The Newingtonian 2012 – In school bags NOW!

Newington College’s Year Book, The Newingtonian 2012, has arrived! This year the 368 pages are filled with photos from our three campuses and reports from every activity and area of the College.

One copy of The Newingtonian is provided to each Newington family with a son(s) attending Newington during 2012. Copies are distributed to the eldest boy in each family. Year 12, 2012 will received their copy by post.

Distribution to Stanmore 7-12 boys was in class today, Wednesday 13 March, and copies should be removed from school bags to ensure they are kept in good condition for years to come.

We hope you enjoy reading about Newington’s academic, co-curricular and sporting achievements in The Newingtonian 2012 and that the boys will keep this hard copy record as a valued chronicle of their days at Newington in 2012.

Alex Bolton
Editor The Newingtonian 2012

‘Make History 150’ – Head of the River 2013

At 7.45am Saturday 9 March, the school gathered at Johnson Oval to make their way to the Sydney International Regatta Centre for the annual AAGPS Head of the River Rowing Regatta.

At an emotional Rowers’ send-off assembly on Friday where the Rowing Coach Simon Pennington gave a stirring address, and Year 12 student Sam Evans (12/JN) film sent chills through every person in Centenary Hall, all rowing crews were saluted by their peers and wished the best of luck for the day to follow. Spirits were high as the Head of Pastoral Care Mr Bob Meakin, Head of Middle Years Mr Jeff Snare and  Head of Co-Curricular Mr Paul Bourke joined forces to coordinate the transport for nearly a 1000 Newington boys safely to Penrith Lakes.

The crowd was vocal in support and our rowing crew performed strongly. With mounting pressure to make history 150, many of the crews broke best times. The College achieved the best results in the Fours rowing crews for near 30 years with the 1st IV who rowed a very gutsy race finishing in third place. The 3rd IV gave an outstanding performance–the best of the season–coming home with a 4th place and the 4th IV gained a podium 2nd place in their race. We have struggled for depth in the Year 10 VIII’s, but last Saturday, four crews put in season best performances. The 3rd VIII place a very pleasing third. Unfortunately, the 2nd VIII got a slow start and never really recovered, finishing in 6th place. The 1st VIII raced a strong first 1000m, however were unable to maintain it. In what was the most competitive finish in several decades, there were six crews within two lengths of each other at the finish line. The 1st VIII finished a narrow 6th place.

The Head of the River 2013 was won by Shore school followed by St Joseph’s College and The King’s School.

Overall, it was a brilliant day out. The boys showed immense school spirit cheering themselves hoarse until the final stroke of the last race.

Newington’s First Advertisement

On 12 March 1863, among the shipping notices, entertainment advertisements (‘Signor Ohio: the inimitable SWISS WARBLER, whose imitations of birds and animals are unrivalled’), and personal notices (‘Notice to the public: I, JOHN BURNS of Botany, will not be answerable for debts my Wife, JANE BURNS, may contract after this date’), the Sydney Morning Herald published an advertisement placed by ‘J Allen Manton, Principal’ of the ‘Collegiate Institution, Newington House (late Blaxland’s), Parramatta River’.

The advertisement announced that the ‘spacious and beautifully situated premises’ were now undergoing thorough repair and would be opened as a school the following July. The same advertisement would appear each week until just before the school’s opening.

Because of its location, the new school would initially be entirely a boarding school. The fees were to be 50 guineas ($105 in today’s currency) per annum, to cover ‘Board and education’, plus 4 guineas ($8.40) for washing and a guinea ($2.10) for medical attendance. Fees were payable quarterly, in advance.

The advertisement set out the articles that each student was expected to bring with him: a silver fork and spoon, two pairs of sheets, two pillow cases and six towels. Each was to be marked with the student’s name in full.

Six weeks’ notice was required for the withdrawal of a student; otherwise half a quarter’s fees would be charged.

Despite the new school’s connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the advertisement noted that it would be open to the sons of parents of all religious

David Roberts
College Archivist

Concordia Gallery 2013: A very important moment in art education

Last Tuesday 5 March at 6pm the first exhibition for the year, Now Then and Again was opened by writer and curator John Connell in Concordia Gallery. The evening as Dr Kerry Thomas said, “marked a very important moment in art education”. The exhibition was the culmination of progressively pedagogical ideas of enriching the student learning process through authentic engagement in art world practices.

