Movie Night!

In our efforts this year to raise as much as we can for our chosen school charity, the Bali Children Foundation, the College Captains and Student Leaders set out to create a memorable and enjoyable event the whole school could enjoy. After considering different ideas, we decided a Movie Night would not only offer something fun and different but would bring our school community together in a relaxed and lighthearted way. That idea took shape on Friday, 13 June, when over 150 students and family members joined us armed with cushions, bean bags and blankets, to enjoy the much-loved animated classic Madagascar.

It was a fantastic night, particularly rewarding to see the joy and excitement it brought to our younger students. With popcorn, hot chocolate and lolly bags on offer, the support and understanding of students and parents was amazing when everything sold out before the end of the night!

All the funds raised from the evening are going directly to the Bali Children Foundation, an organisation committed to providing educational opportunities for children in need.

A huge thank you to our student leaders for their hard work and organisation, and to everyone who attended for not only making it a night to remember but for contributing to this meaningful cause.

College Captains

Abby Papas, Grace Howlett, Gabe Di Falco and Isaac Savona

Successful College Tour

Last week, 14 prospective families were welcomed to the College for the College Tour. Families met Principal Tony Corr and other members of our leadership team. They then receive a guided tour of the campus with student leaders from our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. 

The student leaders did a wonderful job, and we thank them all for putting their hands up to help out.

 The next College Tour will be held on Wednesday 6 August. Bookings are open if anyone is keen to join in. 

Newhaven Baking Club   

This term saw the successful launch of the Newhaven College Baking Club. Students in Years 7 to 12 were welcomed to the kitchen to learn new baking skills and have some fun after school. Together we baked muffins, flapjacks, gougeres (French cheese puffs), and caramel stuffed double chocolate chip cookies.

Next term, we plan to increase our skill set, working with some pastry to make savoury snacks, and possibly looking at some seasonal baking and using local produce where we can.

Students are free to join in on the first Gold Monday of Term 3. Years 7-12 are welcome to come along!

Aisling Fagan

Middle School Teacher

Sarah Pedersen Community Award  

Newhaven College is very proud of our fabulous Year 1 teacher, Sarah Pedersen, who was named 2025’s Community Leader. The award is in recognition of her charity work supporting breast cancer services.

Sarah’s award recognised her work as co-founder of Shades of Pink, a charity which raises over $100,000 each year, through events like the football Pink Round and ladies’ luncheons. Last year, the Newhaven College PFA also donated funds to the cause. Sarah also volunteers at Phillip Island Football Netball Club. In presenting the award, the council said, “Sarah’s commitment to community and quiet leadership makes her a shining example of compassion in action.”

The Bass Coast Community Awards honour the region’s most dedicated volunteers and inspiring community leaders.

Congratulations Sarah. We are so proud of you!

As we wrap up a wonderful term, it is great to see our 2025 motto, “Make Each Day Count,” reflected in everything we do. Our students, staff, and families have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect, creating a happy and supportive school community. With enrolments at capacity, it is clear that our positive culture is thriving.

This term has been filled with rich experiences, including assemblies, Mums and Muffins, Cross Country, Japanese Day, the Reconciliation Walk, swimming programs, excursions, incursions, and movie nights. All of these activities have nurtured our students’ development across social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, and physical domains.

Junior School Learning Support   

The Learning Support team in Junior School has had a busy and productive first Semester. Any person, for various reasons and at any stage of their life, may need extra support to access services on the same level as others. One of the key goals of Learning Support services is to provide equity in education. At Newhaven College, Learning Support includes in-class help, small group programs, and one-on-one sessions when needed. We also use screening assessments to identify students who may benefit from additional support. This is delivered through a tiered approach:

Tier 1: Quality teaching for all students in the classroom.

Tier 2: Small group support for those needing extra help.

Tier 3: Personalised, intensive support for students who need more ongoing assistance.

Our team runs Tier 2 literacy groups using the Sounds-Write program, while our Learning Support Teacher, Kim Northover, provides Tier 3 support and helps teachers plan effective classroom adjustments. We have loved seeing our students grow this semester. A big thank you to our wonderful Learning Support staff: Desserae, Kellie, Katanya, Nala, Marina, and to Kim, Ruth, and Kurt for their dedication and commitment to student learning.

