Senior School

Silence has settled across the learning spaces around the Senior School and Year 9 Environmental Centre buildings. This time of the year always brings with it a sense of sadness for staff following the departure of all Year 9 to Year 11 students at the end of the academic year (and some time to breathe again and write reports!).

The final two weeks of Term 4 for Senior School students are both stressful and exciting, with the arrival of end of semester examinations, followed by Transition Week. There is no doubt that examinations provide for a stressful and challenging activity, but they are a vital component in both assessing the progress made by Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students and providing the important experience for all students as they gradually march towards their final VCE examinations, whether they be one, two or three years away. There’s no doubt that examinations provided their fair share of joy, relief, excitement and at times, disappointment as students received their results last Monday. No matter what the result may have been, it is important that each student learns from their experiences and becomes a better student in the process. Whilst we as teachers want to see our students experience success, it is invariably the questions students get wrong that teaches a student the greatest lessons. Students must ensure they do not become despairing when losing marks in examinations but take the opportunity to discuss their struggles with their teachers and understand how to avoid making similar mistakes in the future.

Transition Week

May I take this opportunity to compliment the Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students that attended Transition Week. They approached the week with energy and enthusiasm. I was immensely impressed with the mature attitude taken by many Newhaven College students throughout this week. It was very evident that each year level was ready to move onto the next stage of their educational journey and many of their teachers happily expressed to me how productive their classes were throughout the week. Each student took the opportunity to gain insight into the subjects they were studying in 2025, and to learn how their new teachers and classmates tick. My personal experience of my own two VCE Biology classes was very pleasing – two classes of students eager to learn new things, take on new challenges and very importantly, they demonstrated a preparedness to ask interesting and probing questions of me within lessons. From what I am told by colleagues, this was a consistent theme across the three year levels in a diverse range of subject areas.

Presentation Evening

Last week we celebrated the success of over 160 students from Year 5 to Year 11. Presentation Evening was a representation of the most important aspect of schooling – a celebration of success from our students. Whist academic success was a highlight for many of our students, we also celebrated sporting, cultural and musical success. In addition, we highlighted the values inherent in a Newhaven College student, with many of our students receiving Values Awards or awards recognising their astonishing efforts within and outside of the Newhaven College community.

So, I would like to wish all Newhaven College students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a restful summer holiday. Each student in the Senior School will enjoy an eight-week summer holiday, and each of these students has some form of holiday homework. I recommend students get onto their holiday homework early – complete it thoroughly and then turn their minds to rest and recuperation.

I look forward to welcoming all Year 12 2025 students back to the College on Friday 31 January for the traditional opening to the College year for Year 12 students – the Year 12 Forum Day. This day recognises that all Year 12 students are leaders, irrespective of whether they have a title, and it is a compulsory day for all Year 12 students.

Monday 3 February 2025 is the first full day back for all Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students.

Brett Torstonson

Head of Senior School

Years 5-11 Presentation Evening

Congratulations to all the award recipients at last week's Presentation Evening.

MAJOR AWARD RECIPIENTS

• Senior School Dux Awards - Aiden Kelly (Year 9), Tilly Stecher (Year 10) and Lara Smyth (Year 11)
• ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award - Isabel Mahon (Year 10)
• ADF Future Innovators Award - Tilly Stecher (Year 10)
• The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program - Tilly Stecher and Lulu Lightowler (Year 10)
• Luke Bolding Memorial Award - Ayden Fawaz (Year 11)
• St Vincent de Paul Society Frederic Ozanam Awards - Saxon Collier and Lavenia Hewitt (Year 6)
• The Bendigo Community Bank Awards - James Cameron, Jemima Fraser, Scarlet-Grace Jongejan and Zoe Paterson (Year 9)
• Rotary: Outstanding Community Service Award – Lachlan Chapman (Year 5) and Mia Tillotson (Year 8)
• The Reverend John Leaver Award – Marley Brown (Year 11)
• Donald Cameron OAM Award – River Henderson (Year 10)
• Peter Reith AM Memorial Prize - Kordelia Kossena (Year 9)
• Duke of Edinburgh Awards – 16 students completed their Bronze Award. Silver was awarded to Matilda Feehan, Tilly Stecher and Jasmine Ruffin

VET CERTIFICATE 2 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

Charles O’Garey (SoA), Baylin Townsend (SoA), Jack Briggs-Dodge, Oscar Dean and Tate Russell

VET CERTIFICATE 3 MUSIC INDUSTRY

Nissa Campbell Walker, Cecily de Gooyer, Grace Farmer, Angelina Mumby, Archie Robson and Matilda Russell

