Newman News Vol 4 Issue 12 - Friday 24 October 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 All Saints Day

Dear God,
Thank you for the example of the Saints.
I desire to join in their company,
worshiping you forever in Heaven.

Please help me follow their footsteps,
and yours, Jesus Christ.

Please help me to conform myself to Your image,
seeking Your will in all things, as the Saints did.

Please help me to devote myself, and all that I do, to Your glory,
and to the service of my neighbors.

Amen.

From the Principal

Dear Families of Newman Catholic College

This week we celebrate the feast of All Saints. Our NCC mass will be held on Thursday 30 October 2025 - 11:00am in our Hall. We do hope you can join us for this occasion. During this mass we will remember all loved ones who have passed away. Please encourage your son or daughter to enter their names to be included in our prayers. All Saints' Day is a solemn Holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually at this time. The day is dedicated to the Saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. At Newman we include All Souls in this day of celebration.

Save the Date: NCC Verum Inluminans Awards and Honours Evening will be held this year on Wednesday 19 November. Please be sure to mark this in your calendars as it is a wonderful night of celebration for our College.

As you are aware, Christmas is fast approaching.  We will once again run our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection of items for our Baskets of Hope. We welcome Families, Parishioners or Businesses, who may wish to contribute to this collection for the less fortunate in our community. Our expectation is to have these finalised by the end of November, thank you.  We are looking forward to each of the Learner Mentor Groups having a basket overflowing with toys, non-perishable food stuff, vouchers, and Christmas items, making this year’s collection an even more wonderful gift from our College to SVDP. 

Thank you to all who have supported a smooth start to this final term.  We look forward to seeing you at our many celebrations as the year draws to a close.

With Every Blessing

Lauretta Graham
Principal

Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

As we settle into Term 4, it’s been heartening to see students engaging positively with the opportunities and experiences on offer. Week 2 was particularly vibrant, with our Year 9 students enjoying a memorable camp at Wongaling Beach, where they built friendships, developed independence and resilience, and embraced the outdoors. Simultaneously, our Year 10 students embarked on their Work Experience placements, gaining valuable insights into the world beyond school and exploring future career pathways. These experiences have set a strong tone for the term, and we commend all students for their participation and enthusiasm.

With the weather warming up, we remind families of the importance of sun safety. Students must wear their school hats to and from school, and ensure they have them for HPE lessons and outdoor activities. This small habit makes a big difference in protecting their long-term health and wellbeing.

As we move further into the term, we encourage parents and carers to maintain regular communication with their child’s Learner Mentor. The Student Diary and email remain the first and most effective points of contact for sharing important messages, questions or concerns. Staying connected helps us work together to support each of our students.

We also ask families to be proactive in supporting students to stay organised. A consistent routine that includes adequate sleep and a nutritious breakfast can significantly improve focus, energy levels, and overall readiness for learning each day.

Thank you for your continued support as we journey through Term 4 together.

Warm regards,
Mr Gabriel De Guzman
Assistant Principal - Junior Secondary

Pastoral Care - Year 7

Parent Information Evening – Screen Time & Social Media: Setting Your Family Up for Success

As parents and educators, we know that technology plays a powerful role in the lives of young people — it connects them, informs them, and offers endless opportunities for learning and creativity. However, as our Year 7 students grow more independent, managing screen time and social media use can become one of the greatest challenges families face.

To support our Year 7 community, we invite all parents, caregivers and students to join us for an engaging and practical information evening on Wednesday, Week 5 | 5:30pm–6:30pm | with a BBQ to follow.

Research consistently shows that excessive or unmonitored screen use can impact a young person’s physical health, sleep quality, concentration, emotional regulation, and social development. Social media, while offering connection, can also heighten anxiety, reduce face-to-face communication, and expose students to online risks.

At the same time, digital technology is here to stay — and learning to use it responsibly and purposefully is a vital life skill. This session will help families navigate that balance between embracing technology and setting healthy boundaries, equipping parents with practical tools to guide their children through an increasingly digital world.

