From the Boarders

Dear Newington Boarders and families,

My name is Koby Owen, and I have the privilege of becoming the Newington 2023 Senior Boarding Prefect. My family is from the greater western suburbs of Sydney, specifically the suburb Emerton and I am one of eight children. I began boarding in my second year at the College; 2021. Since joining the Edmund Webb Boarding house, I have made memories that will last a lifetime and I plan to make many more for my final year in the house. I am keen to work amongst the boarding staff, boys, and families to ensure that many more lifelong memories will be created in 2023.

Although boarding for your son’s education can bring a mixture of thoughts and emotions, Edmund Webb Boarding house is a unique boarding experience compared to neighbouring boarding schools. Newington’s boarding house is home to only 50 boys, and we all value respect and inclusivity while having a good time. I remember when I first walked through the doors to the house, and at that first instance I felt I was surrounded by some of the best boys selected by the College. The sense of belonging that was thrusted upon me, made my transition into boarding life much easier. Newington College boarding commonly host ‘outings’, in which the boarding house will venture out into the vast suburbs of Sydney and experience what there is to eat, see and do. Our most common outing is a short trip down to Newtown for an ice cream at the award-winning Cow and moon Ice Cream Parlour. It is simple events like these that we can experience with each other, that separates Newington boarding from neighbouring boarding schools.

Edmund Webb boarding house is home to a wide variety of talents, passions, and hobbies. The house caters for each and every boy to reach their full potential in their respected area. The boarding house is also home to many international students from countries such as Hong Kong, Tonga, England, Malaysia and Germany. We value every boy’s culture, religion and beliefs and encourage them to share these in the boarding house to express who they are and help other boys understand other students’ perspectives.

To returning boarders of the house, welcome back to another year of Newington boarding. I am keen to have a great final year of boarding with a great bunch of boys. Remember that you have your brothers around you to support you throughout 2023 and that tough times only get better with the help from friends.

Our leadership team for 2023 includes: James Blakeman and Austin See, supported by our Year 12 cohort of 20 boys. This year’s leadership team consists of a great bunch of boys who will ensure that the boarding house environment is safe and where every boy is able to express their passions in their respected areas. This leadership team also consists of the longest serving boarders in the house, therefore the Edmund Webb Boarding house culture is held highly by all of the boys. This brings out our positive house culture that it is well known throughout the school. If any families or boarders have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or the leadership team. We are always available to help.

Newington boarding sets each of its members up for success by encouraging great hearts, inspiring minds, developing strong wings, and building firm foundations to discover what is possible. I highly recommend for all boarders to take advantage of all the opportunities that boarding and Newington offer.

Kindest Regards,

Koby Owen