Congratulations to everyone at Newhaven College on a wonderful start to Term Four. It has been a busy year, and the past few weeks have been no exception. Everywhere I look, I see the energy, talent and generosity that make our community what it is.

The highlight of the past fortnight has been the conclusion of classes for our Year 12s. As you will see in this newsletter, their final day is a very special occasion, shared with staff, the wider school community, family and friends. It was a joy to be part of it.

I would like to make special mention of our award winners. Your achievements reflect hard work, strength of character and a genuine contribution to the life of the College. And to all our Year 12 students: congratulations. You have grown in knowledge, resilience and independence, and you have shown kindness and leadership along the way. As you head into your exams or next stage of your journey, know that you carry the best wishes of everyone here.

It was meaningful to me that within a day of farewelling the Year 12s we welcomed our 2027 Preps for their first transition class. They experienced being in the classroom, working alongside our teachers and one another for the first time. It was significant that these two milestones stand side by side as they represent so much about the journey of schooling. One group of students was just beginning as another was completing theirs. This is the cycle of learning, and it is one of the great privileges of working in a school. As one season closes, another opens, and we are fortunate to keep growing and enriching our young people and their families along the way.

Farewell to the MotoGP

This morning I joined our Junior School students at the College gates to wave to the hundreds of motorbikes making their way onto Phillip Island for the annual homecoming ride ahead of this weekend’s MotoGP. It was a lively and joyful scene, but also a poignant one, as this will be the final time Phillip Island hosts the event.

It prompted me to reflect on the wonderful relationship our school has enjoyed with the MotoGP over many years. From PFA pie sales and excursions to motorbike visits and demonstrations. They have worked as marshals, our school bands have provided entertainment, and our students have even sung the national anthem. This is only a few of the many ways our school has been involved. It has been a partnership that has benefited both sides, and one we have valued greatly.

On behalf of the College, I bid the MotoGP a fond farewell, in the knowledge that it may yet return in the future.

In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Your Strength

Tony Corr
Principal

College Tour

Last week we held our final College Tour, with 50 visitors roaming the grounds, learning about our wonderful school. Our student guides, yet again, stepped up with enthusiasm and shared their experiences with the visitors. 

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 13 March 2027 - Term 1 (9.00am to 12.00pm)

Followed by College Tours, on the following dates for 2027:

• Wednesday 9 June 2027- Term 2 School Tour (9.30am to 11am)

• Wednesday 20 October 2027 - Term 4 School Tour (9.30am to 11am)

Author visit - George Ivanoff

We were fortunate enough today to enjoy a visit from well-known children’s author George Ivanoff. George led two sessions this morning for our students in Prep - Year 6. The students enjoyed hearing about George’s writing experiences and his writing processes. They then participated in activities where they explored many of their own ‘writing’ ideas. It was a fun and enjoyable time and we thank George for visiting with us and sharing his ‘know-how’ with our students.

Janine Butera 

Librarian

Tree Planting

In September, a group of students came together to help continue the restoration of the Newhaven College wetlands. The group planted Eucalyptus globulus (the Southern Blue Gum), another step in the ongoing care of this special place. Year 10 students Stephen Spencer and Heath McLean took the lead, showing our younger students how to carefully plant and establish each tree. It was a wonderful example of students learning together and looking out for one another.

Each student then named their tree and can't wait to watch it grow, just as they do. These trees will support our native wildlife and improve the health of our local environment, something our whole community will enjoy for years to come.

Thank you to our students Stephen Spencer, Heath McLean, Delilah Schellekens, Bodhi Jhanson-Neil, Remy Russo, Jett Curry and Millie McGrath for taking the time to look after the place we share. We look forward to watching Blue, Gummy, Kozzy, Bryan and Jeffery grow alongside you. 

Ann-Marie McLean

Water Week Poster Competition 

Congratulations to all our students who submitted posters to Westernport Water's annual Water Week Competition. A lot of work went into the posters, and many of our students received prizes. Congratulations to our 1st place winners, Pippa Johanson-Neil (Year 1-2) and Venus Herath Mudiyanselage (Year 5-6). Holly Pace (Year 3-4) came 2nd place.

