22 May 2025
From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC
Mothers as role models for our students
So as the glow of the Mother’s Day season is in our rear-view mirror, it is important to reflect on the important role mothers play in developing the next generation of men and women.
In literature and the mainstream media, you often hear about the importance of fathers as role models for sons when, in reality mothers are equally important role models for boys. I would argue that good role models, male and female, are important for all children so that they see what positive, healthy and respectful interactions look like.
A mother’s relationship is vitally important for boys in their development. Mothers are the barometer for the way boys learn to interact with the world around them from the moment they are born. The relationship and guidance a mother provides her son is probably one of the most important indicators of how he will later interact with female friends, colleagues and partners. Mothers are a role model, guide and teacher.
Mothers need to draw a line in the sand around the behaviours that they are willing to accept from their children. In an age of entitlement and expectation, every relationship needs to be based on high expectations for respectful interactions and service. Yes – boys and girls should also be expected to contribute around the house, doing all the household jobs. The expectations need to be set high and children need to realise that they are part of a team and everyone (including fathers) work together to get the household jobs done.
Taurana Burke, who started the Me Too movement feels that positive changes are happening on a societal level. She is optimistic that this change is not going to dissipate or run out of steam. She said, ‘When a light goes on and shows you something, you can never un-see it.’
She does say ‘Behaviour does not happen in a vacuum, it happens because society creates space for this to happen. The real issue is that out there, there is a little boy being socialised to disrespect women, to not respect other peoples’ bodies or to think he is better because he is a male.’
As parents and as a community, we want to model positive, respectful interactions where we value all people equally and treat them as such. This is where we all need to focus because we want to grow the next generation of young people to be better than before.
Mothers and fathers everywhere have the opportunity to make sure that their children interact with them in ways that are respectful and kind.
What Happened This Week
National Stimulus Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.
Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
Lindfield Music Concert – Thursday 29 May 2025
The annual Lindfield Music Concert is the highlight of the music program at Lindfield. It involves all Lindfield boys and preparations for this event are going extremely well. They have been working through the various items with Vanessa South, music staff, class teachers and specialist teachers, in anticipation of this fabulous evening.
The Lindfield Music Concert will take place next week, in Centenary Hall at the Stanmore campus on Thursday 29 May 2025. Students are expected at Stanmore at 5.30pm for the concert to begin at 6.00pm. It is expected that the concert will be concluded between 7.30pm and 8.00pm.
Parents are asked to bring their sons to and from the concert and family and friends are invited to attend the concert.
There will also be a rehearsal (students only) at the Stanmore campus during the day with boys leaving the Lindfield campus at 8.30am and travelling by bus to Stanmore. If students are performing with instruments, they will need to ensure that these are at school for the Thursday rehearsal.
Please refer to Consent2Go which provides all details and your consent for your child to attend this event.
Senior School Co-Education Parent Information Evening
We are delighted to invite families of future senior girl enrolments to an information evening at our Stanmore Senior school campus.
Building on our move to co-education in our Prep K-6 campuses from 2026, co-education will commence at our Senior School in Years 7 and 11 from 2028.
You will receive information about the College’s co-education journey and hear from our Headmaster Mr Michael Parker, and our Director of Co-education Ms Brigid Taylor.
Parent Learning Series: Boys, Girls, Brains & Behaviour with Justin Coulson
Newington College warmly invites all our parents, and families outside our community, to an evening with Dr Justin Coulson on Thursday 5 June in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre, starting at 5.30pm with refreshments.
Stereotypes about boys and girls have been around for centuries. We all grew up learning that girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks, girls wear pink and boys wear blue, girls are good at reading and boys are good at maths, boys are active and use their bodies, but girls prefer to be sedentary and talk lots.
Despite the supposed gender revolution, boys and girls really do seem to be different. They relate to others differently, develop differently, play differently, receive diagnoses differently, experience mental health challenges differently, and more.
In this science-based presentation, Dr Justin Coulson unpacks brain, behaviour, and gender myths, truths, and rumours to help parents work with their children to uncover their strengths, build motivation, and maximise their resilience and wellbeing.
Service Learning
As part of our Service-Learning program, our annual Special Mini Olympics raises much-needed funds for Special Olympics Australia.
Students have been given their fundraising booklet and we welcome your support, appreciate the involvement of our parent body and look forward to exceeding last year’s outstanding effort for Special Olympics Australia.
This year all donations are made directly to Special Olympics Australia via the link below.
