R U OK? Day at Newhaven College
Last Thursday Junior School led a special Wellbeing Lunch Club to mark R U OK? Day. Wellbeing Captains, Savannah James and Indy van Damme and students from across the College joined in a range of activities, including the ever-popular chance to leave colourful and creative messages on the Junior School windows. It was a wonderful way to pause, connect, and remind each other of the importance of checking in with friends.
To continue the spirit of the day, our Year 12 students and staff enjoyed a coffee van visit on Thursday afternoon. While a week later than the national day, it provided the perfect opportunity to gather together, share a conversation, and enjoy a well-earned treat.
Sarah Denham
College Counsellor
Celebrating Our Incredible Learning Support Aides
Last week, during Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, we recognised the outstanding work of our Learning Support Aides. Their patience, care, and dedication enriched the lives of our students and strengthened the fabric of our College community.
From offering quiet encouragement to celebrating student successes, and from fostering inclusion to providing vital classroom support, their impact was both profound and lasting.
On behalf of the entire Newhaven College staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our Learning Support Aides. Our classrooms were brighter, kinder, and more supportive because of you.
With gratitude,
Kurt, Ruth, Cynthia, Kim, and the Newhaven College staff
Wear it Purple Day
On Friday 29 August we celebrated Wear it Purple day in Middle school. This day recognizes young LGBTQIA+ people and encourages all students to express their authentic themselves. The selfie booth was awash with fairy wings, hats and all things purple.
Christina Aitkin & Tahnee Brown
SEISA Chess Competition
On Tuesday the 12th of August, Scarlette, Mathew, Ayden, Mackenzie, Steven, and Cruz proudly represented the Newhaven College at the SEISA Chess Competition held at Gippsland Grammar. The atmosphere was electric, with strong competition between schools and every student striving for victory in their rounds. Each of our players approached the challenge with focus and determination, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. Mackenzie was particularly driven in his matches and came incredibly close to earning a SEISA ribbon, missing out by only the narrowest of margins. Importantly, every member of the team achieved at least one win across their rounds, a fantastic effort that left smiles shining on their faces. Beyond the results, what stood out most was the way the students supported one another—celebrating each success and encouraging each other through tougher matches. The team spirit, perseverance, and enthusiasm displayed made the day a memorable and rewarding experience for all.
Carmel Roberts
Senior School Sambell-B Mentor
SEISA Junior Debating Competition
On the same day, Harshaam, Michael, Jordy, and McKenzie participated enthusiastically in the SEISA Junior Debating Competition. In preparation, the team dedicated time each Friday during Term 2 to learn debating techniques and master their positions. This thorough preparation ensured they were ready and focused, confidently presenting arguments and rebuttals as they engaged with the opposing team on the motion: “All students should have to participate in an overseas exchange.” As the affirmative team, they faced the challenge of arguing a position that was somewhat harder to defend, but they organised their rebuttals carefully and approached each round with determination. Each student proudly took their position, and as a team, they debated with poise, skill, and confidence. Special thanks are due to Michael, who graciously took on the role of support team member, providing guidance and encouragement even though he did not actively debate on the day.
SEISA Senior Debating Competition
by Tilly Stecher
On the 12th of August, I competed at SEISA debating alongside my teammates Matilda Feehan and Jasmine Ruffin at Gippsland Grammar in Sale. Having worked closely together earlier in the year, we were well-prepared and collaborated effectively. As a senior team, our debate topic was only revealed on the day. Our secret debate topic was, “Should the government regulate screen time?” We were assigned the affirmative side and had just one hour to prepare for our debate. Jasmine opened the debate as first speaker, followed by Matilda and I as second and third speakers. In the end it was an incredibly close contest. St Paul’s Warragul narrowly won with a score of 224 to our 223. This happened to be the highest scoring senior debate of the day, leaving us in second place overall, a huge improvement since last year. Beyond the results, the day was an incredible opportunity to build our speaking skills and meet like-minded students. Unlike many other SEISA events, SEISA debating gives you the opportunity to truly connect and get to know students from other schools. Overall, the experience inspired us to continue improving our skills and return next year, aiming for the win.
