30 January 2025
From the Deputy Headmaster
Welcome to Term 1, 2025.
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful break over the summer and are feeling ready for the exciting year ahead.
It has been lovely to see our students back on campus, and I want to offer a special welcome to all new families joining us in Years 7–12. Walking back onto campus after a break always brings both a sense of gratitude and the recognition that we are all privileged to learn and work in such a beautiful environment. We hope you are already feeling part of the vibrant Newington community. I look forward to connecting with you more at the upcoming events such as Parent Coffee mornings, the Welcome Cocktail Evening, or at our weekly sport fixtures which begin this Saturday.
As we begin Term 1, I would like to share some of our co-curricular achievements from the summer break. One of the great things about being part of a school like Newington is that our students have enormous opportunities to be involved in a myriad of activities like camps and overseas tours. We are very grateful to all staff who so willingly gave their time to lead and organise these activities.
Our seven French language students embarked on language exchanges in Saint Vincent De Senlis, immersing themselves in French culture and language. Our Water polo 1sts competed in the Trans-Tasman Tournament in New Zealand achieving an impressive second place. Our senior rowers trained and raced in Tasmania and Taree, and went to Barwon for a regatta. Our basketballers also had an exciting summer, touring Texas and Louisiana. They played well, gained attention from college scouts and enjoyed some downtime visiting NBA games and landmarks like NASA. In partnership with MLC School, 17 Newington students led by Mr Dickens and Ms Wickenden participated in the Sony Foundation Camp, a wonderful service learning initiative that provided our students with the unique opportunity to care for children with additional needs over a four-day, three-night period. Last week, some of our cricketers travelled to Adelaide to compete to play against Prince Alfred College and Wesley College. The tour provided an invaluable experience for our students, allowing them to sharpen their skills, adapt to different playing conditions and build strong team camaraderie.
The Nepal trip was a three-week tour that immersed students in nature, culture and a different way of life. Starting in Kathmandu, the group visited important cultural sites including the Pashupati World Heritage Site, Buddhist Stupas and Tiliganga Eye Hospital. Following this they carried out a service project helping construct new accommodation at a rural monastery for four days. They then embarked on a 10-day hike, reaching the city of Namche Bazar in snow, the gateway to the Himalayan ranges, at an altitude of just over 3500m. After a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu the group experienced a Hindu festival atmosphere in Bhaktapur before heading home.
The cast, crew and production team of the 2025 Newington Musical – Catch Me if You Can have had an early start to the year with an intensive week of rehearsals in the Drama Centre. It has been truly inspiring to witness the hard work, commitment and talent on display. Based on the hit film starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo Di Caprio, the production will run from Wednesday 12 until Saturday 15 March. Keep your eyes peeled for ticket information coming soon.
I would like to say thank you to all staff involved for their time and dedication during the summer break in delivering these wonderful opportunities for our students.
Our first Year 9 cohort is going to Eungai Creek in just a few days. We are proud of these pioneers and trust they will have a rewarding and life-shaping experience. We look forward to their stories and learnings when they return to the Stanmore campus at the end of Term 1. As an entire College, we are also grateful for the Eungai Creek staff under the leadership and guidance of Mr Mark Morrison OAM. Over the years, they have worked tirelessly and carefully to design an immersion program to do the vision justice. We wish everyone involved all the very best as they board the train for Eungai Creek on Monday 3 February.
As we begin a new academic year, it is important to be reminded that starting the year with good habits can make a difference to students’ overall performance and wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom. Our students will have heard this message reinforced at ‘Meet the Mentor’ sessions and House meetings this week. We ask for your help and assistance in this shared endeavour and as we partner in providing the best educational outcomes for your sons.
Good luck to our teams this weekend as we continue our summer season.
I look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead.

Enrolments are now open for 2026 and 2027
We are accepting girls into Kindergarten and Year 5 from 2026 at our Lindfield and Stanmore Prep campuses, and Year 7 and Year 11 at our Senior campus in Stanmore from 2028.
If you are interested in enrolling your daughter, please call our Admissions team on 02) 9568 9333

Lunar New Year Celebration Day stall
Come say ‘hi’ to Newington College at the Lunar New Year Celebration Day stall!
We’re excited to be part of this year’s Lunar New Year Celebration Day at Chatswood. On Saturday 1 February at Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, Newington College will have a stall at the festival, and we’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and learn more about what we offer.
Whether you’re a current Newington family wanting to know more about co-education, or have friends or family who may be curious about our school, come pay us a visit. We’ll be there to chat about all things Newington and the exciting co-education opportunities available at our Lindfield campus from 2026.
New Spaces: Best Use and Settings
The New Spaces platform is integral in keeping our community informed, connected and well-coordinated, ensuring smooth and effective communication across all levels.
To best utilise the platform and ensure you have received all communications please visit the Parent ICT Guide page. We have recently added several content pieces to guide your understanding including an overview webinar, ‘New Spaces overview for parents’ and the ‘New Spaces Notifications Quick Guide’.
For further queries please contact the ICT Service Desk.
Staff profile

This week we are profiling Deputy Head of Wyvern (Pastoral & Wellbeing) and Head of Early Years Sandra Gray, who is an important part of our College Leadership Group and a long-serving member of the Wyvern faculty.
Q. What is something people don’t know about you?
A. Many years ago I auditioned and did a screen test to be ‘Ms Sandra,’ the host of Romper Room on Channel 7 (my singing let me down!)
Q. What is one of your best memories of being a student?
A. The friends I made – I am still best friends with the six girls I met on my first day of kindergarten all these years later.
Q. Did you have a favourite teacher growing up and why?
A. Yes, my Kindergarten teacher as she taught me to read and introduced me to the magic of books.
College Leadership Group (CLG) Profile
What’s Happening This Week
Upcoming Events

Parents
& Community
- Rugby Season Launch Lunch
Friday 9 May from 12pm.
Click here for tickets and information