End of Semester Reports

Our teachers have dedicated significant time and care in preparing end-of-semester reports, drawing on a range of assessments to reflect each student’s progress. These reports provide a clear summary of your child’s achievement in relation to the Australian Curriculum standards, offering valuable insight into their learning journey so far. We hope you find these reports informative and helpful in understanding your child’s growth and next steps in learning.

Drumbeat

Drumbeat continues to be a highlight, helping students build social and emotional skills through music and rhythm. Year 4’s recent assembly performance showcased teamwork and creativity, spreading happiness throughout the school. Thank you to Christina and Andre from our wellbeing team for leading this valued program, which will continue next term with a new group.

Thank you to our entire Junior School community for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a lovely mid-year break and holiday, and I look forward to another term filled with purpose and possibility.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

Thank you to our fantastic parent helpers for supporting the reintroduction of PMP for Prep and Year 1 this semester. The PMP sessions have continued with Year 1 students embracing the opportunity to develop their motor skills. The children’s excitement has been infectious, and their developing coordination and confidence are clear to see. Special thanks to Jackie for her leadership and innovation in making this program a success.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School

Year 4 Excursion to Candowie

On Thursday 5 June our Year 4 students visited the Candowie Reservoir and Wonthaggi Desalination Plant as part of their Science unit on the water cycle. The students arrived primed with knowledge about evaporation, condensation and precipitation as the key processes of the water cycle, so it was great for them to see the management of the water cycle in action. The health and security of our water supply was another key theme of the day. Our students came to appreciate the importance of water as a natural resource that must be carefully managed and protected. 

We thank Katrina from Westernport Water and Shae from the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant for sharing their expert knowledge with us and our parent helpers Kirsty, Ruth, Kaye and Karl for taking the time to assist us throughout the day.

Kate Middleton and Fiona Smart

Year 4 Teachers

Year 5 HAS Excursion

In their Humanities and Social Sciences (HAS) unit this term, Year 5 students have been exploring the processes of weathering and erosion. On Monday, 2nd June, they had an exciting opportunity to visit Silverleaves, where they observed firsthand the impact of erosion on the coastline and the various strategies being implemented to mitigate its effects.

During the excursion, students examined how groynes and rock walls help slow down erosion. They also explored other mitigation techniques, such as revegetation and the placement of rock bags, which aim to protect vulnerable coastal areas.

To deepen their understanding, students engaged in field sketching, carefully drawing the coastal protection methods they observed. The photos provided capture students in action. Through this hands-on experience, students gained valuable insights into the dynamic forces shaping landscapes and the importance of sustainable environmental management.

Rebecca Burgan

Middle School Teacher

Year 5 & 6 SEL (Social and Emotional Program)

As part of the Year 5 and 6 SEL (Social and Emotional Program) the students have been focusing on spreading kindness in our community. As part of this the students painted kindness rocks and created special care packages to deliver to PICAL (Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre).

The rocks were painted with love and care to spread kind messages around our school. Each student designed, painted and clear coated a rock before placing it in a special place around the school. The hope is that another student will find the rock, read the message and it will make their day a better one, before placing the rock in a new location for someone else to find. The students really enjoyed creating these special messages and hope they are making people smile.

The generosity of the 5/6 families and the care each student put into creating each individual gift package was truly heartwarming and a testament to the strength of our school community. Acts like these not only bring comfort to those receiving the gifts but also instil a lasting sense of empathy and connection in the students who prepared them.

Donna Driscoll

Middle School Teacher

Year 6 Scienceworks Excursion

On the 11 June the Year 6 students went to Scienceworks for an excursion. The first thing we went to look at was the Lightning Theatre. In the theatre, our presenter, Owen presented a range of incredible exhibits all to do with energy and electricity. We saw examples of light, sound and heat energy in action. It was the main display that held our attention the most. Constructed within the building was a massive Faraday Cage. If you’re wondering, this is an engineered cage that goes from the ceiling all the way under the concrete. It conducts electricity so that high voltage electricity, like lightning, can safely be created within it. There were also two tesla coils inside this cage. We saw the tesla coils shoot out lightning to the music of Super Mario Bros 2! At the end of the show, Owen asked us to cover our ears as the lightning exploded, hitting all of the mannequins placed in different places within the cage. We learnt a lot about conductors and insulators of electricity and even how to stay safe in a lightning storm.

