I am a sports fan so like many people, I have been following the World Cup closely. Curacao, with approximately 158, 000 people, has the lowest population of any country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, managed by veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. Facing major international opponents, the veteran Dutch manager builds his tactics around a deep-lying, highly disciplined defensive structure. He sets his sides up to be compact, organised, and genuinely tough to beat. The flamboyance can wait; the foundations come first, because that is what gives his side its best chance when the stakes are highest.
In many ways, that is exactly how we approach the Middle Years at Newhaven College. Before we chase the highlight moments, our focus is on building a strong, settled foundation: an environment where every student feels safe, seen, and valued, and where nobody is easily knocked off course.
But a coach can only do so much from the sideline. The strongest teams have everyone pulling in the same direction, and that includes the people at home. The partnership between families and the College is our real squad, and it is the single biggest factor in how well our young people grow.
Schools are busy places, full of movement, momentum, and meaningful moments of growth. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle Years, where students in Years 5 to 8 are developing rapidly: emotionally, socially, and academically. This phase is unique. Our learners are not quite children and not yet adults, and they need both structure and space to find their feet.
That is why the connection between wellbeing and learning sits at the heart of everything we do. Strong learning simply does not happen without it. When students feel they belong, they take risks, they persevere, and they grow.
House Music has been a real focus this term, culminating in each House performing their song on the final day. It has been a wonderful chance for students to experience House spirit, teamwork, and collaboration, and I suspect they have had plenty of fun along the way. It has been especially pleasing to watch confidence grow as students stepped onto the stage. Whether for House Music or the Soirees held this term, every performer matters, from the quietest student to the most self-assured, and every moment of their journey counts.
Outside the classroom, our students have shone just as brightly. In Years 5 and 6, students have proudly represented the College at district, divisional and regional levels across a range of sports, and two at state level in the school holidays. All the best to Bridget Doig (5S) and Noah Hollings (6P) who will compete in the State Cross Country on 16 July.
In Years 7 and 8, our SEISA teams have competed with real passion and pride. Congratulations to our AFLW and Ms Davidson, Girls Basketball A and Ms Horiguchi for reaching the finals. The Girls Soccer team and Ms James had an outstanding season, premiers and undefeated throughout the season!
While success is often measured in wins, we celebrate something more valuable: teamwork, connection, and happiness. Singing together on the bus, sharing chips and lollies, smiling win or lose. These are the moments that stay with our students.
As we close the semester, I encourage you to sit down with your child and read through their report together. These reports are an important conversation between home and school, offering insight into current skill levels, progress, and areas for growth. Whatever the achievement level, please celebrate the effort behind the learning: the perseverance, the commitment, and the progress, big and small.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any part of your child's learning, please reach out to their teachers. We value this ongoing dialogue. It is the back and forth between home and school, more than anything else, that shapes the best outcomes for your child.
Finally, I wish Shona O'Dempsey and Alycia James all the very best as they head off on Long Service Leave next term. Shona will be away for Term 3, with Sophie Fyfield stepping in to take 6OD, while Alycia will be on leave for the full semester, with Di Marshall taking her classes.
To all our families, thank you for your continued support and partnership throughout the semester. Have a safe, happy, and well-deserved break.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Education Maths Escape Room Incursion
Year 5 and 6 students had an exciting and engaging experience participating in the Felstead Education Maths Escape Room. Working collaboratively in small teams, they applied their mathematical skills to solve a series of challenging puzzles and clues, from number patterns to logical reasoning tasks. The activity created a sense of urgency and excitement as students raced against the clock, encouraging perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork. There was a wonderful buzz of enthusiasm throughout the room, with students celebrating each breakthrough and supporting one another along the way. Overall, the escape room provided a fun and meaningful way to reinforce mathematical concepts while building confidence and cooperation among the students.
Congratulations to the winners, Brinsley Dwyer and Hazel Jones.
