Welcome to Term 4 in the Junior School
It is hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. 2025 has been such a positive and rewarding year so far, filled with wonderful moments. As we head into the final stretch of the year, our focus remains on making every day count, celebrating achievements, upholding our school values, and continuing to nurture a strong sense of community.
New Junior School Playground
We are excited to announce that construction of our new Phillip Island-themed playground has begun. The design includes natural elements and deciduous trees to provide much-needed shade and create a welcoming play environment for our students. As works commence, there will be temporary restrictions in some areas where students usually play before, during, and after school. Fencing has been installed, and we ask for everyone’s support in ensuring students do not enter fenced-off areas. Parents who remain on-site before or after school are kindly asked to supervise children closely and remind them of these boundaries. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we begin this exciting upgrade to our Junior School grounds. We cannot wait to see our students enjoying the new playground when it is completed in 2026.
World Teachers’ Day
Next Friday, 31 October, is World Teachers’ Day. We would like to thank all of our incredible teachers for the difference they make each and every day, and for their wonderful contribution to our school community. Please feel free to remind your children to help celebrate this day with their teacher through a random act of kindness. A handmade card, words of kindness or something heartfelt are lovely ways to make this day extra special for our amazing classroom teachers.
Farewell and Welcome in the Art Room
Last week, we sadly farewelled our wonderful Junior School Art teacher, Tove Chadwick. Tove’s creativity and passion have inspired so many of our students, and the Junior School Art Show last term was a true testament to her incredible work. We thank Tove for her dedication and wish her all the very best.
We warmly welcome Claire Mangs, who joins us as the Junior School Art teacher on Mondays for the remainder of the year, and Fiona Anastasi, who will teach Year 2O and Year 1P Art on Fridays.
Staffing in 2026
We are delighted to announce that Kylie Carlson and Tahlia Maher will be joining our Junior School teaching team in 2026. Kylie joins us from Cowes Primary School, and this will be Tahlia’s first classroom teaching appointment. Both bring enthusiasm, warmth, and a passion for learning, and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Newhaven College community.
Prep 2026 Transition Program
Our Prep 2026 Transition Program is well underway. Last term, our incoming families joined us for library sessions to meet some of our teachers, our Principal, and each other. Today marks the second part of the program, with students joining our current Prep teachers for classroom sessions while families attend information sessions to learn about starting school at Newhaven College. The program aims to ensure that every student and family begins their educational journey with confidence, connection, and a strong foundation for success.
Foundation Parents: Rural Roads to Reading Research Project
As shared earlier in the year, Newhaven College is proudly participating in a three-year research project with La Trobe University titled Rural Roads to Reading. The project explores how regional and rural schools teach reading in the early years. Our current Foundation students completed oral language and reading assessments in Term 3, and the research team will soon contact families to complete a short online questionnaire (RAT-CP) about children’s feelings toward reading. If you prefer a paper version, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher. For any questions, you can contact the research team directly at reading@latrobe.edu.au
The Biggest Morning Tea: Prep students and families
Tuesday, 28 October 2025 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Year 9 Environmental Centre
This year’s theme is “Newspaper Fashion.” Students in Prep, Year 6, and Year 9 will work together to design and create fashion pieces made entirely from recycled newspaper, celebrating sustainability, teamwork, and community spirit. All students are asked to wear their regular school uniform on the day. Costumes will be created during the event.
The Year 9 students will cater the morning tea, preparing a selection of sweet and savoury treats for guests. We warmly invite parents and guardians to join us for a cuppa, support our students’ creativity, and help raise funds for the Cancer Council through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. We kindly ask visiting parents to make a $5.00 donation per attending adult, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council.
As we move through the final term, it is wonderful to see our students continuing to learn with enthusiasm and demonstrate strong engagement in all areas of school life. Every day brings moments worth celebrating, from small milestones in the classroom to big achievements across the school. Thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and positivity. The Junior School continues to thrive because of our dedicated teachers, engaged families, and incredible students.
Let us make the rest of the year count.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Book Club – Issue 7
Please be advised that all orders for Book Club are due in by 27 October, 2025. Thank you to all students and families for their support with Book Club. Any queries, please contact Mrs. Butera in the Library.
