Newman News Vol 2 Issue 11 - 25 October 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 Israel & Gaza

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

In a school play about the life of Jesus, several of the actors had to memorise a line or two from scripture. One of the actors got stage-fright and couldn’t remember his line. He caught his mother’s eye and she mouthed the line: “I am the light of the world.” With a huge smile on his face the boy declared: “My mother is the light of the world.”

In this month of October, we pay particular tribute to our universal mother,  Mary the mother of Jesus who truly could claim to be, “the light of the world”. Because Jesus had a human and a divine nature which cannot be divided, Mary holds the title of Mother of God.

Often Catholics are accused of praying to Mary as if she was a Goddess of sorts. But we have a saying, “To Jesus through Mary”, which indicates that we pray through Mary as our intercessor who prays to God on our behalf. Because Mary was “favoured by God” Luke 1:30, when she was personally chosen to become the mother of Jesus, we believe that we have a greater chance of obtaining God’s graces by asking Mary to intercede for us. When Mary told her cousin, Elizabeth, of her pregnancy, she stated, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” Luke 1:46. Mary is stating that Jesus is magnified by her soul. We still believe today that Mary’s soul “magnifies the Lord” and so we petition her.

From the earliest days of Christianity, Mary has been perhaps the principal figure depicted on Icons. The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches are where most of the Icons had their origin and where they are still venerated. The Icon with which we are most familiar, is that of Our Lady of Perpetual Help which emerged from Crete in the last half of the 15th Century. Dr Margaret Ghosn in her work, “The Iconic Mary”, gives an insight into the significance of the Mary image in Icons, when she writes: “Mary symbolises many images including maternal presence, affection, protector, guide, intercessor, holiness and above all the mother of God. Mary is called ‘blessed among women’ Luke 11:27 because of her ‘yes’ in faith, ‘let it be done to me according to your word’ Luke 1:38, which brought Jesus into the world. Mary calls to mind the words of St Paul, ‘It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me’ Gal. 2:20. While Mary is the Saviour’s Mother, it is as his faithful disciple that she serves as the primary model of a Christ-centred life. Like Mary, we uncover the secret of who we are by discovering Christ at the centre of our lives.”

Mary’s human life helps her to be a bridge between earth and heaven helping us all to see what is possible. We all know that like Mary it is possible to be born poor into a simple life yet achieve mightily in life. It is possible to be uncertain about ourselves, experience fear when opportunities arise and then accept with courage what is offered to us. It is possible to persevere through times of sorrow and disappointment and to keep our trust in God. It is possible to live our lives in hope, trusting that God’s spirit will be with us in all we do. These things we hope all our students at Newman will discover.

During this month of Mary (October) and also November leading up to Christmas, students at Newman will fundraise for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal paying particular attention to those less fortunate than themselves. Please support the fundraisers Mr Chapman has in place and if you as a family would like to sponsor a whole family, please contact him for details. Knowing that a family wakes up on Christmas morning to find gifts is a great Christmas present to them and a great lesson in generosity for your children.

Thank you for the wonderful World Teachers’ Day messages you have sent through this week.

Peace and every best wishes

Lauretta Graham
Principal

A note from the After School Study

We are having a number of students letting us know that they are hungry after school especially when they are waiting until 5:30pm to be picked up. 

We ask that families ensure that students pack extra food if they are staying after school. 

Identity & Outreach

John Henry Newman Feast Day

On Thursday 12 October, we celebrated the feast of our Patron Saint, John Henry Newman drawing an impressive gathering of dignitaries, officials, representatives from various schools, families and the wider community.

Our day of celebration and activities began with a College Mass, celebrated by Father Dariusz who shared insights into the life and teaching of St John Henry Newman, emphasising the profound significance of this annual celebration for our College.

Following the Mass, the festivities transitioned into the much anticipated 'Newman Stampede' and 'Catch the Flag' events. These activities brought together all our students, fostering a sense of unity, camaraderie, and house pride. 

O God, who bestowed on your Priest, Saint John Henry Newman,
the grace to follow your kindly light and find peace in your Church;
graciously grant that, through his intercession and example,
we may be led out of shadows and images into the fullness of your truth.

