What happened on ‘golden ticket’ day

An extract from Newington College Communications circulated to current parent’s 27 March 2019

What happens when a College Headmaster with 25 years of experience as a teacher swaps places with a Year 8 student for a day? Mr Michael Parker found out when he randomly awarded his ‘golden ticket’ of 2019. Year 8 student Jack Rudd was the lucky winner. Under golden ticket rules, Mr Parker had to do all Jack’s classwork and all Jack’s homework for a day. And Jack? Well, Jack could take it easy, but he learned a few things too.

What the Headmaster said …

As the day dawned, I got dressed in my Newington tie and adult uniform (a grey suit), and made my way over to the Metcalfe House area. Jack’s locker was surprisingly neat – I am sure it is like that all the time. It was a bottom locker though, and I experienced what it was to organise your books with large Year 12s looming over you.

On the way to class the General Duties Master saw me and checked my uniform. Thankfully my top button was done up and my shoes were shining. Otherwise Jack would have received a demerit.

Period 1: Business Studies

I had to write a promotional script for a video for Zooper Doopers, which my group are selling at a fundraiser on 28 April.  We decided to blatantly exaggerate the benefits of Zooper Doopers, scripting kids who got at ATAR of 99.95 thanking Zooper Doopers for their success and the 1st XV praising Zooper Doopers for their rugby wins. I was even able to use my pulling power to get the student leader Mark Elwaw to agree to say: ‘It was Super Zooper Doopers that made me College Senior Prefect’. 

Jack made the occasional comment and looked out the window.

Period 2: Science

I designed an individual Science experiment in my pair. We were looking at whether Berroccas fizzed up more quickly if you cut them up, which will have strong practical application for some 20-somethings on a Sunday morning. (The actual hypothesis was whether ‘objects of different surface area are absorbed into the surrounding liquid at different rates). We got clear, good experimental instructions and then got on with it.

Jack watched on and looked through the glass in the door.

Period 3: PE

I didn’t bring my PE uniform, and so risked a demerit. Luckily, I was allowed to play in my suit but I did have to take my shoes off. Fortunately, I was wearing matching socks.  I played some warm-up games of dodgeball. I hit someone and someone hit me.

The person who hit me has remained anonymous and should plan to stay that way. 

Period 4: Design and Technology

In this class I Iearned to solder. It was a great, practical and clear exercise. Unfortunately, my advancing age means my short distance vision is getting decidedly blurry – and this is the exact distance you are supposed to hold the extremely hot soldering iron and the extremely thin wire. I was lucky to spend the period soldering the metals and not my fingers. My results, if I may say, were quite good.

Jack promptly appropriated them and submitted them to the teacher as his own.

Period 5: Mathematics

To revise for a test the next day each person worked on an online practice paper. The teacher was able to spend the period helping individuals and clusters of students. We got everything right, which may have been my expertise but was more probably Jack’s.

Period 6: English
We did a lesson on paragraph structuring and style. Using clips from the film Arachnophobia, we really focused on how to make your writing better. As I spent several decades as an English teacher and years as an HSC English extension marker, I hope Jack was satisfied with the quality of his Year 8 paragraphs.

Jack leaned back and read a book.

At the end of the day we went back to the locker area. ‘How much homework did you get’? called out his friends, knowing full well that the deal was that I did his homework too. ‘None!’ complained Jack, ‘for the first time this year’. It’s good to see that the staff, in their small way, were looking out for me.

150 Years of Newington Rugby

To celebrate 150 years since Newington College played its first game of Rugby against University of Sydney, the Newington College Rugby Association (NCRA) will celebrate this significant occasion with a special hard cover book – 150 Years of Newington Rugby.

The book has been authored by past Newington Rugby President and renown sports author and journalist, Barry Ross with supporting images from the College Archives. This will be a great addition to everyone’s library.

Two versions will be available with limited copies of each:

Premium edition of 150 @ $150 each. Embossed cover, numbered, signed by author and notable Newingtonians.

Standard edition @ $65 each. All prices include GST. Books ordered and paid can be collected on Back to Newington Day (BTND) – Saturday 3 August 2019. Alternatively, if you wish your order to be posted directly, an additional cost of $20 will be available. Order online https://www.newington.nsw.edu.au/online payments/ – scroll down to P&F Stanmore 7-12 and use the drop-down box to History of Rugby Book

Back To Newington Day – 3rd August 2019

Saturday, 3 August is Back to Newington Day – one of the biggest days on the Newington College calendar. Part fair, part marketplace, part entertainment hub, Back to Newington Day is packed with food stalls, music, flowers, fresh produce, fun for the kids … and some of the most competitive home sporting fixtures of the year. The day is held at our Stanmore Road campus, and attracts thousands of boys, families, staff, Old Boys and community members.

The P&F Communities of Stanmore, Wyvern and Lindfield would love you to be involved, firstly because Back to Newington Day is loads of fun, and secondly because all the money we raise goes back to the support groups who ensure Newington College boys get the best experience possible from their co-curricular activities every year.

