Whether you are a returning or a new Newington student and family, these top 10 hacks pulled together by our wellbeing and administrations teams will help ensure your family’s first few weeks at the College are as seamless and stress free as possible #newschool year
Establish new routines: practice your new morning and evening routines for the next few weeks, including adjusting your bedtime. Take care of yourself and prioritise sleep and eating well as you ease into the new school year.
Understand nerves: everyone feels nervous sometimes: even those who may appear confident, often feel nervous or unsure on the inside.
Ask questions: if you don’t know, chances are many others don’t either, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from a teacher or students if you are lost or confused.
Be kind: a simple smile or hello can make someone else’s day better, especially if that person is feeling anxious or unsure of things. Importantly, always be yourself; you don’t have to impress anyone. Authenticity helps build long-term relationships.
Listen more than you talk: be open-minded and open to learning new things. Get to know new people by listening to their holiday adventures or struggles and how they are feeling about returning to school. We all have strengths that we can rely on and share to help others.
Don’t stress about new friends immediately: making friends takes time and requires consistent, small efforts like smiling, asking questions, joining activities, and being a good listener. Building trust and connection is a gradual process of showing interest and being dependable. Focus on finding things you have in common with different students, starting with simple conversations and allowing awkward moments to happen. This is a natural process in any new friendship.
Get to know who your support people/adults are: your Head of House and Mentor are always here for you and are your first point of call. Also, visit the College’s Health Centre and Counselling Centre so you know where you can seek help if required.
Keep a hold of your things: there is a lot to learn and a lot to take in during the first weeks back, whether you are a seasoned student or have just walked through our front gates for your first day. Lost Property at our Senior campus is located in Centenary Hall, where our General Duties Officers, Mr Carroll and Mr Tunica, can help.
Get organised: print off copies of your timetable and tape one inside your locker in your Home Room. Keep the other with your laptop. If you are a returning Senior student, and have misplaced your Student Card, please visit ICT during recess or lunch to order a replacement. ICT is on Floor 2 in the Founders Building. If you are in Year 12 and are driving to school, please hand your signed Permission to Drive form to Ms Forgan in Student Services, Ground Floor, Founders Building.
Enjoy! We are a kind, caring, courageous College and we are thrilled that you and your family are now part of our Newington community. Please know our entire teaching and operational staff is here to make your educational journey a happy, purposeful, and rewarding one.
