Newman News Vol 2 Issue 10 - 13 September 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Yirrganydji and Djabugay peoples, as the traditional owners of this land and pay respect to their elders, past, present, and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal Australia who educated their children in this area.  We show respect for their history, their culture, and our shared future.

We will always remember that under the concrete, steel and asphalt of this College, this land is, was, and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.

JCU Nguma-bada Campus - "Place for tomorrow's Learning Knowledge and Wisdom"
Yirryay (Yirrganydgi landuage, coastal dialect of Djabugay.

Prayer for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

Alezandra Stoddard once stated Enthusiasm is God within.  The pleasure of working in schools and in particular Newman Catholic College is being able, on almost a daily basis, to observe the enthusiasm and achievements of our outstanding and committed students and have the pleasure of building a school together, for the Northern Beaches.

Congratulations to our students who participated in all that the College had to offer during Term 3.  Thank you to the enthusiastic staff who gave more than they were paid, to provide exciting and engaging programs.  This term our students did extremely well with all that was available to them.  I was impressed by their confidence, resilience, and their obvious commitment, and by the quality of their work across many subjects.  To put it simply – on most occasions they submitted polished work and the right attitude.  We have a saying at Newman: “we finish what we start”. Thank you to parents and staff who encouraged all students to complete what they signed up to do.  Early next term, we will distribute an Assessment Flowchart illustrating our Assessment Policy and Procedures. This document will be there for all to see the procedure and where a student is at any time in the process and the process to ensure completion of all work assessments.

2023 will go down as a year of building; a time to recognise, value, appreciate, question, debate, applaud and celebrate achievements in this field.  Stage 2 is moving quickly towards completion, with the largest portion of our total building program now behind us we with move into the planning phase to prepare for Stage 3 & 4 buildings. Cairns Catholic Education Services has decided to build both remaining stages together in two years’ time. Towards the end of this week the scaffolding will come down followed closely by the crane. So, if you would like those last photos, it is time to take them.

The final Stage 2 project will be excellent and will further provide new opportunities and workspaces for our staff and students. To date, the building of Stage 2 has not impinged on the students’ use of the campus, however, from 25 October until the end of the year the refurbishment of Rednal Hill (our Library, G24, and the large practice room) will be out of commission whilst Stage 2A, the refurbishment of these areas into a Dance/Drama space takes place. Consequently, for the last part of this term, a few classes will use rooms at JCU.

Our Families @ Newman continue to go from strength to strength. Staff and families working tirelessly together to build a strong and lasting sense of community for all members of our college community with an abundance of opportunities for involvement and celebration of who we are. 'Community' is at the heart of the Catholic tradition. Come be part of our Association.

For two thousand years people have come together in community to share the story of Jesus, to nurture and strengthen each other, and to commit themselves to continuing his mission. Our Catholic school philosophy embraces this sense of community, evidenced by the positive relationships which exist between families, parish, and school. Whenever we speak to students, family members or staff you receive the overwhelming message that people are happy with the development of all aspects of our college to date.

Congratulations to all students who do, day after day, wear their uniform with pride. However, during my daily strolls around our beautiful campus I cannot but notice the same few students who constantly do not wear their uniform correctly. I ask that families who do have difficulties with uniforms to please contact the College and together we can sort this out prior to the start of Term 4. Uniforms worn well demonstrate individual students’ respect in themselves and a strong sense of pride in the school. With the warmer months approaching there is little need for a jacket. On the odd occasion when they are still needed, please ensure that jackets are no other than our regulation College jacket. Your attention to these details is appreciated.

As another wonderful term draws to completion it is important to acknowledge the work of God as the foundation of our College.  One important way we do this is through the celebration of the end of Term Liturgy.  I invite and urge all families of the College to join us in this celebration to be held on Friday 15 September at 2pm.  Here we will give praise and thanks to God for the blessings he has poured out upon us.  Thank you for your support, kindness, and enthusiasm throughout Term 3.  For those taking time off over the next weeks enjoy your time with family and friends.

Finally, please pray for all those involved in the chalk face of education at our College.  It is sometimes a thankless and hard thing our teachers, school officers and administration support staff do. Yet! it is done in Christ’s name and for the greater good of others. May we always thank God for our staff diversity and keep in mind how God is calling each person to serve in the way that we as individuals are created to do, each having a definite purpose.

