19 September 2025 | College Newsletter - Issue #9

Senior School

BRETT TORSTONSON

Head of Senior School

Term 3 Reflections at Newhaven College:
A Season of Achievement, Challenge, and Community

Term 3 at Newhaven College has been an especially vibrant and memorable period, marked by a blend of athletic triumphs, academic rigor, and artistic brilliance. For students and staff alike, the past months have been a tapestry of spirited competition, personal growth, and communal celebration, all of which have contributed to the distinctive character of our College.

Academically, Term 3 presented significant challenges, particularly for our Year 12 cohort. With numerous SACs across a wide range of subjects, time management and resilience became essential skills. The approach of Trial Examinations in less than two weeks marks another step in an intense academic journey, with the final term promising to be astonishingly brief for our graduating students. The rigors extended to Year 11 students enrolled in Unit 3/4 VCE subjects, who have had to rise to meet senior-level expectations. Meanwhile, our Year 9 and 10 students are encouraged to look up to these examples, striving to equal or exceed the achievements of their peers as they progress through their own academic paths.

In the realm of sport, Newhaven College has witnessed remarkable success, with four SEISA teams rising to victory in their respective divisions. The senior boys’ football team, senior girls’ soccer team, and both the intermediate and senior girls’ basketball teams all brought home wins, displaying not only skill but also determination and teamwork. These achievements were extended to the SEISA spring carnival, an event that brought together students from across SEISA schools. The atmosphere was one of excitement and camaraderie; connections between schools were strengthened, and friendships flourished as students cheered one another on and celebrated each other's dedication. The SEISA Cross Country carnival was another highlight, with Beaconhills Pakenham securing first place. Newhaven College took an admirable third, and individual victories by Joey Thompson and Lara Smyth, each winning their respective senior divisions, underscored the talent and spirit of our athletes.

In summary, Term 3 at Newhaven College has embodied the spirit of achievement, challenge, and community, setting a high standard for the future, and inspiring all members of our school to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.

The Music Department has also been a source of pride and inspiration in recent weeks. Audiences were treated to outstanding performances from our senior VCE Music and VCE VET Music students, each demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication developed over the past year. The future of music at Newhaven was also apparent during the Spring Concert, where younger musicians performed with enthusiasm and talent, signalling a bright horizon for our creative arts programs. The success of these events is due in large part to the dedication of our talented staff, whose efforts ensure that such occasions are memorable and meaningful for all.

Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School

Japan Study Tour Update

Minnsan Konnichiwa!

Our Japan Study Tour is off to a wonderful start! After a smooth journey yesterday, including the bus trip to Melbourne and flight to Tokyo on Saturday 13 September, our students were very glad to arrive at their accommodation—17 hours after leaving Newhaven.

The morning began with a buffet breakfast featuring a range of interesting Japanese foods to try, which proved to be a highlight. The hotel’s convenience store also gave students the chance to sample unique snacks and practise their Japanese with the shop assistants.

Following breakfast, the group travelled to Ibaraki Christian Junior High School where they met their host families for the first time. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and warmth as families arrived to welcome our students. We were incredibly impressed with the maturity and enthusiasm the students showed as they greeted their hosts. While there were some nerves on the bus that morning, every student left smiling and ready for their homestay experience.

We look forward to sharing more updates later this week.

Mitsuko Horiguchi, Ruth Turton and Lachlan Gale

Year 9 Term 3 Update

Year 9 will finish Term 3 on a real high! Our NAIDOC Community Games will highlight the end of the term, with students throwing themselves into Marngrook and Buroinjin to earn valuable Community Points.

Throughout NAIDOC week, students had the privilege of working with Uncle Steve Parker to begin a brand-new mural at the Year 9 Centre; a project that every future Year 9 student will add to for years to come. Aunty Sonya Hunt led a Women’s Yarning Circle and Jewellery Making Workshop, creating a space for deep listening and connection. Students also had the unique opportunity to learn from Uncle Ron Murray, a world-renowned Yidaki (Didgeridoo) player and maker, who shared his music, culture, and storytelling with the cohort. Fingers crossed, we get to see Ron on the big stage at the AFL Grand Final this year.

Recently, we saw the launch of the Horizons Project in Xplore, challenging students to think creatively and explore big ideas that will shape their final project of the year. In addition, students completed their final selections for Peak Pursuit camps. Excitement is definitely building for this major end-of-year experience.

More information about Peak Pursuit will be shared with families in Term 4. A reminder that students will need a -5 °C sleeping bag for both Peak Pursuit and the Year 10 Camp. Parents will soon receive a letter with details on connecting to Camplist by OnePlanet, who can assist with the purchase or hire of a suitable sleeping bag.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students on a fantastic Term 3. We are proud of the way you have embraced opportunities, worked together, and challenged yourselves. We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break, and we look forward to an exciting Term 4 ahead.

Sam Foura
Head of Year 9