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Year Level	Names
5	Molly Baud, Jack Mannix, Will Mirabito, Harper Perry, Flynn Wright
6	Ivy Addison, Harshaan Gill, Zara Hill, Callan Reilly, Archie Smyth
7	Abigail Derham, Sebastian Di Falco, Riccardo Federici, Georgia Kesterton, Georgia Perry, Edward Scott, Lucy Thompson, Ariana Ward
8	Zoe Arnott, Amelia Baxter, Luna Bowker, Mia Bowtell, Finn Campbell Walker, Scarlette Hill, Verity Rachelle, Mabel Richardson, Georgia Sanders, Alexa Zalunardo
9	Harry Bentley, Ania Falzon, Jasmine Gill, Aidan Kelly, Lachlan Kelly, Kordelia Kossena, Evie McClimont, Inez Parmington, Mia Thompson, Claire Van der Heyden
10	Freya Berry, Jasira Derham, Isabel Mahon, Aoife O'Connell, Eve Oakley, Oliver Raso, Elleah Rodgers, Jasmine Ruffin, Tilly Stecher, Fleur White, Yu Yao

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SUBJECT AWARDS

One Award

Subject	Award Recipient
Physics	Marley Brown
General Mathematics	Nissa Campbell Walker
Business Management	Ben Chihotski
Food Studies	Ayden Fawaz
Systems Engineering	Ruben Jungwirth
Outdoor & Environmental Studies	Bailey Leed
Psychology	Jazz Mau
Chemistry	Maisie McMurray
Physical Education	Finn O’Brien
Product Design & Tech: Wood	Tate Russell
Units 3/4 Biology	Isaac Savona
Biology	Tilly Stecher (Y10)
English	Miranda Zalunardo

Two Awards

Subjects	Award Recipient
Foundation Mathematics Media Studies	Lola Afford
Japanese Y1 VET Music	Indigo Aurora
Health & Human Development Physical Education	Sophia Hungerford
Health & Human Development Legal Studies	Grace Morris
Art Making & Exhibiting Psychology	Abby Papas
English Literature Units 3/4 Psychology	Rosalie Spencer

Three Awards

Subjects	Award Recipient
Business Management Product Design & Tech: Textiles Visual Communication & Design	Sienna Bell
Biology Economics Mathematical Methods	Grace Howlett

Five Awards

Subjects	Award Recipient
English General Mathematics Music Performance Theatre Studies Y2 VET Music	Cecily de Gooyer

Six Awards

Subjects	Award Recipient
Chemistry English Mathematical Methods Specialist Mathematics Units 3/4 Biology Units 3/4 Physical Education	Lara Smyth

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS – CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Year Level	Names
5	Sophie Morse – for her work in Art
6	Chantai May – for her work in Art
7	Indiana Maloney, Abigail Simpson, Isabell Turner
8	Max Joy and Scarlette Hill – Community Projects: Food and Wood Maya Andersen – Community Projects: Design and Textiles Hayden Hopkins and Lukah Fawaz – Community Projects: Music and Media River Hume – Community Projects: Art and Drama

SPORTS / MUSIC ENSEMBLE / DRAMA AWARDS

Year Level	Sports	Music Ensemble	Theatre and Drama
5	Dae Anderson Jett Fawaz	Edith Jamieson Jack Mannix	Edith Jamieson Sophie Morse
6	Tijian Coldora Alice Martindale	Michael Christofi McKenzie Cleland	Zara Hill Chantai May
7	Ambrose De Gooyer  Lucy Thompson	Charlee Pedersen Ariana Ward	Ned Scott Ariana Ward
8	Phoebe Helps Harvey Sorensen	Finn Campbell Walker  Georgia Sanders	Scarlette Hill Georgia Sanders
9	Billy Fisher Poppy Miles	James Cameron Flynn Dengerink	Lucas Rowson-Pickett
10	Froley Anderson Emily Kesterton	Meyanna Christensen  Felix Fothergill	Matilda Abraham-Williams Felix Fothergill Aoife O’Connell
11	Lucas Allen Lara Smyth	Gabriel Di Falco Cecily de Gooyer	Cecily de Gooyer

VALUES AWARDS

Year Level	BASS	CLARKE	MCHAFFIE	SAMBELL
5	Jett Fawaz Sophie Morse	Abigail Coulthurst  Derby Smyth	Charlie Matthews  Isabella Slavovic	Alfie Russo Amelia Russo
6	Saxon Collier  Lulu van der Walt	Lachlan Phillips Mardi Strachan	Zara Hill Frankie Leary	Callan Reilly Ella Simpson
7	Keahi Mana  Poppy Michie	Evie Hollings Emerson Salerno	Judd Bland Lucy Thompson	Georgie Callis  Bonnie McBride
8	Heath McLean  Alexa Zalunardo	Finn Campbell Walker  Yasmin Gloria	Harvey Leary Abbie Wines	Maya Andersen Logan Chambers
9	Mayla Genoni Claire Van der Heyden	Archer Cameron Georgia Slidders	Taya Herbert Harvey Kirk	Harry Bentley Claire Peterson
10	Perry McKay Elleah Rogers	Eli Bowker Jasmine Ruffin	Freya Berry Yu Yao	Felix Fothergill  Chloe Hosking
11	Jazz Mau Zoe Scott	Sophia Hungerford Tilly McKenna	Ailish Flynn Daisy Fusinato	Grace Morris Charlie Wilson

