It’s hard to believe we have reached the final day of Term 1. Today has been a fun way to finish, with students dressed as teachers and our Junior School staff surprising everyone by wearing school uniforms. A big thank you to our Year 12 leaders for organising such a joyful initiative. We were also lucky enough to have a visit from the Easter Bunny, who made it’s way around classrooms with a small treat for each student, much to everyone’s delight.
It has been a busy and rewarding term. At the heart of everything we do is student wellbeing and learning, and it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm, effort and kindness across the Junior School. Classrooms have been full of energy, with students embracing challenges, supporting one another and making the most of every opportunity. The positive tone throughout the school reflects the strong sense of community we value so highly at Newhaven.
Home Learning
It has been a pleasure to recognise students who have demonstrated consistent home learning habits this term. Regular reading and practice at home play an important role in building fluency and confidence. Thank you to families for your ongoing support. This strong partnership makes a real difference, and we look forward to seeing even more students acknowledged in the terms ahead.
Junior School Swimming Carnival
Our students were outstanding at the swimming carnival, showing a willingness to have a go and give their best in every event. This is exactly what we hope to see, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. A sincere thank you to our parent helpers. Your support is essential in making these events possible, and it was wonderful to see such encouragement around the pool. Go to the Sports section of this newsletter for full report and photos.
Junior School Athletics Carnival
We were fortunate to enjoy beautiful weather for our athletics carnival, with students proudly representing their houses and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship. Thank you to Jackie Clark for her organisation, and to our staff, students and parent volunteers who all contributed to a very successful day. Go to the Sports section of this newsletter for full report and photos.
Prep Reading Celebration
Our Prep students recently celebrated an important milestone in their reading journey, sharing their learning with parents. It was lovely to see their confidence and pride, and we thank our families for their continued support in building strong reading habits at home.
Junior School Playground
We were thrilled to see students enjoying the new playground last week. Their excitement said it all as they explored the space for the first time. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this project to life, particularly Rebecca Naughtin for her expertise in the design. It is a wonderful addition that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Building Works
Thank you for your patience as building works continue across the Junior School. The expansion of our assembly area, along with new classrooms and amenities, will be a fantastic addition. We look forward to seeing this progress continue into Term 2.
Thank you to our students, staff and families for a wonderful term filled with learning, growth and opportunity. Wishing you all a relaxing Easter break and an enjoyable holiday.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Junior School Playground Completed
On Friday, 27 March, we celebrated the soft opening of the new Junior School Playground.
The playground is inspired by the incredible beauty and spirit of Phillip Island – Pyramid Rock, Rhyll, Seal Rocks, Forrest Caves - just to name a few. And what makes this playground even more remarkable is that it was built using recycled and sustainable materials. Every swing, slide, and climbing frame helps make the world a little greener and shows how much we value our beautiful island.
As our students step into this playground, I encourage them to let their imaginations soar. Pretend to be explorers, penguins, surfers, or adventurers. There are no limits to the stories and games that can be created. This is your space -a place for laughter, creativity, and friendship.
We opened our new playground with enthusiasm and gratitude. It is now time to play, dream, and take care of each other - and our environment - every single day.
The official opening for the playground will be in Term 2, but it is wonderful to see our students already enjoying the exciting equipment on offer.
Tony Corr
Principal
Prep Reading Party
On Tuesday, 24 March, our Prep classrooms were filled with excitement and joy as we welcomed Prep parents into the school for our annual Reading Party. This event celebrated the progress our students have made in their reading journey, particularly their achievement of learning all their single letter sounds.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with classrooms decorated and students proudly wearing their sound party hats. A highlight of the event was a performance where students sang their phonics song, showcasing the phonetic skills they have developed throughout the term.
The children used cued articulation gestures when they were singing their sound song. At school, we use Cued Articulation to support children as they learn speech sounds. This approach pairs each sound with a simple hand gesture that shows how the sound is made. Using these gestures alongside sounds has helped make learning more meaningful. Instead of just hearing a sound, the children can see and feel how it works.
