In this Issue
From the Principal
It's wonderful to be back at Newhaven after a period of sabbatical leave. I spent time over the past few weeks visiting schools across Scotland and the wider UK. This gave me a chance to step back and see education through a different lens. I sat in classrooms, spoke with school leaders, and observed approaches to teaching, pastoral care and innovation that have already got me thinking about what we can bring to Newhaven. From new approaches to student wellbeing to fresh thinking on curriculum design and staff development, I return with a notebook full of ideas - and, more importantly, a renewed sense of what makes a school truly excellent. Visiting some of the most prestigious schools in the world also reinforced how fortunate we are at Newhaven. Whether it be our stunning environment, state of the art facilities, excellence in teaching, breadth of opportunities or wonderful community - what we have here is truly the envy of schools around the world.
Alongside the travel, I completed the AICD Company Directors' course in Governance, Strategy and Leadership. This renewed my thinking on how we set direction as a school, how we govern well for the long term, and how strong leadership and sound governance work hand in hand to serve the interests of students, staff and families alike. I'll be sharing more of these reflections with our community in the near future and I'm genuinely excited about where they might lead us as a school community.
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of our Director of Learning, Karen Milkins-Hendry, who stepped into the role of Acting Principal in my absence. Karen led the school with skill, warmth and unwavering commitment, ensuring that our staff felt supported, and our students continued to thrive. I am enormously grateful to Karen for the exceptional job she did.
I also want to congratulate our students on their productive start to Semester Two. Walking back through our gates this week, I could immediately feel the positive energy, focus and sense of purpose that has carried through the term so far. Well done to you all.
I'm delighted to be home, energised by all I've learned, and looking forward to sharing more of this journey with you throughout the year.
In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength
Tony Corr
Principal
College News
College Enrolments 2028
To our current Newhaven College families who have children who want to enter the College in 2028, this is your friendly reminder to plan ahead and submit an enrolment application via the link below to avoid disappointment. We have already received a significant number of applications for Prep and Year 7 2028 and anticipate that we will reach capacity in Junior, Middle School and Year 9 well before commencement, making early applications essential.
College Tours
Our College Open Morning in March and College Tours in June and August were well attended, with many families taking the opportunity to experience all that our school has to offer. A highlight of these events is our student guides, who provide visitors with an authentic insight into college life by sharing their own experiences and perspectives.
Our next College Tour will be held on Wednesday 14 October, and registrations are now open via our website.
Deb Buschmann
Admissions Officer
The 22nd Sister School Visit from Japan
As we approach the conclusion of our sister school’s two‑week visit, we reflect on what has been a warm and enriching experience for everyone involved. Fourteen Year 9 students from Ibaraki Christian Junior High School, accompanied by Ms Nakane and Mr Youngblood, arrived on Sunday 26 July and were embraced with kindness by our students, staff, and families.
Throughout their time here, the students stepped into classes, built friendships, and discovered local highlights. It has been especially meaningful to see how quickly they found their place within our community and how naturally they connected with our students.
In September, twelve of our Year 10 and 11 students will travel to Japan to visit the Ibaraki school as part of the return exchange, continuing this rich cultural partnership.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all host families for their generosity, kindness, and care throughout the visit. We warmly acknowledge the Townsend family for their long‑standing support in hosting the Ibaraki teachers, and we thank the backup families who were on standby and willing to help.
Fiona King-Drummond says of her visiting student: "Hina is an absolute delight and she and Georgie have formed a beautiful friendship, which will no doubt last a very long time. Hina’s mum and I also communicate regularly (with all my thanks to Google translate!), which is so lovely."
Host Families
The Arnott and Wong family, Bennett family, Bowring family, Dillon family, Feehan and Kalis family, Gale family, Gillies and Barrett, Gojrzewski family, Jenkins-McKay family, Helps & Johns family, King-Drummond family, Mannix family, Miles family, Wang and Richardson family, and Underwood family.
Backup Families
The Stockdale family and Falzon family
Mitsuko Horiguchi
Japanese Exchange Program Coordinator
Year 12 Charity
Thank you to everyone for an incredible first semester of fundraising! To kick this term off, on Tuesday the 11th of August is Pyjama Day! All students and staff are invited to wear their pj's or onesies, paired with their Carrie’s Beanie’s for Brain Cancer beanie.
Students who dress up can either bring a gold coin donation or purchase a beanie. Beanies are $20 and will also be available for purchase on the day. There will be a bake sale on the day as well.
Tilly, Issy, Harry and Kadek
College Captains
PFA Update
The PFA has a number of exciting events coming up, and we look forward to seeing many of you there!
Whole School Trivia Night – Friday 14 August
Our Whole School Trivia Night hosted by Jacob Fry is almost here! Whether you’re a trivia buff or simply looking for a fun night out with family and friends, it’s set to be a fantastic evening of laughs, friendly competition and community spirit. Gather a team and book your tickets, raffle tickets, pizza or charcuterie board via the TryBooking link below. Please note that this is an adults only event with no students or children permitted.