Amen

God Bless

Tim Chapman
Deputy Principal – Identity and Outreach

John Henry Newman Feast Day

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Newman Spirit Award - 2023

St John Henry Newman Spirit Award | Ayva's Remarkable Achievements

Please join us in congratulating Ayva Ekeroma, who was awarded the prestigious Saint John Henry Newman Spirit Award at our Feast Day Mass. This award is bestowed upon students who exemplify the core values of our college - courage, unity, truth, wisdom, and compassion.

Throughout this year, Ayva has truly exemplified the qualities that define this award:

Courage: Ayva has shown incredible courage by rising to every challenge she has faced. Her academic achievements span across all subjects, and her active involvement in the 'Wonders of Science' program, Netball, and many other activities demonstrates her fearless spirit.

Unity and Inclusivity: Ayva's teacher shared her remarkable ability to create meaningful connections among her peers. She leads by example, ensuring that every student felt included and progressed together.

Wisdom: Ayva's thirst for knowledge extends far beyond the classroom. Her almost impeccable academic record and selection to represent NCC at the 'Wonders of Science' program showcase her ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity: Even when faced with a season-ending knee injury, Ayva's determination remained unshaken. She continued to support her peers in the Netball program, turning up for every trial, offering quiet help, and cheering her teammates on.

Ayva, your contributions to our school community are truly exceptional. You are an inspiration to us all. Join us in celebrating Ayva's accomplishments and the values she represents.

#NewmanCatholicCollege #heartspeakstoheart #StJohnHenryNewmanSpiritAward #StudentAchievement #NCCCollegeCommunity

Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Seikyo Gakuen School Visit

We recently welcomed 69 students from Seikyo Gakuen school in Japan to Newman Catholic College for a day of cultural exchange. This visit was a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to innovative education and global awareness. It provided a unique opportunity for our students to engage in enriching activities and build lasting international friendships.

The day was filled with exciting activities that allowed students from both Newman Catholic College (NCC) and Seikyo Gakuen to immerse themselves in each other's cultures. Activities such as origami, volleyball and lamington making were enjoyed by all.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the pairing of Seikyo Gakuen students with NCC students as buddies. This arrangement not only helped our visitors feel welcomed and included but also allowed our students to develop cross-cultural friendships. These bonds extend beyond borders and can be a source of support and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

The visit from Seikyo Gakuen students brought several benefits to our NCC community:

1. Cultural Awareness: Experiencing first-hand the traditions, customs, and language of another country fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity. It broadens the horizons of our students and encourages them to embrace diversity.
2. Language Skills: Interacting with students from Japan provided a practical opportunity for language learning. It's one thing to study a language in the classroom, but real-world conversations are invaluable in developing fluency.
3. Global Perspective: Building friendships with peers from different backgrounds offers a global perspective that is increasingly important in today's interconnected world. Our students are now more aware of the global challenges and opportunities that await them.
4. Social Skills: The buddy system allowed our students to develop social skills, including empathy, communication, and cooperation. These skills are crucial for personal and professional success.
5. Long-lasting Connections: We look forward to more visits from Seikyo Gakuen in the coming years, strengthening the bond between our schools and providing ongoing opportunities for cultural exchange.

In conclusion, the visit from Seikyo Gakuen students was a remarkable event that enriched the educational experience at Newman Catholic College. It exemplifies our commitment to innovative education and the development of well-rounded global citizens. We are excited about the future opportunities for cultural exchange and the lasting impact it will have on our students and thank Banora International Group for their partnership.

As we continue to nurture these connections, we are confident that the seeds of friendship and understanding planted during this visit will grow into a vibrant garden of global unity and cooperation.

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Year 5 Visit from Holy Cross School and St Augustine's School Mossman

In an effort to cultivate a culture of collaboration, learning, and community engagement, Newman Catholic College recently opened its doors to the bright young minds of St Augustine's Mossman and Holy Cross School during a high school immersion experience.

The event, which showcased the vibrant diversity of our educational offerings, featured a plethora of activities. From captivating science experiments that ignited curiosity to exhilarating basketball matches that promoted teamwork and sportsmanship, our visitors from St Augustine's Mossman and Holy Cross were treated to a wide array of enriching experiences. Dance, another integral part of our curriculum, allowed the students to express themselves creatively, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of education at Newman Catholic College.

What truly made this experience special was the active involvement of our own students. Newman Catholic College students took the lead in organising and supervising these activities, serving as role models for their younger peers. This mentorship not only highlighted our students' leadership skills but also fostered a sense of responsibility and camaraderie among them.

