Newlands

Start of term celebrations

Since last Insight edition there have been many wonderful celebrations here at Newlands. The Middle School and Junior School student leadership assemblies took place in Aikman Hall. Congratulations to all student leaders taking on various leadership roles this term.

The Haileybury Parents and Friends Keysborough (HPFK) group held several events, with our Early Learning Centre, Prep and Year 1 ‘play and stay’ BBQ being a highlight, taking place in the Junior School playground. Thank you to all parents who came and supported, particularly those parents who assisted. Be sure to look out for future HPFK events and I look forward to seeing you there.

Traffic safety reminder

A reminder for the safety of our students, staff and families it is imperative that our parents drive safely and courteously to and from Newlands and within the School grounds.

It has come to the School’s attention that there has been speeding and dangerous driving within the School grounds and whilst exiting the School, in particular at Gate 7, Scotch Avenue.

Time to tune in: smart watches!

In next month's Insight, we will discuss our approach to smart watches and their use at School.

The Biggest Playdate fundraiser

On Friday, 8 March Newlands will be hosting a sausage sizzle to raise funds for The Biggest Playdate. The Biggest Playdate will be held on Sunday, 17 March at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre and will be a fun-filled carnival day for families to enjoy, with rides, performers, activities and food!

All proceeds go directly to the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre, we hope to see you there for a great time supporting a great cause.

Early Learning Centre

Lunar New Year

As part of our Mandarin program, the children in Pre-Prep have enjoyed being immersed in Lunar New Year celebrations.

As part of the festivities, children were introduced to the story of Monster Nian and the 12 Zodiac animals. Music and movement have been a focus with Pre-Preps engaging in both the fan dance (shan zi wu) and handkerchief dance (shou juan wu), as well as exploring the lion and dragon dance with traditional Chinese musical instruments. To round out the celebrations, children made traditional Chinese dumplings and explored writing with the traditional Chinese brush (mao bi) to trace the characters 福（fu）or 春（chun).

Wishing all those families who celebrated a safe and prosperous New Year.

Fostering a sense of belonging

A sense of belonging is fostered by the connections that children make with each other, their Educators and the environment around them.

As the children in Reception have started forming connections with their peers, they have also been exploring their own sense of identity. Through the use of mirrors and discussion, children have been encouraged to look purposefully at their features, and the lines and shapes they can identify to create self-portraits.

This has prompted conversations around our similarities and our differences, which will continue to be explored throughout the term.

Coast excursion

Our budding Year 8 geographers will be heading off to complete a fieldwork study on the Mornington Peninsula in Term 1.

Moving between Sorrento and Rye, students will have the opportunity to explore the coastline to identify ways in which natural processes such as erosion and deposition have influenced the coast.

They will be able to apply their knowledge of coastal management strategies and evaluate the effectiveness of current solutions first-hand through an inquiry task.

Hugo Engele

Head of Newlands (Keysborough)

Lenice Norris
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough