Newman News Vol 4 Issue 6 - Friday 16 May 2025

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 Mothers

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

I have little doubt that the College’s attempts at managing student behaviour would not be anywhere near as successful as they presently are, were it not for the support of parents and endless efforts from staff. Parents working closely with the College are undoubtedly the cornerstone for student success. Like all staff, I am always pleased to have the backing of parents when a situation of student misbehaviour occurs. When misbehaviour occurs and action is taken by the College the support of parents means that the student involved receives an unambiguous message about the expectation and the need for improvement.

Newman provides a wonderfully wide curriculum and numerous opportunities for students to become involved in extra-curricula activities of every imaginable type. Our staff work far beyond the call of duty in all areas both pastoral and academic.  Unfortunately, notwithstanding any of this, often the quality of our school is often judged by the presentation of our students and for this reason I urge all parents to ensure students are presented each day as agreed in the Enrolment Agreement signed during the enrolment process.

The College appreciates the support of parents in ensuring that students wear correct and tidy uniforms. College expectations in this area have been listed in previous newsletters, printed in handbooks and the College Prospectus,  and has been repeated to students many times.

Most students do wear the correct uniform all the time. Those who do not usually have a problem in one of the following areas:

• Shoes – Completely black leather shoes with impervious uppers. Black shoes with any white (or other colour) writing or markings are not acceptable.
• Socks – Regulation socks only.
• PE/Sports uniform – This should only be worn during PE/Sports lessons and the designated House, Sport, and HPE days.
• Cardigans – Regulation items only as sold by the College Uniform Shop/
• Jewellery – No rings or bracelets; only one pair of earrings (studs or sleepers) and a simple chain with religious medallion are allowed. 
• Hair - Short hair should be heat, clean and tidy. Shoulder length hear should be neatly tied back. Extreme hairstyles and dying of hair to unnatural hair colour are not permitted.  Students need to be clean shaven. Moustaches and beards are not permitted.
• Hats – College hat will be worn whilst out in the sun.

Our Procedure:

If ever it is impossible for a student to attend school in correct uniform parents are asked to provide their son/daughter with a note explaining the difficulty. On receipt of such a note the student’s Learner Mentor teacher will issue an Out of Uniform Permission to the student concerned for presentation to the student’s other class teachers during that day.

Please expect the Learner Mentor or Year Coordinator to ring or email you if son or daughter continues to present themselves in the incorrect uniform without a note of explanation. Learner Mentors and Year Coordinators will give consequences to students for ongoing infringements. We do appreciate that this is rather black and white; however, many responsible students and the College’s reputation are suffering due to some students being very casual in their dress.

I encourage all parents to continue to trust the good will, situational knowledge and expertise of teachers, when teachers make decisions about behaviour management. Ultimately such trust will be to the benefit of all students who are our common interest and focus. As teachers we feel privileged to stand beside you and share the joy of seeing your children grow into fine young men and women, graduating from a school which the community values in all respects.

Yours Sincerely,

With Every Blessing

Lauretta Graham
Principal

Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Looking Ahead | Senior Years at  Newman Catholic College

As Newman Catholic College continues to grow as a foundation College, 2025 marks a significant milestone with our first cohort preparing to move into Year 11. With our Senior years firmly taking shape, Year 10 is no longer just a middle year, but the launchpad for a diverse set of future pathways.

As a foundation Senior Secondary College, we are building innovative and flexible learning spaces that will support students from Years 7 to 12. Our senior curriculum will offer a broad selection of General and Applied subjects, along with VET qualifications providing students with multiple pathways to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or direct employment. Through the combined support of our dedicated staff, families, and strong industry partnerships, students are encouraged to chart a future that reflects their strengths and ambitions.

Year 10 Transition
Year 10 represents a critical transition point where students begin to take real ownership of their educational journey. While it marks the formal conclusion of the compulsory phase of schooling, our clear expectation is that students will continue into Years 11 and 12.

As a future-focused College co-located within James Cook University, we are proud to deliver a senior curriculum that allows students to personalise their learning to align with their aspirations.

