As the first term draws to a close, our school has been busy with activity. One of the most recent exciting milestones has been the completion of our much-anticipated Junior School playground. Watching our students explore every feature - from the swing and surfboard to the caves and sandpit —has been so rewarding. Playgrounds like ours are designed to help children regulate their emotions, whether they need a boost or some calming time. The thoughtful design not only supports emotional wellbeing but also encourages motor skill development and imaginative play. This new facility further enriches the holistic educational experience we strive to provide at Newhaven. More details and photos can be found in the Junior School section of this newsletter.

Our recent Open Day was a tremendous success, attracting record attendance. The growing demand for a Newhaven education motivates us to keep building on our strong foundation with confidence. The construction of our additional Junior School classrooms is well underway, and we are making plans to enhance our Middle School next. These improvements reflect our commitment to offering the best possible learning environment for our students and accommodate as many members of our community as we can.

I would like to thank our Parents & Friends Association for organising a wonderful family movie night on 20 March. The PFA plays a vital role in fostering the sense of community and belonging that makes Newhaven special. I would like to thank Angel and all of those elected for their efforts and look forward to continuing to support the PFA throughout 2026. At the recent PFA Annual General Meeting, the elected office bearers are listed in the PFA report in the College News section of this newsletter.

I also want to commend our Year 12 leaders for their fundraising efforts during Term One in support of this year’s College charity, Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation. Thank you to all those who supported their Easter Raffle and all the students who joined in for the Dress Like a Teacher Day - a fun way to end the term.

On behalf of Newhaven College I would like to wish all of our families a safe and restful Easter and term break. We look forward to the return of students on Monday 20 April.

In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength

Tony Corr
Principal

Open Morning Success

Our Annual Open Morning, on Saturday 14 March, saw our school grounds swarming with families, keen to learn more about what our school has to offer. Numbers exceeded last year, with over 500 people registering on the day. When you came trhough the gates, you were greeted by a hive of activity at the gym and oval where Phillip Island and Mount Evelyn were playing AFL and Netball practice matches.

Up at main reception, families registered their attendance with the Admissions team, Bec Anderson and Taryn Groom, along with Principal PA Katrina Lawrence and Receptionist Kylee Roby. The line snaked out the door, as everyone took the opportunity to register, receive a map and a free cookie before joining one of the many student-guided tours of the College grounds.

Our student leaders did the school proud, guiding prospective families around Junior, Middle, Senior Schools and Year 9 Centre. Students played music in The Collect and the PAW, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Staff ran interactive activities throughout the morning, one of the most popular being Luke Nicholson's "science you can eat" ice cream making sessions.

Our PFA supplied popcorn, snow cones and free sausages, helping to create a carnival atmosphere across the whole campus.

Thanks go to everyone involved on the day.

Alumni Reunion

On Saturday 14 March, during the Open Morning, we welcomed past students from 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016. It was a small affair, but it was wonderful to see some of our alumni reconnect and meet new people.

Mr Corr and Mr Jobe were present to meet and greet our alumni participants, welcomed with a delicious morning tea and coffee. To finish off the experience, Mrs Milkins-Hendry took the group on a guided tour through the school. For many, it was the first time they had been on the Phillip Island Road campus.

Thank you to everyone who came along on the day, and we hope to see 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 alumni come along next year!

Ride2School Day

We had 177 students, parents and friends converge on the meeting points in Cape Woolamai and Cowes to ride to school together for Ride2School Day on Friday 20 March. The rides are substantial in length, so quite an achievement for some of our youngest riders.

Mr Corr led the way from Cape Woolamai, buoying the riders with encouraging words. A huge thank you to our dedicated MTB Academy parents, friends and students without whom this wouldn't have happened.

Harmony Day

We celebrated Harmony Day across our sub-schools with a range of activities focused on inclusion and belonging. Junior school students created a paper chain, each sharing how they can personally bring harmony to contribute to a positive school community. This included being kind, respectful, curious about others and being willing to share and help those around them.