The crowd of Newington College students, their parents, art education academics and external teachers, artists and architects were stunned and enthused by the artworks. They were engaged with the specificity of the Stones of Newington light installation (pictured above) that allowed detailed and historical sandstone patterns to frame the present view into the Newington College. This work is an extension of Andrew Burn’s art and architecture practice that uses geometry to arrange light and darkness in experiential works. Fellow teachers and past students were amused by the familiarity of the Report Card Comments painting installation and the honesty and revelation that came through looking back into the history of the College’s report cards. This too came from a very energetic one day workshop where Year 7 students worked directly with artist Tom Polo as he guided them to make immediate works in the gallery space–a brave creative act.

It was also an exhibition that allowed us to show some of the new technology in the school. The artworks Stones of Newington and Again were executed with the generosity of the Technology Department’s laser cutter and the artworks Report Card Comments and Again were also brought to us with the support and expertise of David Roberts from Archives.

Teacher Andrew Pawley collaborated with his Year 9 and 10 Photographic Digital Media classes to execute two beautiful reflections on past student photos and the current student body. It was Mr Pawley’s own film and installation artistic practice that directed those classes to contribute to the exhibition in such a sophisticated and resolved medium.

It was wonderful to have the support of Newington staff at the opening including the Headmaster Dr David Mulford who was enthusiastic about the gallery space and how it is being used to advance the teaching and learning in the classroom.

Finally none of the works or show would have been possible without the encouraging and talented Visual Arts Department lead, Mr Andrew Thompson.

Ms Hannah Chapman
Concordia Gallery Curator 

Dr David Tacey in the first Ethics Centre 2013 Public Lecture

In the first public lecture for 2013 for the Centre for Ethics on Wednesday 6 March in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre, Associate Professor at La Trobe University Dr David Tacey spoke about spirituality in Australia. He suggested that although Australia appears to be increasingly secular, there is a spirituality that is “beneath notice” – an unconscious spirituality that connects people to “place”.

Dr Tacey, whose area of study is in religion and spirituality, was raised as a Catholic in Central Australia. Tacey has also been influenced by Aboriginal spirituality and spoke of his own spiritual connection to the land. He recounted in the lecture, that upon beginning university study and moving to the city, he was warned by his father that academia would take him away from his spirituality. This tension between spirituality and the modern world remained a constant enquiry throughout his lecture

Dr Tacey said that many of his students consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Quoting figures from the latest census, Dr Tacey questioned whether the measure for analysing how religious we are is too rigid and not up to date with contemporary values and trends. He argued that while there is less involvement in traditional religious practices today, our artists, poets and composers such as Les Murray, Patrick White and Peter Sculthorpe have created works that are increasingly mystical and metaphysical. The absence of the sacred in Australian life has been compensated for by artists, writers, poets and musicians who express spirituality through the creative arts.

Dr Tacey’s lecture was the first of the 2013 Centre for Ethics Public Lecture Program hosted by Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies Dr Jeremy Hall. The next lecture will be on the ethics of judging led by guest speaker, the Honorable Michael Kirby on Wednesday 1 May.

The Centre for Ethics at Newington College is in its fourth year after a successful program in 2012 featuring luminaries such as Rev. Tim Costello and ABC journalist Annabel Crabb. The centre provides a forum for students, teachers, parents and the wider community, to engage in discussion of contemporary moral issues, beliefs and values. Through its public lectures, workshops and conferences, the Centre aims to promote critical and creative thinking, inter-cultural understanding and serious engagement with the moral issues facing young Australians in the 21st century.

Corporate Rowing 2013

You’ve seen the boys perform at the Head of the River, now it is your turn.  Get a crew together, train for 4 weeks and race at SIRC (Penrith). If you cant get a complete 8, no problem, we will put you into a crew.  Learn to Row (or get back to rowing), get fit, row in an Eight; what could be more fun that that?