Jo Savona
Year 5 Teacher
Year 7 & 8 Japanese Incursion
Our annual Japanese Incursion once again offered meaningful cultural experiences for students. Year 7 students explored the creativity and care behind Japanese food culture through obento making, while Year 8 students participated in a Kendo workshop that highlighted discipline, respect, and purposeful movement. These activities continue to strengthen students’ cultural understanding and deepen their connection to their Japanese studies each year. Here are some of the students’ reflections.
Year 7 – Obento Making Reflections
Isla Thompson and Frankie O’Brien wrote:
“We learnt that Japanese people and parents spend a long time trying to make the best bento box. It was interesting how you can put rice in glad wrap and shape it into almost anything you want. We also found it interesting that they use stamps on the seaweed to make the eyes and mouth.”
Flynn Wright added:
“I learnt amazing skills for making rice‑ball art and even how to turn ham into a flower. It was interesting to find out that making obento can actually become a competition for parents.”
Year 8 – Kendo Reflections
Callum Lee and James Gan shared:
“Our favourite experience while trying Kendo was being able to do traditional Japanese movement. An example could be shuffling while keeping your left leg behind your right leg. Another interesting thing about Kendo is the loud shouting such as ‘MEN!’ and ‘DŌ!’.”
Cruz James and Felix Angove reflected:
“Experiencing a unique glimpse into the fighting styles of traditional Japanese culture.” “Building confidence to stand out in a memorable activity, with the ‘way of the sword’ helping us grow in an artful and powerful way.”
We are proud of the curiosity and engagement students showed throughout the incursion.
Mitsuko Horiguchi
Japanese Teacher
Elephant Ed Workshops, Year 7 & 8
On Wednesday, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in workshops delivered by Elephant Ed, a specialist provider of evidence-based health and wellbeing education for primary and secondary students.
The sessions are mapped to the Australian Curriculum and cover key topics including puberty, respectful relationships, and online safety. This year the topics were:
• Year 7 explored Body Image
• Year 8 explored Sex & Social Media
These workshops are designed to support students in navigating consent, relationships, and online safety with confidence. We were pleased to offer students this opportunity which will equip them with the knowledge and language to make informed, respectful choices, both online and offline. A special thank you to all the presenters.
Year 5/6 Taiko Drumming
Last Wednesday 27 May, our Year 5/6 students participated in a Taiko incursion led by master Taiko player Toshi Sensei. During the session, students learnt about the history and traditions of Taiko drumming before having the opportunity to play the instruments themselves. It was an engaging, hands-on experience that was enjoyed by all, particularly students who have been part of the Newhaven College Taiko Group, who appreciated the opportunity to play alongside an experienced performer.
Lachlan Gale
Teacher
Year 7 Clocks
Our Year 7 students have truly impressed us with their recent clock-making project, showcasing some outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each student carefully joined two pieces of timber together with such skill that the join became virtually invisible, perfectly matching the wood grain for a seamless, professional finish. They then put in the hard work of sanding their pieces to a smooth, flawless surface and for those who chose to add a splash of colour, their painted designs brought a wonderful personal touch to their creations. Those who opted for a natural finish applied a coat of varnish that really made the timber's beauty shine through.
The final stage saw students expertly assemble the clock mechanisms, fitting the hands with precision and placing the numbers with care to bring their timepieces to life. The finished clocks are a brilliant reflection of the effort, patience, and creativity our Year 7 students put into every step of this project. We couldn't be prouder of what they have achieved.
Carel Fourie
Teacher
Well done Parker!
Congratulations to Year 5 student Parker Underwood, who has been awarded the Grey Wolf Award – the highest achievement in the Cub Scouts section of Scouts Australia. The Grey Wolf Award recognises Cubs who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, resilience, leadership, teamwork and personal growth throughout their Scouting journey. Earning this prestigious award requires completing a wide range of challenges, outdoor adventures, community service and developing valuable life skills.
This is a fantastic accomplishment, and we congratulate Parker on this well-deserved recognition.