Leadership Report

Week 2 Update

There’s a real buzz of anticipation around the school today as we prepare for tonight’s Art Show. The school looks absolutely stunning, filled with an incredible range of student artwork. I can’t thank Margaret enough for the outstanding program she delivers year after year. Tonight truly showcases our students’ creativity and artistic expression for our families and the wider community to enjoy.

A huge thank you also goes to all the staff, our PFA, and the many parents who have supported Margaret behind the scenes from setting up displays to organising donations. The fun begins at 4:30pm! Bring a blanket, enjoy the food, and take in the amazing artwork on display.

Basketball Success

Our boys’ basketball team has raced through the divisional finals! Their seven years of commitment to schooling, underpinned by the Newlands keystones of Collaboration and Communication, have served them well. As they prepare for the regional finals in two weeks, we’re not only proud of their teamwork and skill, but also of their kindness and support for one another, both on and off the court. A big thank you to Raul and to Scott for coaching and to all the parents that came out for the day!

Branding Update

This week, Seesaw Studios met with some of our amazing student leaders to hear their perspectives on what makes Newlands special. They reflected on what our school represents, the values that matter most to them, and all the things they love about being part of our wonderful community. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts and feedback so far. It has reinforced the strong sense of commitment and passion from our families that makes Newlands such a special place!

Seesaw Studios will be sharing an update on the rebrand project at next week’s school assembly and we hope to see you there!

Into the classrooms!

Foundation

Walking past the Foundation classrooms today, I couldn’t help but smile — the students were singing and dancing to the Spanish classic “Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas, Pies” (Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes). Their enthusiasm was contagious!

When asked, “What is Art?”, here’s what some of our budding artists said:

Asher: “It is an activity where you write, draw, or create something.”
Arabella: “You make something for someone for different reasons.”
Ava: “Art is something that you have fun with. You can colour in and draw whatever you want.”
Lachlan: “It is hard work! a drawing that makes you feel happy when you finish.”
Alana: “Art is like a painting that can be drawn in patterns.”
Maeve: “Art is persistence and hard work.”
Lucas: “Art is using different materials to make things.”

Years 1/2

In Mel’s 1/2 class, I witnessed Pom’s incredible reading, it was fluent, expressive, and engaging! Captain Underpants might just have a new fan in me. Students were reading in pairs, and I couldn’t resist asking them what artwork they were most excited to share tonight:

Anta: “Definitely the dot-to-dot artwork. It’s interactive, my parents will actually get to do it! Mine turns into a rich man!”
Quinn: “The Wurundjeri paintings we made with oil pastels, mine shows a wombat next to a tree.”
Billie: “I can’t wait to show my family the Wurundjeri Season exhibit in our learning world.”
Ryan: “Our Wurundjeri season diorama. It looks really cool how all our pieces came together.”
Molly: “My oil pastel drawing of a koala, I’m really proud of it.”
Iggy: “Our Wurundjeri mobiles. My waring drawing looks great!”

Years 3/4

I caught up with Emma from 3/4D just before snack time, who told me they’ve been learning about silent letters in words like climb, crumb, and column. Sienna proudly shared her sentence of the day:

“In the forest, the overgrown vines wrapped around the tree leaving ajar openings. When the sun shone, it lit up the forest with its radiance.”

When I asked what they were most looking forward to about the Art Show:

Sienna: “Seeing all the artwork everyone has done.”
Vera: “Eating all the food while looking at the cool artwork!”
Layla: “Sharing my artwork with my family.”
Florence: “Playing the piano in front of everyone — I’m performing King of the Mountain Hill.”
Ted: “The food! Any food!”
Emma: “Getting my face painted — the 5/6s have been practising.”
Lenny: “Showing my family my papier-mâché sculpture of myself.”

Years 5/6

When I saw a group of 5/6s roaming the school, I demanded to know why — turns out they were on a scavenger hunt in both Spanish and English, celebrating the completion of their art projects! They were solving clues and working collaboratively across the school.

I asked them about their favourite artists:

Kaya: “Angie McMahon! she’s a cool girl who writes songs that make you feel things.”
Sonny: “Myself. I can’t wait to show my family my clay mushroom house!”
Max: “Suzanne Collins, she wrote the best book series ever, The Hunger Games.”
Austin: “Taylor Swift, her lyrics tell such interesting stories.”
Millie: “Laufey, she brings jazz into the modern world.”
Mathilde: “Taylor Swift, she just knows how to write a song.”
Artie: “Leonardo DiCaprio, incredible actor.”
Billie & Lowri: “Taylor Swift, her new album slays!”
Molly: “Frida Kahlo, she’s amazing.”

Next Week

Yarning Conference:

Twenty-two Grade 5 students have been working with Simon during lunchtimes to learn about Truth Telling, Treaty, and the Yoorrook Justice Commission. They’ve created posters to proudly carry in next Tuesday’s Walk for Truth at the Yarning Conference. A big thank you to Simon and Gabby for supporting the students and deepening their understanding.

Grandparents’ Day

Next Friday we’re inviting all grandparents to join their grandchildren in learning activities. Parents are welcome too, but this day is really about celebrating our students’ grandparents! The fun kicks off right after roll call.

Grade 2 Devices

A quick update for Grade 2 families, the Department has announced that from 2027, schools will provide student laptops or devices. As a result, families do not need to purchase a device in 2026. The school will focus on building its inventory throughout that year.

We can’t wait to see everyone tonight!

Thanks,

Luke