Only ten school days left at Newlands for 2025! This week, all of our new teachers visited the school in preparation for next year, as well as for next week’s 2026 Transition Day. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, and our students are equally excited as they start wondering who their teacher will be in 2026.

Students will find out their 2026 class and teacher next Monday. Below is the list of teachers and their roles for next year. All students will also receive a 'Meet the Teacher' sheet to take home after school on Monday.

Below is the school structure for 2026:

Principal Luke Cripps
Assistant Principal
Graeme Woodward					Jess Dang
Administration
Business Manager Shikha			Finance Carolina		Front Office TBC				Jess Library/First Aid
Learning Community Leaders
Foundation		1/2				3/4		5/6
Sophia Alexiou		Mel Tyson				Lisa Lillico		Luisa Plata-Heron
Teaching Teams		Teaching Teams				Teaching Teams		Teaching Teams
Luke J / Paula MH Colleen / Laura		Bianca / Rob Simon / Christine Kylee / Paula S				Lucinda/Diego Katherine/Carmen Alysha/Sole		Emma/Jose Kaya/Florencia Israel/Courtney
Wellbeing (Mental Health In Schools) Nicolle
Educational Support
Lizzie			Luisa Juliana Gabby		Sonya Trish				Stephanie
Specialists
Visual Arts Margaret	STEAM Jess M			Physical E Raul	Wellbeing Karren		Philosophy Nerida			Music/PA Felipe
Out Of Hours Care Program
Program Co Ordinator Jillian				Program Assistant Supervisors Bede / Rhonda			Educators Ozlem Jodie

Today was another important day, as our Grade 5 students presented to the rest of the school on why they should be the 2026 Bilingual School Leaders. I want to congratulate every single student who spoke today. Regardless of the final outcome, I truly believe each of them is a leader who consistently demonstrates the values, behaviours, and spirit of a Newlands student.

A big thank you to Nerida for organising such an important event, and to our whole school community for taking part. Every student has a voice and a vote in this decision.

As this week has been focused on leadership, I thought it would be valuable to ask the students a variety of questions about what leadership means to them:

Foundation – “If you were a school leader, how would you make the school better?”

Jack: I would put more sports balls in the yard.
Timmy: I would start clubs at Newlands for the school.
Quinton: I would make the school have a McDonald’s.
Liliana: I would make the school have an ice cream shop.
Aisling: I would make the school get a swimming pool.
Alice: Wholeheartedly agrees with Aisling.
Indigo: I would like a KFC at Newlands.

Year 1 / Year 2 – What does a good leader do?

Chloe: They show responsibility by listening in class.
Molly: Someone that is kind and actually cares about what you do.
Ryan: They are good by doing nice things for other people.
Billie: A good leader always follows the school values and looks after the other kids.

Years 3/4 – What are the most important characteristics a leader should have and why?

Lennox: Responsibility, because a good leader should take care of the school and organise fun activities.
Bella: Care, because it’s always nice to be kind to people, and without kindness, the school wouldn’t be great.
Fecala: Curiosity, because leaders need to hear new ideas from other students.
Lily: Creativity, because good leaders think outside of the box.
Autumn: Responsibility, because they need to show other students good behaviours.
Alyssa: Leaders need to show care for other people and be responsible so they know how to do things.
Aviva: Leaders shouldn’t make promises they cannot keep.
Winnie: Kindness, because leaders make people feel safe and valued.
Hazel: Caring and responsible! You have to make people feel safe at school.
Lia: Care, to make people safe!

Years 5/6 – Who is a leader that has inspired you and why?

Hayley: My grandpa, because he showed me how to be nice, respectful, and kind.
Sage: Bonnie McLeod – She is very nice, confident, and caring.
Austin: Taylor Swift, because she sticks up for what she believes in.
Taylor: My granny, because she always puts others ahead of herself.
Bonnie: My mum, because she is supportive! (I also think my dad is as well!)
Lennox: Kobe Bryant – His dedication and mentality were very inspiring.
Freddie: Nick Daicos, because he is the best at the game and is always trying to improve.

Have a great weekend and we will see you all for Week 9!

Thanks,

Luke

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