Programs & Curriculum
Literacy
At Newhaven Primary School we believe that success in literacy is essential for all students. Our aim is to create lifelong readers and writers, fostering a love of literacy, and developing the skills to become literate.
Literacy continues to be a key focus area in our current Strategic Plan. Staff are regularly involved in professional learning to ensure they are up to date with current educational research and practices. They are supported in implementing rigorous programs where they are all expected to be able to articulate what their students are learning, how they are progressing and where to take them next. All staff are committed to achieving the highest possible outcomes for our students.
As active learners, our students understand the learning intentions and use success criteria to ensure they are working towards achieving their learning goals. Understanding how to assess and monitor student progress is critical to this success. Through explicit teaching, staff are able to identify individual needs of students and can develop appropriate programs to cater for these.
Reading
In our reading workshop sessions, expect to see a community of learners where the students are involved in authentic reading activities and a high level of student engagement is evident. A lesson will look like this:
Mini Lessons
- A variety of Reading Conferences: Individual/small group/assessment.
- Independent Reading
- Responses about reading
Students learn how to work collaboratively with others and develop a real sense of ownership and responsibility over their literacy learning.
Writing
In our writing workshop sessions, students develop writing strategies, learn about the writer’s craft and use writing as a tool for learning and communication. They practise writing in different genres and apply conventions to communicate information clearly to a variety of audiences.
Again, students are active learners in this process, taking ownership and responsibility over their progress.
Teachers guide students to become more effective writers using the Newhaven Primary School Writing Instructional Model:
- Getting ideas
- Planning
- Drafting
- Revising
- Editing
- Publishing
From grade P-6 SMART Spelling is implemented with all staff trained in this method.
Speaking and Listening
Speaking and Listening refers to the various formal and informal ways oral language is used to convey and receive meaning. It involves the development and demonstration of knowledge about the appropriate oral language for particular audiences and occasions, including body language and voice. It also involves the development of active-listening strategies and an understanding of the conventions of different spoken texts. Staff at Newhaven Primary School are committed to giving children authentic opportunities to learn and improve their skills in Speaking and Listening not only through Literacy sessions but in all areas of the curriculum.
Numeracy
At Newhaven Primary School we pride ourselves on our maths program. Our vision is that we are committed to developing maths learners who are;
- risk takers
- creative
- deep thinkers
- making connections
- resilient
Students are challenged throughout the learning journey by explicit instruction that is supported by open-ended tasks that encourage deeper level thinking. We run a morning maths program twice a week before school which engages our parent community as volunteers to come in and work alongside our students looking to build number confidence.
If you were to walk into a classroom in our school you would see a number warm up to start the lesson, followed by a launch into the maths concept for the day which students are encouraged to explore further independently, in pairs or in groups. Finally we come back together to make connections about the particular mathematical concepts from each phase. Throughout each lesson students have access to a range of concrete materials to support learning.
Maths Vision
Our school is dedicated and committed to developing maths learners who are:
Risk Takers
Willing to take risks, be persistent and keep trying.
Creative
Creative and curious when solving a problem.
Deep Thinkers
Able to explain thinking.
Making Connections
Able to apply skills to different context/real life situations.
Resilient
Comfortable with challenge.
The Four Mathematical Proficiencies
Specialist Programs
Japanese
In 2021 students in grades P-6 study Japanese with Sensei Buxton.
Library
We have a comprehensive collection of books housed in our library located in the administration block of the school. Classroom teachers conduct library lessons each week and students are encouraged to borrow and return during these sessions. Nada is our Library support person.
Science
In 2021 students in grades P-6 study Science with Mrs Marston. Our Science program helps our students to be aware of current environmental issues such as waste management, biodiversity and sustainability. Students undertake a wide range of practical experiments, technology units, projects and host different student led events to bring awareness to different issues.
Physical Education
The importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. It increases self-esteem and mental alertness to make school sports and games necessary for every school age child. It teaches the children life skills like teamwork, leadership and patience. Students from P-6 have a weekly PE lesson as well as lunchtime games and sport training.
Music
All students explore elements of music through song, dance, movement, drama, and improvisation. Everyone participates in performance opportunities regularly and we sing and dance the day away.
In years 3-6 we regularly use music technology for recording and creating our own compositions. All students learn the ukulele as well as the opportunity to play a variety of instruments such as keyboard, drums, marimbas throughout the school year. All children build confidence in music.
Artist in Residence Program
Each year the Fundraising Committee supports the Artist in Residence Program so that students from P-6 experience the thrill of learning new skills and performing to their families at a whole school evening performance. This year we have Bernard Mangakahia- Mana the Spirit of Polynesia and Raymond J Bartholomeuz supporting our Poetry unit from P-6 to inspire our students and enthral our families.
School Camps
The NPS School camping program is as follows:
- Year 2 Sleepover
- Years 3/4 Forest Lodge and Allambee Camps alternating
- Years 5/6 Waratah Beach Camp and Sovereign Hill Camp alternating
Transition Programs
Preschool to Prep
The school has a comprehensive Preschool to Prep program that starts in Term Three to support students in the transition into primary school. The details are posted at the San Remo Preschool and sent to surrounding kindergartens and day care centres. Parents are welcome to contact the school for the information or meet with the Principal to discuss any aspects of the school.
Year 6-7 Transition
The school works closely with the Wonthaggi Secondary College to provide a transition program throughout the year and prepare students for secondary college.
Sports
School Sports Houses
Our school sports houses are Woolami Sharks (Blue), Rhyll Dolphins (Red) and Bunurong Stingrays (Green).
Newhaven Primary School Twilight Athletics Sports are held in term one each year. All children in Prep to Year 6 compete in their age groups in a variety of track and field events. A trophy is awarded to the winning house. All families are invited to watch and share a picnic whilst the weather is still warm.
