10 April 2025
From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC
Term 1 2025 is coming to a close and it has been a fabulous 11 weeks of learning and adventure. I am fortunate to have walked through many classrooms and been part of writing, reading and maths in some classes. The students have made significant progress over the term, and we should all celebrate their learning.
There have been many highlights including the extra-curricular clubs and activities, numerous camps and class excursions, the summer sports program, our music programs, the welcoming and transitioning of our new students and families into the school. It is hoped that the many varied learning opportunities have developed our students’ understanding of the world and their place within it. Thanks to all the teachers, coaches, parents and extra-curricular helpers for their efforts this term.
What Happened This Week
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.
Volunteers
The parent volunteers enrich the experiences of parents, teachers and students. We are very grateful for your service to the school in the school canteen, the Uniform Shop, through sports and music and the P&F. Without volunteers, the school would not be able to stage the events, or offer the diverse opportunities, that are so important in the lives of our students. We are very grateful for the support and enthusiasm from our community. Have a great break, enjoy time with family and we look forward to seeing you all after the holiday. It has been a pleasure working with you and your family this term at Newington.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
These days are the highlight of the calendar for many of our students. Grandparents are much loved and respected by the students in the school. Our grandparents are very involved with the lives of the students. Many grandparents do pick up and drop offs and are an active part in their lives. That was why there was an enormous amount of excitement with their special visitors coming to visit the school.
On Friday, our guests were treated to a fabulous assembly performance by our school band, string ensemble and choir. After the assembly, they went into classrooms and participated in the students’ lessons. There was many a grandparent who came out of class refreshed by the new perspectives on education and exhausted by the pace of the learning that is happening.
Thanks to the P&F and the Newington Foundation for the much-needed replenishments for the re-educated grandparents and students. We also thank the army of parent volunteers who made it so successful.
A Whole Lot of Love
What does it take to bake 1000 love heart shortbread cookies for our grandparents and special friends, and 410 for the Wyvern students. It takes a whole lot of love and …
- 20kg butter
- 6kg icing sugar
- 28kg flour
- 12kg caster sugar
- 2kg cocoa
- 5L butter milk
- 3 dozen eggs
- 3L vegetable oil
- 28 hours baking
- 24 hours packaging
- 5 hours icing the cupcakes
Newington LitFest
Writing Comp & Book Parade
The excitement is building for Newington’s 12th biennial Literature Festival. The event will take place in the second week of Term 2.
The Writing Competition theme is ‘The Week of the Wyvern’, and we encourage all students to participate and showcase their creativity. Submissions are due by the end of Term 1, Friday 11 April 2025. More information about the competition can be found here.
The Book Parade will be held on the morning of Friday 6 May. The theme is ‘Favourite Book Character’. Start thinking about your costume! More details can be found here.
2025 Speaker Panel
Join us for an exciting speaker panel at LitFest 2025 as we explore the evolving role of human storytelling in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. As technology continues to advance, storytelling must adapt to maintain its power and relevance. Find out more and register here.
Cool Kids Club
In Term 2, Wyvern House will be offering the Cool Kids program to selected student from Years 4-6. The club will run from 3.15pm – 4.15pm on Thursday afternoons commencing in the first week of Term 2. It will be co-ordinated by Mr. Sahil Sharma (School Psychologist) and Miss Elina Phamanivanh (Year 3 Classroom teacher).
Cool Kids is a structured program that teaches children and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety. The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered in the program include:
- Learning about anxiety
- Learning to think realistically
- Parenting an anxious child
- Facing fears using stepladders and
- Learning coping skills such as relaxation or problem solving.
Please email Mr. Sahil Sharma (School Psychologist) or the Wyvern Front Office for further information about the club and how you can register an expression of interest.
Easter at Wyvern
We warmly invite the Wyvern Community to join us on the final day of term, Friday 11 April, to celebrate the end of term and Easter. Further details can be found here.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
This year, due to the Year 4 Camp and the LitFest, the Wyvern P&F Mother’s Day Breakfast will be held on Tuesday 13 May from 7.30-8.30am.
Following the breakfast, students in Years 3-6 will be departing the school promptly at 8.30am to attend the Newington ANZAC Service at the senior school and are required to wear their winter greys and black cap on this day
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 it’s 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.