What We’ll Cover

• Setting the Scene: A look at national data and Newman Catholic College trends around screen use.
• The Impacts: How screen and social media use affect physical health, mental wellbeing, social connections, and learning outcomes.
• Why It’s So Hard: Understanding the science behind why screens and social media are so addictive.
• Protecting Our Children (and Ourselves): Practical strategies to help families manage screen use, including discussion of new legislation designed to safeguard young people online.
• Q&A Session: A chance to ask questions and share insights with staff and other parents.

The evening will be led by Matt Kirby (Year 7 Pastoral Leader) and Allison Thompson (Guidance Counsellor), who will share evidence-based research and practical, easy-to-implement strategies that work in real family life.

Following the presentation, families are warmly invited to stay for a sausage sizzle as we celebrate the achievements of our Year 7 students and the completion of an incredible first year at Newman.

This event is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and work together to ensure our students thrive—both online and offline.

Mr Matt Kirby
Year 7 Coordinator

Pastoral Care - Year 9

Year 9 Camp – Wongaling Beach

In Week 2, our Year 9 students headed off to Wongaling Beach for their much-anticipated camp – and what an adventure it turned out to be! The boys kicked things off from Monday to Wednesday, followed by the girls from Wednesday to Friday.

Armed with tents and teamwork, students took on the challenge of setting up their own campsites and braved the full range of tropical weather – from sweltering heat to bursts of rain. Despite the conditions, spirits remained high as everyone made the most of their time outdoors.

The program was packed with activities: fishing from the pier, hiking up Bicton Hill through lush bushland to enjoy breathtaking views to the south, and cycling to South Mission and back. There were also plenty of beach and pool games to cool off, and a highlight of the week was “Cooking with Schiavon,” where students worked together to prepare a delicious meal for the whole camp.

Both the boys and girls also had the special opportunity to take part in a First Nations Art Activity with Jason Von Roehl from Our Cultural Conversations. Under Jason’s guidance, the students created two collaborative art pieces – one from the boys’ group and one from the girls’ – which will be framed and proudly displayed at the College.

A huge thank you goes out to all the staff who supported the camp, especially Miss Schiavon and Mrs Jakubiszyn for dedicating their entire week to ensuring everything ran smoothly.

The Year 9 Camp was a wonderful blend of challenge, culture, and camaraderie – an experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Mrs Maryanne Challis
Acting Leader of Pastoral Care - Year 9

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 166

Next

Special Projects and Partnerships

Year 8 Science Students Explore Oral Health with JCU Dentistry

On Thursday 16 October, our Year 8 Science classes were visited by JCU Dentistry students, who delivered a series of engaging and interactive workshops during their double lesson. The visit provided students with valuable insights into the world of oral health and dental science.

Students rotated through three hands-on workshops covering topics such as Mouthguards and Sports Injuries, Braces and Invisalign, and Tooth Decay. Each session combined practical demonstrations with informative discussions, helping students understand the science behind dental care and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We thank the JCU Dentistry Program for providing this enriching learning experience and helping our students connect classroom science with real-world health applications.

Year 10 Health Science Students Attend P.A.R.T.Y Program at Cairns Base Hospital

On Friday 10 October, our Year 10 Health Science students took part in the P.A.R.T.Y (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) Program at Cairns Base Hospital. This powerful and thought-provoking experience provided students with a real-world understanding of the devastating consequences of risk-taking behaviours.

Throughout the day, students rotated through key hospital departments, including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Orthopaedic Ward, and Rehabilitation areas. Guided by healthcare professionals, they learned how trauma impacts not only the individual but also their families, friends, and the wider community.

Students also engaged in real-life role-playing scenarios, offering a sobering glimpse into the physical and emotional challenges faced by trauma patients and the dedicated medical teams who care for them.

