Newman News Vol 4 Issue 9 - Friday 1 August 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Yirrganydji people, 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 Catholic Education Week

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week. The theme for the week is "Communities of Faith, Hope & Love", which aligns beautifully with the Jubilee Year 2025 theme, "Pilgrims of Hope". This seems to sum up our vision and goes to the heart of what Catholic Education is about.  We have so much to be proud of as a system and as a College.

The excellence we are promoting at Newman is the excellence that God desires for each and every one of our lives.  We invite God to come and love within our hearts that we may show the extraordinary, courteous love which Jesus showed and called us to live by. This is the meaning of our motto “Heart speaks to Heart”.

Here, we invite God to guide our thoughts and imagination so that our minds grow in awe and wonder of the world in which we live.  We invite God’s Spirit to guide our lives, so that buoyed up, we can face the life’s challenges and difficulties with hope. 

When our hearts, minds and spirits are shaped by this excellent God, all the other things that we would like from our College fall naturally into place: pursuit of academic excellence, enjoyment in sport, love of art and culture, personal discipline and opportunities to serve our community.

So, what is a Catholic School?

In my opinion, a Catholic School is where teachers display a passionate human response in all they do in the way Christ has called us to do. As Pope Francis said: “Mercy is the Gospel of the Heart”

Whenever we invite a student to our school, we make a commitment to provide them with opportunities to encounter Christ, as well as the opportunities and support to achieve not only excellent academic growth, but also fundamental lifelong skills such as the art of dialogue and the ability to listen deeply to the diverse views, ideas and experiences of others.

Respecting the dignity of each person and supporting students to be authentic and have agency (authority) in their position and empower the agency (authority) of others is important to us. The atmosphere of our College is one which always strives to achieve quality learning and never settles for anything less.

Have a most wonderful week remembering and giving thanks for all those who built Catholic Education in this Diocese.

With Every Blessing

Lauretta Graham
Principal

Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Year 10 Set Plans

Our Year 10 students are currently undertaking their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning process, an important step in shaping their pathway beyond Year 10. SET Planning is a formal opportunity for students, parents, and staff to work together to map out each student’s individual journey for the senior phase of learning. It ensures that every student has a clear plan that aligns with their strengths, interests, and future goals, whether that involves university, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

This process is about more than selecting subjects. It provides students with an understanding of how their learning in Years 11 and 12 connects with their aspirations for life after school. Through these conversations, students begin to see how their choices today lay the foundation for future success. Parents play a vital role by partnering with the College in these meetings, ensuring that their child is supported in making informed decisions that are both ambitious and achievable.

We were also delighted by the strong turnout at our recent Year 9 Senior Subject Information Evening. This event was a wonderful first step in helping our Year 9 students and their families understand how the senior years work, from subject structures and assessment to pathways and post-school options. The high level of engagement from our community reflects the shared commitment we all have to ensuring every student is well prepared for their senior schooling and beyond.

Together, through SET Planning and early preparation, we are giving our students the tools and confidence to thrive in the next stage of their educational journey.

Wilbur Donovan
Deputy Principal - Academic Studies

Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

We have had a positive start to Term 3, which is such a lovely time of year, and it’s been wonderful to see our students return with positive energy and enthusiasm. This term is shaping up to be one that is full of rich learning experiences and exciting opportunities for our students across all year levels.

We have already welcomed our friends from Konodai Girls Junior High School and are looking forward to welcoming students from Koshigaya Kita High School as part of our Japanese cultural exchange program. These visits are always a highlight and provide valuable opportunities for connection and learning.

Our students will also be representing our College in a range of interschool sporting events, including JSS competitions, and we’re proud of the way they continue to demonstrate our values of Courage and Unity through their participation and teamwork. Debating is in full swing, with finals just around the corner, and preparations for National Science Week and Book Week—two fantastic celebrations of curiosity, creativity and learning—are well under way.

We are also excited to be hosting our NAIDOC Week celebrations on Friday 8 August, where we will come together to honour and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Year 8 First Nations students will also be participating in the Deadly Choices healthy lifestyle program this term.

