Term 2, Week 6

5 June 2025

From the Deputy Headmaster

Dear Parents and Carers,  

It has been a very busy week for the Music and Drama Departments, with students involved in a range of events across the College. A huge congratulations to our Intermediate and Senior Impro teams participating in the Theatresports Schools Challenge – both have qualified for the Grand Final which will be held on 22 June at the Enmore Theatre. We look forward to hearing about their results! Congratulations also to the five Newington students who performed in the MLC Senior Production of The Great Gatsby this week, they have shown admirable dedication and commitment.  

Auditions began for the Year 9/10 play this week – we wish these students all the best as they strive for roles on stage. A reminder that any student can take part in the Drama co-curricular program, with Impro activities held on Mondays and Thursdays, while the Year 7 Drama Club meets on Wednesday afternoons. 

We also extend our thanks to Lachlan James (Director of Bands), Music Department staff, and Creative Arts Association volunteers, following a wonderful evening of music-making at the Ensembles Concert on Tuesday 3 June. There were performances by Big Band, Concert Band, Stanmore Strings, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Workshop, and smaller chamber ensembles, with the most enjoyable time had by all. 

On Wednesday 4 June we saw the return of Canines of Our College, a wellbeing initiative that enables staff to bring their dogs to school for the day. This had a very positive impact across our entire community, with furry friends attending lessons, exploring the grounds, and bringing smiles to faces everywhere. 

A reminder that RockFest blasts off at 6.30pm on Friday 6 June in Centenary Hall, with a Burger Bash from 4.00pm and a Creative Arts Association refreshment stall open in the foyer throughout the night. With professional sound and lighting, a stellar line-up of 24 rock bands will take to the stage with a fantastic selection of rock classics, contemporary hits and favourites. We hope to see you there! 

Meanwhile, the Senior Concerto Competition takes place at 5.30pm on Wednesday 11 June in the Music Practice Hall. Please join us in support of our senior musicians from Years 10–12, who will be perform challenging pieces written for solo instrument and orchestra – with piano accompaniment. 

In sporting news, our rugby teams are playing against Kings School today on home turf – good luck and we wish all players a great match! 

We are also looking forward to the Newington Pentecost Service which will take place Tuesday 17 June from 5.30pm in the Chapel. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the Gift of the Spirit and is open to all members of the Newington Community. It will be a Uniting Church Service, led by our College Chaplains, with musical support from the College Choir. 

Finally, in news from Edmund Webb Boarding House, our boarding community has marked Reconciliation Week with its annual dinner. This meaningful event celebrates culture, connection and understanding, and we were this year honoured to welcome Uncle Dean Kelly – who shared his personal story and offered powerful insights into his life and cultural heritage. The evening was proudly led by our Indigenous students Braith S, Kymani D, and Kden C. Braith’s heartfelt speech was a highlight of the night, where he reflected on his family, community, and the cultural significance of Reconciliation Week. It was a memorable evening of learning, respect, and unity for all who attended. 

Co-ed Scholarships for Year 5, 2027

We are excited to announce that co-ed scholarships for girls and boys entering Year 5 in 2027 are now open and close Friday 4 July 2025. These scholarships are in addition to the extensive program already available across academic, co-curricular, sporting and boarding in the Senior School. 

To find out more and to apply, click below or email our Admissions team.

Headsafe concussion research 

Newington College is continuing to assist Headsafe with their concussion research this year. If your child sustains a concussion and you are interested in participating, please read and sign the permission below.  

Headsafe staff will visit the College each week. We appreciate your interest. 

Please view the flyer for more information (via New Spaces). 

Senior School Co-Education Parent Information Evening

We are delighted to invite families of future senior 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.

Staff Profile

This week we chatted to Wyvern Sportsmaster Joel Wilson. After joining Wyvern House in 2011, Mr Wilson has become an integral part of the Newington Community – instilling a love of sport, health and education with both students and teachers.

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

A. I remember my school years and wonderful teachers fondly. I learned something different from all of them, whether it was Mr Clifford’s love of poetry and sketching, Mrs Leighton’s kind and nurturing nature or Miss Christensen’s love of sport and history. My father was a schoolteacher and principal, so I had a great deal of respect for the profession and then understood the rewarding nature of a career in education.

Q. What is something people don’t know about you? 

A. I have a love of gardening, which was passed on by my mother who has a ‘Green Thumb’ and owned a nursery and garden design business. Most of the year I have an abundant vegetable garden, but this time of year caterpillars and slugs are my arch nemesis!

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

A. Do your absolute best but remember that school is only the beginning. After school, opportunities will come your way and if you can give them a go, persevere, and follow your nose, you will be more than OK.

Staff Profile: College Leadership Group

This week we are profiling Rebecca Panagopoulos, our Director of Studies at Stanmore. Mrs Panagopoulos joined Newington in 2011 and is a key member of the College Leadership Group with her energy and passion for education and our students.

Q. What does leadership mean to you?

A. To me, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility—it’s about contributing meaningfully to our school culture, especially in academics and community spirit. I believe true leadership is grounded in service, listening, and leading by example, rather than authority or recognition. It’s about being present, dependable, and focused on the wellbeing of others. Above all, leadership means using your influence with integrity to uplift and inspire those around you.

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

A. I once had a serious running phase and completed 19 half marathons, which taught me discipline, routine, and how to push through challenges. Running gave me space to reflect and reset, even in the simplest moments. Though I’ve since traded long runs for gym training, the lessons remain – I continue to prioritise my health and wellbeing to show up as my best self. Whether in fitness or leadership, I’ve learned that consistency and mindset make all the difference. 

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

A. Vibrant, Progressive, Community.