Term 1, Week 10

3 April 2025

From the Head of the ELC

ELC Parent Teacher Interviews: Monday 7 April to Thursday 10 April

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parent Teacher interviews are a vital opportunity for meaningful connection between educators and parents. These sessions are designed to focus on the individual needs and progress of each child, offering an opportunity for educators to share their insights about your child’s strengths, any areas requiring support and their overall development.

During these conversations, parents are encouraged to reflect on their goals and aspirations for their child’s learning and growth. We welcome and encourage you to express any concerns and developmental priorities you may have. It will be a time to listen, to exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships, promoting a shared vision to empower your child to reach their full potential and thrive in their learning journey. 

Thank you to all our parents who have booked interview times. All interviews will be held in person at the ELC and will run for ten minutes. We kindly request you arrive on time to ensure all interviews run smoothly. 

Parenting Program: Child Behaviour Research Clinic 

For families who may be interested, there is a parenting program run by the Child Behaviour Research Clinic based at the University of Sydney. This program is offered to all Early Childhood Education and Care Services. The parenting program is for parents / caregivers of 3- to 9-year-old children.  

The program involves a study called Measuring Change in Parenting Programs. It offers an evidence-based 8-10 session parenting program to help any parents who may require support in managing their child’s challenging behaviours.  

The parenting program is provided via Telehealth so families can participate from anywhere in New South Wales. Please refer to the flyer found here for the program.

ELC Quality Improvement Plan 

We welcome your feedback, ideas, and thoughts on our strengths and any areas of improvement we can work on. The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) Hub is located in the piazza. The QIP consists of the following seven quality areas: 

1. Educational program 

2. Children’s health and Safety 

3. Physical environment 

4. Staffing arrangements 

5. Relationships with children 

6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities 

7. Governance and leadership 
    

The QIP is a platform to define who we are as a community, demonstrating how the ELC will continue to improve and refine what we do, and how we do things in pursuit of greater quality. We envision a QIP that will emanate ‘quality’ that is unique and contextual to Newington ELC. 

We kindly ask that you engage with us in this space by looking at each of the Quality Areas, which are clearly displayed to guide your feedback on: 

• What are our strengths? 

• What improvements can we make? 

Absence during Holiday Program (Term 1 Break): Monday 14 April – Friday 26 April 

The ELC Holiday Program will be available to families from Monday 7 April. Please note children can attend the ELC in their normal clothes and are not required to wear uniforms during this time. 

If your child will be absent on any of the days of the Holiday Program, please inform us via email in advance.  

Anaphylaxis Prevention

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.

Save the Date: ELC Mothers’ Day Breakfast

The ELC Mothers’ Day Breakfast will be held on: 

• Wednesday 7 May: 7.30am – 8.30am 
• Thursday 8 May: 7.30am – 8.30am 

  Please select one of the above dates to attend. An RSVP link will be provided soon.

What’s Happening This Term

Chapel Thought  

As we journey through Lent toward Easter, let me offer this prayer which I shared in our Senior School Easter Chapel Service this week: 

God of Easter, as we journey through Lent to the Cross and the Empty Tomb, we remember you. 

God of Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted Hosanna as you rode into Jerusalem. They proclaimed you King and they worshiped you. May we be people who strive for your Kingdom here on earth, may we challenge those powers that oppress and strive for places that empower.  

God of Palm Sunday, we remember you. 

God of Good Friday, on the cross they tortured you, they mocked you and left you to die. But you never stopped loving. In your death on the cross you transformed the cross into a symbol of your love. May we be people who show your never-ending love in all that we do. Help us transform those times of pain into times of your love.  

God of Good Friday, we remember you. 

God of Easter Sunday, on the third day you rose again, the tomb stands empty as a symbol of your never-ending power and plan. May we always remember the hope of the resurrection reminding us that your joy never ends, and your hope never fails.  

God of Easter Sunday, we remember you. 

God of Easter, you sustain us, and you support us. In this Easter season, may we know your love that never fails and your hope that never ends. 

Amen 

– Pastor Richard La’Brooy

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

For this week’s staff profile we checked in with beloved Music Teacher and Director of Bands, Lachlan James.

Q. Why teaching? What is it you enjoy about teaching?  

A. Teaching is a collaborative profession. Particularly in the music department, I get to work with students in various settings, whether it’s in the rehearsal room, the classroom, or on the stage. Through these collaborative efforts, I can guide and support students as they explore their creativity, resulting in the creation of something entirely new and exciting. This process of collaboration and discovery is what makes teaching music such a fulfilling and exciting endeavour. 

Q. Which book, movie, or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why? 

A. I consider A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to be one of the greatest stories ever told. Whilst delivering a horrifying message about the worst of humanity, Dickens explores themes of redemption, kindness and social justice, all with intricate characters and perfect prose. Whether told through novella, theatre or Muppets, there is something to learn in this story for all of us, every one! 

Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school? 

A. Embrace curiosity and ask more questions. It is a privilege to be surrounded by so much expertise. So many of your teachers have great insight into many facets of the world, certainly more than you think. Engaging actively with your teachers can enrich your schooling experience and provide a deeper understanding of yourself and the world. 

Staff Profile: College Leadership Group

This week we are profiling Pascal Czerwenka, Associate Principal of Lindfield Preparatory School. Having served the school for many years, Pascal is the beating heart of our North Shore campus and an important part of our College Leadership Group.

Q. What do you see as the role of the College Leadership Group?   

A. The College Leadership Group is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the school while ensuring the vision and values of the College are reflected in every aspect of school life. We lead by example, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where students and staff are empowered to achieve their best. Our role involves supporting teaching excellence, promoting student wellbeing, engaging with families and the broader community, and ensuring the operational success of the school from Early Learning to Year 12.

Q. What do you think is the Newington difference?  

A. The Newington difference lies in our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and emotionally resilient. It’s a place where every student is seen, heard, and supported, and where diverse opportunities, whether in academics, sports, the arts, or service, allow each student to discover and develop their unique strengths. Our strong sense of community and focus on holistic education set us apart.

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

A. Something not many people know about me is my fascination with ants, especially bull ants. These incredible insects have amazing vision, powerful jaws, and a fierce determination that makes them one of nature’s most impressive creatures. I love learning about their behaviour and unique survival strategies!

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

A. I’d be most excited about the broad range of opportunities available, whether it’s participating in cutting-edge STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), playing sport on world-class facilities, or engaging in service learning. The chance to explore different passions while being part of a vibrant, supportive community is something truly special.

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

A. Inspiring. Inclusive. Courageous