Year 12 students celebrate their graduation

Newhaven College's Class of 2026 bid farewell to their school life last week, with plenty of festive activities.

The four-day celebration commenced with students dressing up in creative costumes on Friday, with Commando Games. On Monday they 'bedazzled' their uniforms, allowing the students to let off some steam before they embarked on the more official formalities of their final all-school assembly.

Valedictory Day commenced with a family breakfast in the amphitheatre. Students then shared stories about each other with their House groups, before the formal final assembly.

The pinnacle of the memorable last day was the explosion of confetti as they posed on the grass in front of the Senior School.2

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 teachers and parents.

Addressing the gathered Class of 2026 at the final all-school assembly, Principal Tony Corr imparted some insight.

"Your final day of school represents the step from childhood and adolescence into adulthood. It represents the beginning of the grown-up chapter of your life. Until now, many of the choices made in your life have been made by your parents - where you live, where you go to school, where you go on holidays - from now on, that switches. The life choices from now on are yours."

"There are some principles: you need to lean in, be positive, have a go and do your best," Mr Corr continued.

"And remember, every life is unique, nobody has ever lived your life and nobody ever will. And every one of you will forge your own path in your own way.

"But as you go, always remember what is important. And no matter what the situation, maintain your values. Don't compromise those. If you continue to live by the values instilled here at Newhaven: respect, honesty, responsibility, empathy and excellence - you will never go too far wrong."

During the final assembly, 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.

Mr Corr presented the prestigious Principal's Prize to River Henderson and Isabel Mahon. Both are excellent representatives of the College values and consistently demonstrated determination and perseverance across their time at Newhaven College.

The prestigious Papworth Prize was awarded to College Captain Tilly Stecher, who is a diligent, hard-working and enthusiastic member of the Newhaven College community and has consistently demonstrated excellence across her time at Newhaven College in the academic and sporting areas. Tilly was also awarded the Australian Defence Force (ADF)'s Long Tan Leadership Award.
The College Captains presented Cassandra Farr from Carrie's Beanies for Brain Cancer with a cheque for $15,016. The funds were raised through various fundraising events held across the school throughout the year. Carrie Bickmore also sent a video message expressing her gratitude for the College's support.

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.

As Newhaven College's Year 12 students embark on their future endeavours, they do so with fond memories, cherished experiences and a bright outlook on the road ahead. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.

Congratulations to the major award winners.

Awards

• Principal's Prize 2026 - Isabel Mahon and River Henderson
• Papworth Prize 2026 - Tilly Stecher
• ADF Long Tan Leadership Award - Tilly Stecher
• Year 12 Academic Endeavor Award - River Henderson and Michaela Marr
• Country Universities Student Achievement Award - Jasira Derham
  Academic Awards
• Two Subject Awards - Lucinda Gebt-Swain, River Henderson, Emily Kesterton, Michaela Marr, Tilly Stecher
• Three Subject Awards - Isabel Mahon
• Four Subject Awards - Aoife O'Connell
  Sport Awards
  • SEISA Sport Certificate - Froley Anderson and Leilani Lightowler
  • Major Sport Awards - Parker Trappett and Tilly Stecher
  Values Awards
  • Bass House - Jasira Derham and Perry McKay
  • Clarke House - Eve Oakley and Mitchell White
  • McHaffie House - Freya Berry and Oliver Raso
  • Sambell House - Chloe Hosking and Leilani Lightowler