Other highlights include the Year 10 Careers Expo, Year 8 Camp, the Gold Coast Music Tour, our Civics and Ski Trip to Canberra, and a range of excursions, field trips and hands-on learning experiences that will enrich our students’ understanding of the world around them.

A huge thank you to all of our teachers and support staff who drive and deliver the many programs on offer for our students.

As always, we appreciate the support of our families in helping students make the most of these opportunities. Please continue to support us by ensuring students are ready for each and every day by helping maintain strong routines at home—whether that’s setting aside time for homework, encouraging participation in sport or hobbies, ensuring uniform is correct, making sure equipment is charged, or managing screen time.

We are looking forward to a great term ahead and thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

Warm regards

Mr Gabriel De Guzman
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

Acknowledging Radiant Life College's NAIDOC Celebration

We extend our sincere appreciation to Nathaniel Edwards and his team at Radiant Life College, Innisfail, for inviting Newman Catholic College to participate in their meaningful NAIDOC celebrations held on Friday 25 July. A few of our College Captains and First Nations student representatives had the honour of representing NCC at this wonderful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Students engaged in a variety of workshops including bush food, face painting, spear throwing, and weaving, to name but a few. From traditional dancing and interactive displays—including Goondoi Rangers and Mandubarra Aboriginal Land and Sea Inc.—to meeting well-known guests such as Sam Thaiday, the day was filled with rich cultural experiences. The food was exceptional, with a generous spread that even included wallaby—a first for many students and staff.

The event highlighted the significance of NAIDOC and this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”—a tribute to the achievements of the past and a celebration of the bright future ahead, led by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors. NAIDOC 2025 marks a significant milestone: 50 years.

Our students returned inspired, full of ideas for our own NAIDOC celebrations on Friday 8 August—and with a sweet bonus stop at Babinda Bakery for one of their famous cream buns!

Mr Gabriel De Guzman
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

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Pastoral Care - Year 7

The Power of Sleep and Screen-Free Time

Dear Year 7 Families,

Welcome back! Congratulations on a fantastic and successful Semester One. As we look forward to the second half of the year, I’d like to take a moment to highlight something simple, yet profoundly important to your child’s wellbeing and academic success: good sleep habits and regular screen-free time.

At the end of last term, our Year 7’s completed a wellbeing survey in partnership with Resilient Youth Australia. The results offered some valuable insight into the habits and challenges many of our young people are facing.

One of the standout findings was that 40% of students reported having trouble sleeping, and over 35% are getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night — well below the recommended amount for their age. Alarmingly, the data also showed that 1 in 3 students are using an electronic device between 10:00pm and 6:00am, indicating disrupted sleep routines and late-night screen use.

These figures highlight a growing concern for both student wellbeing and classroom readiness. Subsequently, I would like to highlight the importance of quality sleep and screen-free time, and how small changes at home can make a big difference.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep is essential for teenagers’ physical growth, emotional regulation, and ability to concentrate in class. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, children aged 12–13 need between 9–11 hours of sleep each night to function at their best. Yet studies show that almost 70% of Australian teenagers are sleep deprived on school nights (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2021).

Insufficient sleep can lead to:

• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty focusing and retaining information
• Lower academic performance
• Poorer mental health outcomes

The Danger of Screens

One of the biggest barriers to quality sleep in young people is screen time, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime. Devices emit blue light, which delays the release of melatonin — the hormone that helps us fall asleep (Harvard Medical School, 2020).

Beyond sleep, too much screen time can impact:

• Attention spans
• Physical activity levels
• Family communication and emotional connection

Encouraging regular screen-free time, particularly in the hour before bed, can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality, energy levels, and readiness for school.

What You Can Do at Home

Here are some practical tips to support healthy screen and sleep routines:

• Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, especially during the school week.
• Keep phones and devices out of bedrooms overnight.
• Establish a calming wind-down routine that might include reading a book, journaling, or quiet music.
• Model healthy screen use as adults — it goes a long way!

