Term 1, Week 10

3 April 2025

From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC

Talking About Masculinity: Are We Missing the Point? 

I recently watched a Netflix show called Adolescence. It is fictional but has provided intense dialogue amongst our community about young people and especially young males who may be vulnerably accessing social media. After that, I found an article by David French in the New York Times. French posits that in recent years, many boys are not doing as well as girls in school and are sometimes feeling lost. Because of this, some boys are looking up to people like Joe Rogan, and other male influencers for advice. These people often tell boys to act more traditionally masculine, as they see it. They say things it is hard to object to like, “work out, dress better, be confident” and then move into darker territory such as, ‘fight back against those who you think have ruined your life.’ In some of their world views, success in terms of money, status and dominance is seen as desirable and a form of revenge against the world around them, and in particular, against women. For some, this is an example of what they describe as toxic masculinity. 

When we talk about the problems boys face, there is a vacuum of conversation, as any discussion almost immediately devolves into a debate over masculinity itself. Is it bad to stop raising boys in some ‘traditional’ ways, when it comes to civility, standards and personal integrity? What does masculinity even mean? French wonders if trying to fit boys into traditional masculine boxes is helpful or unhelpful. 

Instead of focusing on masculinity, maybe we should focus on universal values that can help everyone, especially young boys. Jeffrey Rosen, in his book The Pursuit of Happiness, says that when Enlightenment thinkers coined the phrase, the pursuit of happiness, they meant being good, not just feeling good. French says it all comes down to four virtues: prudence (being wise), justice (being fair), temperance (having self-control), and courage (being brave). 

French believes that these virtues are not just for boys, they are for everyone. He says that every struggling young boy’s life would be better if they focused on these virtues. At Newington we would add the fifth virtue of kindness – the courage to be kind is central to our community. No matter how you define masculinity, a boy who is wise, fair, self-controlled, kind and brave is likely going to develop into a good human.  

In schools, and from many parents, the focus is often on ‘success ethics’ – pushing children to be successful in their careers and make money. But French thinks this focus on success is empty and makes young people feel unfulfilled. If they don’t succeed, they may feel anxious and insecure. Even if they do succeed, it doesn’t make them happy for long as it leads to superficial comparisons to everyone around them. 

Success virtues – wisdom, fairness, self-control, kindness and bravery – are different. Pursuing virtue is a lifelong journey and gives life purpose. French says we should focus on these universal values not because we reject the idea that young men have a distinct masculine experience, but rather because the argument about ideal masculinity is diverting our attention from the more important goal: providing boys with optimism and giving them a purpose that is more satisfying than just ambition and rebellion. 

D French, ‘The Atmosphere of the ‘Manosphere’ Is Toxic’, The New York Times (April 14, 2024) https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/14/opinion/men-virtue-tate-peterson-rogan.html, accessed 2 April 2025.   

What Happened This Week

Grandparents & Special Friends Day – additional information 

We are looking forward to welcoming your child’s grandparent or special friend to Wyvern House tomorrow.  

We thought it would be helpful to provide some additional information to share so they are aware of the order of events on the day. 

Session 1, for Years K-4, commences at 8.30am with registration and refreshments in the Cambridge Street playground. 

Session 2, for Years 5-6, commences at 11.00am, with registration and refreshments in the Cambridge Street playground. 

Following registration, guests will be ushered to the roof top for a special assembly and musical presentation, and then to your child’s classroom where they will share their learning.  

There is no need to be concerned about getting lost while at Wyvern, we have arranged for volunteer parents to assist guests during the morning. The volunteers will be here to help with registration, directions and even making a cup of tea or coffee. 

Parking will be available in surrounding streets, please be mindful of residents and do not park across driveways or in bus zones. There is no parking available in the Wyvern staff car park or at the ELC. Perhaps you could consider driving your child’s guest/s and dropping them at the front of the school. 

A reminder that all guests will be required to access areas of the school via stairs.  

Students must wear their greys to school tomorrow. Students in Years 3-6 should bring their sport uniform to change into after the event. Students in Years K-2 need to pack their sneakers if they have a timetabled PE lesson. 

Please contact the Wyvern Office if you require any additional information or have any concerns. 

Staffing Update

Farewell to Colleen Chan 

Colleen Chan, our Mathematics Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator, is embarking on a new adventure in Indonesia with her family. Colleen has been an invaluable part of the College for nine years, 3 years at Wyvern House, providing outstanding guidance and support to our students. Her passion for teaching and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact. Mrs Helen Loe, our Deputy of Learning and Teaching, will continue the whole school maths teaching, planning and development program. 

Important: Car Park Collection

For the safety of our students and consideration of the local residents, and Wyvern families, we ask parents and carers using the car park facility to join the queue for collection via Merchant and Liberty Streets only. This sensible procedure allows for the smooth flow of traffic for all parents and will help avoid traffic congestion. 

Newington LitFest – Writing Comp & Book Parade

The excitement is building for Newington’s 12th biennial Literature Festival. The event will take place in the second week of Term 2. 

The Writing Competition theme is ‘The Week of the Wyvern’, and we encourage all students to participate and showcase their creativity. Submissions are due by the end of Term 1, Friday 11 April 2025. More information about the competition can be found here. 

The Book Parade will be held on the morning of Friday 6 May. The theme is ‘Favourite Book Character’. Start thinking about your costume! More details can be found here. 

