AIS USA Foundation 10th Anniversary in 2016

In 2006, Newington College established a Foundation in the United States that would allow US residents to make tax effective donations to Newington. It was soon realised that this was an opportunity that a number of Independent Schools would benefit from and the Newington USA Foundation soon became the Australian Independent Schools (AIS) USA Foundation.

The Foundation now has 25 member schools with many of those having achieved substantial philanthropic support from their US Alumni. Newington continues to be the most successful of the member schools, generating some 40% of all donations over the past ten years.

The Board of the Foundation includes four Newington Old Boys Directors; Ian Thomas (ON 1963) who lives in Vancouver BC, Bob Young (ON 1960) and Dr Peter Green (ON 1964) both of New York and Ian Diery (ON 1967), of Woodside, California. Together with their fellow Directors, all four have guided the growth of the Foundation to the point where it has now received and distributed in excess of $3 million to Australian member schools.

In 2016 we will be celebrating the Foundation’s 10^th Anniversary with a function in New York, to coincide with the College’s biennial visit to the US scheduled for late September/early October 2016. Peter Green has very kindly offered to host our Director of Community and Development Rod Bosman (ON 1978) for the Newington Alumni function at his New York City home, so please mark that time in your diary and we will confirm the date as soon as possible. We hope as many Old Boys and partners can make it to New York in the Fall of 2016. 

For more information on the AIS USA Foundation, please click here

Newington College Endowment Fund

Target – 100 Bursaries Annually by 2040 

In August this year, the College Council Chairman Tony McDonald (ON 1976) and fellow Council member Chris Collings (ON 1982) announced the launch of the College’s Endowment Fund.

In announcing this Fund, the Chairman acknowledged the wonderful diversity that Newington continues to offer, be it cultural, spiritual or racial and for which we are justifiably proud over our 152 year history. However, with fees continuing to increase, albeit at or around inflation only, the socio-economic diversity of the College will come under increasing pressure.

To prevent this, an Endowment Fund has now been established to build to a corpus of some $200 million by 2040 specifically so the equivalent of 100 full fee paying Bursaries can be provided by the College every year. This is so the socio-economic diversity of the College is not only maintained but enhanced, which is a benefit for both the recipients and the general school population – boys and staff alike.

This is an ambitious challenge but with a combination of Alumni benefactors – Old Boys, staff and parents and judicious investment of funds, we believe the target can be met and our future in this area secured.

Already we have a number of individual Alumni Bursaries established and continuing to be built over time. Indeed, a number of these are donating via the AIS USA Foundation to take advantage of US tax deductibility or as employees of global corporations that match employee donations. These are all contributing to our $200 million target and we are indebted for their generosity.

Newington’s creed is to “Discover what’s possible” and we want all boys, irrespective of family financial circumstances, to have the opportunity of a Newington education. We want Newington boys to be their best, not the best and develop from boys of promise to men of substance.

We hope all Alumni will join us in this journey.

Newington College Director of Community and Development – Rod Bosman (ON 1978)

Office of Community and Development

Some two years ago, I was honoured to be appointed the Director of Community and Development at Newington. I am blessed to be working with fantastic staff that look after all areas of Alumni relations – Old Boys, staff and parents; Development – College Endowment Fund, Bursaries and Scholarships, Regular and Annual Giving program, Capital fundraising, Bequests through the Founders Society; Archives – our enviable historical collection; Community – P&F and Parent Support Groups; Facility Hire and other ancillary income and management of the College’s property portfolio.

It is a diverse range of activities but the office plays a central role in ensuring the long term economic future of the College whilst also facilitating and maintaining the connections of the broader Newington Community. 

As for me, I am a Newington Old Boy having started in Year 3 as a Wyvern Boarder in 1969 and completed Year 12 in 1978. I am also a past parent with my son, Michael completing Year 12 in 2010. I have previously been the Stanmore P&F President, Rugby Association President and I continue to referee rugby matches at Newington during the season. I am also a member of the Old Boys Council and most recently was Chairman of the College’s Sesquicentenary Committee. For twenty years I was a Chartered Accountant, with my own firm for ten of those years and have run my own businesses and been senior management of other businesses and voluntary organisations over the past 35 years.