Let’s Work Together

We understand the digital world is part of modern life, but we also know that creating boundaries around screen use and prioritising sleep leads to happier, healthier, and more successful learners. Together, we can help our Year 7 students thrive — both in and out of the classroom.

If you’d like more resources on this topic, I recommend visiting:

• https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/screen-time
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology
• https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/facts-about-sleep-for-parents-and-school-staff

Mr Matt Kirby
Year 7 Coordinator

Pastoral Care - Year 8

Welcome to Semester 2!

We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable mid-year break. Semester 2 is already off to a flying start, and our Year 8 students have certainly hit the ground running!

This week, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 8 Rugby League boys to the Northern 9’s competition at Stan Williams Park on Tuesday 29 July. The team showed great determination and sportsmanship, going up against two of the strongest teams in the carnival, one of which went on to win the entire competition. It was a fantastic day out and a great display of our students' resilience and team spirit.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting term packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and adventure:

• Week 5: Our talented Symphonics students will be heading to the Gold Coast for their music tour.
• Week 6: Year 8 Camp at Camp Paterson – a highlight of the year!
• Week 10: Canberra Ski Trip – always a memorable experience.

Year 8 Camp - Camp Paterson Mareeba

Information for the Camp Paterson camp has already been sent home. A big thank you to those families who have returned the signed forms. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the purpose of our Year 8 camp: to build stronger connections with LMG Mentors, classmates, and peers across the year level. These shared experiences are a vital part of our students’ development and sense of belonging. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of our great Year 8 students.

Please note that attendance at camp is compulsory. If your child is unable to attend, a medical certificate will be required.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic term ahead and thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,
Mr Steven Lesina
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 8

Pastoral Care - Year 10

Year 10 Informal

On Thursday 17 July, the Year 10 cohort descended on Palm Cove Surf Club for our ‘Informal’ Dinner Celebration. The theme of Shimmering Skies set the scene for glistening table settings, beautiful dresses, and sharply styled dress shirts. The evening began with welcome drinks and photos in the courtyard, before we made our way up to the strikingly adorned function room where the wonderful Mrs Whyte had bought to life the vision of the Student Committee to deliver the perfect setting for the evening.

We were treated to a delicious (and fancy) three course meal and had a great time bonding and hanging out with friends. The photobooth proved to be a crowd favourite and was busy all night long as students created memories to take with them into Senior School.

At the end of the night, the lights were dimmed and the dance floor became the place to be. Resident student DJs, Chloe and Cai kept the mood elevated until the end of the evening.

A huge thanks to Mrs Whyte for all her efforts in supporting the evening, and also to the College Leadership Team and Families at Newman for allowing it to happen. Finally, the Student Committee who provided input throughout the planning phase were instrumental in making the night a memorable success – we owe you a debt of gratitude.

Mr Tim Chapman
Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 10

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Special Projects & Partnerships

Year 10 JCU Open Day

On Friday 25 July, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend the James Cook University (JCU) Open Day. The annual event is designed to give students a firsthand look at university life, helping them explore future study and career options in a practical and engaging environment.

Students participated in a variety of hands-on activities, informative presentations, and campus tours. They had the chance to engage directly with university staff and current students, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into the many courses on offer—ranging from science and medicine to engineering, law, education, business, and the arts.

Attending JCU Open Day is an important step in encouraging students to start thinking about their future beyond school and empowering them to make informed decisions about their education and careers.

We thank JCU for providing the opportunity and look forward to continuing our strong connection with the University in supporting student aspirations.

Mr Alexander Starmer
Leader of Special Programs & Partnerships

Leader of Liturgy, Spirituality & Faith Formation and Religious Education

Year 7 Excursion to the Cathedral

On Tuesday 15 July, Year 7 students visited St Monica’s Cathedral in Cairns as part of their Religious Education program. The visit was led by Newman Catholic College Religious Education Teachers and the Cairns Catholic Education Services Identity and Outreach team.

