With the first term of 2026 coming to an end, one reflects upon a term that has simply flown by. Today marks not only the final day of Term One, but an opportunity to farewell two staff members who have left an indelible mark on Newhaven College, and the Senior School in particular.
Firstly, I wish to formally acknowledge and commend the dedication, professionalism, and service of Ms Mairaed Carlin. Mairaed joined Newhaven College at the commencement of the 2024 academic year and, as a graduate of the College herself, brought with her a deep understanding of its culture, values, and community. She transitioned seamlessly into Senior School life, quickly attuning herself to the rhythm and ethos of the College.
During her initial year at Newhaven, Mairaed taught Year Nine English, Year Ten English, and Year Ten History. In the following year, she further expanded her teaching portfolio to include Year Ten Commerce and Year Eleven Legal Studies, demonstrating both versatility and a strong commitment to broadening her pedagogical expertise.
Earlier this year, Mairaed made the difficult decision to conclude her time at the College. Beyond her considerable contributions in the classroom, she became a passionate and highly effective advocate for co-curricular involvement, most notably as the driving force behind the Newhaven College SEISA Table Tennis team, which she led with enthusiasm and distinction for three years. In addition, she generously devoted her time each Wednesday afternoon to Homework Club, providing invaluable academic support to countless students in English and History.
Mairaed will be deeply missed—not only by the students whose learning she enriched, but also by colleagues who valued her commitment, collegiality, and quiet leadership. Her contribution to the life of the College has been significant, and she leaves with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future.
Another beloved colleague departing Newhaven College at the end of this term is Ms Sian Adnam. Sian has been part of the Newhaven story for nearly thirty years—a remarkable span of service, care, and creativity that has shaped generations of students.
Sian is a gifted Art teacher who has helped students—from wide-eyed Year 5s to time-poor (and occasionally panic-stricken) VCE students—discover ways of thinking they didn’t know they had. Her studio has long been a place where imagination is taken seriously, standards are set high, and folios are refined with the kind of honest feedback that ultimately makes students better (even if it occasionally makes them sigh first). What so many students will remember most is Sian’s special blend of acerbic wit and genuine care: she could deliver a perfectly timed one-liner and, in the very next breath, quietly make sure a student felt seen and capable.
Beyond the art room, Sian also brought her unique style to the Health and Wellbeing classroom, and she is widely known for introducing the much-loved ‘Love Box’—a trusted place for students to ask the questions they didn’t realise they needed to ask (and definitely weren’t ready to ask out loud). It’s a small idea that has made a big difference, and it speaks to the safe, thoughtful spaces Sian has always created for young people.
Sian also has a genuine love of the gardens here at the College. She has helped create several of the native gardens at our current site and takes enormous pride in the beauty—and calm—they bring to our grounds. She is, however, fiercely protective of them, and more than one Junior School student has learned very quickly that “playing tag” in the gardens is not something to be tolerated when Ms Adnam is within eyeshot.
On behalf of the Senior School staff and students, I wish Ms Carlin and Ms Adnam every happiness as they begin their next chapters, and I thank them sincerely for all they have given to our college community.
Finally, I would like to wish all Newhaven College families a restful and enjoyable Easter holiday. It has been a challenging first term for many in our community and I hope the holiday brings peace and calm for all.
Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School
Australian Citizenship Ceremony
On Tuesday 17 March, Head of Senior School, Mr Brett Torstonson, and students Noah and Elleah Rodgers and Yu Yao became Australian citizens in Wonthaggi.
Congratulations!
A Busy Term 1 in Year 9
Term 1 has been a busy and rewarding start to the year for our Year 9 cohort. It was fantastic to finish today with the end of term Community Games. Students have been involved in a wide range of activities designed to build connection, challenge themselves, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. From community-building opportunities to fieldwork and classroom collaboration, it has been great to see students embracing everything on offer.