Janine Butera
Librarian
New Ga Ga Pit
A huge thank you the Parents and Friends Association in conjunction with our families for your fundraising efforts this year, which made our new GaGa Pit possible. It has been an instant hit among our students, and there is great excitement each break time. Our PE teacher, Jackie Clark, has led the charge in teaching all classes the rules of the game to ensure it is played safely and fairly. Thank you again for your support in helping bring this much-loved addition to life. It has been a wonderful success.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Year 1 Wildlife Incursion
Our Year 1 students were thrilled to take part in an exciting Wildlife incursion by Wildlife Xposure this term. As part of their current Biology Inquiry Unit, students learned about Australian native animals, exploring their behaviour, relationships, adaptations, habitats, and classification. The session was hands-on and engaging, as students had the opportunity to safely hold, pat, and observe a range of fascinating creatures, including a bettong (a small kangaroo species), pythons, a shingleback lizard, a goanna, a turtle, and even a real saltwater crocodile!
It was a memorable experience that brought our science learning to life and deepened students’ understanding of the amazing animals that share our environment. The excitement and curiosity in the room said it all and our emerging biologists absolutely loved the experience!
Andre Hetebrueg
Year 1 Teacher
Year 4 Forest Edge Camp
On the first day of term, our Year 4 students arrived at school early and headed to Forest Edge in Neerim East for a three-day camp. The students were prepared for the challenges of camp, which are different for every student. They may include self-management, fear of heights, homesickness or trying to get enough sleep in a cabin full of chatty peers! They were well-supported by the young adult camp leaders, their hard-working teachers, our wonderful school chaplain, Andre and four fantastic parent helpers who generously gave their time to attend camp. We offer our sincere thanks to Andre, Dil, Karl, Mark and the indomitable Hayley Brebner.
Within the beautiful setting of Forest Edge, the positive atmosphere of camp was palpable. Our students impressed us with their independence, willingness to face challenges and continual care for each other. They were open-minded in working and socialising with different peers and broadened their relationships within the cohort, another purpose of our school camp program. The mindset and behaviour of all our students on camp exemplified “In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength”.
Kate Middleton and Fiona Smart
Year 4 Teachers
Year 2 Sleepover and Day Camp
The Year 2 Sleepover was a huge success and an adventure to remember. Students enjoyed visits from the Police, Ambulance, and CFA, learning all about community helpers and even exploring the fire trucks and police bikes. The fun continued with pizza, ice cream, and a movie night watching Luca.
On Friday, students visited Amaze ‘N Things, where they explored, played mini golf, navigated the maze, and enjoyed a day full of fun and discovery. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing parent helpers who supported the event, especially those who stayed overnight. It was an incredible two days filled with learning, laughter, and teamwork.
Foundation Students Explore Churchill Island
On Thursday, 18 September, our Foundation students embarked on an exciting excursion to Churchill Island, the culmination of their Term 3 Humanities studies on “Special Places.”
During the day, students explored the historic homesteads, gardens and farm, imagining what life was like in the past. They watched a blacksmith demonstration, visited the farm animals, shearing shed, machinery and equipment sheds and enjoyed stories about the island’s history and cultural significance.
A special highlight was learning about the traditional custodians of the land, the Bunurong/Boonwurrung people. Students discovered the importance of the ancient Moonah trees - some of which were growing well before European settlement. They also learned that the island's traditional name is Moonah'mia.
After a morning of learning and discovery, everyone relaxed with lunch and games on the lawn under beautiful sunny skies.
A big thank you to our wonderful helpers - Denise, Courtney, Cassie, Tracey, Kellie, and Nala - for supporting us on the day. It was a fantastic outing enjoyed by all!
Karen Faulwetter and Kerryn Lynch
Prep Teachers
Water Week Poster Competition
Congratulations to all our students who submitted posters to Westernport Water's annual Water Week Competition. A lot of work went into the posters, and many of our students received prizes. Congratulations to our 1st place winners, Arabella Wall (Year 1-2) and Venus Herath Mudiyanselage (Year 3-4) -who's submission also came 3rd in Victoria! Esther Gale (Prep) came 2nd place and Jude Thompson and Airlie Lewandowski (Year 3-4) both came 3rd.
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