Thank you & Blessings.

Lauretta Graham
Principal

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13

Welcome to our new staff members

Alisa Baker - School Officer

My name is Mrs Alisa Baker and my husband and I have recently moved to fabulous Far North Queensland. Our 2 children are all grown up and enjoying tertiary study in southern Queensland. My areas of interest are Vocational Education, Speech & Drama and Inclusion. I'm blessed to find myself part of the Newman Catholic College community and look forward to working with you all. 

Karen Chapman - Library Assistant

Hello, my name is Karen Chapman.

I am the new Library and Information Services Officer at Newman Catholic College.

I have been working in libraries for the past 14 years. I have worked for Catholic Education Cairns for the last eight and a half years; both in schools and at Head Office. Before that I was working for Cairns Libraries.

It is wonderful getting to know all our students in such a new and developing school.  I am excited to be here.

Lu Lay - Administration Officer

Hi, I'm Lu Lay and I am joining the NCC team as an Administration Officer assisting with timetable covers in the morning.  Your kindness and patience are much appreciated while I adjust to the role.

My working background prior to having children has been in Administration, Human Resources within Hotels & Resorts (Cairns & Brisbane) and International Education (Internships) working closely with Brisbane and International Universities.

I have a 10 year old son and a 7 year old daughter both at Holy Cross.  Since starting our own family, my husband and I have owned and operated a couple of food businesses servicing Cairns locals.  We now own and operate a Fish & Chips shop at Smithfield Campus Shopping Village servicing predominantly the Northern Beaches area.  Some of you may or may not recognise me from there in a different attire.

I describe myself as an approachable person, a good listener, and a team player.  I look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone over time and wish everyone a wonderful, restful, and safe break.  See you all next term!

Upcoming Important Dates

Upcoming Important Dates for Term 3 and Term 4 2023

Friday 15 September - Last day for Students in Term 3. 

Tuesday 3 October - First day of Term 4  for all students.

Thursday 12 October - John Henry Newman Feast Day Mass 9:00am. All parents are invited to attend.

Thursday 12 October - Newman's Got Talent 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Wednesday 18 October - Open Day for Holy Cross and St Augustine's Mossman Year 5 students to visit. 

Tuesday 24 October - College Photo day for Sports, Arts and extra curricula groups.

Tuesday 24 October - Year 7 Immunisation Day - Catch-up vaccinations. 

Saturday 28 October - College Working Bee 8:00am to 10:00am.

Wednesday 1 November - All Souls' Day Mass at 11:00am.

Wednesday 8 November - College Interhouse Swimming Carnival. All students are required to attend.

Friday 10 November - 11:00am Remembrance Day Liturgy.

Monday 13 November - Families@Newman (F@N) Meeting 6:30pm.

Wednesday 15 November - Outstanding Awards Assembly - 11:00am.

Thursday 16 November - Year 6 into Year 7 Orientation Day and Information Night.

Monday 20 November - College Board Meeting 6:30pm.

Friday 24 Novmber - Last day for all students. 

Friday 1 December - Student Reports uploaded to Parent Portal. 

Identity & Outreach

This week features a key feast day for our Parish – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the Christian liturgical calendar, there are several different Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Unlike Good Friday, which is dedicated to the passion of Christ and the crucifixion, these feast days celebrate the cross itself, as the sign of salvation.

This story of the Feast Day comes from Franciscan Media: Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre on that spot. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch healed a dying woman.

The cross immediately became an object of veneration. At a Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the fourth century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was taken out of its silver container and placed on a table together with the inscription Pilate ordered placed above Jesus’ head. Then “all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross and the inscription, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on.”

To this day, the Eastern Churches, Catholic and Orthodox alike, celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the September anniversary of the basilica’s dedication. The feast entered the Western calendar in the seventh century after Emperor Heraclius recovered the cross from the Persians, who had carried it off in 614, 15 years earlier. According to the story, the emperor intended to carry the cross back into Jerusalem himself but was unable to move forward until he took off his imperial garb and became a barefoot pilgrim.

The cross is today the universal image of Christian belief. Countless generations of artists have turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in procession or worn as jewellery. To the eyes of the first Christians, it had no beauty. It stood outside too many city walls, decorated only with decaying corpses, as a threat to anyone who defied Rome’s authority—including Christians who refused sacrifice to Roman gods. Although believers spoke of the cross as the instrument of salvation, it seldom appeared in Christian art unless disguised as an anchor or the Chi-Rho until after Constantine’s edict of toleration.