Father’s Day Stall - Friday 4 September
Our annual Father’s Day Stall will be held on Friday 4 September 2026 this year, giving students the opportunity to purchase a special gift for the father figures and loved ones in their lives. More information on the stall and a request for volunteers will be shared with families soon.
Newhaven College Community Golf Day & Sunset Fundraiser - Saturday 5 September
We’re excited to announce the inaugural Newhaven College Community Golf Day & Sunset Fundraiser, to be held on Saturday 5 September 2026 at Red Rocks Golf Course.
Held over Father’s Day weekend, this brand-new event invites parents, carers, alumni and friends of Newhaven College to enjoy an afternoon of golf followed by an evening of food, drinks and entertainment, all while supporting the PFA. Please note this too is an adults only event.
The afternoon will feature a 9-hole Ambrose competition with a 3.00pm shotgun start, followed by grazing platters, pizza, drinks, raffles and presentations. Not a golfer? Social tickets are available, so you can still join us for the evening festivities.
Funds raised will go towards the purchase of a digital signage/electronic billboard for the College, helping to enhance communication with our school community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
- Venue: Red Rocks Golf Course
- Golf: 9-hole Ambrose | 3.00pm shotgun start
- Social Event: From 3.00pm onwards
- Golf Entry: $120 per person or $440 per team of four
- Social Ticket: $85 per person
Places are strictly limited, so we encourage everyone to book early to avoid missing out. Bookings can be made via the TryBooking link below.
We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon and evening, and the beginning of a wonderful new Newhaven College tradition.
Newhaven College Fete – Friday 20 November
Planning is well underway for the 2026 Newhaven College Fete, to be held on Friday 20 November from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
The fete is one of the highlights of the school calendar and a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together for an afternoon and evening of fun, food, entertainment and connection.
Vendor bookings are now open for both food and non-food stalls.
We are also beginning our search for corporate sponsors, raffle prizes and silent auction donations. If you own a business, work for an organisation that may be interested in supporting the fete, or can assist with prizes or sponsorship, we would love to hear from you. Sponsorship packages are available and offer a great opportunity to support the school while gaining exposure within the wider community.
We also welcome volunteers who would like to assist with planning or help on the day. Every contribution, big or small, helps make the event a success.
For sponsorship enquiries, prize donations, volunteering opportunities or vendor bookings, please contact the PFA at newhaven.pfa@gmail.com.
Supporting Our Year 12 Students
The PFA was proud to support the recent Year 12 Trivia Night. PFA treasurer, Kay Kondarios and I assisted with organising the and running the bar, with all proceeds supporting the Year 12 fundraising efforts for Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, the bar raised $516.35, which Kay recently presented to Tilly on behalf of the Year 12 cohort. Thank you to everyone who supported the evening, and we wish our Year 12 students all the very best with their fundraising efforts!
Fundraising for Junior School
We’re delighted to see the funds raised through previous PFA events being reinvested back into our school community. Thanks to the incredible support of our families, we were able to donate six crepe myrtle trees for the Junior School playground. Not only will these trees provide much-needed shade during the warmer months, but they’ll also add a beautiful splash of colour when their vibrant pink blossoms appear each spring.
Angel Chambers
President | Parents and Friends Association
Junior School
Welcome to Term 3
Term 3 has arrived in full swing, and the Junior School is already buzzing with the kind of energy that makes this term one of our busiest and most rewarding. Between now and the term's close, our students will move through a rich stretch of learning, growth and milestone moments, from camps and incursions to the everyday progress that often goes unnoticed but matters most. It is also a big term of learning and rehearsing as we build towards our major Junior School event, the JS Production, with students putting in the hard work behind the scenes that will make the final performance so special. It is this steady accumulation of effort and curiosity, on stage and off, that shapes confident, capable learners, and none of it happens without the partnership between home and school. Thank you, as always, for the role you play in that partnership; we are looking forward to a term filled with achievement, connection and plenty to celebrate together.
JS Production
Rehearsals are officially underway for our Junior School Production at Wonthaggi Arts Centre, and every single Junior School student will take part, a wonderful opportunity and one of the true highlights of our JS calendar. Held only once every two years, this production gives our students an experience unlike anything else on offer: singing, dancing and performing together on a full stage in front of a live audience. A heartfelt thank you to Nina and Dave Prideaux for the extraordinary work they have poured into writing, composing and directing this year's show, and to the many parent volunteers who have already rolled up their sleeves to begin work on sets and costumes. It is a team effort, and our students are the beneficiaries of everyone's generosity and hard work. Consent2Go and a transport survey will be sent to families this week; please complete both at your earliest convenience so we are fully organised ahead of the final week of rehearsals and performances.
Year 3 Camp: Settling In at Candlebark Farm
Year 3 students, teachers and parent volunteers set off yesterday for camp at Candlebark Farm in Healesville, with a wonderful day exploring Healesville Sanctuary to start things off. Back at camp, the excitement was palpable as cabins were assigned and students got to work making their beds, sorting their bags and settling into their rooms, working as a team and showing wonderful independence along the way. As is typical of the camp experience, the day brought a rich mix of emotions: excitement, courage, nerves and everything in between. I was so proud watching our students settle into their cabins and embrace opportunities well outside their everyday routine. Camps like this are invaluable for our Year 3 students. They build resilience and independence by asking children to problem-solve and manage daily tasks without their usual support networks close at hand. They strengthen friendships and teamwork through shared experiences and communal living. And they offer a hands on connection with the natural world that classroom learning simply cannot replicate. Experiences like these shape confident, capable young people who return to school with new skills and a stronger sense of who they are. We will have some photos of camp in the next newsletter.
Home - School Partnerships
Next week, Junior School families will receive their child's first continuous report on home learning habits via SEQTA, a new addition showing each child's weekly reading and number fluency completion rate. Our aim is simple: the more consistently learning is practised at home, the more securely it consolidates what is explicitly taught in the classroom, and we're hoping to see as many students as possible reach a high percentage of completed home learning sessions. Last term, Mrs Milkins Hendry and I had the pleasure of visiting every classroom to present certificates for outstanding home learning habits, and it was a special moment to award a certificate to every single student in two classes. Congratulations to Prep L and Prep C for this exceptional achievement.
NAPLAN Results
Year 3 families will have now received their child’s NAPLAN results. These provide a useful snapshot of progress in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. NAPLAN helps us assess how students are progressing against national benchmarks. While these results are valuable, it is our classroom teachers who provide the most comprehensive picture of student growth through their daily observation and ongoing assessment.
PFA Donation: Six Crepe Myrtle Trees for the New Playground
A heartfelt thanks to the PFA for their generous donation of six semi established Crepe Myrtle deciduous trees for our new playground. These trees will provide welcome shade during the warmer months and let the light through once winter sets in, a thoughtful and practical gift for the space. The PFA continues to do a wonderful job, not only raising funds for initiatives like the gaga pit and these trees, but also bringing our Newhaven College community together in the process. A plaque will be placed in recognition of this generous donation.
Prep: 100 Days of School
The year is flying by, and it is already time to celebrate 100 days of Prep. It feels like only yesterday our youngest learners began their journey at Newhaven College, and reaching this milestone is a wonderful moment to celebrate their hard work, rapid growth and the many opportunities these first 100 days have brought. To mark the occasion, our Preps have been invited to dress up as 100-year-olds for the day! A parade will be held in The Collect at 9.10am, where Prep families, Junior School students and their Year 6 buddies can join in the fun. Families of Prep students are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this special milestone with us. We will share photos of the celebrations in the next newsletter.
Pyjama Day: Tuesday 11 August
Our Year 12 leaders have organised a Pyjama Day next Tuesday 11 August, with a gold coin donation supporting brain cancer research. This is a friendly reminder for families, details have also been shared via SEQTA. There will also be a bake sale organised by our student leaders. We look forward to seeing everyone in their comfiest pyjamas for a great cause!
Book Week Parade
Book Week will take place in Week 6, with our Junior School Book Parade scheduled for Thursday 27 August at 9.00 am in the JS Assembly Area. Families are most welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing our students dressed as their favourite book characters as we celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling together.
Thank you for your continued support throughout the term. We look forward to sharing more learning moments and exciting events with you in the weeks ahead.
Term 3 Key Dates
Tuesday 11 August - Pyjama Day – gold coin donation for brain cancer research
Wednesday 12 August - Whole School Assembly, 9.05–10.35am, The Gymnasium (JS parents welcome)
Wednesday 12 August - Junior School Assembly – Prep hosting, The Collect, 2.30pm
Friday 14 August - PFA Trivia Night – book a table, bringing parents and carers together
Wednesday 18 August - Parent Teacher Online Interviews from 3.40pm (students attend school as usual)
Wednesday 26 August - Junior School Assembly – Year 3 hosting, JS Assembly Area, 2.30pm
Thursday 27 August - Book Week Dress Up Day – parade for families and students, JS Assembly Area, 9.00am
Friday 28 August - Staff Professional Development Day – student free
Tuesday 1 September - Year 1 Wildlife Incursion
Friday 4 September - Dads & Donuts, 8.30–9.00am
Friday 4 September - Father's Day Stall – Pavilion
Friday 4 September - Prep Churchill Island Excursion, 9.45am
Monday 7 September - Spring Concert – Year 4
Wednesday 9 September - Junior School Assembly – Year 2 hosting, Assembly Area, 2.30pm
Friday 11 September - Year 4–6 Division Athletics, Casey Fields
Monday 14 September - Junior School Production Week begins
Wednesday 16 September - JS Production dress rehearsal/matinee
Thursday 17 September - JS Production matinee
Thursday 17 September - JS Production evening performance
Friday 18 September - Last day of Term 3 – 2.20pm finish
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Professional Learning: Investing in Great Teaching
Our Junior School teachers recently spent a Professional Learning Day sharpening the practices that help your child learn best, grounded in the latest research on how students learn and retain information. The focus was Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), an approach built on structure, routine and high expectations, where every new concept is taught clearly before students move to independent work. Teachers model each step, check understanding through frequent opportunities for every student to respond, and give immediate feedback along the way, so your child always knows what they're learning and why.