Katrina Knight from Westernport Water presented awards to Holly Pace, Pippa Johanson-Neil and Venus Herath Mudiyanselage.

Well done girls!

The Inaugural Newhaven College Community Golf Day

It has been another busy and exciting few weeks for the Parents & Friends Association, with our inaugural Newhaven College Community Golf Day bringing together members of our school and wider community for a fantastic day of golf, friendly competition and plenty of fun, followed by sunset drinks overlooking the beautiful course.

Congratulations to The Misfits – Tony Corr, Dean Lewandowski, David Collins and Lawrence Ferrari – who took out the honours as our inaugural winning team! Thank you to everyone who entered a team, joined us on the day and helped make our first Community Golf Day such a success.

Events like this are only possible because of the generosity of our local community, and we would particularly like to recognise our wonderful event sponsors:

MySupply • Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage • COR • Tonley Building • San Remo Osteo • Five Acres • MB Wealth Management • Archsigns • Russo Russo

A special thank you also goes to Hilltop Meats, our BBQ sponsor, for generously supporting the day.

We were also incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding collection of raffle prizes donated by local businesses and supporters. Our sincere thanks go to:

• Yarra Yarra Golf Club – 18 holes of golf for four people, valued at $1,800

• Red Rocks Golf Course – two nights’ accommodation, valued at $400

• Clay & Co – two $100 Kaz Ceramics Creative Session vouchers

• Engaging Engraving – wine box, valued at $250

• Bass Coast Boat & Caravan Storage – two months’ free storage and a bottle of wine, valued at $250

• Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling – Virtual Golf and Tenpin Bowling vouchers, valued at $200

• Wildlife Coast Cruises – two Sunset Cruise tickets, valued at $158

• Ocean Reach – four beer packs, valued at $100

• Saltwater – two $50 gift vouchers

• Jim’s Bait & Tackle – $50 gift card

And finally, our biggest thank you goes to the amazing Kyoko Blondel, who came up with the idea for the Community Golf Day and put an enormous amount of time and effort into bringing it to life. From the initial idea through to organising and running the event, Kyoko’s hard work and enthusiasm were behind its success. Congratulations, Kyoko, on creating such a fantastic new event for our school community! After such a wonderful response to our inaugural event, we hope the Community Golf Day will become a much-loved fixture on the Newhaven College calendar in the future.

Angel Chambers

President | Parents and Friends Association

Welcome to Term 4

It is hard to believe how quickly the year has flown. 2026 has been a positive and rewarding year, full of wonderful opportunities that our students have embraced with enthusiasm. As we head into the final stretch, our focus remains on embracing opportunities, celebrating achievements, upholding our school values and continuing to nurture our strong sense of community.

Junior School Playground

Our new Phillip Island-themed playground has been a huge hit. Its natural elements and deciduous trees give students an inviting space to play.

The swing has quickly become the favourite feature. We want everyone to have fun, stay safe and get a fair turn, so we have set clear expectations with students. We are sharing them here so families can reinforce them at home.

Swing Expectations

• Supervision: the swing is only used when a yard duty teacher is present. Before school, students wait for the teacher, who arrives at 8.35 am.
• After school: the swing is not used after school, as there is no teacher on duty.
• Timetable: Years 3 and 4 use the swing at recess; Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 use it at lunch.
• Seated at all times: no standing on the swing.
• One pusher only: pushing goes no higher than the pusher’s outstretched arm.
• Two-minute turns: when the timer ends, students stop and hop off straight away.

Teachers are going through these expectations in class and posters are going up in every classroom. Thank you for helping us keep the swing safe and fair for everyone.

Official Opening: Junior School Expansion

Our next assembly will be a very special one. On Wednesday 4 November at 2.30 pm, we will officially open our new assembly area and classrooms.

We warmly invite Junior School families to join Board members, representatives of the Block Grant Authority, College leadership, and the builders and contractors who brought this project to life. Our Junior School Captains will speak, along with Principal Tony Corr. These new spaces have already made a wonderful difference to our growing Junior School. Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved in this project; these spaces will benefit our students for many years to come.

