Term 1, Week 6

6 March 2025

From the Deputy Headmaster

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome to Week 6! 

This week across the College we have been marking International Women’s Day (IWD) with a range of events and celebrations. The theme that has guided our week is March Forward. This theme was adopted by UN Women Australia in line with the 30^th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 

In Assembly on Tuesday, we heard a number of reflections from students and staff on the theme of IWD. Tom Williams (MA/12), Captain of Gender Equity, spoke about the importance of being united together to march forward for equality. Ms Chelsey Fowler and Mrs Rebecca Panagopoulos gave reflections on IWD from a staff perspective. Ms Fowler spoke about the disparity in equality for women in Australia compared to the rest of the world and reflected on her own experiences. Mrs Panagopoulos spoke about Newington’s history, reflecting on the many trailblazing women of Newington who have strived for equality for generations. Both offered inspiration to our students on how they can continue to strive for gender equality in their lives. Our Senior Prefects highlighted the impact many women make to our college community by offering words of gratitude to a select few staff. They encouraged all students to do the same by expressing their gratitude this week. 

This week our Gender Equity Committee met for the student-led International Women’s Day Forum to discuss topics of equality and discrimination. Newington students were joined by some peers from MLC, with whom they discussed how stereotypes and representations shape our understanding of each other, and the intersectional nature of many of these issues. They put their heads together to consider how they can act as individuals and collaborate as a school community to inspire change. 

In Chapel this week Pastor La’Brooy, Director of Gender Equity, has reflected on the impact of women of faith in showing God’s equality for all and throughout the week in mentor groups all students will be discussing the themes of IWD. These discussions have encouraged all students to think more deeply about the theme March Forward and to reflect on the impact they can make as individuals. These are a selection of questions that they discussed, you may like to continue the conversation with your child at home: 

1. Why is International Women’s Day important? 

2. What stereotypes towards women and girls do you see or have encountered? 

3. What can you do to challenge stereotyping or bias, particularly when you see friends doing it? 

4. What can we do as individual for women/girls in our life? How do we hold ourselves accountable? 

Every student, from ELC through to Year 12, has also had the opportunity to reflect on an important woman in their life by completing a gratitude card. The hope is that they will share this card with the individual and it will continue to inspire a conversation with them about the impact they have had. 

This Saturday, Newington’s Water polo teams will compete in the Division 1 final after finishing the AAGPS season. The teams progressed to the GPS/CAS Combined competition, where the top GPS and CAS schools compete against each other. After five competitive weekends, our 1sts and 2nds teams will travel to Cranbrook, the 1sts will face Shore for the fourth time this season, while the 2nds will play St Ignatius’ College. We wish both teams the very best for the final day of competition. 

Keeping Your Contact and Health Information Up to Date

To ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date information, we kindly ask all parents to check and confirm the details we have on file for you and your child. This includes contact details, emergency contacts, and any important health or medical information. Having the correct information is essential for effective communication and the wellbeing of our students. If your details have changed since our last request, please update them here.

Use of ID cards to travel

This is a reminder that all students should be using their 2025 student ID card to tap onto the school bus. Cards from previous years should be disposed of.

Co-ed Scholarships for Year 5, 2026 Now Open

Become a part of history with the Pioneer Scholarship, created to celebrate Newington College’s transition to co-education and support girls and boys who are ready to lead, innovate and inspire. This is more than just a scholarship—it is an opportunity for trailblazers who are eager to make a lasting impact.  

This scholarship is available to existing and prospective students (both boys and girls) currently in Year 4 (entering Year 5 in 2026). This prestigious opportunity is designed for students with a balanced range of achievements who will benefit from the outstanding opportunities at Newington College while enriching our vibrant school community. 

Current and new students can apply here. 

Staff Profile

This week, we hear from Elissa Julian, a Year 4 Classroom Teacher at Lindfield Prep. Elissa’s passion for teaching is evident in her dynamic approach to the classroom, where every day brings fresh energy and new opportunities for collaboration. She thrives on the unpredictable creativity and humor of her students, finding joy in their unique perspectives on the world.

Q. Why teaching? What do you enjoy about teaching?  

A. Teaching is a constantly moving, dynamic experience that keeps me energized. I love the daily buzz of activity, the collaboration with both students and colleagues and the way every day brings something fresh. Kids have a unique way of seeing the world, and their humor and creativity make each day unpredictable and genuinely fun—I could probably fill a book with the jokes and one-liners I hear! Working in a school community also means I’m always learning alongside them. It’s rewarding to help students grow and navigate their way through life, especially in a world that’s always changing. 

Q. Something other people don’t know about you? 

A. I’m an avid scuba diver and used to work as an instructor so I get to fulfill my mermaid dreams underwater! My favorite dive spot is Julian Rocks in Byron Bay where I’ve had incredible experiences swimming alongside manta rays and leopard sharks. Being down there feels like entering another world—there’s a calm and thrill in exploring the ocean, and it’s the closest I’ll ever get to being a mermaid. 

Q. What is one of your best memories of being a student? 

A. One of my favorite memories as a student was International Day at my primary school UNIS in New York City. It was the highlight of the year and the whole school would come alive with vibrant colours, music and the incredible aroma of foods from around the world. Students and families would dress in traditional attire, proudly representing their heritage, and it felt like the entire world was under one roof for a day. We lived in a kaleidoscope world. My brother and I, eager to show off our Aussie pride, scrambled to put together our look. The best we managed was a stereotypical cork hat but we wore it with pride. We walked around like we were Australia’s unofficial ambassadors, soaking in the excitement and diversity around us. Looking back, those days really shaped my love for different cultures and the joy of being part of a global community. 

Q. Anything else you’d like to share?  

A. I have a cat named Calcifer, named after one of my favourite movies Howl’s Moving Castle. Calcifer has a bit of personality—he’s got a crooked head and very selective hearing. He’s convinced he’s in charge and he’s not entirely wrong! 

Staff profile: College Leadership Group (CLG)

This week, we are profiling Helen Loe, Deputy Head of Wyvern (Teaching & Learning). With a passion for fostering a love of learning, Helen plays a key role in shaping the academic environment at Wyvern House. Helen ensures every student is supported in their growth and development and creates an inclusive and dynamic setting that equips every student to explore new opportunities.

Q. What is something not many people know about you? 

A. I absolutely love the mountains and would happily spend every holiday hiking. I grew up holidaying in Lake District National Park in the UK and I definitely count this as my happy place. Australian mountains are often a little more challenging though! 

Q. If you were a student at Newington today, what would you be most excited about? 

A. I’d be excited to be part of a community that offers such rich opportunities for all students. Newington isn’t a school for one ‘type’ of student; there is something for everyone and all students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and explore the opportunities on offer. 

Q. If you could describe Newington College in three words, what would they be? 

A. Welcoming, inclusive and equipping.