Special Olympics Australia : 2025 Newington College Mini Olympics
Chapel Thought
At Newington, a key emphasis of our Chaplaincy programs is inspiring students, and our wider community, to make a positive difference in the world. If we are people who explore Faith deeply and know the all-inclusive love of God, then what follows is taking action to make the world a better place. Faith is not meant to be solely a personal experience; it is meant to be done in community. Similarly, it can’t simply be passive, there must be action that follows a commitment to faith.
Following Christ means being committed to making the world a better place. Inspired by his lead and his teachings, we have to ask ourselves what we can do to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. How might we follow his commitment to care for each other in our daily living.
Our Chaplaincy programs are deeply connected with the exploration of care for each other and the world. From the simple consideration of ‘who is my neighbour’ (Luke 10:25-37) at the youngest level through to hands on service learning experiences our Faith programs always encourage students to reflect on how they might put these teachings into action. As we continue to explore Faith in our own lives, may we be inspired to reflect on what we might do to make a positive difference in the world.
– Pastor Richard La’Brooy
Round 3 of Sport and Spirit Awards
Round 3 featured some outstanding performances across all sports, with our Rugby 7s teams leading the way. The students in black and white proudly demonstrated the Lindfield Sporting Values both on and off the field.
The Senior Black Football team delivered a fantastic all-round performance, highlighted by three exceptional team goals showcasing their cohesion and teamwork.
Our Senior AFL team faced Wyvern House in an exciting Newington campus showdown. Both teams played with spirit and teamwork, resulting in some impressive goals and a great shared experience for all involved.
In the Rugby 7s, our teams thrived despite the wet conditions at Koola Park. Boys were sliding across the pitches with enthusiasm, and the Year 5 team thrilled the crowd with several brilliant team tries—leaving smiles on everyone’s faces.
Looking ahead, on Saturday 31 May, IPSHA schools will be recognising Indigenous culture by wearing Indigenous jerseys. Selected Lindfield teams will be participating – stay tuned for next week’s New Spaces post to find out which teams will be wearing them.
As the Winter Season continues, please note that fixture and team changes may occur. With rain forecast this week, we encourage all families to stay informed by checking the Lindfield Sports page and App for updates or cancellations.
We look forward to another weekend of sport, with our students continuing to represent Lindfield with pride, teamwork, and respect.
Hugh Brown
PDHPE Teacher/ Sportmaster (Lindfield)
ICT Help for Parents
To assist all families in navigating New Spaces please refer to this comprehensive article with relevant links.
2025 Lindfield Calendar and Term Dates
*Subject to change
The 2025 dates have been published on New Spaces and can be found here on New Spaces. Please ensure you check this Calendar regularly for any additional events and changes.
Staff Profile
This week we chatted to ELC Teacher Heidi Chae. A beloved member of our ELC faculty, Heidi is the favourite of many, thanks to her warm demeanour and creativity.
Q. Did you have a favourite teacher growing up, and why?
A. Yes! I had two favourite teachers growing up. The first was Mr. McDonald, who taught me in Years 5–6. I put my hand up for everything in primary school, whether it was band, sport, or drama, but sport was my favourite by far. He incorporated a lot of movement-based activities into the classroom to make boring tasks, fun – like having the whole class stand up and throw a ball around while reciting the times tables.
My second favourite teacher was my modern history teacher in high school. I feel horrible for forgetting her name, but she was the best. I had never felt so moved in a class as I did when learning about World War II. She was incredibly passionate about what she taught and always thought-provoking. She constantly reiterated the importance of learning our history and understanding its lessons because if we don’t, history will repeat itself. Her words have stuck with me ever since, and I’ve loved watching movies and reading books from that era!
Q. Which book, movie, or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why?
A. When age-appropriate, the HBO TV series Band of Brothers. It’s just so good! You’ll have to watch it yourself to see why.
Staff Profile: College Leadership Group
This week we are profiling Andrew Thompson, who, as Associate Principal of Wyvern, is a crucial part of our College Leadership Group. Known for his passion for the South African Rugby team and great sense of humour, Andrew displays true leadership every day on the Wyvern campus.
Q. What do you think is the ‘Newington difference?’
A. The ‘Newington difference’ includes a holistic education that balances academics, personal development, and cocurricular activities. Newington fosters a strong, inclusive community and emphasizes leadership and character building. The school blends tradition with innovation to prepare students for the future.
Q. If you were a student at Newington today, what would you be most excited about?
A. If I were a Newington student today, I’d be most excited about the diverse opportunities in academic, sports, arts, cocurricular and leadership activities. In addition to this, developing long lasting friendships and having a sense of belonging for life.
Q. If you could describe Newington College in three words, what would they be?
A. Inclusive, engaging, inspiring.
