10 April 2025
From the Head of the ELC
Dear Parents and Carers,
As Term 1 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate and reflect on the wonderful start to the year we have had. This term has been filled with joy, discovery and connections.
One of the highlights has been the stories from home you have shared via Storypark. They have been helping our educators to see your child’s life beyond the ELC. They have also played an important role in strengthening each child’s sense of belonging and agency, as they share their family experiences through their recounts and reflections. We encourage you to keep sharing treasured family moments as they support your child’s growth and help cultivate their confidence as speakers and thinkers.
Equally important are the formal and informal conversations we have had with you. They have been instrumental in nurturing open communication and deepening our partnerships, as well as creating foundation for us to continue working together to support the children’s learning and wellbeing.
Over the term break, we are looking forward to immersing the children in fun filled learning experiences planned for our Holiday Program. For those families going away, we wish you safe travels and an enjoyable break.
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.
What’s Happening This Term
Headmaster’s End of Term Video
The End of Term video is now available. Join Headmaster Michael Parker as he recounts an exciting first term of 2025.
From the first Year 9 student cohort at Eungai Creek, to the sell out of our musical Catch Me If You Can, to the publication of the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, it has been a busy and productive term.
To learn more about what’s been happening across our community, click the video below.
Staff Professional Development Day (ELC Closed): Monday 28 April 2025
Please note Monday 28 April 2025 is designated as a Staff Professional Development Day. The ELC will therefore be closed.
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.
ELC Individual and Class Photos: Tuesday 20 May & Friday 23 May
- Tuesday 20 May – 5-day attendees and 3-day attendees (Mon-Wed)
- Friday 23 May – 2-day attendees (Thurs- Fri) and any children absent on Tuesday 20 May
Vision Assessment – Goanna and Eagle Classes
The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program is an initiative of NSW Health and offers 4-year-old children, eligible for school in 2026 (who have not been previously screened), a free vision assessment.
We have arranged for the StEPS program to visit the ELC on the following dates at 9:00am:
- Tuesday 20 May – Goanna Class
- Friday 23 May – Eagle Class
Consent forms are available at reception. Please ensure the original forms are completed, signed, and returned to ELC reception by Friday 30 May.
Chapel Thought
In our Easter Chapel this week, we’re reflecting on the Symbols of Easter.
The story of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection underpins our Christian faith, reminding us that nothing separates us from God’s love, and nothing is impossible for God. Throughout the story of Easter there are many symbols that we associate with the story. Many of these symbols have found their way into popular culture and the celebrations around this season, perhaps most ubiquitous are the Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs.
The Hot Cross Buns are a much-enjoyed part of Easter and we possibly can’t imagine the season without them. Whilst delicious, they also give us pause to remember our faith. The simple white cross, piped across the bun may be the least appealing part of the delicious bun but its presence reminds us of our story of faith. That cross reminds us that nothing can separate us from God’s love, a love that was so unending that it would even endure the pain of crucifixion just so that we can be closer to God.
The Easter Egg is also the most enjoyed part of Easter. And whilst Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies don’t have much basis in the stories of the Bible, they do give us an opportunity to reflect on our Faith. For when we crack open our eggs, we see that it’s hollow, there’s nothing inside. Just like the Empty Tomb, which symbolises the joy of the Resurrection, our eggs are empty too. The Resurrection show the ending power of God and that nothing is impossible for God.
So, when you’re enjoying your Hot Cross Buns or your Easter Eggs this Easter, perhaps take a moment to reflect and notice what they tell us about our faith.
Happy Easter to everyone in our community and enjoy the holidays!
– 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. Applications close May 2.
Staff Profile
This week we chatted with Beth Walker, Lindfield’s Visual Arts Teacher. Beth has been spreading her creativity and sharing her passion for the arts with students at Lindfield for the past two years.
Q. Why teaching? What is it you enjoy about teaching?
A. As a teacher, I have the chance to influence students’ lives positively every day. Through teaching, I can help guide, support and encourage young people as they grow and discover who they want to be. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding to me. Kids constantly surprise you with their ideas, creativity and questions.
The Newington community offers a strong sense of belonging and connection. As a parent and teacher at the school, I have made lifelong friends and am part of a wonderful team of teachers. There are so many different relationships that develop within a school environment and I value them all.
Q. What is something about you that other people may not know?
A. I had a career change to teaching later in life. Previously I worked in different creative roles, both agency and client side. When my first child started school, I saw the enormous impact his teacher had on him and I thought teaching would be the most meaningful job you can have. I’d never considered teaching when I was at school. I feel lucky now to combine my creativity and teaching at Lindfield.
Q. What is one of your favourite memories of being a student?
A. Hanging out in the art room – before school, lunch time and after school. It was always open and it was my happy place.
