Newman Catholic College Smithfield eNewsletter

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 Second Week of Lent

Prayer for Lent

As we enter the Second Week of Lent, we are called to deepen our journey of repentance, transformation, and trust in God’s mercy. The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent typically features the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, or Luke 9:28-36), where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This event encourages believers to seek spiritual transformation and trust in God's plan, reminding us that Christ’s glory is revealed through both His divine radiance and His coming sacrifice. This week, we are invited to open our hearts to conversion, to embrace humility, and to walk more closely with Jesus on the path to the Cross. May our prayer, fasting, and acts of charity lead us to a renewed faith and a greater love for God and others. Please take time this week to pray this prayer dedicated to the Second Week of Lent.

God our loving Father, Lent is a time to become less centred on ourselves and more centred on others. During this second week of Lent, help us to find a few minutes in each day to pause and be aware of your presence in our lives, in our College, and in our world. Help us to make one daily extra effort to encourage someone who may feel discouraged, or include someone who may feel lonely. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

On Wednesday last week (5 March) Lent began. Within the Catholic tradition the ways we mark the period before Easter has grown and developed over many centuries to include layers of meaning. One of those traditional markers of Lent here in Australia is the annual Project Compassion fundraising and awareness appeal.

Annually, 1700 schools and 1200 parishes across Australia take part, with Caritas Australia calling on the community to 'Unite Against Poverty'. Kirsten Sayers, Interim CEO at Caritas Australia, said, 'Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and almsgiving. It is a time when we are called to examine our lives and make sacrifices to help those less fortunate. During Lent, our challenge is to respond to these stories courageously, with a yes to God’s call to us all, to work towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.'

Those wanting to support Project Compassion, as teachers, students, can visit the CARITAS website to download resources or learn more about Caritas Australia’s development programs or contact your son/daughters Learner Mentor to find out how you can support the Newman Catholic College CARITAS Appeal.

Please ask your son or daughter how their Learner Mentor Group is fundraising this Lent for this important cause.

Please keep in your prayers all students sitting for NAPLAN this week and those in the South who are struggling with the effects of cyclone Alfred.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students and staff for the outstanding retreat experience last week. Initially a few students found it a challenge to be away from family and loved ones for three days but quickly got involved and lasted the journey. Well done to all our students. We were pleased to see the full participation and positive enthusiasm displayed by all student attendees. Retreats and Camps are part of how we offer education at Newman Catholic College. We thank parents for their support.

Heavenly Father, as we enter another week of our Lenten journey, guide us to the path that leads to you.
Fill our hearts with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as we strive to become the-best version-of-ourselves, honestly admitting our shortcomings and failures. As we renew our resolve each day to become better people, let us hear your voice in the deepest reaches of our hearts. Give us rest in you. Help us to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment. Stay with us throughout the busy days this week and remind us that when we need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, we can always turn to you. Help us develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.
In your name we pray, Saint John Henry Newman, Pray for us.

With Every Blessing

Lauretta Graham
Principal

Enrolling Online at Newman

NAPLAN Test Week 2025

Welcome to NAPLAN Test Week 2025!

Students in Years 7 and 9 will sit the NAPLAN tests over four days at Newman Catholic College: 12, 13, 14, and 17 March.

Year 9 students will complete their tests during Lessons 1 & 2.
Year 7 students will complete their tests during Lessons 3 & 4.

To ensure a smooth experience, please avoid absences or late arrivals during this period. Supporting your child with early bedtimes and a healthy breakfast each morning will help set them up for success.

What to Bring

Students must bring the following items on test days:

Charged laptop
Plug-in headphones (Year 7 students have these in their book packs at school; all Year 9 students must have their own)
Pen or pencil
Laptop mouse (optional; trackpads are fine)

NAPLAN Schedule

Test Name	Date	Duration
Writing	Wednesday 12 March	42 minutes
Reading	Thursday 13 March	65 minutes
Conventions of Language	Friday 14 March	45 minutes
Numeracy	Monday 17 March	65 minutes

A Reminder

NAPLAN is just one of many tools used to support your child’s learning. It provides a snapshot of their progress at a point in time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Emma Zell at ezell@cns.catholic.edu.au.

Mrs Emma Zell
Leader of Pedagogy

Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

Dear Families

As we approach the final few weeks of Term 1, I want to take a moment to thank our students and families for their support in ensuring a smooth and positive start to the school year. It has been wonderful to see our students engaging in their learning, upholding our shared expectations, and embracing College life with enthusiasm.

Year 7 Retreat – Growth, Connection, and Reflection

A very recent highlight was the Year 7 Retreat, where our newest students had the opportunity to reflect, build friendships, and strengthen their connection to the College community. With the guidance of our Retreat Leaders, Learner Mentors, and Pastoral Leader – Year 7, Mr Matt Kirby, students participated in a powerful program that encouraged personal and spiritual growth. It was inspiring to witness their willingness to learn, support one another, and develop confidence in their new environment.

