Gratitude and Growth
As we enter the second half of this term, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come as individuals and as a Middle School community. 2025 has been a year of learning, growth, and shared experiences, and none of it would be possible without the ongoing support of our staff, students, and families. Thank you for the time, energy, and care you bring to our school every day.
As we approach the final weeks, it’s worth taking some inspiration from Jamie Melham. A few weeks ago, Jamie made history by winning both the Caulfield Cup and, last week, she won the Melbourne Cup. A remarkable achievement built on dedication, resilience, and belief. It’s a wonderful reminder to dream big and make the most of every opportunity. That’s exactly what I want all Middle School students to remember as we head into the final stretch of the year.
The coming weeks are a chance to turn small gaps into great results. I encourage every student to put in their best effort with their end-of-year assessments, to stay positive, and to be kind, respectful, and considerate as things start to feel more relaxed. Let’s finish the year on a high note, proud of our progress and the way we’ve supported one another. A quick reminder to wear hats during break times -sun safety remains important as the weather warms up!
Our teachers are busy writing reports, continuing to deliver curriculum, and planning for 2026 and their commitment to your children is something to be truly grateful for.
Remembrance Day
This week, Middle School mentors shared In Flanders Fields with their Home Groups, taking time to reflect on its message and the importance of Remembrance Day. As a school, we paused to remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country, and we honour them by showing respect, kindness, and gratitude. The whole-school Remembrance Day Service was held in the Amphitheatre. Pictures of the commemoration can be found in the ‘College News’ section of this newsletter.
Key Dates
Tuesday 25 November: Final Middle School Assembly – celebrating our Year 8 graduates and farewelling departing students. Parents and caregivers, especially of Year 8 students, are warmly invited.
Wednesday 26 November: Year 5 (2026) Coffee Catch-up – 3:30pm at The Collect. A relaxed opportunity for parents and caregivers to chat with staff and ask questions.
Friday 28 November: Correction Day – Student Free Day.
Wednesday 3 December: Prep – Year 8 Orientation Day – students step up into their 2026 grades. Year 8 students moving into Year 9 will visit the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi.
Thursday 4 December: Middle School Production – The Real Alice in Wonderland– 2pm and 6:30pm in The Collect.
Monday 8 December: Years 5–11 Presentation Evening – 6:00pm in the Gymnasium.
Tuesday 9 December: Last Day of School 2:20pm finish.
Let’s finish with gratitude for what we’ve achieved and with the determination to end the year positively together.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
APSMO Mathematics Olympiad Success
The Newhaven College Extension Program proudly participates in the APSMO (Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads), along with other fun code-breaking and word-problem challenges that help students think creatively and flexibly in mathematics. The Olympiad offers two exciting divisions: Division OS (Years 7 & 8) and Division OJ (Years 5 & 6), each designed to build advanced reasoning skills, confidence and a love of problem-solving beyond the classroom.
During preparation for the competitions, students explored a wide range of problem-solving strategies - including creating tables, using trial and improvement, and even applying drama techniques to act out scenarios. They regularly used RUCSAC and CUBES frameworks to break down complex questions and take a structured approach. Most importantly, they were encouraged to embrace challenge and become comfortable feeling a little uncomfortable when tackling unfamiliar problems - a vital mindset for successful mathematical thinking.
Students were recently recognised at our Middle School Assembly for their participation in the APSMO competitions. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements. In the Senior Division (Years 7 & 8), Oscar Wilson achieved the highest score for our school and placed in the top 25% of the competition. Allan Dunn, Callan Reilly and Ambrose de Gooyer also performed exceptionally well, each placing in the top 25%. In the Junior Division, Jack Mannix was our highest-scoring participant - a fantastic effort!
Congratulations to all students involved for their determination, enthusiasm and amazing results. We look forward to seeing even more exciting problem-solving success through our Extension Program in the future!
Aaron Chaston and Ralph Arceo
Flynn wins Public Speaking Competition
The annual Rotary Public Speaking Competition was held for local Primary Schools across the Bass Coast on Thursday 23 October at Bass Coast College (McKenzie campus). Speakers from Cowes, Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Nth, San Remo, St Joseph's, Inverloch and Newhaven College talked before an audience on a range of important topics. 3rd place went to San Remo PS, with a speech delivered about making a difference to our planet if we were Prime Minister for a Day. 2nd place went to Inverloch PS with a powerful presentation about local hero Eleanor Patterson. 1st place went to our very own Year 6 student, Flynn Wright, who spoke brilliantly about local hero Mat Bowtell from Free 3D Hands, a past student of Newhaven College who inspired Flynn in his material for the event. Congratulations to all of the students, and in particular to Flynn, who was able to come away with the first prize trophy for himself and for Newhaven College.
Flynn said about the event: "On Thursday night, I went to Bass Coast College, McKenzie Campus to deliver my speech about 'My Bass Coast Hero - Mat Bowtell'. When I got there, I was nervous, but as I was speaking first, I didn't have time to think about it. Once I started, the speech flowed, and I felt a lot better. The competition was tough, and I felt really proud of how I did. It was a great experience to be part of and I'm happy with my effort."
Rebecca Burgan
Year 6 Teacher
The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland
Come along to our Middle School Production of the Lewis Carroll-inspired story of The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland, by Kristen Doherty.
Director, Melissa McMillan and our enthusiastic Middle School cast have been rehearsing this incredibly fun and energetic p[play. Come along to The Collect in Middle School on Thursday 4 December at 2pm or 6.30pm to join in on the fun.
Wellbeing Chicks!
James from year 7 hatched some cross-breed chicks (Silkie & Araucana) and the Gale family were lucky enough to get a couple. Their names are Saxon and Snowy and they have been visiting the Middle School Wellbeing room, spreading their cuteness around, bringing lots of joy. They have visited a few times now, and have been a very popular attraction during break times. Some of the students have been super helpers and have taken very good care of them.
Thanks to the students, they are getting very used to being held and human contact.
