Week 3 Wrap-Up

We’ve now completed Week 3 and are settling into the rhythm of the school year. Icy Poles remain an exciting Friday highlight, the gym is open at lunchtimes, lunch clubs are up and running, and Interschool Sports have officially kicked off. Next Friday marks our first major community event of the year 'our Welcome Picnic ' and with The Descendents announcing a June tour… could life get any better?

School Council - A Huge Thank You

Our 2025 School Council wrapped up on Tuesday night, and I would like to extend a massive thank you to Claire, Adam, Kate, Tim, Craig, Sarah, Aggie, Luisa and Graeme. It has been a pleasure working with such a supportive, positive, and passionate group of people who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for all our students.

Craig’s two-year tenure has come to an end, and he will not be reapplying. Thank you, Craig, for your four years of service, particularly your outstanding contribution to the Education & Wellbeing Subcommittee.

Adam has also decided to hang up his boots after an incredible 11 years on School Council, including a very impressive 7 years as President. During my seven years at Newlands, Adam has been unwavering in his support of educational change, a key advocate in achieving formal recognition as a bilingual school, and a tireless champion for securing much-needed funding, helping bring the new buildings our community deserves. While many of you may know him as the person who delivers perfectly cooked sausages with the ideal onion-to-bread ratio, I want to sincerely thank him for his incredible support of both the school and me personally.

Branding Update - Exciting Times Ahead

We have officially completed the first stage of our new school branding, and we are incredibly excited about what’s ahead. While we can’t share details just yet, Jess has led an outstanding process with the support of Kate, Tim, and School Council. Watch this space - exciting times are coming!

Newlands School-Based Basketball Team Information

I promised more information this week - we are just finalising a few last-minute requirements before sharing upcoming opportunities. Next week, we promise!

Lead Paint Removal - School Buildings

Last year, the VSBA assessed our school and approved works to remove lead paint in several buildings. This work will take place in:

The Foundation rooms
The four hexagonal rooms opposite Foundation
The Specialist/Aftercare building

While we don’t yet have confirmed dates, we expect some room changes in late Term 1 or early Term 2. Please note that current exposure levels are considered low risk, and the Department is taking proactive steps to ensure there is no potential risk to students.

What’s Been Happening in Classrooms?

Foundation

I visited Paula’s room, where students were counting and subitising in Spanish. While the poor bug being used as a learning prop endured many counters being added and removed, the students were absolutely buzzing — calling out numbers in Spanish with excitement. They were so engaged that I didn’t even interrupt! Photos of their work are included below.

Year 1/2

I joined Almendra’s class as they read Cosas que me gustan. Students confidently explained the story and described what they could see on each page — all in Spanish. The calm, focus, and participation in the room were fantastic. When I asked what they like doing, here’s what they shared:

Sunny — Subir los árboles
Selena — Gatos
Alana — Me gusta la piscina
Timmy — Me gusta perros
Axel — Me gusta jugar con legos
Sunny — Me gusta jugar con mi gato
Indigo — Me gusta nadar
Lucas — Me gusta comer chocolate

Year 3/4

I joined Diego’s class for caligrafía, and it was an exemplary lesson — the kind you’d feature on the Department of Education website. Students were focused, attentive, and fully engaged. A big congratulations to 3/4AB for setting such high standards!

I’d also like to give a huge shout-out to my Morning Maths Group, who have been giving up valuable family time to work hard and push themselves. Special thanks to Rhenny, Austin, and Bonnie for joining in and supporting others.

Year 5/6

This week has been all about Interschool Sport. I’ve loved training the girls’ basketball team, watching Emre run NBA-level drills with the boys, seeing Raul plan strategies for softball, and spotting the bat tennis team perfecting their lobs, volleys, and slams.

No matter the results, we hope every student had fun, gave their best, and represented our school with pride.

The Welcome Picnic is shaping up to be a fantastic event. We can’t wait to see you there!

Thanks,

Luke

Welcome Back Picnic