This impactful program encouraged students to reflect on their own choices, build resilience, and deepen their understanding of personal safety and wellbeing. It was an invaluable experience that reinforced the importance of making safe, responsible decisions—both now and in the future.

Mr Alexander Starmer
Leader of Special Programs & Partnerships

Leader of Liturgy, Spirituality & Faith Formation and Religious Education

Feast Day Mass & Celebration

On Thursday 9 October, the College Community celebrated the Feast Day of our Patron, Saint John Henry Newman. The Mass, presided over by Father Dariusz Osinski was a joyful expression of our College’s shared faith, unity, and gratitude for our Patron, marking the 180th anniversary of Newman’s conversion to Catholicism—a defining moment in his journey of faith.

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the John Henry Newman Spirit Award, which recognises a student who exemplifies Newman’s values of Courage, Truth, Compassion, Wisdom, Unity, and Perseverance. The 2024 award recipient, Grace Keleher, had the honour of announcing this year’s winner, who was presented the award by Father Dariusz and Dr Lauretta Graham. This year’s recipient was Ben Dobson in Year 8, recognised for his genuine kindness, quiet leadership, and consistent demonstration of respect, compassion, and service to others. The award celebrates a student who demonstrates faith in action through kindness, integrity, gratitude, and service to others—qualities that reflect Newman’s vision of education as the formation of the whole person.

The Mass was enriched by beautiful music from the Newman Catholic College Liturgical Ensemble, led by Mrs Katherine Fraser, and by the participation of students in readings, prayers, and processions. The day concluded with a shared lunch, providing a wonderful opportunity for all members of the College to come together in community and celebration.

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

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 22

Next

Arts Department

Heroes and Celebrities – Year 9 Visual Art Exhibition

The Year 9 Visual Art students are proud to present their latest exhibition, Heroes and Celebrities, now showing in the College gallery on the ground floor, next to the library.

This collection features portraits of the students’ personal role models, brought to life through a diverse range of creative approaches, including simple animations, which are also presented in this exhibition.

Their final paintings, created using the acrylic on canvas technique, showcases their heroes. Accompanying every portrait is an Artist's statement that provides insight into the inspiration behind the work and the qualities that make these figures meaningful to the students.

One standout piece is by Tiare C, who painted a powerful portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. Tiare explains, “My painting uses shades of blue to symbolize peace, trust, and emotion, contrasted with a bold red background representing strength and love—echoing the American flag. MLK’s peaceful protests and iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech inspired generations. I aimed to reflect his legacy and ideals through colour and composition. I’m proud of the outcome and the thoughtful decisions I made throughout the process.”

We invite all students, staff, and visitors to come and experience the passion and creativity of our Year 9 artists. The Heroes and Celebrities exhibition is a celebration of inspiration, identity, and artistic expression not to be missed.

Ela Bozek
Visual Arts Teacher

Science Matters

Year 9 PADI Courses and Reef Expedition

Throughout Terms 2  and 3, the Year 9 Marine Science students dived deep into the science of diving, completing the theory modules for their PADI Open Water and Advanced SCUBA Diver certifications. In Week 10, it was time to put their knowledge into action as 24 excited students embarked on the practical component of their courses with Pro Dive Cairns, earning internationally recognised qualifications while exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

The adventure began with a pool training day on the Tuesday at Pro Dive Cairns, where students became familiar with SCUBA equipment and practised essential skills and emergency procedures in a safe, controlled environment. Once confident, it was time for the real thing — a three-day liveaboard expedition to the Great Barrier Reef.

Before sunrise on Wednesday, students boarded their new home for the next three days. After a safety briefing and orientation, the vessel set course for Miln Reef. Soon after arriving, excitement filled the air as students took their very first breaths underwater. With crystal-clear 20-metre visibility, they descended among giant trevally, red bass, and vibrant coral gardens. Watching students experience the underwater world for the first time was truly unforgettable.