We were fortunate this term to welcome Joe Ybarra from DataWorks (USA), who observed and coached our staff in the EDI approach, a wonderful opportunity for our teachers and, ultimately, for your children. Our teachers have also begun reciprocal classroom visits with St Paul's Anglican Grammar Traralgon, with both schools observing, coaching and learning from one another. EDI sits at the heart of both schools' practice, and this kind of structured collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to instructional excellence, and the outcomes it delivers for students.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Pen Pal Project - Bali Children Foundation
This year, ten Year 4 students from Newhaven College have been writing letters to students in Bali. Facilitated by Margaret Barry, founder of the Bali Children Foundation, the Indonesian students involved attend a public primary school in Buleleng, Bali named SDN 1 Tigawasa. The Pen Pal Project aims to enhance student connection across countries and for students to exchange information about their school lives and experiences. So far, students from both countries have written 3 letters each. Gathering and sharing thoughts, stories and feelings, as well as learning how to construct a letter, are some of the skills that the project develops. It is also an opportunity for Balinese students to practise their English. Year 4 students participating are:
4F: Hazel Werner, Maeve Glen, Madison Carter, Hudson Holtzman
4M: Miles Ritterman, Mason O’Connor, Rohan James, Imogen Hilgart, Samuel Phillips, Emmy Simpson
Bridget Haines
Library Teacher
Year 1 Family Catch-Up
Our Year 1 families enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together at Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Center last Friday. It was a great opportunity for families to connect, catch up and enjoy some fun together.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such an enjoyable community event!
Jenni Lewandowski & Kyoko Blondel
Parents
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
Middle School
Learning from Glasgow: Inclusion, Aussie Spirit and Belonging
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have given us plenty to celebrate, and plenty to learn from. What sets these Games apart is something quietly powerful. It is the only major international multi-sport event that runs a fully integrated Para sports program. There is no separate "Para Commonwealth Games." Every athlete competes across the same multi-day window, on the same stage, as one team. Inclusion is not an add-on here; it is built into the design.
That idea sits close to the heart of what we try to do in the Middle School.
Of course, we could not look away from the Aussie spirit on show. Our 4x100m relay team broke a 52-year drought, with Browning, alongside Lachlan Kennedy, Josh Azzopardi and Calab Law, holding off a furious challenge from Olympic champions Canada to take Gold. And in the women's mile, Australia swept the podium, finishing first, second and third, with Caldwell surging home ahead of Hull and Hollingsworth.
What struck me most was not the winning. It was that in the mile, three athletes racing for themselves were genuinely, openly delighted for one another. They competed with everything they had, then celebrated together. That is the spirit we want our students to carry: give your best and be the first to cheer for the person beside you.
In the Middle School this term, our focus has been on strengthening connections, in Homegroup and across classes and year levels. It has been a real pleasure to watch how warmly and inclusively our students have welcomed the visiting students and teachers from Ibaraki. There is a lovely Glasgow-like quality to it: making room, on our own stage, for others to belong.
It has also been pleasing to see our Year 7s more settled and assured in their friendships. This week they stepped up in a big way, with Year 8 away at camp. I asked several Year 7 students to host, perform and present in assembly, to step in as tour guides, and to start thinking about their leadership aspirations for next year. A few will also join a Q&A panel at our upcoming Year 7 2027 Information Night. These are exactly the moments where quiet confidence grows.
Competing hard, cheering louder and making room for everyone: Glasgow reminded us how good that looks. It is a fine thing to see it alive in our Middle School too.
Meanwhile, our Year 8s went to Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp for a week. The camp keeps all the fun and adventure of a traditional school camp while bringing personal development and wellbeing to the forefront. Nestled in a picturesque outdoor setting, it is designed to help young people build life skills, stretch themselves and flourish. Thank you to Mrs McMillan, Mrs O’Brien, Mr White, Mr Appleby, Mr Scott, Mr Fourie and Jenna Harman, Andy Neal and Jason Scott for accompanying the students.
On a more personal note, I had the great pleasure of attending the Year 12 Formal at the RACV Inverloch on Saturday, 1 August. I have a special connection with this cohort. They were in Prep during my first year as Head of Junior School back in 2014, and I have walked much of that journey alongside them and their families ever since. Over the years I have become close to a number of those families, and I know many of the students well; some are friends with my own child, and others I have come to know through our local sporting teams. Watching them on Saturday, I was reminded that it truly does take a village to raise a child. It makes me enormously proud to see the young people I first met as Preps grow into such fine adults, their values shaped in no small part by their time at Newhaven College.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday 12 August, 9:05am - 10:35am - Whole School Assembly
Friday 14 August, 6:30pm - 9:00pm - PFA Trivia Night, The Collect
Wednesday 19 August, 2:20pm - Middle School Assembly, The Collect
Wednesday 19 August, 3:40pm - 7:50pm - Year 5 to 8 Parent-Teacher Interviews via MS Teams 5-minute sessions
Friday 21- Monday 24 August - Music Camp
Wednesday 26 August, all day - SEISA Dance & Theatresports
Wednesday 26 August, 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Year 7 (2027) Information Night
Thursday 27 August, 9:05am - 9:30am Middle School Book Week Parade, The Collect
Thursday 27 August, 12:35pm - 3:20pm - Year 7 -12 House Cross Country Carnival
Friday 28 August, all day - Staff Professional Learning Day – Student-free day
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Middle School House Music
Middle School finished Term 2 with a bang! Music, singing, dancing, costumes and so much laughter! Congratulations to all the students who took part. It was incredible to see each House group supporting and cheering on other House performances. To top off the event, our fabulous MS House Leaders performed the Macarena in their 'size-enhanced' costumes!