Student Leadership team 2025

Teamwork, empathy, listening and plenty of other leadership skills were discussed and investigated by the 2025 student leadership team during their training day on Tuesday 2 December. The day spent together solidified a passionate team which has set high expectations of themselves as they undertake their roles officially in 2025. 

Mr Corr (Principal), Mr Torstonson (Head of Senior School) and Mrs Milkins-Hendry (Director of Learning) were impressed with their maturity, innovation and united desire to have a lasting impact on the College in their final year. They made commitments to pay attention to their daily actions as well as working collaboratively on the major events with all Prep-Year 12 students at the centre of their thinking.

Karen Milkins-Hendry

Director of Learning

The End of Year 9

Year 9 End-of-Year Celebration

As we wrap up a fantastic year, it’s time to reflect on all the great moments and achievements that have made this year so special for Year 9. From exciting outdoor activities to academic successes, this year has truly been one to remember.

9K – Champions of the Community Games! 

A huge congratulations to 9K for winning the Community Games in what was a nail-biting finish! The competition was incredibly close, but 9K showed incredible teamwork, spirit, and determination to take home the win. Everyone who participated put in their best effort, and it was amazing to see such a high level of engagement and camaraderie throughout the event.

Final Celebrations: Paintball & Awards Night

To celebrate the end of an awesome year, students took part in some exciting activities. The Paintball Day was a big hit, with students getting the chance to work together and enjoy a bit of friendly competition in an action-packed setting.

At the Awards Night, we recognised all the hard work and achievements of our Year 9 students. Many received awards for their dedication and efforts throughout the year, and we want to give a special shout-out to those who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. It’s an impressive achievement that shows commitment and resilience, and we’re so proud of everyone who took part.

A Warm Welcome to the Incoming Year 8 Students

We were also thrilled to welcome the incoming Year 8 students, who joined us for a fun-filled Beach Day. They brought great energy, and it was fantastic to see them engage so well with the Year 9s. We’re excited to see them grow and thrive in the years to come.

Thank You and Congratulations

Year 9, you’ve been amazing this year! Thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, and the positive attitude you’ve brought to everything we’ve done. It’s been a pleasure watching you grow and achieve, and we’re all looking forward to seeing even more from you next year.

Sam Foura

Head of Year 9

STEM - Engineers without Borders High School Innovation  

On Monday, 25 November 2024, 11 Year 10 students participated in an engineering challenge at the University of Melbourne. The task was to design an innovative project to support Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, considering factors including community involvement, environmental impacts and economics.

The day began with a tour of the university’s engineering facilities, including the Telstra Creator Space, which inspired everyone. We also had the opportunity to hear from experienced guest speakers who provided valuable insights into engineering and problem-solving. After consulting mentors and refining our designs, each team gave a 10-minute presentation. My team (Jasira, Issy, Johanna, Jasmine, Miki and myself) developed a solar distillation system that also monitored water quality, while the other team (Jeremy, Froley, Harry, Blake and Kadek) proposed an automatic boat and transportation plan.

Our team won first place, earning us the trophy and a trip to maccas on the way home. The entire experience helped us build teamwork and presentation skills, as well as deepen our understanding of engineering and the challenges faced by the Torres Strait Islands.

Tilly Stecher

Year 10

Reunited with Hosted Students

We occasionally hear about our students staying in touch with the Ibaraki Christian Junior High School students. Recently, the Baud family shared their experience visiting Japan. They toured our sister school and reconnected with the students they had hosted. It is wonderful to see these bonds continuing. We hope their visit to Japan was truly memorable.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

A group of adventurous students completed a Lake Eildon paddle for their Duke of Ed Gold Award. They endured a month's rain in one day but were rewarded with a magical Monday morning.

Ann-Marie McLean

Program Co-ordinator

Year 10 Marine Science

As part of the Year 10 Marine Science course, students recently attended two excursion on Phillip Island. They collected and recorded marine debris at Smiths Beach, learning about human impacts on coastal ecosystems and at Kitty Miller Bay, they snorkeled to document species diversity, exploring the rich marine biodiversity. These activities promoted environmental awareness and hands-on learning.

Ann-Marie McLean