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 eleven 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
The Fortnight That Was – Weeks 10 & 11
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 boys. We are very grateful for your service to the school in the Prep 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.
End of Term 1
Our last day for Term 1 is Friday 11 April 2025 with students are returning to Campus on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 8:30am. We hope all families have a wonderful holiday and an enjoyable Easter Break.
Cromehurst Walk-a-thon – 2 April
On Wednesday, April 2nd, our Year 5 classes participated in a walk-a-thon with Cromehurst students. This event aimed to raise money for Cromehurst, a local school for children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. The funds raised will be used to furnish classrooms with smartboards, sensory equipment and teaching resources.
Our Year 5 students were very encouraging and are looking forward to the fortnightly visits next term.
Easter at Lindfield
K-2 have been busy this week putting the finishing touches on their Easter Hats and we are excited for the K-2 Easter Hat Parade tomorrow at 8:30am on the Basketball Court.
Thank you to all families for the generous gifts of Easter Eggs and purchasing of raffle tickets for the annual P&F Easter Basket Raffle. The winners will be advised in class on Friday.
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
Mother’s Day Invitation
Join us for a Delightful Mother’s Day Breakfast at Lindfield, hosted by the Lindfield P&F.
- Monday May 12, 2025
- 7.30am to 9.00am
- School Basketball Court
- Lindfield Campus
- Cost $20
Year 3 invite you to enjoy a home-made breakfast with the Mothers of Lindfield Newington.
Please RSVP by Tuesday 6 May, 2025.
Click here for more information and ticket sales.
Sports
Following a successful CIS Diving Championship, we wish Maximus Gilchrist in Year 3 good luck in the NSW PSSA Competition this week.
Uniform Prep Shop – Special opening date
Our uniform Prep Shop will be open on the first day of Term 2, Tuesday 29 April at 8am for any last-minute uniform requirements. Parents can also purchase online and items will be delivered to your child’s class. Please use link Lindfield Prep Shop
Lindfield Preparatory at St Ives Carnival
We will be promoting our school to the local community at the upcoming St Ives Easter Carnival. If you’re attending this event, please drop by and say hello to the team, on Saturday 19 April. Bring some friends so they can find out more about what our wonderful school has to offer. And don’t forget to guess how many eggs are in the Wyvern’s lair to win!
2025 Lindfield Calendar and Term Dates
*Subject to change
The 2025 dates have been published on New Spaces and can be found here on New Spaces Please ensure you check this Calendar regularly for any additional events and changes.
New Sport Holiday camps
NewSPORT has the following holiday camps taking place in Week 1 of the April School Holidays, which are also open to children who don’t attend Newington.
Water Polo
- Monday April 14 to Wednesday April 16
- 8.00am– 12.00pm
- Click here to register
Futsal
- Monday April 14 to Wednesday April 16
- 9.00am– 1.00pm
- Click here to register
LitFest 2025
Writing Comp & Book Dress-Up
Our 12th biennial Newington Literature Festival will take place in Term 2, Week 2, 2025. LitFest is an opportunity to celebrate literature and encourage reading, writing, and creativity among our students. During our LitFest celebration, authors will be visiting classrooms, sharing books, and running workshops with classes.
As part of our festival, our Book Dress-Up, ‘Your Favourite Book Character,’ will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, where students can dress up for the day.
Our Book Dress-Up will be a fundraiser for the Room to Read organisation. Room to Read envisions a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities and the world. Students are asked to donate a gold coin on the day of our dress-up. Thank you for supporting Room to Read through your donation.
Feel free to look at the following link on NewSpaces to view our visiting authors https://newspaces.newington.nsw.edu.au/homepage/17124
More Information and details can be found on New Spaces New Spaces – 2025 LitFest – Writing Competition
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. Hosted by two student MCs, this conversation promises to ignite fresh perspectives on creativity, narrative, and the future of storytelling in a digital world.
Find out more and register here.
ICT Help for Parents
To assist all families in navigating New Spaces please refer to this comprehensive article with relevant links.
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.
