17 October 2024
From the Deputy Headmaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Term 4! I trust that all students and their families had an opportunity to reconnect and recharge in preparation for our final term of 2024.
While many students took advantage of the time to rest, our Class of 2024 were hard at work over the break, studying for their HSC and IB examinations. It was fantastic to see so many students attending workshops and revising in the Library and Senior Study Centre. We are so proud of the achievements of this cohort, with a healthy number of early entry offers in their back pockets and numerous HSC Showcase nominations announced over the past few weeks.
Their hard work has certainly paid off so far, with our HSC English Advanced students still smiling after the first two examinations earlier this week. We wish all our Year 12 students the very best throughout this examination period, with our IB students set to commence their exams on Monday.
Over the break, we also had several Years 7–11 students and staff engaged in a range of activities. Our incoming New Challenge leaders spent a weekend at Murramarang National Park developing their interpersonal, survival, safety and leadership skills. We congratulate these students and look forward to seeing their skills in action this term.
Four Year 10 students and two staff departed last week for the 60th International Model European Parliament (iMEP) in Greece. The birthplace of democracy provides the perfect backdrop for the convention, where young minds from across Europe and beyond come together to debate and collaborate across various topics such as AI, rising house prices and climate change. We look forward to sharing more about their exciting week upon their return.
This Saturday, the College will be hosting Scots College in the first round of the GPS Summer Season, and many students have been training hard throughout the break in preparation. After an intensive camp, our basketballers competed in tournaments at Knox and Barker in the Opens, U15s and U14s age groups, followed by the 1sts and 2nds squads participating in the Raschke Cup and Yeend Shield. The Water Polo program held training camps for all age groups before the Senior Squad and 16As participated in the Thomas Whalan Cup, finishing 2nd overall. Our Cricket senior squad played trial matches against visiting schools from Canberra and New Zealand. Finally, our Rowing program held a variety of training sessions and camps at the Newington Boatshed and the Nepean Rowing Club as they prepared for their first regatta midway through Term 4. We wish all our teams good luck for the Summer Season!
Our first assembly for the term focused on leadership. In his address, Acting Headmaster Mr Quinane, remarked that true leadership lies in authenticity, gratitude and humbleness, in the ability to inspire others to do more and ensure those around you feel valued. In a heartfelt speech, our 2025 Senior Prefect, Jasper See, reflected on the spirit of the Newington community as he introduced the 2025 motto – ‘new connections, new culture, new identity’. He reminded all students that it is the collective that defines what we want the College to be and encouraged students to consider how we contribute to a legacy that spans 162 years.
To finish where we started, our Year 12. But now, the class of 2025. They, along with their Heads of House and Mentors, ventured off for the Year 12 retreat yesterday morning. The students are participating in the series of sessions that encourage them to speak openly and thoughtfully, reflecting on their individual journeys and exploring how these experiences have shaped their identities and future aspirations. I look forward to witnessing their growth and collective leadership over the next 12 months.
What’s Happening This Week
Upcoming Events
Parents
& Community
- Year 8 Parent Social
Thursday 24 October from 7.00pm.
More info on New Spaces - Basketball Trivia Night
Saturday 26 October from 7.00pm.
More info on New Spaces - Term 4 P&F General Meeting
Wednesday 6 November from 6.30pm.
More info on New Spaces - Tennis Parent/Guardian & Son Tennis Tournament
Sunday 10 November from 9.00am.
Tickets on sale Friday! - NCRA Christmas Party
Friday 29 November from 6.30pm.
More info on New Spaces