Centre For Ethics: Julian Burnside QC

Protecting Human Rights in a Time of Stress

On Wednesday 30 May the Newington College Centre for Ethics will be visited by Julian Burnside QC to deliver a very special lecture on the issue of Human Rights. Julian  is a barrister, human rights advocate, author and past president of Liberty Victoria, and is particularly well known for his staunch opposition to mandatory detention in Australia. The lecture should prove to be an interesting and insightful evening presented by one of Australia’s most preeminent legal practitioners.

For more information about the night, or the Newington College Centre for Ethics, please visit our specially dedicated Centre for Ethics INSITE.

Red Shield Appeal: Drivers Needed!

The Salvation Army have been overwhelmed by the large number (190) of our boys Years 10, 11 and 12 who have volunteered to participate in this year’s Red Shield Appeal on Sunday 20 May.

The boys have responded magnificently to this Charity Appeal and the call has gone out to parents and teaching staff to volunteer as drivers on the day.

Unfortunately, we are still short of the required number of drivers. We desperately need more adult drivers!

Parental participation sends and reinforces a very clear, positive message to our boys about the importance of giving oneself to help those less fortunate.

Drivers need to be at Newington at 8.20am. They will then take the boys (usually in teams of four) to a specified location in the local area and stay in the vicinity whilst the boys collect door to door.

The boys collect from 9-11am and then need to be returned to school.

This is a great opportunity for our College community to come together as a team with boys, parents and staff working to assist the Salvos—arguably Australia’s most well recognised and respected charitable organisation. Your involvement will help the Salvos continue their work in helping Australia’s needy.

Volunteer drivers are asked to send their contact details to the Head of Service Learning, Mick Madden by email at m.madden@newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au.

The greatest gift that we can give to others is the gift of our time!

Back to Newington Day!

Pathways to the future

Year 12 Information

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) – Update

Students considering the pursuit of study in Pharmacy at The University of Sydney in 2013 are no longer required to undertake the STAT in 2012. However, students keen to study Veterinary Science still need to. Testing commences mid-September 2012 through January 2013. Further information is available.

UMAT Preparation Programs 2012 – Update

For Year 12 boys wishing to study undergraduate Medicine in 2012, the UMAT Test will be held on Wednesday 25 July 2012 (Term 3, Week 2B). UMAT registration closes Friday 5.00pm, 1 June 2012. To register and for further information including the preparation program, visit UMAT. Also, organisations such as MedEntry and MedStart provide UMAT preparation programs (at a cost) to prepare for the UMAT Test.

Universities Admissions Centre Important Information for Year 12

The latest UAC April Newsletter includes UAC Key Dates for 2012–13.

Cadetships Opportunities 2013

Accounting Cadetships

Chartered Accountants Cadetship Evening will be held on the Wednesday 23 May 2012 from 4.30pm at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students to engage with over 30 employers, attend information sessions regarding cadetships and receive tips on the recruitment process. Registration is essential.

WANTED – Cadetships opportunities for 2013

If your organisation or company would like to consider offering a cadetship opportunity (any industry or profession) to our Year 12 Boys, please contact me to discuss.

Try a Trade Program 2012 – New Initiative in 2012

Stay tuned for future updates regarding a new initiative in 2012, Try a Trade which will allow boys in Years 9–10 to get hands on experience in various trade occupations. The program is planned to take place in August 2012. If parents and Old Boys are interested in assisting with the Try a Trade program please contact Mr Jamie Breden, Careers and VET Coordinator. Please contact me to discuss.

Key Dates for the Diary in 2012

Newington Careers Evening and Careers Expo

Tuesday 17 July 2012, 6.00pm–9.30pm

• Old Boys providing insights and advice for boys in Years 10–12 about their working profession and educational requirements.
• Exhibitors from TAFE, Universities and Colleges in NSW/ACT and some from interstate showcasing post Year 12 study options.
• GAP Year organisations and other training provider organisations.

Volunteers Wanted

If you are an Old Boy and interested in offering advice to boys in Years 10–12 and their parents, please complete the registration form and return to the Careers and VET Coordinator, Mr Jamie Breden by Friday 1 June 2011.

Year 12 Tertiary Options Evening 2013

Wednesday 25 July 2012 6.00–7.00pm

• Copies of the UAC 2013 Guide will distributed to Year 12 boys.
• Information for Year 12 boys and their parents will cover:
  1. Overview of the application process on university admissions 2013
  2. Alternative pathways to university – having a Plan B in 2013
  3. Alternative entry schemes
  4. The Educational Access Scheme

If you would like to make further enquiries or to make an appointment, please contact me on 02 9568 9429 or by email. For boys at school, please drop by the Careers office located above the Prescott House lockers area, Level 1 at the back of Le Couteur Wing (Library).

Mr Jamie Breden
Careers and VET Coordinator

Foundation, Alumni and Archives

Year 2 boys Explore ‘The Way We Were’

As part of their Human Society in Its Environment (HSIE) studies, the Wyvern House Year 2 boys visited the Archives Exhibition Room on Thursday 3 May to learn about school life in Newington’s past. The boys heard stories about, and got up close to, a variety of objects from the Archives collection. These included a cane (split at the end for extra effect), a confiscated slingshot, a cricket bat presented to Kerry Trollope (ON ’61) for scoring 123 runs in the 1^st XI in 1961, and a rowing singlet with seventy-year-old stains.

The boys then completed an activity in pairs, exploring the displays to identify a range of objects illustrated on their worksheets. They also took part in other learning activities in and around the Founders Building. Many thanks to Wyvern House teachers Sharon Lewandowski, Hugh Scott, Andrea Turner, and their colleagues for organising this wonderful morning of learning about our past.

Alumni Congratulate 2012 Athletics Team

A broadcast email was sent to our Alumni community letting them know what a wonderful result our boys achieved in the AAGPS Athletics competition on Saturday 5 May. Here are some of their replies:

Yes great results – Alan Jones on 2GB early Monday AM congratulated NC and gave the Senior and Junior results saying “NC is a wonderful school”.
Bob Jordan (ON ’56)

That’s fantastic….do I still have my shot putt record??
Stephen Rae (ON ’79)

Please pass on my congratulations to the Athletics team for a job well done. It’s been a long time coming. As I mentioned to the 1978 team prior to their event, “every place scores a valuable point and makes a difference”. This was certainly the case here. Thanks for the update.
Roger Pollett (ON ’78) and Captain of Athletics 1978

As a member of the 1978 team I know the absolute pleasure of winning. I also know how this brings the school together. Congratulations school.
Steve Ollerenshaw (ON ’78)

Congratulations—our Old Boys are watching and you continue to make them proud!

Chris Wild (ON ’91) Indigenous Bursary Launch

The Chris Wild (ON ’91) Indigenous Bursary was launched on Wednesday 9 May with around 100 people in attendance. Chris Wild’s parents, Jenny and Robert (Oscar) Wild (ON ’65) were our guest hosts for this wonderful evening in their son’s memory. Rob and Jenny were joined by their daughters Joanne Wild and Emily Holt.

After Chris passed away last year, Rob and Jenny established the Bursary in his name to continue his wonderful work. Chris spent many hours on weekends with the Koori kids of Redfern to encourage and inspire them to reach out and take opportunities to better themselves. He knew that his connection with the kids and his dedication and commitment would make a difference in their lives. He loved the kids and they loved him.

Two of our Senior boys, David Dixon (11/MA) and Robbie Townsend (12/MA) attended briefly with Robbie delivering the “Acknowledgment to Country”. Two of the many who lent their support on the evening were Di Stevens, Past Parent and owner of Tali Gallery, who provided some Sarrita King artworks for the evening, and Ailsa Gillett, OAM, Coordinator of ‘Life for Kids’. Guest speaker and patron of the Bursary, Joe Hedger (ON ’94), said, “Empowering an Aboriginal student, through education, is empowering them for life”.

To date $86,796 has been donated/pledged to the Chris Wild (ON ’91) Indigenous Bursary fund, with a goal of $500,000. The interest generated from this fund will ensure that indigenous boys can always attend Newington College.

If you are interested in lending your support to the Chris Wild (ON ’91) Indigenous Bursary fund please contact Lea Greifeneder on 9568 9540 or email development@newingtoncollege.com.au.

Thank you Alliance Catering for donating the food and service for the evening.

The Wild Family on the night of the bursary launch

From the School Nurse

The first week of winter sport has certainly kept the clinic busy. Besides the injuries I have seen cases of asthma, impetigo, conjunctivitis and that whooping cough is still around.

