26 June 2025
From the Deputy Headmaster
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of what has been a very busy Term 2, there are lots of updates to share with our community.
The exceptional talent and dedication of our Drama students was on display this week, with the Year 11 production of Witness for the Prosecution proving to be an enormous success. This entirely student-run production was expertly managed by stage managers Dylan H and Nam Long T. Charlie C delivered an outstanding lighting design, while Xander W composed the original music. Special recognition must go to directors Ben M and Miles J, whose vision and leadership brought this challenging production to life with remarkable professionalism.
Our Drama students also excelled at the Impro Australia Theatresports Interschools Challenge Grand Final, held at the Enmore Theatre on Sunday. After several heats and semi-finals, Newington fielded two competitive teams, both delivering exceptional performances. The Intermediate Team, comprising Aiden P, Tom B, Jasper F, Nicholas S, and Sam E, performed magnificently throughout the competition and secured equal third place alongside Shore School. Our Senior Team also demonstrated why they are considered the best in the state. Finn D, Jonathon F, Henry C, Gil G, and Tristan H delivered performances of the highest calibre, successfully defending their 2024 title to be crowned the 2025 Champions. What an incredible achievement.
Following a stellar CIS Cup campaign, the Newington 1st XI faced off in the Football final on Wednesday night against Central Coast Sports College, the reigning 2024 champions. With the scores locked at 1-1 after full time and 2-2 after extra time, a penalty shootout seemed inevitable. However, credit goes to CCSC for mounting late pressure and scoring a well-executed team goal to clinch a 3-2 victory. Congratulations to all our players for their fantastic sportsmanship and skills on the field.
Our final GPS winter representation saw 17 athletes from Years 10 to 12 selected to represent the GPS rugby teams across the coming days. Players from the Newington 1st XV and 16A teams have been given an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level of schoolboy rugby. We congratulate all selected students and wish them the very best for their upcoming games.
On Friday we held the Passing Out Parade to honour the contributions of Newington and MLC School Cadet Leaders. Thank you to Year 12 for their exemplary service, dedication and leadership, it was a wonderful event. We trust the Dining In Night tonight will be a fitting celebration of your service.
This week we also welcomed some of our Year 9 students back from their eight-week stay at Eungai Creek. We trust that they return with greater knowledge, new perspectives, stronger bonds of friendship, and wonderful memories of their time away. The reception they were given on their entry in assembly was warm and welcoming.
We have a number of tours and camps taking place over the school holidays, so our very best wishes to all who are involved in these.
One final disappointing note. Earlier this week we were made aware by a number of staff and students of an online petition targeting a staff member. Thank you to those who brought this to our attention.
We reported the petition to the platform and it has thankfully now been removed. We will continue to investigate who is responsible and who signed it using false names. We would also like to make it very clear that sharing content such as this online, or signing or commenting on it, is a breach of the Parent Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct and the ICT/Social Media Policy.
I would ask that any feedback or concerns regarding staff members should be shared directly with me, not on social media platforms or online.
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a safe and restful holiday break – see you in three weeks for what will no doubt be an action-packed Term 3.
Headmaster’s End of Term Video – Term 2, 2025
The End of Term video is now available. Join Headmaster Michael Parker as he recounts an exciting second term of 2025.
From RockFest and House Singing to National Reconciliation Week and ANZAC Day, there has been a lot happening across the College community.
To learn about these highlights (and much more!), click the video below.
Newington Lindfield Holiday Camps
This July, keep your kids active and inspired with three exciting camps at Newington College’s Lindfield Campus.
Open to both girls and boys, these camps offer expert coaching and hands-on learning for a fun-filled and enriching holiday experience. Whether it’s Netball, Futsal or the creative Code Camp, there’s something for every child’s interest.
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.
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 new families.
To find out more and to apply, click below or email our Admissions team.
Staff Profile
This week we chatted to Classroom Teacher Max Harmanis. He completed his Graduate Teaching Internship at Wyvern House before joining this year as a Year 6 Classroom Teacher. Mr Harmanis’ positive relationships with students and staff have made him a valued member of the community.
Q. What is one of your best memories of being a student?
A. School camps for me were always a highlight, bonding over challenging activities and sharing stories by the campfire.
Q. If you weren’t a teacher, what other career would you imagine yourself in?
A. I would love to have been a play-by-play sports commentator.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students that you wish you had known when you were in school?
A. Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.
