Campus news
What a remarkable year 2024 has been for Newlands. I have been so deeply impressed by all our students . At Newlands, whilst always working within and dedicated to the Haileybury motto of ‘Every student matters every day,’ this year we have sharpened our focus with a strategy that we have called through the eyes of excellence. It calls all of us to strive for excellence in all areas of our educational experience. At Newlands we aim for growth and improvement not because we have to, but because we can and we should. We challenge the status quo. This year I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible pursuit of excellence from our staff and students. I will touch on a number of highlights, but as you could imagine, we see excellence in many forms every day at Newlands and it becomes quite the challenge to curate the list.
Academically this year the results at Newlands are of an exceptionally high standard throughout NAPLAN, ICAS and the Australian Mathematics competition that saw 70% of Middle School students receive a credit, 150 students receive a distinction or high distinction and three Newlands students finishing in the top 0.3% to receive an AMC Prize. These outcomes are a reflection of the dedicated students, brilliant teachers and an environment where students are placed at the centre of all that we do.
Early Learning Centre
For the youngest of our Newlands students, our Early Learning Centre has had an extraordinary year as our students and families embarked on the beginning of their journey as a Haileyburian. Inclusion and diversity were celebrated through Diwali, Luna and Harmony Festivals along with Reconciliation Week. They had their first-ever ELC Athletic Carnival where our youngest learners showcased their enthusiasm and budding athletic talents. There was also the Scooter program, visits from the local CFA and Police, and the Haileybury Hives.
Junior School
The Junior School has had a year filled with adventure, curiosity and growth through involvement in Harmony Week and Cultural Dress Day, taking part in Early Bird Reading sessions with the Year 12 students to nurture the love of reading, and the Buddy program further strengthening bonds within our School. We celebrated milestones when the Preps reached their 100 Days of School and a particularly inspiring moment came when Old Haileyburians who competed at the Olympics visited our school to speak about leadership, perfectly aligning with Haileybury’s Respectful Relationships pillars. Another highlight was the Melbourne Stars cricket team clinic, where our young learners not only honed their sporting skills but also learnt about teamwork and resilience from some of the best in the game.
Middle School
The Middle School at Newlands is a place where unforgettable memories are made. This year, our students embraced an incredible variety of experiences that showcased their creativity, passion and love of learning. From the thrill of students versus staff sports games, where friendly rivalry and teamwork brought everyone together, to the joyous celebration of music at the Newlands Music Concert, our middle school students have shone brightly. They have danced their hearts out at the silent disco, shared laughs and friendship at the girls’ movie night, and showcased their theatrical talents in the captivating Puffs production. These events not only highlighted the diverse opportunities available in our Middle School but also reinforced the bonds of friendship and the vibrant sense of belonging that make Newlands so special.
Middle School Leaders 2025
It gives me great pleasure to announce the Middle School Captains Cooper W and Ayvah L. Remaining students leadership positions will be announced in 2025.
We are immensely proud of the dedication and excellence our students bring to sport and performance. Their efforts, whether on the field, court, stage, or in the pool, reflect the values of striving for excellence regardless of their chosen pursuit.
As we celebrate excellence, we admire the achievements of all 1,026 Newlands students in 2024. This is just a snapshot of the brilliance we were all fortunate to witness. I look towards 2025 with positivity, knowing this will be another opportunity to celebrate the excellence achieved by all Newlands students.
It has been my privilege to lead Newlands, I thank you for this honour.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday period and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