Two crews are already signed up!  The word is out that there will be a fit and fabulous staff crew this year.

For more information please go to www.ncra.com.au/corporaterowing2013 or call John Treloar (0414 227 777) or Jasmin Kelly (0411 430 838) for more information. You can also send an email to john@johntreloar.com.

Dates: First day Sunday 5 May, Regatta Sunday 2 June, 2013.

Palaeontology expert brings fossils to class

On Friday 8 March, Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students were visited by Ms Marissa Betts, a PhD student from Macquarie University. Her research involves the study of the transition between Precambrian and Cambrian life forms. Presently, the boys are studying a unit of work which features the ‘Cambrian Explosion’, one of the most evolutionary significant events in the history of life on Earth.

Prior to the Cambrian, all life forms were soft-bodied. Among the most prominent of these are the Ediacaran Metazoans, jellyfish-like organisms found in few places globally, and in Australia, almost exclusively in the Ediacara Hills of the Flinders Ranges, in South Australia. Ms Betts’ fossil samples from the Flinders Ranges were brought in, and provided the boys with an invaluable opportunity for discussion on these life forms. Various samples from the Cambrian period were also available for the boys to observe and photograph.

We were indeed very lucky to have an expert on this exciting and particular field of Palaeontology come and deliver an interactive and engaging talk which will surely place our boys above the rest in Earth and Environmental Science.

Maz Bustamante
Earth & Environmental Science Teacher

Representative Chess Competition Starts in Term 2

The college has long been fielding representative teams in NSW Junior Chess League Inter-Schools competition. This competition begins in Term 2 and runs for an average of 7 rounds.

The competition is divided in firstly Geographical regions and we are in the Metropolitan-East Region and then into Divisions according to year level.

There are 3 levels:

• Junior teams – Years 7 & 8
• Intermediate teams – Years 9 & 10
• Senior teams – Years 11 & 12

Depending on demand, the college has in the past fielded teams in all divisions, for example, last year we fielded 3 Junior, 2 Intermediate and 2 Senior teams.

Each team consists of 4 team members seeded into boards with Board 1 being the highest rated player and board 4 the least.

Each team plays in a division within the Metropolitan-East Region and competes against other teams on a home and away schedule.

We are currently running qualifying and ranking matches for this season, the students who are interested need to be aware that games take place on Friday afternoons after school. Generally Junior games finish by 5 -5.30 pm but all matches are required to be completed by 6pm.

If your son is interested in representing the College in this endeavour he needs to attend training sessions after school on Thursdays or Fridays and also attend lunchtime meetings on Tuesdays or Thursdays in W11.

Graeme Downward
Mathematics Department

Silent Auction at 150 Years of Sport Lunch – Register Your Bid Now!

Can’t be at the lunch? Can’t bid in the silent auction? You can register your silent bid online now!

At the 150 Years of Sport Lunch there will be a silent auction for an ADVERTISING PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER $20,000 in AUSTRALIAN MEN’S FITNESS MAGAZINE 2013.

If you would like to make a bid for the Australian Men’s Fitness Magazine 2013 Advertising Package you can do so by email now and have your bid included in the silent registrations.

Click here and email your nominated amount and it will be entered at the appropriate time on the day.

Literature festival count down and Year 7 do the research

The countdown is on!

Only two more weeks until the Literature Festival—how time flies!

Ms Jagger and Ms Tanase have been extremely busy putting the finishing touches on this year’s Literature Festival program. We’re lucky enough to have a wonderful variety of authors, illustrators, graphic novelists, lecturers, researchers, poets and performers coming to present, and it’s with our great pleasure that we announce the final line-up of fabulous guest speakers and presenters. To find the list of presenters and a brief bio of each, head over to the Literature Festival page, on the Library’s SPACES site.

I’m so looking forward to hearing our guest presenters, and I hope the boys are too—they’re in for a wonderful treat, including writing workshops, seminars, presentations, performances and cartooning workshops, among other things.

To other news, last week saw the wrap up of our very successful Year 7 library and research skills orientation program. We ended the program with a second session with each Year 7 history class–this time to introduce students to using the library for their research assignment on Heritage sites.

