Senior School

The past few weeks seem to have flown by. Only last week, the school reached its termly ‘hump day’ – we are now more than half-way through the term!

Homework Club and Personal Best Club

Often young people will do the right thing in the most subtle of ways. Not looking for recognition or gratitude, but simply seeking to do what is right for both them and on the whole in simple, yet effective ways. This has very much been the story of Wednesday afternoons this term. I have been so impressed with the large swathes of Senior School students as they descend upon the Senior School Building in large numbers for Homework Club and Personal Best Club.

At Homework Club, we have seen upwards of 30 students come to seek some quiet personal time where they can work on their own and get challenging homework tasks completed in a supportive and focused environment. Many students come to Homework Club to seek assistance from the English or Mathematics teachers who readily offer their services to students who find the work in these two subjects particularly challenging. In addition to teaching staff, a number of senior students have taken to freely offering their own services to assist younger students with their studies, particularly in Mathematics. It is fantastic to see such dedication and community spirit shown by talented young people – it is important that those students are recognised, if only in a small way here, for their efforts in being prepared to assist others. These students may never know the impact they have had on other students who don’t necessarily share their flair for or engagement with Mathematics.

At the other end of the building, SS6 is regularly packed out with over 20 Year 12 students (with many more occupying the seated areas in the breakout spaces) coming together for Personal Best (PB) Club. Whilst a little brain food is on offer to these students, PB Club is an opportunity for Year 12 students to work quietly on their own, setting goals and focusing on the work that must be done to get themselves ready for the next SAC or get their headspace right for the impending examinations. PB Club also provides a collaboration space for those students who feel the need to bounce ideas off of one another, to seek assistance in some instances from senior staff or their peers, and occasionally, is an opportunity to look at their Study Program and make adjustments where necessary to put themselves in the strongest possible position to tackle their VCE examinations in October and November.

Across the hall, there is often another group of Year 12 students work with Mr Peter Clerks – support on offer for Year 12 Mathematical Methods students. There can be up to 70 or 80 Senior School students present after school engaged in highly productive academic pursuits from 3.30pm until just shy of 5.00pm when the late bus rolls out of school. It warms the heart to see the hum of productivity on Wednesday afternoon, and I would like to point out that all Senior School students are welcome to attend Homework Club, and all Year 12 students are always welcome at PB Club. You do not need to be a gifted academic, only one prepared to work hard and show the determination to be the best you can be and demonstrate a desire to achieve your own high personal standards. Sometimes ‘joy’ can take curious forms – for me, joy is seen in the desire of so many students to strive for excellence and work hard in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

Acting Head of Senior School

Model United Nations Assembly

On Saturday 17 August, four of our students, supported financially by our local Rotarians, participated in the Model United Nations, or MUNA. Four enthusiastic and well-informed senior students – Gabriel Winterson, Tilia Pires-Anderson, Gabriel Di Falco and Miranda Zalunardo represented Newhaven College on the model world stage and did so with true aplomb. Needless to say, they should be very proud of their efforts, and they learned a great deal about international diplomacy

Miranda's Reflection

Taking part in MUNA 2024 was an extraordinary experience, with every team showcasing their distinctive energy and creativity. Gabriel Di Falco and I represented Belarus, along with Gabriel Winterson and Tilia Pires-Andersen who represented Venezuela. Our teams debated on critical global issues: the South China Sea conflict, boosting the UN's role in promoting democracy and fair elections, fighting environmental crimes and improving food security worldwide. All teams shared their arguments passionately, offering valuable insights and broadening our understanding of international issues. I extend heartfelt congratulations to Gabriel Winterson and Tilia Pires-Andersen for receiving the Best Delegation award - it was truly well-deserved! I wish to thank Mr. Torstonson for mentoring our teams. Many thanks also to Mr. Corr for his consistent support and for attending our debates. This experience has been invaluable in enhancing our public speaking and negotiation abilities. I am also deeply grateful to Newhaven College for providing us with this amazing opportunity.

Our thanks also go to the Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary Club who sponsor and support Newhaven’s involvement in this program.

Miranda Zalunardo

Year 11 student

Year 9s visit Phillip Island RSL

The Year 9 cohort has been busy exploring conflicts as part of the IDEAS course. 9A and 9K were fortunate enough to attend the Phillip Island RSL last Monday 19 August and hear from two past war Veterans who fought in the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars. Students also had the opportunity to roam around the RSL and take pictures with various artifacts and memorabilia. 

Thanks to the RSL for their time and support in this incredible opportunity. Year 9s will continue to explore conflicts for the next few weeks before the IDEAS examination in week 9.

Luke Nicholson

Year 9 Teacher

Year 11 Ball

One major event in the College Calendar, the Year 11 Ball occurred on Saturday 17 August. Thanks in large part to the extraordinary work done by Ms Hannah Blake (McHaffie House Leader), nearly 100 Year 11 students and their parents descended upon Silverwater Resort to celebrate their penultimate year of schooling, put the pens down and enjoy a night of fun, frivolity and dancing. It is always such a joy to see our students take the opportunity to make the effort to either suit up or frock up for one night of the year where, quite simply, joy becomes the theme for the evening. It was so clear to me that the current Year 11 cohort is a close one. They very clearly enjoyed each other’s company, as well as that of their parents and the small, yet dedicated group of staff that attended on the night with them. In the busyness that so often envelopes both staff and students within a school environment, it is nice to simply celebrate each other’s company whenever possible, and the Year 11 Ball epitomises this most joyous of perspectives.

Brett Torstonson

Acting Head of Senior School

Australian Defence Force (ADF) visit

With over 300 employment roles available, the ADF offers myriad career opportunities for young people. Newhaven College recently hosted Navy and Army ADF representatives who shared insights into the opportunities available for students when they finish their schooling. 

It was wonderful to see a range of students from Year 8 right through to Year 12 attend the information session and take advantage of the opportunity to have their questions answered.

Anthea Bennett

Head of Careers

Careers 

Please be sure to check out this month's Career Newsletter.

Key highlights include:

• Upcoming Events and Open Days
• Scholarship Opportunities

Anthea Bennett

Head of Careers