Dear parents and guardians 

‘Social Justice and Black Lives Matter’ was the topic of a Q&A session with Mr Steve Muir and Mr Terence Priester (pictured above) at assembly this week. Mr Priester spoke about the need to push the boundaries across gender, race and class; his reaction to Barack Obama’s election as the 44th President of the United States in 2009; and his parents’ lives in the US and how they were denied opportunities because of the colour of their skin. The boys were spellbound as they listened to Mr Priester speak. It was an education about why black lives matter, and I would encourage you to listen to the interview by clicking here. 

On several occasions during the term I like to address the boys at assembly. Yesterday, I asked the boys: ‘What determines the success of a student at school?’ 

My question was prompted by a departing Year 12 student who, after his final exam on Monday, came to my office. This student had made a poor decision in Year 10. To his credit, he turned things around and finished strongly thanks to the love of his family, the support of his mates and a significant amount of grit and determination. There are several determinates of success, but we are mindful that ‘success’ is different for each boy and depends on a range of factors, including:  

• Your genetic disposition
• Parental influence – their expectations, the example they set, and love given
• Teacher influence
• The influence of your peers

At assembly I focussed on the influence of a boy’s peers as this is what they have the most control over. During the senior school years their friendships can change as what they value and place importance on also changes. They look more closely at the kindness and inclusiveness of their friends, their interests, motivations, and whether they are prepared to work hard.  

People have the capacity to change, as this young man demonstrated. I will use every chance I get to talk about the need for the boys to support each other and to be kind. I think our culture of inclusion and kindness grows each year and I am confident our Year 12 2021 will help us get even better. 

Senior Prefect Conor Corcoran spoke straight after me. He spoke about gratitude and the power of saying thank you. He thanked the amazing group of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, who only want the best for the boys and genuinely care about the boys’ triumphs and struggles. He encouraged all boys to take the time to say ‘thank you’ to those who are making a difference to their Newington journey.  

Conor also gave a shout out to our ‘Man of the Week’ – Jesse Gordon (9/MO). Jesse has been helping the wider community through ‘Cook for Good’. He has cooked and delivered food, volunteered to clean up and learnt about homelessness and what we as a community can do. 

In more good news, I would like to congratulate Finn Hawkins who has made the shortlist for Student Maker of the Year with his HSC Major Work. Finn’s work is here. 

These are wonderful examples of what are boys are capable of. 

Enjoy the weekend – we are now halfway through the term.