The campaign was a failure, and yet of all the battlefields on which Australians have died, it is the disastrous Gallipoli campaign that has come to symbolise the Australian soldier’s courage, determination, fighting prowess, humour and mateship. The essence of Gallipoli was, that in the face of adversity and potential defeat, the Australian spirit triumphed … In its sesquicentenary it would be remiss not to mention the Newington students both past and present who have contributed to the Spirit of ANZAC. And to acknowledge how the spirit of ANZAC has shaped this remarkable institution. As students if you are unaware of this history I encourage you look to what your forbears achieved; so humbly, so gracefully and with such stoic honour.

Major R.Wehby (ON ’98) Officer Commanding Joint Terminal Attack Control Troop, 16 Air Land Regiment, Australian Army and our special guest for our ANZAC Day Parade Tuesday 30 April, 2013

Sesqui Anzac Day Parade honours the past

I congratulate Captain Rod Wood, his staff, our musicians and the entire Newington College Cadet Corps on their superb parade last week to commerorate ANZAC Day. An impressive crowd turned up to support the occasion and listen to Major Ross Wehby’s (ON ’98) splendid address. The fact that Dominic Longhurst played The Last Post and Reveille, on a bugle that belonged to the 3rd Batallion of the First AIF Division, made the occasion more significant. However, the Parade’s true success was measured by the wonderful sentiments expressed by numerous old boys who shared the service ‘had the feeling of Remembrance throughout’ … ‘I was so proud of my Old School today’. I thank all involved for honouring the sacrifice of so many Old Newingtonians and Australian service men and women in such a dignified way!

118th GPS Athletics Championshis – Saturday 11 May at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, Homebush

Please note that after all the excitement of the swimming last term, our next opportunity to support the College is this weekend. It is an expectation that all boys attend from 9.30am. Full details were emailed home in my weekly ‘Head of Stanmore’ brief. The dress is Full Blazer Uniform.

NAPLAN Testing

Next week, students from Years 7 and 9 will sit national numeracy and literacy assessments (NAPLAN). Testing will finish on Thursday May 16, 2013. Friday has been set aside as a make-up day for students who miss a section or who are absent on a particular test day. Boys’ attendance during the testing week is most important.

Raising boys at Newington is to acknowledge it is a partnership!

When receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, Mother Teresa was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” Her response: “Go home and love your family!” What simple words and yet such a powerful message that reminds us all of the immensely important responsibility we have as parents in raising our children! However, in isolation, it remains a daunting task and I remind all families that the College strongly desires a partnership with parents and guardians to ensure that we provide every boy with the opportunity to find fulfillment. Newington aims to nurture young men willing to make a positive contribution to society. Of course, central to this are our key values of self-respect, care for others, intercultural understanding and service to the community. With this in mind, the first P & F Educational Forum will be held next Monday 13 May at 7.00pm in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre. The P & F’s special guest is Professor David Bennett who will deliver a Key Note Address on “Changing Relationships – Dealing with Adolescence”. I encourage all Year 8, 9 and 10 parents to attend this important forum.

Good Luck!
We wish all our athletes every success this weekend! I am confident that their united focus and attitude will be make the difference on the day!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore