In this Issue
From the Principal
I would like to thank all of our families for their attendance at the Junior School Celebration Night and Presentation Evening last week. A lot of time goes into the planning and preparation of these events. We very much appreciate parent support in ensuring these evenings are formal academic occasions and enable our students to conclude their year in a dignified and celebratory way.
Part of the evening was the recognition of departing staff from the College. Three staff who will be leaving us at the end of this year will be:
- Mrs Karen Faulwetter after five years of teaching in Junior School. Karen has been a highly regarded teacher in Grades 3 and 4. She spearheaded the Junior School Green Team and the Stephanie Alexander garden programme. In addition, she was the Junior School Curriculum Co-ordinator and has been a mentor to many teachers in her time with us.
- Mrs Sue Mitchell after twenty years. Sue has always been a consummate professional and passionate teacher. In her time at Newhaven, she has taught Physical Education, English, Food Studies and her current role as Head of Student Support. Sue’s intellect, compassion and commitment to building student capacity has seen those in her care believe in themselves and strive for their personal goals. As a colleague she is highly respected.
- Mr Andy Neal after twenty-five years of teaching in Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Health. Andy is a skilled and talented sports coach, particularly in football and cricket, coaching many Newhaven premiership teams. Andy’s main legacy at Newhaven will be the Surf Academy where Andy’s passion and drive for the sport has seen the programme grow from strength to strength. This includes from entry level Year 5 and 6 water safety days, through to surfing as part of SM offerings, and the establishment of our High Performance Squad which includes weekly sessions and training camps on the Gold Coast.
On behalf of the College we wish all the very best to Karen, Sue and Andy and thank them for their exceptional contribution in their areas of expertise.
In addition, we have two staff stepping down from important leadership positions to join our teaching ranks. Mr Ric Pearce is finishing after sixteen years as Head of Year 9. Under Ric’s guidance the Year 9 programme at Newhaven is the envy of many schools. Ric’s great understanding and appreciation of Year 9, his outdoor education expertise and appreciation of experiential learning has made our Year 9 experience special. Finally, Mr Geoff White has been our Head of Middle Years for the past three years – adding to his long list of accomplishments in his twenty-five years at Newhaven. In his time as Head of Middle School Geoff has been determined to build a truly Year 5 to 8 experience and create as much connection, belonging and purpose for the students as possible. He has been a passionate advocate for our vertical House system and worked hard to embed it into the culture of Middle School. I would like to thank Ric and Geoff for their efforts in these important roles.
In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength
Tony Corr
Principal
Middle and Senior School Presentation Evening
Our 2023 Presentation evening for Year 5-11 was a wonderful success.
The Evening was hosted by the 2024 College Captains Tahlia Williams, Max Arceo, Tom Bird and Alice Mabilia who performed their first formal captaincy duties with confidence and style.
A wide range of awards were presented to recognise outstanding achievement in Academic Studies, Music, Sport, Values, Theatre and Drama, Design, Visual Arts, Technology, and Building and Construction. The highest achiever was Tilia Pires-Andersen, who received an outstanding 5 Academic Awards.
Major Student Awards
Senior School Dux Awards for Year 9 – Tilly Stecher, Year 10 – Maisie McMurray, Year 11 – Gabriel Winterson.
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award – Thomas Scott (Year 10)
ADF Future Innovators Award – Isaac Savona (Year 10)
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program – Lara Smyth (Year 10)
Luke Bolding Memorial Scholarship – Gabriel Winterson (Year 11)
St Vincent de Paul Society Frederic Ozanam Awards - Zachariah Coldora and Bonnie McBride (Year 6)
The Bendigo Community Bank Awards - Tilly Stecher, Felix Fothergill, Jasmine Ruffin and Meyanna Christensen (Year 9)
Peter Reith AM Memorial Prize – Tilly Stecher (Year 9)
Donald Cameron OAM Award – Zoe Scott (Year 10)
Rev John Leaver Award - Jack Ryan (Year 11)
Duke of Edinburgh Award – Gold – Mackenzie Wain (Year 11)
Staff Awards
Newhaven College is incredibly proud of its teaching and non-academic staff. This year, 3 staff members received recognition for twenty years or more of service and dedication to the school over those years. Recipients include Chris Appleby, David Arnott and Sue Mitchell. Six staff were recognised for fifteen or more years of service, namely Nathan Leys, Marcelle Krieg, Carmel Roberts, Stewart Bathgate, Melanie Flower and Ric Pearce. With 10 or more years of commitment to the college, twenty-five staff were also recognised.