After the Lightning Room, we had some time in the General Viewing area of Scienceworks. There were running games, wheelchair races, physical challenges, a teleporter thing and many more interesting exhibits. Those who discovered the upstairs section found vibrating couches and iPads to project light displays onto massive pylons. In some of the images, you can see how these creations can be projected onto anyone standing in front of the pylons too.

Overall, we had a wonderful time. It helped us to understand the topic of electricity and we got to have fun with our classmates at the same time.

Edith Jamieson and Liliana Fenwick

Year 6

Year 7 Bento Box incursion

On Monday, 16 June, Estuka from Harapeko Kids visited Newhaven College to teach our Year 7 students about 'Kyaraben' Bento Boxes. Kyaraben is a combination of 'Character' and 'Bento Box' and has become an art form for Japanese parents trying to help their children consume a healthier lunch.

All the students loved having the opportunity to create their own special kyaraben creation! Thank you to Etsuka and all the staff involved on the day.

Lachlan Gale

Japanese Teacher

Year 8 Kendo Martial Arts

Last Friday Reuben and Leah from the Victoria University Kendo Club visited Newhaven College to run a hands-on workshop with our Year 8 students. Kendo is a Japanese martial art form that resembles fencing but instead uses a bamboo sword or 'shinai'. The students learnt how to properly warm up before running through some practical demonstrations with their instructors. They were also treated to a demonstration in which Leah and Reuben went head-to-head in a simulated kendo contest. Finally, the students took part in a Q&A session in which they were able to learn more about the history and traditions associated with this fascinating sport. 

Thank you to the staff, students and instructors who all ensured the day was a big success!

Lachlan Gale

Humanities and Japanese Teacher

Year 8 Community Projects

This week, the Year 8 students showcased their Community Projects to the Year 7s. The Expo, a key part of our Middle School model, highlights student creativity and engagement across a range of subjects. It’s a celebration of learning and a reminder that our students are not just absorbing knowledge, they are contributing meaningfully to the world around them.

Ralph Arceo

Head of Middle School

Student Exhaustion

As the academic year draws closer to its climax, students in Victoria often find themselves grappling with the mounting pressures of preparation for VCE examinations. This intense period of study and assessment is a crucible where diligence and ambition meet the challenges of fatigue, stress, and, for many, burnout. Understanding the roots and repercussions of student exhaustion, as well as equipping students with strategies to navigate these challenges, becomes imperative not just for educators and guardians but also for students themselves.

Addressing this issue begins with cultivating awareness. Schools and families should openly discuss the importance of balance and wellbeing in the face of academic challenges. Students must understand that their health is as vital as their grades. It is not simply about surviving the VCE journey but thriving in it.

The lead-up to VCE examinations is an emotional rollercoaster. Students are inundated with deadlines, revision schedules, practice exams, and the looming spectre of trying to navigate VTAC (kudos to our Head of Careers, Ms Anthea Bennett, who does an excellent job explaining this complex task to our Year 12 students). This multifaceted stress can manifest in physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and even mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. Many students, driven by the fear of underperformance, push themselves beyond their limits, neglecting essential aspects of self-care like sleep, nutrition and leisure.

Practical strategies to alleviate burnout include managing time effectively and setting realistic goals. Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks with regular breaks has proven to enhance focus and retention. Incorporating exercise, even in the form of short walks or stretches, can significantly improve mood and energy levels. Nutrition also plays a key role; consuming balanced meals and staying hydrated can provide the stamina required for rigorous mental work.

Furthermore, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, offer students tools to combat stress. Encouraging hobbies or creative outlets can foster a sense of normalcy and joy, grounding students amidst the chaos of examination preparation. Importantly, educators and parents must advocate for adequate sleep – a cornerstone of cognitive function and emotional resilience.

Ultimately, the journey through VCE examinations should not be a solitary battle but a collaborative effort where students are empowered to succeed without compromising their wellbeing. As the Head of Senior School, I believe it is our duty to nurture not just academic potential but holistic health in our students. Together, we can help them navigate this challenge with strength, wisdom, and grace.

Schools can support their students by ensuring open channels of communication between students, parents and teachers and by creating a safety net where concerns and struggles are addressed empathetically. Friends and peers should also be encouraged to look out for one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

The coming third term of 2025 is the final full term of our Year 12 students’ time here at Newhaven College. It is a stressful one – 9 short weeks with many SACs crammed into a tight schedule. I hope the advice and insight offered here is useful for families trying to prepare their children for the biggest academic moment of their lives – VCE examinations.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

City Cite Success and What’s Next in Year 9

As Term 2 draws to a close, we celebrate the success of our Year 9 students during their City Cite experience. Their behaviour, engagement, and the quality of their presentations were outstanding.