Can I please remind everyone that with the cold weather comes colds and respiratory infections. It is important to have your asthma medication with you at school and sport. Even if you have not had an asthma attack for a number of years you still have a predisposition to an asthmatic response when you have a respiratory infection. Ventolin inhalers and spacers are held in the clinic, pool office and PE office.

Impetigo, or ‘school sores’, is a bacterial infection caused by either streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph). These bacteria live on the skin harmlessly until there is a cut or abrasion which allows the bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Occasionally impetigo will occur without any break in the skin. The areas of skin around the nose, mouth, arms and lower legs are commonly affected. Small spots fill with fluid or pus which then weep and develop honey coloured crusts. More spots can develop in the same or different areas of the body.

Impetigo is highly contagious. Hand washing and personal hygiene is very important as is not sharing items like towels. Bed linen should be changed every few days and nails kept short as it is important to not pick at the scabs.

Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed along with an antibiotic ointment. An antibacterial soap may be recommended. Sores should be covered if possible and dressings changed at least daily. Students should be kept home from school until treatment commences. Often a repeat script is needed to completely stop the infection. The skin heals well and does not scar.

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. Symptoms are eye redness, irritation, a discharge, swelling of the eyelids and photophobia. You remain infectious as long as there is a discharge from the eye, so stay at home for this period. Saline or cool boiled water rinses help to ease the irritation. Antibiotic eye drops can now be bought directly from the chemist without needing to visit the doctor for a prescription.

Remember whooping cough is still widespread.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse

Study Skills

This week all boys in Years 7 and 11 attended a number of study skills seminars.

On Monday 7 May, Year 11 had two sessions covering Time Management and Study Sensei. On Tuesday 8 May they attended another two sessions titled Ace Your Exams and Memory Mnemonics.

Year 7 completed a Study Skills Kick Start program on Monday and a Time Management seminar on Tuesday.

The seminars were conducted by an external organisation called Elevate Education. The presenters were all young people that have recently faced (and aced!) their Year 12 examinations. They spoke the boys’ language and were able to bring their own personal experiences to the table, allowing them to engage with our boys on their level. The seminars were conducted in House groups in Year 11 and in classes in Year 7. Your son’s mentor attended the sessions with him and will follow up on the information presented in future mentor periods.

To complement these programs, the College also subscribes to an online study skills handbook. The ELES Online Study Skills Handbook is a comprehensive and interactive online guide that will assist both students and parents in addressing their study skills issues and concerns.

Topics currently covered by the handbook include:

At Home:

1. Home study environment
2. Organisation and filing
3. Time management skills
4. Managing workload
5. Dealing with distractions
6. Overcoming procrastination
7. Developing motivation
8. Goal setting
9. Lifestyle and balance
10. Managing stress

At school:

1. Will we ever use this?
2. Using classtime
3. Asking for help
4. Dealing with conflict
5. Groupwork skills

Specific Skills:

1. Reading skills
2. Writing skills
3. Mathematical skills

To access the handbook, please go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and log in as a subscriber with the user name newingtoncollege and the password 86results.

Back to Newington Day

Saturday 26 May ~ Save the Date!

Back to Newington Day is our largest ‘Home Game’ of the Winter Sports Season. While it is a day for the Rugby, Football and other Winter Sports teams to showcase their talent, it is much more than that.

The day came about as, traditionally, many of our Old Boys return on a home game weekend to relive the excitement of playing sport with their mates and enjoy the camaraderie, as well as rivalry, of the GPS. It seemed only logical to have one day for this and encourage year group reunions. But it has grown enormously to now be our biggest fair day and supporters’ stalls opportunity. The Parents & Friends Association and all the Supporter Groups work to have close to 30 stalls and entertainments in the grounds at Stanmore for all our families from Kindergarten to Year 12.

For the younger ones it is a day for rides, face painting and games. Other stalls include traditional Aussie barbecues; Greek kebabs and souvlaki; Turkish gozleme; Italian gelato; the Black and White Café with homemade cakes; fairy floss, drinks, fruit & goodies; 15 outside stall holders bring their crafts and jewellery; Newington crested ware; second hand books just to name a few. The Newington College Band will perform to set the carnival atmosphere and throughout the day the F1 in Schools cars will be racing.

So mark the diary – no matter what age – and join us with your family to celebrate all that being in the Newington community means. And at 3.15pm cheer on the Black and White against The Scots College!

