Welcome to Term 2
What a start to the term. In just three weeks, we have seen our School Captains represent Newhaven College at Anzac Day, our Sports Captains lead assembly with tremendous House spirit, and Middle and Senior School students take to the stage in Midnight.
Watching our older students perform with such confidence, creativity and collaboration is a powerful reminder of the important role The Arts play in education, and the wonderful example they set for our Junior School students. The dedication required to bring a production of this scale to life extends far beyond the stage, and having so many of our Junior School students in the audience only adds to that sense of inspiration.
Our Junior School students will also take to the stage in Term 3 for their own production. It is a wonderful example of the journey our students take at Newhaven, building confidence, creativity and a love of performance from their very first years at school.
Home Learning: Number Fluency Program
Just like our home reading program builds reading fluency, the Number Fluency Program builds your child’s maths fluency: the ability to solve problems smoothly and confidently without needing to stop and think too hard. We build accuracy first; then, with practice, students become faster and more automatic. Fluency is the key in these fundamental years, because once it is developed it unlocks and extends learning in so many different ways.
Last term, home learning certificates were awarded to students who displayed consistent habits. We will continue with certificates near the end of Term 2, and when I visit classrooms at the beginning of each week I will be looking for stamps and signatures in learning logs. My goal is to award every Junior School student a certificate for their reading and number fluency home learning.
Do It for Dolly Day
On Friday 8 May, students are invited to wear a touch of blue with their Junior School uniform in recognition of Dolly’s Dream. This is not a fundraiser; it is an awareness day encouraging kindness, inclusion and treating others the way we would like to be treated.
Dolly’s Dream was established in memory of Dolly Everett, and its message resonates deeply with the values we nurture every day in our Junior School: be kind, be brave, be yourself. It is a meaningful opportunity for our students to reflect on the impact their positive words and actions have on those around them.
Foundation Day
Wednesday 13 May marks Foundation Day Assembly at Newhaven College. Newhaven proudly began in 1980 with just 34 students and a vision to provide quality independent education for local families on Phillip Island and the surrounding community. Established through the dedication and generosity of community members, the College was built by the community, for the community.
From those humble beginnings, Newhaven College has grown into a thriving Prep to Year 12 school, educating students across the Junior, Middle and Senior years. While the College has expanded significantly over the past 46 years, the same strong ethos remains at its heart: a commitment to educating hearts and minds, nurturing each child, fostering a love of learning, and providing a connected and caring community where students can flourish.
This year’s Foundation Day Assembly carries extra significance as our Prep students will receive their House badges, officially joining the rich tradition of House spirit that runs through the College. As we celebrate, we acknowledge the vision, hard work and community spirit that created Newhaven College and continues to shape it today. All parents are warmly welcome to attend at 9.05 am. Full winter school uniform is required for all Junior School students.
Mother’s Day Wishes
As Mother’s Day approaches, we celebrate and honour the incredible mothers, grandmothers, aunties and special women in our community. Your love, guidance and unwavering support shape our children’s lives in countless meaningful ways.
We have planned a wonderful Mums and Muffins morning filled with meaningful moments to celebrate Mother’s Day. Each classroom has prepared an activity involving portraits and guessing! We look forward to spending the morning with our mums on Friday at 8.30 am.
We wish all our mums and special carers a very happy Mother’s Day.
Upcoming Events
Friday 8 May - Mums & Muffins Morning - 8.30–9.00 am | JS Assembly Area. All mothers, grandmothers and special people welcome.
Friday 8 May - Do It For Dolly Day - Wear a touch of blue with school uniform.
Friday 8 May - PFA Mothers & Grandmothers Lunch - Phillip Island Winery.
Wednesday 13 May - Foundation Day Assembly - 9.05 am | Full winter uniform. Prep house badge ceremony. All parents welcome.
Wednesday 13 May - Adventure Playground Opening - Following Foundation Day Assembly. JS families welcome.
Wednesday 13 May - JS Cross Country - 2.20 pm | Prep to Year 4. Sports uniform and house t-shirt. Families welcome to spectate.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Prep Information Morning
Last week, we welcomed families to our Prep Information Morning. Parents, grandparents, carers and children enjoyed a lovely morning tea while listening to presentations from Principal Tony Corr, myself, and passionate Junior School parent Kyoko Blondell.
It was a privilege to hear Kyoko speak so genuinely about the strong sense of family and community connection at Newhaven College. Her words reflected the positive experiences so many families value and highlighted the welcoming culture that makes our school so special. Our hope is that every family who joins Newhaven feels that same sense of belonging and connection.
Families then toured the Junior School and visited our current Prep classrooms, where our students and Prep teachers, Kylie Carlson and Kerryn Lynch, showcased just how special Prep is at Newhaven. We are already receiving enquiries for Prep 2030 enrolments, which speaks volumes about the strength of our program and the wonderful reputation it holds within the community.
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
Junior School Grounds Update
There is a great deal happening across the Junior School grounds. On Wednesday 13 May, we will officially open the Junior School Adventure Playground following our Foundation Day Assembly. It has been wonderful to see students already enjoying the many features of this space, from the swings and surfboard to the caves and sandpit. Thoughtfully designed to support emotional regulation, motor skill development and imaginative play, it is a remarkable addition to our school. Junior School parents are warmly invited to attend the opening.
Our new classrooms are progressing well, and the assembly extension continues to take shape. These exciting developments will provide opportunities for learning, connection and joy for many years to come.
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) – Prep
Our Prep students have had a fantastic start to their Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) this term. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they explored a range of activities focused on developing balance, coordination and movement skills.
A big thank you to our parent helpers who supported the session. Your time and assistance make such a difference and help the program run smoothly.
We are looking forward to Session 2 and continuing to build the students’ confidence and skills.
Jaclyn Clark
PE and Sports Teacher
House Results - Junior School Carnivals
Last term was a huge success for Junior School sport, with students from Prep to Year 4 showing fantastic enthusiasm and teamwork at both the Swimming Carnival and Athletics Day. It was wonderful to see so many students giving their best effort, cheering on their house teams and participating with confidence.
Congratulations to Clarke House for winning the Year 2-4 Swimming Carnival with 415 points, followed closely by Sambell on 323 points, Bass on 322 points and McHaffie on 313 points. A huge congratulations also to Sambell House for taking out the Athletics Day title with 646 points, ahead of Bass on 538 points, McHaffie on 522 points and Clarke on 392 points.
Pictures:
Sophie Clark and Nate Reginer (Sambell- Athletics Winners)
Willa Boyce and Nate O'Connor (Clarke- Swimming Winners)
Jaclyn Clark
PE and Sports Teacher
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.
