A Message from the Head of Stanmore

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 

Chess Team finishes 3rd in GPS Championship

This term has seen some exciting times for chess at Newington College with some great results for the school and the students.

Our Intermediate team still awaits results to be completed in the other side of the draw before we can play our final for the NSW Junior Chess League Championship. This should be finalised early in Term 4.

Meanwhile an eight member team consisting mainly of Senior boys competed creditably in the GPS Championship on Saturday 14 September at Sydney Boys High School. The team finished 3rd behind Sydney Grammar and Sydney High. This was our best result and many thanks to all concerned:

Cedric Koh (9/MO)

Victor Dai (10/FL)

Jordan Fotaras (12/MA)

Wesley Wei (12/KL)

Jonathan Lay (12/JN)

Richard Palmer (11/KL)

Edmond Cheng (12/FL)

Harry Murtough-Coombes (12/KL)

All results, both team and individuals will be published on the Chess Spaces page when available.

Also next term will see us competing in the Scots Invitational Competition, a Swiss tournament for teams across Sydney.

Mr Graeme Downward
Chess Co-ordinator

From Happy Campers to Newington Men – A Personal Farewell

Year 12 Valedictory Day Celebrations was a day of mixed emotions. In this year group, I had a small sub group of boys in my Year 7MA Mentor Group. A group that I bonded with very quickly. Many of the boys have been learning together for six years, and have formed unique and very special relationships with one another. They have supported each other through hard times, celebrated the many good times, shared laughter and tears and have become brothers in the true Newington way.

Our introduction to these young, naïve boys was at Year 7 Camp. It is amazing how much you learn about boys when they are away from home! From this, I watched the boys grow into the amazing young men they are today. This week they walked out of our gates for one last time to enter the world and become engaged citizens, dedicated professionals, loving fathers and caring partners. In all aspects of their life, their thoughts, feelings and actions will be governed by the values of respect, responsibility, honesty and compassion. They are courageous and ethical. I am so very proud of them. I am confident that they will lead by example and provide an ethical community in an uncertain world.

From boys of promise to men of character – that is what we have in this very special group of young men. I wish the boys of 7MA, and all the Year 12 cohort, every success in their upcoming HSC or IB examinations and beyond.

Ms Colleen Scalone
Head of Yr 7 

Callum Laps up the Medals at Australian Schools Swimming Championships

Last week Callum Lowe-Griffiths (9/PR) competed in the Australian Schools Swimming Championships in Adelaide.

He competed in ten individual events winning two (200m Freestyle, 400m Individual Medley), finishing 2nd in five events (200m Individual Medley, 200m Backstroke, 400m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 50m Backstroke) and 3rd in one (100m Freestyle). He only missed a place in two races (7th in 50 Freestyle, 4th in 50m Butterfly). Callum was also part of the NSW Medley and Free Relay teams that both finished 2nd.

This is a remarkable achievement at the highest level. To qualify in so many events is an achievement in its own right but to perform as he did is something else again.

Congratulations Callum!

Mr Jeff Snare
Director of Swimming 

Serhon Boys’ Season of Success

It’s been a good Rugby season for the three Serhon boys. William (7/FL) was a member of the undefeated 13As who won the Ellis Shield, Thomas (9/FL) captained the 15As that won the David Jacobs Trophy and Matthew (12/FL) was the hooker in the 1st XV that won the Bryan Palmer Trophy, the Centenary Cup, the AJ Rae Shield as well as the Challenge Shield as GPS co-premiers.

Congratulations boys!

Black and White Ball 2013

The Black and White Ball was the perfect finale to the Sesquicentenary Committee’s calendar of events held at Newington College this year. On Saturday 14 September, friends and family of the College celebrated this grand occasion by meeting at The Ballroom of The Star in Sydney for an evening of ‘Black and White’ glamour.