Next year, the College is aiming to run a Sacramental program for interested students. If your child would like to participate in this, please contact me at the College to find out more and register your interest.

God Bless

Tim Chapman
Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach

Counsellor's Corner

As the holidays approach, please remember to take some time to ‘fill up your cup’. You have certainly earned a break after all your hard work in Term 3.

During the holidays children can become unsettled without their usual routines, so if they are feeling stressed, upset, worried or want to speak with a trusted adult, here are some support services that can help:

Headspace provides mental health support for young people 12-15 years. Phone: 1800 650 890. Open 9:00am-1:00am daily.

Kids Helpline provides 24-hour phone counselling support by phoning 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue offers resources and support for young people experiencing stress, anxiety or requiring wellbeing support. Phone: 1300 22 4636 or visit the website

Lifeline provides 24-hour phone and online support for people experiencing emotional distress. Phone: 13 11 16

Suicide Call Back offers 24-hour phone or online chat services to people affected by suicide or feelings.

I wish you all a happy and safe holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4.

Ms Gemma Paisley
College Counsellor

Arts Department

As we find ourselves at the end of Term 3, it's inspiring to see the energy and creativity from our students across the Arts department. From Music to Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, and Media Arts, our students presented and performed their assessment tasks. In Term 4 Week 4, the Stage 2 renovations on the ground floor for Music, Dance and Drama will commence. There will be some level of disruptions whilst the works occur and I appreciate your support during this time. Please encourage your children to listen to notices, check email and direction from instrumental staff about the changes.

Rehearsals

Here's a quick overview of our weekly rehearsal schedule for TERM 4:

• Concert Band: rehearsals are on an alternating timetable, taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays under the guidance of Mrs Challis.
• Choir: CHANGED TO AFTER SCHOOL 3:00pm – 4:00pm Thursday - Mrs Fraser
• Dance Academy: Wednesday after school with Ms Matthews 3:15 – 5:00pm.
• Rock Band: Wednesday after school, Rock Band with Mrs Challis.
• Chamber Strings: Fridays during the second lunch under the expert guidance of Ms Welser.
• Dance – stretching everyday – 10 – 20 mins – kicks, turns and jumps (corner work exercises).
• Music – practise your instrument 10 – 20 mins per day.
• Drama – practise your lines, read monologues and experiment or revise blocking notes on scripts. 
• Visual Media Arts - regular practice will help you improve steadily over time 10 – 15 mins per day.

Summer Sounds – Term 4

Looking ahead to Term 4, excitement is building as all our ensembles and classroom music groups prepare for our much-anticipated concert, 'Summer Sounds'. We encourage you to support your child's musical journey by encouraging them to practice their instruments at home, especially those participating in the compulsory music program. In Term 4 Week 5 our concert will be showcasing in the college hall. You will be able to book your tickets through TryBooking. More information will be provided in the next newsletter. Again, if your child is interested in joining the choir or rekindling their passion for a learned instrument, please do not hesitate to reach out to either Mrs Fraser or Mrs Challis.

Compulsory Music Year 7

Our next group of students will be embarking on their classroom lessons in the compulsory music program and group lessons continue for one more term. It is important that parents and caregivers encourage their children to practise their instruments 2 – 4 times per week for 20 mins per session. They need to master playing the first 6 notes of their piece to build valuable skills for the Summer Sounds concert. We are seeing that students need to practise their instrument much more!

Music has been proven to raise cognitive capacity; improve memory function – creating, storing and retrieving memories more quickly and efficiently; builds attention span and strengthens focus; involves big picture thinking with short- and long-term goals; builds networks and communication skills through teamwork; encourages self-discipline; builds confidence and strengthens fine motor skill development. Music is also the only discipline that uses both left and right hemispheres of the brain and engages every part of the brain at once – visual, auditory, and motor cortices. In short if you are given the opportunity to engage in learning music you develop skills such as being well rounded, independent, self-disciplined, confident, and big picture thinker. Count me in!

Flash Mob – Dance Academy

We are thrilled to report that the Newman Dance Academy's Flash Mob, held on Thursday 7 September during second lunch, was nothing short of a smashing success! The event took place on the tiered seating of Levels 1 and 2, transforming our College into a vibrant and energetic dance haven, all thanks to the talented students of the Newman Dance Academy.