Silent Auction Bulldogs Signed Guernsey Winner
The winner of the Bulldogs signed guernsey silent auction has been announced! Congratulations to Wes Stecher, who secured this prized item with an incredible bid. Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the cause!
Support the 2025 College Charity
Buy some tickets for the Bali Getaway Raffle
Win 5 nights at the Kleo Resort in Seminyak, Bali for 2 people!
- Tickets: $10 each or 2 for $15
- Tickets available from Junior, Middle, Senior and Main receptions. You can visit them in person or just call main reception to buy your tickets!
- Winner announced early in Term 4
Don’t miss your chance to escape to paradise!
Every ticket purchased and every bid made goes directly toward supporting our College charity. Thank you for helping us make a difference while having the chance to take home an incredible prize!
See attached poster for further details!
School Captains: Gabriel de Falco, Abby Papas, Isaac Savona and Grace Howlett
Parents and Friends Association Report
Newhaven College Shopping Tour
Only 2 more weeks to book your tickets to the Newhaven Shopping Tour!
Have you booked your seat?
Treat yourself to a fabulous day out with fellow Newhaven College parents on our Shopping Tour. It is the perfect opportunity to connect with other parents, enjoy some time away from the kids, and indulge in a little “me time.”
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s also the ideal chance to get ahead on your gift list while discovering some fantastic bargains. We’ll be visiting some of Melbourne’s best discount outlets, including Converse, Bonds, Siricco, In Essence, along with a great variety of fashion, apparel, giftware and more.
Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
Departure: 7:30am sharp from Newhaven College
Return: Approx. 6:00pm
Cost: $55 per person
Highlights of the Day
- A full day of shopping and connection with the school community (adults-only event)
- 7% of your total spend donated back to the school by the retailers
- Exciting raffle prizes to be won on the bus
All proceeds supporting the Junior School Playground Upgrade
Tickets are available now:
https://www.trybooking.com/DDIWW
Father’s Day Stall
Our Father’s Day Stall was held on Tuesday, 2 September, and it was wonderful to see so many students choosing thoughtful gifts for their dads, grandads and special people in their lives.
Every student who purchased a gift received a raffle ticket for the chance to win a special hamper that included gifts generously sponsored by:
- Hill Top Farm Meats – (2 cookbooks, jerky & meat rub)
- Sun House Coffee Roasters – (bag of coffee beans)
Bass Coast Boat and Caravan Storage – ($50 Bunnings voucher)
Congratulations to Oscar in Year 3R, the lucky winner of the hamper! A big thank you to our sponsors for their generosity and to the parent helpers who made the stall such a success.
Get Involved
We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events that bring the school community together. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to us at newhaven.pfa@gmail.com.
Angel Chambers
President | Parents and Friends Association
Mr Chris Holt
We share below a heartfelt tribute from our founding Principal, Mr Frank Moore, honouring the life and lasting impact of Chris Holt, a founding staff member of Newhaven College.
Chris Holt died on the 2nd September in the UK. He was a founding member of staff who taught at the college from 1981 – 1984. He was one of a small group of teachers who established the ethos of Newhaven College in its first five years. He introduced and set up the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He led the first school camp to the Cumberland River Gorge near Lorne. He was an inspired all-round teacher who was Master-in-charge of the original Years 7 and 8 Woody Point school. He had all the qualities of an old-fashioned Regimental Sergeant Major. He would line up the Year 7 and 8s every morning and inspect their shoes. His blackboard writing was a kind of copperplate calligraphy. It was he who named the first staff building, ‘The Bridge’ and prepared the signboard. The first 100 students loved him for his tongue-in-cheek humour. He was married to Anne Holt who subsequently put Newhaven on the map as a leading drama school. He has two step-daughters: Odilla and Grainne O’Boyle and one son, Martin Holt, a teacher in Melbourne. We wish them all love and peace.
Frank Moore
Newhaven College Founding Principal