Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome.  New Year.  Fresh start.  Discover What’s Possible.

These were the themes shared at our welcome assembly on Tuesday.  We welcomed all our new boys and our returning students.  We reminded boys that Newington is a school that values positive relationships and recognises effort, perseverance, resilience and excellent character traits.

With a new year comes the opportunity to make a fresh start. We asked the boys to reflect on their goals and aspirations, and the changes they will make so they may start the year as they mean to end it.

We urge all boys to focus on character and effort.  We want our boys to be willing to try something new; immerse themselves in class, in sport, in the creative arts, in building friendships and in opening themselves up to others.  What unfolds for our boys will be greatly enhanced when they “go out on a limb” and make the most of the amazing opportunities available to each and every one of them.

As we come to the end of Week 1, Term 1, it is reassuring to see the boys fall back into routine, for our teachers to enter a classroom and teach a new year group, to observe early morning and afternoon training and practice sessions, to listen to the banter of boys making new friends and hear others reconnecting with old friends.  Our Year 7s have started wonderfully under the guidance of Mrs Scalone, Ms Christian and our talented Year 7 Mentors. The boys do look tired so will need a rest this weekend – please do not plan too much for them.

The term has started as we mean it to end – brilliantly.

Enjoy the weekend and I look forward to seeing you at the various sport fixtures that start this weekend.