School Leadership
2026 has kicked off and it feels great to be back! There are lots of new faces, lots of new teeth, lots of missing teeth, lots of growth spurts, lots of new school uniforms, and, happily, no lost hats. It really feels fantastic to have all the students back in the classroom, running around at recess and lunchtime, and to see so many familiar and new faces walking through the gates of Newlands.
Firstly, a big thank you to all of the families for supporting our new starting schedule. It has been a really successful start to the year, with teachers already noticing a positive change. In case you missed it, students will be asked to line up in their designated area once the music begins at 8:57, ready to walk into the classroom at 9:00am.
While our students received a bonus holiday, the teachers participated in a two-day professional learning startup program. During this time, we reinforced our wellbeing practices and reviewed our instructional model to ensure we are supporting all students. It was a fantastic way to start the year, not only to get our new teachers up to speed, but also to remind all of our teachers about the importance of processes and consistency. These days were a success thanks to our two amazing Assistant Principals, Graeme and Jess.
New Foundation Students
We welcomed 80 new students this year, along with a large number of new families. It is always exciting to see how students settle on their first days. I had some great conversations with a few students, including Margot explaining the differences between a unicorn and a Pegasus, Alfie sharing his love of all things carnival, and Violet forgiving me for not getting her name right the first five times. I promise I will remember it now! The students have made an excellent start, but no doubt there will be many tired faces by the end of the day. A big congratulations to Sophia, Colleen, Laura, Luke, and Paula for making the classroom so fun and exciting.
New LCL Role and New Teachers
You may have already noticed our Learning Community Leaders in high-visibility vests before school each morning. For anyone unfamiliar with them, they are the leaders of each cohort. The Learning Community Leaders support, coach, and mentor the teachers, lead planning and data analysis, organise professional learning, and create learning experiences for students. They also run interventions during class for students who need extra support in literacy and numeracy. Today at 2:30pm, they will run an information session to discuss cohort-related matters and answer any questions from parents. The Learning Community Leaders are:
- Foundation – Sophia
- 1/2 – Mel
- 3/4 – Lisa
5/6 – Luisa
Meet the Teacher
Next week provides the first opportunity to talk about your child and provide further insight into their likes, dislikes, strengths, and areas for growth. This time allows teachers to really listen and learn about your child, helping us build relationships, confidence, and a positive school experience. You can now book a time on SENTRAL. If you need help, please see Gabby, Rachael, or Carolina in the office.
School Gym Open at Lunchtimes
I have already met with our 2026 student leaders who are eager to put their promises into action. To begin, they are making the gymnasium available at lunchtime for different cohorts each day:
- Monday – Foundation
- Tuesday – 1/2
- Wednesday – 3/4
Thursday – 5/6
Sub Committees
Our school offers many opportunities for families to get involved. One of these options is joining one of our subcommittees. Check out the subcommittee page for more information, including links to contact the main organiser.
School Council Nominations
Our School Council was outstanding in 2026, and I cannot thank the team enough for their efforts. With Claire, Adam, and Craig completing their two-year tenure, we now have three positions available. If you would like more information, please see the subcommittee page for details about School Council. Nomination forms will be available over the next two weeks. If there are more nominations than positions, the school community will vote. More information will be shared if this occurs.
ICY POLE FRIDAY Initiative
Students have been requesting icy poles since I began at Newlands. Starting next Friday, students can purchase icy poles from our school leaders at recess (2:00–2:30) for a gold coin donation. Profits from the sales will go towards purchasing fidget tools for each cohort area, as the student leaders felt more fidgets were needed.
Spanish Visibility
Our students have also recognised the need to help parents build their Spanish conversational skills. Each morning, they will be out the front asking parents a question to practice and expand our community’s vocabulary. Congratulations to Taylor, Max, Bonnie, and Austin for taking the lead. Don’t forget to check the school leadership page for more information.
If the last two days are anything to go by, we are in for an incredible year. Have a great weekend, and we will see you next week!