As we wrap up Term 1, I want to take a moment to reflect on the positive and settled start we have had this year. It has been wonderful to see students engaging with their studies, demonstrating responsibility in keeping their lockers tidy and organised, and fostering positive relationships with their peers. Their commitment to learning and respect for one another have been evident throughout the term. Well done to all students for their efforts!
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to support students, parents, and each other. Their professionalism, care, and commitment to student growth ensure that Newhaven College remains a place of belonging, learning, and encouragement.
To our parents and guardians, thank you for your ongoing support. Your partnership with the school is invaluable in shaping a positive learning environment for our students. Your encouragement and involvement play a crucial role in their success, and we are grateful for your commitment to their development.
Year 5 & Year 7 Camps
This term, our Year 5 and Year 7 students took part in successful camps that challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop independence. While it is natural to miss home while on camp, it is also important to fully engage in all activities and make the most of these opportunities. Camps provide students with life skills that extend beyond the classroom, reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence. A sincere thank you to the staff who accompanied our students, giving up their own time with family to ensure these experiences were rewarding and memorable.
Mountain Bike Track – Supervision and Safety
To clarify for all riders, the Mountain Bike Track is only available for use when there is adult supervision. These rules are in place to ensure student safety and to prevent accidents. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines.
- Riding on the MTB track before school and at lunchtime is not permitted.
- Parents will supervise the track on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons.
- Gates will be locked from Friday afternoon until Monday morning.
Elephant Ed Sessions – Term 2
In Term 2, Year 7 and 8 students will participate in Elephant Ed workshops, covering essential topics that equip them with knowledge and strategies to navigate adolescence. The sessions will include discussions on:
- The relationship between young people and social media
- The prevalence and impact of sexting and exposure to pornography
- Sexting and the law
- Strategies to implement if things go wrong
- Strategies for parents and guardians to start open and effective conversations at home
These sessions are designed to support students in developing a healthy and informed understanding of these important topics. We encourage parents to continue these conversations at home and will provide additional resources to assist with this.
Mobile Phone Drop-Off
We need your support in reminding students to switch off and drop off their mobile phones at Middle School Reception each morning. Despite clear expectations, we are not seeing enough phones being handed in.
For canteen purchases, students should bring cash, a card, or link their Flexischools account to their Student ID Card for easy payment.
Please reinforce this message at home to help us maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
Thank You and Holiday Wishes
As we head into the Easter break, I want to wish all our Middle School families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday. May this time be one of relaxation, reflection, and time well spent with loved ones.
Thank you all for a fantastic Term 1, and I look forward to seeing you in Term 2!
Key Dates Term 2 - Middle School 2025
21 April - Easter Monday
22 April - Term 2Commences for students and staff
25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
2 May - Xanadu Opening Night
6 May - Student Fundraiser: Movie Characters
8 May, 9.30am - Mother’s Day Stall, Canteen
13 May, 9.10am - Foundation Day Assembly, Gymnasium
20 May, 12.15pm - Elephant Ed Y7 & Y8, MS Classrooms
27 May, 9.10am-10.10am - Reconciliation Day Walk, The Oval
27 May, 12.15pm - Elephant Ed Y7 & Y8, MS Classrooms
6 June - Correction Day – Pupil free day
9 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday
25 June, 2.05pm - Community Projects Expo Y8, The Collect
27 June - MS House Music Competition Performances, The Collect
27 June - Final Day Term 2
June 30 – July 21- School Holidays 3 weeks
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp
On Wednesday the 19 March, the Year 5 students travelled to Sovereign Hill for a three day camp. Our first activity was an educational session called the Eureka story. We all loved dressing up and acting out the Eureka story. Next, we watched a candle dipping demonstration and we all got to dip our own candles to take home. We made some very colourful candles. At 4 o’clock we went down the Red Hill Mine and Mr Arceo walked through the waterfall with his group, he got wet and was not meant to walk through it. It was funny. We then went to the park in Ballarat for dinner, we all had pizza, garlic bread and chips. That night we practised for Red Faces and went to bed at 9:30pm, some of the boys did not sleep very much!
On Thursday, our first activity was another educational session, this time we learned about life and school in the 1800’s. We had to write with ink and Cooper and Gabby got the cane (not really but they pretended). After this, we watched confectionery getting made and we all got to try the raspberry drops, they tasted so good. We then went gold panning, we all found gold! We then got free time and we purchased some lollies, horseshoes, candles and went on horse and carriage rides. After lunch in the park, we watched the gold pour demonstration. The gold bullion was worth $480,000. We then went on another mine tour in a cart and learned about the welcome nugget. Dinner was average chicken and rice, but the dessert was the best brownie ever. That night we went to the Aura Light and Sound Show, it started with a 3D movie on how gold was formed and then we went on a bus to an outdoor theatre show about the Eureka Stockade, it was awesome.
The next day we packed up and got on the bus to head back to school. Everyone had the most fun camp ever.
Alexandra, Cooper, Ava and Francis
Year 5 students
Some of the Year 5 favourite things about camp:
Cali-Jane said the bus trip was so much fun as everyone was singing.
Milla said she learned that if you didn’t have good posture at school, you would be hit with the cane.
Sam learned that gold comes from space.
Tommy said the most memorable quote was ‘Go to sleep.’
Alexandra said her ears nearly exploded when they fired the muskets.
Noah liked the playground and going down the slide in the rain with his friends.
Rose said the best thing was having pizza in the park.
Matilda said that the funniest thing that happened was Mr Arceo walking through the water fountain.
Lucy said the most memorable quote from camp was ‘Children should be seen and not heard’ from the old school blackboard.
Evelyn gave camp 10/10 because the cabins were amazing and she got free time to explore Sovereign Hill.
Year 7 Lyrebird Camp
Last week, the Year 7s attended a four-day camp at Lyrebird Park, just out of Gembrook. This camp occurs early in the year to provide students the chance to build on existing friendships while also making new connections. Engaging with each other outside the classroom reveals different qualities in staff and students, and creates opportunities to see familiar faces in a new light. Particular credit goes to our two new students who started at Newhaven College just before camp. The ease with which they joined in is a testament to their resilience and the welcoming warmth of our students.
We were blessed with perfect camp weather, hitting the Goldilocks ideal of being neither too hot nor too cold. The students embraced the various activities, from damper-making to high ropes, archery and a flying fox. The performances at the Annual Year 7 Camp Talent Quest proved that Newhaven College is about more than academic study – our students can sing and dance, and they can crack a whip or a dad joke with impressive ease.
On the whole, the Year 7 Camp will be remembered as a success. We all came away from it knowing a little bit more about each other, and knowing we are capable of more than we might realise.
Melanie Flower
Year 7 Camp Coordinator