Students have been given the task of choosing a site and researching its archaeological and historical significance. It’s been wonderful to see Year 7 utilising the library’s many resources in this area, including books from the collection and online resources such as Britannica Online, Ancient and Medieval History Online and Skwirk, a website that holds fantastic information for secondary school-aged students across different discipline areas. There have also been some complex conversations during class about critically evaluating information sources that students find online.

I do hope I get the opportunity to read some of the research upon completion!

Ms Choi
Head of Library Services

Invitation to 150 Years of Sport Luncheon

Join us in the city to celebrate and pay tribute to the history of Newington Sport. Relive the successes of past premierships in rugby, tennis, athletics, football and swimming…just to name a few, as one of the original members of the AAGPS. National and international representative sportsmen from the College will join us to recount how their early sports careers were forged on the fields at Newington.

When: Friday 22 March 2013
Where: Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf
Cost: $125 per person

To register for the event, click here.

To make an online payment click here and choose the Sesquicentenary link in the “College” box.

Find out what else is on the Sesquicentenary events program by visiting our INSITE.

Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common behavioural disorder.

There are 3 subtypes:

• Inattention – difficulty concentrating especially if boring or repetitive, may sit quietly at their work but child is not paying attention, not listening to instructions, not finishing tasks, easily distracted
• Impulsivity – talking over the top of someone, accident prone, blurting out answers before question is asked, interrupting constantly
• Overactivity – constant fidgeting and restlessness, leaving seat when expected to stay sitting, running about, has a ‘short fuse’.

The most common form of ADHD is those with a combination of all 3 types.

Diagnosis

A detailed physical and mental assessment by a Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist is made using questionnaires and recognised rating scales with information collected from the parent, child, GP and teacher etc. These criteria must be met for at least 6 months and the symptoms must be obvious in most areas of the child’s life.

Some medical conditions like thyroid disease or epilepsy, a traumatic life experience such as a death in the family or divorce or a psychological disorder like anxiety or depression can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.

Certain learning disabilities and behavioural disorders like conduct disorder are also similar to ADHD.

Cause

There is no known cause. There is continuing discussion over the role of genetic, environmental and social factors.

Treatment

ADHD is treated with psychotherapy, education and /or medication.

Many primary school children with ADHD respond well to a reward system with clear consequences for behaviors. Any underlying issues at home or school need to be addressed including bullying, poor diet, sleep problems, family dysfunction. Counseling, skills training and addressing issues of peer relationships, self esteem and anxiety are more useful to adolescents.

In Australia two stimulant medications are used – dexamphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Stimulants have a calming effect on someone with ADHD helping the person to focus, to concentrate and can improve social skills. Stimulants such as Ritalin are S8 controlled drugs so their supply, distribution and possession are restricted and parents need to be aware of this and monitor usage.

Not all children will require, or benefit from medication so clinical judgement is made on each individual case.

ADHD can persist into adulthood. Teens and adults may not be as hyperactive, but can be restless and inattention persists. They can be disorganised – talking on many things at once and prefer quick fixes as solutions rather than working through a correct procedure. At a time when they are expected to be more self-reliant and responsible you can see how these teen years can be difficult. Help them to stay organised and to get enough sleep. Make clear fair rules allowing for negotiation and compromise. Keep in good communication with school.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse

Young Geographers of Year 9

Under ideal conditions, the 35 Year 9 Geography students, with their teachers Mr Verco and Mr Serhon, recently undertook field work in the area of Oceanography. The day started with a trip to Sydney Aquarium where the students looked at the entire facility but with a special focus on the coastal regions around Australia. Upon completion, we jumped on the bus again and headed to Clovelly Beach just north of Coogee.

The day was just ideal; a light breeze ruffling the surface and enough warmth to keep everyone excited.

We examined the coastal landforms created by sea level change over the many years. We examined the extent of life forms, both in the water and on the rock shelf. The boys had the chance to snorkel with the Blue Grouper and the myriad other fish in the bay and we finished the day with an examination of human impact on the bay through stormwater drains that empty out here.

All in all, a very enjoyable day.

