It's hard to believe we are already over halfway through Term 2. The energy across our Junior School has been incredibly positive, with students embracing every opportunity to learn, grow and connect.
I regularly receive wonderful feedback from a range of visitors to our school, whether prospective families, external professionals or members of our parent community. What comes through time and again is how polite and well-mannered our students are, not just in the Junior School, but right across Newhaven College. Students hold doors open, say thank you, smile and greet others with a friendly "How is your day?" It is a reminder that small gestures make a real difference and that the more positivity we invest in our school culture, the stronger our community becomes. I am so proud to witness this daily, and it is very much part of the Newhaven Way. How lovely to know that our students' respectful actions are noticed and valued.
Writing from Prep to Year 10
Curiosity was sparked across the Junior School when a mysterious map appeared overnight in every classroom. This surprise led to a whole-school writing initiative, with students from Prep to Year 10 crafting imaginative stories about where the map came from and where it might lead. To celebrate, our teachers gathered to share and reflect on these wonderful narratives. The quality and variety of student writing clearly demonstrate the positive impact of The Writing Revolution, a structured, evidence-based approach to literacy adopted in the Junior School in 2024. Since its introduction, we have seen fantastic growth in sentence structure, handwriting, punctuation and vocabulary; a real testament to the power of explicit literacy instruction. It is exciting to witness such progress in our students' writing!
Lunchtime Clubs
With the colder weather fast approaching, Lunchtime Clubs are back in full swing every day. These clubs give students the chance to explore new interests, build confidence and connect with peers across year levels in a relaxed, supportive environment. Activities this term include Tennis Club, Paper Craft Club, Yoga, Lego Club, Drawing Club, Games, Uno Club, Book Club, Library Club and Netball Club; something to match every student's interest and energy level. Beyond the fun, these clubs support student wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging. A big thank you to our passionate and generous teachers who volunteer their own break time to make these experiences possible.
Reconciliation Walk: Wednesday 3 June at 2:30 pm
On Wednesday 3 June at 2:30 pm, we invite you to join us for our whole-school Reconciliation Long Walk. For the sixth consecutive year, our school community will walk laps around the oval in a tradition that symbolises our commitment to raising awareness and honouring First Nations culture. We warmly encourage you to walk two laps alongside our students and staff. Your presence strengthens the spirit of reconciliation we strive to foster within our community.
We look forward to walking this journey together.
National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, where a picture book by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously across the country. This week, our Junior School students joined the celebration during Assembly. Classes 2H and 2S presented this year's book, Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson, Adrian Lloyd and Jake Minton. Every Year 2 student participated, reading aloud with clarity, fluency and confidence, proudly sharing the story with our Junior School community.
Junior School Cross Country
All Junior School students took part in our recent Cross Country event with great enthusiasm and determination. The sun was shining, the track was set, and our students gave it their all while being cheered on by peers, staff and families. A special thank you to our parent volunteers and Middle School students, who did a fantastic job organising, assisting and encouraging the younger runners. It was a wonderful display of house spirit and participation, with every student embracing the challenge and celebrating their achievements, whether big or small.
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)
Thank you to Jaclyn Clark and our dedicated team of parent volunteers for their support of this important initiative, which began this term for our Prep students during scheduled Sport sessions. PMP develops key motor skills such as coordination, balance and spatial awareness through structured physical activities. Research shows that PMP also supports cognitive growth, concentration and classroom readiness, providing a strong foundation for early learning success.
Island Whale Festival Colouring Competition
To celebrate World Oceans Day and the return of the whales, the annual Island Whale Festival colouring competition is open to all Junior School students. Colouring sheets are available at Junior School reception (one per student) and are due to Dearne by Thursday 11 June.
Thank you for your ongoing support. As we move through the remainder of Term 2, I look forward to seeing our students continue to embrace new challenges, celebrate their achievements and take part in the many wonderful opportunities ahead.
Key Dates
Wed 3 June Newhaven College Reconciliation Walk for Year Prep-12 students and families – 2.30pm on the oval
Thu 4 June Year 3-6 Regional Cross Country, Drouin
Mon 8 June Kings Birthday Public Holiday
Wed 10 June Prep PMP with 4-5 parent helpers per class
Wed 10 June JS Assembly Year 1 – 2.30pm, The Collect
Fri 12 June Correction Day (no students)
Mon 15 June Prep and Year 1 Swimming Lessons (Mon-Fri excl Wed)
Mon 15 June World Cup Dress Day - Gold Coin Donation
Wed 17 June Newhaven College Open Morning for prospective families
Fri 19 June Whole School Trivia Night 6.30pm, The Collect
Mon 22 June Prep – Year 1 Swimming Lessons
Tue 23 June Prep and Year 1 Mini Swim Carnival 11.00 – 1.30pm Wonthaggi
Wed 24 June Prep PMP with 4-5 parent helpers per class
Wed 24 June JS Assembly – Performing Arts Captains, Year 3 Strings Choir – 2.30pm
Fri 26 June JS Disco (JS Free Dress)
Fri 26 June Final Day Term 2 – 2:20pm Finish
Mon 29 June – Mon 20 July School Holidays (3 weeks)
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Junior School Adventure Playground Official Opening
After the Foundation Day Assembly, Principal Mr Tony Corr officially opened the new Junior School Adventure Playground, welcoming the entire Junior School community along with many special guests.
The playground project was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many people, beginning with the Strategic Project Group, which oversees the school’s physical infrastructure. The group is chaired by Rebecca Naughtin and supported by Director of Business Alan Nolan, College Board Chair David Jobe, and Head of Junior School Cath Huther.
Mr Corr acknowledged the design of the playground by Karl Russo and Chris Greber of Orchard Design, which incorporates many well-loved areas of Phillip Island, such as The Pinnacles, Rhyll Inlet and San Remo bridge. The construction was done seamlessly by Earth Design Landscapes, a wonderful team who joined in on the celebrations.
Special recognition was given to Geoff and Glenice Sammons, whose generous contribution made the playground possible. A special plaque was unveiled in their honour, and they were able to mingle with the students as they played. It was such a special occasion for our school, with years of play, creativity and fun to be had in the playground for many years to come.
Mums and Muffins!
On the Friday morning before Mother's Day, our Junior School welcomed mums, grandmas and special friends to our annual Mums and Muffins event. Everyone was greeted with a tea/coffee and a muffin to start the day, after which students took their mum or special person into the classrooms to meet their friends and teachers.
The task was for each student to draw a picture of their mum, grandma or special friend, who then in turn had to guess which picture was of them! There wre some wonderful artworks created and everyone had fun finding themselves on the wall!
This is always a very important date in the Junior School calendar, and we appreciate everyone who came along.
AFLW Morning: Years 2, 3 and 4
Our Year 2, 3 and 4 students recently enjoyed an inspiring AFLW morning, hearing firsthand from elite Hawthorn players about their experiences in professional sport. The athletes shared insights into their journeys to the AFLW and spoke about the value of confidence, inclusion, perseverance and having a go. A sincere thank you to these players for generously sharing their time and stories with our students.
Cath Huther
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
