Respectful Relationships Between Home and School
At Newhaven College, we believe that strong, respectful partnerships between home and school are vital in supporting the growth and development of our young people. In my many years of teaching, one thing has remained clear: students often view situations through their own lens, and the version of events they share at home is usually favourable to their perspective.
That’s why it’s essential that we, as the adults in their lives, model respectful communication and a willingness to work together. When concerns arise, approaching them with open minds and a shared commitment to understanding ensures we can support our students in meaningful and effective ways.
Our number one priority is to keep every student safe - physically, emotionally, and socially. A key part of this is maintaining an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Students are regularly reminded that respect is not just for teachers, but for everyone who contributes to their learning environment, education support staff, aides, and volunteers alike. When they see the adults in their lives working together with mutual respect, they are more likely to mirror that behaviour in their own relationships.
Together, let’s continue to create a supportive, respectful school community where all students can thrive.
Rock and Water Program
Since 1994, the Rock and Water program has been delivered across Australian schools, youth organisations, and communities to build self-awareness, self-respect, and self-control in children and young people. Students in Year 5 will participate in this highly regarded program, led by accredited trainers, Sarah Derham and Andre Whitton.
Using physical exercises, games, and reflection, students learn to recognise their own strengths, manage emotions, and respond calmly and confidently in challenging situations. The metaphors of Rock (standing firm) and Water (adaptability and communication) are used throughout the program to teach students how to choose appropriate responses in different situations.
Key focus areas include:
- Anti-bullying strategies
- Self-awareness, emotional regulation and communication
- Conflict resolution and alternatives to aggression
- Respectful relationships and boundary setting
- Positive identity, purpose and motivation
The program is aligned with the Australian Curriculum’s Respect Matters initiative and supports the development of interpersonal and self-management skills. It has proven effective for a broad range of students, including those with additional needs.
Extensive research confirms the program’s positive impact on reducing unacceptable behaviours, increasing self-confidence, and improving social and communication skills - all of which contribute to greater wellbeing and academic success.
We look forward to all Year 5 students participating enthusiastically and the positive impact this will have on the holistic growth of our students.
Calendar Dates:
A reminder that Friday, 6 June is Correction Day and Monday 9 June is the King’s Birthday Public Holiday.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Elephant Ed Workshops
Our Year 7 and 8 students recently participated in a series of engaging and age-appropriate workshops run by Elephant Ed, focusing on respectful relationships and sexual health education.
Year 8 took part in two sessions: Sex & Social Media and Porn vs Reality. Both were extremely well received, with over 95% of students giving them a thumbs up and expressing a desire for Elephant Ed to return. Most students reported feeling more informed and shared that they have someone they feel comfortable talking to about these topics.
Year 7 students completed the Respectful Relationships and Choices and Changes workshops, covering friendships, independence, and making respectful choices. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all students endorsing the sessions, wanting more, and indicating they felt better informed and supported.
These workshops continue to play a vital role in supporting our students’ wellbeing and understanding of healthy, respectful relationships.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Year 8 HAS Coastal Excursion
On a blustery yet successful day, Year 8 students embarked on a Geography and Earth Sciences (HAS) excursion along the southern coastline of Millowl (Phillip Island), exploring from Cape Woolamai to Grants Point, the Nobbies, and concluding at the Penguin Parade. The focus of the excursion was to investigate the island’s dynamic geology through a range of fieldwork activities, including SCUMPS analysis (Size, Colour, Use, Materials, Parts, Shape), detailed field drawings, and rock identification exercises.
Students worked collaboratively to uncover the geological history of Millowl, identifying key rock types and formations that tell the story of Phillip Island’s volcanic past. Despite strong coastal winds, spirits remained high, especially when hot chocolate and lemon ginger tea were served at Pyramid Rock, providing a welcome energy boost before the 5km walk from the Nobbies to the Penguin Parade.
This excursion supports Part 2 of the assessment, which requires students to complete a comprehensive SCUMPS analysis and produce an annotated map of the Southern Coastline. These tasks tie directly into current curriculum topics: Mapping, Geographical Analysis, and Rock Formation and Types.
Overall, it was a highly enjoyable and educational day that combined outdoor exploration with hands-on scientific learning.
Cynthia Young
Learning Support Teacher
Landcare incursion for Years 5&6
As part of the Health and Wellbeing program in Year 5/6, we were fortunate enough to have Lisa Wangman from Landcare spend time with a select group of students this afternoon. She walked us around our magnificent property, outlining the indigenous flora and discussing the historical plantings on the grounds that have occurred since the Year 9 Centre was built. It was in 2005 that over 2000 plants were set out around the then newly built Environmental Centre, and over 1000 native plants were put in the ground at the back of our property on National Tree Day in 2016. Lisa also talked to the students about our old wetlands and trees and gardens established around the Middle School Art building.
We admired the many She Oaks on the school grounds and talked about vegetation that has changed since the times when farmers first established themselves on Phillip Island.
We thank Lisa for her time and knowledge, and look forward to your next visit later in the term.
Shona O'Dempsey
Year 6 teacher
