Welcome back to Term 4! The first two weeks of the new term have seen all classes settle back into the good routine of learning and teaching. It has been so energising visiting classes across Marian, Lavalla and Marcellin campuses, and watching our students dive deeply into their learning. We welcome new families to our community who have begun their 秀秀直播 journey in Term 4.
Year 12 Graduation Mass & Awards Ceremony
This significant rite of passage was held on October 16 at Optus Stadium. Fr Garner celebrated Mass and families, staff and the Class of 2024 then moved into a formal dinner and presentations. Each student was presented to the community, acknowledging their place as graduating students from 秀秀直播. Subject and College awards were also featured alongside the 2024 College Captains鈥� Address. The Class of 2024 was acknowledged for their legacy to our community and sharing the night with families was so special for our staff. Our prayers are with the Graduates as they prepare for WACE examinations or move into traineeships, apprenticeships, TAFE or work.
Feast Celebrations
The Feast Day of our College Patron, St John Henry 秀秀直播, happened on 9 October. We came together as a College community the following day to celebrate St John Henry 秀秀直播 with Mass and the Primary Buddy Day. For those unaware, St John Henry 秀秀直播 was a 19th century significant leader of the Church. Having spent the first half of his life in the Anglican tradition and ordained, 秀秀直播 became a Catholic on 9 October 1845 after a significant time of discernment, eventually becoming a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. In the decision pre-dating the beginning of 秀秀直播, Churchlands in 1977, the orders of the Marist Brother and Dominican and Brigidine sisters settled on the name of the new College as 秀秀直播. It first began as the 秀秀直播 system before evolving into our school today. In St John Henry 秀秀直播, the community of the time saw the wonderful example of a person with great spiritual depth and a relational base to faith. St John Henry 秀秀直播 wrote of a faith where 鈥榟eart speaks to heart鈥� and this meets the Spirituality of the Heart that is our Marist way- Strong Mind, Gentle Heart.
This fortnight we have also remembered St Mary MacKillop whose canonisation anniversary falls on October 16. St Mary of the Cross. In Australian education and Christian faith, St Mary stands as a giant who, through the work of her Sisters of St Joseph, brought Catholic education to much of Australia鈥檚 rural and regional areas in the late 19th and through the 20th centuries. Our Mackillop Guild is named in honour of Mary MacKillop.
As you would know when attending our parent nights and major celebrations we pray to St Mary of the Cross and St John Henry 秀秀直播, alongside Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat in our Litany of Prayer.
Celebrating Alumni- Rhodes Scholar
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You may have noticed our recent social media posts celebrating Alumna.听 Eden Rigo (Class of 2015) who was recently announced as the recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship 2025. She will begin her studies at Oxford University in 2025.
Eden has excelled in sports, drama and academia, and is driven to create equitable, sustainable communities in her work. We have been researching into our 113 year history as a school entity to determine whether Eden is our first Rhodes Scholarship recipient. Eden is in fact our second Rhodes Scholar, the first being Bronte Adams in 1986.
Our College community is so proud of Eden and we look forward to the wonderful impact she will continue to make through her studies and commitment.听
To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often. St John Henry 秀秀直播
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.
Congratulations to the following students:
College Captains:
Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard
Academic Captains:
Laura Nolan and Leo Mason
Art Captains:
Ella Nguyen and Campbell Smith
Mission Captains:
Catherine Fardell and Kevin Xanthis听
Sports Captains:
Amy Wilson and Will Gilbert
Wellbeing Captains:
Jasmin Afflick and Layla Do
Brigid Guild Captains:
Lia Young and Abby Vil茅
Camara Guild Captains:
Grace D鈥橝rcy and Gen Carless
Catherine Guild Captains:
Lucy Peel and James Barnard
Chisholm Guild Captains:
Daniel Miniello and Natalie Smith
Marcellin Guild Captains:
Jodie Belzunce and Flynn Morison
Mackillop Guild Captains:
Tahlia Bell and Stefano Rapanaro
Romero Guild Captains:
Holly Kallawk and Stefan Constantine
Thomas More Guild Captains:
Grace Gordon and Mia Swain
Celebrate Assembly 鈥� Year 12 Farewell Assembly
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鈥檚 Address to the Assembly on Thursday, I addressed this message to our Year 12s:
鈥淵ou 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.鈥�
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 鈥榖ench project鈥� 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 秀秀直播 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 鈥楧ouble Letters鈥� for athletics and swimming by Trent Sharpe from the ACC at the Celebration Assembly.听 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.听听
The World鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥淰ision for Learning – Shine through Discovery鈥�. 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鈥檚 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 秀秀直播 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 秀秀直播 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.听 If you need to discuss your account, please contact Accounts Receivable on 9204 9414 or fees@newman.wa.edu.au without delay.
