Last week we honoured the accomplishments of the Class of 2013 in various ways. The Yr 12 Drama Showcase and Senior Farewell Music Concert were both very well attended and fitting ways to acknowledge the success of our creative arts programs this year. Similarly, at the Winter Sports Assembly there was much excitement at the First XI’s success finishing Runners-Up in the New South Wales All Schools’ Football Championship and the First XV’s joint GPS Rugby Premiership. We also celebrated the exciting growth in Chess, Cross Country, Debating, Fencing, Rifle Shooting and Volleyball.

House Competition Day was enormous fun and I thank Mr Meakin for arranging our inaugural Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast. Finally, the announcements of Kevin Stathis (11/JN) as Senior Prefect supported by Sam Woods (11/PR) and Thomas Van Der Velde (11/JN) were very well received. Chaplain Bennett’s homily on the importance of ‘integrity’ was superb at the Year 12 Chapel Service and the Valedictory Lunch for nearly 600 guests was a joyous occasion where all boys graduated with distinction. Past Senior Prefect Edward Miller’s (ON ’08) address was inspiring as he warned our newest crop of ‘old boys’ that ‘to truly succeed, they must first fail’. I sincerely thank Mrs Kerrie Zabaks. Valedictory Day was a major success on account of all her meticulous organisation and attention to detail.

Our Sesqui ‘Back to Newington Day’ was an outstanding success and the vibe amongst our community was sensational. I thank the P & F Executive for their vision, planning and services on that Saturday and in the months preceding. It was quite simply the most well organised, welcoming and enjoyable BTND that I have experienced.

Similarly, last weekend’s Black and White Ball was another exceptional evening and a most fitting finale to our Sesqui celebrations. I thank Marisa Broome and her committee for all their creativity, planning and hard work. It was a wonderful night!

Key dates next term include:

• Term 4 commences at 8.30am on Tuesday 8 October
• Ethics Centre Lecture Baroness Susan Greenfield commences at 6.00pm on Wednesday 9 October in OBLT
• Prefect Confirmation Assembly commences at 8.30am on Thursday 10 October in Centenary Hall
• Yr 12 HSC Exams commence on Monday 14 October until Wednesday 6 November in CH
• Year 11 Surviving the HSC & IB Info Evening commences at 7.00pm on Wednesday 16 October in OBLT
• Year 7 Chapel Service commences at 9.30am & 11.00am on Sunday 20 October in the Chapel
• Yr 12 IB Final Exams commence on Thursday 31 October until Tuesday 26 November
• Year 7 and 10 Examinations commence Monday 4 November until Friday 8 & 15 November respectively
• Year 8 and 9 Examinations commence Monday 11 November until Friday 15 and 22 November respectively
• Stanmore P&F Annual General Meeting commences at 7.00pm on Tuesday 19 November in OBLT
• Christmas Carols Service commences at 7.30pm on Sunday 1 December on Johnson Oval
• Term 4 Ends for boys at 1.00pm on Thursday 5 December
• Stanmore’s Annual Prize Giving commences at 7.00pm on Thursday 5 December at Sydney Town Hall

It has been a significant ten weeks. I wish everyone a safe and restful break. In particular, I acknowledge the sterling efforts of our Sesqui School Leaders, Sam Hardy (ON ’13), Lachlan McKirdy (ON ’13) and Andrew Zhao (ON ’13) and the support of our marvellous teaching staff.

In fide scientiam!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore / Deputy Headmaster