Throughout the year, Year 10 students will participate in a number of structured experiences designed to shape their senior pathway:

Career Skills: A weekly timetabled lesson dedicated to developing employability skills, industry knowledge, and workplace readiness

SET Planning (Senior Education and Training Plan): A guided process where students reflect on their strengths, explore career options, and make subject choices aligned with their goals. This is supported by testing, one-on-one interviews, and family involvement.

Work Experience: All Year 10 students will undertake a week of Work Experience in Term 4, supported by our partnership with VPG (Vocational Partnerships Group). This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the world of work and supports future subject and pathway decisions.

➤ To prepare, students must attend a Work Readiness Session run by VPG on Tuesday 27 May or Thursday 29 May, depending on which days you are attending retreat.

➤ A Parent Information Evening with VPG will be held on Thursday 29 May, 5:30pm–6:30pm in the Newman College Hall. This will include an overview of the program and a Q&A. Keep an eye out for the EdSmart form to confirm your attendance.

Subject Selection: Students begin nominating their senior subjects, guided by staff to make informed, realistic, and engaging choices that align with their future goals.

Our commitment is to walk with each student as they navigate this exciting transition—equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed beyond school. Together, we are laying the foundation not just for senior years, but for a lifetime of learning, purpose, and growth.

Wilbur Donovan
Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

The Gift of Presence: Every Day Counts

It brings me great joy to greet students throughout the day—asking about their weekend or discovering something new about them.

As a Catholic College in the Diocese of Cairns, we know that every child is a unique creation of God, full of potential and promise. One of the most powerful ways we can nurture this potential is through consistent school attendance. Simply put—every day counts.

Regular attendance is not just about academic achievement; it’s about community, connection, and character formation. At Newman Catholic College, we aim to develop young people who are spiritually grounded, socially capable, and intellectually engaged. Each day of school builds upon the last, forming not only knowledge but also habits of commitment, responsibility, and resilience, as well as the strengthening of relationships.

The Diocese of Cairns has a clear message: Being at school every day matters. Even a few days missed each term can add up quickly—affecting learning progress, peer relationships, and a student’s sense of belonging.

Here are a few key reminders for families:

• Arrive on time: The first moments of the day set the tone for learning. Being present and punctual is a sign of readiness and respect.
• Plan holidays wisely: Avoid taking holidays during the school term where possible. Learning routines are disrupted by extended absences.
• Communicate early: If your child is unwell or experiencing challenges, please inform the school promptly so we can offer support.
• Every day has value: There’s always something meaningful happening—be it in the classroom, on the field, or in quiet conversations with friends and mentors.

As partners in education, we thank you for prioritising your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Together, we can ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and ready to embrace the opportunities each school day brings.

Let’s continue working together to foster a culture where every student is present, engaged, and thriving.

If you have any concerns or need support around attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Mr Gabriel De Guzman
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

Pastoral Care - Year 7

Year 7 Check-in: Parent Information Evening (RESHEDULED)

We would like to warmly invite you (again) to attend our upcoming Year 7 Parent Information Evening:

Date: Wednesday 4 June

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Newman Catholic College, Level Two, Room 219

Now that Term 1 is behind us, we recognise this is a great opportunity to connect with families, reflect on the start of the year, and look ahead together. As a parent or carer of our Year 7 students, this evening is designed to support you in navigating the high school journey with confidence and clarity.

The session will include:

• Updates on Term 2 learning, events, and expectations
• Key staff introductions and supports available
• Student perspectives on transitioning to life at NCC
• Information on behaviour, wellbeing, and digital safety
• Opportunities to ask questions and meet other families

Light refreshments will be provided. We hope this event strengthens the partnership between the College and home as we continue to nurture each student’s sense of belonging, growth, and success.

To assist with planning, please RSVP to the Parent Slip by Monday 2 June.