Students and staff wore orange and enjoyed a lunchtime picnic. The middle school added a fun touch by painting their nails orange and having a poster competition. Winners will be announced at assembly.

Harmony Day was a simple reminder that, regardless of our differences, everyone belongs.

The wellbeing team

College Charity Fundraiser

Easter Raffle 

Today our College Captains drew the Easter Raffle winners. Congratulations to the 4 winners of the Easter Egg baskets: Cattaleya Carmody (Prep), Maya Andersen (Year 10), Mrs McMillan and Lennan Stecher (Year 10).

Guess How Many Lollies in the Jar Competition 

Congratulations to William Wales who won the closest guess of the number of lollies. William's guess was 1500 and there was 1490 in the jar! Enjoy all those lollies, William!

Beanies

Exciting news! From the start of next term, students and staff will be able to purchase a ‘Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer’ beanie for $20, which may be worn with the winter school uniform! All profits will be donated back to the charity. More information regarding how and where beanies can be purchased will be shared early next term.

Bake Sale

Upon returning to school after the holidays, students will be welcomed back with a Bake Sale on Friday 24 April during the first week of term. There will be more information about this early next term. Get excited!

Donations to Carrie's Beanies for Brain Cancer are welcome at any time via our own fundraising page.

Harry Arceo, Kadek Humphris, Isabel Mahon, Tilly Stecher

College Captains

‘Dress Up as One of Your Teachers’ Day

Today students, and some teachers, dressed up as their favourite (or maybe not so favourite??) teachers to raise funds for the College charity. Some of the outfits made for a lot of laughs!

Highlights include Mr Corr and Mrs Huther (twins Huntely and Winsley), all the Middle School teachers dressed as Mr Arceo, Mr T in his lab coat, lots of Mrs Pedersens and who knew Homer Simpson was a teacher for a day in one episode? And to create a balance, our Junior School teachers came dressed as students!

Thank you to all the parents and carers who helped the students with their costumes. All done in good spirit!

Harry Arceo, Kadek Humphris, Isabel Mahon, Tilly Stecher

College Captains

Firewood Raffle

This is a fabulous opportunity to win a trailer load of firewood (trailer not included)! A couple of blue gums near our Year 9 Environmental Centre have sadly reached the end of their days, but our go-getting Year 9s are turning them into something useful - firewood! 

Purchase a ticket for a chance to win a load for your home heater. Buy your tickets here. The winner will be drawn in Term 2.

All revenue raised will go to the College Charity, Carrie's Beanies for Brain Cancer. Donations are welcome at any time via our own fundraising page.

Sam Foura

Head of Year 9

PFA Update - March Highlights & What’s Ahead

March was a busy and exciting month for the PFA, and we’d like to thank our wonderful school community for your continued support.

Open Day

We were lucky to have a beautiful day for the school’s Open Day on Saturday, 14 March 2026. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help with the BBQ, popcorn and snow cones: Kay Kondarios, Jenni Lewandowski, Chantelle Manallack, Paul Manallack, Pharrah Underwood, Mark Underwood, Tamara Mulholland, Sophie Fyfield, Corinne Schwartz, Mads Evans, Melony Grand-Court, Lauren Ackers, Tayla Smith and Lisette Rule.

Your support made the day welcoming and successful for visiting families.

PFA Movie Night  

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our fun PFA Movie Night featuring Lilo & Stitch on Friday, 20 March 2026. We hope you had a fantastic evening!

We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who helped make the night run smoothly, we couldn’t do it without you: Kay Kondarios, Jenni Lewandowski, Chantelle Manallack, Jo Volhand, Paul Manallack, Adriana Boyce, Tamara Mulholland, Tara Leggo, Corinne Schwartz, Sophie Fyfield, Jasmine Wales, Dee Smith, Kim Regnier and Mallory Illing. We thank Mr Arceo for allowing us to use The Collect at such short notice and Luke Nicholson for his assistance with the screen set up. A special thanks to the maintenance team and Mrs Pederson for your help with the event and Lachie Gale from the Spoonbill Café for your support with providing the hot chocolates!

