a busy but wonderful term, it has been fantastic to see our students finish strongly while consistently showcasing our ֱ Norms. Their commitment, resilience and positive attitudes have been evident across classrooms, playgrounds and school events, and we are very proud of their efforts. 

Thank you to our students, staff and families for your continued support throughout the term. We wish everyone a safe, restful and happy Easter break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the new term. 

Mrs Laura Christopher

HEAD OF PRIMARY

Secondary Update – Term 1 Week 7

Neurodiversity & Harmony Week: 16–22 March 2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This week, ֱ joined schools and communities around the world in celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week — a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, and helps us all understand, value, and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds.

This year’s theme, “Working together to create a world that understands it takes all kinds of different minds,” reflects our commitment as a Marist community to welcoming every person and the unique gifts each one brings.

During the week, our secondary students had the opportunity to explore what neurodiversity means through a range of engaging activities in Founders Court. Students took part in Walk in My Shoes, stepping into the experience of others and sharing their reflections on our dedicated reflection wall. They also tackled Unlock the Puzzle — a dyslexia-style letter scramble challenge designed to give students a firsthand sense of how text can appear differently to neurodiverse readers. Our Memory Madness games rounded out the week with fun, thought-provoking activities exploring how different minds process and retain information.

Harmony Week

Every year, the third week of March invites Australians to pause and reflect on what makes this country truly special. Harmony Week is about more than just celebration. It is a reminder that inclusiveness, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging are values we must actively live out — not just acknowledge. Every culture represented in our community adds something irreplaceable to who we are as a people.

This week, our students engaged with these ideas in meaningful and age-appropriate ways through our Equip, Guide, and Thrive lessons. Students were invited to explore important topics including racism, microaggression, and diversity within our own community — not as uncomfortable subjects to shy away from, but as conversations that empower young people to become more aware and courageous members of society. We are proud of the thoughtfulness and maturity our students brought to these discussions.

Harmony Day falls on 21 March, which also coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a powerful reminder that celebrating diversity must go hand in hand with a firm and ongoing commitment to standing against racism in all its forms — in our classrooms, our corridors, and our wider community.

We encourage our families to continue these conversations at home, celebrating the cultures and stories that make your family unique, and affirming in your children that difference is always something to be embraced.

Year 11 EGT Programs: RAC bstreetsmart

On Wednesday 1 April, Year 11 students will be attending the RAC bstreetsmart event at RAC Arena. This event aims to demonstrate the consequences of distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and informs students on how to reduce risk taking behaviours. Further information has been communicated with families via Consent2Go.

Student Early Departures:

If your child needs to be collected prior to the end of the school day for a scheduled appointment or another approved reason, please ensure that you have contacted the College beforehand. As students do not have their mobile phones on them during the school day to receive reminder messages, it is imperative that they know what time they are to meet you at Student Reception in order to minimise disruptions to classes. Thank you for your support.

Absentees can be contacted via email absenteesecondary@newman.wa.edu.au or on 9204 9445.

Mrs Anna Scanlan

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY

Pathways and Careers Information:Year10

Year 11 prerequisites for 2027 

Year 10 students and families have now received the prerequisites for Year 11 subjects at ֱ for 2027. This is to allow forgoal-settingin time for the Semester 1 Year 10 report. Prerequisites for Year 11 2027 can found HERE.

A summary of the different pathway options for Year 11 and 12 can be found HERE.

In Term 2, all Year 10 students will commence their subject selection research, in preparation for Year 11 2027. 

Pathways and Careers Information: Year11

Selecting Year 12 subjects 

Please see below a summary of the rules for selecting subjects in Year 12, 2027: 

  • Students who select a Year 12 ATAR subject must have achieved at least 50% in that ATAR subject in Year 11.
  • Students who select a new Year 12 ATAR subject in Year 12 (not having studied that subject in Year 11) willbe requiredto seek permission.
  • Students with a predicted ATAR of less than 70 will not bepermittedto continue the ATAR Pathway in Year 12.
  • Students who have an ‘E’ grade in a Year 11 General subject will not bepermittedto re-select that General subject in Year 12.
  • For students wishing to enter the UniReadyorUniPathPrograms in Year 12:
  • If coming from the ATAR Pathway in Year 11, students must have passed at least 4 Year 11 subjects.
  • If coming from the General Pathway in Year 11, students must have a ‘B’ grade or better in at least 4 Year 11 subjects, including English.

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE:Offersdegrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries.
  • ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work.
  • EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy.

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:
  • Here is aparentsguide toUniversity:
  • And here is the “First in Family” resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University:
  • Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you:or this one:

Pathways and Careers Information:Year12

Key dates for TAFE and University applications for 2027 

For those students applying for TAFE for 2027, applications will open in September of this year and close in November of this year. You will be advised of this at the time. 

For those students applying for University for 2027, early applications (early offers) will open in June and you will have until mid-December to lodge your application. Closer to the time you will be provided with instructions and further information about applying. 

Year 12s are welcome to come and collect (and keep) any of the University handbooks that are on the table near my office. These can be very helpful in making your choice. 

Alternatives to University 

Did you know that University is not the only place you can obtain a degree? There are several alternatives here in Perth: 

  • SAE:Offersdegrees in things like Animation, Audio, Game Development, Creative Industries.
  • ACAP: Offers degrees in things like Psychology, Criminology, Social Work.
  • EIT: Offers degrees in Engineering, IT, and Renewable Energy.

Applying for Medicine or Dentistry or Veterinary Science for 2027 

All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2027 (including Assured Pathway at UWA and Notre Dame) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year. 
 