Second Hand Book Stall Donations to Back to Newington Day

We are again requesting donations for the Second Hand Book Stall, particularly those books that are clean and in good condition. From years of experience we have found that the most popular books from your shelves are children’s books, fiction and some non-fiction, especially cooking and gardening books. For this reason, we regret to ask that you please refrain from sending encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and any text books. Please pack books in either sturdy shopping bags or small boxes and remember to lift safely! Donations can be delivered to Concordia, preferably before Thursday 24 May. We would also love your help for setup after 1.00pm on Friday 25 May, and on the Saturday of Back to Newington Day at the stall. If you can spare an hour or more on the day to help, please email Ari Clark on Ariadne6@bigpond.com. We look forward to another successful stall!

The Women’s Group Update and Baking Bee

Back to Newington Day is fast approaching and will be held on Saturday 26 May. It is always a wonderful day, showcasing sport and the school to the community. The Women’s Group runs the Black and White Cafe and the forever popular Cake Stall. However, for the stall to be successful we need your help. If you are able to assist at the stall on Back to Newington Day, or can bake something to be sold from the stall, it would be greatly appreciated. To make things easier, some cake boxes are available from Dr Hirst’s office. Just ask your son to pick one up! Thank you in advance for your donations which can be left at reception on Friday 25 May.

We will be holding a ‘Baking Bee’ at Ultimo TAFE on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 May from 8.20am to 2.00pm to make all sorts of goodies for the stall. We were fortunate to have access to the TAFE’s commercial kitchen last year, and everyone who participated not only had a great time, but was able to produce a lot of stock to sell at the stall as well.

We remind you that the Wrap with Love Project is starting again this term. Last year Newington mums, grandmothers, aunties & MOONS produced 14 beautiful wraps, and we are hoping to exceed that total this year. There will be knitting group meetings in the Grove Room each Friday. On Cadet and Challenge Fridays, we will meet in the afternoons from 3.15pm. Non-Cadet week meetings will be held at 8.30am. If you cannot make it to school, but would like to be involved, you can knit at home and drop off the squares or finished wraps. If you cannot knit, we also need people who are able to sew the squares together. Jigsaw skills will come in handy for this part!

If you are interested in any of these activities, please contact Rollanda Rosenstrauss on 0411 129 433 or email at the_rosies@optusnet.com.au.

Sports

Tennis

NSW has again won the Pizzey Cup Competition with Newington boys playing a big part in our State’s success. On Thursday of the competition, Queensland enjoyed an unexpected win against Victoria, so the pressure was on NSW to beat Queensland that afternoon. NSW was victorious against Queensland, so the remaining challenge was to beat Victoria on Saturday. For a while it was very close—but by day’s end NSW had won 12 games to six. Both James Palmer (12/KL) and Harrison Lombe (12/KL) (featured above) contributed to the day’s success, with James winning his mixed doubles and Harrison his singles for the team.

In the individual singles competition, Harrison reached the semi-finals, only to be faced by the Number 1 player for NSW, Andrew Riminton, in a very tough match that featured fantastic shot making by both boys, (6–4, 6–3). Harrison achieved the closest score to Andrew seen all week.

At the team presentation dinner on Saturday night, Harrison was one of four NSW boys players to be named in the Australian Schoolboys Merit Team.

It was a wonderful week of gruelling tennis for both James and Harrison and a brilliant result for Newington to have two players in the winning NSW team of just eight players! Both boys showed great resilience and sportsmanship throughout the week and were fantastic representatives of Newington.

Winter Sports Season

Please click here to view the sports contact information for the 2012 Winter Season.

The Winter Sports Season has begun and last weekend saw Newington College rolling out city hospitality to the boys, teachers and coaches of Kinross Wolaroi in Orange in pre-season trial games. Dr Hirst, who came to Newington from Kinross Wolaroi in 2008 where he was the Director of Boarding, acting Deputy Head and Master in Charge of Rugby, was keen to welcome our guests to Sydney and Newington’s fields.

After the warmth of the previous weekend at the AAGPS it was as if the weather knew the precise weekend to turn on the winter temperatures to set the scene for the season ahead. A new Newington supporters scarf is available in Crested Ware this year and already there is good reason to wear it.

Our parents were on the sidelines ready with high speed cameras to kick us off with the images that mark the excitement of the next few months. Enjoy these highlights.

