The Newlands Times

Leadership Report

There are only 5 days left in the term! Today was a fun-filled day for the students as they took part in a variety of activities for our Specialist Celebration. A big thank you to our leadership and specialist teams for organising and running such an enjoyable day. While the students were having a blast, our parent-teacher interviews also took place. It was a wonderful opportunity for teachers to highlight the great progress each student has made throughout Term 1 and discuss the focus for Term 2.

 

Wednesday’s School Leaders Conference

On Wednesday, our 2025 School Leaders attended the annual leadership conference at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The event featured many inspiring speeches, and our leaders returned feeling motivated and full of ideas. They've already been coming into my office with a range of new suggestions and considerations. A big thank you to Nerida for accompanying the students to this event. We’re confident it will have a positive impact on both our school and our leaders.

 

What’s Happening in the classes...

Foundation

 

During circle time, I asked the Foundation students about their favourite things about starting at Newlands Primary School. Here are some of their responses:

 

Asher – "I love specialists, especially PE because I enjoy playing Mushroom Tiggy."

Alice – "I love recess because I can go anywhere in the school with my friends Indigo, Alice, and Allegra."

Allegra – "My favourite part about starting school has been learning everything!"

Jack – "I love starting school at Newlands because we get to do Maths with whiteboards."

Timmy – "I love school because of Facts on Fuego!"

Indigo – "I love Newlands because I love learning."

Juniper – "I love every single thing about Newlands."

Quinton – "I love specialists, especially PE because I like playing tag."

Henry – "I love Mushroom Tiggy!"

Leila W – "I love recess because I get to play on the roundabout!"

 

1/2

When I walked into Learning World 1, I was greeted by Brock, who excitedly told me he was having a great day. River then informed me that the class was working on Origami. Indigo shared that she loves Origami because you can create so many different things, and it requires precision to make it look right. Students were busy making various animals, including dogs, crabs, and rabbits, while others opted to make traditional paper airplanes. Here are a few photos of their creations!

 

 

3/4

 

 

I joined the 3/4 students on Specialist Day and sat with Edi, Favela, and Natalya. They told me they were learning about different music and instruments from various countries. Natalya shared her knowledge of the sitar, a famous Indian instrument, while Fevala spoke about classical Indian music, specifically Canatic and Hindustani styles. Edi was busy typing up the information they discussed. Favela also showed me her Taylor Swift stickers on her laptop and told me that her favourite songs are "22" and "August." However, I think she's wrong – the best song is "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together!"

Here are some student reflections:

 

Hazel – "I love that we get to learn about a country and explore different things."

Aviva – "I like learning traditional dances."

Leyla – "I love making traditional artifacts from the country we’re studying."

Blaise – "I like learning about the country's food and culture."

Alyssia – "I like how we get to focus on learning about a country and do so much Spanish each week."

Amami – "I love everything about this; it’s my favourite week of the term."

Hazel – "I love learning about food, dances, and traditional dress."

Sunday – "I really like that this is our own special project every term."

 

5/6

I visited Florencia’s 5/6 class, where students were creating neurographical art. Eloise explained that neurographical art involves blending thick lines and colours together without knowing exactly what the final piece will look like. I also asked the students what they had learned about Panama in preparation for next week's Cultural Day. Here's what they shared:

  • Eloise – "The capital city of Panama is Panama City."
  • Florence – "The Darien Gap is the only break in the longest road in the world, the Pan-American Highway."
  • June – "Indigenous people have been living in the Darien Gap for thousands of years."
  • Ella – "There are illegal loggers and farmers trying to extend their land into the Darien Gap."

The students were quite focused on their artwork and didn’t answer more questions, but here are some action shots from their creative process!

 

 

School Photos on Monday!

School Photos are this Monday! Photo forms have been sent out to families, but if you’ve misplaced yours, you can still purchase your child’s photo online at schoolphotographer.com.au.

Just a quick reminder: Sibling forms must be returned to ensure sibling photos are taken. Photos will be taken throughout the day, and unfortunately, if your child misses their grade photo, we won’t be able to reshoot it. Please make sure your child comes in their school uniform, ready for their photo!

 

1/2 Eco-Literacy on Wurundjeri Country at Merri Creek is next Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The 1/2 Eco-Literacy excursion to Wurundjeri Country at Merri Creek is happening next Tuesday and Wednesday! This exciting excursion will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore the local environment, learn about the rich history and culture of the Wurundjeri people, and engage in hands-on activities that connect to their Eco-Literacy studies. It’s sure to be a memorable experience that deepens their understanding of the natural world and how our First Nations people used the land in many different ways.

 

Cultural Celebration Assembly on Friday at 1:30pm

As part of our tradition at Newlands, we wrap up each term with a deep dive into a new Spanish-speaking country, and this term, we’re exploring Panama! Unfortunately, the Panamanian Ambassador has had to send their apologies, but we will make up for the fun with all staff joining in the festivities. The assembly will be filled with vibrant colour, music, and dance—don’t miss our last assembly for the term! Join us at 1:30 PM. 

Please note: school will finish at 2:30 PM on this day!

 

Spanish Fiesta to finish off the term begins at 2:30pm

As Term 1 comes to a close, we’re gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year – our annual Spanish Fiesta! A huge shoutout to the wonderful Luisa for putting together yet another amazing celebration. Expect live entertainment, bouncy castles, and a variety of tasty food! Be sure to bring a blanket and join us on the last day of term, right after the Cultural Celebration Assembly. 

 

 

Enrolments for Next Year

Is your child starting Foundation next year? If so, we encourage you to complete the enrolment form on our school’s website or visit the office to fill one out. We’ve already received a number of enrolments, and submitting your form will help us get a clearer picture of our numbers for 2026. School tours and our Foundation Information Night will be available in Term 2—be sure to check our website for more information!

 

 

Works over the holidays; Bike racks being moved

During the holidays, there will be some exciting school improvements taking place! A brand new kitchen will be installed for the Out of Hours Care program, providing a better space for students and staff. Additionally, the car park will be removed to extend the oval, giving our students more space to play and enjoy outdoor activities. We’ll also be relocating the bike racks from their current spot to the fence line near the water tanks, making the area more accessible and organised. These upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the school environment and provide a better experience for all our students.

 

Swimming in 5/6

Due to the rising costs, we will only be offering Swimming for the 5/6 students this year. We understand that this may be disappointing for some, but we’re committed to ensuring all students receive essential water safety education. To support this, the school will provide Water Safety Learning Experiences for the rest of the students in Term 4. focused on important water safety skills to help keep our students safe in and around water. 

 

See you for the final week of Term 1

Thanks, 

Luke