I very much look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Matt Kirby
Leader of Pastoral care - Year 7

Pastoral Care - Year 10

Dear Families,

Reminder that Year 10 Retreat will be conducted during Week 6 - Monday 26 to Friday 30 May. The schedule for the week is as follows:

Retreat Week schedule for Year 10

God Bless,
Mr Tim Chapman
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 10

Year 10 Informal Dinner | Shimmering Skies

Preparations are well underway for the 2025 Year 10 Informal Dinner, themed Shimmering Skies. This event marks an important milestone in the journey of our foundation Year 10 students as they conclude their Junior years and prepare to enter Senior schooling.

Held at the beautiful Palm Cove Surf Club on Thursday 17 July, the evening promises to be a memorable celebration filled with good food, great company, and seaside views. Students will enjoy a three-course meal, photo booth, and dancing.

Tickets are now available via TryBooking – please book using this link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1351257

We encourage all Year 10 students to join us for this milestone event and celebrate the end of Junior school in style.

Science Matters

Our Newman Catholic College Science team has a strong focus on providing students with as many unique, hands-on learning opportunities as possible to engage students and inspire curiosity. Here are just a couple of the exciting learning experiences that have occurred over the past couple weeks…

The Year 7 Science students have been learning about classification and ecology. Rather than whip out the boring old worksheets with fictitious dichotomous keys, students have studied macroinvertebrates found in Atika Creek adjacent to the College.

 We have learnt that macroinvertebrates (small animals without a backbone but large enough to be seen with the naked eye) can be used as bioindicators to determine the health of a waterway. Students viewed these critters under a stereo microscope and used classification keys to identify each organism. They then used the ‘sensitivity rating’ for each organism to gain a snapshot of the health of the creek. We learnt that Atika Creek currently has very clean water due to the presence of some sensitive organisms.

Our Year 8 Physics classes have been learning about energy transfers and transformations, and in particular changes between kinetic and potential energy. We could just study a textbook, but that’s not the NCC Science way. Our resident amateur rocket scientist, Mr Klein, whipped out his bottle rocket apparatus and treated students to a demonstration on the oval. During each process of the rocket launch, he highlighted the changes that were occurring between potential and kinetic energy.

Our Year 10 Science students who are studying chemistry have just started their assessment. Students conducted a class practical to determine if surface area of reactants affected reaction rate. They will now modify this class experiment to investigate either concentration of acid or temperature of reactants and write a scientific report similar to the senior QCAA IA2 task. This will ease them into the transition into Senior school next year.

The Year 10 Marine Science class is studying Marine Biology this term. They are taking an in-depth look at a different phylum of marine creatures each week. While studying molluscs, students engaged in a squid and mussel dissection, noting the anatomical differences between two groups of molluscs – the bivalves and the cephalopods.

They are also participating in a fish study of Atika Creek. Every second week students deploy GoPro cameras and fish traps for a period of 20 minutes. The data will be analysed in Week 10 when students will identify invasive and native species and record the data on sheets to pass on to Ozfish.

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Stay tuned for more exciting news in the next newsletter, especially following the Year 7 reef excursions which will occur in the first week of June.

Mr Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

Languages Department

Year 8 French – College Photo Report Project

This term, the Year 8 French students are working on a photo report about their College.
To showcase their College to a partner school in France, they have been taking both indoor and outdoor photos of the campus.

As part of the project, students are comparing school life in France and Australia — and discovering some surprising differences between the two!

Which one do you think is better? Ask the Year 8 French students to find out their thoughts!

This project encourages intercultural understanding, language skill development, and the exploration of new perspectives. Our students will also have the opportunity to exchange letters with French students, sharing their experiences, interests, and daily routines.

We’re just at the beginning of this exciting journey, but more connections will be established as the project develops.

Words of the Day

• Bienvenue – "Welcome"
• Merci beaucoup – "Thanks a lot"

Mr Shixiang Chen
Leader of Languages

Counsellor Corner

Dear Families,

The NCC Counselling Team is pleased to share this article about SLEEP which is such an important part of wellbeing.

Sleep is incredibly important for everyone, especially our young people. We know from research that learning is consolidated when we sleep. Students who study then have a good night sleep perform better on tests than those who study instead of sleep.

