Will Cheshire and his mother Roselle. The Cheshire family grateful for generosity of community The support of the Newington community has ‘Will attending Newington has been an absolutely fantastic allowed many boys to enjoy all that education at experience – even through the COVID-19 pandemic. He walks out the door each morning in his beautiful black and white blazer. the College offers. Year 8 student and keen athlete We can feel Will growing into his own skin.’ Will Cheshire’s mother Roselle and father Ben are Indeed, her pre-conceptions about the school were pleasantly grateful that Will was awarded a means-tested proved wrong. partial scholarship through the financial support of our community and their own hard work. ‘I thought it was going to be a blokey school. But I was wrong, there are a lot of powerful women who teach there. The teachers are second-to-none. The boys are treated as individuals. It is really Ben visited Newington many years ago for a concert in Centenary diverse and there is no sense of elitism. The students are just Hall and was hugely impressed by the facilities. normal boys – I notice a lot of laughter, energy and excitement on campus. Will is thriving and we’re thrilled.’ ‘I remember thinking “what a fantastic looking school” and “wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of my kids could go here one day?”.’ Ben and Roselle are grateful for the support of generous donors who allow the means-tested scholarship program to flourish. Roselle felt similarly on arriving at Newington for the first time. ‘Thank you to the Newington community for supporting the means- ‘The first thing that struck me was, “wow! What an amazing school!” tested scholarship program. It has meant so much to our family and I admired the grounds and the beautiful buildings.’ Will would not have had this opportunity without it. We are eternally grateful,’ Roselle said. Her doubts about Newington being the right school for Will were soon extinguished. Will, who competed at the 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships in Adelaide in August and won the 800m U13 ‘I thought “Is it the right school? Is it the right culture? Do they have Championship at the AAGPS Athletics Championships in September, the right values for him?” The answer was yes, yes and yes.’ enjoys the collegial learning environment at Newington. Roselle says the school has been transformative for Will. ‘Around the school there is always a good vibe. The teachers are very good at their jobs, which makes learning enjoyable. The expectations are high, but they are very encouraging. I feel lucky to be on a scholarship and to grow up in a positive learning environment.’ 64 | Service | News Spring 2022 | Alumni, Community and Development