New Life Governor announced
Mr Greg Price, after 20 years of dedicated participation on the College Board - over 10 years as the Board chair - and many years of support of Newhaven College, has been given the honour of being named Life Governor. Greg was thanked for his contributions over the years.
Musical Entertainment
The procession of award presentations was interspersed with some stunning musical performances. The Middle School Choir performed Easy on Me by Adele, Senior School band The Dropkicks pumped out Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis and the final performance of the evening was from the Senior School Ensemble, Waka Waka by Shakira. Our incredible orchestra supported the performances on the night.
Wardy's Newhaven College Christmas Tree
Thank you to our generous community for donating so many wonderful gifts under our Christmas Tree. Saint Vincent de Paul volunteers collected all the gifts today and expressed their appreciation to the College community.
We thank Linda Sparkes, President St Vincent de Paul Cowes Conference, Narelle Mulcahy, Cathy and Howard Jones for collecting the gifts for contribution.
Uniform Shop is moving!
The College Uniform Shop will be moving to a new location at the school pavilion, under the Canteen. News will be shared when the move is
complete.
Junior School
As we approach the end of another school year, I want to express my gratitude for your support. Your involvement, encouragement and commitment to your child's education have truly made a significant impact on our school community.
I am grateful for the partnership we have built together, fostering a positive and nurturing environment for our students to learn and grow. Your active participation in school events, your dedication to your child's academic journey, and your collaboration with the Junior School staff have all contributed to the success of this school year.
As we embrace the festive season, I wish you and your families a Christmas filled with warmth and cherished moments. May this holiday season bring us peace and happiness, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Thank you once again for your continuous support over the last ten years.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas!
Ralph Arceo
Head of Junior School
Last Day Farewells
Today Junior School held a special final assembly to farewell and 'see you soon' some of our wonderful staff. Those applauded were Karen Faulwetter who is leaving our school, plus a few staff going on maternity, special and long service leave. The students made some heart felt speeches about their teachers and friends who are leaving the school.
Sambell House was announced the winner of the Junior School House Cup, to much applause!
To round off the assembly, Mr Arceo and the Year 4s were given a guard of honour as they moved from the Junior School to Middle School.
2024 Junior School Leadership
Our Junior School 2024 Leadership for next year:
Captains - Chloe Shapardon, Edward Lee
Vice Captains - Eden Hallas, Leith Cameron
Bass – Cooper Bennett, Sage van der Walt
Clarke - Ava Mannix, Sam Martindale
McHaffie - Rose Deery, Jude Foster
Sambell – Olivia Clark, Evelyn McCabe
Wellbeing Captains - Evie Felstead, Ava Kelly, Charli Pope and Billy Vecino
Junior School End of Year Celebration
The Junior School Celebration was held on Wednesday last week. The evening was a fitting end to the school year as the success of all students was celebrated. Junior School students were presented with a certificate of achievement for completing a wonderful year of learning and improvement. The students demonstrated their talents with singing and music performances onstage. The highlight was the funny, Australian inspired song 'Twelve Days of Christmas".
In his final speech as Head of Junior School, Mr Arceo shared some wisdom, "To the Junior School students, my message to you is to Dream Big! Have no limits and believe in yourself and your abilities. Follow your passions and interests, have an open mind. Your goals will change as you change and get older. Remember to work hard and stay dedicated to your goals. There will be setbacks and challenges so look at these as learning opportunities. Try to be kind, fair, speak up and be happy and celebrate others’ success."
Middle School
As we wrap up another year in Middle School which has had far too many highlights to mention, it was wonderful to watch our ‘kids being kids’ as they tore around the oval, dodging or jumping or catching various objects whilst competing in the traditional ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition. So many smiles, laughs and encouraging cheers which certainly ‘filled my cup’ as the students head off to holidays!
