Senior School

Comings & Goings in the Senior School

The past few weeks have been action-packed within the Senior School. What began as Examination Week for our Year 9, 10 and 11 students soon gave way to the start of Unit 2 coursework for Year 11, Work Experience for Year 10 and CityCITE for Year 9, and that is only what has unfolded within the classroom.

Whilst examinations do not determine success or failure in any subject, they are an important inflection point for every student. For our Year 9 students, they help us gauge a student’s readiness to accelerate into a Unit 1/2 subject when subject selections come around early in Term 3, as we look ahead to 2027. For Year 10 students, a full suite of examinations offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the first semester, take stock of their efforts and consider honestly whether their output reflects the work they have put in. For Year 11 students, the examinations inform important decisions ahead, helping to solidify their academic pathway and confirm subjects for the demanding Year 12 schedule to come.

Last week, every student in Year 11 or 12 studying at least one Unit 3/4 VCE subject sat the GAT, a long and demanding series of tests that helps set the scene for what lies ahead in October and November. Whilst the GAT does not determine success or failure, it does make clear the expectations that await each student. On the same day, those Year 10 students not on Work Experience enjoyed a wonderful Forum Day, taking part in workshops across three important themes: Teen Mental Health, Respectful Relationships and Financial Literacy. Every student present was engaged and a credit to Newhaven College. Days such as these offer rich learning beyond the classroom, and I would warmly encourage all families to make the most of them whenever they are on offer.

Last week also brought a musical showcase, with the Winter Soiree opening the week. We were treated to over two hours of performances from musicians ranging from Year 1 through to Year 12, a real treat for the senses. Two nights later, our Year 2 VET Music students took to the stage and once again showcased their considerable talents. The week was rounded out with a wonderful, immersive experience for our Year 11 students: the RYDA Road Safety program, which teaches young people some important lessons about road safety as they begin to take the wheel. See the photos after my report.

We now find ourselves in the final week of Term 2, with the three-week break fast approaching. For many, it is a welcome chance to get away, rest and reflect on the semester that was. For our Year 12 students, the reality is a little starker: from the first day of Term 3, only 43 school days remain until the end of what is often called the big learning term, followed by just 12 days in the final term before they depart on study leave ahead of their VCE examinations.

I encourage all Senior School students to reflect honestly on their efforts over the first semester. Where there is room to grow, now is the time to revisit expectations and priorities, because Term 3 promises to be the busiest and most demanding term of the year. Alongside a heavy academic load, the winter SEISA sport season is now upon us. I look forward to seeing how each of our teams performs in the term ahead, and to watching our students approach both their learning and their sport with purpose and commitment.

On behalf of the Senior School, I wish every Newhaven College family a happy and restful holiday. I look forward to welcoming all of our students back with renewed energy and determination as we begin the new term together.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Year 12 Trivia Night

The Year 12 Leadership group has been quietly hard at work throughout the semester, raising money for their chosen charity, Beanies for Brain Cancer. On Friday evening they hosted the annual Year 12 Family Trivia Night. A wonderful turnout from our Year 12 families made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The final result was a little controversial, with the teachers’ table emerging victorious, though that is perhaps the natural consequence of a round devoted entirely to ‘The Teachers’. We discovered that we do indeed know one another rather well!

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Student Pizza Enterprise Project

Over several weeks, Vocational Major students have participated in an exciting hands on project where they designed and developed their own pizza concepts from scratch. Throughout the unit, students investigated ingredients, nutrition, flavour combinations and food preparation techniques before creating, cooking and evaluating their own original pizza recipes. They also designed professional pizza menus to showcase their products.

Students explored the design and construction of pizza ovens, researching suitable materials, heat retention, sustainability and safety considerations. Alongside this, they investigated how successful food businesses operate, examining areas such as marketing, budgeting, customer preferences and business planning. Positive images and communication online.

The project provided authentic opportunities to develop Numeracy, Literacy, Personal Development and Work Related Skills in a practical real-world context.

Working closely with their teachers and our Food Technology, Art, Maintenance and Grounds Team, students gained valuable insights into construction, materials, design and project planning. We are incredibly grateful for the various teams' ongoing support and willingness to contribute to meaningful student learning experiences.