We are especially proud to share that, during their time at FareShare, our students contributed to the production of over 20,000 meals, including 3,100 ready-made microwave meals. This hands-on contribution will directly support people experiencing food insecurity across Victoria. Learn more about Fareshare on their website.

After a two-week break from Commando Game preparation, students returned for the final week full of energy and enthusiasm for what is one of the most anticipated highlights of the Year 9 calendar. The Commando Games bring our students together in a fun, muddy, and joy-filled celebration of teamwork, creativity and resilience.

Looking ahead to Peak Pursuit, our major end-of-year experience, students will need a sleeping bag rated to at least minus five degrees and a set of wool or polypropylene thermals. These items will also be used for Year 10 camp. Through our partnership with ONE PLANET, families will be able to purchase or hire sleeping bags and thermals, with more information to come early in Term 3. The College will provide all other specialist equipment, including tents, sleeping mats and stoves.

Thank you to all families for your continued support. It has been a big and rewarding semester for our Year 9s.

Sam Foura 
Head of Year 9

Year 9 Careers Expo

Our Year 9 students recently attended the annual Careers Expo hosted by the Local Learning and Employment Network. The event provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their strengths and passions. They then interacted with a range of exhibitors from local and metropolitan universities, TAFEs and a wide range of employment and apprenticeship based organisations. 

Students engaged in the day with maturity and the event has opened up their thinking in relation to possibilities for the future.

Anthea Bennett

Head of Careers

Year 9 Peer Tutoring

At Newhaven College, we’re incredibly lucky to be part of a Prep to Year 12 learning community, where students of all ages can learn with and from each other. A beautiful example of this is our peer tutoring program, where Year 9 students support our Junior School learners in reading.

The reading folders used in these sessions are directly aligned with what is being explicitly taught in the classroom, so our Year 9s are helping reinforce key fluency skills like pace, expression, punctuation, and accuracy. But this experience is so much more than just helpful; it’s meaningful. It builds confidence, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.

Interestingly, many of our Year 9 students didn’t receive reading instruction based on the Science of Reading when they were younger, as this approach has only become more widely adopted in recent years. That means our Junior School students are not only being supported but they are also teaching. They are introducing some of our older students to key terminology and helping them understand how to pronounce phonemes (letter sounds) and digraphs (two letters that make one sound), rather than just naming letters.

Beyond reading, our Year 9s have also been assisting with Spelling Mastery sessions in Years 3 and 4 and getting involved in hands-on maths activities. These experiences build confidence, leadership, and empathy in our older students, while giving our younger learners extra support and encouragement.

This reciprocal learning is a powerful reminder of the strength of our whole-school model. It’s a joy to see students across year levels working together, growing together, and building a culture of curiosity and care.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School

Year 9 Market

Year 9 Business students had the opportunity to put their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills into action when they recently participated in their business venture, a Market Stall in Middle School.

Students were responsible for all aspects of the product concept, marketing and financial management of their venture. It was wonderful to see the students develop their innovation, collaboration and enterprise skills.

Anthea Bennett

Head of Careers

Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge

The Science and Engineering Challenge is now in its 25^th year, but this was the first time it had been held in South Gippsland. The goal of the program is to challenge students’ perception of science and engineering and experience aspects of those fields that they normally would not encounter in a school environment. Consequently, we took advantage of the opportunity to take a keen group of Year 10s to Korumburra to take part in the event. The event involves students completing various challenges that draw on mathematical and scientific ways of thinking, in conjunction with a willingness to put ideas to the test and modify if wrong. Most of the challenges take half the day, with a few challenges taking place over the entire day.

Our sixteen Year 10 students were split into teams of 4 to tackle the challenges in competition with a range of other schools from the region, including Korumburra and Leongatha secondary colleges. Challenges included plane construction, code breaking and fish trap construction. The teams performed well on the day, with each group winning at least one of their challenges. The challenge can accommodate up to 32 students and in future we would look to take more students to be more competitive. As it was, our team still finished a creditable fourth. 

Well done to all who took part, and we look forward to next year’s event.

