May he rest in peace.

It is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of one of our most Notable Newingtonians, Major-General C.M.I (Sandy) Pearson AO DSO OBE MC (ON ’36) on 7 November 2012.

Cedric Maudsley Ingram ‘Sandy’ Pearson went to school at Newington College from 1929 to 1936. His older brothers Hugh and Spencer were already at Newington, while his younger brother Brian was to follow him. Initially a Day Boy in the preparatory school, he was a Boarder from 1930. He obtained his Leaving Certificate in 1935 but returned for a further year to improve his results. He did so and achieved the top place in the entrance examinations for the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Each of the Pearson brothers was known as ‘Sandy’ at school, after Pearson’s Soap, a widely used carbolic sandsoap. Sandy kept this name acquired at Newington throughout his life.

Sandy was a keen and talented sportsman whose particular passions were rugby and rowing. He played in the 3rd XV at the age of thirteen and, in 1935, was selected for the 1st XV. He was appointed Vice-Captain of the team the following year and was selected as a GPS reserve. In 1935 also, Sandy was selected to row in the 1st IV. In his final year at school he rowed in the bow position in the 1st VIII. Sandy’s character and school spirit resulted in him being appointed a Prefect in 1936.

At Duntroon, in addition to his academic successes, Sandy captained the senior rugby team in 1939. He was approached by the Wallaby selectors in relation to the upcoming UK tour, but the military authorities did not make him available. The tour was eventually cancelled when war broke out soon after the Wallabies reached England.

Sandy went on to have a highly distinguished career in the Australian Army, reaching the rank of Major-General and serving, among other things, as the commander of the Australian Task Force in Vietnam and as Commandant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. After retiring from the Army, he served as Executive Director of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. His services to the nation were recognised in the award of the Military Cross in 1945, the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) in 1964, the Distinguished Service Order in 1969, and his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (Military Division) in 1975.

Sandy remained in contact with his former schoolmates through the Old Newingtonians’ Union and, more recently, the 70 Club. He served as a Vice-President of the Union from 1970 and was made an Honorary Life Member in 2008. Sandy served as a member of the College Council between 1982 and 1992 and returned to Newington as an honoured guest on many occasions. He was also a Founding member of the Founders Society, the College’s bequest group. In 2008 the College recognised his outstanding contributions and achievement in his profession and his service to the nation through the award of its highest honour, the Newington Medal.

While his beloved wife Marjorie passed away earlier this year, he is survived by his three children Sandra (and Alan) Oxley, Elizabeth (and Tom) Weeitch, and James (and Joan) Pearson. Sandy’s grandson Dan Weeitch (ON ’96) attended the college and his grand-daughter Amanda (and Steve) Hope have Sandy’s great-grandson Huxley registered to start in 2021 with his other grand-daughter, Claire (and Michael) Neil who have their son Zac registered to start in 2021 and his younger brother Jared in 2023.

Sandy will receive a full military funeral at Newington College led by Rev Dr Peter Swain OAM RFD with a eulogy by General David Hurley, Chief of Defence this Thursday 15 November commencing at 11.00am. The College will show our respect by forming a Guard of Honour along the drive as the military procession departs the grounds.

Hence, I request that all boys must wear their Full School Blazer Uniform this Thursday.

P & F Annual General Meeting 2012

I extend a warm invitation to all parents and friends to attend the Stanmore P&F AGM next Wednesday 21 November in the Function Room at 7.00pm. After the reports and election of office bearers takes place, the Headmaster will brief families on the new Stanmore restructure in place for 2013. Finally, Chairman of the Sesquicentenary  Committee, Mr Rod Bosman will address the audience on the exciting plans for the College in our 150^th year! The night should be most informative and I encourage you all to attend.

150^th Annual Prize Giving

Finally, please note that Annual Prize Giving has changed venue. This year, APG will be held at the majestic Sydney Town Hall on Thursday 6 December 2012. This is a compulsory event and students must be dressed in Full School Blazer Uniform. All details can be found on my weekly Head of Stanmore email.

Important Dates:

• Friday 23 November: New Enigma Launch in PH at 7.00pm
• Monday 26 November: Friday 30 November – Second Hand Book Exchange in FR
• Sunday 2 December: Christmas Carols Service in Chapel at 5.00pm
• Thursday 6 December: Classes conclude for term IV at 1.00pm – Annual Prize Giving at Town Hall at 7.00pm

Finally, we wish our Years 8–9 and Yr 11IB students every success as they approach their first examinations!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore