Junior School

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on what continues to be a very productive and positive year.

World Teachers’ Day was a very special occasion for our teachers, filled with kind words, gestures, and thoughtful gifts that showed just how much they are appreciated. Thank you to our students and families for making this day so meaningful.

Parent involvement and support have been instrumental in creating a positive community where families value partnerships in education and are involved in many aspects of school life and their child’s learning journey. Thank you to our Junior School community for the positivity, encouragement, and support you bring to Newhaven College.

Music Spring Soirée

The Music Spring Soirée was an incredible showcase of student talent and dedication. Our students demonstrated the commitment and courage it takes to learn an instrument and perform confidently in front of an audience. Congratulations to all who performed and thank you to our music teachers for their guidance, encouragement, and passion for music education. The results of their dedication were clearly on display during this wonderful evening of performances. Photos of this wonderful event can be found in the 'Visual & Performing Arts' section of this newsletter.

Year 3 Leadership Speeches

Congratulations to our Year 3 students for the effort and confidence shown in preparing and presenting captaincy speeches for a range of leadership roles in Year 4 next year. We are now at the final stage, and we are proud of every student applying for a captaincy position. Year 4 is a great year where students get to be role models and leaders of the Junior School, irrespective of a title. We look forward to seeing our young leaders step up and embrace these exciting opportunities.

Transition Sessions

With many new enrolments joining us next year, our Junior School hosted a Transition Afternoon last Wednesday for incoming Year 2 and Year 3 students. It was a wonderful opportunity for new students to meet their teachers and classmates ahead of Orientation Day. Our current Junior School students were outstanding buddies, making everyone feel welcome and sharing their favourite things about Newhaven College. It was lovely to see friendships forming and new students already feeling part of our school family. We look forward to welcoming our 2026 Junior School students as they begin their Newhaven journey.

Community Connections that Last

At Newhaven College, building relationships is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond the classroom, families are welcomed into a caring community where genuine connections flourish. Parent volunteers and Class Representatives organise social events, from ten-pin bowling nights to paint-and-sip evenings and casual catch-ups at local venues, helping families form friendships that last well beyond the early years. Our Class Representatives also play an important role in creating online parent groups to share reminders, updates, and celebrate milestones together, helping strengthen the sense of belonging that defines the Newhaven experience. I would like to sincerely thank our 2025 Class Representatives for their time, energy, and commitment to building a strong and connected school community.

Wellbeing Picnic

Next Wednesday, 19 November, our Wellbeing Captains, Savannah and Indy, together with Sarah Derham from our wellbeing team, are hosting a Wellbeing Picnic for any Junior School students who wish to join. The picnic will be held during Break 2 (lunchtime) on the grass area outside Mrs. Huther’s office. All who attend will receive a Zooper Dooper! It’s a great way to connect, relax, and celebrate wellbeing in our school community.

Key Dates

Friday, 28 November: Student-Free Day

Tuesday, 2 December, 2:15 pm: Year 4 Graduation Assembly - Year 4 families are warmly invited to attend this special assembly as we celebrate our students’ transition from Junior School to Middle School.

Wednesday, 3 December: Prep–Year 4 Orientation Day

Students start in their usual class.

• Morning session: 2026 classes announced; students move to their new class until lunchtime.
• Year 1–4 orientation finishes at 1:30 pm, then return to regular classes.
• Prep transition finishes at 1:00 pm.
• Incoming Year 2 & 3 enrolments stay until 3:20 pm.
• Future Year 5 (current Year 4) students finish at 3:20 pm in their 2026 classroom.

Thursday, 4 December: Junior School Class Morning Tea & Student/Teacher Picnic

• Students supply a small plate for their class morning tea that begins at 10.30am for students and teachers.
• Followed by Junior School Games (Prep–Year 4).
• Attend the Middle School Production of The Real Alice in Wonderland in Period 4. (Year 3 and 4)

Monday, 8 December – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Junior School Celebration Afternoon

We are excited to celebrate our achievements at the upcoming Junior School Celebration Afternoon on Monday 8 December. Each Junior School class will perform an item, and all families are invited to join us for this special event. It will be a wonderful afternoon of celebration, showcasing the talents and hard work of our students. Students to wear full summer uniform with jumper and polished shoes.

Tuesday, 9 December: Final Day for Prep–Year 11 Students - End-of-Year Christmas Assembly and Farewells for students and teachers.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. I look forward to celebrating the end of the year with you all at our upcoming events.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School