College Expectations – A Continued Focus

With the term progressing quickly, we ask for your continued support in reinforcing our key expectations:

Uniform – Students must wear their formal uniform correctly on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, ensuring their presentation (including jewellery and hairstyles) meets College guidelines.
Behaviour – Wearing the uniform with pride and representing the College respectfully remains an expectation both on and off campus.
Mobile Phones & Personal Devices – These must be switched off and out of sight during school hours, unless being used with teacher permission for learning.

For full details, please refer to the Student Diary and Parent Handbook.

Safety Reminders

As students become more independent in their travel to and from school, please reinforce the importance of safe travel practices:

Scooters and bikes must be walked on College grounds, and helmets must be worn at all times, in line with Queensland law.
On campus, students should walk on the left-hand side of stairs, avoid running in concreted areas, and never sit on handrails.
Lockers must be fully closed and locked to prevent loss or damage to belongings.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering a safe, respectful, and engaged learning environment.

Mr Gabriel De Guzman
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary (7-10)

Pastoral Care - Year 7

Dear Year 7 Parents and Caregivers

We have reached Week 7 of Term 1, and what a busy and exciting time it has been for our Year 7 students! Last week, they participated in their retreat, a wonderful opportunity for faith and personal formation, and this week they are tackling NAPLAN while preparing for upcoming assessments.

Year 7 Retreat Reflection
Last week’s Retreat was a meaningful experience for our students, allowing them to deepen their understanding of faith, reflect on their personal journey, and build stronger connections with their peers. We were incredibly proud of their engagement and willingness to embrace the activities. We encourage you to continue conversations at home about what they learned and how they can apply it to their daily lives.

NAPLAN – This Week
This week, students are undertaking their NAPLAN assessments in reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy. These assessments provide valuable insights into their learning progress. Please encourage your child to get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and approach the assessments with a calm and confident mindset. If your child is feeling anxious, remind them that this is just one part of their learning journey.

Assessment Preparation
With assessments just around the corner, it is important for students to develop good study habits. We recommend they set up a quiet study space, create a revision schedule, and ask for help if needed. Teachers are available for extra support.

Looking Ahead
The final weeks of Term 1 will be focused on consolidating learning and preparing for the transition into Term 2. We appreciate your continued support in ensuring students stay organised and manage their time effectively.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to either myself or your students Learner Mentor.

Mr Matt Kirby
Year 7 Coordinator

Pastoral Care - Year 10

Greetings Families

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 7. Students have quite a few assessment deadlines coming up over the next few weeks. It is important that they stay on top of these requirements. Year 10 is an important transition year and students will need to be able to show that they can navigate assessment demands if they wish to pursue an ATAR pathway in Year 11. From next term, we will also start looking towards our work experience program to start preparing for life after high school. The work experience placement itself will occur in Term 4.

Some other events to keep in mind are our Year 10 Retreat, which occurs from Monday 26 May - Friday 30 May. Students will attend in two separate groups. I will communicate dates before the end of term so that students can organise time off work where needed. We also have our inaugural Year 10 Dinner in Term 3, Week 1. More information will be communicated in the near future.

With the holidays fast approaching, I will also be communicating about our uniform expectations. Most students are doing a wonderful job in this regard. Hair and jewellery have both seen improvements, and it is important we step it up even further in Term 2. Please consult the diary before buying any new school shoes to ensure they are acceptable for school.

This week our Year 10s will get another opportunity to step up as we begin our mentoring program with our Year 7s. I am hopeful that students will develop their leadership skills and strengthen unity within Newman Catholic College.

God Bless

Mr Tim Chapman
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 10

Special Projects and Partnerships

Mr Alexander Starmer
Leader of Special Programs
& Partnerships

Airline Builders

Airline Builders program at Cairns Airport in partnership with the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, is open to all high schools in Years 7-10.

Students will step into the role of airline executives as they design their own airline from the ground up. From selecting aircraft and planning routes to designing aircraft livery, uniforms, and in-flight experiences, students will develop their airline vision before pitching it to industry experts. Students will be participating in hands-on challenges, hearing from guest speakers from the aviation industry, and touring aircraft maintenance hangers and flight safety training facilities as they design and develop their own airline ready to take to the skies.

Program details:

Day: Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm

To find out more and get your tickets, head to: https://bit.ly/airlinebuilderscairns

Kind regards

Mr Alexander Starmer
Leader of Special Programs & Partnerships

Leader of Liturgy, Spirituality & Faith Formation and Religious Education

Year 7 Retreat & Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Last week, Year 7 students took part in their three day retreat, themed: "What’s My Story?" Taking place at the Genazzano Lake Tinaroo Retreat Centre, students undertook sessions on self-discovery, faith, and the teachings of Christ. Each day had a specific spiritual focus: Discipleship of Jesus, Eucharist & Communion, and Mission & Sending Forth.