As part of the project, students developed a comprehensive business proposal that included a budget, marketing strategy, risk assessment and plans for running a school-based pizza incursion. They carefully considered food safety requirements, equipment needs, supervision and risk management processes. Students completed their Food Safety Certificate in preparation for handling food and to prepare them for the future.

Elaine Epifano

VCE/VM Coordinator

Construction Pathways

Our first-year construction students are now undertaking the new Certificate II Construction Pathways. This exciting program consists of 12 modules, (UOCs - Units of Competency), 11 of these are Nationally Accredited, which means they must be accepted for apprenticeship training if they align with the apprenticeship program.

This is not about the projects they make, it's how they go about constructing them, the tools and equipment used, and the skills demonstrated. All of this must meet the UOC requirements.

While constructing the mini saw stool and the foot stool, along with hand tools, the students used Battery and Powered equipment: Drop Saw, Compound Mitre Slide Saw, Portable Circular Saw, Planner, Router/Trimmer, Jigsaw, Orbital Sander, Belt Sander, Drill, Impact Driver, Drill Press, Nail Gun (gas) and Nail Gun (battery). 

These are great skills to take into future apprenticeships, or general life skills!

Newhaven College, once again being part of the solution addressing Australia's skill shortage.

John Ackers

Building and Construction Teacher, Reg, Master Builder (Qld 24775)

Year 10 Work Experience Program

Year 10 students Heath McLean went to work with the team at Free 3D Hands in Newhaven. Andy from Free3D Hands said, "Heath did the college proud and was engaged in all tasks we set for him and was very easy to work with. We had him designing in CAD, printing 3D parts, some assembly and working with some electronics. He was a pleasure to have on our team for the week."

The Careers Team has worked with Year 10 students to secure their placements during the last two weeks of Term 2.

This year we have approximately 40 students out in their chosen workplace, gaining valuable experience in the real world of employment.

Meredith Lynch

Careers Office

Year 10 Surf Safety Bronze Camp

Our recent two-day Surf Safety and Rec camp served as the ultimate practical exam for the Year 10 subject, Surf Safety and Recreation. The camp pushed students to translate a semester's worth of preparation and learning into tangible lifesaving capabilities. Day one focused on the rigorous technical demands of the SLS Bronze Medallion, with students completing assessments in dynamic water rescues, communication, beach management, and First Aid. After winding down with a family dinner, a Mario Kart tournament and a competitive trivia night, students stayed overnight at the WBSLSC before kicking off day two with a sunrise walk to the Pinnacles. The second day shifted focus to the Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) award, equipping students with skills in advanced oxygen therapy, high-quality resuscitation, and complex bleeding management. The culmination of the camp was a surprise high-pressure, realistic car crash simulation. Under immense pressure, from disoriented, pain-stricken patients, frantic bystanders, and evolving medical requirements, the students demonstrated incredible composure, teamwork and First Aid skills to manage the scene and prove themselves capable future lifesavers.

Newhaven College would like to acknowledge WBSLSC for its ongoing contributions to this program's successful delivery and for hosting us at the club for our first-ever Bronze Camp.

Secondly, thank you to Lysa Jayne Kiely for her special effects makeup that added the gold standard of realism for the students' final scenario.

Ben Clark

Head of Surfing

Year 9 Commando Games

Last Thursday was a day of mud, mayhem, and muscle! Our fearless Year 9s took on the Commando Games, a wild obstacle adventure packed with challenges testing strength, teamwork, and determination. They cheered each other on in a way that would make any parent proud!

Soaked, muddy, and absolutely unstoppable, they powered through every twist and turn with grit, laughs, and plenty of chaos. Cold toes, muddy clothes, and huge smiles all round - an unforgettable day of fun and resilience!

Brew Haven

Brew Haven Cafe celebrated its grand opening last week, marking the successful launch of a student-based initiative that has been years in the making. Year 9 and Year 10 Food Studies students played a central role in cooking and catering for the event, showcasing their developing hospitality and catering skills.

Under the guidance of Meagan Hollings, students planned the menu, prepared the luncheon, and operated the cafe in a highly professional manner. The project has taken two years to develop, with commercial equipment needing to be purchased and students undertaking extensive skill development in food preparation and service. 

Brew Haven will operate once a fortnight, offering a menu that caters to vegetarians and gluten-free diners. Excitingly, there are plans for further developments and expanded offerings in the future, making Brew Haven a wonderful addition to the school community.

Carmel Roberts

Food Studies Teacher