From there, life on board followed a dreamlike rhythm: dive, eat, relax, repeat. Over the next three days, students explored a range of stunning dive sites across Miln and Flynn Reefs, encountering an ever-changing underwater landscape filled with sharks, turtles, rays, and clownfish.

A highlight for many was the night dive — an exhilarating experience that transformed the reef into a glowing underwater disco. Armed with torches and glow sticks, students descended into the darkness, witnessing the ocean’s nocturnal hunters in action. Giant trevally, red bass, and even reef sharks followed closely, waiting for a torch beam to reveal their next meal. The excitement of the night dive gave way to peaceful sleep as the boat rocked gently under the stars.

Friday morning began with a breathtaking sunrise over the reef, followed by a deep training dive beyond the 18-metre open water limit. Students saw physics in action as colours faded with depth and air bottles compressed under pressure — bright fins turned grey, and plastic bottles shrank before their eyes. After surfacing to a hearty breakfast, the final two pleasure dives gave students one last chance to soak in the beauty of the reef before returning to harbour.

By the end of the voyage, students had achieved PADI Open Water and Adventure Diver certifications — a major accomplishment and an unforgettable experience.

A huge thank you to the incredible crew at Pro Dive Cairns for their expertise and support throughout the journey. For our young divers, this is not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong adventure exploring the wonders of our amazing underwater world.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Next

Wonder of Science Competition

The Year 7 Science Extension class has been working hard on preparing group presentations that form part of the Wonders of Science Competition. The competition is a science-based initiative that engages students in a collaborative and inquiry-driven learning experience.

Participants work in teams to investigate real-world scientific challenges, conducting experiments and developing research projects. The competition emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and communication, as students present their findings to peers, teachers, and industry professionals at regional and state conferences.

The two teams who won our in-class competition will now compete at James Cook University against other schools in Cairns. Students have conducted a macroinvertebrate study in Atika Creek and will combine concepts learned during this study with their taxonomy skills from Term 2. They will address a design challenge called ‘When is a bug not a bug’ in which they design their own macroinvertebrate adapted to Atika Creek, and explain how it would be classified using dichotomous keys. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication, and are confident that they will represent our College with great enthusiasm and professionalism at the competition!

Mr Matt Radburnd
Leader of Science

HASS Department

Year 8 Canberra Adventure: A Journey Through Democracy, History, and Discovery

Year 8 students recently embarked on an unforgettable educational adventure to Canberra at the end of Term 3, immersing themselves in the heart of Australia’s civic and cultural life.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our College in the amount of $750.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

🇦🇺 Parliament House was the perfect launchpad, where students stepped into the shoes of lawmakers during a spirited role play, debating a Bill for free university education. It was a dynamic way to explore how laws are made and to witness the power of student voice in action.

🕊️ At the Australian War Memorial, students wandered through powerful galleries, listened to stories of courage, and paused for reflection. A poignant moment unfolded when Mylee and Mr Lesina uncovered records of family members who had served, forging a deeply personal connection to Australia’s legacy of sacrifice.

🌿 The Australian National Botanic Gardens offered a peaceful contrast, with students discovering the rich biodiversity of native flora and enjoying the tranquility of bushland trails.

⚖️ At the High Court of Australia, students were captivated by the grandeur of the architecture and the significance of landmark legal cases, gaining insight into the nation’s judicial system.

🏛️ The visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House encouraged students to reflect on the evolution of democratic processes and the enduring importance of civic engagement.

🔬 Finally, the Canberra leg wrapped up with high-energy excitement at Questacon, where hands-on science exhibits and thrilling experiments sparked curiosity and countless “wow” moments.

From debating in Parliament to exploring science and nature, the Canberra trip was a rich tapestry of learning, reflection, and inspiration—an experience that will stay with our students for years to come.

Our students spent the last two and a half days enjoying all that Perisher had to offer, in what was considered one of the best snow seasons in a very long time! First-time skiers ended up skiing backwards, our snowboarders were shredding it, and even Mrs Gough and Ms Hill-Murray made it to the top of Smiggins Hole for some spectacular runs.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the amazing team of teachers who made this trip possible: Ms Auld, Mrs Gough, Mr Lesina, Mr Kirby and Mr Graham. Their dedication, patience, and expertise ensured that our students had a memorable adventure.

