Here We Go! I’m writing this while sitting in the car at the train station, watching our 5/6 students head off into the city for their final dress rehearsal before tomorrow’s big State School Spectacular performance at John Cain Arena. A huge thank you to Clara and Florencia for giving up their lunchtimes to support this incredible opportunity. We wish all our performers the best of luck, we know you will be Spectacular!

Newlands Comedy Gala – A Night to Remember

It seems there were a few sore cheeks and heads on Saturday morning after Friday night’s Comedy Gala... too much laughing can do that to you! A big thank you to Declan and Josh for rounding up their comedy mates during the non-festival season to treat us to an unforgettable night at the Theatre of Thornbury.

While Josh and Declan enjoyed the spotlight (and the posters!), an extra special thanks goes to Claire, who once again worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event together for our community. You are the real MVP!

Newlands is Whole Again!

It was great to join the 3/4 planning sessions yesterday, especially with two fresh faces joining the team.

Laura (whom many 3/4 parents would have met during this week’s parent-teacher interviews) will be working alongside Lucinda for the remainder of the year.
Carmen officially joined the team yesterday, straight off the plane from Chile and straight into planning!

We’re thrilled to welcome both to the Newlands team.

World’s Greatest Shave & Cookie Fundraiser

Our very own Jose has baked a bunch of cookies to raise funds for the World’s Greatest Shave. I’ve been instructed (by Jess!) to clarify: these cookies were purchased, there is an option of a vegan, coeliac-friendly, gluten-free ANZAC biscuits, and will be decorated as part of Cultural Week. They’re bound to be delicious and will be sold for $5.00 (cash only). Families are encouraged to send in money throughout next week!

The World’s Greatest Shave Event will take place after school next Friday, with activities organised by the incredible Charlie D, running from 2:30 – 5:00pm. As someone who shares an office with Graeme… I’m personally very excited to finally enjoy a beard-hair-free workspace. There’s still time to donate! Visit the World’s Greatest Shave tab in this week’s newsletter!

Division Basketball Champions!

Congratulations to our amazing Newlands Basketball Team – Division Champions!

In my time at Newlands, I’ve never seen a more coordinated group of athletes. What makes this win even better is how these students consistently embody our school values. They are admired across year levels and are not only fantastic athletes, but kind, humble, and positive role models.

We wish them the best of luck at the upcoming Round Robin Tournament!

2026 Foundation Transition – Day 2

2026 Foundation students are already impressing with their impeccable manners, active listening, and ability to follow instructions. A huge thank you to Jess and the Foundation team for creating such a warm and engaging environment for both students and their families during transition sessions.

Holiday Building Works – B Block Makeover

Over the break, we’ll begin preparations for a B-Block transformation!

New design, fresh paint, new flooring, and sound panels are on the agenda as we prepare to accommodate two additional 5/6 classes in 2026.

Importantly, this will not impact the holiday program, which will continue as scheduled.

Today is Football Colours Day!

I visited classrooms across the school today and asked students about their favourite sports and teams. Here’s what they had to say:

Foundation

Margaret gave students the option of story time, song, or Follow the Leader – the latter was the clear winner! Before leaving, I asked the Foundation students about their favourite sport:

Timmy – Cricket, because I like hitting balls and taking wickets.
Asher – Mushroom Tiggy, because I like running around.
Leila – Scarecrow Tiggy – I like running and when people try to tag me.
Indigo – Basketball – I like running, passing, and shooting.
Casper – Running fast and bumping into walls!
Jack – Basketball – I like knocking the ball out of people’s hands.
Morgan – Gang Up Tiggy – I’m fast and like running away!
Alice – Mushroom Tiggy – I love playing rock, paper, scissors in the game.
Margaret – Hockey – because you can whack people on the shins! (with shin pads, of course!)

1/2

Kylee was decked out in full 1980s Hawthorn gear while the students explored their learning “Smarts”:

Oliver – Music smart: I play piano and guitar.
Saxon – Nature smart: I know lots about plants.
Leroy – Music smart: I play piano, drums, and guitar.
Carolina – Picture smart: I love painting with different textures.
Ezra – Music smart: My dad’s played in 32 bands and taught me guitar.
Louis – All the smarts! Especially number smart – I’m great at maths.
Felix – Nature smart: I birdwatch in my backyard.

3/4 EF

Students were busy finishing their Spanish persuasive writing, I asked the 3/4s what they were writing about:

Leyla – O’Brien Ice House is the best place to ice skate!
Archie – Ferrari World is the best theme park.
Billy – Bounce is the top spot.
Kalen – The Aquarium is the place to go in Melbourne.

I also asked about their favourite footy teams and players:

Archie – Brentford – all their players are the best!
Billy – Arsenal – Saka is my favourite, we both play wing.
Arthur – Brisbane – no favourites, just want them to win.
Sonny – Hawthorn – Will Day is my cousin!
Winston – Arsenal – Declan Rice is so skilled.
Hazel – No set team – I like picking random ones each year.
Lia – The Falcons – because I play for them.
Dom – St Kilda
Fevala – Collingwood – just like Lennox!

5/6 with Kaya

Let’s just say Florence’s outfit today was… bold. I tried to intervene, but she bravely stuck with it. I asked the class to share their favourite sporting moments:

Kaya – The 2023 WWC shootout: Australia vs France.
Florence – When the 49ers beat the Seahawks (ouch).
Wren – Winning 12–0 in hail with Darebin Falcons.
Lenny – Watching replays of the 1992 USA Dream Team.
Paxton – Scoring 23 points in a 100-point basketball win!
Lucas – My first soccer save for Northern Falcons.
Hayley – Kicked two goals… and a girl broke her knee.
Toby – When Carlton smashed Essendon. Made Paxton upset!
Luca – When Darcy broke Luke’s ankle in basketball.

Next Week

Parent-Teacher Interviews

All 3/4 interviews were held this week – the rest of the school has theirs next week. It’s not too late to book via SENTRAL. If you need help booking, contact the office – we’re happy to assist!

3/4 School Camp

Excitement is building! Teachers are secretly planning what treats to sneak in (don’t worry, we shut that down quickly). It’ll be quiet at school, but we hope our 3/4s have the best time at Camp.

Last Day of Term Reminder

School finishes at 2:30pm next Friday!

Classrooms will be open to families from 8:50 soft start, until 9:30am, a perfect chance to see what students have been working on and join in on the fun. 3/4 students will be with a specialist teacher during this session. Families are invited to join in the specialist class after 9am.

34A will be with Margaret in Visual Art

34B will be with Raema in STEAM

34C will be with Graeme in Inquiry

34D will be with Raul in PE

34E will be with Connie in Performing Arts

34F will be with Karren in Wellbeing

Fantasy Football Begins

A big start to our Newlands Fantasy Football League this week. Everyone seems to have drafted brilliantly… except for Gareth, who may need a bit of luck (or a miracle).

Have a great weekend as we gear up for the final week of Term!

Warm regards,

Luke

Morning Teas