A big thank you to our sponsors, Hilltop Farm for their donation of sausages and onions and Parker’s Party Hire for the screen and speakers.

PFA AGM

At our AGM on Monday 30 March 2026, the following committee members were elected:

• President: Angel Chambers
• Vice President: Jenni Lewandowski
• Treasurer: Kay Kondarios
• Vice Treasurer: Chantelle Manallack
• Secretary: Pharrah Underwood
• Vice Secretary: Jo Vohland

We have an amazing team and are excited about the events planned for this year. New members are always welcome, so please get in touch with one of our committee members or email us if you’d like to get involved or volunteer at an event.

Mother’s Day Stall – Thursday 7 May 2026

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we’re preparing for our much-loved Mother’s Day Stall to be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

If you own a business and would be willing to donate items, we would greatly appreciate your support. If you enjoy crafting or creating, we would also love to hear from you.

We are looking for batches of approximately 20 identical items that can be sold for $5 or $10.

More information on the event and a call for volunteers will be available soon.

Help Us Make the 2026 Fete Happen!

Planning for this year’s Fete is officially underway, and we need your help to bring the event to life.

Our first fete planning meeting will be held in the school boardroom on Friday 24 April at 2:30pm.

We are looking for volunteers to coordinate key areas:

• Fundraising / Silent Auction / Raffle
• Market Stalls
• Second Hand Uniform Stall
• Food Trucks
• Year Level Stalls
• Entertainment
• Amusement Rides

What’s involved?

We are looking for 1- 2 coordinators per area. One coordinator from each area will attend one in-person meeting per month during Terms 2 and 3, moving to fortnightly meetings as the event approaches. You will have support, templates and guidance from the PFA.

Without volunteers for these key roles, the Fete cannot go ahead, so if you have some time, we would be grateful if you could get involved.

If you’d prefer to volunteer closer to the event, send through your email and we’ll add you to the volunteer WhatsApp Group.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to newhaven.pfa@gmail.com.

Angel Chambers

President | Parents and Friends Association

Junior School Playground Completed

On Friday, 27 March, we celebrated the soft opening of the new Junior School Playground. 

The playground is inspired by the incredible beauty and spirit of Phillip Island – Pyramid Rock, Rhyll, Seal Rocks, Forrest Caves - just to name a few. And what makes this playground even more remarkable is that it was built using recycled and sustainable materials. Every swing, slide, and climbing frame helps make the world a little greener and shows how much we value our beautiful island.

As our students step into this playground, I encourage them to let their imaginations soar. Pretend to be explorers, penguins, surfers, or adventurers. There are no limits to the stories and games that can be created. This is your space -a place for laughter, creativity, and friendship.

We opened our new playground with enthusiasm and gratitude. It is now time to play, dream, and take care of each other - and our environment - every single day.

The official opening for the playground will be in Term 2, but it is wonderful to see our students already enjoying the exciting equipment on offer.

Tony Corr

Principal

Prep Reading Party

On Tuesday, 24 March, our Prep classrooms were filled with excitement and joy as we welcomed Prep parents into the school for our annual Reading Party. This event celebrated the progress our students have made in their reading journey, particularly their achievement of learning all their single letter sounds.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with classrooms decorated and students proudly wearing their sound party hats. A highlight of the event was a performance where students sang their phonics song, showcasing the phonetic skills they have developed throughout the term.

The children used cued articulation gestures when they were singing their sound song. At school, we use Cued Articulation to support children as they learn speech sounds. This approach pairs each sound with a simple hand gesture that shows how the sound is made. Using these gestures alongside sounds has helped make learning more meaningful. Instead of just hearing a sound, the children can see and feel how it works.

Special guests Mrs Huther and Mrs Milkins-Hendry presented each student with their Home Learning folders, designed to reinforce classroom skills and encourage continued engagement with reading at home. This presentation symbolised the partnership between home and school in supporting each child’s literacy development.

