It is tradition to welcome new families to Newington College 7-12 campus at a twilight reception. This year we took the event to an outdoor venue – what we now call Founders’ Courtyard. The piazza created by the boarders of Nesbitt Wing, War Memorial, the Pyke Centre and the Rae Centre makes for a lovely open, yet protected area for our Community Groups to gather. The Newington Jazz Band set the ambiance at “pleasantly chilled”.

The Headmaster, Dr David Mulford, introduced new families to members of the College Council who had called in especially. Deputy Headmaster, Head of Stanmore Dr Andrew Hirst introduced our new guests to the leaders of the Community Groups who donate their energies to volunteer work across the Parents & Friends Association and The Newington College Foundation.

Support Group representatives manned their tables (with Rowing manning a boat) to answer questions about Football, Tennis, Water Polo, Rubgy, Fencing and Basketball just to name a few.

Helen Burton, the President of ‘New Women’, in particular welcomed the women present and encouraged them to engage with the activities and information sessions that will be offered outside the co-curricular linked groups.

Dr Hirst then drew attention to many Executive Staff and the boys’ Mentors who were present to specifically find ‘their’ families and say a warm hello, again. This is the third occasion where parents have had the chance to get to know their son’s Mentor, in order to build strong links with each boy and his family.