Leadership Report

Well, that is a wrap for 2026! On Wednesday Night, we had our final celebration for our Grade 6 Graduates. The kids did an incredible job performing, singing and leading the whole ceremony. A big congratulations to Kaya & Israel, and to Karren for coming in and supporting the team. The kids all looked fantastic and did an incredible job. I want to thank them for being such incredible leaders not only this year but throughout their time at Newlands. We wish them nothing but success at high school and future. They have all promised they will come back, we really hope they do!

The Amigos finished the clean sweep of teachers this year which was watched by the whole school. Ezi Magbegor, the champion Opals and Seattle Storm player, came out to the school to join in the excitement. It was such an incredible opportunity to meet such talent. Ezi had to sign multiple autographs and shoes throughout the event to keep the attention away from the talentless staff. 

Newlands Basketball – Expression of Interest (2026)

In 2026, Newlands Primary School are exploring joining the Newlands Basketball Club in creating Newlands based basketball teams filled with students only from our school. We are really excited about starting this relationship which would include playing in the Winter Season beginning of April and being involved in training sessions before and during school times. 

Before making an decisions in going ahead with this initiative, we are asking interested families that are not currently playing for another club to please fill out the form attached. 

Newlands Basketball – Expression of Interest (2026) – Fill out form

What did you do this year?

Nothing!

This year was massive, it would be rude not to do a little recap considering all the things that happened throughout the year!

Term 1 focused on settling into the school year, with curriculum days, class information sessions, and foundation assessments taking place early in the term. Families were welcomed through events such as the Welcome Back Picnic and parent information sessions, including a cyber safety session. Students in Years 3 and 5 completed NAPLAN, while the school community celebrated important social and cultural events including International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Harmony Day, Ride 2 School Day, and the Bilingual Fiesta, the highlight of the term coinciding with our Panama Cultural Week. 

Term 2 emphasised community, wellbeing, and learning beyond the classroom. Social events such as the Outdoor Movie Night, Mother’s Day Breakfast, and Colour Run helped bring families together and raise money for the school. The school recognised diversity and inclusion through IDAHOBIT Day, Sorry Day, and Reconciliation Week and their multitudes of activities during Education Week. Environmental awareness was highlighted on World Environment Day. The term ended with parent–teacher interviews, reinforcing strong communication between school and home.

Term 3 was a busy and engaging term filled with cultural celebrations, learning activities, and camps. NAIDOC Week started the term which was then followed by the Readathon, Science Week, Book Week, and the Book Week Parade. Sporting and wellbeing events included the Athletics Carnival, Wear It Purple Day, and Father’s Day Breakfast. The term finished with 3/4 School Camp, parent–teacher interviews, and concluded with Footy Colours Day and a cultural celebration in preparation for our Term 4 Arts Show.

Term 4 marked the conclusion of the school year with camps, performances, celebrations, and transition activities. Senior students attended the 5/6 Surf Camp, and the whole school enjoyed the massive Art Show. There was Grandparents’ Day, Halloween and Day of the Dead and the biggest community event for the year the Fête de la Primavera.  Students participated in swimming programs, sleepovers, and transition activities. Today we conclude the year with our Puerto Rico Cultural Week, a cultural celebration, end-of-year assembly, and our final congratulations to the Grade 6 Graduates of Newlands Primary School.

Changes for 2026...

Final Staffing Changes

I would like to sincerely thank Moira and Felipe for their outstanding work throughout 2025. Both teachers will be taking 12 months of leave in 2026, and we wish them all the very best during this time.

To ensure our Performing Arts Program continues to grow and strengthen, I am pleased to announce that Paula (Foundation–Year 2) and Rob (Years 3–6) will be taking over the program in 2026.

While this transition currently creates a vacancy for a Spanish teacher in the 1/2CD area, the school has completed interviews and selected a preferred applicant. Unfortunately, we are unable to share further details at this stage until all required processes have been finalised. We will send out information out on SENTRAL as soon as we can. 

Finally, Simon will remain on paternity leave for the first three weeks of Term 1. Sonya who has been involved in transition sessions and the step up day will be taking this class during this time. 

Soft Start

Due to organisational factors, the school will not be implementing soft starts in 2026. Morning music will begin at 8:57am, at which time students should move to their classroom door and line up ready to enter. Teachers will meet students at the classroom door and welcome them into the classroom.

Classes will commence at 9:00am. To minimise interruptions to learning, please ensure your child is ready and on time.

Thank You

I cannot thank our community enough for the incredible support shown throughout 2025. I would like to sincerely acknowledge everyone involved in the Education & Wellbeing Sub Committee, Parents and Friends Association, Spanish Sub Committee, Buildings & Grounds Education Sub Committee, and the Branding Committee. Thank you for going above and beyond and for giving up valuable personal and family time to prioritise our school and wider community.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Craig, Sarah, Aggie, Adam, Luisa, Graeme, and Tim for their outstanding commitment and dedication as members of School Council. A very special and enormous thank you goes to Claire, our 2025 School Council President, who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our school and community are truly exceptional and something every school would be fortunate to have.

Finally, to all our volunteers and to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts and school events throughout the year, thank you. Your generosity, time, and ongoing support have made a meaningful difference to our school community.

The Newlands Staff

I couldn’t be prouder of our staff for their passion, dedication, and outstanding work ethic. Our team consistently delivers a high-quality program while thoughtfully considering how to cater for individual learners, make learning engaging and enjoyable, and best support each child’s development. Our staff doesn't deliver an excellent bilingual program, they provide an exemplary teaching program!

To our incredible office team, teaching team, and specialist team. thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and the care you show our students every day. You are the reason coming to school each day is easy. 

I am proud to be the principal of Newlands Primary School and even prouder of our achievements this year. I am even more excited to see the great work continue in 2026. 

Have a fantastic break!

Happy Holidays, 

Luke