Senior School

The first few weeks of Term 4 in the Senior School have centred around the last days of the Year 12 students at the College. On Tuesday 21 October, we farewelled 89 Year 12 students. The vibrancy, energy and positivity this year level brought to the College is going to be hard to replicate. This year’s cohort is a tight group, with strong friendships threaded throughout and there is no doubt that they have formed lifelong bonds with each other. They are a group that will be greatly missed by the teaching staff.

Tuesday saw the families of all our graduating Year 12 students descend upon the College to celebrate their schooling, their full breadth of experience across 13 years of formal education. The day began with breakfast in the amphitheatre – over 300 people celebrating the educational journey of our finishing Year 12 students.

This was followed by all families joining all Year 9-12 students in their Houses for personal farewells of each Year 12 student. An intimate setting where each Year 12 student was personally farewelled by either a younger sibling or a close friend. Throughout this occasion, there were few dry eyes left in various venues across the school as our Senior House Leaders celebrated the schooling of every Year 12 student.

The formal proceedings at the College were then rounded out with a Graduation & Celebration Assembly with all Middle School and Senior School students joining the graduating class of 2025 and their families to recognise the successes and achievements of each Year 12 student. All Year 12 students received their Valedictory Certificates, and we celebrated the successes of our best students in academic and sporting spheres, as well as recognising the considerable impact so many of our Year 12 students have had on the school and wider community.

A brief summary of the students winning our key awards is given below. The College is extremely proud of the class of 2025, and the students listed below represent students that should deserve to be recognised for their outstanding commitment and determination throughout their time at Newhaven College:

Academic Awards

Two Subject Awards: Sienna Bell & Abby Papas

Three Subject Awards: Cecily de Gooyer

Four Subject Awards: Lara Smyth

Academic Endeavour Awards: Jazz Mau & Isaac Savona

CUC Achievement Award: Mackenzie Slidders

ADF Future Innovators Award: Lara Smyth

Sport Awards

SEISA Sport Awards: Lucas Allen & Lara Smyth

Major Sport Awards: Olivia Cumming & James Harman

Values Awards

Bass House: Charlotte Derham & Zoe Scott

Clarke House: Nissa Campbell Walker & Jasper Cashman

McHaffie House: Jasmine Crooks & Joey Thompson

Sambell House: Grace Morris & Matilda Russell

The Long Tan Leadership Award: Gabriel di Falco

Special Prizes

Principal’s Prize 2025: Marley Brown

Papworth Prize 2025: Lara Smyth

Later in the evening, the class of 2025, and their families were able to celebrate their Valedictory with many of the staff who have guided these students over the years at Silverwater Resort. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and a delightful way in which to round out each student’s time at Newhaven College. This year level has had a marked impact on the College, the staff as a whole and so many of our younger students.

All that remains for our Year 12 students now is for them to complete their VCE examinations. This group has worked incredibly hard this year and I have no doubt that they will give their very best in each of their examinations over what can be a stressful three-week period. Their teachers have done all they can, it is now over to each student to show the world what they have to offer. I have never believed in wishing students luck for examinations – when they go into their examinations well prepared, there is no need for luck, there is only preparation, determination and success. In seven weeks, we will soon see what level of success experienced by this cohort!

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Year 12 celebrations

Over the past week our Year 12s celebrated their final days of school, and the build up to valedictory. On Thursday, they dressed as ‘what I wanted to be when I grew up’ as remembered from their childhoods. On Friday, it was time to give their school uniforms a makeover, with some very creative designs. On Monday it was time for crazy dress ups and their last ever Commando Games.

The students enjoyed their last few days at school with fun and laughter.

Valedictory Dinner

The costumes were exchanged for formal wear, the Year 12s' final event for their schooling. Students enjoyed a night at Silverwater Resort with the families, teachers and Leadership with good food and a dance.

We congratulate all the students, and their families and wish them all the best for their upcoming exams.