Mrs Lynch and Mrs Carlson led a lesson for parents and students, demonstrating how to effectively complete home learning activities and providing insights into the methodologies used at school. Parents received practical tips to assist their children in their reading development, creating positive learning habits and how together we can foster a love of reading.

The Reading Party highlighted the importance of the partnership between school and home in nurturing our students’ literacy skills. We are grateful to all parents who attended and contributed to its success. Your involvement is crucial in reinforcing the skills and knowledge that our students acquire in the classroom. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we guide our students on their reading journey.

Kerryn Lynch and Kylie Carlson

Prep Teachers

Year 1 Then and Now

On Wednesday, 18 March, our Year 1 students had the wonderful opportunity to step back in time during the 'Now and Then Experience'. As part of their History unit exploring life Then and Now, students welcomed grandparents, parents, and special friends to share stories from their own childhoods.

Guests spoke about their favourite toys, school days, family holidays, and games they played growing up. The room buzzed with curiosity and wonder as students listened intently to tales from the past and explored the fascinating artifacts brought in, from vintage cameras to old-fashioned toys, phones, and coins! We weren’t sure who was more excited about the day, the students or the grandparents.

Our students also had the chance to ask questions of their visitors, which sparked conversations and memories from a different generation. The students were captivated by these wonderful stories, and it was a proud moment for both students and their special visitors.

The event offered a unique opportunity for our students to compare their own lives with those of children several decades ago, sparking meaningful discussions and deepening their understanding of history in a truly personal way. A heartfelt thank you to all the grandparents, parents, and special friends who helped make this day so memorable, as your stories truly brought history to life!

Sarah Pedersen and Tahlia Wilson

Year 1 Teachers

Year 3 Koala Park Visit

The Year 3 students began their Koala Park excursion with a visit to the Barb Martin Bushbank Native Nursery. During this session, they explored the life cycle of plants, making strong connections to their current Science unit. Students learned valuable information about native plants found on the island and each had the opportunity to take home a plant to grow in their own garden.

Following this, the groups walked through the Koala Park, observing wildlife and listening to knowledgeable tour guides. Students gained a deeper understanding of koalas and other animals that inhabit the island. We were fortunate to see several koalas in action—some eating and moving along the branches, while others were fast asleep in the most amusing positions.

Miranda Reich

Year 3 Teacher

Easter Bunny Visit

The Easter Bunny knocked on Mrs Huther's door this morning, and asked to visit each classroom to let all the students know what a terrific job they have all done during Term 1. The students were very excited to welcome Mr Bunny into their classes!

Year 1 Science Lab visit

In Year 1, students have been learning about science, focusing on the question: What is a scientist?

On Monday 23 March, the Year 1 classes visited the Senior School science lab for a lesson with Mr T. Students discussed what can be seen in the sky during a storm and identified that we see electricity!

Mr T demonstrated how a Van de Graaff generator produces electricity and how a person can become charged when touching it. Several students volunteered to participate, while others held their hands to feel the electricity move through the group.

Ms Ramage also took part, her hair standing on end, with Mrs Wilson and Mrs Pedersen joining her to experience the demonstration. It was so much fun for all of us!

Tahlia Wilson

Year 1 Teacher

Clean Up Australia Day

On Friday 13 March, our Junior School put on their protective gloves and scoured the campus for rubbish to celebrate Clean Up Australia Day. This not only made the grounds look wonderful before Open Morning, but also taught our students about the impacts rubbish can have on our environment.

We thank all the enthusiastic students who took part!

Merit Awards

Congratulations to the students in the following photo who were presented with their Merit Awards and recognised at Junior School Assembly.

Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

Last week, the Year 5 students attended their annual camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. The students enjoyed many different activities over 3 days. Some of the experiences included the Aura Sound and Light Show, candle making, mine tours, confectionery demonstration, bowling, shopping, red faces talent show, gold panning, dressing up and re-enacting the Eureka stockade and of course purchasing and eating many raspberry drops. The students reflected on camp on their return. Below are some of the students’ highlights.

