From the Head of Stanmore

Each new school year brings with it many possibilities and challenges and 2017 is no different. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years now and I still get excited about walking into my first class. On Wednesday of last week it was a Year 10 Physics class and the boys were brilliant. They indicated to me, via a show of hands that not many of them will go on to study Physics in the IB or HSC, but they were nonetheless enthusiastic and attentive.

At our first assembly I said to the boys that their job was to impress their teacher, as first impressions do matter and it is important you start well. These first few lessons establish the dynamics of the class and the students reveal their intentions for the year. After the first few weeks things can become more difficult, the assessment tasks mount and reality sets in. As Mr Meakin (Deputy Head of Stanmore – Students) would say, this is when “GRIT” is required.

Last year our Year 12s revealed their theme for the year – “My Strength is Your Support” which our Senior Prefect Mitchell Long (12/MA) referenced in his opening address. The start of the year is therefore all about setting high standards and establishing patterns of behaviour that will sustain the boys through the year and bring success in whatever form it may look like for each boy. Dr Mulford’s opening speech, which I hope you have had the chance to read, ensures our College is a place at which I am proud to work. His speech made clear to any new students and all of our students already established at Newington, what we as a College advocate (or stand) for and also what we as a community will actively work against. 

Welcome to the 2017 School year and thank you for entrusting your son’s education to Newington College; we take very seriously the responsibility we have to them and to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any stage this year.

Mr David Roberts
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Stanmore

Year 7 gear up for 2017

Our Year 7 students swapped desks and computers for fresh air and team building activities last month when they visited Stanwell Tops for the annual Year 7 Camp.

Nestled amongst pristine bushland and overlooking the gorgeous Stanwell Park Beach, the boys spent two days on camp as part of our Year 7 Transition Program and introduction to the Senior School.

The 2-day active outdoor learning program included mountain bike riding, problem solving and team building activities, orienteering, night games and the giant swing, just to name a few.

The adventurous activities were certainly a lot of fun and the boys had no hesitation getting involved despite the wet weather conditions. The boys were also provided with a significant educational advantage and were supervised by experienced instructors who led the education activities which complement our transition program. The program was a great opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves and practice initiative, teamwork and communication. The experience helped them to get to know their classmates and their Mentor – these important relationships are what our transition program is based on. The relaxed atmosphere and guided activities certainly proved worthwhile as the new Year 7 boys of 2017 have settled into their daily School life very quickly and are now full steam ahead with their learning. Lifelong friendships begin at Year 7 Camp.

Ms Colleen Scalone
Head of Year 7

Coach Longmire talks hallmarks of a Leader

” ‘We’ beats ‘me’ is how we drive teamwork” said Coach John Longmire of the Sydney Swans in a special talk to Senior Leaders as part of a Wellbeing Leadership Program led by Head of Co-curricular Mr Peter Wilkins.

Coach Longmire took the boys and several staff through the various ways Swans players are taught how to support each other, including rewarding collegiality, having honest conversations and seeking feedback.

He spoke about the importance of culture and having leadership hallmarks that define what you are as an individual and who you are as a team to help build collegiality.

While showing a couple of TV golden moments of the Sydney Swans scoring, Coach Longmire repeatedly stressed how much preparation would have gone into just a few ecstatic moments on screen.

“Have a personal roadmap for improvement and give them [those you are guiding] an action plan because do you know what that creates? It creates trust between you and him”.

“And ask. Ask, ask, ask. How am I perceived, how are we perceived? Do not be afraid to have that conversation about what you’re doing and how you can do it better” he said.

Update from your friends

The weather required a change of venue but there was no change in the usual warmth of the welcome extended to our new Year 7 families and those joining us at Stanmore 7-12 from our Lindfield and Wyvern Campuses. Deputy Headmaster, Mr David Roberts joked that the parents took “longer than the boys to quieten for assembly”, when he tried to break into their enthusiastic conversations in order to get proceedings underway.

Welcomed on entry by the staff of the Newington Community and Development Office, families were gifted with a packet of seeds to grow, symbolic of their new relationship now beginning with the Stanmore 7-12 campus. This Office supports the Parents and Friends’ Association and in particular the Support Groups and Associations that work alongside Co-curricular activities. Mr David Sanders the new President of the Parents and Friends’ Association, encouraged parents and carers to sign up for involvement in Saturday sport groups, Creative Arts and New Women as a perfect way to “get to know other families, and to feel a connection to a strong community”.

