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

Amanatidis, Valkanis named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for Panda Cup

Nathan Amanatidis and Dimitri Valkanis have been named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for the Panda Cup in China.

Arkadia group release plans for new high-rise towers at Sydney’s Neutral Bay

Arkadia property group has released its plans to redevelop two north shore shopping centres into high-rise towers in Neutral Bay.

Serious momentum builds for future vote on genocide recognition in Victoria

A wave of over 35 letters have been addressed to the Victorian Premier supporting a future motion to recognise the 1915 Genocides.

Obama calls out Trump over his questioning of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greek heritage

Barack Obama took a strong stand against Donald Trump’s recent controversial remarks about NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Third suspect linked to Athens bombing arrested as minister warns of rising extremism

Greek police apprehended a third individual on Monday, October 4 connected to last week’s explosion in central Athens.

You May Also Like

Mike Lazaridis: Father of the smartphone and science philanthropist

Mike Lazaridis is well-known as the father of the smartphone and science philanthropist. This is his story.

Archbishop Makarios makes an official pastoral visit to South Australia

Archbishop Makarios has participated as a keynote speaker at the Youth Conference organised by the Central Youth of Adelaide.

Young Greek Australian’s poem ‘Yiayia’s Hands’ secures spot in diverse food book 

Maddy Constantine’s poem will feature in an anthology that showcases the multicultural experiences of young Australians through food stories.