Mark the day in your diary and invite friends and family to come along. Centenary Hall will be buzzing with the Marketplace, the Black & White Café, stalls selling homemade cakes, pre-loved books and vintage clothes, and a silent auction. Come along and meet Willie the Wyvern and catch up with familiar faces.

We look forward to enjoying Back to Newington Day with you.

Newington MOONs Annual Lunch- 3rd August 2019

In 1973, the Parents and Friends (P & F) Association and the Rowers Association were the only two parent support groups allowed at Newington College. Both groups worked very hard to raise money for the College, with Market Day, now Back to Newington Day, being the Rowers Association annual fundraising day. Joy Christian had three sons attend Newington between 1973 to 1982, and with all three being Rowers, Joy was a committed volunteer of the Rowers Association (whom she called “Rowers Mothers”).

By 1988, this original group of Rowers Mothers were no longer current parents. They had forged such close relationships over the years but now no longer saw each other regularly. To encourage the continuation of these friendships, Joy decided to host a lunch for the Rowers Mothers at her home. This continued each year, until some twenty years later it was suggested to host an annual lunch at Back to Newington Day and include all mothers. Thus, the name – Mothers of Old Newingtonians (MOONs) was established. In 2017 Joy was named Patron of the MOONs.

The annual MOONs Lunch has grown in numbers each year, with over 75 MOONs attending the lunch in 2018. If you would like to attend the 2019 MOONs lunch it will be held on Back To Newington Day, Saturday 3 August commencing with a photo on the steps of Founders at 12:30pm. Join us for lunch and take the opportunity to meet the Headmaster, Michael Parker in his first year at Newington College. Bookings can be made online. Click Here.

Tracey Markos has supported the MOONs annual lunch and will be the main contact for seating arrangements. So why not gather a table of your son’s year group and reflect on all of those years and school fee payments.

Keeping in touch.
Over the years many email addresses for past families were lost during technology upgrades at Newington, we are hoping to grow the MOONs communications and connections through email. If you wish to be placed on the MOONs mailing list or would like to be connected to the MOONs (unofficial) Facebook page please email community@newington.nsw.edu.au

Educational opportunities changing lives…… Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary

On 31 March 2019, our community lost a great mate with the passing of Rob Wild (ON 1965). We also lost the strongest advocate for the Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary.

Rob was inspired by his son Chris (ON 1991) and his passion for supporting young Indigenous people in gaining a great education. And Rob was inspired by Newington. Like his late father Owen (ON 1934) before him and his late son, Rob was greatly enriched by both the education received and the ongoing positive association throughout his life.

Rob was so inspired that only weeks before his passing, as the 2018 Newington Medallist, with both delight and determination he stood and spoke to the boys as part of the Newington Medallist Assembly and gave his inspiration clear voice. He spoke passionately about the Wild Indigenous Bursary…

“This bursary is not charity. Far from it. It is much more an opportunity – one that cuts two ways – an educational opportunity for indigenous boys but also and importantly, an educational opportunity for non-indigenous boys and families to learn and understand more about the oldest living community on this planet and to show them the respect that they so fully deserve. Changing lives!”  

You can read Rob’s full speech HERE

And now, with Rob’s passing, we have been pledged up to $1 million in matching funding, matching dollar for dollar up to $1 million every donation received between April and 30 June. So every dollar you donate will be worth $2; $100 becomes $200; $500 becomes $1,000; $10,000 becomes $20,000 and so on. With an additional $2 million added to the Bursary and with earnings on top, we can reach our goal of $5 million by year’s end. And the vision of funding for an Indigenous boy to start a Newington College education, every year, year after year, forever, will be made reality.

I invite you now to consider the part that you could play in turning this important vision into reality. All donations large or small play a significant part and are gratefully received.

You can donate by clicking HERE which will take you to the Newington website. Click the ‘Donate’ button under Annual Giving and then follow the prompts on the secure payments page. All donations to the Wild Indigenous Bursary are fully tax deductible. If you have donated since 1 April, your donation has already been doubled. Thank you.

Join us, now is the time. Let’s turn Rob Wild’s vision on behalf of his son, into reality.

Founders Society – giving students hope for the future

The Founders Society is Newington’s Bequest program and was established to recognise, honour and cherish, during their lifetime, those who have left a bequest to Newington in their Will.  

Some members of the Founders Society support the Colleges’ Endowment Found via the Phillip Davis OAM Mathematics Bursary. Phil Davis OAM was Newingtons’ third longest serving teacher and passed away in 2017, aged 92. He was also the founding co-patron of the Founders Society and left a substantial bequest to seed fund the bursary in his name.

The annual Founders Society Day Lunch was held on Friday, 19 May. Guest speakers this year were Richard Zhang (ON 2017) and Patron of the Phillip Davis OAM Mathematics Bursary and Kenny Chen (ON 2018) who both reflected on their journey as recipients of the Phillip Davis OAM Mathematics Bursary.
 