Author Visit: George Ivanoff

Today our Prep to Year 6 students welcomed award-winning Australian author George Ivanoff. George is a Melbourne author who has written more than 100 books for children and teenagers. His books range from adventure stories to non-fiction, and they include the popular You Choose series, where the reader decides how the story unfolds. He also writes the Monster Island, RFDS Adventures and Gamers series.

His books are firm favourites with young readers. He has won the YABBA Award (Young Australians Best Book Award) twice, and his latest title, You Choose MEGA: Prehistoric Peril, is shortlisted for the 2026 YABBA.

Hearing a real author talk about where ideas come from and how stories come to life is a powerful way to spark a love of reading and writing. We have no doubt our students went home buzzing with ideas for their own stories.

A big thank you to Bridget Haines, our Library teacher, for organising this special event for our students. See more about George's visit in the College News section of this newsletter.

World Teachers’ Day

Next Friday, 30 October, is World Teachers’ Day. Our teachers are a dedicated, passionate and caring group of professionals, and the difference they make in our children’s lives each day is immeasurable. On behalf of the Newhaven College community, thank you to our wonderful teachers. Families might encourage their children to mark the day with a small act of kindness: a handmade card, a thoughtful note or a few kind words go a long way.

Prep Biggest Morning Tea: Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Tuesday 27 October | 10.30 am to 12.00 pm | Year 9 Environmental Centre

Our Prep students will join Year 6 and Year 9 students for this year’s Biggest Morning Tea, themed the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Prep students are invited to bring along their favourite teddy and a gold coin donation.

Our Year 9 students will cater the event with a selection of sweet and savoury treats. Prep parents and guardians are warmly invited to join us for a cuppa and help raise funds for the Cancer Council through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. We ask for a $5 donation per adult, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council.

Please confirm your attendance using the QR code in the invitation sent via SEQTA.

Key Dates

Tuesday 27 October - Prep Biggest Morning Tea - 10.30 am to 12.00 pm, Year 9 Environmental Centre. $5 per adult.

Friday 30 October - World Teachers' Day - celebrate with a small act of kindness

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November - Mid Term Break - no school for students

Wednesday 4 November - Official JS Expansion Opening - 2.30 pm, new assembly area and classrooms. Families welcome.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is always a special time in the Junior School. It is a season of celebration, reflection and looking ahead. In the coming weeks, we will open our new learning spaces, thank our wonderful teachers and welcome our 2027 families. All the while, our students will keep growing in confidence, curiosity and kindness.

Thank you for the trust you place in us and for the warmth and partnership you bring to our community. We look forward to finishing the year together on a high.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School

2027 Transition Programs

Our Prep 2027 Transition Program is well underway. Last term, incoming families joined us in the Library to meet our Principal, some of our teachers and one another. This week, the second stage is under way: children are spending time in classrooms with our current Prep teachers while their families attend information sessions about starting school at Newhaven College.

Yesterday, we also welcomed students who will join our Years 2, 3 and 4 classes in 2027. Each new student was paired with a buddy and joined our School Captains for a tour, then had lunch in the amphitheatre, visited the Library and spent time in their year level classroom. It was lovely to see their families join us for Assembly too.

Both programs have been a wonderful start. They help our new students and families build friendships and feel at home, so they can begin 2027 with confidence.

Cath Huther

Head of Junior School

Year 2 Sleepover and Day Camp

The Year 2 Sleepover was an adventure to remember. Students welcomed visits from Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and the CFA, learning about community helpers and exploring fire trucks and police bikes. The evening continued with pizza, ice cream and a movie night.

On Friday, students visited Amaze ’N’ Things, where they played mini golf, tackled the maze and enjoyed a day of fun and discovery.

A heartfelt thank you to our parent helpers Jo, Alycia, Pharrah, Adrianna and Tayla, who supported the event and stayed overnight. It was two wonderful days of learning, laughter and teamwork.

Andre Hetebrueg and Rob Simpson

Year 2 Teachers

Year 4 Camp

Freshly back from the holidays, our Year 4 students headed off to camp in the first week of term. Travelling via Drouin Civic Park, we made our way to Forest Edge in Neerim East.

