Premier’s Reading Challenge
The Premier’s Reading Challenge concluded in September, and I’m pleased to share that Newlands achieved outstanding results this year.
A total of 622 students from Years Prep to 8 were registered for the challenge. Impressively, 311 students (50%) completed it, marking a 253% increase in completions compared to last year.
Over the six-month period, more than 10,000 books were read and recorded, which is a fantastic reflection of our students’ enthusiasm for reading.
Early Learning Centre
Diwali Celebrations
Students in both Reception and Pre-Prep have embraced the rich cultural celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. To bring this beautiful tradition to life, the ELC welcomed a special dancing incursion where children experienced the traditional dancing and music associated with Diwali. This celebration, filled with colour, rhythm and storytelling adds to our important calendar of festivals and celebrations across the year that support appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our Newlands community. Within the ELC, Mrs Simon also shared her knowledge and culture with children as each class engaged in making coconut ladoo, symbolising the sweetness and joy of the festival.
Scooter program
Reception students were thrilled to commence the much-loved Scooter program, led by Mr Reed, in Term 4. Each week, students in the ELC engage in a targeted and tailored program designed to support gross motor development by helping children build coordination, balance and strength. Beyond the physical skills, the Scooter program has encouraged movement, resilience and confidence, as children have challenged themselves and learnt to navigate new environments safely. With their helmets, knee and elbow pads, it is a wonderful sight to see our Pre-Prep students, who have already been engaging in this program throughout the year, confidently following Mr Reed on their scooter as they move throughout different areas of the school.
Junior School
Scienceworks excursion
As part of our Term 4 Science unit Earth’s Place in Space, our Year 4 students will be heading to Scienceworks for an exciting, hands-on day of discovery. Throughout the excursion, students will explore key space science concepts, including the difference between Earth’s rotation and revolution, the structure of our solar system, and how solar and lunar eclipses occur. These big ideas will be brought to life through engaging models, interactive exhibits and visual demonstrations. A highlight of the day will be the Planetarium show Our Living Climate. This is an immersive experience that explores Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns and climate systems in the context of our planet’s position in space. This eye-opening session helps students understand how Earth’s unique relationship with the Sun makes life possible. We are excited for a day full of discovery, curiosity and real-world science in action.
Year 3 CERES excursion
Recently the Year 3s embarked on an engaging excursion to Ceres School of Nature and climate where they took on a workshop titled Towards Zero Waste.
Through hands-on activities that enhanced their problem-solving and action planning skills, students explored practical solutions to transition towards a zero-waste approach.
This insightful journey delved into the profound impacts of waste and its environmental consequences but also how to uncover solutions to mitigate effects.
Middle School
Colour Run
On Wednesday, 12 November all Years 7 and 8 students across all four campuses will be descending upon Newlands for the Colour Run to celebrate the end of the year. This will be one to remember as we celebrate this milestone for our Years 7 and 8s as a whole School.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK)
Term 3 Recap
With another term done and dusted comes the realisation that Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye.
Term 4 started off with two great Middle School nights that we supported. GMS had a movie night and BMS had a games night, and it was great seeing the kids have so much fun. We had the pleasure of offering popcorn, chips, choc tops, drinks and lollies to add to the excitement.
The Father’s Day stall, as always, was a huge hit. This year saw the Grade 3s with a personal shopping experience which was held in Berthon Hall on the Tuesday as they were on camp. An extra thank you to the committee, Nicole Cunningham and Kimberely Tracey-Jones for making this happen.
The Matilda musical was an incredible show that saw the committee make lolly bags, more lolly bags and more lolly bags to support such a great production. Well done to all involved.
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
