Senior School

Social Licence

August is Social month in the College Calendar, with the Year 12 Formal falling on Saturday 1 August. For many of our Year 12 students, the Formal marks a genuine milestone: a rare night where they step out largely on their own, with no parents in the room and only their Senior School House Leaders and members of College Leadership looking on from a respectful distance. The dresses were elegant, the suits were sharp, and every student made the effort to look their very best. On an evening built for students under pressure to finally unwind, that effort showed. Our Year 12 cohort are natural dancers, and the dance floor proved it, with teachers coaxed on for a spin through the Nutbush, the Macarena and Dancing Queen. Time may march on, but it is reassuring to know the classics never lose their charm. My thanks go to Ms Aisling Fagan, whose efforts in pulling the evening together, in her first year as Clarke House Leader, were outstanding. Photos from the night can be seen in the last newsletter.

The second social event on the College Calendar was the Year 11 Ball, held on Saturday 15 August. Thanks in large part to the exceptional work of Ms Hannah Blake, McHaffie House Leader, more than 260 Year 11 students and their parents gathered at Silverwater Resort to mark the midpoint of their senior schooling: pens down, for one night, in favour of fun, frivolity and dancing. Watching our students make the effort, suiting up or frocking up, for an evening where joy is simply the point, never gets old. This is a close-knit cohort, and that was on full display: they clearly relish each other’s company, as well as that of their parents and the small but dedicated group of staff who joined them on the night. In the busyness that so often consumes staff and students alike, it is a genuine pleasure to pause and simply celebrate being together, and the Year 11 Ball captured that spirit perfectly. Photos from the night can be seen below.

With both major social events now behind us, the senior school has settled back into its usual rhythm: the energy of the classroom, the thrill of competition across the SEISA sporting calendar, and the quiet, steady work of study. With only three and a half weeks left in Term Three, the SAC calendar is getting busier, and with it, so are the stress levels of our Year 11 and 12 students. Even the term break ahead will look different to the previous breaks this year, with Trial Examinations looming large: six days of practice exams scheduled for all scored VCE students. These trials are one of the best opportunities our students will have to test their skills and knowledge under timed conditions before the real VCE examinations in October and November. It is essential that they make the most of this opportunity to prepare for the challenge ahead.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Year 9 STEAM Week and What’s Ahead

Year 9 students have enjoyed an exciting and productive STEAM Week, taking part in a range of hands-on activities involving science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Throughout the week, students have been challenged to think creatively, work collaboratively and apply their problem-solving skills in practical and engaging ways. It has been wonderful to see students embracing new experiences and supporting one another through each challenge.

Our next major learning experience will be the commencement of the Horizons Project. This self-directed project will give students the opportunity to explore an area of personal interest, set meaningful goals and take greater ownership of their learning. Further information about the project and its expectations will be shared with students as it begins.

The final week of term will also be our NAIDOC Week celebration. Several workshops and activities are being planned across the week, providing students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements. A special feature will be the creation of new artwork with Uncle Steve Parker, with every Year 9 student contributing to this shared piece.

We look forward to finishing the term with a meaningful and engaging celebration of learning, creativity and culture.

Sam Foura

Head of Year 9

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 

A few weeks back, Max Brocklesby, Tierlin Hamley, Harvey Kirk, Mia Thompson, Lucas Jungwirth and I participated in a yearly event called Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). We prepared over the course of 2 weeks, being chosen to represent the UK and its views on issues.

As a result of this, we were the first against on the first issue, which was open borders in immigration. Australia and Turkey were our competitors, with 3 other countries waiting to be convinced. Harvey and I delivered the opening speeches, with Mia securing the almost impossible win of 4 to 2 with her excellent counterarguments.

In our second preplanned round, we were the secondary (assisting the sponsor) on the issue 'no first-placed weapons in space'. The USA was the first against on the issue. Lucas and Max were our speakers, and they won the vote very easily, securing a total of 4 countries on our side.

For the final improv round, we were given an extremely difficult role, first against on returning all land and possessions back to countries they originated from. Harvey was able to come up with an amazing opening speech without any physical prep, with Tierlin assisting. Despite a hard verbal battle with Mia and Lucas, we lost 2 to 3, with Turkey choosing not to vote. Although our group argues that Australia should have voted for us.

In the end we won MUNA as the best debaters, taking home a medal, certificate, badge and bragging rights. Can't wait to participate again next year.

Scarlette Hill

Year 10

Year 11 Ball

Saturday night, 15 August,  was one to remember as our Year 11 students and their parents and guardians came together at Silverwater Resort for a spectacular Year 11 Ball.

Our students looked incredible and certainly brought the glamour! With DJ David Manning behind the decks, the dance floor was soon packed, with everyone dancing the night away.

A big shoutout to our leadership team for joining the celebrations, and a special thank you to Hannah Blake for organising such a fantastic event.

HMAS Cape Woolamai

Newhaven College was delighted to welcome 10 crew members, including a number of officers, from the HMAS Cape Woolamai on Thursday 6 August. Ostensibly, the crew visited to inform students in the Senior School of possible career pathways within the Armed Services, particularly the Navy.

Students and staff were regaled by on-water and off-water stories over the years of service of each crew member. We are made aware of the different roles that can be filled within the Navy both on and off ships and the crew answered a wide array of questions regarding fleet readiness, career pathways and naval operations from over 200 eager Senior School students. It was a fascinating afternoon and I am sure a number of our students could be tempted by a life on the high seas in the near future!

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School