Important NAPLAN Information

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

In May 2013, as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), national tests will be held in literacy and numeracy for all students in Australia at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The tests will be completed between Tuesday 14 May and Thursday 16 May 2013.  Friday 17 May is scheduled as a ‘catch-up day’ for students who were absent on a test day. The format will be identical for both Years 7 and 9.  On Tuesday 14 May boys will complete a 45 minute test on Language Conventions (comprising spelling, grammar and punctuation) and a 40 minute test on Writing.  On Wednesday 15 May they will complete a 65 minute test on Reading.  Finally on Thursday 16 May they will complete an 80 minute Numeracy test (comprising number, algebra, functions and patterns, space, measurement and chance and data).  This test will be broken into two 40 minute sessions.  Students will be able to use calculators in the first session but they will not be allowed the use of a calculator in the second session.

All students are expected to participate in the tests.  Students may be considered for exemption only if:

• they have been in Australia for less than 12 months and have a language background other than English;
• they have significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests.

Students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/guardian.  This is a matter for consideration by individual parents in consultation with the Headmaster. Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing.  If you have concerns in regard to your son’s participation in NAPLAN please contact Ms Julia Shea, Deputy of Stanmore/Head of Learning and Teaching, as soon as possible.

Access to disability provisions for these tests should be discussed with Mrs Rebecca Panagopoulos by phoning 9568 9527. Provisions which reflect the student’s normal level of support in the classroom will be provided.

Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.naplanforparentsnsw.com.au

Parents will receive information on their child’s performance through the individual reports that will be compiled for each student.  The tests will provide information on how students are progressing against national benchmarks. Results will be posted home as soon as they become available. This is usually in late September.

Term 1 Sport Photos

Above: The 2nds water polo team after defeating St Aloysius’ 19 – 1 to become 2012/2013 Undefeated Premiers

Clean Up Australia Wrap Up and Earth Hour

On Sunday 3 March 2013, over 100 volunteers met at Centenary Hall or the Boarding House to help clean up the Newington and wider Stanmore community. Students from across different Year groups participated, and their efforts were greatly appreciated. This year’s Newington Clean Up Australia Day effort was a great success, with around 30 large garbage bags of litter collected, which amounts to around 300kg of rubbish off the streets of Stanmore.

Significantly, this year saw an increase in parent involvement, and thanks go to all those parents who took part in the clean up. Special thanks also must go to Helen Fenton for setting up a stall to raise some much-needed funds for the Sustainability Committee.

This is some of the feedback we received from the volunteers:

“I was surprised at what little effort and time it took to fill our large ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ bags. I was also amazed at the amount of take-away coffee lids lying in gutters.” – Parent

“Clean Up Australia Day is something that can be done by anybody. It is really easy and simple, and for a good cause. It doesn’t just benefit us now, it benefits our future.”
Andre Lam (12/KL)

“I love Clean Up Australia Day as it is a great opportunity to walk the local streets and make a mark that you can be proud of. This was my fourth year in a row and personally it gets better every year. I will definitely be back next year to help out.”
Edward Treloar (10/FL)

We do hope to see even more volunteers at Clean Up Australia Day 2014.

Earth Hour

Coming up much sooner than 2014, is Earth Hour. Between 8:30pm and 9:30pm, on Saturday 23 March, we will be turning off our lights and computers.

Much like Clean Up Australia Day, Earth Hour was an initiative which originated in Australia, with the first Earth Hour in Sydney in 2007. Since then, it has become the world’s largest volunteer action for the environment, with more than 6,950 cities and towns across 152 countries taking part. Sustainable energy use is a main focus of this initiative, and is extremely important in the long term.

This year Newington is running its own Earth Hour, which will run from 1:30 to 2:30pm on Friday 22 March; lights will be switched off in all classrooms. However, we still urge you to participate in and support the official collective action on Saturday night by switching off the lights in your homes and avoiding use of technology.

 Edmond Cheng (12/Fl) and Clyde Welsh (12/ME)

7th Biennial Literature Festival

We are nearly there! Only a few more sleeps until the 7th Biennial Newington Literature Festival which will be held next week on Wed 20, Thurs 21 and Fri 22 March.

