AFLW Players Visit
On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, Newhaven College had the privilege of hosting Melbourne AFLW players Tyla Hanks, Eliza McNamara, Ryleigh Wotherspoon and Lily Johnson.
During a 45-minute Q&A session, students had the opportunity to hear firsthand about the players’ experiences in elite sport, their pathways to the AFLW, and insights into training, teamwork and resilience. The students asked a variety of insightful questions, with the Melbourne Demon fans being particularly excited. The players shared insights into their journeys to the AFLW, as well as the importance of training, teamwork and resilience. They spoke about the value of confidence, inclusion, perseverance and having a go.
We thank Tyla, Eliza, Ryleigh and Lily for generously sharing their time and stories with our Year 3 and 4 school community.
Cath Huther & Jaclyn Clark
Divisional Cross Country
Hundreds of students lined up for the Divisional Cross Country, held at the Stony Creek Racecourse on 22 May. Our school was proudly represented across all age groups, with some outstanding performances on the day.
A major highlight came from the 12/13-year-old boys' race, where our team dominated the leaderboard. Jett Fawaz powered to a brilliant 1st place, with strong finishes from Izaac Naarden (8th), Zen Dalli (9th), and Alfie Russo (11th).
In the 12/13-year-old girls’ category, Dae Anderson ran a determined race to finish 5th, while in the 11-year-old boys’ event, Noah Hollings secured a 10th place finish. Bridget Doig also impressed in the 9/10-year-old girls’ race, placing 5th.
Congratulations to all runners for their fantastic efforts and for representing our school with pride and determination. These students will represent the school at Regional Cross Country in June.
Jaclyn Clark
Junior School PE and Sports Teacher
SSAV Softball Championship
Sports Schools Association of Victoria (SSAV) recently hosted Newhaven College in a state level tournament. Hosted at Jells Park, Newhaven College played two games, one against Caulfield Grammar, and the other against Tintern Grammar School.
Saint Margaret's College, from Berwick, were the eventual winners on the day. Whilst Newhaven were unsuccessful, it was amazing to play against such experienced teams, and we have all learned a lot moving forward into next year's SEISA competition.
Elizabeth Hall
Billy's Champion Medal
In District athletics news, Billy Kimber was awarded the U10 Boys Age Champion Medal after an outstanding performance on Wednesday 30 April. Billy placed in all events: 1st in 200m, 1st in shot put, 2nd in 100m, and his relay team placed 3rd.
A fantastic achievement.
Junior School House Cup Winners
Our House Junior Athletics Carnival was held on Wednesday 27 March, with an exciting and closely contested day of events. Congratulations to Clarke House, who took home the trophy with 250 points, narrowly edging out McHaffie (245), Bass (244) and Sambell (234). Well done to Austin Lynch (HC) and Hazel Jones, who proudly accepted the trophy on behalf of Clarke.
Jaclyn Clark
Junior School PE and Sports Teacher
Junior School House 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 their peers, staff and families. A special thanks to our Year 11 students who did a fantastic job assisting and encouraging the younger runners. It was a wonderful display of house spirit and participation. Every student embraced the challenge and celebrated their achievements, whether big or small.
The Junior School Cross Country saw a thrilling finish. Congratulations to Bridget Doig and Levi Naarden (House Captains), who accepted the trophy on behalf of McHaffie, who came out on top with 150 points, followed by Sambell (127), Bass (125), and Clarke (111).
Bridget will represent Newhaven College in the Regional Cross Country event on 5 June.
Cath Huther & Jaclyn Clark
Years 5/6 House Cross Country
On Thursday 15 May, our Year 5/6 students took to the course for the annual Cross-Country event, and what an exciting day it was. The races were packed with determination and some thrilling finishes, particularly in the 12/13 Boys category, where the competition was incredibly tight right to the finish line.
Congratulations to all participants for their fantastic effort, and a special well done to the students who went on to represent Newhaven College at the Division Cross Country event held on Thursday 22 May.
We are proud to share their results:
11 Year Olds
Boys: 1st – Cooper Bennett; 2nd – Fletcher Hennessey; 3rd – Noah Hollings; 4th – Leith Cameron; 5th – Rorey Filsell; 6th – Sam Martindale
Girls: 1st – Evelyn McCabe; 2nd – Chelsea Chambers; 3rd – Evie Felstead; 4th – Eden Hallas; 5th – Gabrielle Titmarsh; 6th – Olivia Clark
12/13 Year Olds
Boys: 1st – Jett Fawaz; 2nd – Alfie Russo; 2nd – Zen Dalli (tie); 4th – Izaac Naarden; 5th – James Evans; 6th – Miles Leary
Girls: 1st – Dae Anderson; 2nd – Grace Bailey; 3rd – Isla McGregor; 4th – Violet Turner; 5th – Molly Baud
SEISA Golf
On Thursday, May 8, a small group of keen Newhaven College students proudly represented the school at the inaugural SEISA Golf Competition held at the picturesque Warragul Country Club. Players were required to play in groups comprised of students from multiple schools and all Newhaven players showed courtesy and encouragement towards their fellow golfers throughout the day.
Congratulations to Harry Bentley, Kai Cashman (Year 10), Brynn Chandler, Jesse Moschetti (Year 9) and Thomas Simon (Year 7) for their outstanding efforts. Each student played with determination and represented Newhaven College with pride.
Well done, team!
Lachlan Gale
SEISA Surfing
Recently Newhaven College hosted the annual SEISA Surfing Competition held on the island at our very own Smiths Beach.
