Term 2, Week 9

26 June 2025

From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC

End of Term  

The end of term is an excellent time to reflect on the work that has been put in by all members of our community this semester. Our community and culture are strong due to the efforts of each student, each parent and each teacher. Collectively, we create a wonderful learning environment for the children in our school. Our community embodies our Newington values of kindness, care and courage.  

This term, the school community celebrated our Mother’s Day Breakfast, Reconciliation Week, the Lindfield Music Concert and last Friday, our Min-Olympics as well as many other exciting events and school occasions. We would like to thank all the people in our community who work so tirelessly for the school. We really appreciate the work you do and your efforts on behalf of our students and their learning. 

Lindfield Administrative Staff 

We would like to make special mention of our incredible administrative staff, Sophie Lappin and Amy Dillon who do a magnificent job. They are across all parts of the school and are constantly organising, communicating and problem solving for the teachers, students and parents. 

What Happened This Week

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.

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

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics’ carnival on Wednesday was a great day to build community and challenge ourselves in different track and field events. Our students performed strongly and there were some fantastic individual performances. It was pleasing to see all our students giving their all in the many events and achieving and bettering their own personal bests. All students and staff had a great time out at the State Sports Centre.  

Thanks to all the teachers who oversaw such a successful day. It was great to see the parent support and everyone is looking forward to doing it all again next year. Thanks to Joel Wilson and Hugh Brown for all their organization and leadership to make this day run so smoothly. 

Reports & Learning Showcases

The Semester 1 reports have been published and are available to download from New Spaces. The reports will give input into the progress of your child in all areas of his learning and highlight the next steps in their learning journey. This semester we welcomed parents and carers into the classrooms for our Lindfield Learning Showcases.

It was great to watch the students confidently and proudly share their learning and discuss the work with their parents. These events give insight into students’ thinking and understanding and stimulate important conversations about their learning. Reports, Learning Showcases, Reporting Interviews (3–6) and the Parent Teacher Interviews combine to provide valuable insight into your child’s learning.

Sports Update – Round 7 and Spirit Awards

What an amazing way to end the term with a Super Saturday at Koola Park!
With over 9 football games and 40 Rugby 7s matches, Koola Park was alive with energy and school spirit.

Our footballers kicked off the morning with some fantastic team performances, including a 1–0 win by the Senior Black team. Year 4 Black and Year 3 White also secured strong victories, 4–0 and 3–2 respectively. Year 4 White played in a high-scoring 4–4 draw.

In AFL, our team had a dominant performance against Riverview, winning 97–21. It was great to see the boys learning to play in different positions under the guidance of coaches Wilem Smit and Cameron Parr.

The Rugby 7s program saw excellent teamwork, with players stepping up to play multiple games in support of their teammates. Our Year 6 team continued their strong form, scoring some brilliant team tries.

A big thank you to all our students and parents for a fantastic term of sport. We look forward to our Round 8 fixtures in Week 1 of Term 3.

Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Round 7 Spirit Awards:

The Week that Was – Week 8 and 9

Bus Transport – Term 3 Bus Passes

If your child catches the Annandale or Seaforth before school and after school bus, and you purchase a term pass, please ensure payments are made prior the commencement of Term 3. 

Payment link – Online Payments – Newington College.

What’s Coming Up

Special Mini Olympics – Friday 27 June 

Our much-loved Special Mini Olympics will take place tomorrow, on the last day of term, Friday 27 June. Year 6 students will set up a variety of fun and inclusive sporting challenges around the school, with all year groups joining in the action. 

We’re also thrilled to welcome Special Olympics athletes and participants to Lindfield. They’ll be sharing their inspiring stories, showcasing their talents, and joining students at each station to take part in the challenges. 

Adding to the celebration, the College will be providing a sausage sizzle lunch for all students, with huge thanks to our Year 6 parent volunteers who will be cooking and serving on the day. 

Let’s keep the momentum going and make this year another one to remember! To date we have raised over $7,500 and we’re looking forward to this number climbing as students complete their service at home and return their Service Learning Sponsorship Books to school. When the log is returned, please ensure that each student’s donation is recorded on our Special Olympics donation page by making the donation directly.  

My Mind Check Update

Students who had consent, recently completed a wellbeing check-in with My Mind Check, where they responded to questions about their mental health and wellbeing. Their outcomes reflect how they felt on the day of the check-in.

It is important to remember that My Mind Check does not diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, the check-in was a valuable opportunity for your child to thoughtfully reflect on various aspects of their mental health and wellbeing and share their feelings with us. Our teachers and Wellbeing team use this information, together with our School Culture Survey and other data that is collected throughout the year, to support students in this space.

We will be sending home details about your son’s check-in early next term.

Expanding Our Library for a Co-educational Future

Earlier this year, as part of our transition to coeducation, we conducted a thorough audit of our primary school library collection. This review ensured that our resources remain valuable, engaging, and inclusive for all current students and those who will join us in the future.

We are pleased to share that our existing collection was found to be highly appropriate and well-aligned with the needs and interests of our students. However, we also saw this as a wonderful opportunity to further enrich our offerings. As a result, we have purchased a wide range of new books to reflect the diverse experiences, voices, and interests of our growing student body.

We look forward to seeing our students discover and enjoy these exciting additions to their library.

P&F Update – New Basketball Court Surface Opening

Tomorrow, as part of our Mini Special Olympics we will be officially opening our new Primary Basketball Court Surface, in time for our Special Mini Olympics basketball game.

We greatly appreciate the support of both the Lindfield P&F and the Newington Foundation who generously funded this initiative.

The sense of community is strong at our school and is evident through the work of our P&F.

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 

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.