We have over 35 authors, performers and journalists from across Australia visiting all three Newington Campuses.  Over the three days they will present exciting sessions and workshops for all boys from K-12.

The links below outline particular sessions for the Newington community who are welcome to attend open sessions.  Bookings may be required.

Click here to download the information for the evening lecture Words Words Words: The Nature of Language in the Digital Age

Click here to find out about the sessions for parents and special guest speakers at this year’s event.

‘Embers’, Senior Drama Production takes on the impact of bush fires

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Embers!

Last week the senior drama production had two out of three sold out shows. The performance received critical acclaim from those who saw it.  Keep your eyes out for the upcoming edition of News for a full report and more images.

F1 in Schools Australian National Final 2013

On Monday 25 February Zipper Effect flew down to Melbourne to compete in this season’s national final held at the Australian International Air Show at Avalon Airport. While Newington has been to the F1 in Schools Australian National Final before, this was Zipper Effect’s first time representing Newington at an event like this. Accompanied by teacher Paul Honeywell, Newington’s representatives were:

• Alastair Bate (10/ME) – Team Manager
• Justin Tran (10/PR) – Manufacturing Engineer
• Felix Shannon (10/PR) – Graphics Designer
• David Chen (10/PR) – Design Engineer
• Ashan Karunagaran (10/KL) – Resource Manger

After a short flight and  train ride to Williamstown, the team enjoyed the first event that REA (the organisation that runs the program) had organised for all teams–a tour of the BAE Systems manufacturing dock.  The team were able to walk up to the Canberra Class LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock)– Australia’s largest aircraft carrier–and were shown all parts of the factory with the exception of the top-secret weapons department.

While this had given the team some time to enjoy the area, Zipper Effect then journeyed to their first judging event–the verbal presentations. The verbal presentations are an overview of all the teams’ work, including marketing and sponsorship collaboration. The team were also introduced to the previous world champions–Cold Fusion–who won the 2012 World Finals in Abu Dhabi which gave the team an idea of the work they had to do throughout the competition and what they needed to do to be among the best of the best.

As a welcome to all the competition teams and teachers, REA organised a dinner held at the Williamstown RSL to outline the week and to tell everyone what was ahead. This allowed Zipper Effect to speak to other teams and see what they had been working on during the season.

Wednesday morning was an early start so that everyone could prepare for the first visit to the Avalon Air Show. While the first impressions of the planes on the ground were astounding, nothing could prepare the team for the Spectacular display of Australian and US fighter jets. This gave a whole new meaning to loud airplanes!

When it came down to the competition, the first thing the team did was set up their booth, kindly printed by Rainbow Display Systems, to fill their small space with just enough information for it to look great. The day was very fast-paced and included judging of the team’s own car design and a tour of the various aircraft companies’ stands and displays. These amazing tours gave everyone competing an insight into the defence and aviation industry, as well as show everyone the amazing displays of the UAVs, fighter jets and other cool gadgets.

By Thursday it was surreal to think  how much everyone had learnt, and that there was still more to come.  This was the day of the main racing championships, with only the knockout racing against the other teams to go.

After a long day with more flybys and many more jets, there was the official ceremony, at which the awards were presented to all of the teams. Zipper Effect won the Professional Class Innovation Award, one out of only eight specific awards.  After a long day the team spent some more time enjoying the sights and headed to bed before the final day.

On Friday, the team went to an interesting careers presentation that involved presenting all the competitors with job options in the aviation and defence industry. From there all the boys had free access to all of the exhibits on display. It was here that everyone was able to enjoy the sights and learn a bit more about the history of the Australian Air Force planes, as well as seeing new jets that will be introduced in the near future.

The experiences of the competition were amazing. The team’s newly developed skills and eye-opening experiences taught us new skills in design, engineering, marketing and collaboration that will help in a wide range of school and future work projects.