The Flash Mob, which took weeks of preparation and practice, was a delightful surprise for everyone present. The cheers, laughter, and applause from the students and staff were deafening as our talented dancers took centre stage, bringing an electrifying energy to the heart of our College. We owe a massive thank you to Ms Matthews, the dedicated instructor behind this outstanding performance. Her hard work, passion, and commitment to the Newman Dance Academy were truly evident in the flawless execution of the Flash Mob. Her guidance and mentorship have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in nurturing the exceptional talent we witnessed on that day.

The tiered seating areas on Levels 1 and 2 provided the perfect stage for our dancers, offering a fantastic view for the audience and allowing us all to feel like a part of something truly special. The sense of unity and joy that permeated the crowd was unforgettable. The success of this Flash Mob has left us all eagerly anticipating the next one. The Newman Dance Academy has set the bar high, and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us in the future. Such events not only showcase the incredible talent of our students but also foster a strong sense of community and school spirit.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Newman Dance Academy for their outstanding performance, and once again, thank you to Ms Matthews for her dedication to our students' growth and creativity. Stay tuned for more exciting events and performances from our talented students in the near future. Newman College is truly a place where excellence, creativity, and community spirit thrive.

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Drama Resources

Drama Prop Request - Call for Donations! To make each production truly magical, we are reaching out to our fantastic school community for a little assistance. Do you have items tucked away in your garage that could find a new purpose as props on our stage? We are in need of a wide variety of props to enhance our upcoming performances, and your contributions would be invaluable!

Here's a list of the items we're looking for:

Hand Props:

• Books
• Letters and envelopes
• Cups, plates, and cutlery
• Telephones
• Food items (fake)

Costume Accessories:

• Hats
• Jewellery
• Bags and purses
• Gloves
• Masks

Set Dressing:

• Rugs
• Curtains
• Paintings and posters
• Plants and flowers (real or fake)
• Lamps and lighting fixtures

Small Handheld Props:

• Money (fake currency)
• Keys
• Watches
• Newspapers

Containers and Bags:

• Suitcases
• Trunks
• Backpacks
• Boxes

Flags and Banners:

• Flags of different countries or organizations
• Banners with slogans or messages

Signs and Posters:

• Street signs
• Posters with show information or advertisements

Electronics and Technology Props:

• Phones (can be non-functional)
• Radios
• Computers and laptops (non-functional)

If you have any items that you'd like to donate, please place them aside for us, and we will arrange a convenient drop-off location and time for you. Your generosity will directly impact the quality of our productions and the memorable experiences of our students. Thank you for your continued support of our drama department. Together, we can create magic on our stage!

Warm regards

Katherine Fraser
Leader of Arts

Science Matters

Our Year 7 Science students have successfully wrapped up their chemistry unit with flying colors. Hands-on experiences have been at the forefront of their learning journey, allowing them to actively engage in various practical activities. These activities focused on separation methods like magnetic separation, filtration, decantation, centrifuging, distillation, evaporation, and chromatography. With assessments behind them, they're gearing up to apply their newfound knowledge of chromatography to solve an intriguing mystery involving a missing lunch from the staff fridge.

As we look ahead to the next term, our Year 7 students will embark on an exciting physics adventure. We have an action-packed course lined up for them, featuring weekly challenges designed to deepen their understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces. These challenges will also nurture their critical thinking skills, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience.

Meanwhile, our Year 8 students have completed their biology unit, exploring the major systems, including the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory systems. The students gained valuable lab skills as they participated in dissections involving lungs, hearts, and kidneys. These practical sessions provided students with a unique opportunity to learn more about their own bodies and organs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the biological world around them.

Year 8 students will move on to Chemistry next term and will be taking an in-depth look at the structure of the atom and then investigate the various types of chemical reactions, and factors that can speed up or slow down reactions.

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Reef Guardian Seagrass Restoration

In Week 9, our Year 7 and 8 Reef Guardian students collaborated with scientists from JCU's Tropwater organisation and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji rangers on a project of great ecological importance. Together, they prepared seagrass samples crucial for the rehabilitation of damaged meadows in the Trinity Inlet. On Wednesday and Thursday students were given a crash course in seagrass ecology and then under the watchful eyes of JCU scientists, they selected and trimmed samples for planting.