At Newman Catholic College, we look forward to more such enriching experiences that reinforce our vision of holistic and innovative education for all.

Wilbur Donovan
Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Year 5 Holy Cross & St Augustine's Visit

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E-Learning News

Newman Knights

In the midst of Term 4, the Newman Knights have emerged as a dynamic group of lightsaber enthusiasts with a passion for crafting lightsaber choreography and awe-inspiring displays. These dedicated knights are not only honing their skills but are also bringing their action-packed scenes to life through captivating short films. The Padawans of the Newman Knights are Lincoln Coate, Marshal Kepper, Leon O'Donnell, Alex Lawson, Asher Colman, Jackson Sapolu and James Dang.

A resounding round of applause is in order for Marshal Kepper and Lincoln Coate, who astounded everyone by clinching the 3rd place in the Newman's Got Talent competition on Newman's Feast Day!

During their lunch breaks, these young talents meticulously practice their routines, capturing the magic on camera. They then work their creative magic, adding special effects, soundtracks, and heart-pounding music to transform their raw footage into cinematic masterpieces.

What's truly exciting is that the students in this group are not just dabbling in lightsaber choreography; they're diving into a multi-disciplinary experience. Through their lunchtime activities, they'll explore elements of Drama, Physical Education, Media Arts, and Digital Technology, all while crafting captivating and intense films that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to be thrilled by their creative endeavors in 2024!

Mr Brendan Akers 
Leader of eLearning 
Jedi Master

Newman Knights

Arts Department

Welcome back to Term 4 and it is all happening in The Arts! From Music to Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, and Media Arts, our students are working on assessments, building on their skills, demonstrating performance tasks and generally representing the College with pride. We have some interruptions with the next building stage on the ground level, so we appreciate your support, by reading emails and being flexible as we change some of our teaching spaces until the end of the term. 

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 –3–4pm Thursday - Mrs Fraser
• Dance Academy: Wednesday after school with Ms Matthews 3:15 – 5pm.
• Chamber Strings: Friday’s during the second lunch under the expert guidance of Ms Welser.

Homework Schedule for The Arts

Students at Newman involved in the arts should be doing this homework everyday:

• 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 helps you improve steadily over time 10 – 15 mins per day

Summer Sounds – Term 4 – Saturday 4 November 2023

Looking ahead to Term 4, excitement is building as our compulsory Year 7 Music students will present their pieces in the masterclass and concert, "Summer Sounds." We encourage you to support your child's musical journey by encouraging them to practise their instruments at home, book your ticket through TryBooking (https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1127905) and register their compulsory attendance through the Parent Slips.

The program consists of the following:

• 8:30am – 8:40am Registration and room organisation information
• 8:45am – 10:00am Masterclass workshops with specialised music instructors
• 10:00am – 10:30am Morning Tea
• 10:30am – 12:00pm Concert Rehearsal
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm BBQ Lunch: Provided to all performers giving everyone the opportunity to socialise and refuel before the concert. 
• 1:00pm – 2:00pm Concert: All participating students will have the chance to showcase their newfound skills.

Compulsory Music Year 7

Our next group of students embarked on their classroom lessons over the past three weeks in the compulsory Music program and group lessons continues until the end of Term 4.  It is important that families 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!

Year 7/8 Music – Performance Class

The Year 7/8 music class are exploring Australian music. They will perform a piece inspired by Australian Music chosen by their classroom Music teacher. Students are performing on string, woodwind, brass, percussion, and ukulele instruments. Consistent practice is encouraged, and instruments are to be brought to every class (double and single). Assessments are due in Week 7, during a double period, allowing ample time for preparation. This is a chance for students to showcase their skills and creativity.

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 organisations
• 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!

Newman’s Got Talent

We are thrilled to extend our gratitude for the success of Newman's Got Talent. The event showcased the talents within our school, and we owe its success to the incredible performances.