Richard Zhang (ON 2017) spoke about the impact that the Bursary had on him and the impact on future recipients

 “Phil’s selfless nature really, really inspired me to give what little I earn back to the bursary and in doing that it taught me a very, very important lesson, by giving back to Newington to the Davis fund, I have learnt that giving is better than receiving, is better than having, is better than using”

Richard continued by saying

“The Bursary is about giving, it gives talented and deserving students a chance to attend Newington who couldn’t before… more importantly it gives those students hope and gives them encouragement and gives them all the right conditions to turn into a man of substance….”

Your legacy, large or small, will make a difference that will benefit generations of boys, forever.

If you would like to join the Founders Society or have a confidential chat about the College’s Bequest program with the Director of Community and Development Rod Bosman (ON 1978), you can contact Rod by phone 02 9568 9540 or email at rbosman@newington.nsw.edu.au

Community News

Congratulations to members of the Newington Community recognised in the Australia Day Honours from January 2019.

Major Ross Wehby CSM (ON 1998) was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Joint Close Air Support as Officer Commanding Joint Terminal Attack Control Troop and Chief Instructor, Standardisation Officer at Number 4 Squadron.

Associate Professor Terence Birtles OAM (ON 1956) Awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division for service to the community through a range of roles.

Raymond Harding AM, father of Jem Harding (ON 1999), Benjamin Harding (ON 2003) and Sam Harding (ON 2006), awarded for significant service to the broadcast media, particularly as a script writer and producer for television.

Congratulations Associate Professor Terry Birtles OAM (ON 1956) on the publication of his book Driven – Francis Edwin Birtles – Trans-Australian Overlander, Cinematographer & Writer.  If you would like to learn more about this book or purchase it, please click here.

ONU at the United Nations – ONU President, Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) who earlier this year was working with the United Nations in New York, was able to have Angus Mackie Williams (ON 2018) and Daniel Baykitch (ON 2018) join him as his guests on the floor of the General Assembly.

Congratulations Alexander Lewis (ON 2000). Alexander who played the part of Tony in the 2019 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of West Side Story. Toi, Toi, Toi!

Congratulations and Best Wishes William Mai (ON 2018), Jeno Suh (ON 2018) and Nolan Whitcomb (ON 2018) as you commence your studies at Oxford University.

Congratulations Dr Michael Bosman (ON 2010) has graduated Doctor of Medicine at the University of Queensland, including two Dean’s Awards.  Michael is now an intern at Toowoomba Hospital having served his residency in Rockhampton.

Newington and The National Trust (NSW).  Two Old Boys The Hon Garry Downes AM (ON 1960) and Ian Stephenson (ON 1973) continue on the board.  We thank them for their ongoing work in the conservation of Australia’s built and natural heritage.

Congratulations Michael Rees (ON 2011) – awarded an Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship.

Lt Col John Joseph Moore AM RFD CMC (ON 1953) we congratulate you on receiving the following Freemasonry awards: At the December meeting of Lodge Wyvern on Monday 10th, John was awarded a 60 Year Certificate and Jewel, acknowledging his continued service to Freemasonry. In addition, at the Grand Communication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, John received conferral of the rank of Past Junior Grand Warden, to acknowledge his service to Freemasonry in general and to the Grand Lodge in particular.

Bailey Simonsson (ON 2016) debuted with the Canberra Raiders on 17 March after previously being with the New Zealand Rugby Sevens. Bailey with his blistering pace and silky footwork has had 4 appearances and made 1 try since joining the Canberra Raiders.

Angus Bell (ON 2018) and Nathan Lawson (ON 2016) had a successful win in the Oceanic U20s Championship Australia against New Zealand at Bond Uni QLD.

Matt Hood (ON 2012) and Simon Kennewell (ON 2015) have both been named as members of the Australian Rugby Men’s 7 squad to tour England. Both hope to represent Australia at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Cameron Murray (ON 2015) current lock position for South Sydney. Cameron is 21 and has played only 44 NRL games and has now been called up as one of five debutantes for the NSW squad for State of Origin I in Brisbane, Wednesday 5 June 2019. The master of State of Origin minutiae, legendary NSW coach Phil Gould, says “A NSW victory in game one could hinge on a Cameron Murray play-the-ball”. Congratulations to Cameron.

NEWS Magazine Autumn edition online

The current edition for the NEWS Magazine can be viewed via the link 

Click here

Share your story

The stories and achievements of our Old Boys and Past Parents are a constant source of inspiration for our current students and to all our Newington community. Help us keep abreast of your achievements by sharing your stories with us and also make sure you keep your contact details up to date with Newington.

To share your news with us email: community@newington.nsw.edu.au

Reconnect with fellow MOONs via the “Closed Group” Facebook page: Newington College M.O.O.Ns (Unofficial)