The Retreat encouraged students to explore their identities, reflect on their personal strengths, and understand their connection to God. Activities included personal storytelling, scripture reflection, creative workshops, and team-building exercises. The Stations of the Cross and the closing Mass further enriched students spiritual journey, symbolising renewed mission as they returned to the College.

While the Year 7s were away on Retreat, students in Years 8, 9, and 10 gathered to celebrate Ash Wednesday with a Liturgy. This event marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Together, the college reflected on the significance of the Lenten season, embracing its call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

The experiences of both the Retreat and the Ash Wednesday Liturgy reminds us of the importance of faith, community, and personal growth. I am particularly proud of the students engagement and the way they embraced both meaningful opportunities.

Mr Chris Graham
Leader of Liturgy, Spirituality & Faith Formation and Religious Education

MyCE Parent Mobile App

NEW MyCE Parent Mobile App
(replacing the current Parent Portal)

MyCE – short for My Catholic Education – is an app developed by Cairns Catholic Education to allow parents, guardians and caregivers to easily and securely access College and student information. It provides an interactive pathway for communication between home and school.

Note: If a caregiver has access to the app, they will not have access to Parent Slips unless they are a legal guardian.

Some of the most useful features include:

College contact and directory information.
Notification of student absences.
Links to Parent Slips and Parent Teacher Online.
Student timetables.
Access to your students’ academic reports.
The ability to add College calendar events to your personal calendar.

Link to MyCE Guide

Wilbur Donovan
Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Stop Drop and Go Zone

Stop Drop Go Zone

Kinetic runs the public bus services in Cairns and they travel through the JCU bus interchange regularly throughout the day.

Drivers have reported safety issues as parents are dropping off/picking up children from Newman Catholic College.

The area around the end roundabout is marked with no standing signs however cars are often stopping in this area which impacts on the safe passage of buses.

Parents are also reminded not to queue around the roundabout when accessing the Stop Drop Go Zone.

We are kindly asking the families to use the designated Stop Drop Go Zone to ensure the public buses and other road uses are not inconvenienced.

Arts Department

*Mrs Katherine Fraser*
*Leader of the Arts*

Welcome to Week 7!

We have had a busy and exciting start to the year, establishing our Arts programs for 2025!

Compulsory Music (Year 7) & Vocal/Instrumental Lessons

All students have now completed seven weeks of group and individual lessons as part of the Compulsory Music Program. We also extend a warm welcome back to Ms Erin Welser, who was unwell at the start of the term – we’re glad to have you back!

For clarification, lessons alternate on a rotating schedule throughout the week. Below is a breakdown of our Instrumental staff and their teaching days:

🎤 Voice, Piano & Trombone – Mrs Katherine Fraser (Tuesday & Thursday)
🎷 Flute & Saxophone – Mrs Challis (Monday, Thursday & Friday)
🥁 Clarinet & Percussion – Ms Leesa Cooke (Thursday & Friday)
🎻 Strings – Ms Erin Welser (Tuesday & Thursday)
🎺 Brass, Woodwind & Percussion – Mr Pols (Tuesday - Friday)
🎺 Brass – Mr Graham (Tuesday)

Lesson times are communicated via:

Noticeboard outside G.22 classroom
Emails & College notices
Calendar invites

Please encourage your child to check their emails regularly and ensure they bring their instruments to both double-period classroom lessons and instrumental group lessons.

Year 7 Music Program

Music plays a vital role in the culture of Newman Catholic College. Students engage in:

Classroom/theory lessons
Specialist instrumental tuition
Group/ensemble rehearsals

The program will culminate in an exciting concert at the end of the semester, depending on your child’s 2025 music timetable.

Why Study Music?

Learning an instrument is a rewarding experience providing:

Emotional expression & creativity.
Cognitive & neurological benefits.
Development of discipline & teamwork.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument at Newman, please complete the Instrumental Enrolment Form. The instruments currently offered are:

Strings – Violin, Viola & Cello.
Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone & Tenor Saxophone.
Brass – Trumpet, Trombone & Euphonium.
Voice – Group & Individual Singing Lessons.
Piano – Group & Individual Lessons.
Percussion – Tuned & Untuned Percussion.

Students enrolled in paid lessons are expected to participate in Ensembles!

For more information regarding The Arts see below.

