My initiation into all that is Newington has been one requiring some adjustment for my family and it has proved rewarding in so many ways. Arriving to not only a new school, but to a new city with its unique rhythms meant that we were starting an adventure that would challenge us collectively as a family. Certainly it held its individual challenges for each of us – what is the best way to navigate one way streets; where is the best pizza; what beach is the place to go; and where are those hidden trails that can take a runner months to find. Fortunately, the Newington community have been amazing in not only the initial welcome, but the ongoing direction as we, as a family, have found our feet.  

I have been asked frequently about the differences between Melbourne and Sydney – I think those from Sydney are possibly waiting to see if I’m a convert given the traditional interstate rivalries. An obvious step in my transformation has been to applaud Sydney’s winter weather as even now I occasionally glimpse at the Melbourne I left and literally feel the warmth of Newington. But there has been so much more than this.  Perhaps a bolder sign, and one that has surprised my southern friends, is that my son now plays Rugby rather than AFL.  Yet the most intriguing comparison has been to consider the education system I have embraced at Newington.

I spoke recently with some parents at the Creative Arts P&F AGM about aspects I was aware of when considering boys schools and where they have traditionally fallen short. Whilst there is an undeniable and prominent focus on sport in our boys schools, there have been questions around the equity across all programs outside the classroom, particularly when considering the role of the performing arts and student engagement in these programs.  However, this has not been my experience at Newington.

When reflecting on the year thus far there are three events that stand out and speak to my understanding of our School and the way in which the performing arts have enhanced my sense of belonging to our community. Three events helped not only ease me into the school, but rapidly provided that sense of attachment to a community and a student body.  

Firstly the individual performances of our students in Spamalot as well as the support received from the community was exceptional and showcased the diverse talent across the Secondary School. Secondly, in the Year 11 Drama Production, Michael Swordfish, not only were the boys’ performances outstanding, but their collaborative process with renowned playwright Lachlan Philpott, who was commissioned by the College to write a play for the opening of the new Drama Centre, was captivating. Interest has been shown by many groups in this production with it now being performed next year 10–19 May by our boys at the Australian Theatre for Young People.

My third experience was quite unique. Whilst the performing arts provides a stage to showcase talent, there is also the opportunity for the audience who share the performance to walk away feeling proud to be part of a community that can celebrate the arts. I felt this after the Founders Concert. It came at a difficult time for the College as we had recently lost one of our teachers, Diana Organ, yet that evening was a testament to the qualities of our community, captured poignantly in a speech by our Head of Music and then a song by our Year 12s that expressed their respect for the teachers and program, an appreciation for the care shown to them and a love of the program they had been part of for six years.

Schools are remarkable places. They are communities that experience the full breadth of life’s emotions. If you have not found your way to a performing arts event you are missing out on all that our College can offer. For both the performer and the audience it holds the promise of being truly uplifting.

Mr David Roberts
Head of Stanmore