Japan Study Tour 

Our partnership with our sister school, Ibaraki Christian Junior High School, continued to strengthen in 2025. After welcoming their students in July, it was our turn to visit them in September. Over the course of a week, our students stayed with host families, attended classes, joined club activities, and experienced everyday Japanese school life. It was wonderful to see the students adapt so quickly, stepping out of their comfort zones and forming genuine connections with sister school students.

At times, students encountered moments that were new or unfamiliar, but they approached each one with maturity and a positive attitude. These experiences helped them grow in confidence and deepen their understanding of cultural differences.

We were once again humbled by the generosity and warmth shown by our sister school and the host families. From home-cooked meals to thoughtful gestures, every act of kindness made the visit truly memorable.

It was a joy to travel with such an enthusiastic and respectful group. We hope they carry the friendships and lessons from this journey with them and continue to embrace opportunities to explore the world beyond the classroom.

Participants: Matilda Abraham-Williams, Felix Fothergill, Eve Oakley, Kei Eishold, Ania Falzon, Jasmine Gill, Scarlet Jongejan, Kordelia Kossena, Poppy Miles, Sequoia Patterson, Ayishika Perera, Sybelle Perry, Chay Plews, Mia Thompson, Ben Winterson

Mitsuko Horiguchi, Ruth Turton and Lachlan Gale

Accompanying Staff

Japan Study Tour Student Reflections

My homestay in Japan was an unforgettable part of the exchange. From playing board games to exploring new places and sharing delicious meals, I truly felt at home. Each day brought kindness and fun—memories I’ll always treasure. Our week in Tokyo was amazing; we explored shrines, markets, and towering buildings covered in electric signs. I’m sure none of us will forget the memories we made together in Tokyo.

Jasmine Gill 

Year 10

I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to travel to Japan in September this year. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During the trip, I gained valuable insight into Japanese culture and everyday life. Alongside seeing incredible sights and forming new friendships within our group, staying with my host family was definitely a highlight. The Kuwano family welcomed me warmly into their home, creating such a kind and caring environment. They introduced me to the Japanese way of life, and going to school with Kanae gave me a real glimpse into what high school in Japan is like. My host family took me on fun outings, shared amazing meals with me, and made me feel part of their world. I also really enjoyed getting to know the wonderful, supportive teachers who joined us on the trip. I made so many special memories and shared countless laughs that I’ll treasure forever.

Matilda Abraham-Williams 

Year 11

Year 9 NAIDOC Games

The Year 9 NAIDOC Community Games were an awesome celebration of culture and community. Held last term, students got involved in traditional games like Marngrook and Burunjin, learning about their cultural meaning while earning community points for their Houses. 

The day was all about teamwork, respect, and connecting with First Nations culture. It was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate NAIDOC Week and bring the Year 9 group together.

Sam Foura

Head of Year 9

Year 12 Students visit Preps

School is a long journey - full of highs, lows, and a few moments we’d all rather forget.

Last week, the Year 12 Mathematical Methods class took a delightful detour down memory lane with a visit to Mrs Lynch’s Prep classroom. While only a few of them started their schooling at Newhaven, everyone was encouraged to think back to their younger selves - to a time where they once thought the number 1 was spelled “w-u-n” and wondered why “two” had a “w” in it at all.

There were smiles, laughs, and a few wide eyes as they watched the beginnings of reading and counting unfold. For the Year 12s, it was a fun reminder of how far they’ve come - and just how much they’ve learned along the way.

Most left feeling a little prouder, a little more motivated for that final sprint to the finish line… and maybe with a tiny new friend or two.

Of course, some couldn’t resist a cheeky comment, offering their heartfelt (and slightly sarcastic) sympathies to these bright-eyed Preps - because, after all, their school journey is only just getting started!

Peter Clerks

Teacher

Year 12 Trivia Night

In August, the Year 12 leadership team hosted an exclusive Year 12 (and parents) trivia night. The evening was equipped with tricky questions and surprising answers - particularly those in the sports category! Around $1,300 was raised - bringing this year's fundraising total to an incredible $14,198.00.

A massive thank you to the PFA for all their help and effort put into the night - especially for organising so many amazing prizes.

Newhaven College Captains