Term 2, Week 8

19 June 2025

From the Deputy, Head of Preparatory Schools & ELC

Developing Resilience

 I write this as our Year 5 students are away on camp. Each student is engaging in their own unique way with the activities, camp environment and being away from home. Each student has shown resilience in certain instances – and at times for each student, this resilience may have faltered. Why are we resolute in some instances and not at other times?  

In an interesting New Yorker article, author Maria Konnikova wrote ‘resilience presents a challenge for psychologists, whether you can be said to have it or not largely depends not on any particular psychological test but on the way your life unfolds. If you are lucky enough to never experience any sort of adversity, we won’t know how resilient you are. It’s only when you’re faced with obstacles, stress, and other environmental threats that resilience, or lack of it, emerges: Do you succumb, or do you persist?’ 

Conversations about developing resilience often focus on protective factors – the elements that allow a person to thrive despite negative circumstances. Protective factors are internal and external. The most important external factor was a strong bond with a supportive caregiver, parent, teacher or other mentor figure. At Newington, we work hard to try to connect with our students and make them feel valued through a sense of connection and belonging.  

 According to Konnikova, children who identified as being resilient: 

• were autonomous and independent 
• sought out new experiences 
• had a positive social orientation 
• though not especially gifted, they used whatever skills they had effectively 
• had an internal locus of control – they believed that they, not fate, or the wider world, affected their achievements, that they were the masters of their own destinies. 

Resilience wasn’t a fixed entity. Even during camp, the students have shown different levels of resilience in different contexts and at different times.  The research also pointed to the idea that resilience can be learned or can develop over time. How can we teach our students (and ourselves) to be more resilient?  

Perception of an event is seen as a key determinant of your resilience. For example, do you see an event as traumatic, or as an opportunity to learn and grow? Events are not traumatic until we experience them as traumatic. For our students, going on camp for the first time might be seen as awful because they might be homesick, or it could be seen as an important step in becoming independent and moving towards adulthood.  

According to Konnikova, the long-term impact of traumatic events is not in the events themselves but in how people process them. Resilience is a set of skills that can be taught.  

It is also possible for a person to move in the opposite direction. We can become less resilient, or less likely to be resilient. We can create or exaggerate stressors very easily in our own minds. We can worry and ruminate, blow up a minor event into an obsession, and make ourselves anxious. It’s all in how we frame things.  

As parents, it is vital that we consistently reframe the catastrophising that happens from time to time as opportunities to learn and grow. Sometimes as parents, in our bid to be sympathetic and to smooth things out when things don’t turn out how our children were hoping, we inadvertently validate and reinforce a lack of resilience.  If we join our children in describing difficult situations as traumatic, unfair, someone else’s fault (the world is happening to them, and they have no control) then we are not encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilience is a learnable trait and with practice and good modelling our students can develop into more optimistic and resolute young people. 

What Happened This Week

The Week that Was

Curation Excursion – Year 6

The IB PYP Exhibition is a culminating experience in the Primary Years Program, where students present a deep inquiry into a real-world issue of interest that they have explored over a period of time.   

At Lindfield, the Exhibition process is an opportunity for students to demonstrate and celebrate their learning through collaboration, communication, critical thinking and curation. 

Last week, students in Year 6 spent the day exploring Sydney’s vibrant museum and art gallery scene with a focus on curation. The boys explored a range of venues, taking note of how professionals exhibit and curate their work. We are excited to see how the day has provoked the students’ thinking, with their own Exhibition in mind next term. 

Sports Update – Round 6 and Spirit Awards

Round 6 was another fantastic weekend for our Lindfield students, filled with impressive performances across all sports. 

Our Rugby teams continue to show strong growth, building on their teamwork and skills each week. A special shout-out to Nikesh (Year 2) who stepped up to play with the Year 3 team—a great example of courage and commitment. The team’s hard work at training is clearly paying off, with some excellent tries scored over the weekend. 

In AFL, the boys proudly wore their Indigenous Jerseys for Round 6 in a thrilling clash against St Aloysius. The match was a close contest, with the team showing outstanding handballing and kicking, resulting in some exciting goals. 

Our Football teams also displayed fantastic development. The Year 4 Black and Year 3 Black teams were involved in high-scoring and entertaining games, winning 5–4 and 3–2 respectively. We look forward to hosting all Football fixtures at Koola Park this weekend for the final round of Term 2 sport. 

Looking ahead, we are excited for the Newington College Inter-Preparatory Athletics Carnival at the Warm-Up Track, Homebush, in the final week of Term. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their athletic talents across a variety of events. 

Congratulations to the following students who received Values Awards in Round 6: 

Year 6 2025 to Year 7 2026 Transition Morning

On Monday, 16 June, Year 6 students and their parents from Lindfield and Wyvern campuses gathered at our Senior Campus for a special Year 7 Transition Morning. This event marked an exciting step in their journey towards high school.

The morning commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Parker and senior staff members in the Centenary Hall, where they shared insights into the opportunities and experiences awaiting the students in Year 7. Following the presentation, Year 10 student volunteers led guided tours of the Senior Campus grounds, providing a firsthand look at the facilities and spaces the students will soon be using.

The event concluded with a delightful morning tea, offering a chance for families to connect, ask questions, and feel more at ease about the transition ahead.

Boys, Girls, Brains & Behaviour

During our recent student free day, all staff at both Prep Campuses joined for another day of professional development, related to our transition to Co-education and our ongoing focus on best practice pedagogy.

We worked with Dr Justin Coulson on further developing our understanding of boys, girls, brains and behaviour.

In his science-based presentation, Dr Justin Coulson unpacked brain, behaviour, and gender myths, truths, and rumours to help teachers work with kids to uncover their strengths, build their motivation, and maximise their resilience and wellbeing. 

Dr Coulson also took a deep dive into the science of motivation, working with teacher to develop to explore how they can create a classroom where all students thrive. 

Dr Coulson was impressed with the depth of knowledge and the active engagement of the Lindfield and Wyvern staff throughout the day. We continue to work with all staff and students as we get ready to welcome girls and their families into our school community from next year.

What’s Happening This Term

Renew & Create Stall

This new initiative involves current parents and our wider Newington community, volunteering with each other to help create handmade, heartfelt, and sustainable craft to be sold and shared at our biggest day of the year – Back to Newington Day – to be held on Saturday 16 August. 

Chapel Thought 

As I write this Chapel Thought, I’m sitting out in the beautiful nature of Point Wolstoncroft. I’m blessed to be on Year 5 Camp at the moment and am enjoying spending time with the Prep School students from both campuses. But as I listen to the native birds in the gum trees and look out to the clear waters of the lake, I’m reminded of the words of Psalm 19 “The heavens are telling the glory of God and the earth proclaims God’s handiwork.” This verse reminds us that we can see God in the beauty of creation. In the wind that rushes through the trees or in the birds that sing, we experience God’s Spirit.

I’m also reminded of Matthew 6:26 where Jesus encourages us not to worry because God is with us. Jesus says “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more value than them?” Whenever I am in the beauty of nature I am reminded of this promise. God provides and sustains all of the natural world and God sustains us even more. As we navigate the ups and downs of life we can be reminded of this promise of God, that no matter what happens God is with us, giving us hope and giving us strength.

– Pastor Richard La’Brooy

Make a lasting impact 

As we approach 30 June, the Newington Foundation is asking for our help. Your tax-deductible gift will ensure that more students can benefit from a Newington education through the Chris Wild Indigenous Scholarship. 

Every donation, large or small, makes a lasting difference. Your generosity will be carefully invested to support students for generations to come. 

Special Mini Olympics – Friday 27 June 

Our much-loved Special Mini Olympics will take place next week, on the last day of term, Friday 27 June. Year 6 students will set up a variety of fun and inclusive sporting challenges around the school, with all year groups joining in the action. 

We’re also thrilled to welcome Special Olympics athletes and participants to Lindfield. They’ll be sharing their inspiring stories, showcasing their talents, and joining students at each station to take part in the challenges. 

Adding to the celebration, the College will be providing a sausage sizzle lunch for all students, with huge thanks to our Year 6 parent volunteers who will be cooking and serving on the day. 

Let’s keep the momentum going and make this year another one to remember! To date we have raised over $1 900 and we’re looking forward to this number climbing as students complete their service at home and return their Service Learning Sponsorship Books to school. When the log is returned, please ensure that each student’s donation is recorded on our Special Olympics donation page by making the donation directly.  

Lindfield P&F Update

Our Primary Basketball Court has been resurfaced and is looking amazing! The students now have additional handball squares to use and will have the opportunity to also play netball during PE lessons with the addition of netball rings.

We are looking forward to officially opening the court next Friday, at the conclusion of our Special Mini Olympics.

We would like to once again take this opportunity to thank the Lindfield P&F and all Lindfield families for supporting this initiative and for their generous donation towards our new court.

Lindfield Futsal Camp July 2025 (Years 3–6)

We will be holding a two-day Futsal camp for girls and boys in Years 3 to 6 at our Lindfield campus. This event is for current families as well as those outside our community.

Our aim is to provide an active holiday environment with an appropriate balance between ‘Futsal fundamentals’ and ‘Futsal fun’. We hope to cover both individual skills and team concepts during the course of the camp. The camp will be facilitated by two fantastic Newington coaches and national level Futsal representatives – Aurelia Collins and Sienna Beram.

• WHERE: Lindfield Preparatory
• WHEN: Monday 14 July and Tuesday 15 July from 9.00am–1.00pm
• COST: 1 Day = $20, 2 Days = $40

Register now by clicking clicking the button below and please share with families who may be interested.

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 and are open to current and prospective families.

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

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 caught up with Classroom Teacher Celina Hage, who after living all over the world, has decided to call Lindfield Prep home. She teaches Year 2, to whom she is a role model for all children.

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

A. I have lived abroad twice in my life thus far. Once was a year study program in Kyoto, Japan as part of my degree. As Japanese is part of my heritage, it was such a meaningful and enriching time for me and helped me further my Japanese while also feeling a strong connection to my culture. The second time I lived abroad was over the past two years where I lived and worked in London, UK. It was an incredible experience jumping in headfirst into a new lifestyle, pace of life and education system. 

Q. Did you have a favourite teacher growing up and why?  

A. Ms Pattinson was a memorable teacher of mine during my primary school journey. She was funny, kind and always fair. She was also firm when she needed to be and in the most respectful way. I think she was a great role model and example of what an excellent educator looks like. 

Q. What is one of your best memories of being a student?  

A. My best memory was my Year 6 journey where I was lucky enough to be a school leader. I loved doing special jobs for the teachers and presenting in assembly each week. One of the moments I remember the most was going to the local RSL to lay a wreath with my fellow captain for ANZAC Day. I think the role gave me confidence and leadership qualities and inspired me to become an educator. 

Staff Profile: College Leadership Group

Director of ICT Dan Collins is a fundamental pillar of our College Leadership Group, and it is his technical guidance that is responsible for so much of our progress as a College. From our homegrown NewAI, to the intricacies of New Spaces, to keeping our digital landscape secure and effective every single day, Dan leads an important team in an ongoing effort to keep our campus running smoothly.

Q. What does leadership mean to you? 

A. To me, leadership is about setting direction with clarity, earning trust through consistency, and making space for others to grow. It’s about listening as much as deciding, and understanding that good leadership often means removing friction so others can do their best work. In a school setting, that also means leading with values—putting students first, supporting staff, and stewarding systems that serve the broader mission of learning and wellbeing. 

Q. What do you think is the Newington difference? 

A. Newington’s difference is in its people and its mindset. We don’t just prepare students for exams; we prepare them for the world. Whether it’s through our academic programs, our pastoral care, or our strategic embrace of technology and wellbeing.  

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

A. I’ve always had a deep love for music in all its forms—jazz, hip-hop, electronic, and everything in between. Back before Spotify and Apple Music, I was playing vinyl and hosting music shows on community radio, curating eclectic sets for local listeners. It was a creative outlet that brought together interesting people and memorable sounds. 

Q. If you were a student at Newington today, what would you be most excited about? 

A. I’d be excited by the opportunity to explore so many different areas of interest—academics, sports, the arts, and technology—all within one environment that takes each area seriously. And I think I’d be especially energised by the new Eungai Creek campus; the idea of learning through real-world experience and connection to the land is incredibly powerful. That kind of holistic learning wasn’t available when I was at school. 

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

A. Innovative. Grounded. Inclusive.