Special guests Mrs Huther and Mrs Milkins-Hendry presented each student with their Home Learning folders, designed to reinforce classroom skills and encourage continued engagement with reading at home. This presentation symbolised the partnership between home and school in supporting each child’s literacy development.
Mrs Lynch and Mrs Carlson led a lesson for parents and students, demonstrating how to effectively complete home learning activities and providing insights into the methodologies used at school. Parents received practical tips to assist their children in their reading development, creating positive learning habits and how together we can foster a love of reading.
The Reading Party highlighted the importance of the partnership between school and home in nurturing our students’ literacy skills. We are grateful to all parents who attended and contributed to its success. Your involvement is crucial in reinforcing the skills and knowledge that our students acquire in the classroom. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we guide our students on their reading journey.
Kerryn Lynch and Kylie Carlson
Prep Teachers
Year 1 Then and Now
On Wednesday, 18 March, our Year 1 students had the wonderful opportunity to step back in time during the 'Now and Then Experience'. As part of their History unit exploring life Then and Now, students welcomed grandparents, parents, and special friends to share stories from their own childhoods.
Guests spoke about their favourite toys, school days, family holidays, and games they played growing up. The room buzzed with curiosity and wonder as students listened intently to tales from the past and explored the fascinating artifacts brought in, from vintage cameras to old-fashioned toys, phones, and coins! We weren’t sure who was more excited about the day, the students or the grandparents.
Our students also had the chance to ask questions of their visitors, which sparked conversations and memories from a different generation. The students were captivated by these wonderful stories, and it was a proud moment for both students and their special visitors.
The event offered a unique opportunity for our students to compare their own lives with those of children several decades ago, sparking meaningful discussions and deepening their understanding of history in a truly personal way. A heartfelt thank you to all the grandparents, parents, and special friends who helped make this day so memorable, as your stories truly brought history to life!
Sarah Pedersen and Tahlia Wilson
Year 1 Teachers
Year 3 Koala Park Visit
The Year 3 students began their Koala Park excursion with a visit to the Barb Martin Bushbank Native Nursery. During this session, they explored the life cycle of plants, making strong connections to their current Science unit. Students learned valuable information about native plants found on the island and each had the opportunity to take home a plant to grow in their own garden.
Following this, the groups walked through the Koala Park, observing wildlife and listening to knowledgeable tour guides. Students gained a deeper understanding of koalas and other animals that inhabit the island. We were fortunate to see several koalas in action—some eating and moving along the branches, while others were fast asleep in the most amusing positions.
Miranda Reich
Year 3 Teacher
Easter Bunny Visit
The Easter Bunny knocked on Mrs Huther's door this morning, and asked to visit each classroom to let all the students know what a terrific job they have all done during Term 1. The students were very excited to welcome Mr Bunny into their classes!
Year 1 Science Lab visit
In Year 1, students have been learning about science, focusing on the question: What is a scientist?
On Monday 23 March, the Year 1 classes visited the Senior School science lab for a lesson with Mr T. Students discussed what can be seen in the sky during a storm and identified that we see electricity!
Mr T demonstrated how a Van de Graaff generator produces electricity and how a person can become charged when touching it. Several students volunteered to participate, while others held their hands to feel the electricity move through the group.
Ms Ramage also took part, her hair standing on end, with Mrs Wilson and Mrs Pedersen joining her to experience the demonstration. It was so much fun for all of us!
Tahlia Wilson
Year 1 Teacher
Clean Up Australia Day
On Friday 13 March, our Junior School put on their protective gloves and scoured the campus for rubbish to celebrate Clean Up Australia Day. This not only made the grounds look wonderful before Open Morning, but also taught our students about the impacts rubbish can have on our environment.
We thank all the enthusiastic students who took part!
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
