Being part of a community is about feeling connected, supported, and valued. It gives us the chance to grow together, to celebrate each other, and to share in something bigger than ourselves. Communities take many shapes, such as sporting, cultural, and learning, and of course, one of the most important for our students is their school community. At our recent Whole School Assembly, that sense of community was on full display. Students and staff gathered to celebrate our theme of Community, and the atmosphere was filled with pride and connection. Our sub school captains spoke with confidence and warmth, while musical performances brought energy and joy to the morning. It was wonderful to see so many students step up as presenters and performers, a reflection of the supportive environment we are building together at Newhaven College. The assembly was a reminder of what makes our school community so special: connection, belonging, and shared achievement. These are the values that guide us every day and the foundation on which we continue to grow.
Book Week
Last week, our students from Prep to Year 4 joined in the much-loved annual Book Week Parade in the Middle School Collect. This year’s theme was Book an Adventure, and the creativity of costumes was inspiring. Characters from much-loved authors such as Pamela Allen, Mem Fox, Dr Seuss, Marcus Pfister, and Eric Carle came to life, filling the Collect with colour and excitement. Janine presented three students, Grayson Kondarios (3R), Elise Kim (1P) and Wynn Brebner (1H), with book vouchers from our local bookshop Turn the Page in recognition of their outstanding borrowing habits in the Library. A big thank you to Bridget Haines for organising the parade and to our school captains who spoke so beautifully on the day. It was a celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of reading. See the College News section of this newsletter for the Library report and lots of photos.
Dads and Donuts Morning
On Friday 5 September, we will be hosting our Dads and Donuts Morning. This special event invites Junior School students to celebrate the important role of fathers and special people in their lives. Students will have the opportunity to share their classrooms, showcase their work, and spend a meaningful morning together. We warmly welcome our dads and special guests to join us from 8:30 am to 8.55 am in the Junior School.
Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week (1–5 September)
We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated learning support staff at Newhaven College. During Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, we take the time to recognise the important role our support staff play in helping our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In the Junior School, our tiered intervention programs are only possible because of the commitment of our team. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Des, Kellie, Nala, Katanya, and Marina for their outstanding work, as well as to Kim Northover, our Learning Support Teacher, who leads and coordinates this team with great care and professionalism. We are grateful for the impact they have on the lives of our students and the difference they make every day. Please join us in celebrating and thanking them for all they do.
R U OK Day
R U OK Day is a national reminder of the importance of checking in with one another and asking the simple but powerful question, "Are you okay?" It encourages us all to listen, connect, and support those who may be feeling uncertain, worried, or alone. To mark this important day, we will be holding a Wellbeing Lunchtime Club for our Junior School students on Thursday 11 September at 1:30 pm in the assembly area. Students will enjoy fun games and activities while learning the importance of kindness, friendship, and meaningful conversations. We look forward to seeing our students come together in support of this important message and cause.
It has been a busy term so far, filled with great moments of learning, celebration, and connection. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for all the ways you bring positivity to our Junior School community. We look forward to many more special moments together in the weeks ahead.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
100 Days of School Celebration in Prep
On Wednesday 13 August, our Prep students proudly celebrated an important milestone, 100 days of school. This was a happy occasion for our Junior School community as we recognised the fantastic achievements of our youngest learners. Students dressed up in creative costumes decorated with 100 items, parading proudly in front of Junior School students, teachers, and families. From 100 cherries and balloons to hair clips and even 100 sums equalling 100, the imagination on display was great. The day was filled with exciting activities centred around the number 100, including counting, sorting, and singing. A highlight was making fairy bread sprinkled with hundreds and thousands, while buddies joined in to create special crowns to mark the occasion. Mrs Clark also organised a lively PMP session with a 100 Days theme, ensuring plenty of fun and movement. A big thank you to our Prep teachers, Mrs Lynch and Mrs Faulwetter, along with our parents and wider community, for making this such a memorable celebration.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Pre-Prep Library Sessions
Our future Newhaven College Preps for 2026 have begun their transition program. Over recent weeks, children enrolled for Prep in 2026 have taken part in Library and story sessions, enjoying the chance to borrow books and share stories together. These sessions are designed to help our future students feel at ease in their new environment, meet new peers, and provide parents with the opportunity to connect. Mr Corr shared a story about new friendships which resonated with many of our families as they prepare to begin their journey from Prep to Year 12 with us. It has been a wonderful start to the transition program, and we look forward to welcoming our newest learners and families to more Library sessions in the coming weeks.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Class Values Awards: Celebrating Year 1P
Our Junior School likes to recognise and celebrate the values we share. Our Key Value Awards give us a meaningful way to acknowledge and encourage the wonderful behaviours our students show in the classroom and beyond.
The awards are presented to the class that receives the most keys over a fortnight. Keys are awarded to students who show kindness, respect, honesty, empathy, persistence, excellence, and a willingness to try new things. These qualities make up what we proudly call The Newhaven Way.
This program helps build a culture of encouragement, positive choices, and shared responsibility. Classes have enjoyed a variety of rewards this year, including pyjama parties, movie mornings, and even mountain bike track adventures.
This week, we were delighted to celebrate Year 1P as the Class Values Award winners. Their efforts were rewarded with a special lunchtime experience in the main staffroom with Mr Corr and Mrs Pedersen. Together, they enjoyed pizza, conversation, and plenty of laughter, creating a memorable moment of connection and pride.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