When we don’t sleep well, we feel tired, unmotivated, irritable and it can be really hard to focus on what we need to do during the day.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to:

• Difficulty paying attention, concentrating, problem solving and learning
• Increased risk of mental health problems
• Increased risk of physical health problems
• Reduced physical performance, such as in dance or sports
• Difficulty dealing with stress

How much sleep do adolescents need?

8-10 hours per night. Interestingly, during puberty, there is a natural shift in the body’s sleep-wake cycle which causes adolescents to get tired later – this means our young people’s biology is making them want to go to sleep later and wake up later.

Top sleep tips:

• Have a think about what you can do to help your young person maximise their sleep – this might be making sure bags and lunches are packed the night before, uniforms are ready and breakfast can be eaten on the go so your young person can get an extra 30 minutes sleep in the morning.
• Have a regular evening routine and go to bed at the same time each night – even on weekends!
• Have a regular wake up time and don’t take naps during the day
• Avoid caffeine (cola drinks, energy drinks, coffee, pre-workout) for at least 6 hours before bed time.
• Use your bed only for sleeping so that your body comes to associate bed with sleep – this means finding somewhere else to watch TV, read, do homework, etc.
• Don’t take phones or other screens to bed – in fact, its best not to use devices in the hour before bed time.

The Black Dog Institute have developed a FREE app called Sleep Ninja which is an adolescent focussed app which helps young people improve their sleep by educating young people about sleep, helping them become aware of habits which are contributing to poor sleep and teaching strategies to improve their sleep patterns. I have checked it out myself and it is very good!

You can access Sleep Ninja and read more about it here: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/sleep-ninja/

If you or your child are concerned about their sleep, a psychologist or their GP may be able to help. Further, we are always happy to discuss with you and provide guidance.

Warm regards

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

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. 

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

Cafe News

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

All orders for the Cafe are to be placed by 7:45am. A reminder if you have more than one child you are ordering for, please place each child's order separately. 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 Semester 2, 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 May in Term 2 at Newman College

Families@Newman: Building Connections and Community

As we settle into Term 2, we’re excited to share the latest from Families@Newman (F@N)—a dedicated group helping strengthen our vibrant Newman College Community.

Upcoming Event: F@N Scavenger Hunt & Beach Sunset Celebration

Date: Saturday 7 June 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Clifton Beach Esplanade – Deadman Gully (Start/Finish Line)

We warmly invite all Newman families to join us for an afternoon of fun, connection, and community-building at our Scavenger Hunt and Beach Sunset Celebration. This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow families, enjoy some light-hearted adventure, and share in a memorable experience.

Participants will set off on a scenic and shady 2.2 km walking track along a council-maintained, wheelchair-friendly path, completing clues and tasks as a team. The route is designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages. Teams will return to Deadman Gully for the final check-in, followed by a beach sunset celebration and prize giveaway.

Not keen on the scavenger hunt? No problem! You're still welcome to come along, relax, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with others while the teams are out. We’re excited to build a stronger network of families through shared experiences like this. Volunteers always welcome.

Important Update: F@N Annual General Meeting (AGM)

New Date: Monday 9 June 2025
Time: 6:30pm
Please note this updated date, which replaces the originally scheduled 14 July meeting listed in the College calendar.

We encourage all parents to attend and consider nominating for one of the following committee roles:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Diocesan Rep
• Board Rep
• Capital Works Rep

Additionally, Year Representative roles (Years 7–10) can be finalised on the night.

Nomination forms will be sent via email by Monday 26 May 2025. Your involvement helps shape the future of our community, and we sincerely appreciate your support.

Looking Ahead

As we continue through the year, our focus remains steadfast: to nurture a welcoming, family-oriented environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and connected. If you have a brilliant event idea or would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us at: ncc.families@cns.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for being part of our Newman College family—we look forward to seeing you at the beach and engaging with you throughout the year!

Warm regards,
Ray Cowan
President - F@N Committee