A new educational era in Newington

URQUHART Park Primary School’s name is changing to Newington Primary School, approved by the State government last week.

Principal Janet Hillgrove said the school community is excited, making the shift to move forward into the future with a better sense of identity.

“Our main goal is to connect with our fabulous community, and that’s one of the driving forces for this change,” she said.

“We’re an International Baccalaureate World School. IB World Schools are all about recognising culture and working with communities, so it’s important for us that we are connected with our immediate community.

“We’ve been really lucky that we’ve got such a forward-thinking school council that does a fantastic job, so together we’ve been really supportive of the name change.”

Belinda Collihole, school council president said students, parents and staff are looking forward to “stepping into a new space of learning.”

“We have our IB Primary Years Program, and we’re embracing a growth mindset,” she said.

“We are united in moving forward while striving to inspire, enquire and grow. That’s our vision.”

Mrs Hillgrove is mindful of Urquhart Park’s proud history, and that people embrace change in different ways.

“We acknowledge that and it’s really important, but this is about the future,” she said.

In 1982, Urquhart Street Primary School moved to the Newington site on Inkerman Street, keeping the Urquhart and adding the park element, due to its new location next to Victoria Park.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the change was important in hearing community voices.