District Athletics
Our school is part of the Bass Coast District. Each year children compete in their age groups in the District Sports Day held at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Dudley Campus, Wonthaggi.
Division Athletics
Children 9 years and over who perform well at District 3-6 Athletics are invited to compete at the Inter-School Athletics Carnival at Leongatha Velodrome.
District Swimming
Children in age groups 9 and above attend trials at the Cowes pool. Those successful at these trials will be part of the Bass Coast District Swim Team for the Division Swimming Carnival held at Korumburra Pool in Term 1.
Swimming Lessons
Students in years 2-4 are involved in a swimming program each year at the YMCA Wonthaggi Leisure Centre.
Winter Sports
Students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity play the following winter sports against other schools in our District soccer, AFL and netball.
Summer Sports
Students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in summer sports against schools in our district, including surfing, basketball and softball.
Our Special Programs
Sail Ability Program
Students in years 5 and 6 at Newhaven Primary School participate in the Sail Ability Program. This has been running in partnership with The Newhaven Yacht Squadron since 2018.
Students in the Sail Ability Program learn about ocean safety and how to sail small dinghies in Westernport Bay under the careful instruction of local sailing volunteers from The Newhaven Yacht Squadron.
Kids as Catalysts
Our senior students through the program Kids as Catalysts are learning and practising the skills required to take charge of changing their communities and making them better for everyone. The seven areas that the students are focussing on: animals, environment, gender, elderly, kids, people with a disability and cultural diversity.
This resilience and leadership program runs over two terms and is broadening our community connections.
Visual Arts
Newhaven Primary School offers a Visual Arts program that develops students’ skills, techniques, understandings and provides opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings with local artist Karen Allen.
The school also participates in many artistic events in the Bass Coast Shire.
Chaplaincy
Mary Stack is our School Chaplain. Mary works with staff and students to support and extend our Student Wellbeing program, develop student leadership, expand community connections and provide family support. She also runs a very special Breakfast Club.
Mary along with Clive from Kids Hope train community members who would like to mentor a student for an hour per week. This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy Program.
Our Special Programs
Sail Ability Program
Students in year five and six at NPS participate in the Sail Ability Program. This has been running in partnership with The Newhaven Yacht Squadron since 2018.
Students in the Sail Ability Program learn about ocean safety and how to sail small dinghies in Westernport Bay under the carful instruction of local sailing volunteers from The Newhaven Yacht Squadron.
Kids as Catalysts
Our senior students through the program Kids as Catalysts are learning and practising the skills required to take charge of changing their communities and making them better for everyone. The seven areas that the students are focussing on: animals, environment, gender, elderly, kids, people with a disability and cultural diversity.
This resilience and leadership program runs over two terms and is broadening our community connections.
Visual Arts
Newhaven Primary School offers a Visual Arts program that develops students’ skills, techniques, understandings and provides opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings with local artist Karen Allan.
The school also participates in many artistic events in the Bass Coast Shire.
Chaplaincy
Mary Stack is our School Chaplain. Mary works with staff and students to support and extend our Student Wellbeing program, develop student leadership, expand community connections and provide family support. She also runs a very special Breakfast Club.
Mary along with Clive from Kids Hope train community members who would like to mentor a student for an hour per week. This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy Program.
Parent Involvement
Parent, family, and community involvement in education correlates with higher academic performance and school improvement. Involvement of these groups is open to all parents, carers and friends. The groups conduct day time and night time meetings as necessary (sometimes as little as twice a term) and provide an important avenue for the community to become involved in the school. The groups have a close involvement in assisting with the successful operation of a number of traditional school events.
Involvement in our school by parents, carers and community members helps children achieve the best possible learning outcomes. There are many opportunities available for people who wish to volunteer, helping in school activities like: excursions and school events, assistance with reading and gardening programs, and participation in range of whole school activities. You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience but you do need to have a current Working with Children Check.
Volunteers
Volunteers at Newhaven Primary School don’t get paid because they are priceless! School volunteer programs can enable teachers to personalise instruction, free teachers and other school personnel to meet students’ needs more effectively, broaden students’ experiences, strengthen school-community understanding and relations, enhance home involvement and enrich the lives of volunteers. In the classroom, volunteers can provide just the type of extra support needed to enable staff to conference and work with students who require special assistance.
When students see adult volunteers in their schools, they see firsthand how members of their community value education and support their local school. When a community is very involved in their school volunteering, more people have a better sense of the total education picture, and see how dedicated so many people are to educating the community’s young people. More involvement results in better understanding, more trust building and a commitment to even more support. School begins to feel like family!
Whether you can volunteer an hour a day, a week or a month, we have a number of opportunities available. You will need a current Working with Children Check.
Please contact the school for more information.
Wellbeing Programs
Respectful Relationships Program
As well as teaching academic skills, it is part of the core business of schools to promote student resilience, wellbeing and positive social attitudes.
The Student Wellbeing team consists of Principal, Sharyne Munday, Classroom teacher, Robyn Smith, Integration Aide, Michelle Peters, School Chaplain, Mary Stack, and School Council President, Andrea Cole.
Newhaven Primary School uses the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials to support the development of students’ social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Explicit efforts to provide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) opportunities as part of the curriculum aim to assist students in applying knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to:
- Understand and manage emotions,
- Set and achieve positive goals,
- Feel and express empathy,
- Establish and maintain positive relationships,
- Make responsible decisions,
- Develop resilience to deal with change,
- Create positive gender norms, and
- Contribute to social cohesion.
Social and emotional skills help students develop the resilience to deal with change, challenges and unpredictability.