Tupou College Update

We are pleased to report that the container of supplies destined for Tupou College is currently safely aboard the “Captain Tasman” in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The container project rallied a number of community forces to the cause, including sponsors by Ken and Nick Grover from Gulliver’s Sport Travel, Barry Cotter from Self-Contained Storage and Optim Cargo. Once again the staff, parents, ONU and current students as well as current and past Tupou Scholarship holders, including Moana Loseli (ON ’11) have generously dedicated their time to the project. Thank you to all who helped the container on its way—it certainly introduces a new dimension to the Tupou College relationship.

Newington College’s longstanding affiliation with Tupou College also fosters another Rugby/Service Learning Tour of Tonga, scheduled for the July vacation period this year. Newington’s Boarding House has historically hosted numerous Tongan students including distinguished Old Boy and former King of Tonga, King George Taufa’ahau IV (ON ’38). Now Newington students have the opportunity to be hosted at the Tupou College Boarding House, building a relationship with the school community through service learning activities organised by Mr Cameron Quince and, of course, on the Rugby field under coach Andrew Light.

This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the relationship between colleges, as well as among Newington’s Under 15 Rugby players. Head of Fletcher House Mr Cameron Quince will lead the tour for its duration, departing Thursday 5 July and returning Thursday 12 July. He has also played an integral role in the assembly and dispatch of the container which will precede the arrival of the Newington tour. We look forward to hearing about the experiences of the next group of touring students and staff, and the continued support of currently involved and new staff and parents in the initiative.

Student Services

A reminder that Sunday 20 May is the Red Shield Appeal. Typically we have about 200 Year 10–12 boys who volunteer for a few hours to collect on behalf of the Salvation Army in the local area of Newington. Please contact Mr Madden for more details.

Winter Sport Season is now well and truly upon us. Please click here to view the sports contact information for the 2012 Winter Season.

Senior School

Year 12

Retreat

This year’s Year 12 Retreat was a great success. After a busy time with examinations the opportunity to slow down and talk to other students and staff is a most welcome change. The most important work at retreat is done in small group discussions focusing on areas such as Values and Choices, Trust, Communications and Relationships, Your Life Story, Life: What’s it For?, Hurt and Healings, Gifts: Mine and Yours; and Space for the Spirit. All I can say it is one of my highlights of the year which is a view shared by many others. As part of the follow-up, students have written themselves a letter which will be posted to them late in Term 3. Each site was run by Heads of House who were supported by Mentors and the Chaplaincy Team. My congratulations to all the boys and staff involved.

Year 11

During the Mini Examinations prefect duties are covered by Year 11 students, allowing Year 12 to concentrate on academic matters. In late June, Year 11 will undertake further training before permanently taking over prefect duties from the Year 12 group at the beginning of Term 3.

Heads of House are currently asking for Year 11 nominations for the National Leadership Camp (NLC). This is a premier leadership training program for young Australians. Each year it brings together up to 200 students (14–18-year-olds) from across the nation. It is held from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 July at the Collaroy Conference Centre. Newington will subsidise the costs of four students selected to attend this camp.

Rising Generations places a strong emphasis on mentoring by providing a highly skilled and experienced leadership team to co-ordinate the camp. Additional information about the program can be found at www.risinggenerations.org.au

Year 11 boys have also been continuing to support the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant at Ashfield by serving breakfast from Monday to Friday each week. While this primarily benefits those who are less fortunate it also contributes greatly to the personal growth of the boys involved. Well done!

Year 10

Jonathan Doyle  – Youth Culture Presentation
7.00pm Thursday 7 June
Advance notice of a seminar for parents presented by Jonathan Doyle, to encourage, affirm and introduce them to major trends and issues in youth culture and decision making while providing concrete strategies for protecting, guiding and nurturing their children. Fathers may find this of particular interest.

For more information go to www.choicez.com.au/about-us-2/ and www.choicez.com.au/seminars/male-seminars/

Half Yearly Examinations
Half Yearly Examinations are beginning in Week 15A (Monday 21 May). These examinations are important for a number of reasons, particularly the School Certificate and subject selection for the HSC/IBDP. Students have been reminded that levels for HSC English and Mathematics and entry into Extension courses are subject to academic achievements in Year 10. These entry requirements will be discussed at the Parent/Head of Department evening on Tuesday 24 July. An early and thorough preparation will make these examinations far less of a challenge. Further information can be obtained from the Year 10–12 Academic Coordinator Mr David Phillips.