The camp is set in a beautiful location on Woiwurrung Country, nestled among the hills and bordering the Neerim State Forest, with the Latrobe River winding along the eastern side of the property. Over the three days, students participated in a range of exciting challenges, including a short but steep evening hike (with a view worth working for), crate climbing, the flying fox, archery, a ropes course, and damper making over a campfire.

Living up to our school motto, the children approached these challenges with quiet confidence. The comments below are a sample of what our students wrote about what they learned from their camp experience.

“I can overcome my fears and go out of my comfort zone.”
“Not be scared because I used to be scared when I was away from home.”
“I learnt I am more capable of looking after myself.”
“I should do more fun things.”
“I appreciate nature more than I thought and can sleep without a story or a light at night.”
“I can be brave and do challenging things.”
“I don’t need much sleep to have energy.”
“I am not as scared of heights as I thought I was.”
“I learnt that sharing my feelings is better than keeping them to myself.”
“I can do anything except fly and turn invisible.”

We are incredibly grateful to our colleague, Rob Simpson, and the parent volunteers who generously supported staff and students throughout the camp: Melony Mol, Kay Kondarios, Steve Regnier, Andy Perry, and especially Lisette Rule, who stepped in at the last minute. We greatly appreciate the time, care, and effort these parents gave to our students.

Another colleague, Jenna Harman, also played a valuable role in ensuring the camp's success. It was wonderful for both students and staff to share this experience with such committed, dedicated, warm, and helpful people.

Kate Middleton and Karen Faulwetter

Year 4 Teachers

Merit Awards

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

Year 6 Camp

The Year 6 students enjoyed an action-packed camp in the final week of last term, travelling to Camp Coolamatong, nestled amongst the trees on the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria. With the theme of teamwork woven throughout the week, students embraced the spirit of How to Train Your Dragon as they challenged themselves, supported one another, and discovered the importance of working together.

The adventure began with bush cooking, combat archery and indoor climbing, followed by the much-anticipated night activity, Rob the Dragon's Nest. Day Two saw students tackle the hike to Wattle Point before enjoying a boat trip aboard the CC Neill. That evening, brains, brawn and talent were put to the test during a lively trivia night. The final day was all about the water, with canoeing, raft building and tubing providing plenty of excitement, before students wound down with an essential movie night after a big few days of adventure.

Overall, it was an amazing camp filled with challenges, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments. A huge thank you to Mr Arceo, Mr Scott, Ms Fyfield, Mrs Burgan and Jenna for their support and care throughout the camp, and to Mr Clark for his organisation and preparation in making the experience such a success.

A Special Day for Year 6

In the first week of term 4, all the Year 6 girls and boys got split up for the whole day while they each focused on mental health-based topics. The boys were met by Darcy and Freya, who came to teach them about backpacks. They showed the boys that your backpacks hold good memories or feelings and bad memories and feelings. They also showed the boys that if you tell someone about the things in your backpack, you then share the weight, making the backpack lighter. 

The girls were met by Sarah from wellbeing, who taught us about candle blower-outerers. She demonstrated by giving us fake candles and we talked about how some people try to dim our candles, thinking it will make theirs brighter even though it doesn't. The girls also got into three teams, the sapphires, the diamonds, and the rubies. In these teams, we did scavenger hunts, talked about what made us good friends, what we had in common, and what we liked most about each other. In the last period, we created paper flowers that said what we liked about us while we listened to music. Then we received gift bags that we got to take home with lollies and stickers inside.

Lucy Glen

Year 6

Farewell Year 12

The opening weeks of Term 4 have centred on one thing: the final days of our Year 12 students at the College. As they always do, those days flew by far too quickly. On Tuesday 20 October, we farewelled 84 Year 12 students, a cohort whose vibrancy and energy have been felt across the Senior School throughout their time with us. Many of these young people have formed deep and genuine connections with one another, and I have no doubt those bonds will endure well beyond their years at Newhaven.

