Annual Prize Giving Night

The Annual Prize Giving Night will be held at the Town Hall on Thursday 6 December. Boys are expected to attend this important event.

Requests for Leave

Parents are reminded that all requests for leave from school of one day or more must be directed to Dr Andrew Hirst, the Head of Secondary. He will then acknowledge the request in writing.

Senior School

Year 10

A reminder that the annual examinations begin on Monday 5 November! It is important that the boys prepare a plan for revision and study in the weeks ahead and then put this into action. Subject teachers and mentors are key support staff for the boys in this process.

During Term 4 a number of leadership initiatives are taking place. These include a mentor supervised leadership program to gain a better understanding of what leadership really means and how it can be carried out. During the final week all boys will be involved in Peer Support Training in preparation for a range of opportunities in leadership during 2013.

Year 11

On Thursday 18 October the “Surviving HSC/IB Evening” will be held in the chapel beginning at 7.00pm. This presentation is for Year 11 boys and their parents. It includes former Newington boys, parents and current staff sharing their experiences about the journey ahead. It will also include a presentation from Mr Breden regarding university entrance procedures and there will be an opportunity for questions.

On Wednesday 14 November we have a presentation from Sam Cawthorn who is a most inspiring young man. A number of our Year 11 boys have already had an opportunity to hear him at the National Leadership Camp in July this year. Their feedback has been incredibly enthusiastic. Sam will focus on the GAP (Global Awareness Project) in his presentation covering social justice, and global awareness of disadvantaged communities in the developing world. Research shows that young people with a global perspective are more engaged and have higher levels of focus and social awareness.

This highly interactive and motivational program will empower students to not take things for granted, encourage better attitudes and gratefulness for their lives and inspire them to make a difference in the wider community.

This is a great opportunity for our boys. You can learn more about Sam at http://www.samcawthorn.com.

Paul Bourke
Head of Senior School

Middle School

Woodbridge Exchange

In recent years, Newington has been involved in a very successful student exchange program with the Woodbridge School in the UK. Boys in Year 9 have the opportunity to spend six weeks in England after Woodbridge boys have spent a similar time here with their families. The boys attend school as normal and get to experience life in another country on a day to day basis. The timing is usually either side of Easter although the exchange program has not been fully confirmed for 2013 as yet. I would be happy to supply information to any boy who feels that it would suit them. It is likely that two boys will be afforded the opportunity so if there are more applicants, boys will undergo a selection process. Such a process would need to take place this term so that families have the opportunity to book air fares etc. Further information about the school can be obtained at http://www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk/.

Pastoral Care 2013

With fourth term now well upon us, we are now preparing the way for our intake of Year 7 students. All class placements have been completed and boys and parents are about to be notified. Experience Year 7 Day will be held on Friday 7 December and boys currently in Year 7 will be given the opportunity to assist their new peers on that day. Ms Colleen Scalone as the permanent Head of Year 7, will be in contact with all families and will be working to put together profiles on each boy to assist their transition into high school. She will be assisted in her role by Mr Troy Stanley. This in no way will diminish the role that they have with the present group of Year 7 boys.

In 2013, the Head of Year 8 role will be shared by Mr Gary Maxwell and Mr John McVicar. Year 9 boys will move to the House system where their Head of House will have responsibility for their overall welfare.

Jeff Snare
Head of Middle School