The purpose of the excursion was to support student learning about sacred spaces and how prayer and worship are expressed in the Catholic tradition. Students observed features of the Cathedral and considered how believers live out their faith both personally and as a community.

During the visit, some of the students had the special opportunity to meet Bishop Joe. He shared the story behind his ceremonial crook, originally gifted to the first Bishop when the church was based in Cooktown. Bishop Joe had it restored just last year, connecting past and present in a powerful way.

The experience will be used in follow-up lessons and activities back in the classroom in Term 3.

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

Arts Department

Newman Catholic College Celebrates Success at Cairns Eisteddfod 2025

Newman Catholic College is pleased to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students at the 2025 Cairns Eisteddfod. This year, students represented the College with distinction across Piano, Woodwind, Vocal, and Ensemble Categories, as well as in Speech and Drama.

Their commitment to rehearsal, preparation, and performance was evident in the multiple placings and commendations received across a wide range of events.

Individual Achievements

• Isabelle M received multiple commendations in Piano categories and achieved 2nd place in two duets, including the Piano Duet with Faye M and the Duet for Two Orchestral Instruments with Matthew P.
• James R secured 3rd place in Woodwind Solo and in Duet for Two Orchestral Instruments with Quintin S, in addition to receiving a commendation for his Solo by an Australian Composer.
• Quintin S also achieved 3rd place in the Duet for Two Orchestral Instruments category.
• Scarlett M and Therese W received Highly Commended awards for their solo performances in Woodwind and Vocal categories respectively.
• Nadia O was Highly Commended for her Art Song performance.

Ensemble Achievements

• The Voices of Newman achieved four 2nd places across the Australian Chorus, Sacred Chorus, Folk Chorus and Chief Chorus categories.
• NCC Chamber Strings were Highly Commended in the Open String Ensemble category.
• NCC Performance Troupe delivered an outstanding series of performances, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and artistry across their items.
• Newman Symphonics also performed to a high standard and were commended for their polished and engaging presentation.

Speech and Drama Achievements
Students in Speech and Drama also achieved significant results:

• Matilda placed 1st in Shakespeare Monologues and 2nd in Characterisation in Costume, as well as 2nd place in Humorous Poem and Duologues.
• Emma achieved 1st place in Characterisation in Costume and 2nd in Shakespeare Monologues and Duologues.
• Vida and Silas received commendations and participation awards in Poetry and Humorous Poem categories.

These results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, the guidance of our Arts staff, and the support of our College Community. We congratulate all participants, including our Performance Troupe and Newman Symphonics, on their commitment and success.

Upcoming Music Tour – Brisbane and Gold Coast 2025

42 of our upcoming Newman students are heading off on the Brisbane and Gold Coast Music Tour, taking place 13–19 August 2025. This exciting tour will provide students with valuable performance and workshop opportunities, including:

• A Vocal, Strings and Symphonic Workshop Program at Griffith University, Southbank (Brisbane Conservatorium of Music).
• Performances at Dreamworld and the Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ Music Festival (QCMF) at Villanova College.
• Ensemble appearances by The Voices of Newman, Newman Symphonics and NCC Chamber Strings across multiple festival venues.
• Cultural and team-building experiences including visits to Dreamworld (performance), Movie World, Southbank, and the Brisbane Ekka.

Families are encouraged to follow updates from the tour via College communications and social media channels during the week.

Photos to hit our social pages next week!

Warm regards

Mrs Katherine Fraser
Leader of Arts

Science Matters

Greetings, Newman Catholic College families and welcome to Term 3. This term promises to raise scientific curiosity amongst our students and lead them on a journey of discovery through a number of hands-on learning activities, competitions and excursions.

Year 7 Science

Year 7 students are kicking off with a unit on chemistry and have already started to explore essential concepts such as particle theory, properties of matter, and the art of separating mixtures. Students will learn how to separate mixtures based on their physical and chemical properties, using specialised scientific equipment. They will put their critical thinking skills and knowledge to use with a separation challenge later in the term.

