Former Newington College student Tony Retsos protests against move to go co-ed

·

A parent protest took place outside prestigious Sydney boys’ school Newington College on Wednesday, January 31, after backlash intensified around the school’s proposal to become co-ed.

Known for its 160 years of history as an elite all-boys school in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Stanmore, Newington College recently announced it would transform into a fully co-educational school by 2033.

According to News.com.au, the school said it would begin accepting girls into kindergarten and year 5 from 2026.

This left many parents and past students furious, with many protesting outside school gates on Wednesday holding placards.

College Headmaster Michael Parker wrote a letter to parents on Tuesday night saying the school had increased staff presence at the gates, in preparation for the planned protest.

“While we acknowledge people’s right to share their opinions, the first day of the school year is all about the current students,” he said in his letter.

newington college tony retsos
Tony Retsos at the protest. Photo: Kate Geraghty.

This did not deter protesters.

Tony Retsos was a graduate of Newington in 1977, and said the college had a long history as “an elite boys’ school and the process to consult [on the co-ed proposal] wasn’t sufficient.”

“All we want is for the decision to be reversed and a proper consultation. Without more information the decision is unfathomable,” Mr Retsos told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Retsos sent his son to Newington and now as a grandfather of two girls, he said he couldn’t see them being sent to a co-ed Newington in the future.

An online petition has now been formed which objects to the co-ed move. It has already collected 2,300 signatures, and a separate group of parents have threatened legal action against the college over the plan to enrol girls.

Sources: News.com.au and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Alex Hawke MP faces possible Liberal party expulsion

Alex Hawke MP, the former Federal Immigration Minister, will face a motion later this year to be expelled from the Liberal party.

WEAREOPEN: A photograph, a wish and a post to support small businesses during COVID-19 restrictions

As Greeks play such a significant role in Sydney’s hospitality industries, so many Greek-owned businesses, whether cafes, restaurants and clubs.

Childhood lessons set the tone for Peter V’landys’ career trajectory

Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter V'landys, has been on a steady trajectory to the top of the sports administration world for much of his career.