While it was hard to say goodbye to the adventures, our staff and students returned with memories that will last a lifetime.

Miss Sarah Hill-Murray
Acting Leader of HASS

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 55

Next

Pathways & Training

Year 10 Work Experience Week
13–17 October 2025

This term marked an exciting milestone for Newman Catholic College, with our very first group of Year 10 students completing Work Experience Week as a foundation cohort.

From 13–17 October, students took part in placements across Queensland, gaining first-hand experience in industries such as construction, childcare, retail, hospitality, health, and the trades. One student travelled to Winton to work at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, while another ventured to Brisbane, building confidence and discovering unexpected career interests.

Staff visited students on-site throughout the week and were met with big smiles, enthusiasm, and plenty of exciting stories about their experiences. Employers provided fantastic feedback, praising our students’ maturity, reliability, and professionalism. Several students have also been offered School-Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBATs) and casual employment following their placements.

Over the past many years, I have seen countless students embark on their work experience journeys, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Seeing our young people step into the workforce, grow in confidence, and discover their potential gives me great pride. This first Work Experience Week for Newman Catholic College has been no exception our students represented the College with maturity, enthusiasm, and a genuine eagerness to learn.

A special thank you to VPG for their coordination and support throughout the program, and to all the teachers who volunteered their time to visit students on site. Your involvement made this experience possible and deeply meaningful for our students.

Congratulations again to all our Year 10 students for representing Newman Catholic College with pride and setting such a positive example in this inaugural work experience program.

Ms Kellie Doeblien
Pathways and Training Coordinator

First Nations

Teaching "Ilan" Dance to Year 9 HPE

Mr Dockray has engaged Mr Tobias Corrie and Julian Thaiday to teach the Year 9 HPE students Island dancing for Term 4.

Last week was their first lesson and Mr Corrie was extremely proud of their efforts and engagement - with all students and staff alike, actively participating.

• Abuwa - Boys dance
• Laiana - Girls dance 

Both dances are from Mr Corrie's Island home, Boigu, in the Torres Strait.

We look forward to a performance at the end of term.

Mr Tobias Corrie
First Nations Team Leader

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Languages Department

Greetings from the Languages Department!

We were delighted to welcome two visiting Japanese schools for single-day visits on Friday, Week 2, and Tuesday, Week 3.

Selected Year 7 and 8 students spent their Friday enhancing their global citizenship with students from Seikyo Gakuen Junior High School. Together, they learned Japanese songs, practised calligraphy, played traditional Japanese games, shared experiences of Australian sports, and took part in international cultural quizzes.

After returning from camp and work experience, the Year 9 and 10 students joined buddy groups for the Tsubame School visit on Tuesday. They hosted the visitors for a one-day Australian school experience. Feedback from the Japanese school was overwhelmingly positive—the students “really enjoyed the experience, and the chaperones were very impressed by the wonderful opportunity.”

For students who missed out on the two visits, there’s still one more Japanese school visit scheduled later this term. Please contact Mr Chen to express your interest.

Mr Shixiang Chen
Leader of Languages

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 17

Next

HPE Department

It’s going to be a fast and furious final Term 4 this year in HPE as it is packed with activities. We have our JSS finals coming up, good luck to all our teams and well done to the coaches and students for representing Newman in interschool sport.

Peninsula Futsal Team Crowned State Champions

During the first week of this term, Newman College HPE and Humanities teacher Mr Conan Berry travelled to the Gold Coast as part of his Peninsula School Sport duties, serving as Team Manager of the 15/16 Girls Futsal Team and as one of four Queensland state team selectors.

