Foundation Day is one of the most important days on our calendar and I am very appreciative and honoured that Tony Corr invited me to give an address to an audience that included life governors, members of the Board of Directors, students, parents and staff. I was thrilled to see Michael Brewin (pictured below with myself and Life Governor Penny Manning) in the audience as he was Principal when I was appointed as Vice-Principal in 2010.
As this was my final Foundation Day assembly before retirement, I took the opportunity to try to identify the unique feature of Newhaven College, that makes it such a wonderful place for students and staff. Using the image of ‘Where’s Wally’ and Dennis Denuto from The Castle I searched for ‘the vibe’. In preparation, I had sought answers from students and staff from across the College. Their Newhaven vibes included the relaxed atmosphere created by the unique coastal location, the many and varied opportunities to pursue what you love most, the connectedness to the natural environment through our stunning 83-acre site with geese and wallabies, and the inclusive and friendly students and staff.
Trying to find and describe the unique personality was like the scene from The Castle when Dennis Denuto, a suburban lawyer is trying to help Darryl Kerrigan save his home from the airport developers. “It’s the vibe of it. It’s the constitution. It’s Mabo. It’s justice. It’s law. It’s the vibe and ah, no that’s it. It’s the vibe’ says Denuto.
Eventually, after ‘searching for Wally’, I came to the conclusion that, for me, the Newhaven vibe is embedded in the last line at the end of each verse of the school song; All through life, heart and mind hold the key. That is, the special ingredient that we experience everyday at the College is the importance of both the heart and the mind, and neither is more important than the other; at Newhaven we pursue both with passion.
Jason Scott
Vice Principal and Head of Senior School
Year 12 Society Function
The Society Function was a wonderful opportunity for Year 12 students to dress up and enjoy a social evening with their friends and teachers. Held in the Performing Arts Wing, the evening commenced with everyone enjoying some fancy finger food and mocktails served by Year 10 & 11 volunteer waiters. We then moved into the Black Box Theatre to listen to our three guest speakers; Dylan Beck (2020 College Captain), Meg Hynes (2019 College Captain) and Millie Thomas (2017 Academic Captain).
The Alumni students spoke about their journey after graduating from Newhaven and where their studies and travels have taken them. They offered their advice to the Year 12 students as they head into their final semester of secondary school and are considering their future careers and vocations. It was great to hear from Dylan, Meg and Millie talk about their experiences at Newhaven and how this has shaped their decisions and pathways. Dylan is currently completing his Honours in Psychology and hoping to be accepted into his Masters next year. Meg is in her final year of Environmental Science at Monash and Millie is in her final year of Medicine.
The presentations and ‘Q & A’ covered topics including choosing your university course, shared housing, budgeting, travel and cooking for yourself.
Jason Scott
Vice Principal and Head of Senior School
Pyjama Day Cancer Council Fundraiser
Last week’s Pyjama Day fundraiser was heaps of fun, and the participation and generosity displayed throughout the whole school was immense. We are so happy with how our school fundraising is progressing. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who continues to support such an important cause.
Donations are always welcome via our College Fundraising page for the Cancer Council.
Max Arceo
College Captain
Year 10 Work Experience Program
Our flexible approach to Work Experience allows students to customise their work experience placement at a time that is mutually convenient for the employer and student.
Year 10 student, Fletcher Driscoll recently completed Work Experience with Victoria Police and was based at the Wonthaggi Police Station for five days. During his time on placement, Fletcher visited crime scenes, completed case work and undertook school and community visits. He was able to work across a range of departments and teams including the family violence and detective units.
From this experience, Fletcher is now absolutely committed to achieving his goal of joining the police force.
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers
Careers Newsletter
Please be sure to check out this month's Career News.
Key highlights include:
- Upcoming Events and Open Days
- Important Future Events
- Scholarships
Anthea Bennett
Head of Careers