It was a close competition, but Sambell came out the victors in 1st place, followed by McHaffie, then Clarke and Bass.
Year 7 Humanities Students Explore the World of Fossils
Our Year 7C&D students were fortunate to welcome Natasha Ballard, the mother of Cassius Ballard, who shared her impressive fossil collection and passion for palaeontology during our shared HAS session last Thursday afternoon.
Natasha prepared an engaging presentation, sharing her knowledge and personal experiences collecting fossils, while giving students the opportunity to view a range of fascinating specimens up close. The session provided students with valuable insight into how fossils can be used as evidence to understand the past.
This experience has helped build our students’ understanding of how historians and archaeologists use primary sources of information as they begin their investigation into the discovery and significance of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady. We thank Natasha for sharing her expertise and helping to inspire curiosity and deeper learning among our Year 7 students.
Lachlan Gale
Middle School Teacher
Year 8 Bottle Rocket Challenge
Our Year 8 Community Project students recently completed their Bottle Rocket Challenge, showcasing their creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Students were tasked with designing and building a water-powered bottle rocket. Through a series of test launches, they investigated how different fuel loads (the amount of water in the bottle) affected performance and used this information to improve their designs.
The project also required students to create cardboard prototypes of nose cones and fins before recreating their final designs in Tinkercad or Fusion 360 for 3D printing. While waiting for their printed parts, students designed and built parachutes to help their rockets return safely to the ground after launch.
Launch day was a fantastic success, with students demonstrating persistence, teamwork, and innovation throughout the project. Congratulations to Cruz James, Michael Christofi, Saxon Collier & Liam Cleary whose rocket achieved the highest apogee while also returning safely to the ground.
Well done to all students involved for an outstanding effort and an exciting project.
Carel Fourie
Senior Teacher
Senior School
A Time of Transition
This is one of the busiest and most reflective times of the school year. Subject Selection Season is now underway, with every student in the Senior School turning their mind to their program of study for 2027.
Our Year 12 students are weighing their options for next year, whether that be university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, or moving straight into the workforce. My thanks to Ms Anthea Bennett for her outstanding online presentation on all things VTAC, delivered to our Year 12 students and the parents considering a university pathway. It was informative, thought-provoking, and clearly valued by everyone who attended.
Our Year 11 students are consolidating their VCE or VCE Vocational Major pathways for Year 12 next year, an exciting stage in their schooling. Alongside choosing their Units 3 and 4 VCE subjects, many are also preparing leadership applications as part of the selection process for our 2027 College Captains.
Our Year 10 students face what is arguably the most significant academic decision of their schooling to date: the shift from largely internal subjects to a full two-year VCE or VCE Vocational Major program. These are choices that can shape a student’s path for years to come, and our staff are always on hand to guide and support families through the process. Last week’s VCE Information Evening brought together a wealth of expertise from across the College, giving our students an excellent foundation for making confident, informed decisions.
Our Year 9 students are beginning their own transition, moving on from the adventures of the Year 9 Environmental Centre and the wider Year 9 Program into the Senior School’s academic environment, with its broad range of elective choices, including the option to take a Year 11 subject for those who are ready for the challenge. Last week’s Year 10 Information Evening was another outstanding event, showcasing everything on offer for students entering Year 10 in 2027.
A reminder that all subject selections for 2027 close on Friday 14 August, after which a series of important decisions will shape our academic program for the year ahead. It is a genuinely exciting time, with so many pathways and possibilities opening up for our students.
Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School
Sri Lanka Service Trip
Last month, our group of seven Year 10 students, and Mr Prideaux, travelled to Sri Lanka with Infuse Travel for an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the trip, we used the Find My Penguin app to share daily updates and photos so our families and friends could follow our journey from home.
Our trip was filled with incredible opportunities to immerse ourselves in Sri Lankan culture, giving back to local communities and challenge ourselves through new experiences. We explored fishing villages, colourful markets, ancient temples and breathtaking landscapes while learning about the country’s history and traditions.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was our community service project, where we worked alongside local people to help build the foundations of a family home. Despite the hot and humid conditions, everyone worked hard and experienced the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to the community.
The adventure continued with hiking through the Knuckles Mountain Range, white water rafting, visiting the famous Nine Arche Bridge, and an exciting safari where we saw elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, deer and many other native animals in the wild. We also visited an elephant transit home and had the unforgettable experience of helping protect newly hatched sea turtles as they made their way safely to the ocean.