The Peninsula team, made up of ten talented players from schools across Cairns, competed in the Queensland Schools State Championships against nine other regional teams over four days. The girls displayed outstanding teamwork and skill, winning eight of their nine matches to finish first overall and claim the title of State Champions — proudly bringing home both the championship shield and gold medals.

Adding to the success, three Peninsula players were selected for the Queensland State Merit Team in recognition of their exceptional performances throughout the tournament.

Next year’s championships will be held right here in Cairns, providing a fantastic opportunity for the Peninsula side to defend their title on home ground.

Trials for next year’s Peninsula Futsal Teams — for both girls and boys in the 13/14 years and 15/16 years age groups — are scheduled to take place early in Term 3, 2026, at the Redlynch Central Sports Stadium.

FNQ Interschool Smithfield Mountain Bike Enduro

Well done to the students who participated in the recent Smithfield Mountain Bike Enduro Interschool race on the weekend. This was the final race of the Interschool Series, and it was great to see students competing and socialising against other schools. The format consisted of three time-trials throughout the day with the winners crowned for the overall fastest times. Great work from our Ava and Tyreek who finished on the podium! We look forward to the series again next year.

Results

TRIPLE R – Also in Mountain Biking we had 3 winners from Newman CC who competed in the Triple R - 1 day 40 km race.

Kicking Off at Mt. Molloy, students rode the legendary Triple R Course to Bells Hill Blast, the Bump Track Speed Rush and finished along the iconic 4 Mile Beach to the finish line in Port Douglas.

Well done to our winners:

• 1^st Junior Women – Lani K
• 1^st Junior Men – Harrison G
• 1^st Open Women E-bike – Ava T

Newman 7’s Rugby

The annual Newman 7’s are set for Thursday 30 October. This is an interschool competition for Year 7 students promoting Rugby Union in FNQ. We have two teams participating and most of the students have never played Rugby Union before, so we have been busy training and learning how to ruck, maul and compete in lineouts! Good luck to our Year 7’s in 7’s Rah, rah, rugby let’s get it! Thanks also to Mr O’Brien who gives up his time to referee multiple games of 7’s throughout the hot and humid day.

Swimming Carnival  - Wednesday 12 November at the Smithfield Pool

Our final whole College sport event this year is the Swimming Carnival to be held at Smithfield Pool from 9:00am  - 2:00pm. There has been a date change, and the new carnival date is Week 6 - Wednesday 12 November. Apologies to any families who scheduled the previous date. Students will need to nominate for the competitive events via the survey that will be out soon. Competitive races will be from 9:00am - 11:00am and participation events will follow. All students will have the opportunity to race and gain points for their House throughout the day. All families are welcome.

Mr Dockray
Leader of HPE, Sport & Outdoor Education

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

Sports News

Cairns Wake Park – Battle of the Schools and Come / Try Day

On Saturday 18 October, the Cairns Wake Park held a free come and try day as well as the Battle of the Schools Wakeboarding competition.

It was a fantastic day with so many NCC students participating in the come and try day.  We then had 7 students compete in the Battle of the Schools. The results were incredible from the NCC students

Year 7/8 Girls division

• 2^nd Addie B
• 3^rd Mia S
• 4^th Claudia W
• 5^th Nyah O

Year 7/8 Boys division

• 7^th Cameron A

Year 9/10 Boys division

• 1^st Charlie H
• 2^nd William R

Mrs Gough also competed in the teachers section and came 2^nd.

At the end of the day, the school with the highest points won the trophy! This year the Battle of the Schools Trophy went to us! Well done to all the participants and competitors!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 11

Next

JSS Interschool Sport Competition

JSS Interschool Sport is moving into the catch up round, Semi  Final round and then the Grand Final. The Grand Final games will be played on Wednesday 12 November.  Teams will be announced after next weeks catch up round with announcements of which teams will be heading into the Semi Finals.

The finals are split into two sections: Premier and Division 1.  Premier is the top four teams and Division 1 is the bottom four teams. 

Lets go NCC JSS teams!