Cool Kids Club 

In Term 2, Wyvern House will be offering the Cool Kids program to selected student from Years 4-6. The club will run from 3.15pm – 4.15pm on Thursday afternoons commencing in the first week of Term 2. It will be co-ordinated by Mr. Sahil Sharma (School Psychologist) and Miss Elina Phamanivanh (Year 3 Classroom teacher).  

Cool Kids is a structured program that teaches children and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered in the program include: 

• Learning about anxiety 

• Learning to think realistically 

• Parenting an anxious child 

• Facing fears using stepladders and 

• Learning coping skills such as relaxation or problem solving. 

Please email Mr. Sahil Sharma (School Psychologist) or the Wyvern Front Office for further information about the club and how you can register an expression of interest. 

SRC Initiative to support Yuzakhil 

We are pleased to announce that the students raised $580.40 for our World Vision Sponsor Child, Yuzakhil. Thank you to all those who donated.  

Wyvern Sport News 

Read the latest news from our sports department here.  

Co-curricular Clubs – Semester 1, Term 2

The schedule for Semester 1 (Term 2) Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities has been published and can be found here.  

You will be able to register your child for the morning sport skill sessions via ‘Activity Selection’ which is available in the Parent Services menu in New Spaces. 

We are excited to announce that the Years 1-2 Artist Club is back. To submit an expression of interest for this club, students should submit an artwork to Ms Bolt before Friday 11 April.   

Enrolments for clubs managed by Wyvern Staff will roll over into Term 2. If your child is no longer able to participate in their activity next term, please advise the Wyvern Office as soon as possible, as there is a waiting list for most activities. 

Wyvern Easter Toy Drive

The front office is still accepting donations for this year’s Toy Drive for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Play Therapy Department. The deadline to donate has been extended to Thursday 10 April. More information and specific requests from the hospital as to the types of toys required can be found here.  

Easter at Wyvern

We warmly invite the Wyvern Community to join us on the final day of term, Friday 11 April, to celebrate the end of term and Easter. Further details can be found here. 

Chapel Thought  

As we journey through Lent toward Easter, let me offer this prayer which I shared in our Senior School Easter Chapel Service this week.  

Pastor Richard La’Brooy 

God of Easter, as we journey through Lent to the Cross and the Empty Tomb, we remember you. 

God of Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted Hosanna as you rode into Jerusalem. They proclaimed you King and they worshiped you. May we be people who strive for your Kingdom here on earth, may we challenge those powers that oppress and strive for places that empower.  

God of Palm Sunday, we remember you. 

God of Good Friday, on the cross they tortured you, they mocked you and left you to die. But you never stopped loving. In your death on the cross you transformed the cross into a symbol of your love. May we be people who show your never-ending love in all that we do. Help us transform those times of pain into times of your love.  

God of Good Friday, we remember you. 

God of Easter Sunday, on the third day you rose again, the tomb stands empty as a symbol of your never-ending power and plan. May we always remember the hope of the resurrection reminding us that your joy never ends, and your hope never fails.  

God of Easter Sunday, we remember you. 

God of Easter, you sustain us, and you support us. In this Easter season, may we know your love that never fails and your hope that never ends. 

Amen 

– Pastor Richard La’Brooy

Co-ed Scholarships for Year 5 2026 Now Open

Staff Profile

For this week’s staff profile we checked in with beloved Music Teacher and Director of Bands, Lachlan James.

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

A. Teaching is a collaborative profession. Particularly in the music department, I get to work with students in various settings, whether it’s in the rehearsal room, the classroom, or on the stage. Through these collaborative efforts, I can guide and support students as they explore their creativity, resulting in the creation of something entirely new and exciting. This process of collaboration and discovery is what makes teaching music such a fulfilling and exciting endeavour. 

Q. Which book, movie, or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why? 

A. I consider A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to be one of the greatest stories ever told. Whilst delivering a horrifying message about the worst of humanity, Dickens explores themes of redemption, kindness and social justice, all with intricate characters and perfect prose. Whether told through novella, theatre or Muppets, there is something to learn in this story for all of us, every one! 

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

A. Embrace curiosity and ask more questions. It is a privilege to be surrounded by so much expertise. So many of your teachers have great insight into many facets of the world, certainly more than you think. Engaging actively with your teachers can enrich your schooling experience and provide a deeper understanding of yourself and the world. 

Staff profile: College Leadership Group (CLG)

This week we are profiling Pascal Czerwenka, Associate Principal of Lindfield Preparatory School. Having served the school for many years, Pascal is the beating heart of our North Shore campus and an important part of our College Leadership Group.

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

A. The College Leadership Group is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the school while ensuring the vision and values of the College are reflected in every aspect of school life. We lead by example, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where students and staff are empowered to achieve their best. Our role involves supporting teaching excellence, promoting student wellbeing, engaging with families and the broader community, and ensuring the operational success of the school from Early Learning to Year 12.

Q. What do you think is the Newington difference?  

A. The Newington difference lies in our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and emotionally resilient. It’s a place where every student is seen, heard, and supported, and where diverse opportunities, whether in academics, sports, the arts, or service, allow each student to discover and develop their unique strengths. Our strong sense of community and focus on holistic education set us apart.

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

A. Something not many people know about me is my fascination with ants, especially bull ants. These incredible insects have amazing vision, powerful jaws, and a fierce determination that makes them one of nature’s most impressive creatures. I love learning about their behaviour and unique survival strategies!

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

A. I’d be most excited about the broad range of opportunities available, whether it’s participating in cutting-edge STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), playing sport on world-class facilities, or engaging in service learning. The chance to explore different passions while being part of a vibrant, supportive community is something truly special.

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

A. Inspiring. Inclusive. Courageous