Marc Tillotson

Science Teacher

Road Safety & Schools - Year 11 RYDA Workshop

Last week, our Year 11 students participated in a RYDA Workshop, including sessions on Road Choices, Mind Matters, Speed and Stopping, Crash Investigators, Drive SOS, and The 'I' in Drive.

Professionally developed by Road Safety Education Limited, RYDA is essential education for young drivers and their passengers at just the right time in their lives. The Workshop features a series of practical and powerful sessions that challenge students and lay the foundation for safe road use throughout their lives.

Facilitators worked with students to develop and practise personalised strategies and life skills which will help them respond positively to challenges on the road, both as drivers and highly influential passengers.

Go to this document for more information.

Work Experience - Hudson Ridd

During Term 2, Year 10 Bass student, Hudson Ridd, volunteered each Thursday afternoon to complete a 5-week workplace experience at the Cowes MyLi Library. A goal of Hudson’s learning program is to engage in the community and have opportunities for connection and to develop confidence and social skills in different settings.

Hudson also enjoyed volunteering in the Newhaven College JS Year 4 classrooms, where he assisted students both in class with reading and sport-based activities at PE.

We would like to thank MyLi Manager, Sue Hamilton and teachers Kate Middleton, Fiona Smart and Jackie Clark for providing Hudson with these enriching opportunities. Thank you also to Learning Support Aides, Lucinda Schenk and Alyssa Gijsbers for supporting Hudson.

We are very proud of Hudson’s excellent work ethic, respect and engagement in these experiences!

Ruth Turton

Learning Support Teacher – Inclusion

Work experience at the Library – Hudson’s Reflection

During term 2, I went to the library in Cowes for work experience. I went to Berninneit every Thursday afternoon for five weeks. On the first day I met Sue and Bec, who were very helpful. One of the main jobs was to stack books on the shelves; this requires you to have a good knowledge of alphabetical order and the Dewey decimal system. I became very fast at putting books away. I also helped by organising the books on the return trolley and putting them in alphabetical order. Another job I did was helping Bec sort Lego into separate boxes for the after-school Lego club. Something that was really challenging was when the shelves were really tight and the books would not fit. Sue helped to move the books around so that we could get all of the books on the shelves.

Another job that helped with was cutting out vegetable seed labels and sticking them on the small envelopes that the seeds were being put into. The seeds are given out to visitors of the library for free.

The staff at the library were very kind and helpful. I learnt a lot of new things that I found interesting, and I hope to use these skills in the future.

Hudson Ridd

Year 10

Winter soiree

On Monday 16 June, the Performing Arts Wing (PAW) came alive with music.

Our music students shared their talents with friends and family. Band Instruments & Voice students performed in the Black Box, Piano & Voice students performed in the Rehearsal Hall and our Orchestral Instrument students enjoyed the open foyer location to share their skills. 

Congratulations to all the students who performed, our Music Captains, Archie Robson, Cecily de Gooyer and Charlee Pedersen, who introduced each act. Our wonderful music staff accompanied and supported our students throughout.

Thank you to Sam from Yewafilms for assisting with the photography on the night.

VET Music Performances

There was no shortage of smiles on stage or in the audience this week as our VCE VET musicians treated us to a series of top-level performances at three separate events – 1^st Year lunchtime performances on Monday and Wednesday and a 2^nd Year event on Tuesday night. With the Black Box theatre looking its best, thanks to an upgraded lighting design by COG Audio, our students stole the show, with accomplished performances that brought together students from Years 9 to 12 and showcased months of planning, teamwork, rehearsal, musicality, creativity and such diversity of their own unique personalities and musical interests. 

We’re so proud of you all! If you haven’t come to one of our VCE or VET performance nights this year, you should make it a priority – our students truly are inspiring.

Rob Turton

VET Music Teacher 

2nd Year VET Performance

On Tuesday night, parents and friends were entertained by our VET 2nd Year students. Performers included: 

Aoife O’Connell - with Finn Farley, Aisha Glass, Nissa Campbell-Walker and Cecily de Gooyer

Why Goats Why? - Indigo Aurora, Aisha Glass, Archie Robson, Gabe di Falco and Noah Thompson 

Coastline -Tilly Russell, Eddy Kratz, Campbell Duncan, Dave Prideaux and Matthew Goss

Foil – Felix Fothergill, Finn McLean, Meyanna Christensen, Elleah Rodgers and Georgia Sanders

if and when – Eve Oakley, Jemilla Prideaux, Aoife O’Connell, River Henderson, Bede Prideaux, Finn Campbell Walker and David Prideaux

Lunchtime Performances

Monday: Zenith Paradox – Finn Farley, Flynn Dengerink, Holly Martelli and James Cameron

Wednesday: Shae Foster, River Henderson, Elleah Rodgers and Noah Thompson; followed by Elsa Osabutey, Alyssa Rogers and Tom Reich.