Thank you to those who performed:

• Gemma Tarrant – piano
• Milla Beerenfels and Isabella Simon – voice and movement
• Mr Klein – stand-up comedy
• Helena Erard – dance
• Aryan Sholapurkar – piano
• Khobi Arthurson – piano
• Ms Damay and Year 7 French students (Aryan, Lara, Maria, Scarlot, and James)
• "Star Wars" – Media Display
• Mr Chapman – voice and guitar

 Congratulations to the winners:

First Place: Helena Erard
Second Place: Gemma Tarrant
Third Place: Lincoln Coate, Marshal Kepper, and Mr Akers

We would like to express our appreciation to our judges Mrs Fraser, Ms Matthews, Mr Shotton and Mrs Challis, for their valuable expertise and assistance. A special thanks to our MC, Mr Starmer, for hosting the event. Thank you to the Leadership team for organising the prizes and awards, your ongoing support for this event is greatly appreciated. We'd also like to take this opportunity to address the lower participation from our Year 8 students. While we missed your presence this year, we encourage all students to continue sharing your talents and look forward to your participation in the upcoming performances in 2024.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event and helped make it a resounding success. Newman's Got Talent wouldn't have been possible without your dedication and enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate another exciting performance next year!

Community Connection

Our last visit to Holy Cross School is this Friday in the community-driven effort of “The Groovers”. Initially, we had planned to integrate both singing and dancing into our project. The aim of the project needed to be student-led, we later opted to put more emphasis on the dance element, primarily because of the limited time available and the fact that students would be taking on a teaching role.  In Week 2, Year 7 and 8 students from Newman Catholic College came together with Year 6 students to teach them a dance routine at Holy Cross School. The display was about teamwork and community engagement. We want to extend our appreciation to Ms Matthews, our talented dance teacher and choreographer, ho played a pivotal role in crafting the dance routine and ensuring its seamless execution. Thank you to Ms Seifert for accompanying the students on their visits to Holy Cross in both Weeks 2 and 4. This successful collaboration has left both student groups excited about future joint endeavours. Their shared experiences have strengthened their bond, emphasising their commitment to fostering unity and community spirit. Stay tuned for more heartwarming collaborations in the future!

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Cairns Council 2023 Christmas Card Competition

The Cairns Regional Council is excited to announce the 2023 Christmas Card Competition for Visual Art, providing young artists in Cairns with an opportunity to showcase their talents. The competition is open to three age categories, ensuring inclusivity for all. This year's theme, "baubles and bows," encourages young artists to creatively depict the holiday spirit. Winners in each age category will receive a fabulous Christmas present and have their designs featured on the 2023 Cairns Regional Council Christmas eCard. They will also have the unique opportunity to help light the giant Christmas tree at the Esplanade Lagoon on December 1, 2023. The entry process is straightforward, and it's a wonderful way to celebrate and encourage young artistic talent in Cairns.

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns/events/annual-events/christmas-tree-lights/christmas-card-competition

Warm regards

Katherine Fraser
Leader of Arts

7 DANCE

Continuing from Term 3, we have welcomed new students to the subject for another round of Hip Hop fun. I am particularly impressed with how the male students have embraced this style and are excelling in their group work choreography. The whole class are tracking well to perform the assessment dance with hard-hitting Hip-Hop technique and attitude. I would like to remind all families that the expectation of the dance subject is for students to get changed into their sports uniform at morning tea. This is particularly important for our Thursday P4 lesson. As per the Canvas course outline final assessment is due on Monday 6 November.

8 DANCE

Year 8 Dance is bringing the musical of ‘Aladdin’ to life! The class are doing a remarkable job of the medley of songs ‘Arabian Nights’, ‘Friend Like Me’ and ‘A Whole New World’. I am excited to see each scene develop over the next couple of weeks as we add characters and props. As per the Canvas course outline final assessment is due on Tuesday 7 November.

DANCE ACADEMY

Dance Academy students are working hard on a technically challenging piece to a classic Beethoven piece ‘5 Secrets’. This is to be performed at the Outstanding Awards Assembly on Wednesday 22 November. The dance blends technique from both contemporary and ballet genres and is really pushing the girls out of their comfort zone! I am extremely proud of how they are applying themselves and rising to the challenge of the piece. I hope I can organise some beautiful flowing costumes in time, so they feel like real professionals on the stage.

Alisha Matthews
Dance Teacher

Science Matters

JCU Seagrass Project

Over the past few months, our Reef Guardian class has been actively engaged in an initiative with scientists from James Cook University's TropWater Department. Together, they have been working diligently to rehabilitate damaged seagrass meadows in the Cairns Inlet and have also participated in seagrass monitoring quadrat studies at Green Island. This hands-on experience has not only enriched our students' understanding of marine ecosystems, but also empowered them as environmental advocates.