Despite some recent challenges, the cohort has shown strong character. Students have demonstrated that they are connected and supportive of one another, stepping up to look after peers and contribute positively to the Year 9 community. This sense of belonging continues to be a strength of the group and is something we will keep building on throughout the year.
Academically, the quality of work produced this term has been excellent. Students have done a fantastic job summarising their field trips and capturing their learning within Xplore. Many students have demonstrated thoughtful reflections, clear explanations of concepts, and strong links between their experiences in the field and classroom learning. It has been particularly pleasing to see students improving their ability to synthesise information and communicate their understanding clearly.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum in Term 2. A highlight will be our trip to the city, including our visit to the Shrine. This experience will provide students with valuable opportunities to engage with history, explore the city environment, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.
Information regarding this excursion is now available on Consent2Go. Please ensure you review the details and complete the required permissions. A reminder students will need a Myki for this excursion and these are now free through PTV for students.
Thank you for your continued support of the Year 9 programme. Bring on Term 2; the Commando Term!
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
Year 12 Theatre Studies
Last week, the Year 12 Theatre Studies class attended a memorable excursion to the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre, where they had the opportunity to witness the highest-scoring Theatre Studies monologue performances from across Victoria for 2025.
The performance proved to be a truly inspiring experience for our students, who were captivated by the exceptional talent on display. Only 12 students from across the entire state were selected to perform — a testament to the extraordinary standard of achievement represented on stage.
The undisputed highlight of the night was witnessing past student Cecily de Gooyer deliver her monologue. Her performance left a lasting impression on students, beautifully demonstrating the power and artistry that the craft of theatre can achieve at the highest level.
The experience has left our Year 12 Theatre Studies class energised and motivated as they continue to develop their own performance work for the year ahead. Seeing the standard of excellence achievable in Theatre Studies has set a powerful benchmark.
Lauren White
Head of Theatre
Year 12 Theatre Studies
As part of their Outcome 3 requirement, the Year 12 Theatre Studies class travelled to the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne to watch a performance of Black Light, a world premiere work written and directed by acclaimed First Nations playwright Jada Alberts.
The play centres on four Larrakia women - Nan, Aunty, Mum and Bub - spanning three generations, who are forced together at a family home on the outskirts of Darwin during an unnamed national crisis. As they wait out the unfolding emergency, long-buried tensions, fears and love rise to the surface. At its heart, Black Light is a deeply moving exploration of intergenerational wisdom, trauma, Country and survival, delivered through poetic, naturalistic storytelling and an extraordinary ensemble cast.
It was a powerful and thought-provoking production that gave students plenty to analyse for their Outcome 3 SAC, with rich material across dramatic structure, character, design and performance style.
Lauren White
Head of Theatre
Year 12 University Tour
Our Year 12 students recently visited Monash University and Deakin University to explore their next steps beyond school. The day offered a valuable glimpse into university life, including campus tours, course presentations, and conversations with current students and staff. At Monash, potential science students were impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the wide range of study options available. Over at Deakin, as well as experiencing a campus tour, students enjoyed seeing residential accommodation options. The tours at both Universities were informative and inspiring, helping students clarify their post-school goals and sparking enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers
Rescue Boat Experience
After a week of rescue boat theory, our Year 10 Surf Safety and Recreation students took part in their Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Experience. In the lead up, the class developed a strong understanding of IRBs, exploring their key components, how they are used within Surf Life Saving, and the respective roles of the IRB Crew and IRB Driver in safely and effectively operating in the surf.
On Monday, 23 March, students put this knowledge into practice at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Our newest Bronze cohort demonstrated bravery, enthusiasm, and an impressive aptitude for the technical skills required in the surf environment.
The IRB Crew (IRBC) Certificate is an additional qualification students can pursue after successfully completing their Bronze Medallion at the end of the semester. This award, along with a range of other opportunities, are available to those who choose to become actively involved in club life and patrol throughout the summer season.
Watch the video.
Ben Clark
Careers
Please be sure to check out this month's Career Newsletter.
There are many opportunities for higher education information sessions and upcoming Open Day information.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers