Dear parents and guardians,

We held our Remembrance Day service on Johnson Oval this morning. The weather was blustery, but the rain held off, allowing us to hold this important event outdoors.  

Remembrance Day marks the day World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, 103 years ago. This is always a moving and memorable service at the College with readings of A Prayer of Remembrance by Sione Fonua, An Act of Remembrance by Aiden Carter, In Flanders Field by C Company Commander Abrahim Ali and The Ode by SUO Mitch Hyslop. 

Our cadets play a central role in the Remembrance Day ceremony. The catafalque party were superb, and Adam Cooper once again played The Last Post and The Rouse like a true professional. 

Wreaths were laid on behalf of Newington students, the Australian Defence Force and the Old Newingtonians Union. The ceremony concluded with a period of silence at 11.00am to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I congratulate all boys on the respect they showed during the service.   

Yesterday was a memorable day for the Year 12 IB boys who completed their final exams.  Well done, gentlemen! Year 12 HSC exams started this week, as did exams for Year 9. Tomorrow is a study day for our Year 10 boys, who will start their exams on Monday. 

The first round of summer sport fixtures this term will be held this weekend. Sport is an integral part of a Newington student’s life. It’s a wonderful vehicle for belonging, opportunity, character-building and wellbeing. With such a long time between fixtures I thought it prudent to remind our boys of the College’s Positive Sport framework, which you can read here.   Please use this to start a conversation with your son about why we play sport.

 Enjoy your weekend – there are just over three weeks until the end of term.