Middle School

Year 7 Reporting and Parent Teacher Evening

Formal Year 7 reports are now being written by teachers and will report on how boys have settled into their first term or so at Newington. There will be no formal examinations for Year 7 until the end of the year. Parents will be able to meet and discuss their son’s progress with teachers at the Parent Teacher Evening to be held on 12 June. More details about this evening will follow as the date approaches. Reports will arrive home in the days prior to the Parent Teacher Evening.

Mid-Year Exams

Examinations commence for Years 8, 9 and 10 Monday 21 May. Timetables have been made available to boys. Year 9 boys are reminded that with the free time that they are given comes the responsibility of using it wisely. This should particularly be remembered when travelling to and from school at times that vary from the norm.

Other Important News

Clothing Pool News

The Second-hand Clothing Pool is currently clearing stocks of tracksuit jackets and as a result all tracksuit jackets are now priced at $5.00. Tracksuit jackets and pants do not have to be purchased as a set because they are individual items. If your son has mislaid his tracksuit jacket or has outgrown it you can easily replace it at the Second-hand Clothing Pool.

Second-hand clothing can no longer be left with Mrs Franks in the Music Department so please bring all donations/consignments to the Second-hand Clothing Pool in Concordia House. Parking is available and accessed from Cavendish Street.

Changes to the Education Tax Refund (‘ETR’)

A new means tested ‘Schoolkids Bonus’ has been introduced to assist Australian families with out-of-pocket school expenses such as uniforms, excursions, music lessons and computer costs.

The new reform, applicable from January 2013, replaces the existing Education Tax Refund (‘ETR’) and will provide eligible families with $410 per year for each primary school child and $820 per year for each child in Secondary education.

The ‘Schoolkids Bonus’ will be paid to eligible recipients in two equal instalments in January and July each year. There is a possibility that should the legislation go through quickly a transitional one-off payment of the ETR may be made as early as June 2012.

Like the ETR the ‘Schoolkids Bonus’ will be means tested. Eligible families will be those who are receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A. If you are unsure if you are currently eligible for the ETR, or may be in the future, you can visit the ETR Website.

On Stillness and Silence

“We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature—trees, flowers, grass grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence … we need silence to be able to touch souls.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

I have just returned from our Year 12 Retreat. Our graduating year go out to three different venues for a two-day retreat where a great variety of activities occur.

The focus is mostly on our students’ personal hopes, dreams and priorities, preparing them for the giant leap into ‘the world’ at the end of the year, but also to ask the big questions of life, to recognise their own gifts and capabilities and reflect on how precious their family ties are.

As chaplains, we had the privilege of leading a morning focusing on creating ‘Space for the Spirit’. I was encouraged, as were my colleagues, to see how seriously most of our young men treated this segment of their time away. We were able to experience just a small snippet of time where we were still and silent and given the opportunity to listen for the ‘still small voice’ of God (1 Kings 19:11–13).

I continue to be struck by the frantic pace and noise of life, especially life in Sydney. Is it possible that we actually shut God out, or our awareness of God’s presence, by such hustle and bustle? If you are anything like me the day starts with noise: for me a variety of alarms (three in fact) that draw me out of my slumber—radio, phone and watch. Then it’s the first shot of coffee (well… double shot) to charge me for the morning, and I’m ready to launch forth into the demanding but invigorating day of life at Newington College.

When do we draw aside and be still? When do we soak in the wonder of quietness and stillness? I wonder how much we might gain if we could set aside just five minutes each day, at some sacred little space in our home or workplace, just to try to relax and be still. I wouldn’t mind betting that there we may well encounter that ‘still small voice’ of God’s Spirit.

“Emptiness is only a disguise for an intimacy of God’s, that God’s silence, the eerie stillness, is filled by the Word without words, by Him who is above all names, by Him who is all in all. And his silence is telling us that He is there.” (Karl Rahner)

David N Williams
Chaplain

Congratulations

Music

Congratulations to Dominic Longhurst (10/JN) (featured) who over Easter was again awarded the Junior Brass Champion of Champions at the National Band Championship Solos in Melbourne. This is the second year in a row that Dominic has won the competition. He also placed third out of 18 contestants in the Open Cornet event with a score of 94.

