The Newlands Times

Leadership Report

Congratulations and Thank you!

 

I would like to personally thank and congratulate Ross for his commitment and dedication to not only Newlands Primary School but the education system over his 40+ years tenure. I have had the pleasure of sharing an office with Ross over the last 6 years where I have seen his big ideas go from whiteboard to successful implementation. Ross has always had the staff, students and community at the forefront of his thinking. The principal job is often thankless, and I would like to acknowledge the incredible amount of work you have done for our community. Since my arrival at Newlands in 2018, I have seen our run down school with 150 students develop into a school that has just finished its multi-million dollar project which will have over 450 students in 2025. Due to Ross’ consistent work, he has helped our community receive the much needed upgrades it deserves as well as built an incredible staff who are dedicated to providing an exciting & innovative Bilingual program. Thank you Ross for everything you have done for our students and wider community. Enjoy your break and take great pleasure in the lasting impact you have made at Newlands Primary.  

 

Term Reflection…

Here are just some of the great Term 2 events!

  • Student-Led School Tours Begin & Foundation Information Night – the school has reached its 2025 enrolment capacity
  • Newlands Staff complete and finalise new Wellbeing Practices Handbook which will be launched in Term 3 to family community
  • Over a 80 families attend our Open Learning Afternoon 
  • The Newlands Famous Breakfast burgers continue to provide joy
  • Newlands first ever Colour Run raised over $25,000
  • Newlands partakes in the WOW (Walk or Wheel) challenge for the first time, kids are excited to win the magic boot
  • Dominican Republic Cultural Week Celebration
  • The school continues to stand out against discrimination by dressing up and supporting IDAHOBIT
  • The school continues to prioritise the meaning of Sorry Day and celebrate Reconciliation Week with a whole school Smoking Ceremony 
  • The PFA Outdoor Cinema movie night is once again a successful event
  • Our students participate in our local cross country with students representing at both district and regionals
  • Our students have been involved in incursions & excursions including Parliament House, MoPA and the Queen Victoria Market
  • The school hosted  and showcased our Bilingual program to over 10 principals and 30 teachers from various schools in the state
  • Newlands Working Bees continue to be a Sunday Favourite – new blackboard, vegetable gardens, lots of painting
  • Spanish Movie Night at Coburg Pentridge
  • Termly parent teacher interviews continues
  • Lunch Time clubs continue with the new Pokémon club being the talk of the school
  • New Bike racks are ready to be used
  • Our gymnasium is ready for Term 3!

 

A big thank you to the Parents and Friends Association, Education Sub Committee, Buildings & Grounds Sub Committee, Spanish Sub Commitee, Finance Sub Committee, Out of Hours Care Sub Committee and School Council members for their dedication and support this first semester. I would also like to thank all of the parents whom have volunteered and/or supported our school events. Our school is lucky to have a community that cares and supports the great work that is taking place at our school. 

 

Semester 2 Staffing Changes 

We can officially say that Kaya Ricketts, who has been working at Newlands for the last 4 years will be replacing Sophia, as she will be the Literacy leader in Semester 2. A part of Sophia’s role will be to continue working with the 1/2 team as well as support Kaya’s transition into the 1/2 area. We are also very excited to announce that Colleen will continue to work with Juan for the rest of the year in the Foundation area. Colleen has been an incredible asset to the school and we are very excited to officially make her a part of our team. 

 

There are many exciting things to come in Term 3! 

 

 

We hope you have a fantastic holiday break. 

Thanks, Luke