PLEASE READ THIS THROUGHLY AND TILL THE END

As a proud member of Newington College in Stanmore, NSW, Australia, I have witnessed firsthand the unique culture that has been cultivated over generations. This culture is being threatened by recent decisions made by our headmaster and council. The decision to make our school co-ed is not just a change in policy; it's an erosion of our heritage.

Newington has always been a place for boys to grow into men, surrounded by their brothers. It's where we learned about camaraderie, leadership, and respect - values that have shaped us into who we are today. However, over the past few years under current leadership, there has been a noticeable decline in the schools culture.

The decision to transition into a co-educational institution didn’t include alumni or current students, but is apparently ‘supported’ by the ‘majority’ of the schools community. However, thr lack of transparency is concerning and undermines trust in school leadership.

Furthermore, research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) suggests that single-sex schools can provide benefits such as improved academic performance and increased self-esteem among students (source: ACER report). By becoming co-ed, we risk losing these potential benefits.

We need your help to preserve Newington's legacy for future generations. We call upon all stakeholders - parents, alumni like myself who cherish this institution as their home away from home - to join us in demanding that this decision be overturned and for new leadership at Newington College who respects its traditions while guiding it towards future success.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving Newington's heritage while ensuring its continued excellence for future generations.