‘Floreat Majestas’ – ‘May Newington Flourish’  for another 150 years.

Sesquicentenary Chapel Service:

I commend Rev David Williams, Rev Peter Morphew and Pastor Michael Bennett on the superb church service they organised to commemorate our 150th birthday last Sunday 3 February! In excess of 300 proud Newingtonians shared fellowship and proudly sang ‘Wesleyian’ hymns as we honoured the vision of our past founders! It was a fabulous morning and the music was quite exquisite! I congratulate the choir and all staff involved in the service! In fide scientiam

Important developments:

• Bag Tags: Boys have been issued with new identification tags in Mentor groups. Please remind your sons to affix their new tags to both their school and sports bags. Each disc is distinguishable by its house colour and numbered individually. Please make contact with your son’s Head of House or our General Duties Officers, Mr Kelly and Mr Dodson, should you have an enquiry.
• Student diary: Please take time to peruse through your son’s 2013 student diary, noting the new college layout on the inside front cover. There is now full access to the College classrooms, ovals and Sports Centre from all traditional entry points. I remind all commuters that the Stanmore Road entry is now strictly one-way.
• Homework Club and Evening Prep: Have now commenced in the Library. Homework Club offers assistance to boys in English and Maths on alternate days to their sports training from 3.30pm to 4.45pm. Similarly boys in Years 11 – 12 are invited to join designated teaching staff for private study from 6.00pm to 7.30pm from Monday to Thursday. If you have further enquiries please email Assistant to the Headmaster, Mr Paul Bourke on pbourke@newington.nsw.edu.au.
• Uniform Changes: It has been great to see the excitement generated by the new tracksuit and PE shirt and shorts for 2013. Please note there will be a phase in period and that our existing sports uniform and tracksuit is permissible until the end of Term 2, 2014.
• Late to School: May I please remind all families that boys late to school must swipe in with Mrs Brown in the Rae Centre near the Year 12 Common Room, whatever the reason! No exceptions!!
• Academic Leave Requests: Please also note that all applications for leave from school for one day or more, must be sent to myself in writing or by email. The request for leave should contain the dates being requested and reason, with as much notice as possible, to give the necessary time to consider the request. I will then confirm, in writing, whether or not leave has been granted.

I wish all our sportsmen every success this weekend and especially our swimmers as they start the defence of our Senior and Junior Swimming premierships and GPS relays.

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore