In 2004, when we created Newton College’s current mission statement, we chose our words carefully. We searched for an expression which reflected not only a good academic preparation in the humanities, sciences, arts and sport, but also encompassed emotional intelligence and spiritual sensitivity. We chose the term “well-rounded” to qualify the key concept “successful citizens”.

The word “successful” is relative. For a doctor it may mean a complicated operation that went well; for a lawyer it may mean winning an important law-suit. For the majority of people it is probably the pursuit of happiness. If so, how do successful citizens pursue happiness?

According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, internationally-minded citizens are successful when they: “...help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect... (are) active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people with their differences can also be right.”

At Newton College we believe that successful citizens pursue goals that are beneficial to society and the environment. They achieve happiness by showing compassion and care for others. They understand that to be successful they must never stop learning throughout their whole life.

Success is rarely the achievement of outstanding feats for the human race is not replete with people such as Madre Teresa or Mahatma Gandhi. Success is more often the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out by ordinary people.

The successful citizen is not the one who earns thousands of dollars but the one who opens thousands of hearts. Success is not determined by what you say but by what you do. It is not determined by what you have, but by what you are. Our principal educational aim is that our graduating students become well-rounded and successful citizens

Andrew Cino, Headmaster