It has been a relaxing week at Newlands, especially after all the excitement of last weekend. Paddington in Peru was such a fantastic evening! It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves at school on a Friday night. It was also great to catch up with so many students now in high school, as well as other members of our community.

Election Day

We can't speak highly enough of our Parents and Friends Association, who continue to deliver events that far exceed our expectations. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the event — from those who began setting up at 12:30pm to those who stayed until 10:00pm to ensure everything was packed up and ready for the election the next day.

From 7:00am on election day, parents were back again setting up BBQs, food, and coffee stands. It was a massive 12-hour shift for many, and once again, I’d like to thank the PFA and all the families who contributed food, helped with shifts, and made sure the day ran smoothly for our community.

Principal Conference - This Thursday & Friday

This week, I’m attending the Principal Conference, where I’m listening to Matt Sexton share insights and the latest research on numeracy and the science of mathematics. I’m also hearing from Dale Sidebottom from Energetic Education, who is presenting his theories on leadership and education.

Annual General Meeting

As promised, I’ve included a PowerPoint celebrating our achievements and outlining our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan. If you have any questions about the plan, I’ll be available online next Tuesday (13th of May) from 6:15–7:00pm during our Annual General Meeting to answer them. *Please note, I had audio recording issues, so you will be able to enjoy the PowerPoint Luke free.

Below is the link for Tuesday's AGM. If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact the office.

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 489 294 493 201 4

Passcode: 9jY7dB29

Foundation Information Night – Next Wednesday

Time flies ... our Foundation Information Night for 2026 is next Wednesday! If you have a child starting school in 2026, we hope you’ll be able to attend and that you’ve already submitted your enrolment form.

There is only one student-led tour remaining, on Wednesday, 18 June. Be sure to book soon so you don’t miss out!

Lastly, this term, our students are diving deep into Indigenous perspectives through a variety of exciting excursions and incursions. These hands-on experiences are allowing them to connect classroom learning with the world around them, exploring the rich cultural history of the First Peoples.

Year 3/4 students recently explored Melbourne's city landmarks and Indigenous wildlife through a guided tour, gaining insight into the cultural significance of these sites.

Upcoming Events:

Year 5/6 students will be heading to Dights Falls Reserve next Wednesday to explore the historical and cultural importance of this significant site along the Yarra River.
Foundation students will visit CERES Environmental Park on May 30th to learn about Indigenous perspectives on sustainability and connection to the land.
Year 1/2 students will enjoy a special Indigenous Perspectives incursion on June 16th, where they will engage with traditional stories, art, and cultural practices.

These excursions and incursions offer invaluable opportunities for students to learn about and appreciate the deep cultural ties Indigenous communities have with the land, fostering respect and understanding for Australia's First Peoples.

We hope everyone enjoyed the Mother’s Day Breakfast and we will see you on Monday!

Thanks,

Luke

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