Middle School Art

On display in the Collect are some incredible artworks by our Year 6s and 7s. If you're on campus, please take a few minutes to have a look.

The Year 7s have created colourful paintings of imaginary scenes from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and Felt toys that reflect each child's individual hobbies and personalities. The students were able to create some whimsical pieces, which are colourful and fun.

Year 6 designed mandalas on paper first and then transferred these intricate designs onto calico bags which were then painted in watered down acrylics.  Emphasis was on line, pattern and repetitive colours.

Rebecca Power and Sian Adnam

Art Teachers

Year 10 Product Design and Technologies, Textiles

This semester, the Year 10 Product Design and Technologies, Textiles students were given a design brief asking them to design and make a sustainable, coordinated pyjama short and top set. The pyjamas needed to be also, fashionable and comfortable for sleeping in and being worn around at home. The design of the T-shirt was to be original in design and be created using one or more fabric decorating techniques researched in class. These included silk screening, embroidery, hand painting, free motion embroidery, appliqué and digital screen printing. 

The students also tried to ensure sustainable practices were used in the designing and making of their product as much as possible. They used a 100% cotton T-shirt and 100% cotton printed fabric for the shorts, which were sourced from a local fabric supply shop. The students used the off cuts of fabric to create a designer collection. These products ranged from zippered pouch bags, scrunchies, stuffed toys, small charm toys, a shower cap, a small tote bag, a teddy bear and an apron. 

These are now on display in the Main Reception and Specialist Wing foyer.

Fiona Anastasi

Art Teacher

Year 10 Spinning

The Year 10 students have also been learning about the origins of fibre, threads and fabrics. With students spinning on a spinning wheel and using Alpaca fleece kindly donated to the school by Pauline Grotto.

Fiona Anastasi

Art Teacher

MYC Gymnastics Incursion

The Junior School was thrilled to welcome MYC Gymnastics to Newhaven College in early June. Our Year 2, 3, and 4 students each enjoyed an hour-long session, learning new skills and building on their gymnastics foundations from their PE sessions. 

A big thank you to Ebony and Mia from MYC for an inspiring and energetic day.

Jaclyn Clark

Junior School PE and Sports Teacher

Prep-Year 1 Swimming Carnival

Our Prep to Year 1 Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and incredible effort from all our young swimmers. Every student took to the pool with determination and a big smile, making it a day of maximum participation.

A huge thank you to Mrs Huther, Mrs Pedersen, Mrs Austin, Mr H, Mrs Lynch, our dedicated Year 4 and Year 8 House and Sport Captains, and our amazing parent volunteers, (with a special thank you to Pharrah Underwood for taking the photos).  Your support and encouragement helped make the day so memorable and showcased the strength of our school community.

Congratulations to Bass House, who took out the top spot in this year’s carnival! Well done to all students for giving it their absolute best, we are so proud of you!

Jaclyn Clark

Junior School PE and Sports Teacher

Year 5/6 Interschool Competition - AFL & Girls Netball

Our Year 5/6 boys AFL and girls netball teams did our school proud in the interschool competition. On Friday, 30 May, the teams headed to Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve for the District competition, and it was a great day of sports.

Girls Netball 

The netballers played really well. The A Team had a solid run, winning 3 out of 4 games. The B1 Team went undefeated, winning all 3 of their matches. The B2 Team wasn’t far behind, winning 2 out of 3 games. It was great to see everyone work together, show improvement, and play with such good sportsmanship.

Boys AFL 

Our AFL boys were just as impressive. The A Team fought hard and made it all the way to the grand final against St Joseph’s Wonthaggi. It was a close match, and they only lost by 8 points. Even though they came up just short, they played with a lot of heart, and their teamwork was excellent. Our B teams worked hard all day and had some great action on the field. It was fantastic to see such great sportsmanship, inviting kids from other schools to join in the games so everyone could take part.