Upcoming Assessment Tasks in The Arts

🎵 Music

Year 7: Performance from Performance Booklet (Week 8)
Term 2 Winter Concert: Featuring Year 7 students performing "Aliens in the Attic" (Woodwind, Brass & Percussion) and "Fairy Rings" (Strings)
Year 8: "The Aussie Beat" – Performance (Week 8)
Year 9: "The Global Collective" – Composition (Week 7)

🎭 Drama

Year 8: Performance (Week 8)
Year 9: Play Building Project (Week 8)

💃 Dance

Years 7/8 Dance: Performance (Week 9)
Year 8: Performance (Week 9)
Year 9: Performance (Week 9)
Year 10: Performance (Week 9)

🎨 Visual Arts

Year 7: Short Response (Week 7) & Oil Pastel Drawing/Bookwork Submission (Week 9)
Years 8 & 9: Portfolio of Projects (Week 8)

🎬 Media Arts

Year 7: Website with Portfolio of Projects (Week 8)
Year 8: Pre-production Storyboard Project (Week 8)
Year 9: Media Project (Week 8)
Year 10 Visual Arts/Media Arts: Written Task (Week 7) & Practical Task (Week 9)

Newman Students Shine at SHEP Cairns!

From 7 – 9 March 2025, five of our talented Newman Catholic College students had the incredible opportunity to participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Cairns at St Mary's Catholic College.

Congratulations to:

Anise McBride van Gemert (Voice)
Nadia Ouzaid (Voice)
Isabelle Ma (Flute)
Matthew Perraud (Flute)
Scarlett Martin (Clarinet)

SHEP is a prestigious program run by The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, bringing together some of the most promising young musicians across the region. Over an inspiring weekend, our students worked alongside expert conductors and musicians, refining their skills, rehearsing in high-calibre ensembles, and culminating in a stunning final performance.

This experience not only challenged them musically but also fostered teamwork, discipline, and a deep appreciation for ensemble performance. We are so proud of their dedication and achievements!

Well done, Anise, Nadia, Isabelle, Matthew, and Scarlett! We can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next!

Exciting Week 9 Assembly Performance!

Monday, 24th March – Mark your calendars!

Get ready for a spectacular celebration of Music and Dance featuring:

The NCC Dance Academy
Years 7-10 Dance Classes
The Voices of Newman
The Newman Symphonics

We invite all parents and caregivers to join us for this exciting performance! We look forward to celebrating the amazing talents of our students. See you there!

For any further questions or inquiries regarding The Arts, please feel free to contact me! Mrs Katherine Fraser
📧 kfraser@cns.catholic.edu.au

Warm regards

Mrs Katherine Fraser
Leader of Arts

Assembly Performance:

All Dance students are currently preparing a Week 9 Showcase Dance for the Arts Assembly. The performance will take place during Period 3 (11:00am - 11:50am) on Thursday 27 March, all parents, carers and friends are welcome to attend. It would be great to see you come along to support the students hard work!

The costume requirement for this performance is either Blue NCC Dance Academy shirt (can be purchased from the uniform shop), or a dark navy shirt, black bike shorts, black jazz shoes (size up at least half shoe size from normal street shoes) or no shoes. Please see the links below for examples. Please note these items will continually  be used for dance performances right through until Year 12.

NCC Performance Troupe Audition: 

The College will be entering a Performance Troupe in the Cairns Eisteddfod - Dance Section.  The High School  section is typically held on the last Thursday or Friday of Term 2 Week 10 - therefore potential date claimers are Thursday 26 / Friday 27 June. If students would like the opportunity to compete at this Eisteddfod, auditions will be held during Term 1 Week 10 Dance Academy time - Wednesday 2 April 3:15pm - 4:45pm in the Dance Studio (Room G24).  Students, please email your name to confirm a spot and I will send further information along with a run sheet closer to the date. 

Blue  NCC  Dance Academy Uniform:  $25 purchased from the Uniform Shop - www.flexischools.com.au

Black Jazz Shoes: 

Black Bike Shorts: 

 If you have any questions about any of the information please don't hesitate to get in touch:  amatthews1@cns.catholic.edu.au.

Kind regards

Alisha Matthews
Dance Teacher

Media Arts Gallery Visit – Thursday 20 February 2025

Our Year 10 Media Arts and Visual Art students explored four Cairns galleries, gaining inspiration from a variety of exhibitions:

Mulgrave Gallery – Brian Casey’s "A Photographer’s Life" & "Word on the Street"
Courthouse Gallery – "Paper Tigers" & Selina Kudo’s "Oh Justice"
Cairns Art Gallery – "William Yang: Collection in Focus", "Jason Wegger: Anxiety", Cairns Art Society’s 77th Exhibition, Tim Ellis: Glimpses
Northsite Contemporary Art Gallery – "Yvonne Werner: Afloat", "Thresholds", & "Maharlina Gorospe-Locke: Discomfort Food"

Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will use it as a foundation for their written and practical tasks. It was a pleasure to take such an enthusiastic group out, and I can't wait to see their inspired work!

