Term 1, Week 6

6 March 2025

From the Head of the ELC

Dear Families, 

Cultural responsiveness is a contemporary way to think about culture and enables individuals and organisations to be respectful of all backgrounds, beliefs, values, customs, knowledges, lifestyles and social behaviours (Australian Government Department of Education – My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia V2.0, 2022). 

In essence, the practice of cultural responsiveness in early childhood education is a dynamic and transformative force, elevating the educational experience beyond conventional boundaries. Culturally responsive educators, through their commitment to respect, understanding and collaboration, cultivate environments where diversity is not merely acknowledged but cherished. 

The benefits of cultural responsiveness in early childhood education are far-reaching. It not only nurtures the individual growth of each child but also lays the groundwork for a society that appreciates and celebrates diversity. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness, educators become architects of a foundation where every child can thrive emotionally, cognitively, and socially, fostering a lifelong love for learning and a deep appreciation for the richness of human culture. The journey towards cultural responsiveness is an ongoing, three-way partnership involving educators, children, and our communities.  

To cultivate this collaborative approach, we embrace Harmony Week as the launching point to nurture cultural responsiveness and the essential qualities of empathy and open-mindedness. When children see their cultures represented and valued in our learning environment, they experience a greater sense of belonging and pride in their cultural identities. This, in turn, contributes to the development of positive self-esteem and a strong cultural identity, laying the foundation for healthy social and emotional wellbeing. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment and supportive learning community where every child feels valued and appreciated (Early Years Learning Framework https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf). 

Harmony Week 

Monday 17 March – Friday 21 March  

Harmony Week is about celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our ELC community. We value the cultural diversity we have and it is a great strength that enhances the inclusiveness, respect and sense of belonging we strive to cultivate in our community. 

We invite you to share your cultural heritage with the ELC children. You can do this by emailing your interest to elc@newington.nsw.edu.au. Here are some ideas on how you can share your culture: 

• Show or wear your cultural attire and come share it with the children.  

• Bring in items that represent your culture.  

• Read a story or teach simple songs/words/phrases in your language to the children.  

• Prepare a short presentation (photos of food, places, traditions) that showcases your culture. 

• Prepare a cooking experience in your child’s class and engage the children in making a cultural dish (ingredients must not have nuts or peanut oil, pork/ham or egg).  
   

Our aim for Harmony Week is to build a sense of community with our families through these connective threads of experience. Children’s connectedness and varied ways of belonging within our setting will help them to learn ways of being which reflect the values, traditions and practices of their families and communities. We believe this learning transforms the way they interact with others, develops their ability to value and respect different cultures and communities and builds their confidence to respond to diversity as socially adept members of society.  

We look forward to immersing the children in the rich cultural experiences that our families can offer as significant members of our ELC community.  

Anaphylaxis Prevention

The ELC will be a NO EGGS/NUTS/SESAME Zone on Thursdays & Fridays.

Please be informed we have children at the ELC who have anaphylactic reactions to eggs, nuts, and sesame. We kindly request that you avoid packing in your child’s lunch any of these allergens (in any form) on Thursdays and Fridays.  

We also request that birthday cakes/cupcakes you provide for your child must not contain eggs, nuts, and sesame if brought in on Thursdays and Fridays. 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Holiday Programs

The holiday program outline for each term break will be available to families a week before the program starts. Children can attend the ELC in their normal clothes and are not required to wear uniforms during this time. 

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.  

What’s Happening This Term

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. 

Chapel Thought

This week across the College we will be celebrating International Women’s Day. The theme, March Forward, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the impact of women in our lives as well as a time to challenge those biases we see in our community.  

As people of faith, striving for equality is central to living as a Christian. The Gospel message of Jesus is one of inclusion and equality for all people. His ministry was one spent challenging those places where there was injustice and striving for a better world, centred on God’s Kingdom of inclusion for all. 

The Bible is full of incredible women who challenged norms and strove for God’s inclusive kingdom. I often think of Ruth or Esther in the Old Testament or Lydia in Acts 16. Jesus’ female disciples were the first to witness the Resurrection and were the ones who conveyed the Good News to the other disciples. 

In the Uniting Church, we have always affirmed gender equality, and we are blessed by incredible female leadership, including from our current National President and State Moderator. Equality is an expression of our faith and the way we live out God’s Kingdom. 

So, this International Women’s Day, let us give thanks for the impact women and girls have made in our lives and let us commit ourselves to continuing to March Forward towards equality for all. 

– Pastor Richard La’Brooy 

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.

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.