As a special reward for their dedication, students enjoyed an enlightening tour of the aquarium facility led by JCU's Dr Paul York. There, they had the privilege of seeing several sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation, soon to be released back into the ocean.

On Friday we joined JCU seagrass ecologists and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji rangers down at the Cairns Esplanade to finish preparing the samples and deploying them from boats into areas in need of rehabilitation. Metal weights were carefully attached to the seagrass samples to enable them to sink into the sediment and establish a new root system.

This seagrass restoration project is the first of its kind in tropical Australia, aiming to restore over 400 hectares of seagrass habitat that was devastated over a decade ago by cyclones and La Niña weather events. This monumental effort, led by James Cook University's TropWATER, involves planting thousands of seagrass fragments and sowing more than half a million seeds over the next four years. The project is a testament to collaboration, with support from Traditional Owner groups, OzFish Unlimited, local community groups, and funding from BHP's Blue Carbon Grants program.

This project is important not only for marine life, but also for the resilience of our coastal communities. Seagrasses are environmental powerhouses, capable of capturing carbon from the atmosphere up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making this project vital for our planet's health. By acting locally and volunteering for projects like these, our students can contribute their part to making a change on a global level and help protect our common home.

Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

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Technologies

Northern Mechanical and Batteries boots engagement in an Engineering Co2 Dragster unit of work.

Students at Newman Catholic College are revving up their engines once again thanks to a generous sponsorship from Northern Mechanical and Batteries. This partnership has breathed new life into the College's CO2 Dragster unit, igniting students' passion for design, engineering and manufacturing.

The CO2 Dragster unit is a hands-on learning experience where students design, build, and race miniature dragster cars powered by carbon dioxide canisters. It's a thrilling project that blends creativity and scientific principles.

Northern Mechanical and Batteries, a respected local business known for its commitment to community engagement, supported the unit by providing Technic Logo prizes to support engagement.

The CO2 Dragster unit, with Northern Mechanical and Batteries' sponsorship, serves as a shining example of how local businesses can play an active role in enhancing education and inspiring future generations of innovators. This partnership not only benefits the students at Newman Catholic College but also strengthens the bonds between the College and the local community, setting a positive example for the future.

Greg Millward
Leader of Technologies

Digitial Technology - Cipher Hunt

This term, students of Digital Technology have been learning about Cybersecurity. As part of their learning, they were taught about cryptography, the art of hiding messages with code. We learnt about two ciphers, the Ceasar cipher and the Vigenère cipher. Their assessment this term was to create a computer program that can decrypt messages using these ciphers. To test their programs, we had held a cipher hunt. A treasure hunt that uses clues and coded messages to eventually lead them to a cache of treasure.

The students started their hunt on the first floor, using a QR code to access the online clue. Once they solved the puzzle, they are directed to find another QR code for the next clue. The first riddle was: “I'm a quiet place, filled with knowledge vast, where pages turn and time flies fast. You'll find me near, within the school's embrace, a treasure trove of books in a tranquil space. What am I?”

The winning team was a group of four students: Braden Dempster, Leon O’Donnell, Jackson Bowmaker and James Dang. They opened the chest to collect a fortune in gold chocolate coins.

Brendan Akers
Leader of e-Learning

English Department

Year 7 students have completed their poetry unit this term. As part of the unit, several students submitted poems into a competition. Students enjoyed being outside to write their poems. The Red Room Poetry competition will plant a tree for every poem submitted. Furthermore, there are over $500 worth of prizes for the winner. Please enjoy reading some of the poems below that were submitted. Overall, it was wonderful to see students actively engaged in this unit. We have had lots of positive feedback and look forward to teaching it with our Year 7s next year.

Next term, Year 7 students are studying the novel ‘The Pearl-shell Diver’ by Kay Crabbe. As already notified via email, students have been given a copy of their novel and asked to put their name in it. It will be students’ responsibility to bring their novel to class. Finally, students are strongly encouraged to read one chapter every night. They will complete an exam on the novel at the end of the term.

Also, Year 8s have finalised their media analysis speech. Teachers have noticed an improvement in students’ speaking skills since the beginning of the year. We congratulate students in showing courage to speak in front of their peers. In Term 4, the Year 8s will study Gothic literature where they will create a short story with Gothic elements in exam conditions.