Science Matters

Year 9 Marine Science Macroinvertebrate Study

Our Year 9 Marine Science students are currently engaged in a study of the macroinvertebrates in Atika Creek. Using sweep netting techniques, they have collected samples of these organisms, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cycling detritus back into the food chain. Macroinvertebrates are also valuable to scientists as bioindicators, helping assess water quality. For instance, organisms like the stonefly nymph can only thrive in highly pristine waterways, so their presence signals the health of the water. Students will now compile their findings into a scientific report, comparing the biodiversity of Atika Creek with samples from Stoney Creek.

Our Year 7 Marine Science elective students have been making waves in their studies this term, diving deep into the fascinating world of marine creatures. Currently, they’re working on poster presentations about Chondrichthyes—a class of cartilaginous fishes that includes sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras. Did you know Australia is home to over 300 species of sharks and rays, with more than half unique to our waters?

Earlier this term, students explored marine environments through hands-on buoyancy experiments (pictured) and completed their first high school dissection. They examined the anatomy and body systems of a South Australian squid, gaining a deeper understanding of marine life. Keep an eye out for their impressive posters, showcasing their knowledge of these incredible ocean inhabitants!

Exploring the Science of Life in Health Science

Students in Years 8, 9, and 10 Health Science have been immersed in the wonders of human biology and medical science this term. From cell biology and the circulatory system to the history and modern applications of microscopes, they’ve been uncovering how the body works and how we diagnose and treat diseases.

Highlights include a hands-on heart dissection to study circulatory anatomy, investigations into diseases and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, and exploring the complexity of organ systems. Year 10 students are now preparing for their capstone activity: dissecting Rattus norvegicus (brown rats) to deepen their understanding of comparative anatomy and organ functionality. These experiences are sparking curiosity and critical thinking as students connect classroom learning with real-world science!

Year 10 Marine Science

This term the Year 10 Marine Science class has been studying the theme of Oceanography. On of the subtopics is coastal erosion and students have created wave tanks to model how constructive and destructive waves are able to build or erode our shoreline.

From Week 8, we will commence a study as part of an Ozfish Creekwatch program where we will be using GoPros and fish traps to identify invasive and native fish species currently in Atika Creek.

Wonder of Science Competition

The Science Extension classes in Years 7-9 will soon begin preparing for the 2025 Wonder of Science Competition. Students will choose a topic from a list of options and conduct a research investigation. The top teams will have the opportunity to present their findings at the competition held at JCU, where they will compete against other schools in the region. As part of the process, a team from the University of Queensland will visit the school to help guide students through the initial stages of their research. Our goal is to foster creativity, encourage scientific inquiry, and enhance scientific communication skills, all while having fun along the way.

Mr Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

Year 10 Earth & Environmental Elective

This year, students choosing this elective have been working in collaboration with Irene Portelli from Circular Economy FNQ to explore the concepts of sustainability, circular economy and product life-cycle analysis. As a reward for their efforts, all students in the class were gifted a ticket to this year’s Ocean Film Festival in Cairns. The festival showcases stunning, thought-provoking documentaries about marine life, ocean conservation, and inspiring water-based adventures. Seven Newman students from the Earth Science Elective attended this year and it is hoped that this deepens their appreciation for marine environmental issues, marine biology, and sustainability, whilst also fostering a life-long love of the oceans.

Kind regards
Mr Carl Johnson
Science Teacher

Languages Department

French Class News

The Year 8 French students will construct an Eiffel Tower using recycled cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks and papier-mâché in small groups as part of the Year 8, Term 1 Week 10 activities. They will learn about the history of the Eiffel Tower and research some key facts and figures and compare these to the size of our College building. Students will conduct independent research to get data about our College, creating a poster with fun facts and comparative data to present to the class with the data. The Eiffel Tower, for example, is five times higher than Newman Catholic College.

This term, there will be a different activity for Year 7 French.

La ora na! (Tahitian) - Bonjour! (French) Good morning!
The class will be visited by a Tahitian educator on Wednesday 26 March. Students will be ready to introduce themselves in French and ask our guest a few basic questions after the teachers have presented the College. They will see pictures and immerse themselves in the Tahitian culture exploring the heritage, food, language and specificities.

Chinese Class News

Our Year 7 Chinese students are embarking on an exciting assessment project—creating their own animated conversations in Chinese! Through this engaging task, students will showcase their language skills by incorporating greetings, asking and answering yes/no questions, and discussing their countries of origin. This hands-on approach not only strengthens their speaking and listening abilities but also fosters creativity and confidence in using the language. We look forward to seeing their fantastic animations come to life!

