Learning and Growing in the Middle Years
We all know schools are busy places, full of movement, momentum, and meaningful moments of growth. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle Years at Newhaven College, 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. They are, as we describe them, saplings.
Why a sapling? It’s the perfect metaphor for this stage of life. A sapling represents both potential and vulnerability - needing sunlight (encouragement), water (knowledge), and shelter (guidance). At Newhaven, our role is to nurture these young learners by providing a supportive, structured environment where they feel safe, seen and valued. This connection between wellbeing and learning is fundamental and strong learning doesn’t happen without it.
Our vertical House system and proactive initiatives, such as Rock and Water and Elephant Ed work together to ensure that each student is known and supported. These systems lay the groundwork for strong, positive learning partnerships between students, teachers and families.
Setting shared expectations and promoting student agency is vital. This three-way partnership is central to student success. When students, teachers and families work together, learning thrives.
Outside the classroom, our students are also shining. In Years 5 and 6, students have proudly represented the school at district, divisional, regional, and state levels in various sports. In Years 7 and 8, SEISA teams have competed with passion and pride. While success can be measured in wins, we celebrate something even more valuable, such as teamwork, connection and happiness. Singing together on the bus, sharing chips and lollies, smiling win or lose, these moments matter.
As we conclude the semester, I encourage you to sit down with your child and review their report together. These reports are an important form of communication offering insight into current skill levels, progress, and areas for growth. Regardless of the achievement level, please celebrate the effort behind the learning. Acknowledge the perseverance, the commitment, and the moments of progress, big and small.
If you have questions or wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teachers. We value this ongoing dialogue, which helps shape the best outcomes for your child.
That said, it’s important to remember that you can’t put a number on happiness, confidence, belonging or satisfaction. These things can’t be measured on a rubric, but they are just as important. Our aim is a holistic education, and our Middle Years learners, in many ways, are the most in need of this support across all sub-schools. Your partnership makes this possible.
Thank you for your continued support. I wish Mel Flower and Donna Driscoll all the very best as they head off on Long Service Leave next term. Mel will be on leave for the semester and Donna for the first five weeks of next term. And to everyone, have a safe, happy and well-deserved holiday break.
Calendar Dates
Monday 21 July – Staff Professional Development Day
Tuesday 22 July – Students commence Term 3
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Year 5 HAS Excursion
In their Humanities and Social Sciences (HAS) unit this term, Year 5 students have been exploring the processes of weathering and erosion. On Monday, 2nd June, they had an exciting opportunity to visit Silverleaves, where they observed firsthand the impact of erosion on the coastline and the various strategies being implemented to mitigate its effects.
During the excursion, students examined how groynes and rock walls help slow down erosion. They also explored other mitigation techniques, such as revegetation and the placement of rock bags, which aim to protect vulnerable coastal areas.
To deepen their understanding, students engaged in field sketching, carefully drawing the coastal protection methods they observed. The photos provided capture students in action. Through this hands-on experience, students gained valuable insights into the dynamic forces shaping landscapes and the importance of sustainable environmental management.
Rebecca Burgan
Middle School Teacher
Year 5 & 6 SEL (Social and Emotional Program)
As part of the Year 5 and 6 SEL (Social and Emotional Program) the students have been focusing on spreading kindness in our community. As part of this the students painted kindness rocks and created special care packages to deliver to PICAL (Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre).
The rocks were painted with love and care to spread kind messages around our school. Each student designed, painted and clear coated a rock before placing it in a special place around the school. The hope is that another student will find the rock, read the message and it will make their day a better one, before placing the rock in a new location for someone else to find. The students really enjoyed creating these special messages and hope they are making people smile.
The generosity of the 5/6 families and the care each student put into creating each individual gift package was truly heartwarming and a testament to the strength of our school community. Acts like these not only bring comfort to those receiving the gifts but also instil a lasting sense of empathy and connection in the students who prepared them.
Donna Driscoll
Middle School Teacher
Year 6 Scienceworks Excursion
On the 11 June the Year 6 students went to Scienceworks for an excursion. The first thing we went to look at was the Lightning Theatre. In the theatre, our presenter, Owen presented a range of incredible exhibits all to do with energy and electricity. We saw examples of light, sound and heat energy in action. It was the main display that held our attention the most. Constructed within the building was a massive Faraday Cage. If you’re wondering, this is an engineered cage that goes from the ceiling all the way under the concrete. It conducts electricity so that high voltage electricity, like lightning, can safely be created within it. There were also two tesla coils inside this cage. We saw the tesla coils shoot out lightning to the music of Super Mario Bros 2! At the end of the show, Owen asked us to cover our ears as the lightning exploded, hitting all of the mannequins placed in different places within the cage. We learnt a lot about conductors and insulators of electricity and even how to stay safe in a lightning storm.
After the Lightning Room, we had some time in the General Viewing area of Scienceworks. There were running games, wheelchair races, physical challenges, a teleporter thing and many more interesting exhibits. Those who discovered the upstairs section found vibrating couches and iPads to project light displays onto massive pylons. In some of the images, you can see how these creations can be projected onto anyone standing in front of the pylons too.
Overall, we had a wonderful time. It helped us to understand the topic of electricity and we got to have fun with our classmates at the same time.
Edith Jamieson and Liliana Fenwick
Year 6
Year 7 Bento Box incursion
On Monday, 16 June, Estuka from Harapeko Kids visited Newhaven College to teach our Year 7 students about 'Kyaraben' Bento Boxes. Kyaraben is a combination of 'Character' and 'Bento Box' and has become an art form for Japanese parents trying to help their children consume a healthier lunch.
All the students loved having the opportunity to create their own special kyaraben creation! Thank you to Etsuka and all the staff involved on the day.
Lachlan Gale
Japanese Teacher
Year 8 Kendo Martial Arts
Last Friday Reuben and Leah from the Victoria University Kendo Club visited Newhaven College to run a hands-on workshop with our Year 8 students. Kendo is a Japanese martial art form that resembles fencing but instead uses a bamboo sword or 'shinai'. The students learnt how to properly warm up before running through some practical demonstrations with their instructors. They were also treated to a demonstration in which Leah and Reuben went head-to-head in a simulated kendo contest. Finally, the students took part in a Q&A session in which they were able to learn more about the history and traditions associated with this fascinating sport.
Thank you to the staff, students and instructors who all ensured the day was a big success!
Lachlan Gale
Humanities and Japanese Teacher
Year 8 Community Projects
This week, the Year 8 students showcased their Community Projects to the Year 7s. The Expo, a key part of our Middle School model, highlights student creativity and engagement across a range of subjects. It’s a celebration of learning and a reminder that our students are not just absorbing knowledge, they are contributing meaningfully to the world around them.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