Tuesday belonged to our graduates and their families, who joined us to celebrate thirteen years of formal education and the full breadth of experience that has shaped each student. The day began with breakfast in the amphitheatre, where some 300 people gathered to honour the educational journey of the Class of 2026.

Families then joined our Year 9 to 12 students in their Houses for the personal farewells. In these intimate settings, each Year 12 student was farewelled by a family member, a close friend or, on occasion, a member of staff, as our Senior House Leaders celebrated the schooling of every graduate. There were few dry eyes in any room across the College. It was a moving reminder of just how much each of these young people means to those around them.

Formal proceedings concluded with the Graduation and Celebration Assembly, where the Middle School and Senior School came together with the Class of 2026 and their families to recognise the successes and achievements of every Year 12 student. Each graduate received their Valedictory Certificate, and we celebrated outstanding accomplishments in academic and sporting pursuits, alongside the considerable impact so many of these students have had on the College and the wider community.

So often, the efforts of the shining lights in our senior years go unnoticed. Much of what our most generous students give to the College happens quietly, and it can easily be lost in the busyness of school life. This assembly is our opportunity to change that: to recognise those behind-the-scenes contributions and to give the students who have given so much to our community their moment to shine.

That evening, the Class of 2026 and their families celebrated their Valedictory at Silverwater Resort, joined by many of the staff who have guided these students over the years. It was a joyous occasion and a fitting way to conclude each student’s time at Newhaven College.

All that now remains for most of our Year 12 students is their VCE examinations. This cohort has worked hard this year, and I am confident they will give their very best across what can be a demanding three-week period. Their teachers have done everything in their power to prepare each student for what lies ahead; now it is over to our students to show the world what they have to offer.

I have never believed in wishing students luck for their examinations. When students walk into the examination room well prepared, there is no need for luck; there is only preparation, determination and success. I know each of our students will give everything they have, and I am certain they will emerge from this experience stronger, more resilient and more well-rounded young people.

To the Class of 2026: we are immensely proud of each of you. You will always be part of the Newhaven community.

Enjoy a selection of photos below of our Year 12s' final day.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Congratulations to Our Major Award Winners 2026

• Papworth Prize 2026 - Tilly Stecher

• Principal’s Prize 2026 – Isabel Mahon and River Henderson

• ADF Long Tan Leadership Award - Tilly Stecher

• Year 12 Academic Endeavor Award - River Henderson and Michaela Marr

• Country Universities Student Achievement Award - Jasira Derham

Academic Awards

One Subject Awards - Jasira Derham, Freya Berry, Stevylea Symes, Grace Joy, Elsa Osabutey, Alice McGillivray, Lewis McLaren, Oliver Raso

Two Subject Awards – Lucinda Gent-Swain, River Henderson, Emily Kesterton, Michaela Marr, Tilly Stecher

Three Subject Awards – Isabel Mahon

Four Subject Awards – Aoife O’Connell

Sport Awards

• SEISA Sport Certificate - Froley Anderson & Leilani Lightowler

• Major Sport Awards - Parker Trappett & Tilly Stecher

Values Awards

• Bass House - Jasira Derham and Perry McKay

• Clarke House - Eve Oakley and Mitchell White

• McHaffie House - Freya Berry and Oliver Raso

• Sambell House - Chloe Hosking and Leilani Lightowler

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised program for young people, building their skills to equip them for life and work, and can play a critical role in their development. These students have completed challenges in five areas: Service, Physical Recreation, a Skills Challenge, an Adventurous Journey and a Residential Project.

Below are 2026's recipients:

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award - Savannah O’Keeffe

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award - Matilda Abraham-Williams

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award - Freya Berry, Eli Bowker, Matilda Feehan, Felix Fothergill, Michaela Marr, Finn McLean, Lewis McLaren, Jasmine Ruffin, Tilly Stecher

Year 12 Final Days

Newhaven College's Class of 2026 bid farewell to their school life last week, with plenty of festive activities. The four-day celebration commenced with students dressing up in some very creative costumes on Friday, with Commando Games, harking back to everyone’s favourite year at Newhaven, Year 9. On Monday they ‘bedazzled’ their uniforms, as per the latest trend. These activities provided an opportunity for the students to let off some steam before they embarked on the more official formalities of their final all-school assembly and emotional goodbyes.