Under the guidance of scientists from James Cook University, our Reef Guardian class played their part in a larger scale project to restore the deteriorating seagrass meadows in the Cairns Inlet. These vital underwater habitats are not only home to a diverse range of marine life but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Working alongside scientists and Indigenous sea rangers, our students learned essential techniques for seagrass restoration. They actively participated in activities to prepare harvested seagrass samples for planting, ensuring the careful cultivation of these underwater plants. Through their hard work and dedication, our students have contributed significantly to the revitalization of the seagrass meadows, fostering a healthier marine environment for countless species, including the green sea turtle Chelonia Mydas which can eat up to two and a half kilograms of sea grass per day.

In addition to their restoration efforts, our Reef Guardian class had the unique opportunity to engage in seagrass monitoring quadrat studies at Green Island, an important feeding habitat for green sea turtles. Guided by the researchers from James Cook University, our students delved into the world of marine science, learning about the methods used to assess seagrass health and biodiversity.

Armed with quadrats, identification guides and waterproof data sheets, our students ventured into the seagrass meadows on the western side of the island, collecting valuable data. They carefully documented the different species residing within the seagrass beds and recorded the percentage coverage of each species along a transect line from the shore and extending outwards every 5 metres. Similar sampling techniques can be used in the student experiment assessments in senior Biology and Marine Science QCAA courses, so our students now have a fantastic head start for further studies.

After completing the surveys it was time to put on our mask, snorkels and fins and explore two very unique and biodiverse ecosystems that Green Island has to offer side-by-side the coral reef and the seagrass meadows. While snorkelling the coral reef on the western side of the jetty students were greeted by an array of marine creatures including black and white tip reef sharks, blue spotted rays, reef fish of all shapes, colours and sizes, and of course the iconic anemone clownfish. We then headed to the other side of the jetty to explore the seagrass meadows and students were able to swim with a number of placid green sea turtles. We watched them graze on the seagrass and this instantly confirmed why we needed to get involved in seagrass restoration projects.

These experiential learning opportunities play an important role in shaping the future environmental leaders of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the scientists at James Cook University’s TropWater department. Through this unique partnership, our students have not only gained invaluable scientific knowledge and skills, but have also developed a deep sense of appreciation for the natural world. We would also like to thank Cairns Regional Council for funding our excursion to Green Island through a nature-based learning grant, and Big Cat Green Island for looking after us with ferry transfers and equipment. Let us stand united in our commitment to safeguarding our environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

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Wonders of Science

The University of Queensland, funded by Rio Tinto, run an annual STEM challenge programme that is open for all Queensland students between Years 4 and 9. This term, three students from 08SCI01 represented Newman College in the Wonder of Science Regional Finals conference hosted at James Cook University. Ayva Ekeroma, Caitlin Wong, and Layla Soo showcased their work from Term 3 at the conference in Week 3. The girls developed a scientific investigation to determine how single celled marine organisms might adapt to changing ocean temperatures. They presented with confidence and demonstrated outstanding STEM understanding and skills. I may be biased, but the standard I saw from our students was on par (if not higher) than that of the other competing groups. I was incredibly proud of the time and effort these students put into their work in the build up to the conference, and also their conduct on the day.

Mr Carl Johnson
Teacher

HASS Department

Welcome back to Term 4!

We had a very exciting end to Term 3 in the HASS Department with some of our Year 8 students journeying to Canberra to undertake an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to explore a range of Civics attractions in the heart of Australia’s capital with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

Students also had the unexpected privilege of encountering Mr Bill Dixon, Executive Director of Catholic Education Cairns, who was in town for the National Catholic Education Commission’s Directors meeting. Mr Dixon emphasised the importance of quality education in shaping responsible and informed citizens and the role of the Australian Government in assisting our Catholic schools.

The Museum of Australian Democracy: Becoming Active Citizens

The visit to The Museum of Australian Democracy was a transformative experience for our students. Here, they learned about our nation's history as a democratic society and discovered ways in which they can become more active and engaged citizens. The museum's exhibits provided a vivid and immersive glimpse into the struggles and achievements that have shaped our democracy, inspiring our students to take an active role in preserving and improving our nation's democratic ideals.

