RALPH ARCEO
Head of Middle School

Attendance and Punctuality

At Newhaven College, regular attendance and punctuality are vital for student success. Being present and on time helps students engage with their learning, build relationships, and develop lifelong positive habits. Absences can disrupt learning, making it harder for students to catch up. Punctuality sets a positive tone for the day and helps students make the most of every lesson. If your child is absent, please inform the College promptly with a reason. This allows us to support their learning and keep accurate records. Thank you for reinforcing the importance of attendance and punctuality and supporting a positive learning environment. 


School Camps

School camps play a vital role in the personal growth and development of our students. They provide an opportunity for young people to step outside their comfort zones, fostering independence and resilience. Being away from home encourages students to manage themselves, adapt to new environments, and navigate life without the immediate comforts of family support. These experiences are invaluable in preparing students for future challenges.

Camps also promote teamwork and social skills. Living and working alongside peers in a new setting helps students build stronger relationships, practice effective communication, and learn to get along with a variety of people. Additionally, camps provide unique learning experiences outside the classroom, allowing students to develop new skills and make lasting memories.

As part of the school program, attendance at camp is not optional. We believe these experiences are essential to each student's holistic education and growth. They create opportunities to forge new connections, enhance problem-solving abilities, and foster a sense of community.

This term, our Year 5 and Year 7 students will embark on exciting camp adventures:

  • Year 5 Camp: Sovereign Hill, Wednesday 19 March – Friday 21 March
  • Year 7 Camp: Lyrebird Park, Yellingbo, Tuesday 25 March – Friday 28 March

We wish all our Year 5 and Year 7 students, along with the dedicated staff accompanying them, a safe, rewarding and enjoyable experience!

Middle School Volleyball Circuit – A Smash Hit!

On Tuesday, 25 February, Middle School held its first House Competition – the Volleyball Circuit – during extended Home Group in the gymnasium. The event was a fantastic display of teamwork, House spirit, and friendly competition.

All Year 5-8 students participated enthusiastically, playing in three round-robin matches to determine the final standings. After some tightly contested games, Bass and Clark faced off for 1st and 2nd place, while McHaffie and Sambell competed for 3rd and 4th. In an exciting final, Bass emerged victorious over Clark to claim the top spot.

Congratulations to all students for their positive attitude, participation, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. It was wonderful to see so many students proudly wearing their House polos on the day. A reminder to families that House uniform is compulsory for all House events – if students have outgrown their current polo, we encourage them to purchase a new one to show their House pride.

A special thank you to Mr. Clark for his efforts in organising the event and to the staff for their support and assistance. We look forward to more spirited competitions throughout the year!

Ralph Arceo

Head of Middle School