House Dance/Drama

The Senior School House Dance/Drama Festival descended upon the Senior School on the last day of Term 3 with the Year 12 students looking to show how well they had prepared their Houses for the showdown that stops the sub-school.

There was fun and frivolity from all, with a curious amount of cross-dressing from a number of the Year 12 boys. It was wonderful to see so many of the students dancing the afternoon away, with the quality of dancing ranging from dubious to impressive, depending upon your perspective! The theme was Disney, with Bass House taking on The Lion King, Clarke House acting out Beauty and the Beast, McHaffie tackling The Little Mermaid and Sambell interpreting Aladdin.

Ultimately, Sambell ran out a clear winner on the day with some very funny scenes dovetailed in nicely with an inclusive Dance routine that involved the entire House. Congratulations to all students involved with their House’s production. It is not easy to get on stage and perform in front of one’s peers, yet every student managed this with a smile on their face and fun in their heart.

The results were: 1^st Sambell; 2^nd Bass; 3^rd McHaffie and 4^th Clarke.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Japan Tour

My experience on the 2026 Japan trip was something I miss every day; I miss exploring a foreign country, I miss bonding with my schoolmates whom I’d never even talked to before, but most of all I miss my homestay family. Every day with my family was nothing like the last, yet every day was filled with laughter and joy, creating an everlasting bond between us all. I would encourage anyone and everyone who wants to go on next year’s trip to go for it. It is an experience you will never forget; you will make connections that stay with you for life, you will see places that are so culturally different to what you know, and most importantly, you will grow as a person, mind and maturity.

Eden Foster 

Year 10

I was lucky enough to be able to stay with the family of the child I also hosted this year. After making a connection when she came to Australia, we, as kids strengthened our bond. We have formed a connection that I have felt nowhere else. Every morning I woke up and felt at home. Our families grew closer as I stayed, and in our final letters, we admitted that we felt like family. I am their Australian child, and they are my Japanese family. I continue to journal like we did together and I have kept in touch. In the future, when I go to Japan, I will always try and find a way to meet up with them again. I would recommend this to anyone thinking of going on the Japan tour and who wants to make a genuine lifelong connection.

Georgie Sanders 

Year 10

My two weeks in Japan were truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. During the first week at Ibaraki College, I had the opportunity to meet people from different countries, make amazing friends from overseas, and learn about different cultures. One highlight was introducing Western culture through fun games like Pictionary, which brought everyone together and helped us connect through laughter and teamwork. It was an amazing experience to share my own culture while learning about others. During the second week, I explored Tokyo and experienced the beautiful nightlife in Shibuya. The bright neon lights, huge screens, and lively streets created an incredible atmosphere that felt almost unreal. I also did a lot of shopping, exploring different stores and discovering unique Japanese fashion and products. Both weeks were filled with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and exciting experiences. Overall, this trip helped me step outside my comfort zone, appreciate different cultures, and make memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Zoe Arnott
Year 10

An Information Evening for the 2027 Japan Tour will be held in the middle of February next year.

Back to the Beginning 

Yesterday, our Year 12 Methods class had the privilege of visiting the Prep classrooms in Junior School to read with the students and help them practise their reading skills. The experience was incredibly special and nostalgic, particularly as we approach our final days of school and reflect on our own journeys from starting out as little Preps to graduating as Year 12s. It was heartwarming to see the Preps’ enthusiasm, curiosity and genuine joy for learning, reminding us of the excitement that comes with the beginning of the school journey. We were also thoroughly impressed by their reading abilities, with some of us even enjoying a little refresher on spelling rules we may have forgotten along the way!

It was a lovely opportunity to connect with the younger students and a beautiful reminder of how much we grow and learn throughout our time at school.

Jasmine Ruffin 

Year 12

It’s Titration Season!