Athletics

Winning gold at the AAGPS Carnival wasn’t enough for Morgan McDonald (11/MO), who has been selected in the National Under 17 Athletics Development Squad for 2012. Morgan will train under the auspices of the AIS throughout the year, aiming towards selection into a national squad to compete internationally next year!

Theatresports

Last week, Newington’s Intermediate A Theatresports Team performed in Heat Number 7 of the Theatresports Schools Challenge. Held in the Old Chapel, the heat consisted of eight schools from the Inner West and surrounding area, including St Joseph’s College, Newtown Performing Arts High School and Sydney Secondary College—Leichhardt and Balmain. Newington performed extremely well, placing second overall.

Whether it was exterminating an infestation of insects, taking samples from a volcano or telling the tale of a superhero who had given up hope, we all had a great time improvising in front of a large audience.

A highlight for us was the ‘Commercial’ challenge in which the team was given a random product, and then asked to improvise an advertisement for it. In our case it was a ‘fur car’ and this proved to be both an enjoyable and difficult challenge.

Our second placing means that we are through to the semi-finals of the Theatresports Schools Challenge, and we look forward to seeing many Newington boys there!

Erol Gorur (10/LE)

Geography

Last month, several of the Year 9 and 10 Elective Geography students took part in the Annual National Geographic Australian Geography Competition, run by the Geographical Society of Queensland. It is a nationwide competition involving many multiple choice questions, testing the students’ basic skills and advanced knowledge in the field of geography. Over 80,000 students nationwide took part in this years’ competition and it is with great pride that we can report that two Newington student received placings in the  competition. Erol Gorur (10/LE) has come equal fourth in the NSW Intermediate level and Yianni Van Gelder (10/MA) has been declared State champion. Yianni will now attend the National final to be recorded on the National Geographic Channel at Foxtel Studios, North Ryde on 18 July. If Yianni is successful, he will represent Australia at the World Championships in St Petersburg, Russia in July 2013. The students’ impressive performances have seen Newington ranked sixth in Australia in the Australian Geography Competition and I’m sure we as a school community will get behind Yianni and wish him all the best for his upcoming final.

Australian Under 20 Rugby

Congratulations to Hugh Roach (ON ’10), Apolosi Latinipulu (ON ’10) and Alan Alaalatoa (ON ’11) on their selection in the Australian Under 20 Rugby Squad. The team will contest the IRB Junior World Cup in South Africa in June this year. All three of our boys were members of our GPS Championship winning rugby team which was undefeated in 2010. Hugh and Apo were also members of the 2011 Australian Under 20 team which contested the IRB Junior World Cup in Italy last year.

A Message from the Head of Secondary

“I would like to send my very best wishes and congratulations to you all on your wonderful Senior Victory at the AAGPS Championships yesterday… It was great to see your boys celebrate and they are wonderful moments for a generation of boys to experience… Best wishes and congratulations to you all!”

Extracts from a letter written by The King’s School MIC Athletics to the Headmaster
6/5/2012

AAGPS Athletics Success!

Last weekend, after 34 years, the Championship Shield returned to Stanmore! However, even more humbling was the character and sportsmanship demonstrated at the day’s conclusion by Newington and our great rivals The King’s School and St Joseph’s College. After watching a day of superb performances both on the track and in the field, it was moving to see the King’s and Joey’s Athletics teams applaud the College on their success and equally impressive to see our boys respond in the same modest, yet proud manner. I have always believed the true aim of sport is to earn the respect of your opponent. By all accounts, we accomplished this and I commend all athletes and students on their contribution to a memorable day. Well done to all.

NAPLAN

This week, students from Years 7 and 9 are currently sitting national numeracy and literacy assessments (NAPLAN). Testing will finish on Thursday 17 May 2012. 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 particularity important.

Parent Survey

From next Monday 21 May 2012, parents will receive a request to complete an online survey designed to assess the effectiveness of the past strategic plan and improve the quality of each boy’s education. The survey should take only between 10–15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Please respond, as your feedback will influence our future developments in the Secondary School. A full report will be made back to the Stanmore P&F at our September meeting.

Weekly Boarding Opportunity

This term, two vacancies exist for weekly boarders in Years 9 and 10. Please contact our Director of Admissions, Mrs Yvonne Kaloterakis on 9568 9337 for more information.