Language Club News

Our Language Club runs every Friday lunchtime in the library as always. Some of the activities this term have included Mandala colouring, Valentine’s Day heart envelopes, and heart-shaped bookmarks. It’s a great way to explore global cultures in a fun and stress-free environment!

Mr Shixiang Chen
Leader of Languages

HPE & Sport News

Outdoor Education

Our Outdoor Education classes are in full excursion mode with the Year 7 class hiking Earl Hill this week, the Year 8 class are on an overnight lightweight hiking and camping trip to Davies Creek and our Year 9 Outdoor Education classes have been indoor rock climbing at the Northern Outlook.

More than just a physical challenge - rock climbing builds resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Well done to Mr McMahon, who completed his training and is on his way to becoming a qualified instructor at The Northern Outlook!

Sport Academies

At Newman College there are opportunities for students to participate in sports that are offered by staff with a passion for a specific sport. These include:

Basketball on Thursdays 3pm - 4pm with Mr Donovan
Newman Pacers Running Fitness – Wednesdays 7am with Mr Starmer
Volleyball on Mondays 3pm – 4pm in the Hall with Mr Dockray
NCC Cricket Thursday morning tea and second lunch with Mrs Gough

All students are welcome to attend these Sport Academies.

Newman Cross Country

The NCC Cross Country is Friday 21 March. Students will be practicing the Cross Country course during their Week 7/Week 8 HPE lessons. Students are to wear their House uniforms on the day. More information will be sent home in Week 7/8.

Newman Hearts Cheerleading Team

The Newman Hearts Cheerleading team has started training this week. Trainings are Monday and Friday afternoons 3:15pm – 4:30pm at the College Hall. Auditions and interviews will be held over the next few weeks to sort the teams. If you are interested in being part of the Newman Hearts Cheerleading Team, please come and see Mrs Gough or email Mrs Gough: lgough@cns.catholic.edu.au

TCN Sports

Trinity Coast North (TCN) is the district our college is a part of. Students have the opportunity to represent TCN if selected at the TCN trials.

The process for TCN sports for students:

Students must sign up via the link to the TCN sports that are offered.
Students/Parents will receive an email from Mrs Gough in relation to the trial.
Mrs Gough will email the TCN District Secretary and TCN Coach (of the team) a list of students from NCC who are wanting to trial.
Mrs Gough will provide the students with the COMPULSORY Peninsula Sport paperwork.
Students must collect the Peninsula Sport paperwork from Mrs Gough.
Parents must complete the Peninsula Sport paperwork 1 week prior to the trial.
Students present the Peninsula Sport paperwork to the Office for Dr Graham to sign.
Students must COLLECT the signed Peninsula Sport paperwork from the office and take to the trial.
STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE FORM TO THE TRIAL OR THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRIAL FOR THE SPORT.
TCN Sport trials are held AFTER SCHOOL.
Students are to organise their own transport to and from the TCN trial.
These are NOT come and try days – Students must have previous experience.
If the student is selected in the TCN Team to attend the Peninsula Trials, parents must complete a Request for Student Absence Form for the upcoming absence from school. This form is available from the Parent Portal.

TCN Teams

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the following TCN teams:

Rugby League: 14 – 15 Years Boys Rugby League

Elias W

Football: 13 – 15 Years Boys Football

Alec C
Jay W
Dylan B
Josh M
Kajus M
Joel S
Kalin A
Leonard H

Volleyball: 13 – 15 Years Boys Volleyball

Kinai S
Max O

Volleyball: 13 – 15 Years Girls Volleyball

Iga C

Other Sporting News

Addison B. competed at the 2025 Board Stock Wakeboarding Championships held at Bli Bli. Addison did great in the features event for U13 Girls and placed 2^nd.

Year 7 Outdoor Education: Trangia Cooking Success!

Our Year 7 Outdoor Education students recently put their outdoor cooking skills to the test in a hands-on Trangia cooking session. As part of their learning, students planned and prepared their own ingredients, bringing them in to create a variety of delicious meals using the portable camp stoves.

From fish tacos and spaghetti carbonara to a classic works burger and even sushi, the creativity and enthusiasm on display were fantastic! This activity not only developed students' cooking skills but also reinforced teamwork, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency—valuable skills for outdoor adventures.

A huge well done to all students for their effort and preparation, making this a very successful and enjoyable lesson. We look forward to seeing these skills in action again on future outdoor expeditions!

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

Newman Pacers Going the Distance!

The Newman Pacers have been hitting the trails every Wednesday morning, building endurance, strength, and confidence in preparation for the upcoming College Cross Country which will be held on Friday 21 March (Week 8). Led by dedicated teachers Mr Graham Sunners, Mr Luke Currie, and Ms Kylie Williams, the group has been tackling the scenic yet challenging route up past the water tower and down the Centipede Climb Mountain Bike Trail.