Nearly 800 guests arrived dressed in the theme of Black, White and Silver, ready to enjoy a full line-up of entertainment including music from Hot Potato, Darren Percival and Paul Gray and Jelly Bean Jam. The Sesquicentenary Chairman, Mr Rod Bosman (ON ‘78) welcomed everyone to the festivities including special guest, HRH Princess Angelika Tuku’aho High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga. Mr Bosman began.“A Ball is not a Ball without a Princess”, and with that the party commenced.

The Ballroom was decorated with dramatic black and white adornments including spectacular crystal chandeliers and candelabras. As guests let loose on the dance floor, big screens around the room allowed attendees to relive the Sesquicentenary through a slideshow of photos and videos taken throughout the year. A highlight of the night was when the Sesquicentenary Committee raffled off a brand new car won by current Lindfield parent, Nicole Webster.

As the final event of 2013, Mr Bosman thanked the Sesquicentenary Committee and officially closed the Sesquicentenary year.

Baroness Susan Greenfield Speaks on How Technology Changes the Way we Think and Feel

We warmly invite you to the next Centre for Ethics 2013 Public Lecture with special guest Baroness Susan Greenfield at 6pm Wednesday 9 October.

Baroness Greenfield is a neuroscientist, writer, broadcaster and member of the House of Lords. Her research encompasses the physiology of the brain and the impacts of the internet and modern technologies on brain activity and consciousness. She is the recipient of more than 30 honorary degrees from around the world and has authored numerous research papers and books.

We highly recommend this event to parents, educators and those interested in how technology has changed the way we think and feel.

For more information please visit the Centre for Ethics 2013 insite.

Map the Library Competition Winner Announced

What a busy end to the term! As you may recall, the Library held a competition earlier in the year to celebrate Library and Information Week, where we invited students at the Stanmore campus to create a map or a tour of the new Library.

Our brief didn’t stipulate what format the entries could come in, so we had a variety of entries, from physical maps to maps created via iPad apps, to video tours of the library. We even had a couple of libraries created in Minecraft!

The calibre of entry was very impressive- even with two brand new 2GB iPod shuffles up for grabs as the major prize for the winning duo or solo entrant, the entries were just too good, so we created a second prize category, as well as a highly commended category!

The winners were announced at a prize-giving ceremony during lunch. The winners are as follows:

1st prize: James McDonald (7/FL)

2nd prize: Nelson Crossley (7/PR) and Jacob Barrett (7/LE)

Highly Commended:

Alec Machin (7/LE)  and Michael van Walsum (7/JN)

Jeno Suh (7/JN)

If you’d like to see the prize winners and all of the other entries, come into the Library to check them out- we have the prize winners on display, either in their physical form, or playing on a video loop. You can access everybody else’s entries via QR code. Simply download a free QR code reader from the app store (i-Nigma is a good free one), open the app, aim your phone or tablet’s camera at the QR code and scan away.

Well done to everyone who entered and congratulations to our prize winners!

Ms Crystal Choi
Head of Library Services

Upcoming Rowing Association Meeting

Next meeting Tuesday 8 October at the Boatshed at 7pm. Following meetings held on the second Tuesday of the Month at 7pm at the Boatshed.

All welcome.

Rowing Association

Term 3 House Competition

Last Thursday 12 September all eight houses gathered at the bank of Johnson Oval for House Competition day. Boys from across years 7 to 11 competed in Touch Rugby, European Handball, Cross Country, Chess, Football, Theatresports and more for the enviable first place. Meanwhile , being the last day of school for many Year 12 boys, they chose to improvise on what they wanted to wear to compete in on the day.

Moulton and Prescott tied equal first with Le Couteur at a close third. Fletcher came fourth, Kelynack, fifth, Manton sixth, Johnson, seventh and Metcalfe, eighth.

‘Make History 150’ – Class of 2013

Nothing quite describes the feeling of graduating at the end of Year 12. You feel triumphant, the moment it dawns on you that yes, you have survived 13 years of primary and secondary and you’re still alive. But also bittersweet, because at that same moment, you realise this will be the last time you will sit beside your fellow year group wearing your Black & White —the College uniform.

