Leadership Report

Week 4 Wrap-Up

We’ve reached the end of Week 4... only 35 days of school left in 2025!

Last week finished on a high with our second Salsa Evening, run once again by Aggie and Lucy. There was no shortage of laughter, fun, and a fair few puffed-out parents! These evenings have been a real highlight this year, and we hope they continue in 2026.

Basketball Regional Finals

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of watching the Newlands Basketball Team compete in the regional finals. Congratulations to Paxton, Lenny, Freddie, Charlie, Darcy, Felix, Reuben, and late addition Marlo for their outstanding effort.

Newlands narrowly lost the semi-final by just two points to Montmorency South, a team that looked more like a lineup of Newlands teachers with some actual basketball skills!

A special shoutout to Felix, who nailed an incredible three-pointer with 30 seconds to go a moment sure to be remembered for years to come.

Huge thanks to Raul and Scott for coaching, and to all the parents who came out to cheer on our students.

Florencia - 5/6 Staffing Changes

Unfortunately for us, Florencia will be flying back to Argentina to complete some exams as part of her course at the end of next month. We wish her nothing but the very best and can’t wait to welcome her back in 2026! A replacement will be organised and communicated to families next week.

Halloween at School

It was spooky around the school this morning, with students arriving in all sorts of costumes for Halloween! We hope everyone enjoyed their literacy and numeracy activities while dressed in their frightful (or delightful) outfits.

A big thank you to our bell-time DJ, Graeme, for setting the mood with Halloween hits all week, though we were a little disappointed at the lack of Misfits!

Animals at School

School Council is finalising an updated policy regarding animals on school grounds. In the meantime, please:

Keep all animals on a leash.
If your pet is jumping around or frightening students, please take them outside the school grounds.
Remember: no animals (including reptiles, insects, or Mogwais!) are permitted inside classrooms unless previously discussed with the classroom teacher.

Early Pick-Up Reminder

To minimise classroom disruptions, students will not be called out of class after 2:30 pm. If you need to collect your child early, please do so before 2:00pm.

2026 Transition begins Week 5!

As we approach the end of the school year, we are beginning to prepare our students for their transition to the next year level. On Friday afternoons in Weeks 5, 7, and 9 (alternating with assembly weeks), students will spend time becoming familiar with their new classrooms and peers. Teachers will facilitate activities designed to encourage play, connection, and the development of positive relationships

Into the Classrooms - Halloween Edition

Foundation

I sat with our Foundation students during their morning snack to talk about their Halloween costumes. Here’s what they said:

Ethan – “I’m dressing up as Spiderman who shoots webs.”
Allegra – “A mummy! My favourite thing is wrapping toilet paper around myself.”
Leila – “A vampire because I get to have sharp teeth.”
Alice H – “A witch! They fly on brooms.”
Alice G– “I’m dressing up as a ghost — I get to wear a sheet over my head.”
Selena – “Wormy from Gabby’s Cat.”
Leilah – “A scary clown.”

Years 1/2

I joined Gerald as he worked on his Oreo organiser for the text We Need More Time to Play at School. Gerald’s opinion was the opposite, he believes we need more class time! (Who wouldn’t want to be taught by Moira every minute of the day?)

When asked about the scariest thing they’ve ever seen, students said:

Dash – “There’s a book in the library called Ghost Encounters, and it has a story about Robert the Haunted Doll.”
Callum – “I saw a huge black spider at my house that scared me.”
Leif – “During the holidays, I saw a copperhead snake at my cousin’s farm. My cousin hit it with a shovel — I was so scared!”
Grace – “Once the electricity box in our street exploded and the power went out. It was night — really scary.”
Augie – “I saw a bear in a jungle. I screamed and ran away!”

Years 3/4

I joined the 3/4 class for a dictation session on –ion suffix words. Students were eager to show their growing vocabulary and proud of their progress.

I also sat with Will, who was reading Gibbons and Ghosts and learning about inferring. (Fun fact: gibbons sing to communicate and mark their territory!)

When asked what they would mark as their territory, students said:

Mala – “The library.”
Elsie – “Northland - so I could own everything.”
Will – “The Chocolate Factory - I could eat as much as I want.”
Ange – “The airport - so I can go everywhere for free.”
Bracken – “The ocean - I’d own all the minerals.”
Ashton – “The Earth - I’d be the boss of the world.”
Evie – “Switzerland - it’s the best!”
Indigo – “My bedroom - then my brother couldn’t come in and steal my stuff!”

Years 5/6

It was bell time, so I made Isreal take photos of the students after the bell ended. i appreciate the fake work that is taking place. Big fan of Xavier with his bag on while working on his computer. Next week will be better, I promise!

Coming Up Next Week

Bilingual World Cup – Friday

Next Friday marks our First Annual Bilingual World Cup!

Newlands will compete with nine other bilingual schools from across Victoria, not just for glory, but for the joy of connecting and celebrating together.

While principals and teachers have already been collaborating, this will be the first time our students meet. A huge thank you to Raul for organising what promises to be an amazing day at the DarebinSports Centre. We encourage everyone to come along and show their support!

Final Working Bee – Sunday

Next Sunday is our final Working Bee of the year. Our wonderfully organised and friendly Buildings and Grounds Team would love your help as we give our school a spring refresh ahead of the Fête de Primavera.

Come lend a hand — it’s always a great community day!

Regardless of how we feel about a public holiday for a horse race, we hope everyone enjoys a wonderful long weekend.

Thanks,

Luke