• Billy learned that the welcome nugget weighed 69kg
• Austin enjoyed the Red Faces Talent show where his group performed a song
• Summer enjoyed the pasta and brownies
• Bridget said the best activity was dressing up and re-enacting the Eureka Stockade
• Dallas liked dressing up as a Police Officer and re-enacting the fight scene
• Zoe said the best thing at camp was the 3D movie
• Ryder said the nicest thing someone did at camp was the teachers making a big effort at camp
• Ava said the nicest thing about camp was when Audrey helped her stay calm in the mine
• Violet learned that everyone only bathed once a week
• Lucy said the memory that will stay with her forever is being with Mrs Driscoll and Mrs Savona as she only gets to be with them for one year
• Peyton learned that the taller the top hat, the more important you are in society
• Sonny said the best quote he heard at camp was ‘Always fight for what is fair’
• Mila’s favourite meal was the pasta and the mango frozen yogurt
• Brin bought a horseshoe with his name, lollies, a gold jar and a miner’s licence
• Venus learned that red coats were red, so it could hide the blood on them
• Georgia thought it was funny when the policeman tried to arrest her
• April learned how to write using ink
• Hazel said the best part of camp was the free time because she liked the independence and being with her friends
• Patch was excited to get first place in Red Faces for his amazing magic tricks
• Lily gave camp 10 out of 10, as she said it was fun and educational

Food Cubes

Newhaven College has invested in a Food Cube Farm outside the Trade Centre and Food Studies area of the school.

This is a 3-5 year project with the aim to be a cornerstone of Middle School, with each specific year level having input/roles into the running of what (aspirationally) will be: supplier to our Food Studies curriculum/longitudinal research/business enterprise/supporter of a charity of choice. The innovation project is in its second year.

Cynthia Young, Alycia James, Lachy Gale and Cam Herrington have been the passionate drivers and knowledge bearers of all things Food Cube, with Ralph Arceo and myself supporting their excellent ideas. We have had input from the Community Farm at The Cape as well.

Alycia had an energetic Year 5 group from the Green Team kick things off in the cubes last year. Cynthia has had a small but committed group of Year 8 students working during SM, and it is with great pride we see the blackboard they have created installed outside the trade centre. The board will capture weekly observations from different Home Groups in weeks to come.  This is just one of many projects they have carried out during Term One. Our students in Food Studies have been using the fresh produce from the farm this term.

If you're visiting, take a look at the blackboard, which gives a small insight into an enormous amount of effort and planning from that crew.

We are looking ahead to getting our Greenhouse and propagation going!

Karen Milkins-Hendry

Director of Learning

With the first term of 2026 coming to an end, one reflects upon a term that has simply flown by. Today marks not only the final day of Term One, but an opportunity to farewell two staff members who have left an indelible mark on Newhaven College, and the Senior School in particular. 

Firstly, I wish to formally acknowledge and commend the dedication, professionalism, and service of Ms Mairaed Carlin. Mairaed joined Newhaven College at the commencement of the 2024 academic year and, as a graduate of the College herself, brought with her a deep understanding of its culture, values, and community. She transitioned seamlessly into Senior School life, quickly attuning herself to the rhythm and ethos of the College.

During her initial year at Newhaven, Mairaed taught Year Nine English, Year Ten English, and Year Ten History. In the following year, she further expanded her teaching portfolio to include Year Ten Commerce and Year Eleven Legal Studies, demonstrating both versatility and a strong commitment to broadening her pedagogical expertise.

Earlier this year, Mairaed made the difficult decision to conclude her time at the College. Beyond her considerable contributions in the classroom, she became a passionate and highly effective advocate for co-curricular involvement, most notably as the driving force behind the Newhaven College SEISA Table Tennis team, which she led with enthusiasm and distinction for three years. In addition, she generously devoted her time each Wednesday afternoon to Homework Club, providing invaluable academic support to countless students in English and History.

