Middle School

Giving Young People a Voice Through the Election Campaign

As Australia completed another election campaign season, our nation once again engaged in important conversations about leadership, vision, fairness, and the future. While elections may seem like a topic reserved for adults, schools like Newhaven College have a powerful opportunity to harness this national moment and inspire students to find their voice and develop their capacity to care deeply about the world around them.

In Middle School, where identity, independence, and curiosity begin to sharpen, we believe that apathy has no place. We want our students to care - about fairness, leadership, justice, integrity, and each other. The election campaign provides a real-world context where these values come alive. Through discussion, debate, inquiry, and action, students can explore current issues, understand how democracy works, and recognise that their voices, even at a young age, matter. The Student Representative Council (SRC) plays an active role in the school.

At Newhaven College, every Middle School student is invited to see themselves not just as a learner, but as someone who contributes meaningfully to our community through their unique role as a Guardian, Storyteller, Investigator, and Creator.

• As Guardians, students are encouraged to speak up when they see injustice, to be kind in their interactions, and to stand for what is right, values that lie at the heart of democratic participation.
• As Storytellers, they listen deeply and share their views respectfully, building empathy and understanding, essential tools for bridging political divides.
• As Investigators, students ask questions, challenge ideas, stay informed, and work through complex issues just as engaged citizens must do in an election campaign.
• As Creators, they think innovatively about the kind of society they want to shape, bringing a positive mindset and fresh ideas to improving their school, and ultimately, their world.

By encouraging students to explore election issues and ask, “What do I care about?”, we empower them to become informed, passionate, and thoughtful participants in society, not just in the future, but right now. Whether it’s through student leadership initiatives, classroom discussions, or civic engagement projects, we want our Middle School students to realise that their voice is not only welcomed but also needed.

I hope that the election season was a chance to fuel their passion, spark curiosity, and nurture a generation that won’t settle for apathy but instead steps forward with courage, purpose, and care.

Celebrating Our Talented Students

A huge congratulations to the cast and crew of Xanadu! What a spectacular celebration of colour, roller skates, glitter, and music. The show reminded us of the power of imagination and the courage to "dream the dream and go where no one else dared to go." Thank you to the dedicated staff and supportive parents who helped our students believe in themselves and shine so brightly on stage.

We applaud the marvellous performances of Matilda Cotton, Sophia Hardy, Evie Hollings, Madison King, Charlee Pedersen, Ruby Pedersen, Ned Scott, Ella Sibson, Juliette Stephens, Soul Van Stokrom, Aurelia Wallis, and Ariana Ward. A special thank you also to our ushers for their help across the performances -your contribution did not go unnoticed.

Congratulations and thank you also to the students who represented Newhaven at the 3-6 District Athletics on 30 April, SEISA Athletics, and the State Swimming Championships on 1 May. It is wonderful to see our students embracing opportunities and showcasing their talents and passions across a variety of pursuits.

Celebrating Our School's Birthday – Foundation Assembly Invitation

We warmly invite all parents and caregivers to join us for our Foundation Assembly on Tuesday, 13 May, beginning at 9.10am in the Gymnasium.

This special event marks the anniversary of our school’s founding—a time to come together as a community to reflect on our journey, honour our traditions, and celebrate all that makes our school unique and vibrant. The Foundation Assembly is always filled with pride, spirit, and student involvement.

A reminder to all students to wear their full winter uniform, including their blazer, as we come together to mark this meaningful occasion with respect and unity.

Happy Mother’s Day

Wishing all the wonderful mums and mother figures a joyful Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Ralph Arceo

Head of Middle School