In the Headmaster’s welcome he too clarified, “Don’t be a stranger. This is the type of school where you can come up and say hello when you see me around…or if you see me at Sport on a Saturday,” and he pointed out the advantages of being in a warm and inclusive community, and in a school that celebrates diversity.  

The Jazz Band set a swing beat throughout the rest of the event for the guests to mingle with each other, and also introduce themselves to members of the Secondary Leadership Team, other Middle Leaders, all the Year 7 Mentors and Mrs Colleen Scalone, who all stayed for the event.  

The Community and Development Office and the Parents and Friends’ Association representatives flagged the event ‘a success’ with volunteer lists filled in and plenty of basil and chive seeds, soon to be sprouting, in Newington families’ herb gardens this summer.

Nepal Tour

In late December last year, a group including boys from Years 10 and 11, Mr Garner, Mr Ha, Mr Parnham, and Mr Wilkins went on a tour to Nepal. The trip was a cultural exchange, with some service learning elements involved that gave boys the opportunity to experience the humble culture and stunning landscapes of Nepal.

The tour group flew into Kathmandu and had the chance to experience the eclectic artisan flea market culture and ancient buildings of the historic Bhaktapur town which is centred around an amazing Hindu Pagoda. There was no time to stall however, as the next morning boys were up before the sun to catch a domestic flight to Phaplu, a mountain town, so that we could start to trek. Of the three 15 man flights, the 30-man tour group was spread across, two were drastically late due to fog. Once we had all regathered, the group started to walk what was the hardest trek of the trip, and we didn’t stop until well past sunset due to our lateness. It was well worth making it to Tragsindho however as the next morning we awoke to our first view of the mountains. In every direction, as far as the eye could see there are peaks that stretch upwards of 6,000 metres, and in total awe the golden sunrise illuminated our upcoming day’s trek. The highlight was looking down and seeing the cloud line below, an experience I’ll never forget.

From here we trekked to Jubing, where we spent several days helping excavate earth and repaint a medical centre for the local community. Many boys used a pick axe and shovel to unearth boulders and turned this into a competitive game which was definitely one of the fun highlights of the trip. As a sign of appreciation, the local community put on a farewell ceremony in which there were traditional Nepalese dances and songs, a rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” by us in return, and a few games of cricket and skipping. It was truly humbling being welcomed into the community the way we were.

The tour made its way through the Khumbu Trekking region, famous for Everest which meant we came face to face with beautiful scenery. We stayed in Namche for a few days, a major thoroughfare town to Everest, from which we trekked to the Hidden Valley, the most beautiful village nestled between beautiful and (seemingly) impossibly high mountains on every side. The group made their way back through Lukla, which boasts the world’s most dangerous airport. This was another ‘interesting’ flight back to Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu the group were given several days to shop for souvenirs before visiting the SOS Hermann Gmeiner school. Here students from both schools exchanged cultural artefacts, gave presentations and played a one-sided soccer game. It was a rewarding and unifying experience that closed the trip.

Thanks to Mr Garner for his organisation of the trip, and for the other teachers for taking us on such an incredible and life changing journey.

Jack De Lacy (12/ME)

Ms Julie Burke is back at New

It’s great to be back at Newington after twelve months leave. In this, my first contribution to Black and White for 2017, I wish to share a few reflections, gleaned from my time away from the College last year and to inform parents of our middle years’ boys some of the topics which Year 8, in particular, will be focussing on in the Well-being program this year.

Upon returning to Newington, I have been reminded every day what a special community this is. On the first few days of my return, each time I walked down the driveway, I was greeted with a series of hugs and kisses, handshakes and smiles from my colleagues and our students alike. I was also greeted by many parent emails wishing me well and everywhere, “Welcome back” rang in my ears and I was aware of the sense of being embraced by this extraordinary community. I am so grateful to be back and have been humbled by the care and support I have received from everyone.

