Dear parents and guardians,

On Wednesday we held our first assembly since Term 1.  With some careful physical distancing measures in place, our Year 12 boys attended in Centenary Hall while all other staff and boys enjoyed a live stream in their mentor group rooms.  It was wonderful to again be able to recognise the achievements of our boys.  Nicholas Atkinson and Atticus Bertrams (both 12/KL), Daniel Blount (12/LE), Christos Fotopoulos (12/MO), Zach McGeechan (12/PR) and Edward Wydell (12/ME) were awarded House Honour Colours, one of the College’s most prestigious awards.  Congratulations to all these boys on this great achievement.

This week, our boys competed at the AAGPS Rifle Shooting.  Newington had a slow start in the three-day event but finished strongly, winning the Buchanan Shield and placing second overall.  Congratulations to Callum Griffin (12/FL) and Sam Martin (12/MA) who were both selected to compete in the combined AAGPS representative team.

We continue to follow advice from the Department of Health when planning events for Term 3.  Unfortunately, there will not be a Back to Newington Day for 2020, however, we still intend to hold Music and Drama showcases and the IB Exhibition Lock and Key– they will just be in a different format. 

Our plans for the annual Cadet Camp and Newington Challenge Camp are still under review and the AAGPS Heads are continuing to discuss winter sport fixtures.  Unfortunately, we are unable to have parents, spectators or support group functions on campus until further notice.

This is a particularly important term for our Year 12 boys and families as they mark the end of 13 years of schooling.  We are mindful that we want to give the boys the send-off they deserve, and we are working to deliver the best experience possible, albeit in an unpredictable environment.  I expect to be able to communicate firmer plans to Year 12 parents, guardians and boys in Week 5.

Yesterday I reminded boys that as of next week our leniency with grooming and uniform will end. Please make sure your son is wearing full blazer uniform and has a suitable haircut before returning to the College on Monday.

In closing I have a final request – please do not send your son to school if he is unwell. Unfortunately, we have had to send a few boys home this week after they came to school ill.  Adhering to this one request will help us to keep the Newington Community safe and COVID free.