At a Newington College old boys’ meeting, a no-confidence vote in the old boys’ union board was presented as a plebiscite. The executive initially only wanted to vote on one resolution but later agreed to vote on all five. Proxy votes were submitted and the vote counting ran overnight, with a third party verifying the results. Former students, including Peter Thomas, traveled to cast their votes in person.
The chairman of Newington’s council, Tony McDonald, expressed concerns in a letter to parents about a group of alumni trying to undermine the college through votes of no confidence. A group of former students working at the school also voiced their opposition to the motions, stating they threatened the school’s philosophy of inclusion and respect. Parents and former students protested the school’s decision to become co-ed, citing concerns about reputation and staff morale.
The co-ed decision faced opposition from alumni, with some feeling the consultation process was misleading. Many parents who had put their sons on the waitlist from a young age felt they were sold on a different educational experience. Some alumni expressed their support for the move towards co-education, citing the changing world and the benefits of co-ed environments for students.
The old boys’ union president noted an increase in feedback due to the co-ed decision, with a survey indicating mixed views on the move. Some members viewed the resolutions proposed as divisive and destabilizing, aimed at taking control of the ONU against the college’s decisions. There is a legal challenge underway, with some parents arguing the move is against the school’s trust established in 1873.
While some alumni planned to vote against the motions, others supported the co-ed decision, believing it reflects the modern world and provides more opportunities for students. Newington College announced plans to admit girls in the junior school by 2026 and become fully co-educational by 2033. The school considered the ONU meeting to be an internal matter. The discussions and debates surrounding the co-ed decision at the school continue to draw attention and spark interest among the alumni community.