On Friday 13 September, the College formally farewelled Yr 12 2013. While parents and family, armed with their cameras, took their seats in the New Gym, the Yr 12 boys sat quietly and respectfully behind the official party waiting for the Valedictory assembly to begin.

Senior Prefect Sam Hardy (ON ’13) commenced the assembly reflecting on his year as Head Prefect. He congratulated Year 12 on their superlative effort in making 2013 a year of ‘history-making’ and wished them the best of luck in their upcoming exams. The Headmaster Dr Mulford thanked Sam and all Yr 12 boys for their service to the College, but also offered some words of wisdom. He hoped that while each Yr 12 boy gained confidence during his time at the College, he also hoped each boy faced at least one challenge that had made him the Newington Man he is today.

“Be thankful for those moments, because it can now be considered that you can learn to cope with adversity. Be thankful for developing the skills to learn new things”, he said.

Dr Mulford concluded his address with a Franciscan benediction which, while blunt and direct, offered a great life lesson.

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

After the ceremony, boys from across the years formed a tunnel that began at the Space Frame, snaked up the banks of Johnson Oval and reached all the way to the doors of the College Chapel. There was thunderous applause, hugs and many more cheers of congratulations as Year 12 passed through led by the newly elected Senior Prefect Kevin Stathis (11/JN) and Vice Prefects Sam Woods (11/PR) and Thomas Van Der Velde (11/JN) . While some boys passed through with their heads held high, ready to take on the world, others took a look back at the younger boys who watched expectantly, before they assembled in the Chapel.

Congratulations Year 12 2013. You certainly did, ‘Make History 150′.

Snowboarders placed in National Snowsports Competition

Over the last week, Newington College has two competitors going up against the best skiers and boarders in the country at the 2013 Australian National Snowsports Championships. After qualifying first through the Sydney Championships then the NSW Championships, both Flynn Gannon (4/HO) and Sam Martin (5/WI) flew the flag for Newington College at a very barren Mount Buller course. Flynn was competing in both the Snowboard GS and Snowboard Cross events and ended up finishing an impressive 12th and 13th in the country respectively. Sam was competing in the difficult discipline of Moguls where he also achieved the impressive result of 12th overall. Despite being up against poor conditions and some very impressive opposition both these boys are to be commended for their efforts against the best young Snowsports talent in Australia. Well done boys!

Mr Justin Verco
Master-in-charge Snowsports

Trip to the Wesleyan Collegiate Institution, Newington, near Parramatta

At 9 a.m. on a day towards the end of September 1863, a group of passengers boarded the Parramatta steamer at the Phoenix Wharf at Darling Harbour. Some passengers were bound for Newington, ‘to inspect the last addition to our representative colonial educational establishments, the very recently inaugurated Wesleyan Collegiate Institution.’

An account of their visit appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on 29 September. If the reader can wade through the florid Victorian prose — ‘Sip away thirstily of the nectar of learning then, ye young hope-buds of Newington’ — the account provides a snapshot of the new College less than three months after it opened.

Rev. John Allen Manton, Principal of the College, met the visitors at the Newington wharf. The writer was impressed by the ‘almost palatial pile’ of Newington House, with ‘the finest palm tree in the colony’ at its entrance. He paced out the house’s dimensions: one hundred and twenty feet long and sixty feet deep. ‘We were delighted with the gardens… The orchards, paddocks, poultry-yards, and various offices, are those of a really splendid demesne.’

As he conducted the tour of the property, Rev. Manton undoubtedly explained the principles on which the College was founded. ‘We were much pleased to find that this Wesleyan College at Newington was not so tight as to exclude from its benefits the youth of Christian denominations,’ the writer noted.

In the chapel, which served also at the schoolroom, the visitors observed the classical tutor rendering a lesson in the Latin author, Horace. ‘The teaching, we observed, was thorough. Would that in all collegiate schools it were always so.’ During a devotional service in the dining room, ‘we could almost have heard a pin drop.’

Almost all the students were boarders. Mrs Anne Manton, ‘the excellent wife of the Principal’, was ‘an untiring ministering spirit to the children of others, to whom she endeavours to supply a mother’s care.’