Mairaed will be deeply missed—not only by the students whose learning she enriched, but also by colleagues who valued her commitment, collegiality, and quiet leadership. Her contribution to the life of the College has been significant, and she leaves with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future.

Another beloved colleague departing Newhaven College at the end of this term is Ms Sian Adnam. Sian has been part of the Newhaven story for nearly thirty years—a remarkable span of service, care, and creativity that has shaped generations of students. 

Sian is a gifted Art teacher who has helped students—from wide-eyed Year 5s to time-poor (and occasionally panic-stricken) VCE students—discover ways of thinking they didn’t know they had. Her studio has long been a place where imagination is taken seriously, standards are set high, and folios are refined with the kind of honest feedback that ultimately makes students better (even if it occasionally makes them sigh first). What so many students will remember most is Sian’s special blend of acerbic wit and genuine care: she could deliver a perfectly timed one-liner and, in the very next breath, quietly make sure a student felt seen and capable.

Beyond the art room, Sian also brought her unique style to the Health and Wellbeing classroom, and she is widely known for introducing the much-loved ‘Love Box’—a trusted place for students to ask the questions they didn’t realise they needed to ask (and definitely weren’t ready to ask out loud). It’s a small idea that has made a big difference, and it speaks to the safe, thoughtful spaces Sian has always created for young people.

Sian also has a genuine love of the gardens here at the College. She has helped create several of the native gardens at our current site and takes enormous pride in the beauty—and calm—they bring to our grounds. She is, however, fiercely protective of them, and more than one Junior School student has learned very quickly that “playing tag” in the gardens is not something to be tolerated when Ms Adnam is within eyeshot.

On behalf of the Senior School staff and students, I wish Ms Carlin and Ms Adnam every happiness as they begin their next chapters, and I thank them sincerely for all they have given to our college community.

Finally, I would like to wish all Newhaven College families a restful and enjoyable Easter holiday. It has been a challenging first term for many in our community and I hope the holiday brings peace and calm for all.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Australian Citizenship Ceremony

On Tuesday 17 March, Head of Senior School, Mr Brett Torstonson, and students Noah and Elleah Rodgers and Yu Yao became Australian citizens in Wonthaggi.

Congratulations!

A Busy Term 1 in Year 9

Term 1 has been a busy and rewarding start to the year for our Year 9 cohort. It was fantastic to finish today with the end of term Community Games. Students have been involved in a wide range of activities designed to build connection, challenge themselves, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. From community-building opportunities to fieldwork and classroom collaboration, it has been great to see students embracing everything on offer.

Despite some recent challenges, the cohort has shown strong character. Students have demonstrated that they are connected and supportive of one another, stepping up to look after peers and contribute positively to the Year 9 community. This sense of belonging continues to be a strength of the group and is something we will keep building on throughout the year.

Academically, the quality of work produced this term has been excellent. Students have done a fantastic job summarising their field trips and capturing their learning within Xplore. Many students have demonstrated thoughtful reflections, clear explanations of concepts, and strong links between their experiences in the field and classroom learning. It has been particularly pleasing to see students improving their ability to synthesise information and communicate their understanding clearly.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building on this momentum in Term 2. A highlight will be our trip to the city, including our visit to the Shrine. This experience will provide students with valuable opportunities to engage with history, explore the city environment, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Information regarding this excursion is now available on Consent2Go. Please ensure you review the details and complete the required permissions. A reminder students will need a Myki for this excursion and these are now free through PTV for students.

Thank you for your continued support of the Year 9 programme. Bring on Term 2; the Commando Term!