These early morning runs, from 7:00 am to 7:45 am, are not just about competition—they’re about fostering a love for fitness and enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle. It has been fantastic to see so many students lacing up their runners and pushing themselves each week.

A big well done to all our committed runners so far! The Newman Pacers welcome all students who want to take on the challenge.

See you on the trails next Wednesday!

Mr Alex Starmer

Student Voice

Exploring Australia’s newly introduced ‘under 16’ social media ban

As of November 29, 2024, Australia passed the law that Australians under 16 cannot use social media. These are the strictest laws on social media in the world. This new law will be set into place exactly one year from then, allowing social media platforms to adjust to the new ban. The legislation has not yet specified which apps will be banned; however, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has established that the laws will “at minimum” apply to TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram and X. Education and health apps such Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, ReachOut’s Peer Chat and Google Classroom will evade the ban.

The Government has passed this legislation due to concerns about the negative health and well-being impacts of social media on young people. The negative impacts of social media on children and teenagers are well known. Many social media platforms expose children to harmful content, cyberbullying and online predators. The trends of social media addiction and declining mental health in children and teenagers has become so serious that the government has felt the need to urgently intervene through this social media ban. For example, the Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found more than half young people (57%) believe their mental health is getting worse, the majority being due to social media.

There has been an outcry from social media companies, accusing the government of rushing the legislation with ‘half-baked ideas’, and saying that social media has many benefits to young people such as social connection. Some social media companies have suggested that a ban will push young people to darker corners of the internet where there are no safety tools like filters to protect users. However, we have seen social media companies such as X removing protections from their social media platforms. X has removed a function where people can block unknown users from contacting them which they say they have done to support ‘free speech’. This opens the possibility of unknown predators contacting children. Another platform, Meta, is changing policies on hate speech and abuse. These changes mean that it is now permitted to call gay people ‘mentally ill’ and use racial insults (previously Meta would delete these comments). It is hard to see the views of social media companies as anything but empty words which only serve their own interests.

It is very clear from the statistics about the harm that social media is causing children and teenagers, that we need these laws urgently. Even though the government did rush the laws, they create an important building block, without which our society cannot do much to roll back the harms of social media on young people. For example, parents will find it impossible to enforce a ban on social media on their kids without having a law to back it up. And more than this, putting a ban on social media as a law acknowledges how serious an issue this is, and it helps to start a conversation in our society about the harms that are caused by social media on young people. Hopefully this law supports positive long-term change in our society.

The Government has admitted that the ban may not stop all under 16s from using social media and bring a total end to these problems. However, they have implemented a good start to try to tackle the incredibly serious harms of social media on young people.

Caitlin Wong
Year 10 Student

College Counsellor

Greeting from the NCC Counselling team!

Ms Gemma is now on maternity leave and Ms Sharn and Ms Alison are loving getting to know the staff, students and families here at Newman Catholic College.

We really value the opportunity to share information in this newsletter, and this week’s topic is... Wellbeing and Happiness.

We all want to be happy, right? And as parents, educators and mental health professionals, we want our children to be happy, but what does this mean and how do we achieve it? Having good mental health is not simply the absence of illness. Psychologists have spent decades trying to understand ‘happiness’ and ‘wellbeing’ and have worked hard to shift focus toward understanding what is good and positive in life.

Dr Martin Seligman is one of the pioneers of Positive Psychology and his research suggests that there are five key components of wellbeing and happiness.

POSITIVE EMOTIONS – some examples of positive emotions might be hope, interest, joy, love, compassion, pride, amusement and gratitude.

Ways to increase positive emotions:

Spending time with people we care about – being intentional about this can make a huge difference.
Doing hobbies and activities we enjoy – sometimes it’s a matter of scheduling these into our busy weeks!
Listening to uplifting or inspirational music – car rides are a great time to share music.
Reflecting on things you are grateful for – dinner times are a great opportunity for reflection together.

ENGAGEMENT – this means living in the present and usually occurs when the perfect combination of challenge and skill/strength is found.

Ways to increase engagement:

Participate in activities that you really love, where you lose track of time when you do them.
Practice living in the moment, even during daily activities or mundane tasks.
Identify and learn about your character strengths and do things that you excel at – and be sure to point out your young person’s strengths at every opportunity.

RELATIONSHIPS - this is about feeling supported, loved, and valued by others.

Ways to increase relationships:

Ask about their day; but be sure to choose your timing carefully and try to ask your questions in a way that invite a conversation.
Tell your family you love them.
Create friendships with people you are acquainted with.
Get in touch with people you have not spoken to or connected with in a while.

MEANING – this is about the need to have a sense of value and worth.

