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 Wyvern Music Concert for Years 3-6 and last Friday, our K-2 Music performance 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. 

Jane Wiseman will be away in Term 3 on Long Service Leave. We wish her a wonderful time away and look forward to welcoming her back in Term 4. We are very lucky to have Miss Grace McLean, to take over 2W whilst Jane is away.  

We would like to thank Mrs Jacqueline Wolf for keeping the very busy Wyvern Library running during Semester 1. We look forward to introducing our new librarian to the Wyvern community in the coming weeks. 

Wyvern Administrative Staff 

We would like to make special mention of our incredible administrative staff. Georgia Bowden, Rui Jia & Julie Parson who do a magnificent job. We would also like to thank Emma Cope for her work this semester in assisting the executive team and working throughout the school. They are across all parts of the school and are constantly organising, communicating and problem solving for the teachers, students and parents. 

 Reports & Learning Showcases 

The Semester 1 reports were published yesterday 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 Wyvern 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.  

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

K-2 Music Concert 

Congratulations to our talented K-2 students and teachers who performed in the ‘Dear Earth’ music concert last Friday!

We’re proud of each one of our young performers – what a marvelous way to celebrate music! 

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.  

Year 5 2026 Orientation Day  

On Friday 13 June we welcomed all incoming Year 5 2026 students, boys and girls, to a morning of activities designed for them to get to know the campus, staff and each other. The day began with students involved in an Amazing Race activity – where they had to undertake a series of challenges around the campus, whilst getting to know key areas and people they’ll connect with daily from 2026. After a quick recess break, students then engaged in a STEM and PDHPE activity where they worked collaboratively on a series of challenges, allowing them to get to know each other and enjoy some healthy competition.   

Our next Orientation morning will be held on Friday 29 August and will involve all current Year 4 students along with all incoming students. 

Thank you to all staff involved in preparing and running the day, along with our Wyvern Year 6 student leaders and our Year 4 helpers. 

Term 2 P&F Newsletter

It’s been a busy term from the Mother’s Day breakfast to the Combined Prep School Choir Workshop. Please click here to read the Term 2 P&F newsletter.

What’s Coming Up

ICAS Assessments 

Wyvern House will be participating in the 2025 ICAS competitions. Participation in these competitions is voluntary. ICAS provides an opportunity for students in Years 3 to 6 to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. For more information and how to register please click the button below. 

Semester 2 Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities   

The schedule for Semester 2 Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities was released earlier this week. Click here to read the article 
 
Please note, this is an expression of interest only in the activities managed by Wyvern Staff. You will be notified via the Co-Curricular tile in the Newington App during Week 1 if your child is participating in an activity during Semester 2. External companies (Chess, Public Speaking, Drama, Hip Hop & Code Camp) will communicate with you directly regarding their registration confirmation process. 
 
Student numbers for activities are limited. Spaces for activities managed by Wyvern staff are not allocated on a ‘first in’ basis. Where possible, we plan to give students the opportunity to participate in at least one activity each semester. Preference will be given to students that did not participate in the selected activity during Semester 1.

Vacation Care 

CommunityOSH have released their Winter school holiday program. See the link below for more information or to register. Please click here to see their program and to register. 

Holiday Art Program

Art programs will run on the first three days of the school holidays. For enquiries and bookings contact jacbolt@yahoo.com.au 

School Photos

School photos will take place in Week 2, on Thursday 31 July. Please keep an eye on spaces for more information to follow early in Term 3. 

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.