In 2013 we celebrated the College’s 150^th birthday and the Sesquicentenary Campaign left a legacy of magnificent Buildings and facilities, three new Bursaries and the Bequest program through the Founders Society. It also re-invigorated the spirit of Community at Newington and opened many eyes to the Newington of the 21^st century. So much so that demand for places sees us booked out until 2021, with sons of Old Boys and staff a priority subject to registrations being received in accordance with our Admissions Policy for Old Boys.

On the Development side, we are very fortunate to have so many generous supporters and the spirit of giving is now alive and well. But we cannot rest as we need to continue to build the Newington of tomorrow in a world where government funding cannot be guaranteed. This is a conversation we all need to have and I look forward to working with you to “Discover what’s possible.

ONU Centennial Trust

2016 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

What is the ONU Centennial Trust?

The ONU Centennial Trust was established in 1995 by the ONU with Peter Thomas (ON 1988) being the inaugural recipient.  Peter’s father Dr Rod Thomas (ON 1960) and uncle Ian Thomas (ON 1963) later contributed the single largest donation to the Trust, comprising one third of the corpus. The Trust would not be where it is today without the support of the Thomas family. 

The ONU Centennial Trust funds an annual award for outstanding Old Boys so they may undertake further study or research.  This prestigious award recognises and rewards Old Newingtonians who have excelled in their chosen field and who contribute in a meaningful way to the community.  The Trust awards funds in the order of $10,000 – $20,000 in any one year to up to four recipients so they may undertake study or research.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of Senior School at Newington College. There is no age restriction although preference is given to applicants under 40 years of age.

How do I Apply?

Applicants must complete and submit an application form by the end of June. Applicants are advised to consult the ONU Centennial Trust information which outlines the objectives of the Trust. For more information or to apply click here or email: alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au or contact (02) 9568 9544.

Pictured: 2014 ONU Centennial Trust recipient Edmond Cheng (ON 2013) second from left with L-R Mr Karl Watson (ON 1986), Headmaster Dr David Mulford and Mr Rod Bosman (ON 1978). Edmond was awarded $10,000 from the ONU Centennial Trust and is studying Economics at St John’s College, Cambridge University.

Progress Report from Cambridge – 2014 ONU Centennial Trust Recipient Edmond Cheng (ON 2013)

My first year at Cambridge has flown by more quickly than I could ever have imagined. Three eight-week terms came and went in the blink of an eye and barely had I adjusted to the English climate, people and education system before it was all over. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience that has left me much more knowledgeable and mature.

The academic rigor ensured by the tutorial system and its low student-to-teacher ratio is not overstated and really is what sets Cambridge apart as an undergraduate academic institution. Despite perhaps not performing as well as I would have liked in the final examinations, I can say without any hesitation that I have absorbed an overwhelming amount of material and more importantly, I have learnt to approach any information from a sceptical, analytical viewpoint, a skill which will no doubt serve me well.

Cambridge has also allowed me to continue what I started at Newington, in terms of maintaining a high degree of extracurricular involvement: President of the College Economics Society, Junior Treasurer of the University Go Society, College Volleyball Captain, Careers Director of the University Finance Society, University Bridge Club, College Badminton team. This broad and deep involvement helped me meet a truly wondrous range of talented individuals and enriched my first year at Cambridge.

While I am glad to be back in Sydney with family and friends, I can honestly say that I am very keen to return to Cambridge and continue this amazing journey.

ONU Centennial Trust Recipient 2015 – James Henderson (ON 2008)

The 2015 ONU Centennial Trust endowment recipient of $10,000, James Henderson, attributes his fascination with cell biology and cancer in particular, to his Year 12 Biology teacher, Mr Graham Potter. James’ captivation with Science at school became a realisation that he could genuinely make a difference if he pursued biomedical research. 

After excelling during his Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry and Pharmacology and completing his Honours (Research) year in cellular pathology at the Storr Liver Unit at the Millenium Institute, Westmead, James went on to continue his passion for research in his PhD studies. He is currently half way through a PhD at the Centenary Institute (RPA Hospital) at the University of Sydney investigating hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and researching possible preventatives and treatments. James will present his data at the International Proteolysis Conference in Penang, Malaysia later this year.

James is looking forward sharing his enthusiasm with current students at the ONU Careers evenings to cultivate their interests and identify future study and research possibilities in Science.

This year the ONU Centennial Trust celebrates 20 years of endowments to young Old Boys to support their tertiary studies or other fields of endeavour, so that they can indeed become Men of Substance. The Centennial Trust is looking to add a further $100,000 to its corpus so that the annual endowments (which are only paid out of earnings) can maintain value in the years ahead. You can make a tax effective donation via the AIS USA Foundation website. 

For more information about the ONU Centennial Trust and to apply for 2016 click here.

Pictured: James Henderson (ON 2008) being congratulated by ONU Centennial Trust Chairman Dr Rod Thomas (ON 1960).

Sports News – Football

2nd XI Undefeated GPS Premiers

Captained by Jeremy Campese, the 2nds had an undefeated season leaking very few goals and scoring 15 GPS goals culminating in winning the inaugural Seconds Plate as well as outright 2nds Premier Champions. 

Bee Taechaubol (ON 1992) – Philanthropist

Newington Old Boy, Bee Taechaubol, pictured above, is now the major shareholder (48% holding) of AC Milan. Bee, married with two children lives is Bangkok and owns the Thai Prime Company Limited, a South-East Asian based Private Equity group. Thai Prime has interests in a number of sectors, including financial services, construction, property, technology, parking, traffic infrastructure, sports and payment gateways.

Bee is also a substantial philanthropist and wants to bring the game of Football to all children throughout South-East Asia. in 2014, Taechaubol acquired the exclusive rights as sole organizer across Asia for the Global Legends Series, a four-game series bringing together legendary football players from around the world. These players play against each other in a Legends vs. Legends four-match series in different cities across the world. Players include Fabio Cannavaro, Michael Owen, Luis Figo, Cafu and Ronaldo amongst others. The Global Legends Series inaugural match took place on 5 December 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand. Launched with a ceremony to honour his Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s 87th birthday, the event was broadcast across the globe to more than 200 million viewers.

Sports News – Basketball

Chier Maker (ON 2014) – signed to the University of Portland

Last year Chier Maker (ON 2014), originally from South Sudan, was awarded a CIS Blue as well as the MJ Punch Award for the Most Outstanding Individual sportsman. Chier, renowned at Newington for his astonishing commitment and breathtaking skills has been snapped up by the University of Portland and is set for a promising US Basketball career.

University of Portland Basketball Head Coach Reveno said “Chier is another under-the-radar recruit that we are very excited about, his size, athleticism and skill set are intriguing for a player of his age at the wing position. He has had the benefit of working with a great coach in Rex Nottage at Newington College and focused his college recruitment on a place he knew would be a good fit, while also providing him the best opportunity to develop.

“As with all the recruits in this class, it is exciting when a player of Chier’s calibre – who has had other offers – recognizes the real value we are presenting with our program.  He wants to be the best he can be, compete for a championship and do both while getting a fantastic degree.”

Chier helped Newington claim Gold Medal Honours for three straight seasons at the Australian National Schools Championships. Individually, he was named the Most Valuable Player at the National Schoolboy Championships in 2012 and 2013. He is a three-time All-Australian National Schoolboy champion, three-time NSW All-Schools State Team recipient, and was named to both the GPS Conference All-Star Team and the NSW Independent Schools Team each of the last three years. Chier was recognised as the MVP of the NSW Waratah League in 2014 after earning all-league Honours in 2013.

Chier Maker and Newington Basketball Coach reflect on Chier’s time at Newington in the footage below.

Sports News – Rugby

Rugby – 1st XV are 2015 GPS Co-Premiers

After an off-season that saw a number of changes made to the Rugby program it was encouraging to see positive progress being made and highlighted by a fantastic effort by the 1^st XV who were Co-Premiers with the Scots College. This makes 2 joint GPS Premierships (2013 and 2015) and 2 GPS Championships (2010 and 2012) in the last 6 years.

The success of the 1^st XV after last year’s 4^th place, was built upon a solid foundation of hard work and belief in one another and the pressure that was constantly exerted on the team by a strong 2^nd XV, who came second in their competition. In addition to the 1^st XV being crowned Co-Premiers, Newington secured the Centenary Cup from St Ignatius’ College and retained the Bryan Palmer Shield with a victory over The King’s School.

On Back to Newington Day on 5 September and one point down to Riverview in the final minute of the last game of the season, a try by Newington hooker Teu Atiola clinched the 2015 GPS Co-Premiership for Newington. The crowd erupted with the final result 42-38.  Watch footage of the last riveting four minutes here. 