Along the way, we enjoyed cooking classes, traditional cultural performances, local markets, delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and plenty of fun together through games, karaoke, bus singalongs and pool time. Every day brought new challenges, laughter and opportunities to step outside our comfort zones.
As we returned home, we reflected on the friendships we had strengthened, the resilience we had developed and the appreciation we had gained for a different culture and way of life. Our Sri Lankan adventure with Infuse was an experience we will never forget, leaving us with lifelong memories, valuable lessons and a greater understanding of the world around us.
The team was: Mackenzie Marr, Bede Prideaux, Georgie Sanders, Emma Sorensen, Stephen Spencer, Jayden Stephenson and Alayna Williams. We thank Mr David Prideaux, who was there to help guide us.
Mackenzie Marr
Year 10 Student
Year 12 Formal
Last Saturday evening, our Year 12 students took a well-deserved break from their studies to celebrate at their Formal alongside House Mentors and members of the College Leadership Team. Dressed to impress, everyone looked absolutely fantastic as they enjoyed an evening of celebration, laughter and connection at the RACV Inverloch Resort.
In elegant gowns and suave suits, the Formal provided an excellent opportunity for our Year 12 cohort to take to the dance floor, creating unforgettable memories with their peers and celebrating this special milestone before the final stretch toward their exams and completion of their secondary schooling.
A sincere thank you to all involved; our Student Leaders who hosted so confidently, and to the House Leaders and College Leadership Team who attended, helping to make the evening such a memorable occasion.
Aisling Fagan
Event Organiser
Year 9 Update: A Busy Start to Term 3
Term 3 has begun at full pace for our Year 9 students. Many have already put their hands up to represent the College through SEISA sport, which has been fantastic to see. Following a busy conclusion to Term 2, highlighted by City Cite, students have quickly resumed some of the important community-based elements of the Year 9 program. Aged care visits at Phillip Island Care Community (formerly Grossard Court) and tutoring in the Junior School are once again underway.
Students have also had an opportunity to reflect on their first experience of formal examinations and consider what they learned from the process. At the same time, attention has turned towards subject selections for Senior School. Many students are investigating whether Year 10 could provide an opportunity to accelerate their learning and begin a VCE subject early. This is an important decision-making period, and we encourage students to ask questions, explore their interests and carefully consider the pathways available to them.
Our current learning focus is Food Security. Students are investigating how the choices we make as consumers connect us to sustainability at local, national and global levels. Recent fieldwork has provided students with an opportunity to explore food production, agriculture, Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity and sustainable land management within our local area.
We are particularly grateful to maintenance team member Michael Gordon for welcoming students to his farm in the Bass Hills and sharing his knowledge of cattle farming. We also thank Uncle Steve Parker for sharing his Boonwurrung knowledge and perspectives on Indigenous food security, Gary Morton from Field Phillip Island for introducing students to honeybees and beekeeping, and the team at The Cape Farm. A special thank you goes to AJ for generously hosting our students and supporting their learning. Over the coming weeks, students will draw on these experiences as they investigate and propose practical ways to improve food security for people within their local community and across Australia and the wider world.
The pace will continue as we move towards STEAM Week in Week 6. Students will soon have the opportunity to select an activity that allows them to explore an area of interest through design thinking and creative problem-solving. Options will include areas such as coding, building, chemistry and, of course, the all-important Science Community Games.
Following STEAM Week, students will begin preparing for the Horizons Project. This significant part of the Year 9 program invites students to investigate an area of personal passion or interest, identify a problem relating to the community, sustainability or the environment, and develop a creative response or solution. Horizons will keep students busy throughout the final weeks of Term 3 and into the beginning of Term 4. We expect that many projects will also make their way home during the holidays for further tinkering, testing and refining.
While the end of the year may still feel some distance away, Peak Pursuit will approach quickly. Families may wish to begin checking that students have access to suitable wool or polypropylene thermal undergarments. All students, except those attending Wollangarra, will also require a sleeping bag rated to -5°C. We have partnered with Camp List by ONE PLANET, and a more detailed equipment list will be released shortly. Students’ Peak Pursuit expedition groups will also be confirmed over the coming weeks, with further information provided to help families prepare.
It has already been a busy and productive beginning to the term. There is a great deal ahead, and we look forward to seeing our Year 9 students continue to challenge themselves, make positive contributions and embrace the opportunities available to them.
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
Community Volunteering: A Year 9 Experience
As part of the Year 9 learning, students are involved in lessons called Community. The aim being for our students to explore the role of volunteering, offering time and expertise to others. On Wednesday, Year 9A went on an excursion to the Phillip Island Fire Brigade, where the members graciously gave up their time to explain their roles and reasons for volunteering.
Our students explored the roles of Responder, Community Support and Volunteering. CFA volunteers come from all walks of life and are just everyday people, who are committed to their local community – through 4 practical activities, the students got to experience the Medical Response – by performing CPR and looking through extensive First Aid equipment, they got to dress up and get a feel for what it’s like wearing fire fighting protective equipment, they also had a show and tell session of the Brigade’s main fire fighting appliance and finally – the best bit and most popular activity - they got to use a hose and squirt water!