The tinkling of glassware is all that could be heard throughout the laboratory as our Year 11 VCE Chemistry students worked hard to determine the concentration of citric acid in lemon juice. With plenty of enthusiasm and a keen eye for developing their practical skills, students carefully carried out their titrations before using their results to theoretically compare them with the manufacturer’s claims. When every drops counts, getting the chemistry right matters.

Luke Nicholson

Chemistry Teacher

Bands Night

We are incredibly proud of the vibrant music program at Newhaven College, and our annual Bands Night at the Westernport Hotel, San Remo, is always a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their musical talents in a lively, professional setting.

This year, 50 students from Years 7–12 came together across 20 different bands, performing to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. From getting on stage and rocking out to managing equipment, setting up gear and taking on all the behind-the-scenes roadie responsibilities, Bands Night gives our students an authentic experience of what it means to be part of a working band!

The talent, confidence, teamwork and professionalism on display were outstanding. It was wonderful to see our students supporting one another, embracing the opportunity to perform and sharing their passion for music with the wider community.

A huge thank you to our dedicated music staff for their expertise, encouragement and hard work in preparing and supporting our performers. And, of course, congratulations to all our students for putting on such a memorable night!

Massive shout out to Morgan and the Westernport Hotel for hosting the night once again

We couldn't be prouder of our Newhaven musicians!

Matthew Goss

Director of Music

VCE Art & Design Exhibition Celebrates Creativity and Excellence

Last night, Newhaven College proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of its senior students at the annual VCE Art & Design Exhibition. The exhibition showcased the exceptional work of current Unit 3 and 4 students from Art Creative Practice, Visual Communication Design, Media, Systems Engineering, and Product Design and Technologies.

The exhibition highlighted the breadth of creativity, innovation, and technical skill developed by students throughout the year. Through dedication, persistence, and a commitment to their creative vision, students brought their ideas to life across a diverse range of art and design forms. Visitors experienced an impressive collection of works including fashion, sculpture, digital design, film, photography, furniture, painting, and engineering projects, demonstrating the remarkable talent and individuality of Newhaven College's emerging artists and designers.

To recognise the hard work and achievements of the students, several awards were presented on the evening.

The prestigious Best in Show Award, recognising the most outstanding work in the exhibition, was awarded to Elsa Osabutey, Newhaven College's Visual Arts Captain, for her exceptional Media film.

The Encouragement Award, presented to a student who demonstrated ambition and a willingness to challenge themselves, was awarded to Joshua Bowler for his beautifully crafted redgum table.

The Excellence Award, recognising a conscientious student whose dedication and consistent effort stood out throughout the year, was awarded to Georgia Courtney for her impressive photography series.

Congratulations to all exhibiting students on their remarkable achievements and for sharing their creativity, passion, and hard work with the Newhaven College community.

Rebecca Power

Art Teacher

Gippsland Regional Athletics Championships

Congratulations to our talented Newhaven College athletes who competed at the Gippsland Regional Track and Field Championships at Newborough last week. 

Congratulations to our regional representatives: Nathaniel Regnier; Milla Kirkhope; Eden Hallas; Imogen Rule; Reeve Dennis; Eden Bennett; Harvey O’Brien Bruce; Logan Regnier; Billy Kimber; Ivee Ward; Patch van Stokrom; Noah Hollings; Cooper Bennett; Sam Martindale

A special congratulations to Nate Regnier, who delivered an outstanding performance in the 10-Year-Old Boys High Jump, earning himself a place at the State Track and Field Championships in Melbourne later in the month!

We are incredibly proud of all our athletes for their efforts and the way they represented Newhaven College. Reaching regional level is a wonderful achievement.

Well done to everyone, and we wish Nate all the very best at the State Championships.

Jaclyn Clark

PE and Sports Teacher

Gippsland Primary Schools Mountain Bike XC Event

Newhaven College proudly hosted its first-ever Gippsland Primary Schools Interschool Mountain Bike Cross Country (XC) event, welcoming enthusiastic young riders from Years 3–6 for a fantastic morning of racing, sportsmanship and community spirit.