The National Museum of Australia: Meeting the People of Our Past

As part of the Meet the People program at The National Museum of Australia, our students were introduced to the life of a fascinating Australian through key objects and storytelling. This unique approach brought history to life, allowing our students to connect with the past in a meaningful way. They also explored a selection of the museum's galleries, discovering exciting and inspiring people and events that have left their mark on Australian history.

Questacon: A World of Science Exploration

At Questacon, our students engaged with a range of science concepts through hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. This experience sparked their curiosity and deepened their understanding of various scientific principles. It was a day filled with wonder and excitement as they explored the world of science in a fun and engaging way.

The Australian Institute of Sport: Meeting Real Athletes

Our visit to The Australian Institute of Sport was a memorable experience for our students. They had the privilege of meeting real athletes who train at the institute and learned about their dedication and commitment to their respective sports. In the Sportex Room, our students had the chance to engage with the equipment and gain insights into the world of elite sports training.

This trip to Canberra was not just an educational tour; it was a journey of discovery, inspiration, and growth for our students. They returned with a deeper appreciation for our nation's history and democracy, a renewed sense of civic responsibility, and a newfound passion for science and sports.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government has contributed funding of $750 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff who organised and supervised this enriching experience. Their hard work and commitment ensured that our students had a safe and educational adventure in our nation's capital.

Thank you to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the trip. We hope that the knowledge and experiences gained during this journey will stay with them for a lifetime, inspiring them to be active and engaged citizens who contribute positively to our society.

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HASS Department Changes

I want to take a moment to bid a temporary farewell to our wonderful students and their families. I will be embarking on a new and exciting journey as I prepare to welcome a new addition to my family. In my absence, I am delighted to announce that Sam Hughes will be stepping in as my replacement for Term 4, 2023. Sam is a dedicated and experienced educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our College community. I am confident that you will find Sam to be a fantastic addition to our team and a supportive guide for your children's educational journey during my leave. I look forward to returning and reuniting with our incredible College community in the near future.

Wishing you all a successful and enriching Term 4.

Warm regards

Lucy Dixon
Leader of Learning - HASS

Sport News

2023 College Swimming Carnival:
Wednesday 8 November at Marlin Coast Swimming Pool

Our College Interhouse Swimming Carnival is to be held on Wednesday 8 November at the Marlin Coast Swimming Pool, Smithfield. The swimming carnival is a compulsory College event and all students are required to attend. 

Travel Arrangements

All students will be attending school for normal LMG time at 8:20am. Then ALL students will walk to the Smithfield Pool. Students can wear their swimming attire under their House uniforms if they wish. At the conclusion of the carnival ALL students will walk back to the College ready for dismissal at 3:00pm.

Carnival Organisation

This year’s swimming program will incorporate both competitive and participation races. All students must nominate for their events through House meetings. Please see your LMG teacher if you have not completed this.

• Participation Races will be conducted throughout the day including a 25m freestyle races, a 20 minute marathon where all students can get a House point for each lap they swim (kickboards and noodles available) and novelty relay events in the 25 metre pool.
• Competitive races are for swimmers who are vying for Age Champion. The competitive races will be 50m. Students in competitive races must be wearing appropriate swimwear. Competitive races will be timed finals.

Equipment for the Day    

• Morning Tea, Lunch, snacks and a drink bottle. A Sausage Sizzle will be provided for lunch. The Kiosk will be open to students.
• College House uniform when at school (both start and end of the day) including closed in shoes.
• Sun Smart swimwear (no string bikinis), hat and sunscreen for around the pool.
• No ELECTRONICS are needed as there will be a College photographer present on the day.

If for any reason your child cannot participate, please contact your LMG teacher with a written notification. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event. All parents are welcome to attend, and we are seeking volunteers for the timing of races. If you are able to volunteer, please email zdockray@cns.catholic.edu.au and I will provide more details. 

Queensland & Peninsula Representatives

QLD Track and Field Championships

Well done to Bo Fridolf and Oisin Breheny who recently travelled to Brisbane to compete in the State Track and Field Championships. Bo came 7th in the State for his favourite event Shot Put. He also competed in Discus. Bo said there were some big boys in his 12 years age group and he was happy with his performance in Shot Put. Oisin was selected to perform in the 100m, 200m and 400m but injured his quad muscle in his first race and was forced out with injury. We are proud of the effort that these students and their families undertake to represent themselves and their school.