The students had a wonderful time and Newhaven College extends our grateful thanks to the Captain and members of Phillip Island Fire Brigade for making us so welcome and teaching us all about our incredible CFA Volunteers.
Simon Furniss
Year 9 Teacher
Year 10 Holocaust Museum visit
On Tuesday, our Year 10s attended an excursion to the Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick. They began by enjoying lunch in nearby Glenhuntly Road, followed by what can only be described as a reverent experience. From examining artefacts salvaged from the pre- and post-war era, to bearing witness to the testimony of Joe Szwarcberg, a survivor of both the ghetto and death camps of Poland, the students have truly had an extraordinary day. Thank you to the staff involved, supporting the students through what was an emotionally charged but incredibly rewarding day.
Elizabeth Hall
Senior School Teacher
Year 11 Legal Studies
The Year 11 VCE Legal Studies students visited Frankston Magistrates' Court in Week 8 of Term 2, where they observed a range of hearings linked to the legal concepts studied in class.
The excursion gave students the opportunity to see the court system in action. They observed the roles of key participants, court procedures, and developed an understanding of the practical realities of legal proceedings beyond the textbook.
Overall, it was an insightful experience that helped bring their learning to life and provided a greater appreciation of the operation of the justice system.
Ramya Kurmala
Senior Teacher
Year 10 Work Experience Program
Our Year 10 Work Experience Program provides a fabulous opportunity for our students to try a career path that they are interested in. This year, over forty students went out into their chosen workplace, with many positive reports and comments coming back from their employers. Some of this year’s chosen employment pathways included: nursing, teaching, police service, building and construction, electrical, physiotherapy, child care, animal care, hairdressing and design.
We encourage our Year 10 students to make the most of their work experience week; to ask questions and try new things in a work environment. These opportunities assist our students to make important decisions regarding their future studies and gives them an insight into potential career pathways.
Pictured: Eden Foster at Wonthaggi Police Station, Heath McLean at Free 3D Hands in Newhaven and Isabella Stead who tried Nursing at Swan Hill District Health.
Meredith Lynch
Careers Office
Careers
Please be sure to check out this month's Career Newsletter.
Highlights include the many Open Day and Higher Education provider experiences.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers
Scholarships
Bursary Scholarships
This Scholarship provides an opportunity for students wishing to enrol at Newhaven College in 2027.
Thanks to the generosity of members of the school community, Newhaven College has a limited number of bursary places for students entering Newhaven College in 2027. If you, a family member or someone you know would like to join us in 2027, but may not have the means to do so, this opportunity may be for you.
Expressions of Interest for these bursaries are open.
For enquiries or to book in for the next Newhaven College tour, please contact our Admissions Team on 5956 7505 or admissions@newhavencol.vic.edu.au
Visual & Performing Arts
Yarram Eisteddfod
Today, students in Middle School Choir and Senior Vocal Ensemble embarked on the 2 hour trip to Yarram to compete in the 65th Yarram Eisteddfod. First up was the combined choir competing against four other schools, singing two numbers which landed them 2nd place. Senior Vocal Ensemble competed in their own section, against two other schools. The competition was tough, but the group walked away with 1st place!
Well done to all students involved on the day and, leading up to the day, with lots of rehearsals and personal practice.
Thank you to Pamela Christie, Kerryn Lockhart and Elly Poletti for accompanying and leading the choirs.
Matthew Goss
Director of Music
Year 12 Theatre Studies
On Sunday 2 August, the Year 12 Theatre Studies students attended a performance of Bell Shakespeare's production of Mackenzie at The Arts Centre in Melbourne.
Mackenzie, written by Yve Blake and directed by Virginia Gay, is a dark, satirical reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The play asks what might happen if Macbeth were a thirteen-year-old child star in the height of early 2000s TV stardom, and Lady Macbeth her ruthlessly ambitious stage mother. Mackenzie has just landed a small part on a major children's television show, and when she and her on-set friend Beau encounter a mysterious make-up artist who prophesies that Mackenzie is destined to become the number one pop star in the world, her mother's relentless drive for her daughter's success sets in motion a fame-fuelled, increasingly dark chain of events. Told with original songs and a bold, theatrical style, the production charts Mackenzie's rise to stardom and the toll that ambition and pressure take along the way.
The performance gave students valuable first-hand exposure to a professional production of a Playlist play, directly supporting their VCE Theatre Studies Unit 4 Outcome 3 work. Students were able to observe how the production used the Elements of Theatre Composition to shape meaning on stage, as well as how design, staging and performance choices worked together to reimagine a Shakespearean tragedy for a contemporary audience.
Lauren White
Head of Theatre
Getting to know students through their drawings
Junior School Art
Self- Portraits: Students were shown facial proportions on the whiteboard and handouts. They drew their own features on the handouts. Students drew themselves in their books, surrounded by things that are important to them. The final piece was completed on A4 cartridge paper using grey lead pencil and mixed media.