Overall, it has been a busy term in English, and we look forward to seeing students refreshed next term. As always, we ask that students’ stationery is replenished and that they have an English book to write in.

Monika Borewiecki
Leader of English

Trees Have Rights

Trees have rights to live,
Trust me this is not a fib. 
They have the right to be homes.
For all creates even your garden gnomes.

They have the right to grow tall,
And to also stand above all.
They have the right to stay safe, 
And not to be waif.

They have the right to be playgrounds,
For kids that act like clowns.
They have the right to be the place,
Where imagination sparks with grace.

They have the right to be free,
From cruelty and from you and me.
They have the right to blow in the breeze,
Flying with butterflies and bees.

Trees have rights to live.
So please trust me, this is not a fib.
Please let them be,
for what would you do if you were a tree?

By Chloe Sellwood

As the sun rises on the horizon,
Australia wakes up the red dust from Uluru. 
And the sea salt from New South Wales gets carried 
Up the coast to where the rainforest meets the sea, 
The elders past and present show me the way to the reef.

We share a meal on the coast that is used for special occasions. 
They tell me the stories of their ancestors about their beliefs. 
I wish I could be one of them. 
The whale makes his way down the coast, 
To Tasmania 
For the journey of life.

By Darragh Dempsey

The Earth Will Be Gone

The animals once swimming in billabongs, 
Singing to bird songs, 
Now it’s all gone.

We’re just a pawn, 
In the companies’ games, 
To gain more money and fame.

The landfill is rising, 
Capsizing and uprising.

If we don’t act swiftly
The earth will be gone.

By Cohdee Dimarco

Mathematics Department

Inaugural JCU Newman Interschool Mathematics Competition: A Resounding Success

We are thrilled to share the remarkable success of the Inaugural JCU Newman Interschool Mathematics Competition, held on Thursday 31 August 2023. This event marked a significant milestone in celebrating and nurturing mathematical talent in the Cairns region, and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

The competition was open to all talented Year 7 and Year 8 students attending secondary schools in the Cairns region. Our dedicated team of James Cook University lecturers designed engaging activities and facilitated the competition throughout the day. Their expertise and enthusiasm played a pivotal role in making this event a memorable one.

A total of 39 students from across the Cairns region enthusiastically participated in the competition and various enrichment activities. Their presence and commitment underscored the incredible mathematical talent that resides within our community.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following teams for their outstanding performance:

First Place: St Augustine's College Team A

Second Place: Newman Catholic College Team A

Third Place: Cairns State High School Team A and Newman Catholic College Team B

These teams demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, mathematical prowess, and teamwork, setting a high standard for future competitions.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Your dedication to fostering a love for mathematics among our young talents is commendable, and we are immensely grateful for your involvement.

As we reflect on this successful inaugural competition, we look forward to future editions of the JCU Newman Interschool Mathematics Competition, where we will continue to celebrate and inspire mathematical excellence in the Cairns region.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for our budding mathematicians.

Prasad Nair
Leader of Mathematics

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Year 8 Civics & Ski Trip

Hello from the snow!

We are thrilled to share the incredible experiences our Year 8 students have had so far during their trip to Perisher! This journey has been nothing short of spectacular, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.

The adventure kicked off with a plane ride from Cairns to Sydney, where our enthusiastic students then embarked on a scenic bus journey to Jindabyne. As we gazed out of the windows, the excitement in the air was palpable, knowing we were approaching our winter wonderland.

The first day on the snow was all about laying the foundation. Our students eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn the basic skills of skiing and snowboarding. With the help of experienced instructors, they quickly gained confidence on the slopes. In the afternoon, the thrill-seekers among us tried out some of the bigger runs, showcasing their newfound skills.

The second day was a game-changer. Most of our students conquered the Village 8 Express, ascending to the pinnacle of the ski run. Meanwhile, some embarked on a more daring journey to the top of Mount Perisher, guided by our dedicated teachers: Mr Dobrota and Mr Klein. The sense of accomplishment among the students was truly inspiring.

On the final day, our students had the chance to consolidate their skills and savour one last day on the slopes. The weather gods smiled upon us throughout the trip, providing fresh snow on the first day, making each run more exhilarating than the last.