 Alastair Bate (10/ME)

ONU Golf Day

L-R: Dr David Mulford, Headmaster, Winners of the Arthur H.S. Rofe Trophy, Chris Johnson (ON ’93), David Royal (ON ’93) and Nigel Watson (ON ’93)

The recent ONU Golf Day at the Lakes Club was a great success, despite the challenging weather conditions. Old Boys, current parents, grandparents and staff engaged in friendly yet competitive rivalry on the greens contesting one of Newington’s oldest trophies, the H.S. Rofe Trophy as well as the Alumni Challenge Trophy to raise funds for the ONU Depression initiative.

After presenting the Alumni trophy to the team from 1978, James Jordan (ON ’81), ONU President said “Not only did we get to play at the prestigious Lakes Golf Course but we are exceptionally fortunate to have the support of generous sponsors who enable us to make a contribution in a very real way and I thank them sincerely.” He also thanked the ONU Golf Day organising committee, Ian Mayer (ON ’81), David Gillard (ON ’92) and Nigel Watson (ON ’93) for their exceptional contributions.

With generous donations of prizes and auction items from current parents and Old Boys, including Martin Wright from Srixon Sports Australasia, Con Dedes (ON ’87) from Dedes Group, Richard Spira (ON ’81) from Agressor, Ian Mayer (ON 81) from Chatswood Toyota and Adam Peruch (ON ’81) from Channel 9, over $17,500 was raised.

Mylee Angelo
ONU Officer

Sport Report

Athletics

Training for the 2013 Athletics season will commence on Monday March 18, with the first Invitational Carnival at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday March 23. Details will be placed on SPACES, on the athletics page. The Director of Athletics is Mr Oliphant based in the Sports Department. For any questions regarding athletics please contact Mr Mark Oliphant.

Basketball

Newington basketball heads into its final fixture against Scots College with four of its boys selected to represent the GPS basketball teams.

GPS 1sts

• Jack Jones (12/PR)
• Jack Haddrick (12/MA)
• Chier Maker (11/FL)

GPS 2nds

• Jordan Sheehan (12/KL)

We wish the boys the very best against CAS on 26 March 2013

Cricket

Congratulations to Jordan Gauci (10/FL) who has been selected in the Australian U15 team to play against the West Indies in Bowral later this year. Jordan recently participated in the U15 Schoolboy Championships in Perth.

Sailing

Any boys interested in going to the CIS sailing competition please see Mr. Dickens in the Sports Department.

Tennis

Congratulations to Blazo Djurovic (12/LE) for his selection in the CIS tennis team for 2013. This is the second year Blazo has represented CIS. We wish Blazo the very best.

Water Polo

Three Newington water polo players have been named in the NSW State team to compete in the National Championships in Perth in June this year. Congratulations to James Smith (12/KL), Wil Cotterill (11/LE) and Keegan Wicken (11/ME) on their selection.

Congratulations also to the 2nds water polo team, who defeated St Aloysius’ 19 – 1 to become 2012/2013 Undefeated Premiers.

Winter Sport Update

Training for all winter sport will commence the week starting Monday March 25 for boys in Years 8-12, we ask that all boys please review the respective SPACES page for venue and training details. There are no sporting fixtures over the Easter weekend.

From Humble Beginnings

From very humble beginnings incredible things can happen. From a mere lump of clay the master potter can shape something of great beauty. Who would have thought that from the distant dream of a group of immigrant Methodist church folk that the Newington of today could have been possible?

Newington has been hewn out of the rock of hard work and commitment.  Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without hard work and self-sacrifice. Thankfully these things are drummed into us here at Newington, and long may it be so.

God has the habit of using the humble, the weak and the fallible to shame the wise, the rich and the strong. God takes the most unlikely individuals (like Moses, Jesus, Martin Luther-King and Nelson Mandela) and works miracles; these themes are embedded within our Christian tradition which is at the very foundation of this great school community. Humility, an awareness of where we have come from, and a sense of not having arrived yet – are surely vital ingredients to ensure that the miracle continues to happen in this place.

It will soon be Easter – and Easter reminds us that at the very root of our faith, God works in the most unexpected ways through the most humble and unlikely people, “He had no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.  He was despised and forsaken of men” (Isaiah 53).

