Term 4, Week 4

7 November 2024

From the Deputy Headmaster

During this week’s assembly, our Senior Prefect Jasper S addressed students on the high standards we uphold here at Newington. He shared a letter, recently received by the Headmaster, regarding two students who were praised by a member of the public for their courteous behaviour on public transport.  

While commending these students for their respectful actions, Jasper reminded everyone that such behaviour is the standard expected of Newington students every day. In closing, Jasper stated ‘true character is not merely revealed in grand gestures, but actually in the quiet everyday moments when you choose to do what is right’. 

Sometimes the stories of a minority, doing the wrong thing, can detract from the bigger and better story of the majority, who turn up every day – doing the right thing. Challenging themselves to be courageous, to choose kindness, to be open-minded.   

As individuals, we don’t always get it right. My encouragement to our students is to consider their words and actions every day, to choose kindness every day, and, when a mistake is made, to apologise quickly and sincerely.   

It is the choices we make, daily, that will define who we are as individuals, and as a community.  

Junior Theatresports  

Congratulations to our Junior Theatresports team of Aiden P, Jasper F, Sam E, Ren C and William O who won their semi-final last night in the Impro Australia Interschools Challenge. We wish them all the best as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.

Sporting Success

This past weekend was packed with impressive performances across various sports. Our rowers had a strong GPS debut at the Sydney Grammar regatta, with multiple podium finishes and gold medals won by the 2nd VIII, the 1st Junior 8, and our 1st VIII placing second. Our Basketball and Tennis firsts and seconds claimed victories over a tough Joey’s side, while all our Water Polo senior teams came away with convincing wins.  Water Polo Captain Rob W has shared that the 1sts are on a mission to secure a ninth consecutive GPS premiership. 

Special recognition goes to Class of 2025 students Braith S, Jackson S and Bailey R, who represented Newington in the U17’s Koori Rugby League Knockout, helping the La Perouse Panthers win this significant cultural event. Meanwhile at the Waratahs versus Reds game on Sunday, Kden C, Keone A, Anakin R, Ofa L and Jarryd K showcased their talent, finishing with a hard-earned three-point lead. 

This week in GPS Summer Sport we are being hosted by St Ignatius College. Though the majority of teams will be away, there will still be plenty of action onsite across a range of different sports. 

Newington College Senior Play – The 39 Steps 

Our Senior Play The 39 Steps opens on Wednesday 13 November, running through to Saturday 16 November at the Duckmanton Drama Centre and final tickets are selling fast! Our Senior Leaders, First XVI and student body are all excited for what is shaping up to be an outstanding show – get your tickets here. 

Connection and conversations at Eungai Creek

It’s one of life’s sweet ironies that through distance comes re-connection, and Mr Mark Morrison, OAM and Director of Eungai Creek, believes it brings something else important too – gratitude. In this article Mark shares shares how our Year 9 students are bonding through outdoor immersion and embracing handwritten letters, which spark deep conversations and greater connections with parents and other students. Read more here.

Staff profile

In the coming weeks, we will be profiling a staff member from each of our different campuses. This week, we introduce you to Melissa Mitreski, Head of Whitaker House at our Stanmore Senior campus.

Q. What are some of the qualities that make a great teacher? 

A. A great teacher embodies patience, understanding, and most of all adaptability. A great teacher also creates an environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Their passion for the subject is also contagious, sparking a similar enthusiasm in their students. Great teachers are lifelong learners, always seeking new ways to improve and innovate in their teaching methods. For me, I get immense fulfillment from helping students grow (both in and outside of the classroom) and watching them succeed. 

Q. Which book, movie, or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why? 

A. There are so many great options, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This novel beautifully explores themes like identity, belonging, love, loss, and empowerment—things every young person can relate to at some point in their life. The story really resonated with me and offers a lot of valuable insights. 

Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school? 

A. I wish I had known the true value of resilience when I was a student. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by challenges and setbacks, whether it was struggling with a difficult subject or not performing as well as I had hoped on an assessment. Looking back, I realise that these moments were crucial for my growth, and I remind myself of this even as an adult. It’s important to understand that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and not a reflection of your abilities or potential. Embrace setbacks and roadblocks as opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow, as these are stepping-stones to success and character building.