Junior School students were inspired by such artists as Etel Adnan (‘Just Three Lines’), Jen Stark (‘Drippy Drawings’), Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo and Melanie Hava.
Middle School Art
Years 5 and 6 students drew still life compositions of artificial fruit, and Year 7 students completed one point perspective drawings in warm and cool colours, and created Wonka inspired Art.
Corina Suidgeest
Prep- Year 6 Art Teacher
Year 7 Art
If you visit The Collect over the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to view an exhibition showcasing two projects completed by our Year 7 students during Semester 1.
Students created self-portraits while learning about facial proportions and drawing techniques. They then enhanced their artworks with colour and symbolism to communicate aspects of their individual personalities.
In addition, students followed the design process to develop and create their own 3D felt character sculptures. These unique pieces demonstrate both creativity and craftsmanship, highlighting the skills and imagination of our young artists.
Rebecca Power
Art Teacher
Sport
High Performance Surf Camp
The Newhaven College Surf Academy recently completed an intensive 5 day training camp at the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) in Cabarita, NSW. This camp served as the culminating event for the students who participate in our weekly after-school surf squad training every Wednesday. Over the course of the week, the squad spent approximately 16 hours in the water across eight focused surfing sessions. To ensure maximum progress, HPC coaches filmed every session, allowing for detailed technical reviews and individualised feedback for each student. This process helped the surfers identify specific areas for improvement and set clear goals to carry into their next session.
When the students were not chasing waves, they took full advantage of the center's specialised training facilities. The group participated in dedicated strength and mobility sessions to improve their physical conditioning and spent time on the skate ramps, trampolines, and foam pit to enhance their coordination and aerial awareness. Overall, the week was a highly productive experience that provided our students with the tools and professional guidance needed to further develop their approach to progressive, high performance surfing.
Ben Clark
Head of Surfing
Primary Regional AFL Champions
Congratulations to our Newhaven College Boys AFL team, coached by our AFL SportsReady Trainee, Noah Martin-Endress, who have been crowned Regional Champions after an outstanding performance at Gippsland Regional Finals in Sale on 29 July.
The boys displayed exceptional teamwork and determination throughout the day, earning a well-deserved victory against four other quality teams and securing their place at the School Sport Victoria State Finals on 20 August in Bundoora.
We wish them all the best as they prepare to take on the best primary school teams in Victoria. Go Newhaven!
Jaclyn Clark
Junior School PE and Sports Teacher
5/6 Division Netball & AFL
Our Year 5/6 students proudly represented Newhaven College at the Division Netball and Football competitions last term.
The girls had an outstanding day on the netball court, winning every game except a closely fought match against Korumburra. Their teamwork and sportsmanship were fantastic throughout the competition.
Our football team also represented the College with pride, displaying great teamwork. Their strong performances earned them a place at the Regional Finals, where they continued to showcase their skills against the best teams in Gippsland.
Jaclyn Clark
Junior School PE and Sports Teacher
Primary School State Cross Country
A huge congratulations to Bridget Doig and Noah Hollings, who represented Newhaven College at the State Cross Country Championships at Yarra Valley on 16 July.
After qualifying through the division and regional events, both students took on a challenging 3km course against some of the best young runners from across Victoria.
Bridget had a fantastic run in the 11-Year-Old Girls event, finishing 78th with a time of 14:55.063. She showed great determination and should be incredibly proud of her achievement.
Noah also ran an outstanding race in the 12/13-Year-Old Primary Boys event, placing 77th in a time of 12:31.220. It was a brilliant effort against a very strong field.
Making it to the State Championships is an incredible achievement. Congratulations to you both on a fantastic cross country season.
Jaclyn Clark
Junior School PE and Sports Teacher
MTB Academy Continues Winning Form
A team of seven riders from the Newhaven College MTB Academy made the trek to Haunted Hills in Gippsland for Round 4 of the AusCycling Victorian Schools MTB Series, enjoying a fantastic day of racing under clear blue skies.
The team once again produced outstanding results across a range of events, with Austin Mitchell continuing his impressive season by taking 1st place in the Under 13 Boys Novice cross-country race.
Academy Captain Hamish Dakers-Hock battled through a highly competitive Under 17 Boys field to finish 8th, while Charlie McCabe earned an honourable mention with a determined ride to 10th place in the Under 11 Boys category.
Adding to the excitement was the introduction of a brand-new Pump Track event, giving riders another opportunity to showcase their bike handling skills. Newhaven riders made an immediate impact, with Austin Mitchell claiming 1st place in the Under 13 Boys division and Thomas Confoy-Hudman securing an impressive 3rd place.
The results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of the riders, coaches and families who continue to support the Academy throughout the season. Beyond the podium finishes, every rider represented Newhaven College with determination, sportsmanship and pride.
With four rounds now complete, the team is eagerly looking ahead to the final two rounds of the Victorian Schools MTB Series in Castlemaine and Bendigo, where they hope to finish another successful season on a high.
Community Links
Empower Me Within
This 6-week program is designed to help girls aged 8–12 build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing in a fun and supportive environment.
Thursdays for 6 weeks, beginning 13 August. Bookings can be made here.
