We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit.

 E E Cummings
American Poet

Sincere thanks

This delightful quote was forwarded to me recently in recognition of our dedicated teachers. I too would like to personally thank the entire Stanmore staff, teaching and non-teaching, for their humour and passion, their vision and commitment. Newington College is all about boys and the actions of our staff constantly remind me of just how fortunate we are.

In particular, this Christmas we acknowledge the distinguished service of several staff who leave Newington. Mr Chris Van Alphen after 25 years of outstanding service to Newington College has made the decision to retire. Mr John Paul Kennedy and Mr Marcel Hennes have both been promoted to Head of Science & Deputy Headmaster at St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Clarence Valley Anglican School Grafton respectively. Mr John Giuffre returns to Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange; Mr Anthony Humphreys moves to Geelong Grammar, Victoria while Mr Jamie Boyd returns to Scots after his one year exchange with Mr Moonen. More recently, Mr Michael Forsyth has been promoted to Head of Languages at Catherine McAuley High School while Ms Briony Morath has become the new Regional International Baccalaureate Coordinator. Finally, I acknowledge the fine work of Mr Greg Burgett who was covering in Music while Ms Grubb was on maternity leave. Sincere thanks to you all for the countless hours you have invested in the College. Our boys’ lives are richer for your immense efforts!

P & F Executive 2013

At last week’s AGM, I sincerely thanked the Stanmore P & F for their immense generosity in 2013. Sums such as $120,000.00 towards the P & F Career Centre, $25,000.00 towards the Science and Technology Festival and a further $15,000.00 towards Parent Educational Forums make a real difference in the education of our boys. In particular, I acknowledged the dedicated and hard-working services of Mr Andrew Hine as President and his diligent, talented and committed Executive. This year Mrs Ari Clark (Secretary), Mr Winston Sammut (Treasurer) and Mrs Rollanda Rosenstrauss (Vice President) relinquish their roles after several years of distinguished service. Mrs Marisa Broome and Mrs Liz Fleming also step down after being amazing servants of Crested Ware and Communication respectively. In 2013 we welcome back Andrew Hine as President, Mr Chris Liakopolous and Mrs Helen Burton as Vice Presidents, Mr Ian Clark as Treasurer and Mr Winston Sammut as Secretary.

150^th Annual Prize Giving

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 commencing at 7.00pm. This is a compulsory event and students must be dressed in Full Blazer Uniform. All details can be found on my weekly Head of Stanmore email.

Important Dates:

• Sunday 2 December – Christmas Carols Service in Chapel at 5.00pm
• Thursday 6 December – Classes conclude for Term IV at 1.00pm

Finally, thank you for your support in 2012 and I look forward to sharing our 150^th celebrations in the New Year. I wish all families a safe and Merry Christmas!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore