Term 1, Week 8

20 March 2025

From the Deputy Headmaster

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

This week is Harmony Week, a time to celebrate our differences, embrace inclusiveness and promote respect and belonging within our school community.  

At assembly Mr Parker spoke about the importance of diversity, including neurodiversity and multiculturalism. In doing so he reaffirmed the school’s commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. He referenced Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, explaining how emotional and physical safety are essential for us all to thrive. 

Mr Sackar, Director of Students also addressed the assembly on relationships and connections, and the role every Newington student plays in shaping a respectful school culture. He presented the College’s Anti-Bullying policies, reinforcing that bullying, whether repeated, targeted or any other harmful behaviour, is unacceptable in any form at our school.  He also addressed the concept of ‘banter’, stressing that it should never be used as an excuse for unkindness. 

Students were encouraged to report any instances of bullying, with reassurance that the school will support them. Mr Sackar reminded everyone that maintaining a safe and inclusive community is a shared responsibility and a key part of what it means to be a student of Newington College. You can view our Student Code of Conduct via New Spaces here and our Pastoral Care Policy here.

This weekend marks the 128th AAGPS Head of the River Regatta, a prestigious event where Newington crews will strive to finish their season on a high. The Rowing program will field three Junior VIII crews, four Senior IVs, and two Senior VIIIs, showcasing the depth and talent within the program. 

As the Newington crews prepare for the Regatta, excitement permeates the campus. This enthusiasm will be on full display as our Year 9, 10, and 12 students cheer on their peers from the banks. The event, held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, is the culmination of the GPS rowing season and a highlight for all participating schools. 

We would also like to acknowledge the 80 rowers from the Year 8 and Year 9 quads who delivered outstanding performances last weekend, concluding their season with distinction. 

Good luck to all our rowers, especially our Year 12 students who will represent Newington for the final time. May your hard work and determination lead to a successful and memorable regatta. 

The Career Journeys program was introduced to the Year 10 cohort in Week 7 by Mr Stephen Roberts and Mr Tom Pym. This program provides each student with the opportunity to engage in a series of online modules, including Career Personality, Exploring Pathways, and Post School Options and Planning. These modules allow students to explore various career paths, gain valuable insights into life after Newington College, and reflect on how to make informed decisions regarding subject selection and credential choices. Throughout the program, students are supported by their mentors and the careers department as they prepare for subject selection in Term 3. We encourage parents to chat with their child about their careers testing results, and the work they are completing in the online modules. 

Year 7 Drama Club starts in Term 2. It runs on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. Places are limited. Please register your interest by emailing Tracey Case at tcase@newington.nsw.edu.au 

Congratulations to students and staff involved in the College’s Musical Catch Me If You Can which finished last Saturday. Your hard work, dedication combined with your talent made it an amazing production. 

Co-ed Scholarships for Year 5, 2026 Now Open

Become a part of history with the Pioneer Scholarship, created to celebrate Newington College’s transition to co-education and support girls and boys who are ready to lead, innovate and inspire. This is more than just a scholarship—it is an opportunity for trailblazers who are eager to make a lasting impact.  

This scholarship is available to existing and prospective students (both boys and girls) currently in Year 4 (entering Year 5 in 2026). This prestigious opportunity is designed for students with a balanced range of achievements who will benefit from the outstanding opportunities at Newington College while enriching our vibrant school community. 

Current and new students can apply here. 

Child Safeguarding Hub 

Student safety and wellbeing continue to be at the centre of everything we do. They have a right to feel safe and be safe. Their wellbeing is our most fundamental concern and as a Child Safe Organisation, we are dedicated to this criterion. 

To enhance Child Safeguarding at Newington, in September 2022, we established a Child Safeguarding Committee to oversee the development and monitoring of systems, policies and process that implement the child safe standards.   

The Committee is comprised of key staff members integral to Child Safeguarding at Newington. The Committee manages several Child Safeguarding initiatives and engages external experts to advise on best practice on various aspects of child safeguarding, including safe recruitment, student voice, engaging parents, staff training and risk management. 

One of the initiatives Newington’s Child Safeguarding Committee has been working on is the Child Safeguarding Hub, a unique and innovative resource that puts the College at the forefront in its commitment to student safety. This hub is available here on New Spaces and contains valuable resources and tools for parents and carers. 

To find the parent hub on New Spaces head to: 

New Spaces > Parent Services > Child Safeguarding for Parents and Carers

Staff Profile

This week, we hear from John Sullivan who is a Year 5 Classroom Teacher at Wyvern House. John loves seeing students gain confidence in the classroom and thrives on the variety each day brings.  

Q. Why teaching? What is it you enjoy about teaching?  

A. Honestly, it is that ‘lightbulb’ moment when a student finally gets something. I love seeing their confidence grow and knowing I played a part in that. Plus, every day is different, keeps me on my toes!  

Q. What is something people don’t know about you?  

A. I secretly write terrible sci-fi short stories. They are hilariously bad, but it is a fun and creative outlet.  

Q. If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?  

A. I’d love to have dinner with David Attenborough. I’d want to hear all his stories about the natural world, his insights on conservation and just soak up his wisdom. He has seen so much! 

Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school?  

A. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re silly. Embrace your mistakes; they’re the best way to learn and grow.  

Staff profile: College Leadership Group (CLG)

This week we are profiling Tom Kindred who is the new Head of Co-curricular, let’s give him a warm welcome! Tom will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing the wide range of co-curricular activities offered to students.  

Q. What do you see as the role of the College Leadership Group?   

A. To provide leadership in both the strategic and operational spaces for the overall education of students at Newington.  

Q. What do you think is the Newington difference?  

A. A College community whose culture is very clearly built and espoused around diversity, courage and kindness.  

Q. What is something not many people know about you?  

A. I enjoy making sourdough and have four beautiful children, all of whom I adore equally… even my favourite.  

Q. If you were a student at Newington today, what would you be most excited about?  

A. The incredible breadth of opportunity I would have to try different activities and knowing that it would mean I could improve at something every day. No matter how big or small. Learning is fun, the difficulty is that it takes wisdom to appreciate that. Also, Eungai Creek, the pool, the rowing shed and the drama centre, these are just some places that elicit joy even for me now.   

Q. If you could describe Newington College in three words, what would they be?  

A. Kindness, Courage and Diversity. I think the College and the many wonderful people who are part of the community are walking the talk when it comes to those values.