“Make History 150”

2013 motto launched by Senior Prefect Sam Hardy(12/MO) at the Annual Prize Giving, 2012

Welcome back!

On behalf of the secondary staff, may I extend my best wishes to the entire Newington College community for 2013 and an especially warm welcome to our Year 7 students and 43 new students and families from Year 8 to 11.

In addition I welcome the following new secondary teaching and administrative staff members:

• Bob Meakin (Deputy Head of Stanmore – Pastoral)
• Richard Wheeldon (Head of English)
• Dean Johnston (Science)
• Linda Gu Chinese (Languages–Mandarin)
• Thomas Cosgrove (Science)
• Greg McArdle (Technology)
• Caterina Troncone (English)
• Tomas Pym (Economics/Business)
• Kathleen Kennedy (Science)
• David McNaughton (Computing/Mathematics)
• Hayley Cush (Music)
• Dr Jenny Wells (English)–Term 1 to cover for Long Service Leave for Nick Fox
• Karen Brown (Student Pastoral Administration)
• Fenella Jolly (Technical Manager of Venues)
• Mylee Angelo (ONU Old Boys Officer)
• Amy Yang (Online Media Officer)

New developments

Pastoral Changes: A reminder that our new Deputy Head of Stanmore and Head of Pastoral, Mr Bob Meakin, is supported by Head of Middle Years (Mr Jeff Snare for Years 7 and 8), eight Heads of House (Years 9 to 12), two co-heads of Year 8 (Mr Maxwell and Mr McVicar) and the Head of Year 7 (Ms Scalone who is assisted by Mr Stanley). There is a horizontal system for Years 7 and 8 and a vertical house system for Years 9 to 12. All boys have a dedicated mentor and in addition, boys can seek assistance from our wonderful Chaplains and counsellors who are also part of the pastoral team.

Lockers: I am pleased to announce that all boys have now been allocated lockers. This year we have built two new house pastoral areas for Kelynack and Johnstone on the second floor of War Memorial block. All Year 8, except Metcalfe, now have lockers allocated in House areas. Please make contact with your son’s Head of House or our General Duties Officers, Mr Kelly and Mr Dodson, should you have an enquiry.

Student diary: Please take time to peruse through your son’s 2013 student diary, noting the new college layout on the inside front cover. There is now full access to the College classrooms, ovals and Sports Centre from all usual entry points. I remind all commuters that the Stanmore Road entry is now strictly one-way.

Homework Club and Evening Prep: This will soon commence in the Library. Homework Club offers assistance to boys in English and Maths between 3.30pm–4.45pm on alternate days to their sport training. Boys in Years 11 to 12 are also invited to join. Nominated teaching staff are available for private study sessions on Monday to Thursday from 6.00pm to 7.30pm. If you have further enquiries, please email Assistant to the Headmaster, Mr Paul Bourke on pbourke@newington.nsw.edu.au.

Uniform Changes: The Midford shop is pleased to announce the release of a new tracksuit and PE shirt and shorts for 2013. Please note there will be a phase-in period and our existing sports uniform and tracksuit set is permissible until the end of Term 2 2014. Boys will also be issued in Mentor groups with new identification tags. Please ensure your son securely fastens his two tags to his bags.

As we celebrate our 150th year, I feel privileged to be entrusted with guiding the fortunes of this great campus! ‘Diversity’ is our greatest strength but we must all work hard to ensure that ‘opportunity’ exists for all!

I hope you can join us at the Sesquicentenary Chapel Service this Sunday, 3 February at 9.30 am. All families and friends are most welcome.

I look forward to continuing the journey with all Newington families in 2013. Happy Birthday!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Stanmore