Another highlight on the term calendar for the 7’s will be a visit to JCU during National Science Week. Students will be guided through a number of scientific laboratories where experts in their fields will expose students to some of the cutting-edge research that is underway at universities. The excursion will include a tour of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and Australian Tropical Herbarium.

As an extension to their studies, the Year 7 extension class will be preparing to participate in the University of Queensland’s Wonder of Science Competition. The program inspires students to engage in rigorous, real-world learning and to aspire for excellence in STEM. Students develop critical and creative thinking skills as they are challenged to develop a group response to a real-world problem or scenario. Students will present their challenge task response at a regional student conference, with winning teams advancing to the state conference in Brisbane. Hopefully that will be us!

Year 8 Science

This term, the Year 8’s will gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies as they navigate through a unit on Biology. Students will dive into the fascinating complexities that make up living organisms and through interactive lessons and engaging discussions, they will unravel the secrets of cells, their functions, and how they work together to form intricate body systems.

To enhance their learning experience, our Year 8 students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on dissections and physiology labs. By utilising tools such as the PASCO data loggers, they will collect and analyse data to gain valuable insights into the workings of the human body. These experiences will not only deepen their understanding of biology but hopefully also ignite a passion for exploring life sciences.

Year 9 Science

Our Year 9 students will also be studying chemistry, expanding their knowledge gained the past two years. The are currently learning about the structure of the smallest building blocks of matter – atoms. They will then expand on this knowledge learning how molecules can rearrange themselves during chemical reactions to form new substances with unique properties. They will endeavour to identify reactants and products during a series of reactions conducted in class, and attempt to write word and balanced chemical equations to outline the rearrangement of molecules that has occurred.

Year 10 Science

In Year 10 we are still running a slightly different structure where students swap teachers mid semester. This enables specialist teachers who teach the matching Senior Subjects, to work with students on the relevant scientific strands in Year 10. Some students will be studying physics while others are studying biology. In addition to this ‘expert teacher’ structure, our year 10 assessments are closely linked to the structure of the QCAA Senior Science Assessments. This will better prepare our students for their Senior assessments next year, and enable a smoother transition into Year 11.

Marine Science

Our Year 7 Marine Science students have a busy and thrilling term ahead. They will navigate the various phyla of marine organisms and engage in many hands-on activities such as dissections and a crowd favourite - the plankton challenge.

Year 9 Marine Science students have started studying the central theme of Biodiversity which relates directly to the first unit in the QCAA Senior Marine Science Syllabus. Students will put their knowledge to use when they participate in a macroinvertebrate study of Atika Creek adjacent to the College. Students will collect data over a number of weeks and prepare a scientific report paper that summarises their findings.

Year 10 Marine Science students will spend the term taking an in-depth look at the various marine ecosystems that exist in our region. For their assessment they will be designing and building a BRUV – Baited Remote Underwater Video apparatus. These will be deployed in various habitats including seagrass meadows, inshore reefs, outer reefs and mangrove habitats. Students will analyse the footage and produce a habitat comparison report.

Students will have the unique opportunity to participate in a collaborative project with James Cook University’s TropWATER Department. Students will be trained by leading seagrass ecologists to prepare harvested seagrass samples to be planted to regenerate depleted seagrass meadows in the Cairns Inlet and Mourilyan Harbour. Students will work hand in hand with scientists and Gimuy Sea Rangers for this citizen science adventure.

As always, we encourage parents to support their children's scientific endeavors by fostering curiosity, engaging in discussions about scientific topics, and exploring related activities outside of school.

Our Science team wishes you all a successful term filled with scientific wonders and extraordinary discoveries!

Mr Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

Languages Department

Greetings from the Languages Department!
Welcome to Term 3!

This term, we are excited to welcome a new cohort of Year 7 students into our language programs. As they begin their journey learning the languages and cultures of other countries, we hope they also grow in their understanding of what it means to be responsible global citizens.

On Friday 25th July, our Year 7 to 9 Italian students participated in the Italian Speaking Competition. They represented our College with great pride and enthusiasm. A big thank you to Miss Schiavon for organising this wonderful opportunity.

Year 7-8 division results:

• 1^stPlace: Mahalia and Re-L 
• 2^ndPlace: Lila R and Amber B, who tied with Owen S
• 3^rdPlace: Addison B and Jaz M 

Term 3 is always a busy time for the Languages Department, as it marks the peak of our Japanese school visit season. In Weeks 2 and 3, we were delighted to host 40 students from Konodai Girls’ Junior High School. These students spent two enriching weeks with their Newman buddies, creating friendships and cultural exchanges that we hope will last well beyond the classroom.

In Weeks 4 and 5, we look forward to welcoming another 40 students from Denen Chofu, a school we visited during a previous Newman trip to Japan. This visit will be a fantastic chance for our students to reconnect with their Japanese friends and continue to strengthen our international relationships.

We thank all staff, students, and families who support these valuable experiences, and we look forward to another exciting and enriching term ahead!

Mr Shixiang Chen
Leader of Languages

Sports News

TCN Athletics - Monday 4 August & Tuesday 5 August 2025

TCN Athletics will be Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August 2025.  Please note the dates have changed.  Wednesday 6 August program will now be run on Monday 4 August 2025.  Students and families have been notified of their events and date changes.  We wish all the students the best of luck at the event! Go NCC!

T20 Cricket:  Newman Unity XI Cricket Match

On Thursday 24 July, the Newman Unity XI Cricket team played their first match against St Andrews. 

Results: St Andrews 6 for 107 from 20 overs had the win over the Newman Unity XI 103 runs from 20 overs. 

Bowling Figures:

• Ollie: 1 for 23 from 4 overs
• Khobi:  2 for 14 from 3 overs
• Scarlett:  1 for 19 from 4 overs
• Jai:  2 for 15 from 3 overs

Batting Figures:

• Ben: 52 runs
• Ollie:  12 runs
• Khobi and Jai:  9 runs
• Alex: 3 runs

Outstanding performances in the field: Scarlett one handed catch in the slips and Ollie one handed catch in the outfield.  Ben scoring his first 50 and hitting 4 x 4’s and 3 x 6’s.

The team travel to Brisbane in September for the QLD Schools StreetSmarts Cup. 

Rugby League

Year 7 and Year 8 FNQ Rugby League 9’s Gala Days:  Monday 28 July and Tuesday 29 July

The Year 7 and Year 8 NCC Rugby League teams travelled to Stan Williams Park to play in a modified Rugby League competition against a variety of schools across FNQ. 

The games were played on full size fields, 9 minute halves and full Rugby League rules.

Year 7 NCC Rugby League:

• Game 1: NCC Vs Cairns SHS: 0 – 3 loss
• Game 2: NCC Vs Redlynch SHS: 2 – 3 loss (Tries by Kaiden and James K)
• Game 3: NCC Vs Bentley Park College: 1 – 8 loss (Try by Jaxon)
• Game 4: NCC Vs St Andrews College:  5 – 4 win (Tries by Elijah, Tyler C, Braxton A and James K)
• Game 5: NCC Vs McKillop College: 5 – 3 win (Tries by Tyler C, Kaiden, Will B and Jaxon)

Most tries:

• Jaxon – 3 tries
• Tyler C – 3 tries
• James – 2 tries

NCC First try scorer:  Kaiden

Player of the day: William B

Year 8 NCC Rugby League:

• Game 1: NCC Vs Gordonvale SHS: 3 – 5 loss (Tries by Jack N, Archer, Hunter)
• Game 2: NCC Vs Mossman SHS: 0 – 8 loss
• Game 3: NCC Vs Good Counsel College: 3 – 6 loss (Tries by Kai and Jack N)

Most tries

• Jack N – 2 tries
• Kai V – 2 tries
• Archer  - 1 try
• Hunter – 1 try

NCC First try scorer:  Archer

Player of the day:  Jack N

JSS Interschool Competition

Junior Secondary School (JSS) competition started with a friendly game in Week 2 against St Andrews. 

