A Message from the Acting Head of Lindfield
End of Term
I thank and congratulate all boys, teachers, members of staff and parents for the success of this past term. As always, the term has been one of multiple calendar events, encompassing a breadth of inquiry learning, sporting activities, creative endeavour and community engagement. I have felt privileged indeed to have had the opportunity to share in the energy and excitement of these innumerable term 1 activities.
Newington Traditions
One of the many great strengths of the Lindfield campus is its links with the fine tradition associated with the Newington name. From the enthusiastic singing of Newingtonia, the school song, every Tuesday assembly afternoon, to the doffing of the traditional black caps at the end of day, the history of the school remains alive and flourishing.
When Dr Mulford visited the campus a fortnight ago, sharing part of his time with a combined Year 3-4 group in the library, he was inundated with eager questions about Stanmore senior school Houses, House colours, sport choices available and old boys currently playing in professional sporting teams. The boys were delighted by the number of Newington (not so) Old Boys currently represented in sporting teams as diverse as the Parrammatta Eels, Wests Tigers, Sydney Swans, Waratahs and Brumbies.
Tradition links the past with the present. Tradition places focus on values that established the school in 1863 and remain today at the heart of the Newington ethos.
One particularly interesting link with the past can be found in the Lindfield canteen every month.
Included amongst Maria’s wonderful team of volunteer helpers are the grandparents of Kindergarten student, Max Starnes. Max’s grandparents, John and Virginia Innes travel down from the Central Coast every month to visit Max and spend Friday assisting in the Kindergarten classroom with reading (Virginia) and together serving in the canteen. John and Virginia’s ham and salad sandwiches are highly recommended.
Where does the tradition fit in you may be wondering?
John Innes, as it turns out, is a Newington Old Boy who entered Kindergarten in 1949. He entered Kindergarten as a boarder due to his family’s regular travel so went through his entire Newington education as a boarding house student.
In recognition of this lovely Lindfield connection with an early post-war Newington Old Boy, the school presented John and Virginia with two Merit Certificates last Friday week. We were delighted to capture on camera this Certificate presentation shared with the senior boys of Year 6.
Such family links as this are treasured reminders of a great Newington tradition that reaches from the past to enrich immeasureably the lives of our current generation of young Newingtonians.
And as a postscript, I conclude my final communication with a warm vote of thanks for the work of all Tuckshop, Prep Shop and classroom/artroom volunteers. Your efforts make a genuine difference.
