I would like to thank all of our families for their attendance at our Presentation Evening and Junior School Celebration Night last week. We very much appreciate parent support in ensuring these evenings are important occasions that enable our students to conclude their year in an appropriate way. Congratulations to all our student presenters, performers and award recipients.
As the school year draws to a close we farewell a number of valued colleagues. My best wishes go to the following staff who are moving on from the College at the end of 2024:
- Leisa Lomax (Human Resources Manager)
- Caroline Mahony (Head of Strings)
- Kerry McLean (Lab Technician and Science Teacher)
- Andrew Schmutter (Product Design Teacher)
- Casey Thomsen (Head of Brass)
- Amanda Ritter (Commerce Teacher)
- Jenna Harman (Health Centre)
- Lucas Chihotski (Sports Intern)
My special thanks also to Junior School teacher Linda Austin who is concluding her time. Linda commenced her teaching career in 1980, spending the last ten years at Newhaven College teaching Grade Prep. Linda always preferred to teach Prep for the energy and learning opportunities it creates and the relationships you build with the students and parents. We wish her all the best in her retirement.
We also farewell teacher Ric Pierce after seventeen years at the College, sixteen of those years were as Head of the Year 9 Environmental Centre. Not only is Ric finishing at Newhaven he is finishing a long and distinguished career in education. Ric’s journey began in 1984 as an original staff member of the Outdoor Education Group, one of Victoria's biggest outdoor education providers. From there he worked at Caulfield Grammar, Methodist Ladies College and arrived at Newhaven in 2008 with his wife Karen and two daughters, Elly and Brooke. Ric and Karen have given much to our school and community, and it was through Ric’s work that our Year 9 program continues to be the envy of many. My special thanks to Ric for his contribution to our school over such a long period.
Like every year there are also a number of students departing us for various reasons. I would like to wish each of these students all the best and thank them and their families for their contribution to our school.
In Quietness and Confidence Shall Be Our Strength
Tony Corr
Principal
Staff Awards
During the Years 5-11 Presentation Evening last week, long-serving teaching and non-academic staff were recognised. Librarian Jo Foster and Science and Systems Engineering teacher Nathan Leys received recognition for 20 years or more of service and dedication to the school over those years. For 18 years of service, recipients included Junior School teacher Marcelle Krieg along with Music and Drama power couple Nina and David Prideaux. Other recognition of dedication to the College were Year 9 Teacher, Elizabeth Hall (13 years), Student Support and Teacher Cynthia Young (10 years), departing Prep Teacher Linda Austin (10 years) and Teacher Anna Paterson (10 years).