“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.”

– Maya Angelou quotes (American Poet, b.1928)

Diversity is Newington’s strength

Maya Angelou’s quote is a wonderful reminder of why Newington College is truly blessed. The College offers such an exhilarating array of opportunity and I commend all our young men on their amazing capacity to engage in such an exciting cross spectrum of activities. Last week at assembly, we vividly saw just a snapshot as we celebrated the depth of our ‘Creative Arts’ programme; from music to drama to visual arts. When one further considers our rich ethnicity, some 42 cultures in all, our diversity is only more enticing for anyone keen to embrace a truly modern world!

SMS for Absence & Late Notification Reminder

We are now near the end of the fifth week of the new system. The official daily roll is now marked electronically in the first 10 minutes of Period 1. If your son misses this roll call, he must register his late arrival at the absence office and receive a late slip. The time is documented and automated messages are sent, in a batch, indicating our records for lateness or non-attendance for that day. Please use this convenient system to reply to the SMS in place of written notes. Please direct all feedback to rthomas@newington.nsw.edu.au.

National Success

I commend Lewis Holey (12/MO) and Chiir Maker (10/FL) on being selected in the Australian Schoolboy Basketball Team. Coached by our Rex Nottage, both Lewis and Chiir proudly helped NSW win the National Championships and were thrilled to be named in the side. On a similar note, we congratulate
Tepai Moeroa (11/JN) who was named last week in the touring Australian Schoolboy Rugby Union side to play Fiji and New Zealand later this term and Jesse Coyle (12/LE) who represented Australian in the Coxless Fours at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria!

Finally, I wish our Year 11 and 12 students every success as they sit their Preliminary and HSC & IB Trial Examinations. Hard work can make a difference over these next weeks!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Secondary

Forthcoming events:

Sunday 9 September – Year 7 Chapel Services 9.30 & 11.00am
Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 September – Science and Technology Festival
Friday 14 – Tuesday 18 September inclusive – Compulsory Annual Outdoor Camps
Thursday 20 September – Valedictory Day & End of Term
Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 September inclusive – Cadet Promotions Camp