With the day nearing its end, the visitors ‘enjoyed an evening promenade with the Principal and his lady.’ The boys were playing football and other games on the Green, while ‘the noble house dog … disported himself wildly with a stick … or joined his gambolling with the football racings.’

‘Tints of glory rested upon all the fair things around, the foliage glittered and danced in the setting sun.’ And so the visitors said ‘Farewell to the Academia of Newington.’

David Roberts
College Archivist

Back to Newington Day Photo Shoot by Artist-in-residence

Anne Zahalka is Newington College’s P&F New Women’s artist-in-residence for 2013. She is one of Australia’s best-known photographers. Zahalka has exhibited with Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery for almost 15 years presenting iconic series such as Bondi (1989) and Leisureland (1998-2001). As well as working with Newington College’s archivist, David Roberts, and being inspired by our rich history she has also spoken to and will be working with Year 9 Photographic and Digital Media students to execute some of their own portraits of artist.

On Back to Newington Day, Zahalka selected some historical objects to create a step-back-in-time photo booth in front of Founders Building. Zahalka’s practice has been widely recognised for its ability to recognise past images and represent them with the poignancy of contemporary cultural issues. Back to Newington Day was the perfect opportunity for Zahalka to document some significant families and members of the Newington College community. In particular we had the privilege of multiple families where all three generations of Newington men were present to have their portrait taken together on this special day. Along with these men over 50 members of the Newington community dressed up with the historical objects to celebrate the 150th birthday. Some of these photos will be exhibited in Concordia Gallery along with a series titled Artists at Concordia Gallery from October 22 – November 16, 2013.

Ms Hannah Chapman
Concordia Gallery Curator 

Encouraging Men of Integrity

This last week on our senior campus has been a very busy one, but also a very important and exciting one. This has been the crescendo for our Year 12 students – our graduates. The culmination of the week is Valedictory Day with the Year 12 Final Assembly, followed by the Valedictory Chapel Service and then the Luncheon.

My colleague, Pastor Michael Bennett, delivered a very challenging message to our young men of Year 12, the kernel of this I wish to share with you.

His main focus was on “integrity” – being men of integrity as they move on from Newington. His message was graphically communicated by him comparing two pieces of Australian hardwood. On the one-hand he held up a strong piece of shaped hardwood – banged it on a table and tried to break it – a piece of wood with integrity, no doubt about it. On the other hand he picked up another piece of hardwood that appeared to be identical to the first but he crumbled this into dust with his bare hands, to the amazement of the congregation – this piece had been eaten out, from the inside, by termites.

His challenge was to ask the young men which piece of timber they would want to be like. The bible passage he had chosen was a scene from the life of Jesus where Jesus was put to the test and kept his integrity even though he knew his actions would lead him into trouble – arrest, torture and eventually execution (Mark 12:13-17).

The most lingering point of Pastor Bennett’s message was when he acknowledged, like the rest of us I’m sure, that he was a bit of both kinds of wood. There were times when he was able to hold onto his integrity but also times when he failed in this. His reminder that the message of the Gospel is like that, unlike the white-ant eaten wood, there is the possibility of forgiveness and restoration. That there will be moments in our lives where will need that. Yes, of course, aim always to be people of integrity but remember also when things happen that make us feel as if we have been eaten from the inside out, that there is forgiveness and wholeness and restoration.

God bless our Year 12’s as they go forward to their IB and HSC examinations and, beyond that, into whatever the future holds for each of them.

David N Williams
College Chaplain 

NAPLAN – National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy Update

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

In Years 7 and 9, Literacy was assessed via a 45 minute test on Language Conventions (comprising spelling, grammar and punctuation), a 40 minute test on Writing and a 65 minute test on Reading. Numeracy was assessed via an 80 minute test comprising Number, Algebra, Functions and Patterns, Space, Measurement and Chance and Data. The test was broken into two 40 minute sessions. Students were not able to use calculators in the first session but they were allowed the use of a calculator in the second session.

