Term 2 can be a long hard stretch for our Year 12s. They have received their first set of written reports and have had their practice examinations returned. For many, the reports are an affirmation of all the things they have been doing, and for others it can be a well-timed reminder of what they need to be doing. Either way they are confronted with a full calendar of assessment tasks and with it, the need for consistent and sustained effort, as well as the support of friends and family. I again urge parents, not just of our Year 12s but of all year levels, to continue to develop and foster relationships with your son’s mentor and teachers.

I have now also seen the roll out of a full Saturday Sports program and with it the passion and intensity that accompanies our Football and Rugby programs. Due to their location, Badminton, Cross Country, Volleyball and Fencing can be less visible, yet they are no less important to the College and our student population who are thriving under the guidance of some exceptional coaches. I have been informed about the busyness of Term 2 and I have not been disappointed; we have had the opportunity to celebrate the talents of our musicians, who through the Concerto Competition mesmerised their parents and the staff in attendance. Click here to see the Junior Concerto Competition results. Add in, amongst other things, the Anzac Day service, play rehearsals, Ensembles, Public Speaking, Chess, Plain English Speaking competitions, and you start to get an idea of the opportunities that are afforded to our students.  I mention this because I have recently started interviewing external Year 5 students who wish to gain entry to the College in 2018 and as part of the interview I ask parents what they want from Newington for their son. Often it is the ‘well-rounded’ education and the opportunities, but in truth we have students who do only the ‘compulsory’ activities which can be enough for some as they balance their academic demands. Inevitably though, it comes back to the search for the appropriate balance and how that can be achieved. Hence it is important to have honest conversations and consultations early on to establish expectations that are achievable for your son.

We welcome Rev Geordie Barham as our new Chaplain and I would like to extend an invitation to all our community to his Commissioning Service on Wednesday 11 May commencing at 5:00 PM in the Chapel. Following this service Moulton House Chapel will commence at 7:00 PM.

Mr David Roberts
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Stanmore