QLD Streetsmart AFL Year 8/9 Boys Competition

On Tuesday 28 October, our Year 8/9 AFL students will be competing in the 9 a side AFL Streetsmart Competition. We look forward to representing NCC at this competition.

TCN Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 9 October, a talented team of Newman Catholic College swimmers proudly represented the College at the TCN Swimming Carnival. Our students demonstrated outstanding effort, sportsmanship, and team spirit throughout the day.

Many of our swimmers achieved impressive personal bests and strong finishes across a range of events. Congratulations to the following students who represented Newman with pride:
Raiden D, Eve D, Darragh D, Leonard H, Maddison J, Lani K, Catherine L, Mia M, Elizabeth M, Ty M, Chloe O, and Quentin V.

TCN Carnival Results:

• NCC 1^st place Overall High School Winners

• Ty M 2^nd Age Champion (12 years boys)
• Mia M 1^st Age Champion (12 years girls)
• Elizabeth M 3^rd Age Champion (13 years girls)
• Darragh D 2^nd Age Champion (14 years boys)
• Chloe O 1^st Age Champion (14 years girls)
• Lani K 2^nd Age Champion (14 years girls)
• Raiden D 1^st Age Champion (15 years boys)
• Leonard H 2^nd Age Champion (15 years boys)

The College is extremely proud of the way our swimmers conducted themselves both in and out of the pool, embodying the Newman values of Compassion, Courage and Unity. 

Well done to all our competitors on a fantastic day of swimming.

Mrs Linda Gough
Coordinator of Sport

Counsellor Corner

Free Parenting Support Sessions Available Through REACH OUT Services

Parenting can be rewarding but also overwhelming—especially in a world that’s constantly changing. Whether you're seeking help with communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing screen time, or supporting your teen's emotional wellbeing, these sessions are here to support you. Led by experienced professionals, each session offers a relaxed, confidential environment where parents can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others.

REACH OUT Services is excited to offer free parenting support sessions for families in our College Community. These sessions are designed to empower parents and caregivers with practical tools, strategies, and resources to help navigate the challenges of raising teens today.

Sessions are completely free of charge and open to all parents and caregivers. They are held both in person and online to suit different schedules and needs. REACH OUT Services is committed to supporting strong family relationships and helping every child thrive.

For more information, please head to: Home - ReachOut Parents

We encourage all parents to take advantage of this valuable opportunity—it’s never too early or too late to strengthen your parenting toolkit!

From the Counselling Team

Student Voice

Arts Speech By Nadia Ouzaid

This speech was given by Nadia on last Thursday's Assembly. 

Good morning staff and students, I’m speaking today because I am a candidate for the Community Leadership Scholarship. My name is Nadia, and I am 14 years old and the way I serve my Community is through my participation in the Arts.

I’m here today to encourage each and every one of you to contribute to the art area. For those of you who don’t know about the world of art, it represents music, drama, singing, dancing and acting. Doing these extra-curricular activities gives you the opportunity to be a part of an orchestra, band, choir or a musical theatre ensemble. I know that each and every one of you right now are probably wondering why I am so passionate about the music industry.

Since primary school I have always had a curiosity for playing the violin. After I attempted to learn it for few months, I then decided that it was too hard, and I did not want to learn it anymore. My mother on the other hand, had a different idea and did not allow me to quit the violin so fast. She encouraged me to continue learning for at least one more year and then see how I progress. Since I had no choice, I reluctantly agreed and moved forward with my mum’s idea.

During the two years of the Covid lockdown in Victoria my privilege to have face-to-face lessons was taken away from me. Once again, I wanted to quit more than ever. Once Covid was over, I began to continue with my learning of playing the violin once again. It is now currently my 8^th year playing the violin and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Through my journey of music, I have participated in many musical camps, competitions, performances, concerts, exams and other educational experiences. I have also made countless memoires, many long-lasting friendships, explored Australia, began learning singing and flute and had lots of fun along the way.