Here is the great hint to humanity that God works through the most unlikely and unusual ways and people. There is something, hidden in this mystery, for us all. Most of us feel small and insignificant. Most of us feel ineffectual and a bit anonymous. This is a healthy characteristic of the human condition.

We recognise that this school started from very humble beginnings. We recognise that the dream was a long shot – it was a dream that could easily have failed, but right from the beginning there was a willingness to risk the dream even though the odds were stacked against success.  The record of the miracle is there, and it has been a miracle wrought through a partnership of frail and fallible human beings working willingly with the God of history who has stayed loyal and faithful to his people.

Our God is interested in each of us and in each of our particular situations in life.  We accept that we are fallible and frail human beings – but through a willing and a committed heart we can bring light and life to that part of humanity we have to do with – within our families, our school, our work-place or our neighbourhood.

Rev David N. Williams
School Chaplain 

Congratulations

GPS Success

After fantastic performances at Saturday’s Head of the River Regatta, Sam Hardy (12/MO) and Rob Hunt (12/MA) captured the attention of rowing selectors and last night were selected in the Combined GPS VIII. Congratulations boys, we know you will do Newington proud at the GPS level.

Athletics

On Saturday 2 March Lachlan Little ( 12/KL) became the only Athlete in the 150 year history of Athletics in NSW to win the NSW All Schools Long Jump Championship, the U20 NSW Long Jump Championship and then on Saturday at the age of 17, win the NSW Open Long Jump Championship. What a great achievement, and all within one season!

His winning jump was recorded at 7.43m (wind assisted).

There were two other Newington records set at the Championships. Morgan McDonald (12/MO) ran 3.40.7 in the open 1500m, and came 4th in the 1500m final, and Lachlan jumped 7.26m in the Open Long Jump.

Several Newington old boys also competed and there were commended wins to:

Josh Ralph (ON ’09) winning the Open 400m in 46.94s

Liam Ridings (ON ’07) 3rd in the Open 10,000m 31.11.82.

Ben Cross (ON ’06) in both the 1500m and 10,000m.

Swimming and Surf Lifesaving

Callum Lowe-Griffiths (9/PR) competed in the  NSW State Age Titles in January and won seven individual and two relay medals whilst swimming for Willoughby Swim Club where he is coached by Graeme Brewer.

He also made the qualifying times for these and other events for the upcoming National Age titles to be held in Adelaide in April.

Gold Medals

• 800m Free
• 400m Free
• 400 Individual Medley
• 4 x 50 Medley Relay breaking the NSW by 2 secs

Silver Medals

• 200m Individual Medley
• 200m Backstroke
• 100m Backstroke
• 4 x 50m Freestyle relay

Bronze Medal

• 200m Freestyle
• Surf Life Saving

Since finishing school last December, Callum has been busy winning some important titles. He represented the Sydney Northern Beaches (SNB) at the NSW Interbranch Titles where SNB retained their championship and won the following titles:

• Sydney Water Iron Man Series which was held over 4 weekends on the South Coast where Callum won all surf swim, board and ironman events.

• Freshwater Bennett Ironman Challenge,

• Ironman and surf race at the NSW Wave Warriors and Manly Nipper National Carnivals

• Won the ironman, surf swim and board race at the Freshwater SLSC Australia Day carnival

This culminated in the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Championshps at the beginning of March which were held at Dee Why. Callum won the Ironman and the surf race.

But among Callum’s many talents is also ocean swimming.

Callum won his age division prize (12-19yr) at the Cole Classic and finished 8th in the elite field (first in his Age Group) at the Palm Beach to Whale Beach BIG SWIM. This field contained (Olympian Chris Fydler, Olympic triallist Wally Eggleton and last year’s GPS swimming Captain Jonah Beard)

Callum is is a representative for Newington at the AAGPS Swimming and is a proud member of the Senior relay Team.

Design and Technology

Newington Old Boy Nicholas Sadowsky (ON ’10) was one of the 50 finalists in The Edge Design Competition at the Australian Furniture Fair held in the Convention Centre, Darling Harbour. Nicholas in currently studying furniture design at the University of Technology, Sydney and hopes to study a car design course in Milan, Italy. We wish Nicholas the very best in his future endeavours.