But wait, the adventure doesn't end here! Tomorrow, our Year 8 students are gearing up for a captivating new chapter as we head to Canberra to immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of Civics.

In Canberra, our young scholars will have the unique opportunity to explore the heart of Australia's political and cultural landscape. Over the next few days, they will visit iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Museum of Australia and many more attractions!

As we bid farewell to the stunning snow-covered landscapes of Perisher, we eagerly look forward to the enlightening experiences that await us in Canberra. Stay tuned for updates on our adventures as we continue to broaden our horizons and make memories that will last a lifetime.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing team of teachers who made this trip possible: Mr Dobrota, Mr Klein, Mrs Duffy, Mrs Crumpton, Mrs Whyte, and Mr Pols. Their dedication, patience, and expertise ensured that our students have had a memorable adventure so far.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children, and we look forward to more incredible journeys in the years to come.

Warm regards

Lucy Dixon
Leader of  HASS

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Sport News

Building Community through Sport

Thanks to Smithfield State High School for hosting our Volleyball Academy recently. It was great to have some competition for our students as we prepare for the FNQ Volleyball tournament next term. Smithfield had three female teams ready for us and our girls put up a great team performance playing together and putting their three hit plays to great effect. Some excellent serving always helps in Junior Volleyball and the girls have worked hard on this. 

The boys had some strong competition against Smithfield and it was great to see our players getting involved and showing resilience to win a set off their rivals. 

Zane Dockray
Leader of HPE, Outdoor Ed

Fowlers Cup Netball 

The Year 7 and 8 Netball teams represented Newman Catholic College at the Fowlers Cup Netball Carnival last Friday 25 August at the Martyn Street courts. It was an impressive display of sportsmanship and teamwork. Several players played out of their regular positions for the good of the team, positive encouragement was offered to all and a can-do attitude was on display from all players. 

For the Year 7 team it was their inaugural competition and the first time they had played together. The first game was against Redlynch and it was a game of two halves, unfortunately Newman College could not hold onto their early lead and went down by 1 goal on the buzzer.  As the day continued the NCC students only improved, the highlight was an amazing 2nd half hard fought battle against Cairns High where the NCC team came away with the win by 1. The remainder of the games went in favour of NCC. The first loss of the day by 1 goal was enough to keep Year 7 Newman College out of the Grand Final play offs, where Redlynch became the Overall Carnival winners.

Player of the day: Tiare Connolly and Ella Rogers - both for their drives down the court and positive attitudes in a range of positions.

Year 7 results

Game 1 - LOST 6-7 Redlynch

Game 2 - WON 16-1 St Stephens

Game 3 - WON 7-6 Cairns High

Game 4 - WON 9-2 Bentley Park

Game 5 - WON 14-1 Mossman

Game 6 - WON 16-0 Woree

Game 7 - WON 10-5 MacKillop

Our Year 8 team won 5 out of their 7 games in very tight matches. They lost to St Mary's by one point and lost to CSHS in a tough match. To the Year 8 girls credit, they were playing in a Year 9 division and they will be more experienced and very keen to represent Newman College next year.

The Year 8 team also had a come from behind win against their Northern rivals Smithfield State High School. 

Year 8 Newman College Player of the day went to Mia Todd.

Thank you to our fabulous coaches Ms Dixon and Mrs Zell who have done a wonderful job this year at the Vicki Wilson Cup. 

Congratulations to our girls Netball teams who are displaying our Newman values and pioneering and creating a strong sporting culture here at Newman.

Emma Zell 
Netball Coach

Cafe News

In Term 4 there will be some changes to the Cafe Menu. Please refer to Menu below. To order from the Cafe, please place all orders through the Fleixschools App before 8:00am each day. 

F@N News - President's Report

F@N Movie Night

It is the end of Term 3 and everyone is excited for school holidays.

Term 3 has flown by and the F@N have been hard at work behind the scenes planning events for our College family.

On Friday 25 August we held a family movie night on the oval of Newman Catholic College.

The movie Super Mario Brothers was organised as a family event to encourage Newman families to gather, interact and meet with other parents and enjoy themselves under the stars.

We had sauages, softdrink, juices, popcorn & lollies to purchase at low prices.

Some students, teachers and F@N committee members even dressed the part.

The event and feedback has shown it was an enjoyable night by all.

Thank you to all who attended and assisted.

Ray Cowan
President - F@N Committee