Dear parents and guardians,

It has been a huge week at the College with a big announcement about a new House structure starting in 2022, and the inaugural Old Newingtonians’ Week.

As Headmaster outlined in his correspondence, we needed to first announce that we would move to 16 Houses so we could then have consultative discussions with staff and students about how to achieve the transition. With the announcement done, we have started these conversations and look forward to more in the coming weeks. House names, colours, areas, ties and so on are all in the mix. Mr Parker even moved his desk to the Sesquicentenary Quadrangle during lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (see photo above) so boys could talk with him and share their suggestions.

Our first Old Newingtonians’ Week took place on campus and online for Old Boys and Year 12 boys and their families and has so far been a great success.

The Old Newingtonians’ Union (ONU) was founded 126 years ago by Newington Old Boys who wanted to keep connected with each other and the College. When our Year 12 boys graduate, they automatically become life members of the ONU.  A highlight of the week is the Life After School seminar for Year 12 boys and their parents. On Wednesday night, four Old Boys who graduated within the last 15 years shared their insights about how they managed the transition from school to adulthood and offered some practical and honest advice. Their experiences ranged from jackarooing in the Northern Territory to speech writing for high-profile federal politicians, so it was a fascinating evening.  

Also as part of the celebrations Year 12 boys enjoyed a burger and ice-cream lunch generously donated by the ONU and old boys Tim Rosenstrauss (ON 2012) Burger Head, and Dylan Duong (ON 2010).Duo Duo.

National Reconciliation Week starts today, and I was invited to speak at the ONU business lunch about what the College is doing for, and with, our indigenous students.  This tied in with former ONU President Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) moderating a discussion with another esteemed Old Boy, Joe Hedger (ON 1994), focussing on Reconciliation Week and Indigenous understanding.

On Saturday, 1sts and 2nds teams from all 7 of the Newington College winter team sports will wear a special jersey (view here) the College and several of our boys co-created with a local Indigenous artist.  The boys will wear these jerseys as part of Reconciliation Week.  There will also be a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country conducted by an Indigenous elder.  This should make for a terrific day on Campus.

We need your help or, more accurately, the Salvation Army and your boys need your help.  Currently we have 65 volunteer drivers  signed up for the Red Shield Appeal this Sunday.  We need another 25 to transport all the boys who have volunteered to collect.  It was a spectacular response by the boys, so please help them to help the Salvation Army by volunteering here.  The greatest gift any of us can give is the gift of time.