Ways to build meaning:

Get involved in a cause or organisation that matters to you.
Think about how you can use your passions to help others.
Spend quality time with people you care about – plan family days, dinners together, afternoon walks – the simpler, the better!

ACCOMPLISHMENT - A sense of accomplishment is a result of working toward and reaching goals, mastering an endeavour, and having self-motivation to finish what you set out to do.

Ways to build accomplishment:

Set goals that are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound.
Reflect on past successes – and help others to reflect on theirs.
Look for creative ways to celebrate your achievements.

So, with all of this in mind, I’ll invite you to consider just one thing you can do to be more intentional about the happiness and wellbeing of yourself, your children and your family?

If you have feedback about this article, would like to share how your supporting your family’s happiness or if you have requests for future articles, please feel welcome to reach out to me at athomson3@cns.catholic.edu.au – I would love to hear from you!

Ms Alison Thomson
College Counsellor (On behalf of NCC Counselling Team)

Newman Book Club

Cafe News

Flexischools New Cut-Off time - 7:45am each school day.

All orders for the Cafe are to be placed by 7:45am. Parents are asked to note the new cut-off time of 7:45am. A reminder if you have more than one child you are ordering for, please place each child's order seperately. Orders are to be collected by students at 1st Recess at 10:20am.

Student IDs can be used for over the counter purchases

Students can now make over the counter cafe purchases with their student card. Parents can prepay funds into their Fleixschools parent wallet and link their child's existing Student ID card. Refer to the image below for information on how to link the card.

Reminder that students making purchases at the Cafe must use a card, cash or their preloaded student ID to make purchases. Students are NOT to use their mobile phones or smart watches for payment.

Thank you for your assistance.

Mrs Julie Davies
Cafe Supervisor

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Open Hours

Monday to Friday - 1st Recess 10:20am - 11:00am
2nd Recess: 12:40pm to 1:20pm

When ordering through Flexischools, if the order is placed before 5:00pm it is available for collection the next working day at 1st Recess (10:20am).

College Uniforms

If you require new uniforms for 2025, please use the link through Flexischools to purchase. If you have not used Flexischools before, below are instructions on how to set up your account. If your child has any outgrown uniforms you wish to donate, we would love to assist and help families in need.

Please bring your secondhand uniforms into the College Office.

Reminders regarding Uniforms

Please ensure to label all items:

Uniforms are to be worn as a complete set - no mixing between formal and sports uniforms
Tracksuit jackets are able to be worn with both formal and sports uniforms
Tracksuit pants are only be to be worn for sporting excursions or camps/retreats
The jacket and pants are not compulsory, however, no other jackets can be worn.

Shoes

Students are required to wear completely black leather lace-up shoes when wearing their formal uniform. No colour trim is allowed. Below are examples of acceptable and non-acceptable
options.

F@N News - President's Report

Welcome to March at Newman College!

Families@Newman: Building Connections and Community

Year 7 Meet & Greet On Wednesday 19 February 2025, Families@Newman (F@N) proudly supported the Assistant Principal Junior Secondary (7-10), Gabriel De Guzman, and the staff at our highly anticipated Meet & Greet event. The evening featured a delightful array of food and drinks, along with engaging icebreaker activities designed to help new parents connect, build friendships, and explore the College. Our team cherished the opportunity to meet with new parents and contribute to fostering a stronger, more connected school community.

Commissioning of New Staff Mass

On Tuesday 18 February, several F@N committee members joined the celebration at Saint Monica’s Cathedral in Cairns to welcome and commission new staff members. The beautiful Mass, led by Bishop Caddy, was a heart-warming occasion that reflected the spirit of unity and collaboration within our College.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

In the lead-up to Lent, our community embraced the tradition of Shrove Tuesday on 4 March by indulging in delicious pancakes. Historically, this day served as an opportunity for Christians to use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the fasting period of Lent. Lent, which spans 40 days before Easter, is a time for reflection, fasting, and self-discipline.

Our dedicated committee members and students rose to the occasion, preparing a whopping 600 pancakes at home and on campus. These treats were enjoyed during the first break, bringing joy to the entire College. The celebration was a resounding success, as captured in the accompanying photos.

Looking Ahead

To maintain the momentum and strengthen our sense of community, F@N will be hosting family events every fifth week of the term (dates to be announced). These gatherings aim to boost morale, forge connections, and create cherished memories within the College community.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains unwavering. We plan to build upon the strong foundations we’ve established, continuing to foster a welcoming, family-focused environment. Have a brilliant event idea or a question? We’d love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out. ncc.families@cns.catholic.edu.au

We appreciate your support and look forward to engaging with you throughout the year.

Sincerely
Ray Cowan
President - F@N Committee

Newman News Vol 4 Issue 3 - Friday 14 March 2025