22 May 2025
From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC
Mothers as role models for our students
So as the glow of the Mother’s Day season is in our rear-view mirror, it is important to reflect on the important role mothers play in developing the next generation of men and women.
In literature and the mainstream media, you often hear about the importance of fathers as role models for sons when, in reality mothers are equally important role models for boys. I would argue that good role models, male and female, are important for all children so that they see what positive, healthy and respectful interactions look like.
A mother’s relationship is vitally important for boys in their development. Mothers are the barometer for the way boys learn to interact with the world around them from the moment they are born. The relationship and guidance a mother provides her son is probably one of the most important indicators of how he will later interact with female friends, colleagues and partners. Mothers are a role model, guide and teacher.
Mothers need to draw a line in the sand around the behaviours that they are willing to accept from their children. In an age of entitlement and expectation, every relationship needs to be based on high expectations for respectful interactions and service. Yes – boys and girls should also be expected to contribute around the house, doing all the household jobs. The expectations need to be set high and children need to realise that they are part of a team and everyone (including fathers) work together to get the household jobs done.
Taurana Burke, who started the Me Too movement feels that positive changes are happening on a societal level. She is optimistic that this change is not going to dissipate or run out of steam. She said, ‘When a light goes on and shows you something, you can never un-see it.’
She does say ‘Behaviour does not happen in a vacuum, it happens because society creates space for this to happen. The real issue is that out there, there is a little boy being socialised to disrespect women, to not respect other peoples’ bodies or to think he is better because he is a male.’
As parents and as a community, we want to model positive, respectful interactions where we value all people equally and treat them as such. This is where we all need to focus because we want to grow the next generation of young people to be better than before.
Mothers and fathers everywhere have the opportunity to make sure that their children interact with them in ways that are respectful and kind.
What Happened This Week
Wyvern Concert – Tuesday 27 May
Mark your calendars for the most anticipated musical event of the year, the Wyvern Music Concert on Tuesday 27 May from 6.00pm in Centenary Hall.
All students in Years 3–6 perform in this compulsory event in a variety of ensembles and choirs, which is an amazing experience for them, the audience and our staff.
More details about the concert, rehearsal and pre-concert supervision can be found here on New Spaces.
Pre-Concert Supervision
Please click here to enrol your child in ‘Pre-concert Supervision’. This service is for students in Years 3–6 only and is not associated with our after-school care provider (Community OSH).
Enrolments will close at 3.00 pm on Friday 23 May.
For those students who have opted to stay for the afternoon, rest assured that our teachers will guide them to the venue. A reminder to pack plenty of food for those staying in the afternoon.
Wyvern’s Saturday BBQ – Volunteers Needed!
The Wyvern Community has received an urgent call for help from the senior school to run the BBQ on Saturday 24 May (this weekend) between 8.00am–12.00pm. We have a number of Football and Rugby teams scheduled to play at the senior school on Saturday.
We need volunteers to help with everything from setting up and working the BBQ, to serving food and cleaning up. It’s a great way to meet other members of our vibrant Wyvern Community!
If you are interested in volunteering, plese the button below to note your preferred time between 7.00am–12.00pm.
Should you have any difficulties signing up to the roster, please email Emma Cope.
Chapel Thought
At Newington, a key emphasis of our Chaplaincy programs is inspiring students, and our wider community, to make a positive difference in the world. If we are people who explore Faith deeply and know the all-inclusive love of God, then what follows is taking action to make the world a better place. Faith is not meant to be solely a personal experience; it is meant to be done in community. Similarly, it can’t simply be passive, there must be action that follows a commitment to faith.
Following Christ means being committed to making the world a better place. Inspired by his lead and his teachings, we have to ask ourselves what we can do to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. How might we follow his commitment to care for each other in our daily living.
Our Chaplaincy programs are deeply connected with the exploration of care for each other and the world. From the simple consideration of ‘who is my neighbour’ (Luke 10:25-37) at the youngest level through to hands on service learning experiences our Faith programs always encourage students to reflect on how they might put these teachings into action. As we continue to explore Faith in our own lives, may we be inspired to reflect on what we might do to make a positive difference in the world.
– Pastor Richard La’Brooy
My Mind Check
Did you know that mental health is one of the top three most important issues to young people in Australia today?
That’s why we’re pleased to continue our use of My Mind Check, a new student mental health and wellbeing check-in tool for Australian schools, developed by youth mental health experts and funded by the Australian Government.
