On May 13 the Newhaven College community gathered for the all-school Foundation Day Assembly to celebrate the College's 45th anniversary.
From the youngest Prep students to valued Life Governors, the event brought everyone together in a shared recognition of Newhaven College's proud past, vibrant present, and promising future.

The College was honoured to welcome back Life Governor inductee Simon Manning and alumni Mat Bowtell from Free 3D Hands. Also in the audience were College Life Governors, College Board members, early teachers at the school, the College leadership team, staff, students and families.

"Connecting within our local community is only one part of how we build our community here at Newhaven," College Principal Tony Corr said.

"It is also in acknowledging where we have been as a school and the efforts from those who have gone before us. Which is why Foundation Day is so important and it is wonderful to have so many guests who have contributed to our school over the decades in attendance."

Proceedings commenced with the induction of Simon Manning as Life Governor. Current Chair David Jobe paid tribute saying, "On behalf of our school community, thank you Simon, for your financial acumen, your leadership and your years of volunteer service to our College".

Special guest speaker, College alumni Mat Bowtell from Free 3D Hands enthralled all those in attendance with his story of discovering his gift of combining innovation and creativity to develop prosthetic hands and arms. His work has assisted over 20,000 people world-wide. He explained how the recipients' smiles and gratitude motivate him and his team every day. His passion and dedication were applauded by the entire school community. 

Student leaders presented to the assembly, with College Captains Grace Howlett and Gabe Di Falco running proceedings, and Abby Papas and Isaac Savona reflecting on their Year 12 journey so far including the generous donations made already for this year's College Charity, Bali Children Foundation.

Middle School Captains Lucy Thompson and Indi Maloney spoke about Middle School initiatives, while Junior School Captains Peyton Rhee, Venus Herath Mudiyanselage, Nate Kondorios and Dallas

Latham presented thank you flowers to guest speaker Mat Bowtell.

This year's Preps were formally welcomed and awarded with their House badges.

Proceedings also included musical performances by the Junior School and Combined Choirs, and a rendition of Xanadu by the cast of last month's School Production, led by Year 12 students Cecily de Gooyer and Archie Robson.

Following the assembly, Life Governors and special guests gathered in the College Board Room for the unveiling of a new Honour Board, which proudly displays the names of all Chairs of the Board of

Governance since founding Chair WG Papworth. The unveiling was conducted by Kevin Johnson, who served as Chair from 2000 to 2002.