Xanadu!
Last weekend, family, friends and community members were entertained by the singing and dancing (and roller skating!) spectacle of Newhaven College’s Senior School production of Xanadu.
The amazingly talented performers and professional production standards provided a dazzling show for musical enthusiasts. Director, Karen Milkins-Hendry and Musical Director, Matt Goss led and inspired a high-quality performance that was truly a celebration for the school community.
Full report and tons of photos can be found in the Visual & Performing Arts section of this newsletter.
ANZAC Day Commemorations
It is a proud tradition for Newhaven College students to speak at ANZAC Day ceremonies across Bass Coast on ANZAC Day. Newhaven College Captains Isaac Savona and Grace Howlett spoke at the Cowes RSL Dawn Service, with Isaac also speaking at the 11am service in Cowes. College Captain Gabriel Di Falco delivered his speech at the Inverloch RSL service and Abby Papas was the guest speaker at the San Remo Community Service. Our Junior School Captains, Venus Herath Mudiyanselage, Dallas Latham, Nate Kondarios and Peyton Rhee also took part in the ANZAC Day services, laying wreaths on behalf of the College at the 11am Cowes ceremony.
On the day before ANZAC Day, Newhaven College’s students and staff gathered to reflect and show appreciation to our armed forces past and present. The amphitheatre was soaked in the moving music of bagpipes played by Year 12 piper Mackenzie Cameron and the Celtic Drum played by his brother, Year 10 student James Cameron, as students and staff assembled.
Proceedings were run by School Captains Isaac Savona, Abby Papas, Gabriel Di Falco and Grace Howlett. In her speech at the College service, College Captain Grace Howlett reflected on how all the students assembled should reflect on how young the ANZAC veterans were when they went into battle. Her speech was poignant as the school community reflected on the ANZAC spirit and offered their thanks to those who have served and are serving now.
The Combined College Choir sang the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by Craig Tibbitts as well as the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems. Year 12 student Felix Fothergill and Brass Specialist James Ryan played the Last Post on trumpet. The Junior School Captains laid a wreath at the Lone Pine as Year 9 students raised the flags.
Five More Ibaraki Host Families Needed
Thank you to the families who have already offered to host a student from Ibaraki. We are still seeking five more host families, including households without dogs or cats, as three of the visiting students have pet allergies.
If you are available to host, please contact Ms Horiguchi via SEQTA direct message or email mitsuko.horiguchi@newhavencol.vic.edu.au at your earliest convenience.
Dates: Sunday 27 July – Friday 8 August
Who: Year 9 female students (aged 14–15)
Mitsuko Horiguchi
Japanese Exchange Program Co-ordinator
Join us - Reconciliation Walk
Tuesday 27 May at 9.10am
National Reconciliation Week (NRW), observed annually from 27 May to 3 June, is a period dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of all Australians, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to reflect on the past, understand the present, and actively work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
The entire school community is invited to join our staff and students on a special Reconciliation Walk around our oval in recognition of National Reconciliation Week.
Fundraising Dress Up Day - Movie Characters
On Tuesday 6 March, we continued in our efforts to raise $15,000 for the Bali Children Foundation, the chosen 2025 College Charity. It was impressive to see how well all the students embraced the Movie Character theme, with lots of Harry Potters, Avengers and even Batman! The bake sale in Junior school was a massive hit, thanks to our newly opened Baking Club run by Ms Fagan. Thanks to all those who participated in the bake sale, we managed to raise a massive $1249.65, adding a huge contribution to our new total, which is now well over $6000.
We are excited to share that we have decided our next dress up themed day will be on the Friday 13 June. The theme for this day will be Pyjama day and will coincide with our inaugural College Movie Night, ensuring everyone is nice and cozy for this event. More information about this event will be sent out soon.
The money raised from these events goes towards helping thousands of children to complete school, find employment and improve the lives, of not only themselves but also those of their families and wider Balinese communities.
If you wish to donate click the Newhaven College BCF link below. Every donation is greatly appreciated.
Isaac, Abby, Gabe and Grace
College Captains
Students Representative Council (SRC) Report
Canteen Menu Additions!
We've got an exciting update to start the term! After lots of feedback from students about the canteen's menu, we've worked with the canteen to add some extra items to the online 'lunch-order' options for the canteen!
From next week, the canteen will be offering:
- Vegetarian dumplings
- Vegan pesto pasta
- Falafels
These items will primarily be available to order online, or at break 1 (for break 2 pickup)!
Feel free to get in touch with social justice captains Joey Thompson and Indigo Aurora, or come to an SRC meeting if you have more suggestions for the canteen!
The SRC will continue meeting throughout Term 2 on Tuesday lunchtimes - all students are welcome to join the meetings!
Indigo Aurora and Joey Thompson
Social Justice Captains
Parents and Friends Association Report
Mother’s Day Stall – A Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who supported our Mother’s Day Stall! It was a wonderful success, with students thoughtfully selecting gifts for the special women in their lives. We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces and beautiful presents going home.
A big thank you to our volunteers who made the day possible. The raffle draw was exciting, with Jennifer O'Connell from 4S winning the prized hamper. We hope all our amazing mums have a wonderful day and truly enjoy the gifts chosen with love! See photos below!
Mother’s Day Lunch – Tomorrow at the Winery
Don’t forget—the Mother’s Day Lunch hosted by the school is happening tomorrow at the Phillip Island winery!
Come and enjoy a beautiful afternoon celebrating motherhood with other mums , delicious food and great company.
The PFA will be hosting a raffle on the day, with tickets available for $5 each or 5 for $20. Thanks to the generosity of our generous community, we have some incredible prizes on offer. You won’t want to miss out!
The PFA Giving Fund
The PFA Giving Fund was created to support and enhance school and educational experience for all students. The PFA Giving Fund has already supported several important initiatives in 2024 including:
o $1,000 donated to the BMX MTB Group for a Trailer
o $3,480 donated to the Music Department for a Performance Stage
o $200 donated to Shades of Pink, Cancer Charity
o Total: $4,680
If you have an idea or project that would benefit from funding, we’d love to hear from you! Please email the PFA to request an application form for consideration.
Welcome Our New Vice Secretary
We’re excited to announce that Nikole Schellekens has joined the PFA team as our new Vice Secretary! Nikole brings fantastic energy and fresh ideas—we’re excited to have her on board.
Questions
If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the PFA via email at newhaven.pfa@gmail.com. We always appreciate your feedback and support.
Wishing everyone a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day!
Angel Chambers
President | Parents and Friends Association
