In 1973, the Parents and Friends (P & F) Association and the Rowers Association were the only two parent support groups allowed at Newington College. Both groups worked very hard to raise money for the College, with Market Day, now Back to Newington Day, being the Rowers Association annual fundraising day. Joy Christian had three sons attend Newington between 1973 to 1982, and with all three being Rowers, Joy was a committed volunteer of the Rowers Association (whom she called “Rowers Mothers”).

By 1988, this original group of Rowers Mothers were no longer current parents. They had forged such close relationships over the years but now no longer saw each other regularly. To encourage the continuation of these friendships, Joy decided to host a lunch for the Rowers Mothers at her home. This continued each year, until some twenty years later it was suggested to host an annual lunch at Back to Newington Day and include all mothers. Thus the name – Mothers of Old Newingtonians (MOONs) was established.

The annual MOONs Lunch has grown in numbers each year, with over 75 MOONs attending the lunch at Back to Newington Day in 2017. If you would like to attend the 2018 MOONs Lunch it will be held on Back To Newington Day, Saturday 11 August commencing with a photo on the steps of Founders at 12:30pm. Gather your friends and join us for lunch and take the opportunity to say your farewell to Dr David Mulford in his retiring year. Bookings can be made online.

In the words of former Headmaster, AJ (Tony) Rae, Headmaster 1972 – 1993

“The ‘Women of Newington’ – what would Newington do without the mothers, who day to day, do so much? I have great admiration for them”.

Keeping in touch.
Over the years many email addresses for past families were lost during technology upgrades at Newington, we are hoping to grow the MOONs communications and connections through email. If you wish to be placed on the MOONs mailing list or would like to be connected to the MOONs (unofficial) Facebook page please email community@newington.nsw.edu.au