All six SEISA schools attended with a team of 12 surfers in tow. This year we saw a new generation of surfers take to the water for Newhaven College with seven of our twelve surfers from Year 7 (3 of whom were surfing up in a higher age group) and brand new to the Surfing Academy Programs.
Newhaven had a clean sweep on the day, taking out 1st in every event. A huge congratulations to River Henderson, Zoe Scott, Tavish Mahon, Edie Rowbottom, Ned Mathews and Evie Kimber all who placed 1st in their respect events. As a team Newhaven College executed a dominant performance ensuring our unbeaten run at SEISA Surfing remains alive.
Well done everyone.
Ben Clark
Head of Surf Academy
Round 1 - Victorian Schools MTB Series
The Newhaven College Mountain Bike Team has kicked off the 2025 season in spectacular fashion, with an impressive 40 students from Prep to Year 10 taking part in Round 1 of the AusCycling Victorian Schools XC MTB Series, held at Dromana College.
Students travelled from across the Bass Coast to compete in this exciting cross-country mountain biking event. With perfect weather and a buzzing atmosphere, the event saw a wonderful mix of experienced riders and enthusiastic first-timers proudly representing Newhaven College.
There were some outstanding individual performances on the day:
• Hamish Dakers-Hock made a strong return to racing, securing a 3rd place podium finish in the Under 17 Boys category.
• Lucy Thompson continued her dominant form with a 1st place finish in the Under 15 Girls Novice. Known as “Miss Consistent,” Lucy remains a role model for our younger riders.
• Evelyn McCabe gave a determined performance to take 3rd place in the Under 13 Girls Novice.
• Eden Bennett, competing in her very first race, achieved an incredible 1st place in the Under 11 Girls Novice – a remarkable debut!
Congratulations also to Will Walker (4th place, Under 11 Boys Novice) and Maxen Mills (4th place, Under 15 Boys Novice) for their strong results in highly competitive fields.
The day was a great celebration of teamwork, resilience, and school spirit. A huge thank you to Coach Tom Basterfield, staff, and our wonderful parent community for their continued support and encouragement.
Newhaven College Equestrian Team
Semester One has seen a super start for the Newhaven College Equestrian Team. Competition started with the Petstock Interschools Show Jumping with Mabel Richardson and Isla Mclean competing. Isla competed her new Off the Track Thoroughbred Yulong Emperor in the Progressive class. They competed in a class of 53 riders with sweet rounds but pulled a couple of rails to be out of the placings.
Mabel and her horse Leo stepped up a grade to compete in the Improvers in a class of 40 combinations to ride clear rounds to finish in 7th place in the championship.
This success was quickly followed up at the Petstock Interschool state championships with Isla McLean, Mabel Richardson and Grace Bailey representing Newhaven College in a week long festival of interschool competition.
Isla rode Ollie in the Combined Training 80 coming fourth in a huge field and exposed Yulong Emperor to another charged environment in the Combined Training 95cm class.
Mabel and Leo had terrific rounds to make it to the Jump Off in the Intermediate 80cm Show Jumping Class with winning times but a couple of rails put them out of the placings.
Grace Bailey riding two ponies Rachem Ezekial and Nilton Special Effects in the Preparatory Dressage had phenomenal success walking away with Champion and Reserve Champion in that event.
The team are now looking forward to the next team training day on the long weekend in June. Riders who own their own ponies are welcome to join the equestrian team’s activities both in competition and training. If you would like to participate with your pony, please contact Mrs. Price or one of the NHC Equestrian Team.
Amanda Price
Surf Independent Schools Team Titles
In May, two teams from our college competed in the Independent Schools Teams Titles held at Smiths Beach. Our mixed team faced strong competition and, despite a valiant effort, narrowly missed out on a finals spot. Meanwhile, our all-female team surfed impressively in challenging conditions and claimed victory for the second consecutive year.
Congratulations to all students for their dedication, especially during Wednesday training sessions – you’ve made the college proud!
Ben Clark
Head of Surf Academy
Newhaven College Swimmers Shine at VSAC
On Monday 12 May, eight swimmers from our Middle and Senior Schools headed to MSAC for the Victorian School Association Competition (VSAC). Our Newhaven College swimmers teamed up with swimmers from SESIA, showcasing their skills against various associations from across Victoria.
We couldn't be prouder of how our swimmers represented the College! Their team spirit and camaraderie were evident as they demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship throughout the evening. They really brought their A-game, racing competitively in an impressive field. Well done, team!
Results
Max Brocklesby: 6th 50 Butterfly; 5th 4x50 Medley Relay; 5th 4x50 Freestyle Relay
Maggie Fisher: 9th 100 Freestyle; 10th 50 Backstroke; 13th 50 Butterfly; 13th 4x50 Medley Relay; 8th 4x50 Freestyle Relay
Cormac Flynn: 4th 50 Breaststroke: 6th 4x50 Breaststroke Relay; 5th 4x50 Medley Relay
Isabella Lynch: 7th 50 Breaststroke; 7th 4x50 Breaststroke Relay; 8th 4x50 Medley Relay
Lachie Patterson: 5th 4x 50 Backstroke Relay
Aidan Smyth: 12th 50 Backstroke; 5th 4x 50 Medley Relay
Archie Smyth: 3rd 50 Butterfly; 2nd 50 Freestyle; 5th 100 Freestyle; 1st 50 Backstroke; 4th 4x50 Mixed Medley Relay; 3rd 4x50 Medley Relay
Lara Smyth: 11th 4x50 Freestyle Relay; 8th 4x50 Backstroke Relay; 8th 4x50 Freestyle Relay
Kerryn Lynch