Now if my story is still not convincing enough, then let me give you other reasons why being involved in creative activities is important. For example, by participating in at least one area of the Arts, you have an opportunity to make new friendships, learn new skills and improve your mental and physical health. Other reasons may include is that you may have more job opportunities, explore the world and discover something new about yourself.

As you may be aware on December 10th the social media ban for under 16s will come into effect. Instead of being frustrated that you won’t have access to social media platforms, why not discover what you can be capable of in the creative art area and make a difference in your life.

In conclusion, music gives me the confidence and courage to be a leader for the next generation of musicians and artists. Thank you for listening and I strongly encourage you all to be your own special leader for your inspirations.

Nadia Ouzaid

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

NCC Uniform Shop 

When ordering through Flexischools, if the order is placed before 4:00pm (Qld time) it is available for collection the next working day at 1st Recess (10:20am). 

NCC Uniform Fitting Bookings Now Open

We are pleased to advise that booking for uniform fittings for new students commencing in Years 7 - 11 2026 are now open. Please click NCC Uniform Shop to make your booking. Each fitting appointment is allocated for 30 minutes to ensure a smooth and personalised experience.

Flexischools Online Ordering

As we approach the end of the year, we know it’s a busy time for families preparing for students entering Years 8–11 for the 2026 school year. Uniform orders can be placed conveniently through the Flexischools App

Orders submitted by the daily 4:00pm (Qld Time) cut-off, will be ready for collection from the NCC Uniform Shop. Any orders placed through Flexischools after Thursday 11 December will not be available for collection until Wednesday 14 January 2026.  

NCC Uniform Shop Extended Hours - December 2025/ January 2026

• Extended Flexischools order collection hours from 9:00am - 3:00pm. 
• Monday 1 December to Thursday 11 December 2025 (closed weekends)
• Monday 12 January to Thursday 22 January 2026 (closed weekends)
  

Due to scheduled fittings for new Year 7 enrolments, the shop will operate as a collection-only service for Flexischools orders during these periods. If you need to check sizing before ordering, please make a booking via our College website click NCC Uniform Shop.

Walk-in Purchases

While counter purchases will be available, we strongly recommend using Flexischools for faster service or make an appointment to help reduce wait times. We encourage families to book early to secure a convenient time.

Secondhand Hand Uniforms

If you have any secondhand uniforms to donate to the College, please bring your items 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’

Can you believe it? We have already reached the halfway mark of Term 4, and there is still so much more to accomplish in the coming weeks.

Parent Engagement and Interviews

It was wonderful to see and meet several parents during the recent Student Led Parent/Teacher interviews. F@N was pleased to provide light snacks and drinks for families who were quickly rushing in during their lunch breaks or taking some time in between. This was the first time F@N offered this service, and the feedback so far has been positive—many are hoping we continue it next year!

Introducing the Families @ Newman Business Directory

F@N is excited to launch the ‘Families @ Newman Business Directory.’ If you own a business, offer a service, or run a restaurant or shop and are interested in increasing your exposure, we invite you to sign up. Your details will be shared with other Newman Catholic College Families. Simply scan the QR code below to access the form and add your information. Please note, registrations close at COB on Friday 5 December, 2025, and the directory will be published in early 2026.

“When we shop locally, we support an entire community, not just a business.”

Call for Volunteers and Upcoming Events

With many events scheduled for the final weeks of term, F@N is actively seeking volunteers. If you can spare a few hours to help with cooking, serving, setup, or cleanup, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Below are the events taking place over the next two weeks:

• World Teachers Day: Friday 31 October 2025
• VEX Robotics Competition: Saturday 1 November 2025
• NCC Swimming Carnival: Wednesday 12 November 2025

Building a Welcoming Community

As we approach the end of the year, our commitment remains strong: to foster a warm, family-oriented environment where everyone feels valued and connected. If you have an idea or would like to get involved, we encourage you to reach out.

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

Stay safe and God Bless

Maria Cowan
President - F@N Committee