Newlands

Campus News

International Women’s Day

Newlands celebrated International Women’s Day under the 2026 theme Give to Gain during our Middle School Assembly last week. The assembly recognised the inspiring women across our school, such as leaders, teachers, staff, students and parents, whose leadership, generosity and example continue to shape our community. We were delighted to welcome Newlands graduate, Nicolette Kordos (OHA 2010), entrepreneur and founder of her fashion brand, Nicky Kay, who shared her journey from law student to global business leader. Celebrations continued in the Girls Middle School, with students enjoying a range of fun and engaging activities. Thank you to our HPFK who also supported this event.

Celebrating 50 Years of Newlands

On Friday, 13 March, our Newlands children, families and educators were delighted to join the whole campus community in celebrating 50 years of Newlands on the Green, marking a wonderful milestone in the life of our School. The atmosphere was filled with energy and delight, featuring activities for all ages that invited connection, curiosity and fun. It was truly heart warming to see parents, grandparents and friends engaging with our children, sharing joy and laughter. The recent campus improvements, including inspiring learning spaces designed to support creativity and collaboration, were proudly showcased and warmly received by the community. As we continue our 50th anniversary year with pride and optimism, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us; we look forward to celebrating many more special moments together in the coming months.

APS Division Championships

The Newlands Swim Team proudly represented the campus at the recent APS Division Championships. A committed squad of 20 swimmers delivered an outstanding performance in the pool, achieving an impressive number of personal bests and demonstrating tremendous team spirit throughout the meet.

We are especially proud of the four swimmers who have progressed to the Regional Championships at the end of March:

• Josephine – 10 Yr Breaststroke

• Bonnie – 10 Yr Freestyle & Butterfly

• Peter – 11 Yr Butterfly

• Brian – 11 Yr Breaststroke

These swimmers will now compete for a place at the SSV State Championships. We congratulate them on their achievement and wish them every success as they take on the next challenge.

Early Learning Centre

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our grandparents and special friends into the ELC for a heartwarming celebration of connection. Our children are excited to share their learning spaces, engage in activities together and create meaningful memories with the important people in their lives. Grandparents and Special Friends Day is such a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bridge between home and school, nurturing a strong sense of belonging for every child. These shared experiences remind our children that they are supported by a wide circle of love, helping to build on their confidence, wellbeing and a deep sense of community.

Junior School

Year 4 Peninsula Outdoors Camp

The Year 4 Camp at Peninsula Outdoors will be an unforgettable adventure from Monday, 18 March to Wednesday, 20 March. Upon arrival, the students will be eager to unpack and explore their cabins. The Aqua Challenge in the pool will be a popular activity, as will the teamwork and problem-solving games. Over the course of the camp, the Year 4 students will explore Point Leo Back Beach and participate in Indigenous activities back at the campsite. By Wednesday afternoon, the Year 4s will return to Keysborough with big smiles, buzzing with stories to share. It promises to be an amazing camp experience.

Buddy Program

At Newlands, our Year 3 students and Pre-Preps share a very special connection through our Buddy program. Each Year 3 student is paired with a Pre-Prep buddy, engaging in a range of activities designed to build confidence and connection. They create arts and crafts, read stories, sing songs, play games, and spend time together in the ELC playground. For our Pre-Preps, having a Year 3 buddy provides reassurance and a wonderful role model within the Junior School. For our Year 3 students, it is an opportunity to develop responsibility, empathy, and leadership skills as they guide and support their younger peers.

Middle School

Upcoming Middle School camps

Our Year 7 students are ready to embrace the adventure that awaits in their upcoming camp in Week 9, another exciting milestone in their Middle School journey. Set in the beautiful Rubicon Valley, students will step beyond their comfort zones as they immerse themselves in new environments and shared experiences. Through developing camp skills and working closely together in groups, they will strengthen teamwork, resilience and independence while building meaningful friendships within their year level. These experiences reflect Haileybury’s commitment to courage, respect and personal excellence, as students are encouraged to support one another, persevere through challenges and strive for their personal best. With enthusiasm and growing confidence, our Year 7 cohort is well prepared for the opportunity that awaits.

Our Year 8 students will soon embark on a five-day camp experience based in Marysville, designed to further develop independence, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Through activities such as rock climbing, hiking, cycling and camping, students will challenge themselves while demonstrating teamwork and mutual support. Students will be camping under the stars on some evenings and sleeping in cabins on others as well as cooking all meals for themselves under the supervision of OEG and Haileybury staff which is sure to be a highlight. Preparing meals and navigating each day together fosters responsibility, leadership and a strong sense of community which are key elements of a Haileybury education.

These experiences promise significant personal growth, challenge and lasting memories. We look forward to seeing our students embrace these opportunities with courage, integrity and school spirit.

Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)