14 November 2024
From the Head of the ELC
Dear Families,
The ELC children have embraced Chapel time and Godly Play sessions with enthusiasm since its commencement in Term 3, with an air of reverence and calm.
Age-appropriately planned and implemented by Pastor La’Brooy, Chapel time and Godly Play sessions have been nurturing the children’s spiritual and pastoral wellbeing. The Christian teachings and values that are taught have built on the children’s sense of awe and wonder, instilling traits of empathy, compassion, kindness and resilience in ways that are meaningful and insightful for the ELC children.
A Message from Pastor Richard La’Brooy
I have been reflecting a lot recently on the enduring nature of hope. As we think about our own lives, the struggles that we may face in our own journey or even the ups and downs of life that we see played out in our communities and across the world, it is important to be reminded that hope endures no matter what.
As far back as Greek mythology and Pandora’s Box, there has always been an idea that no matter what may happen, hope remains. Our Christian faith also reminds us that, through God, we can always find hope. As we face individual challenges or look at issues facing the world, we must remind ourselves that God’s hope endures.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that in God we can find strength and a hope that endures. Our faith reminds us that no matter what, God is with us and sustains us in the good times and challenging times. And our faith reminds us that God loves us no matter what. As we face whatever comes our way, we can remember that God’s hope endures no matter what.
What’s Happening this Term
Orientation for 2025 Goanna and Eagle Classes
Current Possum Class children will have designated orientation time to play, explore and become familiar with the Eagle and Goanna classrooms throughout the term. These exploration times will provide opportunities for the children to become familiar with the environment that will potentially become their classrooms next year.
2025 Wyvern Kindergarten Children
Children enrolled in Wyvern Kindergarten in 2025 will attend their second Kindy class visit at Wyvern on Thursday 28 November from 9.00am-10.00am. The ELC teachers will accompany the children to Wyvern.
Service Learning – The Gift of Giving
Greeting Card Purchases
Thank you for supporting this wonderful initiative. All proceeds raised will go towards sponsorship of a child through World Vision.
Anglicare ‘Toys n Tucker’
Thank you for taking part and thoughtfully filling our donation boxes to support those living in poverty.
End of Year Luncheon
On Wednesday 4 December, from 12.00pm-1.00pm, the ELC children and educators will gather for a special End of Year Luncheon to celebrate and conclude the fabulous year they have had together.
We request that children come to ELC without packed lunches on the day as lunch will be provided. They will be served chargrilled chicken, baked vegetables and potato wedges/chips. If you do not wish for your child to have this meal, please inform us in writing and ensure your child has a home-packed lunch on the day.
ELC Learning Celebration
Date:
- Friday 29 November
The Program:
- 2.00pm: Music Showcase (Goanna & Eagle class parents only)
- 2.40pm: Learning Exhibition (All ELC families)
- 3.00pm-4.30pm: ELC Community Gathering (All ELC families)
Important planning
- Goanna & Eagle class families: Sign out children on arrival for the Music Showcase
- Possum class families: Arrive by 2.40pm and sign out children on arrival for the Learning Exhibition
- Possum class (three-day attendees): If your child is a three-day attendee, we kindly ask that you attend this event with your child, arriving by 2.40pm. We thank you in advance for your time and effort to do this and join our ELC community gathering.
Child Safeguarding Hub
Student safety and wellbeing continue to be at the centre of everything we do. They have a right to feel safe and be safe. Their wellbeing is our most fundamental concern and as a Child Safe Organisation, we are dedicated to this criterion.
To enhance Child Safeguarding at Newington, in September 2022, we established a Child Safeguarding Committee to oversee the development and monitoring of systems, policies and process that implement the child safe standards.
Chaired by Andy Quinane, the Committee is comprised of key staff members integral to Child Safeguarding at Newington. The Committee manages several Child Safeguarding initiatives and engages external experts to advise on best practice on various aspects of child safeguarding, including safe recruitment, student voice, engaging parents, staff training and risk management.
One of the initiatives Newington’s Child Safeguarding Committee has been working on is the Child Safeguarding Hub, a unique and innovative resource that puts the College at the forefront in its commitment to student safety. We are excited to let you know that this hub is now live here on New Spaces and contains valuable resources and tools for parents and carers.
To find the parent hub on New Spaces head to:
New Spaces > Parent Services > Child Safeguarding for Parents and Carers
Meet the Educators at Newington College
We have some incredible staff working at Newington so we’ve been working on a video series to showcase some of these exceptional educators and their areas of expertise.
This, our first, features our Headmaster Michael Parker, a born teacher and lifelong learner, who shares why he is so passionate about education and why he loves taking the English classes he still does every week.
ELC Email Address
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at elc@newington.nsw.edu.au and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
Ms Sharon Lee
Head of Early Learning Centre
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 one of our very own, Zoe Kang!
Q. What are some of the qualities that make a great teacher?
A. Empathy, fairness, respect, passion for teaching and patience. A great teacher who is not only an instructor but a mentor, role model and supporter, who will leave a positive impact on students’ lives and inspire them to pursue their potential with confidence.
Q. What was your favourite subject in school when you were a student, and did you ever struggle with a subject yourself?
A. My favourite subject in school was Chinese language. It’s such a rich and fascinating language, with its own unique structure, characters and cultural depth. I did struggle with physics at times.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school?
A. Everyone learns at their own pace and has their own strengths and challenges. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, focus on your own progress and growth.