I also had the privilege of travelling quite extensively through Europe and the USA last year and this only confirmed my opinion that Australia is the best country in the world; a fact I shared all too often on my travels with anyone who would listen; especially the Russian taxi driver named Vladimir who drove me from New York’s JFK airport to Manhattan. On hearing my accent, Vladimir launched into his list of reasons why he would like to migrate to Australia, the top one being that “all the Australians who get into my taxi are so happy”, to which I replied, “that’s because we live in the best country in the world!” Vladimir agreed; therefore it must be true. With each passing airport security check, I appreciated more and more the relative freedom, safety and security that most Australians enjoy in our lives on a day to day basis. This was all too apparent to me when my son, Chris, who is currently living in the U.S.A, took me to his local Walmart, just so I could see how easy it was to buy a gun over the counter. It was a very confronting experience and even though Chris thought my look of shock and horror was a bit of a giggle, I thank the Lord for the gun laws and controls we have in place to keep our community safe. I couldn’t help but feel that whilst life in Australia is far from perfect, we have so much to be grateful for compared to the rest of the world. And like Dorothy clicking her red shoes together, there really is “no place like home”.   

It’s wonderful to be back with our Year 8 students and this year, we are graced with an exceptional team of mentors to help look after and nurture our boys as they grow. Year 8 is typically the year when the onset of changes due to adolescence often reach their peak.  With this in mind, our Wellbeing program has been specifically designed to provide a learning space where some of the most common issues can be explored. For example, Year 8 is sometimes marked by upheavals in friendship groups. As boys grow and mature at different rates, they sometimes, temporarily, outgrow a friendship that may have been with them for many years through primary school. Through our Wellbeing program we discuss these changes and seek to educate the boys on what constitutes healthy differences of opinion and ways to manage change, allowing freedom for themselves and others to develop new friendships, thereby building a stronger community. In addition, we discuss when to be on guard against disagreements that may fester and degenerate into negative, bullying-type behaviours and how to seek help if this occurs. 

In the weeks to come, the boys will be involved in a “kindness challenge” which is aimed at teaching them skills in order to build positive relationships and develop a positive, strong and resilient Year 8 community. 

Later in the year, the Year 8 Wellbeing program will begin to focus on each individual boy’s own personal journey towards becoming the man that he wants to be; helping the boys to begin considering what kind of man this is for them and what their purpose could be. I’m sure you will agree, to borrow a line of thought from our Headmaster, there’s never been a more exciting time to be at Newington College!

Ms Julie Burke
Head of Middle Years

Old Boy connection offers timely advice

January was a month where many of our newest ‘Old Boys’ were making big decisions about their futures, especially as University offers were being released. After years of academic focus and energy channelled towards anticipated results, preferred careers and industries of interest, this time can be overwhelming for students presented with new options, considerations and possible futures.

Michael Li (ON 2016), was a disciplined student with a strong focus on pursuing a future in Veterinary Science. However, after being offered the Chancellor’s Award from the University of Sydney, which includes a scholarship to combined Medicine, Michael was encouraged to consider a different path.

“I haven’t given this degree much thought”, Michael admitted. The Chancellor’s Award is only offered to students with an ATAR of 99.95 from either the HSC or the IB Diploma. The double degree requires the completion of a first degree of choice before proceeding directly into studying Medicine.

With questions and considerations aplenty, Newington’s Office of Community and Development were able to connect Michael with Newington ‘Old Boys’ studying the same Medicine course. Most of us can recall a time in our lives when someone — a teacher, a pastor, a coach, a friend — became a guide or mentor for a moment in our lives. In Michael’s situation the experience and insights of the ‘Old Boys’ assisted in giving him the knowledge to make a considered decision that he could be comfortable with. Michael decided to continue the pursuit of his original path so in 2017 he will begin a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.

The prestigious Newington Alumni Community consists of extraordinary and accomplished ‘Old Boys’ worldwide. As Michael experienced first-hand, being part of the Newington Alumni community provides the opportunity to access the vast network of fellow alumni from around the world. It also fosters career connections, the sharing of skills, finding friends old and new, special event access and connection to Newington College.

To find out more about how to connect with Newington Alumni, visit the Alumni section of the Newington College website.

Boarding, a New way of life

Boarding at Newington offers students the opportunity to make the most of the ‘best years of their life’. Whilst these years may come and go very quickly, the boarding program aims to instill life skills that will assist the boys in the challenges that may arise at school and to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead beyond school.