On Wednesday, 4 September, we will gather for our Year 7-9 Celebration Assembly to recognise and honour the outstanding academic achievements of our Year 7-9 students from Semester One. This occasion is an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and successes of our young learners.
At 秀秀直播, we believe that putting students at the centre of their goal-setting journey empowers them to strive for and reach their full potential, both academically and personally. Celebration is a powerful motivator, encouraging all students to continue pursuing personal excellence.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our Year 7-9 High Achievers next week.
PP-Y6 Athletics Carnival
On Friday 6 September, the combined Marian and Lavalla Athletics Carnival will take place at the Marcellin Campus Oval. This year鈥檚 event will follow a roving carnival format, which is designed to enhance student engagement and participation. The event program and map are attached below. Please note that event timings are approximate, so we recommend allowing extra time if you plan to attend specific activities.
Parents and spectators are welcome to attend and are asked to sit in the designated area on the western side of the Marcellin Oval. Specific facilities, including restrooms, are assigned for your use – please avoid using other College facilities. This is also an alcohol-free event.
We look forward to a successful day of competition and camaraderie. Thank you for your continued support of our staff and students, and special thanks to Ms Vlahov and Ms Richards for organising this event for our PP-6 students.
Student Absences During Term Time (Reminder)
At 秀秀直播, we understand that there are times when you may need to make decisions about your child鈥檚 attendance due to important family events or other personal reasons. As a College, we are guided by the Department of Education regulations, which require us to categorise absences as either 鈥淎pproved鈥� or 鈥淯napproved.鈥� Approved absences include circumstances such as illness, bereavement, or participation in College-endorsed events, while unapproved absences generally refer to holidays or family gatherings during term time.
We recognise that every family鈥檚 situation is unique, and there may be unavoidable circumstances that require your child to be absent from school. However, we kindly ask you to consider the potential impact that missing school can have on your child鈥檚 learning and academic progress. Unapproved absences may lead to your child missing out on important assessments or classroom activities, which could affect their overall academic performance, in line with our College Assessment Policies.
To support your child鈥檚 continued growth and learning, we strongly encourage planning family leave during the designated school holidays whenever possible. By doing so, you help ensure that your child remains engaged with their studies and can benefit from the full range of educational experiences we offer.
In a time of rapid technological change, 秀秀直播 is proud to be the first school in Western Australia to offer an AI course approved by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) as a School-Developed Endorsed course. This course not only prepares students for life after school but also contributes credits towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education.
Our course, AI Empowerment: Equipping Students for an Intelligent Future, is designed to meet the needs of students in Western Australia today. To thrive in modern society, every person needs to be 鈥榙igitally literate鈥欌�攎eaning they should have the basic digital skills to succeed in the workplace (Bawden, 2008). By 2030, there will be a demand for 161,000 specialist AI workers in Australia (CSIRO, 2019), which makes it crucial that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they will need in an AI-driven world.
Students graduating in 2030, like those currently in Year 6, will face this new reality, yet many of them, and those in later years, currently have limited understanding of AI. Our course aims to fill this gap, focusing on empowering students, particularly those in Years 10-12, as they prepare for life after school. Whilst mapping our digital technology electives in the middle secondary school to begin empowerment even earlier.
It is vital that schools, from primary through to secondary, teach AI concepts so that future generations can become informed citizens who understand the technologies they use every day. Students need to develop AI literacy to live, learn, and work in the digital world (Steinbauer et al., 2021). By giving secondary students, the chance to learn about the basics of AI鈥攊ts science, possibilities, limits, and social and economic impacts鈥攚e prepare them for further AI studies or careers (Heintz, 2021). Introducing AI concepts early in their education sets a strong foundation for their future, fostering curiosity and innovation in young minds and setting them up for lifelong learning and exploration.
Our course emphasises real-world learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, students see how AI can automate and enhance tasks (Ali et al., 2022). The course also nurtures creativity鈥攁 uniquely human trait that is less likely to be automated. Encouraging creativity helps students use AI to generate new ideas and innovative solutions, making them more employable in the future. As AI becomes part of many industries, understanding AI concepts, applications, and ethics will become even more valuable. This course prepares students for success, whether they choose AI-related careers or become developers of AI technologies. It also helps develop a generation of AI-literate professionals who can navigate and contribute to our rapidly changing technological world and understand their ethical responsibilities when using AI.
By introducing AI concepts before students reach tertiary education or the workforce, and by focusing on critical thinking, ethics, practical skills, and future readiness, this course helps schools equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century as traditional academic learning alone no longer meets the demands of the modern world (World Economic Forum, 2016).
