At Newington the concept of belonging is more than just a buzz word – it’s the foundation of our thriving College. 

 Last week at Lindfield we celebrated one of the highlights of our school social calendar… our biannual International Market. A wonderful evening of multicultural food, stalls, performance and colour, the International Market is a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate our diversity and strong sense of engagement and belonging.  

Belonging is crucial for children and young adults. It fosters emotional wellbeing, enhances learning outcomes and promotes positive social interactions. At Newington our focus on belonging includes but is not limited to House systems, buddy relationships across year levels, opportunities for student voice and agency, school and community events and learning showcases to promote effort and achievement.  

Having a healthy sense of belonging means that students feel accepted, valued and part of their school community. When students sense that they are a part of something larger than themselves, they are more likely to engage fully in their education and develop a positive attitude toward school. This sense of inclusion helps mitigate feelings of anxiety and isolation, which can be particularly pronounced in young learners who are still developing their social skills and self-esteem. When students feel secure and supported, they are more motivated to participate in class activities, take risks in their learning and persevere through challenges.  

 Belonging also encourages a collaborative learning environment. Across our four Newington campuses, there is a genuine environment of connectivity, where students are more inclined to support one another, share ideas and work together on learning tasks. This collective effort can lead to a more dynamic and enriching educational experience. This is evident daily at Lindfield where we follow the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). This globally recognised curriculum is a student-centred approach to education. It reflects the educational research and thought leadership derived from IB World Schools such as our Newington senior school campus at Stanmore. and empowers our students with the ability to respond to the ever-changing challenges and opportunities of this fast-moving world. 

This strong sense of belonging, or ‘finding your tribe’ in turn promotes positive social behaviour.  At Lindfield and across our other Stanmore Prep campus, our Early Learning Centre and our senior Stanmore campus, Newington students build strong, respectful relationships with their peers and teachers. This supportive atmosphere increases pro-social behaviour and fosters a sense of community where students look out for one another.  

By learning to value diversity and inclusivity from an early age and right throughout their educational pathways with us, Newington students are better prepared to navigate and contribute positively to a diverse society.  

*This is an edited version of an article that appears in the current issue of our school magazine, The NC here.