A big thank you to our amazing coaches: Nick Russo, Jake Wright, Mrs. Burgan, Maddie Mcaskall, Elisha Blake, and Mrs. Driscoll. Your support and guidance were a big help in assisting in the success of the day.

Well done to all players.

Jaclyn Clark

Junior School PE and Sports Teacher

Year 5/6 District Sports - AFLW & Boys Netball

What a fantastic day it was for our Year 5/6 district teams on Friday, 13 June. Both the girls football and boys netball teams gave it their all, coming away with a couple of wins each and a whole lot of smiles. The weather was perfect, adding to the energy and excitement.

A big thank you to our amazing coaches, Luci Mannix, Dean Blake, Ms. Ramage and Mrs. Driscoll, for their dedication and hard work in guiding the teams to success.

Our teams faced off against strong opposition from other local schools, showcasing some excellent sporting talent. The 9v9 format for AFLW proved to be a highlight, offering players the chance to explore different positions and gain more opportunities for possession, which kept the game engaging for all.

Jaclyn Clark

Junior School PE and Sports Teacher

Regional Cross Country Championships

On Thursday, 5 June, our primary school cross-country team competed at the Regional Cross Country Championships held at Drouin Golf Club. We are incredibly proud of their outstanding efforts and the way they represented our school with determination.

Congratulations to the following students for making it to the regional championships and running so well: Dae Anderson, Zen Dalli, Bridget Doig, Jett Fawaz, Noah Hollings, Izaac Naarden and Alfie Russo.

Their commitment to training really shone through on the day. Well done to all!

Jaclyn Clark

Junior School PE and Sports Teacher

House Netball 

Our House Netball competitions have started over the last couple of weeks, with fierce battles playing out on the court. The Senior School games have finished up this term, with Year 7 & 8 closing the competition early next term.

Our unique House structure creates identity, companionship and a strong sense of support for students, with some healthy competition along the way.

MTB Academy Perform 

Newhaven College MTB Academy Shines at Rocky Trail Academy Melbourne Schools Championship!

The Newhaven College MTB Academy made the trek to Red Hill on Friday 30 May to deliver a strong and spirited performance at the Rocky Trail Academy Melbourne School Championship, with 25 students taking on the challenging course in a day full of fun, thrills and outstanding results.

Competing against schools from across the region, Newhaven riders made their mark with podium finishes in all three categories they entered. Lucy Thompson led the charge with a commanding 1st place finish in the Years 7–8 Girls division, showcasing both technical skill and superior fitness. In the Years 7–8 Boys, Maxen Mills' strong performance secured a place on the podium with a well-earned 3rd place, while Hamish Dakers-Hock also placed 3rd in the ultra-competitive Years 9-10 Boys category.

Thanks to outstanding individual performances and a strong team effort, Newhaven College achieved an impressive second place overall in the school standings - surpassing several schools with long-established mountain biking programs. With momentum building, Newhaven’s MTB students are already setting their sights on the top spot as the series continues, with the next event scheduled for early September in Silvan, Yarra Ranges.

These results are a testament to the success and growth of Newhaven’s MTB Academy, and the dedication shown by all students was a credit to the school. Congratulations to all riders, supporters, and coaches who made the day a success.

Steve Scott

MTB Coordinator

MTB at Round 2 of State Series

Newhaven College was proudly represented at Round 2 of the Victorian Schools Cross Country Mountain Bike Series, held on Sunday 22 June at Lysterfield Park. With clear blue skies and ideal winter riding conditions, the event brought together students from across Victoria for a day of spirited competition on Lysterfield’s iconic singletrack trails.

Nineteen Newhaven College students took part in the event, each demonstrating determination, teamwork and sportsmanship on the demanding course. The College is proud to celebrate several outstanding individual results from the day.

Podium Highlights:

• Under 11 Boys
  Austin Mitchell – 2nd Place
  Will Walker – 3rd Place
• Under 13 Girls
  Evelyn McCabe – 3rd Place
• Under 15 Girls
  Lucy Thompson – 1st Place

These performances are a credit to the hard work and preparation the riders have put in, both individually and as part of the school MTB program. Newhaven College congratulates all who finished the event—your effort and support for one another truly reflect the spirit of Newhaven College and its MTB Academy.

A big thank you also goes out to the event organisers, volunteers, and supporting families who made the day such a great success. Without your ongoing support, drive, and patience, these opportunities could never be realised by our students. 

Steve Scott 

MTB Academy Coordinator