Foundation Day
Last Tuesday was Newhaven College’s annual Foundation Day. We recognised this important day with a full school assembly in the gymnasium. We also welcomed back many special guests who helped build our College including Life Governors and past staff. The event is a celebration of the school, recognising where we have been and showcasing the present. It is also a significant occasion for our Preps as it is the first full school assembly they attend. They were welcomed by being presented with their House badges by our senior students.
Our Foundation Day guest speaker was 1985 Newhaven College School Captain, Mr Cameron Ashe AIM. Cameron has had a very successful career in national intelligence and is currently the Deputy Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, which is Australia’s intelligence agency responsible for signals and cyber intelligence. Such has been Cameron’s contribution to this area that this year he was recognised with the Australian Intelligence Medal at the Australia Day Honours. Cameron spoke fondly of his time at the College and encouraged all our students to consider the many options possible for them post school.
Student Achievements
So far in second term, we have had students achieve a very high level in a range of areas.
Congratulations to all of our students who represented Newhaven College as part of the victorious SEISA athletics team in the competition at Casey Fields on 3 May. Last year was the first time Newhaven College had won a major sports carnival. So to defend that title this year, by the slender margin of 5 points over St Pauls, was a wonderful achievement.
Our surfers also performed exceptionally well at the recent Surfing Victoria State Independent School Titles. Our mixed team came third and our girls' team placed first amongst Victorian independent schools – yet again showing the depth of surfing talent at our school.
I would also like to congratulate all those involved in the very successful production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre. The production was a glittering showcase of the performing arts talent at the College. My special thanks to Director Karen Milkins-Hendry, Musical Director Matt Goss, and all of the staff and volunteers who brought this production to life. Special recognition to our wonderfully talented students who made up the cast and members of the orchestra. They were simply outstanding.
Mother's and Grandmother's Lunch
Our inaugural Mother’s and Grandmother’s Lunch was a great success, attracting over 90 mums who were in great spirits at the Phillip Island Winery. All in attendance were entertained by musical items from two of our wonderfully talented young singers, Cecily de Gooyer (Year 11) and Aoife O’Connell (Year 10). It was particularly pleasing to see a number of grandmothers travel from Melbourne for the lunch. My thanks to the PFA for their support of this event. We look forward to this becoming a regular part of the College calendar on the Friday before Mother’s Day each year.
All of the topics above are highlighted throughout this newsletter.
In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength
Tony Corr
Principal