On advice from ACARA, it is anticipated that the 2013 student reports will be delivered to schools between 8 – 11 October with distribution of reports to parents to occur in the week beginning Monday 14 October. The distribution of reports is much later than anticipated due to an administrative issue that occurred with the Year 5 and Year 7 reports in the Language Conventions component of the testing. We will, of course, distribute the reports to parents as soon as ACARA makes them available. In the meantime we have been provided with a summary of the College’s results.

Results are reported in Band Levels – Band 10 is the highest possible band for students in Year 9 and Band 9 is the highest level for students in Year 7. The percentage of Newington boys achieving results in the top bands is indicated in the tables below. State percentages have been stated to allow you to make a comparison with the school cohort.

Aspects of Literacy – Year 9

Aspects of Literacy – Year 7

Aspects of Numeracy – Year 9

Aspects of Numeracy – Year 7

Whilst comparisons with the state offer a useful insight, comparing the Newington results with those achieved by other boys in the state is perhaps more meaningful.

The following table lists the school mean in comparison to the mean score achieved by all boys across the state:

Year 9

Year 7

Clearly the Newington boys in Years 7 and 9 2013 have very strong literacy and numeracy skills in comparison to their statewide cohort, particularly when compared with their male counterparts. They are to be congratulated on these outstanding results.

Ms Julia Shea
Head of Learning and Teaching

Dangers of Smoking in Adolescence

Most adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18.

Many think that addiction takes time and that it is a slow process. In actual fact addiction happens within a few days to a few weeks, often before the person is smoking daily.

Why do young people start smoking?

For some, genetics play a role. Those with risk-taking personalities or who are rebellious will often try smoking.

Smoking is perceived as an adult activity so adolescents may try to look older and be ‘cool’. Smoking can be seen as something they share with their friends. Parents who smoke can also influence their children who like to imitate them.

Teenagers may smoke to help them with their anxiety or stresses, to help them in social situations or to help them control their weight. It is associated with lower socioeconomic groups and in children who do not perform well at school.

Avoid trying that first cigarette – say things like – “I don’t like the smell”, “I want to keep fit”, “it makes my asthma worse”, “my girlfriend or boyfriend hates smoking” etc. Encourage others to quit.

Tips to help you QUIT

QUITLINE 137848

It is never too late to try. Some quit ‘cold turkey’ others need a gradual withdrawal. Ask everyone around you to help you and throw out ashtrays, lighters etc.

Nicotine patches or gum may help you with cravings.

Plan ahead for those times when you know it is going to be difficult. Drink water, change your routine and remind yourself why you are doing this.

New to the market are e-cigarettes – you can click on the TGA link to read more. These are an electronic, battery-powered device which contains a heating element that vaporizes a liquid (called e-juice). They do not contain tobacco but can contain nicotine or they can be flavoured (chocolate, strawberry).

Sales in the US have risen dramatically so we will probably see more in Australia. The Government here is concerned about e-cigarettes and their marketing. E-cigarettes containing nicotine currently cannot be sold in Australia as they have not been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, although those containing non-nicotine solution are legal.

Some feel these will be the gateway to encouraging people to start smoking cigarettes while others feel they are a major breakthrough in helping people quit smoking.

Special note for Yr 12 Boys

Can I just take this opportunity to say to the Year 12’s how much I will miss seeing you the around the school and in the clinic. It has been a pleasure looking after you over the years, very sad to see you leave especially my ‘frequent flyers’ who I know so well.

Thank you for being so personable, for making me laugh (and yes worry too), for the respect you have shown me and for always saying thank you.

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse 

Spring Sport Camps

Looking for a Sport Camp over the term break for Spring?

Please see the links below to find out about the Multi-Sports and Activities Camp and Rugby Camp held over the school holidays.

Multi-Sports Camp

Cricket Camp

Yr 7 Basketball Camp

Yr 8 and 9 Basketball Camp

Yr 10 and 11 Basketball Camp

Waterpolo Camp