It’s been a fabulous first semester for our Prep schools, writes Mrs Meg Edwards, Preps Co-education Coordinator, who also chatted to some of our students to get their thoughts.

Term 2 was filled with opportunities, positive connections, and growth for our girls and boys at Newington Preps. The Combined Preps Year 5 Camp was a highlight as our students took on new encounters and strengthened friendships. Courage and kindness were on display as the children challenged themselves and their peers to step outside their comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

‘Now there are more opportunities to learn because boys and girls can collaborate and share new ideas.’

Joshua L

In sport, our Year 5 girls represented the College in netball for the first time and showed impressive growth across the season. A number of Newington girls were invited to trial for the IPSHA Girls Football Team, and our very own Pia S from Wyvern was selected as goalkeeper. The Combined Preps Athletics Carnival was an exciting opportunity for all our athletes to compete in a wide range of athletic events and represent their Houses with pride and enthusiasm.

A feature of the calendar in our Prep Schools each year is the annual Music Showcase. Wyvern House Prep and Lindfield Prep each performed brilliantly at their concerts and showed that all their hard work really does lead to something truly spectacular. It was especially meaningful this year as, for the first time, our music ensembles included girls and boys.

‘Music is the best here. There are also so many concerts that allow you to showcase musical talent or even just learn something new.’

Charlotte T

In Kindergarten, our students recently celebrated their 100th day of school. Their transition into co-educational classrooms has been supported by the engaging experiences many of them experienced as part of Newington ELC. This gave the girls and boys opportunities to build confidence in a nurturing environment, setting them up to be courageous learners as they joined Kindergarten and began their educational pathway with Newington College.

We are looking forward to Back to Newington Day on Saturday 15 August, a day always filled with fun and community spirit. During the day’s celebrations, Year 5 girls from Lindfield and Wyvern Preps will play a demonstration football match. Many of our students will be available at the Co-ed Information Stand to answer questions and discuss their experiences at Newington so far.

‘We have so many opportunities to do different things like the Da Vinci Decathlon and Extension Maths. There are lots of co-curricular activities at Newington, like swimming, art, and pickleball.’

Chloe M

We are excited to share the joy with our community, and below are some more thoughts from our students – both those who started in 2026 and others previously, about their experiences since the beginning of their school year.

‘This is the best school I’ve ever been to! I guess it’s because it focuses on teamwork and collaboration. We have programs to focus on that, like band, choir, and strings where we learn to play together. The teachers are so helpful and kind. They know us really well and so they know how to help us extend our knowledge.’ Esther Y

‘It’s awesome being co-ed now! I love having the diversity.’ Luca M

‘I love playing Saturday sport because we can work as a team and I get to see my friends for an extra day.’ Emily H

‘At Newington, the teachers really care about their students.’ Amanda C

‘Newington is the best place to make new friends; I have so many friends who I enjoy playing with at recess and lunch. I also absolutely love being able to participate in the Drama club after school, it is so fun and something that was not offered at my old school.’ Audrey D

‘The teachers really help me learn better here because they are better at explaining things. Newington is really inclusive, and it feels like if you play a game, no one says that you can’t play, everyone just gives positive vibes all of the time.’ Josie B

‘Newington is the best. I really like the teachers here; they are always nice and friendly, and they encourage us to keep going. I also really love the maths here … it is something that not everyone loves, but the teachers actually teach it so you love it and so they can help or extend you.’ Poppy Z

‘I really enjoy Saturday sport because I never got to do that at my old school. I love being part of the choir, too.’ Miley W

‘It’s really good for us to be a co-ed school because we get to experience what the real world looks like.’ Finley C

‘It’s a good chance to communicate with a more diverse group of people and it helps prepare us for later in life, like at university which is co-ed too.’ Joshua M

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Did you know?

• 52 girls started Kindergarten and Year 5 at our Wyvern House and Lindfield Prep campuses in 2026 alongside our Prep boys.
• Girls in Years 7 and 11 will join our Senior campus in 2028 and Newington College will become fully co-educational by 2033.
• To book a tour of our ELC, Preps or Senior school or to learn more about the opportunities available for your son or daughter at Newington College, follow the link here.

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