Last week I hosted my annual visit of Preps to my office. It is a custom that we do each year with our youngest and newest students. I like to share a little of the history of our school with them, and perhaps demystify some of the terrifying myths of being sent to the Principal’s office!
The Preps are always struck by the sheer size of the school (supported by drone photographs). They have spent their time in first term adjusting to their Prep and Junior School surrounds. The realisation that there is also a Middle School… and a Senior School… and a Year 9 Centre… and a Performing Arts Wing… and a Gym … as well as wetlands and views across Westernport Bay… is awe inspiring for them!
One question I ask each of the Preps on their visit is how many of their parents attended Newhaven College? Each year an increasing number of hands are raised – such is the growing number of alumni who are choosing to raise their families in this beautiful region. We saw that at our recent Open Day where a number of our past students attending reunions are also current parents. As well as those who have continued their association with our school, it is also always a thrill to welcome back past students who have not visited the school since it moved from Boys Home Road and show them our beautiful campus. Like the Preps, our alumni are also impressed with the size of the school and how it has grown.
It is nice to know that regardless of the physical evolution of the school, the spirit of community, support and belonging remain. I witnessed another example of this last week when I had a chance to visit Year 7 camp. For half of our Year 7s they are only beginning their journey at Newhaven this term. I was taken with how positive the entire cohort were, and how well our new and existing students had already integrated. Witnessing them play and interact you really had no idea who had been at Newhaven for one term or seven years! Camps remain an integral part of the Newhaven experience. Amongst the many benefits is the establishment of the type of friendships I witnessed with our Year 7s.
Farewell Gemma Van Cuylenberg
After 25 years of service this term we farewell much valued teacher Gemma Van Cuylenberg. In her time at our school Gemma has been a highly regarded teacher of Media, History, English and Humanities. Such was her passion for these areas she pioneered an overseas Arts and Culture study tour at the school. In recent years, Gemma has been selected to accompany students from Newhaven and other schools on the Premier’s Spirit of Democracy trip to Canberra. We thank Gemma for her contribution to Newhaven College and wish her all the best in her retirement.
I would like to wish all of our Newhaven families an enjoyable holiday and Happy Easter.
In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength
Tony Corr
Principal