Week 3 and Week 4 are bye rounds.  Our first game is in Week 5 against Cairns State High School

Mrs Linda Gough
Sports Coordinator

Counsellor Corner

Supporting Healthy Screen Time Habits for Teenagers

In today’s digital world, screens are a central part of teenage life – from learning and connecting with friends to entertainment and relaxation. While technology brings many benefits, finding a healthy balance is important for the wellbeing, sleep, and development of young people.

The Raising Children Network recommends that high school-aged teenagers (13–17 years) aim for no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day, not including school-related work. This includes time spent on social media, gaming, streaming videos, and other leisure-based digital activities.

Excessive screen time – particularly late at night – can negatively affect mood, concentration, physical activity levels, and sleep. As a school counsellor, I often speak with students and families about the importance of setting healthy boundaries, such as:

• Keeping screens out of bedrooms overnight
• Creating tech-free times (like during meals or before bed)
• Using screen time as a reward rather than a default activity
• Encouraging regular movement, outdoor time, and face-to-face interactions

It’s also helpful for families to have open conversations about how screens are being used – not just how much. Social media and gaming can be positive outlets when used mindfully, but teens still need support to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.

Every family is different, so it’s about finding routines and boundaries that suit your values and lifestyle. If you ever have concerns about your teen’s screen use or mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s work together to help our young people develop lifelong habits that support their health, learning, and happiness – on and off the screen.

For trusted advice and resources, visit raisingchildren.net.au.

From the Newman College Counsellors

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). 

Popular items now in stock

We’re pleased to inform you that several popular uniform items are now back in stock at the NCC Uniform Shop. These include:

• Girls blouses - sizes 6 and 8
• Girls stripe skorts - size 8
• Boys formal shorts - size 77

If you’ve been waiting on any of these items, now is a great time to shop by Flexischools. https://user.flexischools.com.au/login

Items currently unavailable –

• Girls stripe skorts (sizes 12 and 16 not available until November)
• Boys formal shirt (size 14 not available until November)

Thank you for your continued support, and please don’t hesitate to contact the NCC uniform shop ncc.uniformshop@cns.catholic.edu.au with any questions.

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

Belonging, Believing, Building Community

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope you have had the opportunity to take some time away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some well-earned rest and family time.

The F@N team has commenced Term 3 with great enthusiasm. On Tuesday 22 July, F@N was present at the Subject Selection Expo, cooking sausages and selling drinks. Special thanks go to Steve Maas, Robbie Collis (F@N BBQ Kings), and Naomi for their assistance on the night.

On Thursday 24 July, F@N supported Principal Dr. Graham and the Leadership Team in welcoming the new Executive Director of Catholic Education Cairns, Mr. Durm O’Riordon to our College. We also congratulated the students and welcomed their parents to NCC as part of the Semester 1 Awards and celebrated a birthday morning tea for the teachers.

Barefoot Bowls - Saturday 16 August

Our next connection event, Barefoot Bowls, is scheduled for Saturday 16 August, at Trinity Beach. Please keep an eye on your emails to RSVP for this event. A BBQ dinner will be provided, and the RSVP will assist us in ensuring we cater to everyone and any special dietary requirements. 

I’d also like to mention an upcoming webinar and video series from Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ). All Catholic school parents and carers are invited to a National, Karen Young, live webinar on Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety. Several members of our F@N Team attended a CSPQ Parent Retreat at St Augustine's College where Karen delivered a presentation. They were highly impressed and have registered for this event. If you are interested, please register via the link provided. 

CSPQ invites you to watch our special video series featuring Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow, authors of Out of the Box: A One Stop Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence. In this four part series, Madonna and Rebecca unpack what neurodiversity really means for families today. Drawing on expert insights and lived experience, they offer clear, compassionate, and practical advice on everything from navigating a diagnosis to managing ongoing challenges. These videos are here to help you and your young person feel seen, understood, and empowered. To view the video, please click on the attached link provided. 

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 idea or would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!

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

Stay safe & God bless..

Maria Cowan
President - F@N Committee