Please see below for some important dates: 

  • 3 March 2026:  UCAT bookings open
  • 15 May 2026:  Deadline to book your UCAT for 2026
  • 12 June 2026:  Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
  • 1 July 2026:  UCAT testing begins
  • 5 August 2026:  Last test date
  • September 2026:  Results available

You can check  for further information, practice tests, and tips to succeed. It is recommended to book a UCAT as early as possible as demand for testing places is high. 
 

UWA 
The official handbook for entry to Medicine at UWA can be found  and Dentistry . Please note that Medicine and Dentistry at UWA are postgraduate courses and require completion of a relevant Bachelor degree prior to entry. 


Curtin
Curtin University offers the only direct entry medical program in Western Australia. In 2025, the cutoff ATAR for this course was 93.

In addition to the UCAT, students considering applying for Medicine at Curtin Universityare also required tosit the CASPER Test. Further information about CASPER can be found here:  and here: 

The official handbook for entry to Medicine at Curtin can be found 


University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame offers a small number of places in postgraduate Medicine via an assured pathway for school leavers. Information about thisoptioncan be found here: 

Veterinary Science 

Students wishing to enter Veterinary Science at Murdoch will need to undertake the Casper testing during 2026, by June at the latest. Further information can be found here:  

University information 

  • TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here:
  • Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This mightassist:
  • Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition toUniversity:
  • Here is aparentsguide toUniversity:
  • This resource is a place where you can ask current University students questions about theirUniversitycourses:

University scholarships 

Curtin University   
Edith Cowan University (ECU)   
Murdoch University   
Notre Dame University   
University of Western Australia (UWA)   
Christian Leaders Scholarship   

Gap year information 

Students interested in taking a gap year in 2027 might find the following interesting: 

  • Defence Force Gap Year:
  • And:
  • Alsothis Marist volunteering opportunity:

UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS 

EVENT HOSTED BY DATE LINK 
Navy Careers Info Session Defence Force 24 March  
Open Day Murdoch University 28 March  
Open Day Curtin University 29 March  
Army Reserve Info Session Defence Force 31 March  
Defence Careers Defence Force 8 April  
Submarine Careers Defence Force 22 April  
Information Evening SAE University College 23 April   
Army Reserve Info Session Defence Force 28 April  
Open Day Notre Dame University 2 May  
Year 10 Parent Information Evening ECU Joondalup 2 June  
Year 11 and 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 3 June  
Engineering Open Evening ECU Joondalup 11 June  
Year 12 Information Session ECU 30 June  
Year 12 Application Support Session Murdoch University 28 July  
Open Day ECU City Campus 9 August  
Year 12 Information Evening Murdoch University 20 October  
Open Day SAE University College 15 August  
    

If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this link might help you get the most out of it:   

Primary Update – Term 1 Week 7

Neurodiversity & Harmony Week

This week we celebrated Harmony Day and Neurodivsity Week. Neurodiversity Week is a special time for ֱ to celebrate the many different ways our brains work and learn. It highlights the idea that differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning variations are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. We watched movies, wrote poems, and learnt about all the famous people in the world with neurodiversity. Our students shared some thoughts about their learning and experiences:

  • “Everyone is different.”
  • “I have Autism. It’s special because it gives me really good ideas and helps me listen.”
  • “There are different types of learning barriers.”
  • “I have ADHD and I hyperfocus and can do hard things.”
  • “The brain is the most complex organ.”

By celebrating Neurodiversity Week, we are fostering a culture where every student feels seen, respected and valued for who they are. It’s an opportunity to remind our community that different ways of thinking make our school stronger.

Harmony Day was joyfully celebrated with a wonderful assembly presented by Year 4 Blue, who shared a meaningful message about diversity, inclusion and belonging. Their thoughtful performance reminded us of the importance of respecting and valuing one another, and it was a fitting way to recognise the rich cultural diversity within our college community.

Year 2 Blue Assembly

Last Friday, Year 2 Blue truly wowed us with their out-of-this-world assembly all about the planets. Their confidence, creativity and enthusiasm shone through as they shared their learning about our solar system. It was delightful to see the students so engaged and proud of their work.

Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN

We are extremely proud of our Year 3 and Year 5 students, who approached their NAPLAN testing with focus, resilience and a positive attitude. They demonstrated excellent effort and perseverance throughout the week, and we commend them for giving their very best.

Year 3 Excursion – Fremantle Prison

This week, our Year 3 students enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Fremantle Prison, where they deepened their understanding of local history through hands-on learning experiences. The students were exemplary representatives of the college, displaying respectful behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the day. Teachers were very impressed with the beautiful way students represented the college, and we are sincerely grateful to our parent helpers for their support in making this excursion such a success.

Year 6 Camp

Next week, our Year 6 students will be heading off to camp at Forest Edge, Waroona. This exciting experience will provide valuable opportunities for teamwork, independence and personal growth, while creating lasting memories with their peers. We know they will have a wonderful time and look forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return.

Primary Family Picnic

Finally, our Family Picnic was a beautiful celebration, allowing a large number of our community to come together and enjoy each other’s company. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to take advantage of the food trucks, made for a memorable and enjoyable event for all.

School Dental Service

Every year Dental Health Services (DHS) offers parents and carers the chance to register their kids for free dental care at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings, and simple extractions.

Your child will soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions, and reply-paid envelope from DHS. Just fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope, and put it in your nearest post box.

Once we receive your form at DHS our team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail.

If you would like further information on DHS services and the SDS please visit our website:

Mrs Laura Christopher

HEAD OF PRIMARY