Students from Cowes Primary School, Star of the Sea, Newhaven Primary School, San Remo Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School Korumburra joined Newhaven College riders for the inaugural event. In true Gippsland fashion, the weather delivered a little bit of everything, with rain, wind and sunshine all making an appearance throughout the morning! Despite the unpredictable conditions, the enthusiasm and determination of the young competitors never wavered.

The atmosphere was fantastic, with students cheering one another on, encouraging their fellow riders and demonstrating the wonderful camaraderie that makes mountain biking such a rewarding sport. For many students, the event provided an opportunity to experience interschool mountain bike racing in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment, while representing their schools and connecting with other young riders from across the region.

A tremendous amount of planning and preparation went into the day, with Newhaven College also hosting its second SEISA Mountain Bike XC event later that afternoon, making it a huge day of mountain biking for the College.

Gippsland Primary Schools Interschool XC Podium Results

Year 3–4 Boys

• 🥇 Patrick Hams – Newhaven College
• 🥈 Tyler Drager – San Remo Primary School
• 🥉 Vincent Manias – Newhaven College

Year 3–4 Girls

• 🥇 Lola Dykes – Newhaven Primary School

Year 5–6 Boys

• 🥇 Austin Mitchell – Newhaven College
• 🥈 Fletcher Hennessy – Newhaven College
• 🥉 Sunny Woodrup – Cowes Primary School

Year 5–6 Girls

• 🥇 Evelyn McCabe – Newhaven College

Congratulations to all our podium finishers and every student who took to the course and gave it their best effort! While there were some fantastic individual performances, the greatest success of the day was seeing so many young riders enjoying the trails, supporting one another and sharing their enthusiasm for mountain biking. 

The Newhaven College MTB Academy would like to sincerely thank all participating schools, students, teachers, families and everyone involved in the planning and delivery of the event. Looking ahead to 2027, Newhaven College hopes to build on the success of this inaugural event and welcome even more schools and young riders from across Gippsland.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a successful first event. We look forward to making the Gippsland Primary Schools Interschool MTB XC an annual highlight on the local school sporting calendar!

SEISA MTB Event

We had four seasons in one day last week when Newhaven College hosted SEISA MTB Event for the second time. This year, all students were able to complete 3 laps of the course - the fastest rider finishing the 9km course in just 19 minutes, 10 seconds!

Beaconhills College, Pakenham came away the big winners on the day, securing first place in Junior Boys and Senior Boys, and overall Champion School. Newhaven College won Junior Girls.

Well done to our MTB Captain Famish Dakers-Hock, Coach Tom Basterfield, MTB Coordinator Steve Scott and all our incredible support parents and families! And Robyn Bolding for heading out with her camera and capturing some great jump shots!

Felix the Legend!

A huge shoutout to our very own Year 2 Newhaven College MTB Academy rider, Felix Boyce!

Felix volunteered his time at both our Primary School Interschool MTB event in the morning and the SEISA MTB XC event in the afternoon, taking on the all-important role of race tail rider. His job? To follow the field and ensure every rider made it safely around the course, with no one left behind! And what an effort he put in! Felix covered approximately 35km throughout the day, chasing every lap (12 in total) of every race, all with a big smile on his face!

A fantastic display of sportsmanship, endurance and community spirit from one of our youngest MTB Academy members.

Well done, Felix! We’re incredibly proud of your efforts and the wonderful example you set for your fellow riders.

VSCA Athletics

In October, eleven Middle and Senior School students made their way to Lakeside stadium to join the very first SEISA team in the Victorian School Associations Competition (VSAC) athletics. Competing in a range of running, jumping and throwing events, everyone put their best foot forward against tough competitors. We would like to congratulate everyone on their efforts and making it a great day!

Poppy Miles

Year 11

Angus aces Rip Curl Grom Search  

Angus Kennedy (Year 10) had a fantastic outing at the Rip Curl Grom Search. He successfully advanced through Round 1 with a strong second-place finish, followed by a commanding performance in Round 2, where he secured first place.

His impressive waves in Round 2 earned him scores of 7.00 and 7.07, bringing his total heat score to 14.07, an incredible result at this level of competition.

Angus also competed in the Quarterfinals appearance.

Image courtesy Surfing Victoria.