Welcome to the 2026 school year. It has been a wonderful start, filled with energy, optimism and a strong sense of connection across our Junior School community.
Throughout 2026, our Junior School will reinforce the message: “Give Everything a Go”. It reflects our shared belief that learning grows from effort, curiosity and the confidence to try, even when something feels challenging. We want our students to develop a strong propensity to engage, persevere and believe in themselves, knowing they are supported every step of the way. At Newhaven College, we are fortunate to offer a unique environment filled with diverse opportunities that fully support this aspiration.
A warm welcome to our new students and families, especially our Prep families and our new Year 3 students, as we proudly open our third Year 3 classroom. It has been wonderful to see how confidently and happily students have settled into their routines, friendships and learning.
Our Prep students have made a joyful start to school, supported by the strong transition program last year. Familiar faces and routines helped them feel connected and excited for this special beginning, which we were pleased to celebrate with Prep families through a shared morning tea on their first day.
A Strong Start to Learning
Our teachers have established clear and supportive classroom expectations to create calm, respectful learning environments where every child feels safe and ready to learn. Consistent routines and high expectations provide structure and predictability, helping students understand what is expected and allowing learning time to be used effectively. By setting these foundations early, we build a culture of respect and responsibility that supports students to thrive both academically and socially.
Whole School & Junior School Assemblies
At last week’s Whole School Assembly, our Year 4 leaders were presented with their leadership badges and officially welcomed into their roles. They have begun the year with confidence and maturity and are already wonderful role models for our younger students.
Next week marks our first Junior School Assembly in The Collect, led by the entire Year 4 cohort. Each student will make a leadership pledge, committing to ways they will support, encourage and inspire others across the Junior School. This is a powerful example of what it means to give everything a go and leading with courage, responsibility and care.
Partnership Afternoon and Information Sessions
Our Partnership Afternoon, held this week was a great success. Families had the opportunity to meet teachers, learn about classroom programs and gain insight into how best to support learning at home. Year-level presentations were followed by a relaxed BBQ, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships between home and school as we begin our 2026 learning journey together.
Home Learning: Building Reading & Number Fluency
Regular home practice in reading and number fluency is key to building strong foundational skills. At Newhaven College, homework directly supports what students learn in class through clear, achievable tasks designed to build confidence and independence.
Reading logs, signed by a parent each day, are part of our expectations, with teachers providing daily recognition. Recommended home learning times are:
- Prep–Year 2: 15 minutes
- Years 3–4: 20 minutes
Last year, 100% of Prep students consistently completed their home learning. In 2026, we aim for 90–100% of Junior School students to earn a Home Learning Certificate each term by showing commitment and consistency.
Continuous Reporting
This Friday, Junior School families will receive our first continuous reporting snapshot for the year, sharing how students have settled into routines, learning and friendships. Continuous reporting provides timely, meaningful feedback across all subject areas and supports rich conversations during Parent-Teacher Interviews, ensuring families are well informed well before semester reports are issued.
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is essential for learning and wellbeing. Missing just 10% of school time equates to approximately four weeks of learning lost each year. Being at school every day supports confidence, connection and continuity in learning. Attendance is monitored closely, and any concerns will be discussed with families to ensure every child is supported.
Adventure Playground, Building Works & Exciting Developments
Please read the update report from Alan Nolan, Director of Business, in the College News section of this newsletter for an update on our new Adventure Playground, new classrooms and amenities blocks, and the refurbishment of the Junior School assembly area.
School Photographs
Photo forms have been distributed to Junior School families this week and should be returned to classroom teachers in preparation for Week 4 school photographs.
Year 1–4 photographs: Wednesday 18 February
Prep photographs: Friday 20 February (due to Wednesday testing)
Class Representatives
To help strengthen connections within our community, we are seeking parent class representatives to organise at least one gathering per term. If you are interested, please email Dearne Young at Dearne.Young@newhavencol.vic.edu.au by Friday 13 February.
Thank you for the warm and positive way you have partnered with us to begin the year. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth and connection, and to supporting our students as they give everything a go in 2026.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Professional Learning – Number Fluency
While students were preparing to start the year, our Junior School, Mathematics and Learning Support teachers took part in a professional learning day focused on number fluency, led by mathematics education expert Dr Ange Rogers.
The session strengthened teachers’ approaches to developing students’ confidence, accuracy and fluency with essential number skills. Dr Rogers shared practical, research-based strategies to enhance our Numeracy Instructional Model, leaving staff feeling confident and well-equipped to support strong learning outcomes for all students.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Preps 2026
Our new Preps have settled in nicely to their classes and the school as a whole. Mrs Lynch and Mrs Carlson have ensured our Preps transition into school life has been smooth and they're settling in nicely.
The Preps' first day was particularly exciting, although they all already knew their classrooms and teachers after the transition days in 2025. After drop off, parents and carers were welcomed by Mr Corr and Mrs Huther with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