Cars on Campus

Please drive slowly and be considerate of others when you choose to enter the Secondary campus. In the morning and afternoon, please consider the interests of students, staff and other members of the community. Most importantly, if you are waiting for your son, you must remain in your vehicles at all times and refrain from blocking other cars.

Good Luck

I am most pleased to see over 200 senior boys volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal this Sunday 20 May. If you wish to assist as a driver please contact Mr Madden on 9568 9439. Finally, we wish all boys in Years 8–10 and Year 12 IBDP every success as they fast approach their Half Yearly Exams commencing next Monday 21 May.

Best wishes
Dr Andrew Hirst

Poet Kate Middleton Visits Newington

Newington College was  fortunate enough last week to be graced by Kate Middleton, the inaugural City of Sydney Poet (not the royalty). This is the first time this title has been bestowed and is funded by Arts NSW and hosted by UTS. Kate shared with many of us her vast experience and expertise in the field of writing, as well as an assortment of her own works.

Kate made appearances in several English classes currently studying poetry. To the benefit of the boys (who also found the variation to regular class refreshing), she parted with some useful and certainly amusing knowledge on what life is like as a poet, simultaneously helping the budding young poets to develop and critique their own writing.

Her poetry reading, however, was the most memorable part of her visit. The acclaimed writer has recently been named Sydney City’s first poet in 2011, and her volume Fire Season was awarded the Western Australian Premier’s Award for poetry in 2009 and was shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year in Poetry. Naturally, there was a deserved buzz around her Thursday afternoon reading to showcase her spectacular works.

Students and teachers willingly gave up their lunchtimes (and missed out on the lunch special at the cafeteria) to listen to a few extracts of her wonderfully original poems. The audience was swayed while the poems were read aloud, lost in the world conjured by the imagery and forgetting their initial disappointment that the special guest was not in fact the Duchess of Cambridge.

Thanks must go to the English Department and Miss Middleton for organising the visit, and we hope that she makes another appearance in the near future to give more students a personal and in-depth perspective on poetry and writing (and also to pester her about her ties to the royal family).

Demos Hammond (10/KL)

Newington College 2012 Senior Championship Victors at the AAGPS Carnival!

Newington College snatched an unforgettable victory in the home straight at the AAGPS Carnival held at Sydney’s Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Saturday 5 May. It is the first time we have held up the Senior Championship Shield since 1978.

After a race-by-race back and forth tussle between Newington and The King’s School, it seemed almost scripted that the Championship Shield would come down to the final race—both schools tied on 364 points.

All day the Newington supporters had been treated to incredible performances by the boys in Black and White. Jack Hiscox (12/PR) won Championship medals for the Open 400m and Open 800m; Lachlan Little (12/KL) topped the table in the U17 Long Jump and the U17 400m. Morgan McDonald (11/MO) outclassed his rivals in the U17 1500m, showing everyone just why he has been selected in the National Athletics Development Squad.

Then there was Tepai Moeroa’s (11/JN) gargantuan 19.12m throw in the U17 shot put, which must surely go down in the annals of AAGPS folklore. The King’s School had already wrapped up both the Junior and the Intermediate divisions, with Newington’s junior team finishing in an impressive second place! But no one was celebrating just yet as the biggest prize had come down to the relays.

All across the grandstand feet tapped the ground nervously as the first-leg runners in the Open 4 x 100m relay stepped into their blocks. The boys crouched, batons in hand and the starter raised his arm. The 10,000 strong crowd were hushed to silence in anticipation of the 40 seconds ahead.

The starting gun cracked. Newington’s Matthew Hood (12/ME) took the lead early, with each stride bringing us closer to our first Senior Championship in 34 years. Three perfect baton changes, two schools locked in competition and one unforgettable moment. In the dying stages of the race, Abdel Elkout (12/KL) flung himself across the line ahead of a determined Sydney Boys High School runner.

And his legs didn’t stop moving as he continued his run along the track to the Newington supporters’ territory and into the waiting arms of athletes, who had erupted into a sea of hugs, cheers and maybe even a proud tear or two.

The significance of the occasion was lost on none, as each of the schools acknowledged the incredible standard of competition and sportsmanship on display. For the GPS Athletics Championship to come down to the final race was a remarkable testament to the standard and gladiatorial spirit of high school athletics here in Sydney.

Congratulations to our athletes and to all boys for the amazing support they received to make the day one that certainly will not be forgotten any time soon!