Co Curriculum

A Strong Sense of Belonging

House

All students are assigned to one of four Houses when they begin at Overnewton, with siblings joining the same House. The House system becomes an important part of each child’s identity with their colours being worn proudly on sports days and during House events. A deep sense of connection is strengthened through the various shared experiences and traditions that take place throughout each year. House events are a popular element of the Co Curriculum Program and are based on the four pillars of Activate, Be Heard, Encore and Synergy. House-based activities, including our Junior School House Encore event, promote teamwork, confidence and a healthy approach to competition, with every student playing an important part in their multi-age House community.

Activate

Our Activate pillar supports physical health and active participation through fun, inclusive sporting opportunities. From Prep to Year 4, students take part in events like the Junior School House Activate Day, Athletics Carnival and Cross Country. Year 4 students may also trial for District teams in swimming, athletics and cross country. Overnewton is proud to be the exclusive football partner school of Melbourne Victory, offering students exceptional access to A-League experiences.

Be Heard

This pillar helps students build oratory skills through public speaking and early debating experiences. Whether presenting at Assembly, delivering a speech to peers, or even preparing for a friendly debate, Junior School students learn to express themselves clearly, confidently and respectfully from an early age, developing skills that will serve them well into the future.

Encore

Performing in various forms is a vibrant and much-loved part of Junior School life at Overnewton. Students engage in opportunities to share performances through Assemblies, community events, and multi-age House experiences. Our young students relish in the opportunities provided to perform for an audience in varied forms. These experiences offer a wide range of educational, social, and emotional benefits, particularly in the areas of confidence and communication development. Building the skills to perform for an audience, regardless of experience and expertise, encourages self-expression, creativity, resilience, and teamwork. Importantly, performance experiences create a sense of accomplishment and connection, strengthening student engagement and contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture.

Synergy

Fostering compassion and a strong sense of social responsibility, Synergy introduces students to the importance of service and making a difference to the lives of others. Junior School students engage in regular activities that raise awareness and support for others, including partnerships with our local parish, St Luke’s Sydenham, and Anglicare Victoria.