Dear Parents and Guardians,

Assembly on Wednesday illustrated much of what makes Newington the place it is. We were entertained by Stanmore Strings with a wonderful performance of Hoedown from Rodeo, conducted by Mr Trevor Mee.  Tom Rogers (10/MO) shared his experiences on the China Tour during the last holiday break.  Among many amazing experiences, Tom’s highlight was the Great Wall of China.  He urged all future students of Chinese to join the next China Tour.

Deputy Senior Prefect Alexander Humphreys, in his role as Chair of the Student Representative Council (SRC), spoke about its role at Newington.  Historically, he said, the SRC has focussed on the little day-to-day things, but this year the SRC is aiming to think more “big picture” with initiatives like the bottle recycling drive, introducing Year 8 representation back into the council and reducing the disconnect between the student body and the SRC so we truly are a school that is “one for many”. 

In his review of the week, our Senior Prefect Lachlan McIntyre looked forward to National Sorry Day on Saturday 26 May.  Lachlan talked about the Stolen Generations, the many indigenous children who were forcibly taken away from their families in the name of assimilation.  He referred to the “Acknowledgement of Country”, which is regularly read at the College and urged both boys and staff to reflect on the words “We still have much to learn about their culture, we still have much to learn about their suffering”.  On Saturday, he urged us to do what we say at assembly; to work harder to understand.

It was lovely to meet the Parents and Guardians of Year 9 boys at Parent/Teacher evening on Wednesday.  Please remember that our teaching staff are available to discuss your son’s academic progress at all times of the year, not just Parent/Teacher evenings. 

I would like to thank all the parents and guardians that have volunteered to be Red Shield Appeal drivers on Sunday.  If you haven’t signed up, but are thinking about it, please do as we still need another 35 drivers to transport our willing volunteers. 

Enjoy your weekend whether it is spent at sport, reflecting on National Sorry Day, collecting for the Red Shield Appeal or donating to it.