Each year we ask our Year 12 students, who have received scholarships, to write a letter of gratitude, in appreciation of the support that they have received. We are pleased to share this letter with you from Toby,* who graduated from Year 12 in 2024.
Dear supporters of the Newington Foundation,
When I joined Newington College, COVID-19 lockdowns were in force. I had to start school on Zoom in Year 9, and I didn't know anyone. It was hard to make friends and talk to classmates and teachers who you knew nothing about - and they knew nothing about me. But when in-person classes finally started again, I was welcomed warmly by some students who I now call my best mates. It didn't take long to get along with them. I've finished school with that same group of mates. These friendships will stay with me for a long-time, past school.
Dear supporters of the Newington Foundation,
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Newington Foundation for allowing me to be a part of the Newington community for the last three and a half years. This opportunity allowed me to experience memories and skills I will hold close for the rest of my life.
When I joined Newington College, COVID-19 lockdowns were in force. I had to start school on Zoom in Year 9, and I didn't know anyone. It was hard to make friends and talk to classmates and teachers who you knew nothing about - and they knew nothing about me. But when in-person classes finally started again, I was welcomed warmly by some students who I now call my best mates. It didn't take long to get along with them. I've finished school with that same group of mates. These friendships will stay with me for a long-time, past school.
I was welcomed warmly by some students who I now call my best mates. It didn't take long to get along with them. I've finished school with that same group of mates. These friendships will stay with me for a long-time, past school.
Newington has allowed me to excel in my sporting commitments. I was part of the 1st XV. The facilities and the staff that I've had access to are amazing - so much better than my other school. It has helped me to develop as a player and human. I was fortunate enough to be selected in the GPS 1st XV and to be named in the NSW Schools team. Being a part of the rugby program has created behaviours and habits of work ethic that will stay with me and help me grow in both sports and as a member of our community. I was honoured to be named the Best Back, the 2024 Best and Fairest Player, and the highest honour of them all was to be selected by my teammates as Players' Player.
Newington has supported me with my external sporting commitments to keep developing my skills and abilities, allowing me to ensure that I can be the best version of myself.
Newington has supported me with my external sporting commitments to keep developing my skills and abilities, allowing me to ensure that I can be the best version of myself.
It has been an absolute privilege being a part of the Boarding House, it's allowed me to create tight friendships that will be carried on in the future - long after I've left the school gates. Being in the Boarding House has allowed me to make a routine that best suits my schoolwork and sports commitments. I've grown to care for my academics through the guidance of the Boarding House, mentors, and staff at the day school.
What you are around you become. I never in my wildest dream would have thought that I would be able to achieve some of my academic results if I wasn't part of the Newington community. I've connected with students from all over Australia and internationally, allowing me to create networks that may help me in the future.
What you are around you become. I never in my wildest dream would have thought that I would be able to achieve some of my academic results if I wasn't part of the Newington community. I've connected with students from all over Australia and internationally, allowing me to create networks that may help me in the future.
These experiences wouldn't have happened without the Newington Foundation. They have shaped how I am today. Three years ago, I would never have pictured myself in the position I am in, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.
* Toby is not his real name. At the request of the student, his name has been withheld.