I wish everyone in the Newhaven family a safe and happy festive season and holidays and thank you all for the support you have offered whilst I have proudly occupied the position as Head of Middle School. I am sure you will all provide this same support to Mr Ralph Arceo as he incredibly ably steps into this position.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Middle School Captains 2024
Congratulations to all of the students who have been appointed to leadership roles for 2024 in Middle School. They all put a lot of effort into the process and I really look forward to seeing what they are able to achieve as a team next year. Unfortunately, there were not enough roles for everyone who applied, but I really commend the work put in by students who were unsuccessful and encourage them to become involved in the newly formed Student Representative Council (SRC) in 2024.
Middle School Captains - Amara Pittorino, Finn Campbell-Walker
House Captains
Bass – Nelly Fox, William Bruce, Maise van der Walt, Heath McLean
Clarke – Amelia Baxter, Ciara Santorini, Marasai O’Keefe, Angus Kennedy
McHaffie – Phoebe Helps, Lacy McNaughtin, Millie Thom, Harvey Leary
Sambell – Mia Bowtell, Jade Copeland, Savannah Bennett, Bede Prideaux
Drama Captain - Koa Humphris
Environmental Captain - Mia Tillotson
Music Captains - Georgia Sanders, Hamish Dakers-Hock
Public Speaking and Debating Captain - Scarlette Hill
Wellbeing Captain - Tierlin Hamley
Sport Captains - Isabella Stead, Hayden Fenwick
Visual Arts Captain - Zoe Arnott
Year 5 Plant Sale
Our Year 5 students have done a remarkable job in raising over $180 to be donated to the Red Cross Lifeblood, in honour of our dear Middle School teacher Karen Pearce. We are proud of the way in which all of the students planned and prepared their final products for a valuable cause.
"During Term 4, Grade 5S had a business where they had to make a flower in a teacup and sell it to the teachers. We decided to call it Joy to a Tea. Along the way, we were in different groups (pricers, marketers, planters and advertising) taking on roles for the project. We were able to sell to many to the teachers in the school". Harshaan and McKenzie (5S)
"To start off our plant journey we started by making posters to try and convince people to buy plants for friends and family. We called our product Cuppa Love. We then figured out a day to sell them to customers and everyone had a great time buying them at Breaks 1 and 2". Avia and Maggie (5D)
We will be honoured to present the cheque for $180 to Mrs Pearce's parents.
Shona O'Dempsey and Ruth Whitton
5S and 5D HASS Teachers
Gingerbread Houses!
Last week our Year 8 students (now Year 9!) got into the Christmas spirit, creating some decorative, and delicious, Gingerbread Houses. Food Tech provides not only an education on nutrition and cooking skills but can provide a bit of fun too!
Free Angling Kits for Year 5s
The Victorian Government is investing $1.5 million from the Recreational Fishing Licence TrustFund to provide up to 95,000 Little Angler Kits to primary school aged children in Victoria.
Our Year 5 students received their angling kits this week. The free kits provide a wonderful school holiday activity for children with their families, providing a fun activity close to home.
This initiative aims to grow recreational fishing participation in Victoria by actively encouraging primary school aged children to learn how to fish, as well as learning more about marine life and the natural environment.
Senior School
Year 9 Community Games
Last week our Year 9s competed in their final Community Games for the 2023. 9G came away with the win on the day by one point over 9K. This secured 9K with an overall win for the year after some very consistent and dominant performances.
Carly Heislers
Year 9
SCUBA Fun
On Wednesday 22 November a group of Year 9 students were able to experience their first time “blowing bubbles” underwater on SCUBA at the Leongatha pool. Although some students were a bit apprehensive at first, the smiles on their faces as they left the pool was evidence of their achievement. The students learnt about alternate air supply, mask swapping, gear removal and had fun competing in 'Underwater Olympics' including egg and spoon races.
Congratulations to all who attended as your underwater skills were impressive!
Ann-Marie McLean
Instructional Leader
Transitions and Targets (TNT) Program
During our Transitions and Targets program (TNT) in the Senior School this year we placed an emphasis on English. The Year 10 (2024) students had workshops with Bell Shakespeare as they are studying MacBeth in 2024. They then undertook a creative task as detailed below:
The enduring brilliance of Shakespeare's work lies in its timeless relevance, continually adapting to our evolving world over 400 years. Your creative task is to visually represent one of the well-known quotes from 'Macbeth' in any medium you choose.
The work the students submitted was overwhelmingly creative and powerful. Here is a snapshot of what the students produced.
Cannot wait to see more of their thinking in 2024.
Karen Milkins-Hendry
Director of Learning
EWB Innovation Challenge
This term, ten Year 10 students participated in the University of Melbourne’s Engineers Without Borders Innovation Challenge. The students worked in a team to explore social, economic and environmental implications behind technological innovations and large-scale projects. The students spent last Wednesday at the University of Melbourne presenting their challenge and exploring the university. Highlights of the day were having the opportunity to spend the day with a university student mentor and visiting the Telstra Maker Centre. Both of the Newhaven College groups presented commendable solutions and were acknowledged for their impressive public speaking skills, with one of the groups earning second place on the day.
Congratulations to all students for the work they put in leading up to the presentation and for their participation on the day.
Group 1: Lara Smyth, Marley Brown, Joey Thompson, Tom Scott, Kesan Stewart-Walters. This team came second place.
Group 2: Yianni Caffieri, Isaac Savona, Andrew Nowell, Finn O’Brien, Jasper Cashman
Melinda Kelly
Duke of Ed Gold: Lake Eildon Expedition
As part of the Duke of Ed Gold Award, participants are required to complete two Adventurous Journeys. Last weekend saw us blessed with low winds and sunshine whilst the rest of the state was in rain. Students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with nature and reflect on the year that has been. Many thanks to all who support this program in the background, your assistance is greatly appreciated.
A reminder, that any student over the age of 16 years who wants to register for the Gold Award must complete the paperwork, make payment and register for an Online Record book before the end of day Monday 11 December. Next registrations are in February 2024 and any 2023 activities will not count. Please Direct Message me with any questions.
Ann-Marie McLean
Duke of Ed Gold Coordinator
Sport
MTB Academy to be Introduced!
Newhaven College is introducing a new MTB Academy in 2024. It will be open to students from Years 3 - 12 with specific programs designed to target each level of riding ability. As well as participating in the sport on campus, students will be given the opportunity to attend MTB excursions, including an annual Mountain Biking camp. The program will focus on skills development and progression but also include subjects such as bike maintenance and repairs, health and nutrition, trail design and construction, trail stewardship and sustainability, and working with local communities.
Leading the charge is sports teacher Adrian Wale who has been appointed Head of Mountain Biking from the start of next year. A notable figure in the world of MTB, Wale founded the highly regarded academy at Dromana Secondary College which has produced a number of world class athletes and most recently, Harry Doye who competed in Switzerland and the Nove Mesto World Cup in the Czech Republic earlier this year.
Our MTB Team have already had terrific success, so we can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
Georgia's Recognition in Volleyball
Year 8 student Georgia Mills received the 'Presidents Award' for her commitment to volleyball at the South Gippsland Volleyball Club Juniors Finals and presentation evening last week.
Her team also won the Juniors Volleyball division and she was in the team that won the B-grade semi-finals.
All the best for the finals Georgia, and well done!
Visual & Performing Arts
Senior School Drama Club Performance
Drama Club began in 2017, and was a very small Middle School Drama Club for interested students. Over the years the popularity grew and now we are fortunate enough to run a Senior and Middle School Drama Club. The Senior School Drama Club is made up of students in Year 9 -12 and they meet every Thursday from 3.30pm – 5pm. They play theatre games, refine their skills and share their love of performing. Some of these students have been involved in Drama Club with me since they were in Year 7, proving how passionate they are about performing.
This term they have been rehearsing a 45 minute adaptation of Alice In Wonderland. They presented their show to parents and friends this week. Students do not have to audition for roles and everyone is very supportive of each other. One of the best things about Drama Club is that everyone is welcome. It is an inclusive, supportive environment that provides an opportunity for everyone to perform as little or as much as they like.
Lauren White
Head of Theatre
Year 7 Art
Year 7 Art students worked on a variety of watercolour techniques to produce layers of colour for an ocean based seascape.
Either a whale or a boat had to be in the composition. Colours were then layered across the artwork to create movement.
Community Links
Join. Borrow. Read. Win.
The Big Summer Read is now open for registrations. This great summer reading program is being run by Victorian Public Libraries and students aged between 7-18 years old are eligible to register, read and go in the draw for competition prizes.
The competition is running from 1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024.