All year levels will be invited to participate in 30-minute check-in sessions here at school, under supervision by school staff. They will use a computer or tablet to respond to age-appropriate questions about how they’re feeling and skip any questions they don’t want to answer. Only certain school staff will review their check-in outcomes and follow up on any identified needs.
To read more about it on New Spaces, click here.
Pupil Free Day
A reminder that the College will be closed for a pupil free day on Friday 6 June. CommunityOSH is now accepting bookings, please click here to book in.
Senior School Co-Education Parent Information Evening
We are delighted to invite families of future girl enrolments to an information evening at our Stanmore Senior school campus.
Building on our move to co-education in our Prep K-6 campuses from 2026, co-education will commence at our Senior School in Years 7 and 11 from 2028.
You will receive information about the College’s co-education journey and hear from our Headmaster Mr Michael Parker, and our Director of Co-education Ms Brigid Taylor.
Parent Learning Series: Boys, Girls, Brains & Behaviour with Justin Coulson
Newington College warmly invites our parents, and families outside our community, to an evening with Dr Justin Coulson on Thursday 5 June in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre, starting at 5.30pm with refreshments.
Stereotypes about boys and girls have been around for centuries. We all grew up learning that girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks, girls wear pink and boys wear blue, girls are good at reading and boys are good at maths, boys are active and use their bodies, but girls prefer to be sedentary and talk lots.
Despite the supposed gender revolution, boys and girls really do seem to be different. They relate to others differently, develop differently, play differently, receive diagnoses differently, experience mental health challenges differently, and more.
In this science-based presentation, Dr Justin Coulson unpacks brain, behaviour, and gender myths, truths, and rumours to help parents work with their children to uncover their strengths, build motivation, and maximise their resilience and wellbeing.
Coffee On Cambridge
Join us tomorrow from 8.15am in the Cambridge Street Playground to connect with the Wyvern Community.
Due to the weather we will be moving the event inside, and filtered tea and coffee will be served.
This gathering is for parents and carers only, students should follow their regular morning routine. We look forward to seeing you there.
Wyvern P&F Meeting
You are warmly invited to attend the Term 2 Wyvern House P&F Meeting for 2025 on Friday 23 May at 7.45am in the Wyvern Library.
Ms Jessica Wickenden, Deputy, Pastoral (K–12), and Ms Amy Van Arkkels, Deputy, Academic (K–12) will provide an overview of the Year 6 to Year 7 transition program for Wyvern students.
Following the meeting, parents and carers are invited to Coffee on Cambridge. We look forward to your support and seeing you at the meeting.
Please register to attend by clicking the button below.
Staff Profile
This week we chatted to ELC Teacher Heidi Chae. A beloved member of our ELC faculty, Heidi is the favourite of many, thanks to her warm demeanour and creativity.
Q. Did you have a favourite teacher growing up, and why?
A. Yes! I had two favourite teachers growing up. The first was Mr. McDonald, who taught me in Years 5–6. I put my hand up for everything in primary school, whether it was band, sport, or drama, but sport was my favourite by far. He incorporated a lot of movement-based activities into the classroom to make boring tasks, fun – like having the whole class stand up and throw a ball around while reciting the times tables.
My second favourite teacher was my modern history teacher in high school. I feel horrible for forgetting her name, but she was the best. I had never felt so moved in a class as I did when learning about World War II. She was incredibly passionate about what she taught and always thought-provoking. She constantly reiterated the importance of learning our history and understanding its lessons because if we don’t, history will repeat itself. Her words have stuck with me ever since, and I’ve loved watching movies and reading books from that era!
Q. Which book, movie, or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why?
A. When age-appropriate, the HBO TV series Band of Brothers. It’s just so good! You’ll have to watch it yourself to see why.
Staff Profile
This week we are profiling Andrew Thompson, who, as Associate Principal of Wyvern, is a crucial part of our College Leadership Group. Known for his passion for the South African Rugby team and great sense of humour, Andrew displays true leadership every day on the Wyvern campus.
Q. What do you think is the ‘Newington difference?’
A. The ‘Newington difference’ includes a holistic education that balances academics, personal development, and cocurricular activities. Newington fosters a strong, inclusive community and emphasizes leadership and character building. The school blends tradition with innovation to prepare students for the future.
Q. If you were a student at Newington today, what would you be most excited about?
A. If I were a Newington student today, I’d be most excited about the diverse opportunities in academic, sports, arts, cocurricular and leadership activities. In addition to this, developing long lasting friendships and having a sense of belonging for life.
Q. If you could describe Newington College in three words, what would they be?
A. Inclusive, engaging, inspiring.