Peninsula Trials - Futsal and Cricket 

Emilio Sanchez Ruiz, Lohann Giner-Tan, Daniel Cook and Kayla Caraballo represented Newman College in the TCN District team at the recent Futsal Peninsula Regional Trials this term. They played several games throughout the day and said the level of competition was very high. Khobi Arthurson, Jai Penistone and Alex Haratsis also represented Newman in the TCN District team at the Cricket Peninsula Trials. The boys said it was a great day and they were right up there when it came to the final selections for the Peninsula team. Good luck to our Futsal and Cricket students in the future as they continue to show courage and passion when competing at a higher level in their chosen sports.

Peninsula Trials -Tennis and Baseball 

Good luck to James Dobson in Tennis and Hayden Eager in Baseball as they represent Newman College at the upcoming Peninsula Trials for their chosen sports. 

Volleyball - FNQ Schools Volleyball Championships

Newman College recently competed in the Volleyball School Championships with both the boys and girls teams having an action packed day of Volleyball. It was a great experience for the keen Volleyball players as they competed in several games as well as having the opportunity to officiate through scoring, line keeping and umpiring. Well done to these students who have been supporting the Volleyball academy all year and I look forward to seeing them develop their skills next year.

FNQ Interschool Mountain Biking: Enduro Race Round 3

The Cairns Mountain Bike Club in Smithfield recently hosted Round 3 of the FNQ Interschool Mountain Biking competition. The race comprised of 3 stages, each stage chosen to test skills but primarily descending and technical ability. The riders have 1 hour per stage and can ride each stage up to 3 times within the hour, with their best time for each stage recorded. The best times for each stage are added together to give the overall winner for each age group. 

Well done to Bo Fridolf and James Dobson who both competed in this competition. Bo in the 12 Years and James in the 15 Years age groups. They were both happy with their performance and said the level of competition in Cairns is amazing. With world class mountain bike trails on our doorstep and a number of students riding every week, it would be great to see more of our Newman students racing in these inter school competitions. 

Newman Rugby 7's

We hosted the Newman Rugby 7's this term and it was a big event! 8 schools and 12 teams in total competed over the day and it was great to see all the action. Schools came from all over the Far North region including teams as far as Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Thursday Island (Mr Dockray's previous students), Port Douglas Primary State School, St Thomas' Mareeba and Good Counsel Primary and Good Counsel College Innisfail, as well as Holy Cross and St Augustine's Cairns.

Our Newman 14 Year boys played hard rugby and were very competitive scoring tries in all of their games and giving St Augustine's College and Good Counsel College a tough time on the field. New student Peter Leary was a star recruit and was awarded MVP of the carnival. Coaches Tim Chapman and Andrei Dobrota did well to prepare the boys with only a week of practice. Well done to all the boys especially the Year 7s who made up the majority of the team and showed real courage going up against older and larger opponents. Congratulations to Good Counsel Primary who won the 12 Years grand final over Good Counsel College (primary school beat the high school) and St Augustine's College 1 defeated Good Counsel College in the 14 Years division.

Newman Stampede @ Feast Day

It was great to see the Newman Stampede in full effect on our Newman Feast Day this year! The Newman Stampede is an annual running event held on Feast Day to Celebrate the fastest male and female over a middle distance race. We encourage all students to have a run together and it really was a stampede with a few students taking a tumble at the beginning of the race! 

Congratulations to Satchin Taranto who was the first across the line, sprinting from the beginning and never looking back! Our inaugural female winner again took out fastest female - Carmen Matthews and she will be hard to beat over the next few years! A fierce rivalry has developed among staff members with fellow Mareeba products Mr Starmer and Mr Currie training together and racing together. Mr Currie edged the win this year beating last year's line winner Mr Starmer. Love it!

Mr Dockray
Leader of HPE and Sport

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

6. 2 Timothy 4:7 – Fight the Good Fight 

College Photo Day

NQ School Photography was here this week photographing our students who have been a part of the Sports, Arts and Extra-Curricular groups. Parents can order photos online at www.nqsp.com.au and using the Shoot Key : 2H7QW6HL. 

Orders can be placed for the next 2 weeks until Friday 10 November 2023.