Testimonials from 2015

Barry Heard

How can I clearly express my experiences so far at Newington? Perhaps by describing my own feeling as I am about to enter the room. I am nervous, wondering if I can engage and how will the boys respond. What happened at Newington for me over the past two days dissolves my anxiety to the point I actually gather strength. Boys lean forward, nod, eyes well up and nods never end. Then after the talk – so many handshakes, genuine compliments and warmth. Much later, this is affirmed by emails and boys coming to the library or authors room for a chat. Thank you. I admire you, your efforts, the school and most important the maturity of the students.

Felicity Plunkett

Thank you all for inviting me to be part of the Newington Literature Festival. It was a great pleasure for me to be on a panel with Archie and Will, and to have an opportunity to think in a focused way about why reading is so important. The opportunity to meet writers and attend workshops is a fantastic one for kids, and I know it must take an extraordinary amount of care, imagination and energy to make it happen.

Mandy Ord

Thank you once again for inviting me to the Newington Lit Festival. It’s always such a huge privilege to be invited. I had a wonderful time teaching the students. I hope they enjoyed my workshops. It was great to meet the teachers and to reconnect with the fabulous authors. We were all looked after so well and it was inspiring to see literature and the arts celebrated. I left Sydney with a massive smile on my face!!!

Oliver Phommovanh

Thanks again for a lovely few days at the Newington Literary Festival. I’ve been impressed with how smoothly the festival has run for each of the three times I’ve been there. My helper was a delight and was always on time. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to be a guest teacher in the English classes of Years 7, 9 and 11 was great, I got to really engage with the students. Plus their questions were second to none, I know that they always look forward to the festival and they’re really switched on. I think you’ve forged a legacy where the festival is anticipated and savoured by the kids, and I can tell through their pieces of work and conduct. I’m also happy with the community talk and the chance to speak with primary school kids, they are always a highlight for me.

P. M. Newton

The place was buzzing. Congratulations – what an achievement! Thank you for the invitation – wishing the boys – and the team – all the best.

Tohby Riddle

You guys did an amazing job pulling the festival together and as an author it was a pleasure to be a part of it. Congratulations. I spoke to students from Y3 to Y12 – all audiences were keen and engaged – I was impressed. My guide did a great job – really nice kid, punctual and friendly, and the volunteers at the Green Room did a great job too.

Will Kostakis

Thanks for such a wonderful festival. I had an absolute blast, and I know all the other authors had a fantastic time. Having spoken at countless schools and festivals, I’m always struck by the maturity and engagement of Newington boys when I return. This year was no different. The students were a dream audience for a speaker, and I have to say, as a New Old Boy, there were pangs of pride.