Leadership Report

What Can Happen in Just Four Days? Well… a lot, actually!

You might think a four-day week would be a quiet one — but not at Newlands!

We kicked off with some of our amazing Year 5/6 students heading off to State Spectacular rehearsals as they prepare for their big performance at John Cain Arena in September. Meanwhile, around 50 students have been giving up their lunchtimes to sing with Katherine and Gabrielle as part of the Boite Choir – such dedication!

We also saw another successful School-Led Tour, led by our fantastic student leaders, showcasing their pride in our school. District Cross Country was a highlight – eight students represented Newlands with incredible spirit and determination (think Chariots of Fire vibes!). A huge congratulations to Marlo and Paxton, who have progressed to the next round later this term.

On the environmental front, our 1/2 students have been busy planting with Nerida as part of the Plant It Right initiative – adding beauty and life to Murphy Street.

A special thank you to our School Council members who braved the cold on Tuesday evening to attend a meeting and stay informed on everything happening across the school.

This week, we warmly welcomed Jess back—truly a valued member of our team! I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sophia and Luisa for their ongoing support of the Foundation team throughout the year; your contributions have been greatly appreciated. A big thank you as well to the 1/2 and 3/4 teams for their wonderful cooperation in making this possible.

And let’s not forget our teachers, who are now deep into assessments and school report writing, with interview bookings going live next week. Another jam-packed week at Newlands!

A huge thank you to Luisa and Sophia for all their efforts this week.

Curriculum Day – Teachers as Learners

While our students enjoyed a well-deserved long weekend or participated in OSHC fun with Jill, our teaching team spent the day learning with the incredible team from KIDSPT – Paediatric Therapy. Our focus? Ensuring Newlands continues to grow as a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every student.

Instead of my usual check-in with students, this time I asked the teachers to share their key takeaways from the session:

Clara: We’re focused on helping all students develop the tools they need to thrive.
Nerida: More consistent communication systems between Specialists and Classrooms are key.
Kaya: Loved learning about ‘low-demand language’ – it’s more inclusive and motivating.
Jose: Soft barriers and our presentation impact how we’re seen by our community.
Lucinda: Planning and clear communication around events (like camp) are crucial.
Lisa: Newlands is ahead in many ways — now it’s about refining our practices.
Margaret: We’re doing a great job catering for diverse needs, but need to be mindful when planning whole-school events.
Jess: Every student has strengths — it’s about adapting so all can succeed.
Paula: The resources shared will help support students with a wide range of needs.
Christine: Relationships are foundational to student success!
Diego: Understanding why we make adjustments helps us prioritise and maintain them.
Jess: We’re building essential life skills so students can flourish in class.
Katherine: Many recommendations are already in practice – it’s now about continuous refinement.
Karren: Forward planning and strong partnerships make a huge difference.

A Reminder About Communication

We ask all families to approach staff with respect and kindness. Our teachers work incredibly hard to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student in their care. If you have a concern, please ensure you're in a calm and respectful state when speaking with staff.

Should you feel an issue remains unresolved after speaking with your child’s teacher, we encourage you to contact the relevant Learning Community Leader.

Please know we will not tolerate inappropriate language or behaviour towards staff. If a teacher feels unsafe, we will pause communication and work to find a more appropriate way forward.

Enjoy the Long Weekend!

Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable break. We look forward to seeing you all back on Tuesday as we step into Week 8 of this 11-week term.

Warm regards,

Luke