Living away from home sits on most people’s lists as an experience which is outside their comfort zone. Most would agree that these kind of experiences are the ones where we grow the most, which is why boarding is such a popular option for our families.

The advantage of boarding at Newington is that our numbers are limited to 50 which means that close bonds are developed between all members of the community. The boarders are cared for by five families who live on-site with eight children between them.

On Sunday 29 January, Chaplain Barham celebrated the start of the new year with a Chapel Service and Dinner for the entire boarding community. Boarders, parents, siblings, staff and guardians all attended. We were all very grateful to those who travelled from overseas and interstate for the special occasion. The Chairman of the College Council, Headmaster and Head of Campus also attended with their spouses to help celebrate the start of the new year. 

Senior Boarding Prefect, Tom Hogan (12/KL) spoke passionately about the opportunities that await the boys and the direction he intends to lead them in 2017. He highlighted the six key traits that the boarding program aims to develop amongst the boarders. These include:

• Trust
• Forgiveness
• Integrity
• Positivity
• Compassion
• Resilience

Coach Nottage, who has been a Boarding Master and the Director of Basketball at Newington for 14 years, often uses the expression, “Your actions speak so loud, I can’t hear what you say”. So, it is safe to say that the boarders will be encouraged to live out these traits in their daily routines, through the independence acquired through living away from home and the interdependence shared between each of the boarders.

Throughout the year, our boarders take part in a number of outings and service learning projects. The first of the year takes place this weekend, with our eagerly anticipated trip to Jamberoo Recreation Park. Stay tuned for more updates!

Mr Troy Stanley
Head of Boarding

Camaraderie at CRU

Psalm 34:8 ‘…Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.…’

This new year has moved at such a rapid pace that it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come in such a short space of time. The Year 7 students have settled in so well and the new staff already seem like they are part of the furniture. This new beginning also provides an opportunity for all the students to take part in new, unexplored activities, sports and clubs that they have not yet experienced.

To this end, Reverend Morphew and I, along with the able assistance of the boys connected to the CRU club, have hosted several BBQ’s over the past two weeks designed to invite students to put forward questions about God that they’d like answered during Chapel and to promote the CRU club that is held in the Old Gym every Monday lunchtime.

The response has been positive, namely amongst the Year 7 boys whom, for the most part, have readily immersed themselves in all that the College has to offer. Year 7 will have their own separate CRU club each Friday throughout Term One, that will be held in the Grove Room during lunchtime. The boys who choose to be a part of this group will then transition into the currently established CRU group from Term Two onwards. We invite all students to come along; taste and see, not only the BBQ, but the reality that the Lord is good.

It has also been a real blessing to welcome three new boarders from Tonga; Tu’uta, Sione and Harold. Each bring unique talents, skills and personalities and share the trademark warmth and big smiles that are synonymous with all Tongan boarders here at Newington. On the very first day they arrived, they were invited to sing in front of a congregation of students and parents as part of the Boarder’s chapel. Without hesitation, their gifts were shared with all those present, enlightening the Chapel with their amazing harmonies.

Finally, the Chapel message presented to the staff to kick off our year focused on doing the little things well, noting that ‘the little things’ are the key to the bigger things to come. Small, calculated changes in attitude, attention to each individual student and changes in approaches to teaching and learning all amount to more effective outcomes. The message was based on the scripture found in Luke 13:18-21;

‘…like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough…’  

God has given us all unique gifts to make a big difference, but this will more than likely happen with the small changes and decisions that will exponentially expand. When we focus on the small things and do them well, the big things follow.

Reverend Geordie Barham
College Chaplain

Basketball Tour of the USA

Newington Basketball toured Texas and Los Angeles from 27 December 2016 to 16 January 2017. With a total of 11 games played in Texas, the boys caught a glimpse of the level of play of Basketball at American High Schools through taking part in tournaments and one-off high school games.

The boys witnessed the impressive speed of the American athletes and the lack of a shot clock which taught our boys the importance of ball retention/possession. With practices and visits to numerous college campuses the boys were also able to see the pathways that previous students have taken in our sport. 

