Term 2 has arrived with a remarkable burst of energy, and the Senior School community has wasted no time in making its presence felt.
The term opened in spectacular fashion with the House Athletics Carnival on the very first day back. Under brilliant autumn sunshine, our student athletes from Year 5 through to Year 12 took to the track and field with real determination, and the standard of competition was genuinely impressive. Our Year 12 students deserve particular mention – they set the tone from the outset, throwing themselves into every event with enthusiasm and purpose, and fittingly it was they who brought the curtain down on the day with the most anticipated of events: the U21 4x100m relay races.
Congratulations to our age group champions:
U15 – Lucy Thompson & Xavier Holmes
U16 – Kaela Welsh & Hamish Dakers-Hock
U17 – Poppy Miles & Felix Bathgate
U21 – Tilly Stecher & Froley Anderson
The second week of Term 2 brought an entirely different kind of spectacle. The large and talented cast, crew and musicians behind our 2026 Major Production of Midnight had their opening night on Friday 1 May, and what a night it was. Once again, our student performers rose magnificently to the occasion. The chorus was superb, the choreography a genuine delight, and the acting was of a standard that would have made even the most seasoned theatregoer sit up and take notice. There is something truly special about watching young people pour their hearts into a performance, and this production was no exception. As a College, we are immensely proud of every student and staff member who invested so much of themselves into creating such a remarkable evening of theatre. The run may now be over, but I have no doubt those melodies will be echoing through the corridors – and the hearts – of our performers for a long time to come.
On Thursday 30 April, more than 100 Newhaven College students travelled to Cranbourne to compete in the SEISA Athletics Carnival, and they represented the College with great distinction. The team finished second overall behind a very strong St. Paul’s team – a result that in no way diminishes the quality of what was achieved. No fewer than 24 individual event victories were recorded across the day, and the atmosphere within the team throughout was exactly what you hope to see from young people competing with pride in their College.
The highlight of the entire carnival, however, came in the final two races: the U21 girls’ and boys’ 4x100m relays. The girls’ team were simply breathtaking. They scorched around the track in a display of raw speed and composure, with Tilly Stecher anchoring the team home in extraordinary style – crossing the line a full 30 metres clear of the field. It was the kind of performance that draws gasps, and it will be talked about for some time.
Then came the boys’ race – and if anything, it was even more dramatic. Three teams rounded the final bend in close contention, the outcome impossible to call. As the anchors received their batons, the crowd held its breath. What followed was a run of extraordinary nerve and quality from Xavier Williams, who drove Newhaven College over the line first by the barest of margins – no more than 30 centimetres. It was the perfect end to a magnificent day, and those two relay victories ultimately secured our second-place finish, edging Beaconhills Pakenham into third by a single point.
What a fortnight it has been. Athletics, theatre, competition and community – Term 2 has already delivered in abundance. If the first two weeks are any indication, the weeks ahead promise to be every bit as memorable.
Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School
Year 9
Our Year 9 cohort enthusiastically helped out with installing plant protectors in the Junior School's new Adventure Playground last week. Their contribution to the gardening landscape of the playground, ensuring the plants thrive, will be enjoyed by Junior School students for years to come.
Year 9s' Firewood Raffle is going to be drawn this Friday, 8 May so don't forget to buy tickets for this fabulous opportunity to win a trailer load of firewood (trailer not included)! This is proving popular so be sure to buy your tickets for a greater chance to win!
Buy your tickets before 10am Friday.
All proceeds go to our College charity for 2026 Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation
Top Designs Excursion
On Monday, 27 April, VCE students from the subjects of Visual Communication Design, Media, Systems Engineering and Product Design Technology attended an excursion to the Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum in Carlton. The excursion aimed to provide inspiration and valuable information for their major folio assessment tasks in VCE. Top Designs explores technology, materiality, sustainability, and community practice, showing works that demonstrate the research and experimentation involved in the development of responsive design.
The students also visited ACMI at Federation Square, where they expanded their media literacy, creative skills and critical thinking by diving into film, games, animation and storytelling through interactive displays– inspiring creativity and learning through the world of screen culture. A fun and inspiring day was had by all.
Rebecca Power
Teacher
VET Trade Courses
This year the College is conducting two VET trade courses. Certificate II in Building and Construction, and Certificate II in Construction Pathways. Both programs are of a two-year duration; the Pathways program is the one which will progress for the next few years.
Our second-year students have a very comprehensive program consisting of nineteen modules, one of those being Internal Finishing. The students are required to cut and install the door jambs, hang a door including rebating the hinges and installing the door lock and stops.
What great skills for future apprenticeship training or life skills. Our students are very fortunate to have excellent facilities, training and future employment opportunities by undertaking these Certificate courses.
If there are any employers who are considering taking on an apprentice, please contact me through the College so that I can forward that information onto our present and past students.
Newhaven College playing its part toward the solution of Australia's trade shortage.
John Ackers
Building and Construction Teacher / Qld Registered Master Builder
Year 10 Beginners Surf Camp
The Year 10 Beginners Surf Camp was an unforgettable introduction to surfing, set against the stunning backdrop of Lorne along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Across the camp, students explored a range of locations, including Fairhaven, Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek, completing seven surf sessions in near-perfect conditions, light winds, clean swell, and sunny skies.
Throughout the week, students focused on mastering the fundamentals of surfing, developing their skills in paddling, board control, popping up, and wave positioning to maximise their success in catching waves. Their efforts peaked on the second day with an intense schedule of three surf sessions, challenging their endurance and commitment.
Each morning began early, with a 6:30am wake-up and a 7:30am surf as the sun rose over the coastline, setting the tone for rewarding days in the water. Beyond the surf, the group also ventured into the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, experiencing the beauty of the Otway rainforest from above.
A highlight of the trip came on the first day with a stop at Bells Beach, where students gained rare behind-the-scenes access to the setup of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. They met a familiar face, Ringa, working on jet ski water safety, and were lucky enough to witness world-class surfers preparing for competition, including Stephanie Gilmore, Caitlin Simmers, and Carissa Moore.
Overall, the camp provided an incredible mix of skill development, challenge, and unique experiences, leaving students with lasting memories and a strong foundation in surfing.
Ben Clark
Head of the Newhaven College Surf Academy
Year 10 Alpine Hike
The Alpine Hike, which was originally planned for the Australian Alps Walking Track, had to be changed at the last minute due to notification of a controlled burn off in the area. Instead of the AAWT, we headed for the Grampians, (Gariwerd), for what was to be a sensational hike through spectacular mountain scenery.
The Year 10 Mountain Hike crew of 8 students headed for the Grampians, (Gariwerd), for what was to be a sensational hike through spectacular mountain scenery.
A highlight was the walk from Bugiga hut via Mt Rosea to the Borough Huts campground, where we were treated to some spectacular views along the way. We ended the day by soaking our feet in the cool waters of a nearby creek. To top off our adventure, was the challenging 20km trek to the summit of Mt William.
Everyone had a great time. It was a challenging walk which everyone enjoyed immensely.
Andre Whitton
Year 9 Careers Expo
Our Year 9 students recently took the opportunity to engage with many employment and higher education providers at the recent Careers Expo at Korumburra facilitated by the Local Learning and Employment Network. It was a great opportunity for students to engage in meaningful conversation and learn more about the opportunities that exist for them post school.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers
Careers
Please be sure to check out this month's Career Newsletter.
There are many opportunities for higher education information sessions and upcoming Open Day information.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers