26 June 2025
From the Head of the ELC
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the vibrant and rewarding journey our ELC children have shared in Term 2. The term has been filled with rich learning experiences that have sparked curiosity, nurtured growth, and deepened friendships. We have watched with pride as the children confidently explored their world, embraced new challenges, and continued to build on their strong sense of self and belonging within our ELC community.
With the end of term upon us, we are delighted to shift into a more relaxed pace with our holiday program—a time for joyful exploration, spontaneous creativity, and meaningful moments in a more leisurely setting. We will continue to share these experiences with you through Storypark, where you can stay connected with your child’s engagement with the fun-filled activities we offer. The ELC Holiday Program is available at the front desk.
To those families heading off on special getaways during the break, we wish you safe travels and enjoyable, memorable family time! We hope to see you back, refreshed and recharged for an exciting and enriching Term 3 ahead.
Please also be reminded of several key dates below:
- ELC Holiday Program: Monday 7 July – Friday 18 July
- ELC Staff Development Day: Monday 21 July (ELC will be closed)
- ELC Father’s Day Breakfast: Wednesday 3 and Thursday 3 September
- Back to Newington Day: Saturday 16 August
What’s Happening This Term
Chapel Thought
This term in Chapel we have been focusing on the concept of the all-inclusive love of God. We’ve reflected on the idea that God loves each of us, just as we are, without any clauses or conditions. Our call as people of faith is to do the same, to show that same inclusive love and care to those we meet.
As we’ve reflected on this concept, we’ve used the image of the Good Shepherd to guide us. This image, taken from John 10:1-5 and Psalm 23, reminds us that God is like a loving Shepherd caring for each of us, God’s sheep. These passages remind us of God’s care in the good times of life and God’s protection in those times when we struggle or face challenges.
As we look at the world around us, it can be easy to feel concerned or disheartened. But this image of God as the Good Shepherd gives us comfort and hope, particularly at times like this. Psalm 23, perhaps the most famous passage of scripture, includes these words, ‘even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil for you are with me’. These are words of deep comfort as we face both personal struggles as well as concerns in the broader community. The Psalm finishes with the words ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life’. It reminds us that no matter what, God loves us and desires goodness for us and for humanity. May these words give us hope in our daily lives.
I hope everyone in our Newington community has a safe and happy holiday break.
– Pastor Richard La’Brooy
Headmaster’s End of Term Video – Term 2, 2025
The End of Term video is now available. Join Headmaster Michael Parker as he recounts an exciting second term of 2025.
From RockFest and House Singing to National Reconciliation Week and ANZAC Day, there has been a lot happening across the College community.
To learn about these highlights (and much more!), click the video below.
Newington Lindfield Holiday Camps
This July, keep your kids active and inspired with three exciting camps at Newington College’s Lindfield Campus.
Open to both girls and boys, these camps offer expert coaching and hands-on learning for a fun-filled and enriching holiday experience. Whether it’s Netball, Futsal or the creative Code Camp, there’s something for every child’s interest.
Make a lasting impact
As we approach 30 June, the Newington Foundation is asking for our help. Your tax-deductible gift will ensure that more students can benefit from a Newington education through the Chris Wild Indigenous Scholarship.
Every donation, large or small, makes a lasting difference. Your generosity will be carefully invested to support students for generations to come.
Co-ed Scholarships for Year 5, 2027
We are excited to announce that co-ed scholarships for girls and boys entering Year 5 in 2027 are now open and close Friday 4 July 2025. These scholarships are in addition to the extensive program already available across academic, co-curricular, sporting and boarding in the Senior School and are open to current and new families.
To find out more and to apply, click below or email our Admissions team.
Staff Profile
This week we chatted to Classroom Teacher Max Harmanis. He completed his Graduate Teaching Internship at Wyvern House before joining this year as a Year 6 Classroom Teacher. Mr Harmanis’ positive relationships with students and staff have made him a valued member of the community.
Q. What is one of your best memories of being a student?
A. School camps for me were always a highlight, bonding over challenging activities and sharing stories by the campfire.
Q. If you weren’t a teacher, what other career would you imagine yourself in?
A. I would love to have been a play-by-play sports commentator.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school?
A. Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.