Off the court the boys went on educational activities such as a visit to the Fort Worth stock yards, a tour of the Cowboys (NFL) stadium, a visit to JFK Memorial and the Missouri Aircraft carrier and a tour of the Texas Capital building, Alamo and NASA. On the “fun” side the boys went to three fun parks (6 flags, Disneyland and Universal Studios) and attended two NBA games and three college contests. 

The boys’ behaviour was exemplary and the tour gave them great exposure to the USA High School basketball circuit and first-hand knowledge of American culture. The memories of this tour will remain with the group for a lifetime.

Mr Rex Nottage
Director of Basketball

Remembering Rex Donowa (ON 1940)

Avid listeners to Robbie Buck’s Breakfast program on ABC Radio 702 last week will have heard the story of Rex Valentine Donowa, a young man from Bankstown who was killed over Belgium while taking part in a bombing raid during the Second World War.

Each year a group of Belgian researchers honour the crew members of the RAF Lancaster bomber that was shot down over Postel, near Antwerp, on 23 April 1944. Robbie Buck interviewed a British historian who is helping the researchers to find relatives and collect information about Rex and the other aircrew.

Following the segment on Robbie Buck’s show last Tuesday (7 February), Melinda Meyer, whose father and Rex’s younger brother Ian had been lifelong friends, contacted me. She knew that Ian had come to Newington and wondered if Rex had too.

It turned out that Rex came to Newington from 1935 to 1940, gaining his Leaving Certificate that year. He was a keen sportsman, playing in the College’s 1st XV rugby team (seated on the ground at the right in this team photo) and shooting in the senior Rifle team. After leaving school Rex worked in his father’s real estate business in Bankstown. A committed Christian, he was a youth group member and Sunday School teacher. He was called up for the Army in October 1941 and, on his discharge a year later, immediately joined the RAAF. After training, with the rank of Flight-Sergeant, he was attached to the RAF’s No. 12 Squadron, serving as the tail gunner of Lancaster ND715.

On Rex’s twenty-first birthday, just days before his final mission, he wrote his last letter to his father. The letter was reproduced in the 1945 edition of The Newingtonian. “Dear Pop”, he wrote, “It is early afternoon of a glorious English spring day — very much like at home, blue skies, soft breezes, etc. Probably this evening I shall be on my way to receive my birthday greetings from Hitler and his friends…. It was my main reason for writing, to convey to you, Dad, my heartfelt appreciation for all the things you have done for me as years have gone by… I promise, Dad, that the hard work you put in on me won’t be wasted.” He noted that “We have a little crew vegetable garden round our hut, and have just put in some carrots, radish and onions; and are hoping for the best.”

Melinda told Rex’s story to Robbie Buck’s listeners on Wednesday and Robbie read out an excerpt from Rex’s letter. We have provided our information to the British historian, who has incorporated it in his commemorative website at http://www.aircrewremembered.com/harvey-james.html. The information has also gone to the researchers in Belgium, to help them continue to honour the service and sacrifice of this fine young Newingtonian and his British and Canadian comrades, in a peaceful cemetery in Antwerp.

Mr David Roberts
College Archivist

Sport Report

Swimming

The Newington Age Swimming Championships were held at the College pool on Friday 3^rd February. It was fantastic to see the boys from Years 7-12 competing in a variety of events. 

The top three place-getters can be found at the following link:

Swimming Age Championships Top 3

We would like to acknowledge the following boys who broke Newington short course records: 

• Luca Polvere (11/KL)
• Jack Rudkins (11/MA)
• Christopher Mina (8/PR)

Congratulations to the following Swimming Age Champions for 2017: 

• 12 Years – Nicholas Venetoulis (7/KL)
• 13 Years – Thomas Oates (8/JN)
• 14 Years – Christopher Mina (8/PR)
• 15 Years – Shannon Lowe-Griffiths (9/PR) and Sam Lye (9/LE) (equal points)
• 16 Years – Jack Rudkins (11/MA)
• 17 Years – Luca Polvere (11/KL)
• Opens – Harry Gilkes (12/KL) 

Well done to all boys who participated on the night.

Sailing

It has been an exciting summer of Sailing for Henry Larkings (11/FL) and his crew mate Miles Davey (The Kings School) winning at the highest level.

They achieved:

• Australian Open and Youth Champions – Australian 29er National Championships
• Australian Sailing Federation – Australian Youth Champions

Henry and Miles have been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Youth Sailing Team in the boys two handed skiff at the ISAF World Youth Championships in 2017.

