A flurry of activity returned to the Senior School with the return of Year 12 students on Friday 31 January. It was a welcome return for a group of young people who have always demonstrated a sense of vibrancy, determination and purpose. On the same day, the 2025 Year 9 cohort made their first appearance at the Year Nine Environmental Centre, marking their transition from the Middle School to the Senior School.
Both groups of students experienced the transitional opening of school activities, with the Year 12 cohort being prepared for their challenging final year of schooling and the associated expectations of being the oldest and most responsible members of the Newhaven College community; and the Year 9 cohort being introduced to the different rhythm and tone of their unique Year 9 experience.
The following school day – Monday 3 February – the Senior School returned to full capacity with the return of the Year 10 and Year 11 cohorts. There was a sense of excitement in the air and it was very pleasing to see how well all four year levels settled back into the swing of school life following a very long holiday period. The sense of engagement and positivity reported by so many teachers was very pleasing and I look forward to seeing the energy and positivity of our students continue throughout this year.
Throughout the first week of school, we welcomed a number of visitors. On Wednesday evening, we welcomed many Year 12 parents to the Senior School for the Year 12 Parent Information Evening. The VCE is challenging for any student, so it's important that families understand how best to support students in their final year of schooling, which is essentially over after only eight and a half months. The Year 12 Parent Information Evening provided an opportunity to disseminate key information regarding assessments, timelines and support mechanisms and an opportunity for parents to ask questions of senior members of staff.
On Friday evening, the school hosted two very important events. The Parent Welcome Evening was a delightful way for many new parents to meet other parents also new to the school, and to mingle and chat with staff members of the College in a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, in the Senior School building and the Year 9 Centre, Newhaven College welcomed our SEISA school partners for the SEISA Leadership Camp.
This week, the school has hosted an online information evening for the World Challenge trip to Borneo later this year. Interest amongst Year 10 and Year 11 families was very high and I have no doubt that any student lucky enough to go on this trip will not only be able to provide a benefit to the communities of Borneo, but learn a little bit about the world around them in both a cultural, geographical and environmental context. Built on the back of the Newhaven College trip to Cambodia last year, I have no doubt this will be the trip of a lifetime for any student lucky enough to go.
The College also held the first major House Carnival this week, with the House Swimming Carnival held on a very warm and sunny day at Korumburra Pool. The competition was fierce but ultimately it was Clarke House who emerged victorious on the day for the 6th consecutive year.
There are no less than four information evenings of one type or another occurring next week:
Monday 17 February: Year 10 Camp Parent Information Evening (via MS Teams) from 6.30pm.
Tuesday 18 February: Elephant Ed Parent Webinar on Consent (online) from 7.30pm.
Wednesday 19 February: Year 9 CityCITE Information Evening (in person) from 6.30pm at the Year 9 Environmental Centre.
Thursday 20 February: The Japan Tour Information Evening in the Senior School Building from 7.00pm.
The start of the year is always a busy time, but the variety of activities and events available to students and parents gives some insight into the exciting offerings Newhaven College provides students and their families.
Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School
Year 9 Environmental Centre
The Year 9 students at Newhaven College have had a fantastic start to the year, marked by exciting new learning experiences and a strong sense of community.
A highlight has been the launch of Xplore, an exciting new subject at the Year 9 Environmental Centre, which focuses on environmental sustainability, Indigenous culture, and hands-on outdoor learning. As part of this launch, students were warmly welcomed to Country by Boonwurrung Elder, Uncle Steve Ulula Parker. They participated in a traditional Smoking Ceremony, followed by sessions where they learned about traditional language and Indigenous knowledge. This meaningful experience helped students connect with the land and appreciate Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship.
Alongside this, students have also enjoyed participating in the Community Games, which have fostered teamwork, leadership and a strong sense of belonging as they begin their Year 9 journey.
City Cite Information Night – Wednesday 19 February at 6:30 PM
We also invite all parents to attend the upcoming City Cite Information Night on Wednesday 19 February. This event will provide important details about this unique learning experience, where students immerse themselves in the city environment to develop independence and real-world skills. We encourage all families to join us for this informative evening.
With such a positive start, we look forward to a great year ahead for our Year 9 students. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to provide enriching educational experiences.
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
SEISA Leadership Camp
Over last weekend, at the Senior School building and the Year 9 Centre, Newhaven College welcomed we hosted more than 60 students from our SEISA school partners, who joined 21 student leaders from Newhaven College for the SEISA Leadership Camp. This is an annual event where student leadership groups are able to exchange ideas, learn new skills and forge new friendships with student leaders from the other four SEISA schools. Students also camped out at the Year 9 Centre and woke up to bird song on Saturday morning and a stunning view of the sun rising over Westernport Bay. The Camp was a thoroughly positive experience for all students and staff, and I have no doubt that every student leader left the overnight camp a better person and a better leader.
The SEISA (South Eastern Independent Schools Association) schools are Newhaven College, Beaconhills College, Gippsland Grammar and St Paul's Anglican Grammar School.
Brett Torstonson
Head of Senior School
Student Leadership Team 2025
COLLEGE CAPTAINS Gabriel de Falco, Abby Papas, Isaac Savona and Grace Howlett
SPORT Finn O’Brien & Lara Smyth
DRAMA Cecily de Gooyer
MUSIC Cecily de Gooyer & Archie Robson
VISUAL ARTS Sienna Bell
WELLBEING Lola Afford & Bailie Patton
SOCIAL JUSTICE Indigo Aurora & Joey Thompson
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Thomas Scott
BASS Marley Brown & Charlotte Derham
CLARKE Jasper Cashman & Nissa Campbell Walker
MCHAFFIE Jasmine Crooks & Andrew Nowell
SAMBELL Grace Morris & Matilda Russell
Pigtail Day
Our Year 12 girls had some fun to start the school year by harking back to their first days for school, by wearing pigtails. The Year 12 cohort also received their special Year 12 rugby jumpers.
VCE Systems Engineering 2024
Over the summer, three of our 2024 VCE Systems Engineering students Fim Hindam, Tanner Mills and Santiago Leys had their folios and projects shortlisted for the 2025 VCAA Seasons of Excellence Exhibition. The students attended an interview with their work.
Fim Hindam was presented with a Commendation Award and for making it through as a National Finalist in the AUSSEF engineering fair. Fim designed and fabricated an automated self-stabilizing system for aircraft. This technology is intended for use in real planes to maintain control in critical situations, such as when a pilot becomes incapacitated. Fim even built a wind tunnel to test his invention.