The College Council and former Council Members, the current teaching and support staff, past teaching staff of 20 years’ service and two former Headmasters, gathered last Friday, 25 January in Centenary Hall to commemorate 150 years of tradition and excellence in the delivery of boys’ education at Newington College. In a day of celebration, all staff members were presented with a gift of Sesquicentenary memorabilia and invited to have dinner and drinks. They were thanked for their service to the College over the years.

With a Black & White dress code, staff and their warmly welcomed partners made an elegant gathering of cocktail gowns, tuxedoes and dinner jackets. There were also a number of B & W bow ties, those in military Mess Dress and even Tongan tupenu.

School Counsellor, Mr Stan Comino a staff member of Newington College since 1973 spoke on behalf of the assembly. In a moving speech before dinner he congratulated Newington staff for their dedication and commitment to“our boys” education over the years. “So many staff have made our students feel safe and given them value and empathy and helped carry their burdens. It’s the genuine care that has been apparent to so many boys and parents,” he said.

The dinner was the first out of an events program designed by the Sesquicentenary Committee— a group of Council Members, Old Newingtonians, current parents and staff who have spent six years planning the celebrations for Newington’s Sesquicentenary.

Also this week: The boys took part in the celebrations this week each receiving a special tie, badge and cupcake at the first assembly of the year.  A 150th Anniversary Chapel service will take place at Stanmore Chapel, 9.30am Sunday 3 February.

To find out more about Sesquicentenary news and events, visit Newington’s Sesquicentenary insite

Sesquicentenary memorabilia is also available for purchase online. Click here to find out more