Sam Foura

Head of Year 9

Year 12 University Tour

Our Year 12 students recently visited Monash University and Deakin University to explore their next steps beyond school. The day offered a valuable glimpse into university life, including campus tours, course presentations, and conversations with current students and staff. At Monash, potential science students were impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the wide range of study options available. Over at Deakin, as well as experiencing a campus tour, students enjoyed seeing residential accommodation options. The tours at both Universities were informative and inspiring, helping students clarify their post-school goals and sparking enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Anthea Bennett

Head of Careers

Senior School Production  

Midnight: The Cinderella Musical

Get ready for a night of pure theatrical magic! Newhaven College is beyond thrilled to unleash an electrifying, fresh new take on one of the world's most beloved stories. Midnight: The Cinderella Musical is not the fairy tale you remember - it's bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.

Packed with beautiful, soaring music and jaw-dropping, cleverly choreographed dance numbers, this spectacular production will leave you completely mesmerised from the very first note to the final curtain. Follow the extraordinary journey of Ella - a fierce, strong, and fiercely independent young woman who rewrites her own destiny - performed by some of the most talented student performers at Newhaven College.

This is the show everyone will be talking about. Don't miss your chance to be part of something truly unforgettable. Your invitation to the ball awaits!

The show dates are:
Friday 1 May, 7.30pm
Saturday 2 May, 1.30pm
Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm
Sunday 3 May, 1.30pm

Buy your tickets now

Lauren White

Production Director

Autumn Soirees

On Monday, 16 March, our Performing Arts Centre came alive with music as we hosted what was our largest Autumn Soiree events, showcasing the remarkable talents of nearly 80 students from across all three sub-schools.

The evening featured two inspiring concerts: the first highlighted our voice and piano students, while the second celebrated performances from our strings, guitar, brass and woodwind musicians. Both events were superbly hosted by our Music Captains, Holly, Michael and Aoife, who guided the audience through an evening of diverse and engaging performances.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students who performed, with a special acknowledgement to those who took to the stage for the very first time. Your courage and commitment were truly commendable.

The Music Department would also like to sincerely thank the many parents and guardians who attended to support our young performers. Your encouragement plays an important role in their musical journey.

With two more soirees scheduled later this year, we warmly invite any Newhaven students interested in performing to register their interest. Please contact Belinda Manning via SEQTA for further information.

Matthew Goss

Director of Music

2nd Year VET Performance

Our 2nd Year VCE VET Music students and their supporting ensembles kicked off the year with impressive performances to an appreciative audience in our Black Box Theatre last week. The six different performances spanned funk / electro pop, alt rock, musical theatre, jazz, prog rock and original new-jazz compositions, with each group pulling together three or four songs in just nine (and in one case six!) weeks of rehearsals.

With more performance nights at the ends of Terms 2 and 3, make sure you get along to hear these talented young musicians later this year.

Foil – Elleah Rogers with Felix Fothergill, Finn McLean, Meyanna Christensen, & Georgie Sanders

Noncense – Shae Foster with Elleah Rodgers, James Cameron, Elsa Osabutey & Dave Prideaux

Finn Farley - with Aoife O’Connell, Aisha Glass, Kerryn Lockhart and Pam Christie

Tom Reich – with Noah Thompson, Aoife O’Connell, Rob Turton & Matt Goss

Noah Thompson – with Finn Campbell Walker & Rob Turton

Zenith Paradox – Flynn Dengerink, Holly Martelli and James Cameron with Finn Farley

Rob Turton

VCE-VET Music Teacher

SEISA Art

Our Year 11 Art students visited Gippsland Grammar in Sale last week as part of our SEISA Arts Program. Our students participated in the one day workshop to expand on their skills in ceramics and oil painting. The work they produced will go towards their folio for Unit 1 Art Creative Practice.

Every student took the opportunity to learn and participated with enthusiasm.

Sian Adnam

Art Teacher

Our performers impress at Sustainability Festival 

Zenith Paradox and another College ensemble, Three Leaf Clover, both performed at the Bass Coast Shire Council sustainability Festival in Cowes. The organisers and audience were impressed with the positive attitude and flexibility with performing various sets throughout the event.

