As we approach the end of Term 1, we celebrate a fantastic start to the 2025 school year. Students have eagerly embraced learning opportunities, formed new friendships, and engaged enthusiastically in all aspects of school life. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the strong learning community we have built together.
Introducing Our Home Mathematics Learning Program
We are excited to launch Times Tables Rock Stars and Numbots in Term 2! These engaging online programs will enhance mathematical fluency and become part of our nightly home learning routine.
- Times Tables Rock Stars helps students master multiplication and division through fun, competitive challenges.
- Numbots focuses on strengthening addition, subtraction, and number bonds with interactive activities.
Junior School students will be given a login at the start of Term 2 and information will be placed in the front of their home learning folder. Families are encouraged to keep this in the folder because it will be used both at home and at school.
To support this initiative, parents will record both reading and mathematics tasks in the home learning log inside reading folders. This allows teachers to monitor engagement and progress in literacy and numeracy.
Thank you for supporting your child’s learning journey at home!
Positive Behaviour Initiatives
Our Junior School-wide Positive Behaviour Reward System continues to foster a culture of respect, responsibility and kindness. Students have been awarded ‘Values Keys’ for demonstrating behaviours aligned with our school values. The class earning the most ‘Values Keys’ is recognised as the Values Class at each assembly. Each class has also set three collective reward goals to work toward.
Congratulations to our class Values Award winners this term:
- Year 4M - MTB afternoon and a class walk around the track
- Year 4S – Class Party with Pass the Parcel
- Year 3R – Movie and popcorn
Junior School Athletics Day
Our Junior School Athletics Day was a fantastic event filled with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and school spirit! Students showcased their athleticism, perseverance, and teamwork while enjoying the competition.
A special thank you to Mrs Clarke for her dedication in organising and managing our sporting events throughout the term, ensuring both our Swimming Carnival and Athletics Day ran smoothly. See the Sports section of this newsletter for lots of photos.
Class Parent Representatives
Thank you to the parents who have volunteered as Class Parent Representatives this year. Their role is to foster community connections, organise social gatherings, and create an inclusive environment for families. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming parent events!
Year 9 Peer Tutoring Program
One of the great benefits of being in a Prep to Year 12 school is the opportunity for cross-age learning. This term, our Year 9 students have been actively involved in peer tutoring, working with Junior School students once a week. Their support has included listening to students read their decodable passages and assisting in various learning tasks.
Thank you to our Year 9 students and Mr. Furniss for making this program such a success during Term 1!
Spelling Mastery Program
Starting next term, our Spelling Mastery Program will run four times a week for Year 3 and Year 4 students in the Junior School. Year 5 and Year 6 students will continue their participation at alternate times. We have made adjustments to ensure consistency and minimise disruptions, providing a structured and effective learning experience. This evidence-based program is designed to strengthen spelling skills, and we are excited to see the impact of these refinements on student learning.
As Term 1 comes to a close, I would like to express my gratitude to our students, parents, and staff for making it such a successful and rewarding term. We wish all our families a safe and joyful Easter break filled with warmth, laughter and quality family time.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Easter Bunny Visit
On the last day of term, the entire Junior School was thrilled to receive a visit from the Easter Bunny. Mrs Huther introduced Mr Bunny to each class, distributing Easter Eggs to everyone. Some students could not contain their excitement!
A fundraising Easter stall was held during Break 1, with the funds raised going to the Good Friday Appeal.
What a great way to end the term!
Prep Reading Party
Last week, our Prep students celebrated an exciting milestone, the presentation of their reading folders, marking the beginning of their journey as independent readers. Families joined in the celebration, engaging in reading sessions and supporting their children’s literacy development. Principal Tony Corr attended to congratulate each student on their achievements so far.
Mrs. Lynch and Miss Bassed are delighted with the impressive progress of our Prep students and attribute this success to our programs aligned with the Science of Reading.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Building Strong Home Reading Habits
We know that establishing strong reading foundations in Prep is crucial, but our focus extends across the entire Junior School. One of the most significant outcomes of our approach has been the strengthened home-school partnership, with families actively supporting their children's reading development through our tailored take-home reading folders.
Last week, we proudly awarded reading certificates to a huge number of students who have demonstrated consistent reading habits at home throughout Term 1. These certificates are awarded each term, and our goal is to see participation grow, ultimately aiming for 100% of students to receive reading awards. We appreciate the commitment of our families and love seeing regular reading habits flourish, knowing they have a direct impact on students' literacy growth.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Preps meet the Principal
Last Friday our Preps made a special visit to meet the Principal, Mr Tony Corr. They were welcomed into Mr Corr's office to learn a bit about the school, ask questions and get a spin in Mr Corr's office chair (what could be more fun than that?!). They were also treated with a yummy lolly snake from Mr Corr's executive assistant Katrina Lawrence.
Prep Information Morning - Tuesday 29 April
If you have family or friends considering Newhaven College for their child, encourage them to come along to the Prep Information Morning - Tuesday 29 April 2025, 10am. It is an opportunity to meet the team and learn what Newhaven can offer your child.
Due to demand, we’re exploring a third Prep class for 2026, so we’re now taking Expressions of Interest for 2026 and beyond.
Go to the College website for more information or to Register Your Attendance.
Year 3 Excursion to the Koala Sanctuary
Our Year 3 students recently visited the Koala Sanctuary, where they had an enriching experience connecting with nature and learning about wildlife conservation. This hands-on learning opportunity allowed students to deepen their understanding of environmental responsibility while appreciating the incredible wildlife in our local area.
As part of the tour our Year 3s visited the Phillip Island Nature Parks Bushbank where they learned about indigenous plants and trees.
Special thanks to the wonderful rangers who guided our students through this enlightening experience. Also, a big thank you to our wonderful Year 3 parent helpers on the day. We really appreciate your time and effort in being a part of this truly enriching experience.
Marcelle Krieg & Miranda Reich
Year 3 Teachers
Mila's Good Friday Appeal Fundraiser
Thoughtful Year 2 student Mila Shepherd has been working hard creating and selling handmade keychains to friends, family and classmates. She has already raised over $500 for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Mila's keychains can be purchased from Seaside Provider in Newhaven and the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser office in Cowes.
They are $10 each and all money raised goes to the Good Friday Appeal.
Mila's teacher Meg Oudshoorn is very proud of Mila's generosity of spirit! As we all are.
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
