We are so excited for our AFL SportsReady Trainee, Zac Walker, who last night found out he has been drafted to the AFL's Western Bulldogs. He received a call from Head Coach Luke Beveridge soon after the announcement to congratulate Zac on his success. Zac was at Head of Junior School, Cath Huther's home, when he found out the news. His friends descended on him with such enthusiasm it's surprising he didn't receive a concussion! Having been a lifetime supporter of the Western Bulldogs, Zac couldn't be happier!
Zac had his first taste of being an AFL idol today when he was swarmed by excited students wanting his autograph. He was offered scraps of paper, footballs, shoes, a lip balm and even a number of foreheads as places to sign his now famous name!
Zac was still in shock from the night before and said the exciting news was yet to sink in. When asked about his journey to success, he said "You have to be patient and keep your head down. If you keep working and doing the right things, opportunities will come to you. Continue working on your craft and stay fit, running 24-7 and getting to the gym when you can. The biggest thing is choosing the right times to have fun and when to settle down and stay disciplined."
We wish Zac all the best for a long and successful AFL career.
For any prospective families interested in exploring Newhaven College, our Admissions team will be running our next College Tour on Wednesday 18 June.
Families will meet the Principal, Heads of School and our student leadership. The tour starts with refreshments in the library, a welcome by our Principal, Tony Corr, followed by a tour of our College's highlights.
Be sure to spread the word with friends and family.
On Tuesday 13 May, the whole school came together, along with leadership, members of our College Board and Life Governors, for the most important day on our College calendar. Newhaven College Foundation Day gives us the chance to celebrate our school, where we have been and what makes our school special.
Proceedings commenced with the induction of Mr Simon Manning as Life Governor. Mr Manning was applauded by current Chair Mr David Jobe, as an integral part of the team who helped make Newhaven College the incredible school it is today, during his tenure as Treasurer of the College Board.
Our special guest speaker, College alumni Mat Bowtell from Free 3D Hands enthralled all those in attendance with his story of discovering his gift of combining innovation and creativity to develop prosthetic hands and arms. His work has assisted over 20,000 people world-wide. He explained how the recipients' smiles and gratitude motivate him and his team every day. His passion and dedication was applauded by our entire school community.
Our Preps were formally introduced to the College community when student leaders awarded them with their House badges, introducing them as Class of 2037! Our College Captains and Middle School Captains addressed all assembled with reflections on their year so far. They all displayed incredible skills in oration, much to the approval of the audience.
Proceedings were punctuated by musical performances by our Junior School and Combined Choirs, and a rendition of 'Xanadu' by the cast of last month's School Production.
After the Foundation Day Assembly, the College invited the Life Governors, past Board members and other dignitaries to catch up over morning tea. The opportunity was taken to unveil a new Honour Board for the College, Chairs of the Board of Governance, listing all the College Board Chairs from Founding Chair Bill Papworth to our current Chair, David Jobe.
It was an honour to share the unveiling with past Board Chair's present were Greg Price, Pamela Cameron and Kevin Johnson, along with David Jobe.
On Tuesday, Newhaven College students, staff, and parents gathered once again - despite chilly winds and light rain - to walk two laps of the school oval in a powerful show of solidarity and respect for First Nations Peoples. Year 9 student, River Hume, a Boonwurrung of the Yallock-Bullock clan, welcomed everyone to Country before the walk commenced. A banner, painted by Year 12 student Sienna Bell, led the procession.
This year’s theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’ is a reminder for all Australians to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Always Was, Always Will Be.
On the Friday before Mother's Day, Newhaven College held a special lunch to celebrate our mums, grandmas and all the special women in our lives at Phillip Island Vineyard & Winery. Our PFA ran a raffle for those in attendance, and everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch and a glass of wine.
Thank you to everyone who came long and made it such a wonderful occasion, yet again, and to the Phillip Island Winery staff who made us feel so welcome!
More news about Mother's Day's Mums and Muffins event in the Junior School section of this newsletter.
The College Charity Movie Night will be held on Friday 13 June from 4.15-6.15pm in The Collect, Middle School. This event is Prep- Year 12, so the much loved film Madagascar has been chosen to ensure all ages are catered for.
There will be a popcorn machine, lolly bags, and hot chocolates available for purchase.
Prices: $5 for a single ticket and $15 for a family (2A,4C).
Children are strongly encouraged to bring beanbags and blankets, which can be dropped off at their respective receptions in the morning. There will be a supervised area for your children to wait until the event starts at 4.15pm.
A Heartfelt Thank You – Mother’s Day Lunch
A very special thank you to Tony Corr and Katrina Lawrence for organising the beautiful Mother’s Day Lunch at the Phillip Island winery and for generously allowing the PFA to run our raffle during the event. Your support and coordination helped make the day such a success, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
We also want to extend a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who donated prizes for our raffle. Your generosity made it possible to offer some truly fabulous prizes and helped raise important funds for our school community.
Mark Your Calendars – Colour Run!
Get ready to get colourful! The PFA Colour Run is coming up on 8 August, and it promises to be a fun-filled day for students.
More details and fundraising information will be shared soon, so stay tuned and save the date!
The PFA Giving Fund – Making a Difference
As always, funds raised through our events go directly into the PFA Giving Fund, which supports programs, resources, and improvements that benefit our students and school.
If you have an idea or initiative in mind, we encourage you to get involved! To suggest a funding opportunity, please email the PFA to request an application form for consideration.
Thank you again to everyone who continues to support the PFA. We couldn’t do it without our wonderful school community!
Angel Chambers
President | Parents and Friends Association