As we come to the end of Term 1, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on what has been a calm, positive and inclusive start to the year in our Middle School. It has been particularly pleasing to see how students have settled into routines, expectations and learning. While some students have taken a little longer to find their feet, the vast majority have now found their people, building new friendships and meaningful connections along the way.
A highlight of the term has been the range of opportunities for students to get involved, connect and strengthen their sense of belonging. Events such as the Year 7 Transition program, House Swimming Carnival, Middle School House Volleyball and Year 5 Camp have all contributed to a strong and growing House spirit. We also look forward to the House Athletics Carnival, to be held on Monday, 20 April. The Year 7 Family Picnic held recently was another fantastic opportunity for participation, connection and community pride. Thank you to Madeleine Evans for organising the day and to all the families who came along.
I would also like to sincerely thank our staff and families for your ongoing support. The strength of our Middle School lies in the partnership between home and school, and we greatly value the role you play in supporting our young people.
Learning in the Middle Years
Supporting Growth, Curiosity, and Contribution
Thank you to all the families who attended our Middle School Partnership Evening. Similarly, our Parent/Teacher interviews provided valuable opportunities to share insights, celebrate progress and discuss ways to best support each student’s learning journey. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for the year ahead.
As we finish this term, it is also important to acknowledge that some students have made mistakes or have not always met our expectations. At times, there can be a tendency for young people to seek peer approval by making fewer positive choices. These moments provide important learning opportunities, and we will continue to work alongside students to guide them in making respectful, responsible decisions.
A key focus in our Middle School is our Three-Way Partnership between students, teachers and families. Developed through our Making Progress Visible initiative, this partnership is built on clear, shared expectations to create the best possible conditions for learning.
Our goals are to:
- Build trust and responsibility
- Foster open and transparent communication
- Promote student agency and ownership of learning
At the heart of this work is our belief that every young person is both vulnerable and full of potential. They require encouragement, knowledge and guidance, and thrive when supported, challenged and nurtured by the caring adults around them.
Thank you again for a wonderful start to the year. I wish all our families a happy Easter and a safe and restful break.
Key Dates Term 2
Monday 20 April - Term Two commences for students
Monday 20 April - Year 5-12 House Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 22 April - ANZAC Day Ceremony 11:30-12:00 Amphitheatre
Monday 27 April- Year 3-6 District Athletics, Newhaven College
Monday 27- Wednesday 29 April- Year 7 Camp, Adventure Resort
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp
Last week, the Year 5 students attended their annual camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. The students enjoyed many different activities over 3 days. Some of the experiences included the Aura Sound and Light Show, candle making, mine tours, confectionery demonstration, bowling, shopping, red faces talent show, gold panning, dressing up and re-enacting the Eureka stockade and of course purchasing and eating many raspberry drops. The students reflected on camp on their return. Below are some of the students’ highlights.
- Billy learned that the welcome nugget weighed 69kg
- Austin enjoyed the Red Faces Talent show where his group performed a song
- Summer enjoyed the pasta and brownies
- Bridget said the best activity was dressing up and re-enacting the Eureka Stockade
- Dallas liked dressing up as a Police Officer and re-enacting the fight scene
- Zoe said the best thing at camp was the 3D movie
- Ryder said the nicest thing someone did at camp was the teachers making a big effort at camp
- Ava said the nicest thing about camp was when Audrey helped her stay calm in the mine
- Violet learned that everyone only bathed once a week
- Lucy said the memory that will stay with her forever is being with Mrs Driscoll and Mrs Savona as she only gets to be with them for one year
- Peyton learned that the taller the top hat, the more important you are in society
- Sonny said the best quote he heard at camp was ‘Always fight for what is fair’
- Mila’s favourite meal was the pasta and the mango frozen yogurt
- Brin bought a horseshoe with his name, lollies, a gold jar and a miner’s licence
- Venus learned that red coats were red, so it could hide the blood on them
- Georgia thought it was funny when the policeman tried to arrest her
- April learned how to write using ink
- Hazel said the best part of camp was the free time because she liked the independence and being with her friends
- Patch was excited to get first place in Red Faces for his amazing magic tricks
- Lily gave camp 10 out of 10, as she said it was fun and educational
Food Cubes
Newhaven College has invested in a Food Cube Farm outside the Trade Centre and Food Studies area of the school.
This is a 3-5 year project with the aim to be a cornerstone of Middle School, with each specific year level having input/roles into the running of what (aspirationally) will be: supplier to our Food Studies curriculum/longitudinal research/business enterprise/supporter of a charity of choice. The innovation project is in its second year.
Cynthia Young, Alycia James, Lachy Gale and Cam Herrington have been the passionate drivers and knowledge bearers of all things Food Cube, with Ralph Arceo and myself supporting their excellent ideas. We have had input from the Community Farm at The Cape as well.
Alycia had an energetic Year 5 group from the Green Team kick things off in the cubes last year. Cynthia has had a small but committed group of Year 8 students working during SM, and it is with great pride we see the blackboard they have created installed outside the trade centre. The board will capture weekly observations from different Home Groups in weeks to come. This is just one of many projects they have carried out during Term One. Our students in Food Studies have been using the fresh produce from the farm this term.
If you're visiting, take a look at the blackboard, which gives a small insight into an enormous amount of effort and planning from that crew.
We are looking ahead to getting our Greenhouse and propagation going!
Karen Milkins-Hendry
Director of Learning
