Term 2, Week 6

5 June 2025

From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC

Growing Healthy Tweens (Eight to Twelve Year Olds)

It is fascinating to think that today’s 10-year-olds have never known a world without iPads or mobile phones. I was thinking about this when I reread an interesting article on Tweens recently. Tweens are children aged between 8–12 and this article examined the development and changes that occur in the years before puberty and adolescence.

In this article, author Phyliss Fagell stated that there are many similarities between challenges she faced as a young adolescent in the 1980s and tweens today. She wrote –

‘As their prefrontal cortex develops, they’re (tweens) malleable, impulsive, and impressionable. They’re capable of reasoning intellectually, interpreting emotions, and taking a moral stand, but they lack perspective or life experience. Sorting out social drama can consume large chunks of their time, and they tend to experience emotions in polarities. Any mishap can register as a catastrophe, and they have little understanding that negative feelings are temporary. They’re trying to figure out what coping skills work for them and where their strengths and interests align. They’re hyperaware of an invisible audience judging their every move and picking up on their shortcomings and limits… It’s a time of insecurity, hormonal changes, and contradictions’.

There are also significant differences for young adolescents now and their parents’ experiences growing up in today’s rapidly changing world. Fagell outlined how being a tween is more complex and challenging in contemporary society:

Technology is everywhere

Many tweens are online a lot and this brings complexity. Unrealistic societal expectations, graphic images, gaming and social media are now part of many tweens’ lives.

‘On the social side, kids who are developmentally wired for adventure somehow have to preserve their reputation, stay safe, be kind, and make solid judgment calls online without the benefit of face-to-face social cues’. Whilst as children we were probably just as prone to poor choices, there was not the same potential for them to be immortalised and transmitted around the globe.

Tweens and mental-health 

Today’s families are more open about relationship breakdowns, financial struggles, health issues and other acute stressors. Many parents are very involved in their children’s lives and can be overly directive. This can result in tweens having less autonomy and not feeling they have much control and choice in their lives. In addition, many parents are putting more emphasis on achievement and competition and less on caring for others. To flourish, tweens need an environment to learn problem-solving skills, make mistakes, resolve conflicts and build a sense of confidence and independence. The absence of these has resulted in increased mental health issues in this age group.

As a parent of tweens, it is important to minimise the negative elements of the internet and social media, to step back and let your children have agency (voice, choice and ownership in some areas of their lives) and to engage your child with the world around them in a positive, optimistic way. These are all vitally important in growing up healthy tweens who can navigate their teenage years and eventually take their place as happy, fulfilled and engaged adult members of our community.

What Happened This Week

Lindfield Music Concert – Thursday 29 May 2025

The annual Lindfield Music Concert is the one of the highlights of the music program and involves all Lindfield students being on stage more than once.

This year’s theme, Dance, had both performers and audience members dancing, singing, and clapping along to a vibrant mix of music from different cultures and eras. A variety of ensembles showcased their hard work and creativity, filling the evening with energy and joy.  A special moment of the night was the performance by our co-curricular Hip-Hop Club, whose moves lit up the stage and brought cheers from the crowd.

It was a fabulous evening of celebration and community.  We are so proud of all our students for their dedication and spirit and thank you to the staff for their support and guidance.

The Dish – Tuesday 3 June 2025

Last night was a heartwarming success at The Dish, with generous donations pouring in—especially thanks to Rohan and Ravi’s sister, Neela, who treated everyone to her homemade Peach and Mango Trifles. It was a gourmet highlight that brought smiles all around!

The Curious Dragon Co-Curricular Club also pitched in by preparing delicious potato puffs, adding a savory touch to the evening.

With such an abundance of food, there are plenty of leftovers to support The Dish‘s efforts over the next few nights, as they serve meals four nights a week.

A huge shout-out to our amazing student volunteers, Luca W and Luca M (and their families), for lending their time and energy to this meaningful cause.

– Kai S from Kindy helping his Dad prepare meals for The Dish

Chapel Thought

As we as a nation come to the end of Reconciliation Week with Mabo Day having taken place on Tuesday 3 June, it’s important that we continue to reflect on what reconciliation means for us as individuals and as a community. 

The Uniting Church in Australia has a long-standing commitment to reconciliation with First Nations People. Our Covenanting Statement signed in 1994 continues to guide our Church as we walk together with First Nation’s people in this land. The Statement was a historic moment between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, marking a moment on the journey towards reconciliation. 

As I’ve moved throughout the Church and ministered in various contexts I’ve been blessed to learn from the wisdom and experience of Indigenous Christians. As people of faith, we are called to show God’s love and care to all people we meet and to strive to make a positive difference in the world around us. May we continued to be inspired and guided by this principle in all that we do. 

– Pastor Richard La’Brooy

Sports Update and Spirit Awards – Week 5

Round 5 was a special occasion as it coincided with Reconciliation Week, allowing our Year 5 and 6 students to proudly wear the Indigenous Jerseys.

Although our AFL team had a bye over the weekend, they made the most of the opportunity by holding their first training session of the year at Koola Park.

Our Year 3 Footballers faced Wyvern House in two high-scoring matches, both resulting in victories for Newington. Meanwhile, our Year 4 Footballers took on Trinity Junior School, with both teams securing wins in their respective games.

Rugby featured another action-packed schedule. Each age group began their matches with an Acknowledgement of Country, reinforcing the spirit of Reconciliation Week. Our Year 6 Rugby players continued to impress with strong tackling and excellent ball handling, leading to several high-quality team tries.

A reminder to all parents: there will be no sport over the King’s Long Weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone back for Round 6 on Friday 14 June.

Finally, a special congratulations to Luca W, who was selected to trial for the CIS Rugby Team. We wish Luca good luck at the upcoming CIS Rugby Trials. who has progressed to the CIS Rugby Trials.

Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Values Awards in Round 5:

Lindfield Learning Showcases – Week 6

This week we have loved welcoming our families into the classrooms to share in our Learning Showcases for Years 1–6. It has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to show their skills, knowledge, and creativity.

The students have taken the lead and put their parents through a variety of fun and sometimes challenging experiences. We are so proud of the learning that happens here at Lindfield and are thrilled to share it with you.

We look forward to welcoming the Kindy families to their first Learning Showcase next week on Wednesday 11 June.

– Year 4 and Year 6 sharing their work with their families

Basketball Court resurfacing

Exciting news – The basketball court resurfacing is underway!

We are thrilled to share that resurfacing work on our Primary Basketball Court began yesterday and is scheduled for completion next week. This exciting upgrade will provide a safer and more vibrant space for students to enjoy for years to come.

The newly resurfaced court will be officially opened at our Special Mini Olympics Assembly at the end of term – a celebration not to be missed!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Parents and Friends Association for their incredibly generous donation of $20,000 to support this project. Their ongoing support continues to make a meaningful difference to our whole school community.

Lindfield P&F Update

Over the last several weekends of Saturday Sport, the P&F also managed a fantastic BBQ, which raised an incredible $10,000 so far! We are so grateful for the time, energy, and generosity that went into making this aspect of sport such a success.

We also thank the P&F for hosting the Term 2 P&F Meeting last Tuesday. It was a valuable evening that included special presentations from Amy Van Arkkels, Deputy K–12 Teaching and Learning, and Jessica Wickenden, Deputy K–12 Pastoral. We appreciate the opportunity for families to connect, learn, and engage with key aspects of school life.

Thank you to the P&F, for all you do to strengthen and enrich our community.

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.

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.

To assist all families in navigating New Spaces please refer to this comprehensive article with relevant links.

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. 

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.