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.
Foundation Day Assembly
A highlight this term was our Whole School Foundation Day Assembly, featuring guest speaker and Newhaven College alumnus Matt Bowtell. Matt, founder of Free 3D Hands, is making a remarkable difference by designing and providing free 3D printed prosthetic hands to people in need around the world. His story is one of determination, innovation and resilience. He has overcome many setbacks and continues to improve his designs through trial and error. Matt’s message resonated deeply with our students: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” At Newhaven College, we embrace this mindset by encouraging persistence, resilience and the courage to learn from mistakes. These qualities are essential in all aspects of life, both in and out of the classroom.
Writing in the Junior School
Last week, curiosity was sparked across the Junior School when a mysterious door appeared in every classroom. This surprise led to a school-wide writing initiative, with students from Prep to Year 4 crafting imaginative stories about what might lie behind the door. To celebrate their writing skills, our teachers gathered to share and reflect on these wonderful narratives. The quality and variety of student writing demonstrate the positive impact of The Writing Revolution, our structured and evidence-based approach to literacy. This approach focuses on explicitly teaching students how to construct clear, well-organised sentences and paragraphs. We have seen fantastic growth in sentence structure, handwriting, punctuation and vocabulary. This is a testament to the power of explicit literacy instruction. It is exciting to witness such progress in our students’ writing across the Junior School.
Lunchtime Clubs
With the colder weather fast approaching, Lunchtime Clubs are back in full swing and run each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, build confidence and connect with peers across year levels in a relaxed and supportive environment. Activities this term include student voice, yoga, mindfulness, dance, arts and crafts, board games, quiet reading and fitness club. These all offer something to match every student’s interest and energy level. These clubs not only provide fun and variety during lunch breaks but also 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 valuable experiences possible.
Continuous Reporting
A reminder to check SEQTA for ongoing updates on your child’s progress. Continuous reporting is a system that provides families with timely and specific feedback on student learning throughout the term. This term, families will receive feedback in Writing, Mathematics, Reading and Spelling. Our aim is to provide clear insights into your child’s progress and development, helping families stay informed and engaged in their learning journey ahead of formal reports.
Read about the AFLW visit and Junior School sporting events in the Sports section of this newsletter.
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 on offer, whether through extra-curricular activities or broader school community events.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Mums and Muffins
To celebrate Mother's Day, our Junior School students invite their mum, grandma or special friend to a special event, Mums and Muffins!
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 joy this event brings to everyone involved is really special.
'Splash of Japanese' Day
Japanese Day was a wonderful celebration where students from Prep to Year 4 came together in cross-age groups, allowing them to share and learn alongside peers from across the Junior School. The day was filled with engaging cultural activities such as fan making, traditional dancing, taiko drumming, calligraphy, chopstick games, and learning Japanese songs. It was a fun filled day that helped students develop a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture while building connections with one another.
David Prideaux
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 week for our Prep and Year 1 students during their scheduled Sport sessions. PMP helps develop key motor skills such as coordination, balance and spatial awareness through structured physical activities. In addition to enhancing physical development, research has shown that PMP also supports cognitive growth, concentration and classroom readiness. It provides a strong foundation for early learning success.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
An Electrifying Visit to the Science Lab for Year 1
As part of their Inquiry unit on science and scientists, the Year 1 students recently enjoyed an exciting visit to the Science Lab. With the guidance of Mr. Torstonson, the young learners had the chance to step into the world of scientific discovery through hands-on experiments.
During their visit, students observed how an indicator liquid changed colour when acids and bases were added—an engaging way to explore chemical reactions. They were also introduced to the Van de Graaff generator, where they learned about electric charge in a truly memorable way. Those who were keen even had the chance to feel the static electricity for themselves—what an electrifying experience!
The students left the lab full of wonder and enthusiasm. A big thank you to Mr. Tortonson for sharing this incredible learning space and sparking curiosity in our future scientists.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
National Simultaneous Storytime 2025
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.
On Wednesday 21 May 2025, Junior School students celebrated NSS at Assembly where 2O and 2S presented the book titled ‘The Truck Cat’ written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell. Activities relating to the story were also completed in Library lessons. The book is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. Along with his friend Yacoub, Tinka the cat travels roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away for both. When Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated, they are determined to find their way back to each other-and, in doing so, might find more than they expected.
Bridget Haines
Library Teacher
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