Many thanks for all of your assistance and support. They did a great, professional job.

Rob Turton

VET Music Teacher

Junior School House Athletics Carnival

What a fantastic day at our Prep-Year 4 Athletics Carnival. A huge congratulations to all of our students who participated with such enthusiasm and effort. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, determined efforts and plenty of encouragement for one another across all events. The energy on display made for a memorable day.

A very big thank you to our incredible Year 8 helpers and MS leaders, who did an outstanding job supporting events, encouraging our younger students and stepping into any role that was needed throughout the day. Your leadership and positivity did not go unnoticed!

We also extend our sincere thanks to our parent volunteers for your time, support and willingness to jump in and help wherever required. Days like this simply wouldn’t run without you.

To our amazing staff, thank you for your organisation, flexibility and teamwork in making the day such a success. And finally, well done to all of our Junior School athletes for giving it your best and showing great sportsmanship.

What a great day for our Junior School community!

Jaclyn Clark

JS PE and Sports Teacher

Regional Swimming Success at Sale

On Thursday 12 March, thirteen students proudly represented Newhaven College at the Gippsland Regional Swimming Championships held in Sale. The event showcased strong competition from across the region.

The students who represented Newhaven College were: Eden Bennett, Sophie Clark, Mila Potter, Imogen Rule, Austin Lynch, Sam Phillips, Billy Kimber, Sebastian Ferretto, Hazel Jones, Leith Cameron, Oscar Lamaro, Reeve Dennis, and Cooper Bennett.

It was a fantastic result for the team, every relay team performed exceptionally well, with each of our relays finishing second in their respective events, a remarkable achievement at this level of competition.

The swimmers should be extremely proud of their efforts, commitment and the way they represented the college. 

Jaclyn Clark

JS PE and Sports Teacher

Secondary 3x3 Basketball Tournament

Our girls had a fantastic day competing in the recent 3x3 Basketball Tournament, showing great teamwork, skill and determination across all games. They got off to a strong start, winning their first two matches and continuing to improve as the day went on.

After a closely fought final round game that went to overtime, the team narrowly missed out on a place in the Grand Final by the smallest of margins, just 0.2%! Despite this, the girls should be incredibly proud of their efforts, finishing in 3rd place overall.

A big thank you to Naz O’Brien for organising and supporting the team throughout the day, and to all families for their help and encouragement. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Well done Frankie O’Brien, Dae Anderson, Ivy Addison and Alice Martindale.

Jaclyn Clark

JS PE and Sports Teacher

Year 2-4 House Swimming Carnival

Our Year 2-4 students had a fantastic day at the pool for this year’s Year 2-4 House Swimming Carnival, held at Wonthaggi on Friday 27 March. It was wonderful to see so many students giving things a go and cheering on their classmates.

From our confident swimmers powering through the lanes to those challenging themselves and jumping in with a smile, the day was all about participation, effort and House spirit. The energy on the pool deck was awesome, with plenty of encouragement and excitement across all events.

A big thank you to our parent volunteers who assisted throughout the day and helped everything run so smoothly, we couldn’t do it without you!

House results will be announced at our next assembly… and it was a VERY close competition, so stay tuned….

Well done to all students for their positive attitude and willingness to have a go. A great day all round!

Jaclyn Clark

JS PE and Sports Teacher

Bass Strait Bandits head off to Townsville

In 2022, we lost our beloved Middle School teacher, Karen Pearce, to cancer. Support Karen's husband, Ric, and brother Mark, who are off on an incredible adventure this July to raise funds for Cancer Research, in honour of Karen. This adventure is particularly apt, as Karen was an adventurer in her own right.

About the S@*tbox Rally:

• S@*tbox Rally cars must be less than $1500 in value

• Rally 7 days in length - Mildura to Townsville, via the Gulf of Carpentaria

• All proceeds raised for the Cancer Council, for cancer research

• Ric and Mark are now aiming to raise $25,000

To learn more and to donate go to the Bandit's Donation Page.