Congratulations Henry on your selection

Congratulations

Last Friday, Elliot Ulm (ON 2016) was awarded at the certificate presentation for OnStage – a collection of exemplary Individual and Group projects from the 2016 Higher School Certificate.

Elliot’s Individual Project: Poster and Promotion Design for ‘The Hairy Ape’ at the Sydney Theatre Company, was selected as one of only four of this project type to be displayed at OnStage.

Congratulations, Elliot!

Vaccinations

Welcome back and especially welcome to all new parents and students to the College. I hope that you enjoy this year. The lovely new Davidson Health Centre is situated on the Ground Floor next to the Tupou College Centre. It is well signposted between the Chapel and Le Couteur building.

I am here Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. We also have first aid coverage for Saturday sport in the first aid room just inside the back gates on Newington Road.

Please let me know of any change in medical details for your son or of any recent injuries/illnesses so that I can update their files. New parents please ensure that you have completed our Newington medical form online. Here are the links again :

Year 7 2017 http://insites.newington.nsw.edu.au/welcome/medical/

Years 8 – 11 2017 http://insites.newington.nsw.edu.au/welcometonewington/medical/

Parents we have some boys at school who are receiving treatment for cancer and other serious conditions. These students are recovering well but are nevertheless more prone to infections.  Therefore it is very important that if your son develops an infectious disease in particular chicken pox or measles that you contact me at the Health Centre. It is also important for your son to stay home if quite unwell with a fever/bad cold and cough or if they have a gastric infection, to help prevent the spread of infection to others.

The college is NOT a ‘nut free’ zone. There are many boys at school with anaphylaxis to nuts and so it would be appreciated if nuts and peanut butter products were not brought to school. If your son is really keen to bring these items then please have a conversation with them about not sharing these foods and explain how some boys have a serious life threatening allergy.

Spare Epipens are located in the Health Centre, pool office, library, cafeteria, Common Room, Drama Centre, Concordia, Boarding House and the boat shed.

For those with asthma please ensure that you carry your reliever in your bag. At school ventolin inhalers are available from the pool office, library and the Health Centre.

Vaccinations for Year 7 will commence on March 7. These vaccines are only free while your son is in Year 7.

They will be offered

• Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster) single dose
• Chicken pox vaccine, if they have not had it previously or not had the disease.
• HPV vaccine in a 3-dose course. (Newington uptake last year was over 95%)

Vaccinations for Year 11 & 12 on May 30

NSW Health will be offering the new Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to all students in Y11 &12.

For more info click on the link: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/meningococcal-w-program.pdf

Consent forms will be handed out to Year 7 in Mentor time shortly and should be returned promptly.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding immunisation, as it can be confusing.

To help your son settle into school routine the best advice I can offer is to be positive, patient and encourage them to get enough sleep each night.  9 hours sleep really helps the boys to cope with the demands of school and new friendships.

I have a small supply of spare uniform in case an item has been forgotten or gets damaged, which the boys are welcome to borrow. I would appreciate if these could then be returned ready for the next boy.

If you would like to discuss any concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse

Wellbeing Series 2017

Well-being is defined as a state of feeling comfortable, healthy and happy. It is an aspiration all parents naturally have for their children. Yet teenage years can bring some very uncomfortable times for caring parents; when acceptance either by ‘others’ or ‘self’ dominates a teenager’s world or when a teenager’s peers and his parents are at polar opposites, on every topic. It is at these times some difficult conversations need to happen.

The Newington Well-Being Lecture Series is being launched this year and will provide seven presentations by experts—some specifically for the boys and others for parents—on the challenging issues that can lead young people into areas of conflict, uncertainty or poor life decisions. The aim of the series is to help parents address these issues, openly and honestly with their young adolescents. For the boys the aim is to provide factual, accurate and clear messages about their life choices and so help them develop the personal behaviours and values they need for a life of well-being. 

The Parents and Friends’ Association, has given sponsorship funding to this initiative, driven by the Deputy Head of Campus, Students, Mr Bob Meakin, because, as a volunteer body of committed parents and carers, they stand beside the College in offering positive advice from experts, to all Newington families.

Click here for the Well-Being Series 2017 Insite