Father and Son GPS 1st XV Premiership Duo

When Michael Mannix (ON 1981) proudly congratulated his son Charlie Mannix (ON 2015) on his GPS 1st XV co-premiership he understood exactly how he felt having played for the 1979 GPS winning side when he was in Year 10. Michael is pictured above left in the back row of the 1979 GPS Premiership team and Charlie is pictured left with 2015 1st XV team mate Clifford Campbell. Congratulations to both father and son!

Ben Volavola (ON 2010)

 Former Waratah Ben Volavola has signed with the Canterbury Crusaders for the 2016 Super Rugby Season. He was also a member of the Fiji side for the Rugby World Cup and displayed outstanding form scoring a sensational try against Australia, with the commentators mentioning that he was a product of Newington.Ben is pictured above. Photo credit: David Rogers

Stop Press… we have also just learnt that Mika Allalatoa (ON 2009) has also just signed with the Crusaders.

Cameron Murray (ON 2015)

Congratulations to Cameron Murray, pictured above, Captain of the 2015 1st XV GPS Co-Premiership side for his selection until 2018 by the South Sydney Rabbitohs. At Newington, Cameron displayed outstanding leadership qualities and his on field performances were excellent. Cameron was selected in the CIS Opens Rugby League team and his performances at the National Carnival earned him selection in the Australian Schools team.

Sports News – Rowing

Michael Morgan OAM (1964) Rowing Centre Opened

Michael, pictured above attended Newington College from 1957 to 1964. He served as a Prefect, Cadet CUO and House Captain and rowed in the 1st VIII in 1963 (winners of the Head of the River) and 1964. He rowed in the Australian Men’s Eight at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, winning Silver in 1968. He served as Senior/Head Coach of Rowing at Newington from 1974 to 2000. Under his tutelage, the 1st VIII took first place at the GPS Regatta on ten occasions, along with second place another ten times and third place twice. His crews won seven National Schoolboy titles, while five of his crew members have subsequently become Olympic medallists. Michael served as a member of College Council from 2007 to 2015.

The Michael Morgan OAM Rowing Centre has been built in the Concordia Building on Stanmore Road opposite the main campus. It has been made possible through the generous support of Old Boy rowers and staff from the 1950’s to the present day. The Centre provides an onsite Rowing specific facility including 8 Row Perfect’s, 16 Concept II Ergs with sliders, immediate feedback video technology and a Rowing specific Strength and Conditioning room with the foundation machines of bench pull, bench press and leg press as well as equipment to improve core strength and flexibility. This facility will maximise quality training and time that can be negatively impacted by competing users (other sports), poor weather or water and Sydney traffic to name a few. Click here for more information on the Michael Morgan Rowing Centre.

Headmaster to visit Canada in July 2016

Dr David Mulford will be visiting Vancouver Canada in 2016 to attend the International Baccalaureate Annual Conference in July. As this visit coincides with both Canada National Day on 1 July and 4 July celebrations in the US, no formal reunion function will be organised.

However, David will be catching up with Ian Thomas (ON 1963) whilst there and would welcome meeting any other Old Boy who is in town that weekend. Please email alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au to let us know.

Eric Nadeau (ON 2005) 1986-2015

All of us at Newington were very saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of Eric Nadeau earlier this month. Eric was competing in a half marathon in New York in preparation for a charity run in the New York Marathon and collapsed just before the finish line. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Eric could not be revived and sadly passed away. We have since learnt that Eric was an organ donor and up to 60 people will now lead improved lives due to his generosity of spirit meaning his legacy will endure for many years to come.

Eric attended Lindfield campus for three years during the 1990’s when his father Ray worked for Sara Lee in Australia. He was a great sportsman, being a champion wrestler and was working for the New York Yankees at the time of his passing. Eric and Ray both attended our most recent New York Reunion in October 2014 and the below photo has them standing second and third right respectively. He will be missed. Read a tribute to Eric here.

| Welcome to our First Issue |

For a number of years now, you have been receiving by email our regular ONU eNews, which brings you up to date with some of the more interesting happenings of our Old Boys and news from Newington itself. In fact, you would have recently received the latest issue in your inbox.

However, there is a lot happening that involves our North American based Old Boys that is not reported on and we hope that you will now enjoy reading about some of those. This first issue of our North American ONU eNews will hopefully be the first of a regular series but its success will depend on you. Let us know what you are up to, what you would like to see in the next issue, share good news or sad with your fellow Old Boys by emailing alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au