NEWHAVEN College’s Class of 2024 bid farewell to their school life last week, with a few days of festive activities. The three-day celebration commenced with a playful twist as students donned ‘White Lie’ T-shirts or ‘blinged’ their uniforms. This was just the beginning, as the days that followed were filled with Celebration Day dress-ups and competitive House commando games, at the Year 9 Environmental Centre. These activities provided an opportunity for the students to let off some steam before they embarked on the more official formalities of their final all-school assembly and emotional goodbyes.
The pinnacle of the memorable last day was the release of 51 white doves, each symbolising one of the 51 students who embarked on their journey at Newhaven College during its inaugural year. To round off this momentous occasion, a Valedictory dinner was held at Silverwater Resort, where the students had the chance to spend their final moments together as the close-knit Year 12 cohort, surrounded by their dedicated teachers and proud parents.
Addressing the gathered Class of 2024 at the final all-school assembly, Principal Tony Corr imparted a very heart-felt congratulations to each student.
On behalf of the entire College community, he said, “From all of us – congratulations. Not just on finishing your schooling, but on the extremely successful way you have completed your schooling. Not just in the last few days, not just in Year 12, but in your entire time with us here at Newhaven. You are a year level that has great admiration and respect from our school and our community – and that has been earned over many years.”
“As a year level, you have come together as one over the journey. You have celebrated and supported each other through the best of times and the hardest of times. Your cohort has grown and evolved – together. Whilst today it ends, you will always be connected. No matter where life takes you. And like on your first day in Prep when your parents brought you to school, it is symbolic that your parents are here today to accompany you on your last day of school.”
Mr Corr concluded, “Please know that while your time at school here may be over, the door to Newhaven will always be open to you.”
The final assembly included the presentation of awards. Awards were presented to students in each Year 12 subject who had achieved the highest grades and made significant contributions to the development of their subjects for the benefit of all students.
Tony Corr, Newhaven College Principal presented the prestigious Principal’s Prize to Max Arceo. Max is an all-rounder, showing leadership in every aspect of college life.
The prestigious Papworth Prize was awarded to Ella Berry who was also the recipient of both the ADF Future Innovators Award and academic awards for four subjects. Ella exemplifies the values and academic excellence for which Newhaven College is renowned.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) also recognised Gabriel Winterson with the Long Tan Leadership Award. Gabriel was instrumental in the Youth Parliament team this year, and one of the presidents of the SRC.
Additionally, awards were bestowed upon those who exemplified the school’s House values, excelled in sports, and who earned the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Major award winners:
• Principal’s Prize – Max Arceo
• Papworth Prize – Ella Berry
• ADF Long Tan Leadership Award – Gabriel Winterson
• ADF Future Innovators Award – Ella Berry
• Year 12 Academic Endeavor Award – Harry Butcher
Students who received one Academic Award:
• Art Making & Exhibiting – Lucy Sullivan
• Business Management – Gabriel Winterson
• Chemistry – David O’Neill
• Design Technology - Wood – Blake Baker
• Economics – Wesley Morgan
• English – Sienna Michie
• Food Studies – Summer Crestani
• Language (Japanese) – Airi White
• Mathematical Methods – Tilia Pires-Andersen
• Mathematics General – Charlie Deery & Alice Mabilia
• Music Performance – Jasmine Turton
• Media – Jemima Aitken
• Outdoor & Environmental Studies – Claire Banks
• Physical Education – Leo Savona
• Systems Engineering – Santiago Leys
• Theatre Studies – X Kesterson
• Visual Communication & Design – William Bar Bar
Students who received two Academic Awards:
• English and Health & Human Development – Niamh O’Connell
• English Literature and Psychology – Finn Leary
• Legal Studies and Health & Human Development – Max Arceo
Student received Four Academic Awards:
• Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics and Physics – Ella Berry
Sport Awards:
• Athletics – Sienna Michie & Sonny McMillan
• Swimming – Jade Ruffin & Gabriel Smith
• Cross Country – Max Arceo & Sienna Michie
• SEISA Sports Certificate – Harry Butcher & Lily Mewett
• Major Sports Award – Heidi Driscoll & Max Arceo
Values Awards:
• Bass House – Becky Heffer & Will Campbell
• Clarke House – Tahlia Lindley & Daniel Caffieri
• McHaffie House – Sonny McMillan & Archer Herbert
• Sambell House – Claire Banks & Dean Lyle
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards:
Ella Berry, Tom Bird, Summer Crestani, Chloe Harris, Tahlia Lindley, Sienna Lowrey-Steiner, Alice Mabilia, Jade Ruffin and Jack Ryan.
