ONU Centennial Trust Endowment Recipient 2013

Alan Truong (ON 2005)

The Centennial Trust was established to identify and recognise Old Newingtonians who have made substantial achievements in their chosen field and who, with the assistance of a Trust endowment, could avail themselves of relevant education or other opportunities which would lead to major career development.

Alan Truong is a Pharmacy Graduate from the University of Sydney and, following post graduate work ,became aware of the issues of oral health and its impact on health generally. This led him to enrol in USYD’s School of Dentistry and he will complete his studies next year in the Honours Stream.

The ONU Centennial Trust endowment will allow Alan to undertake an internationally recognised clinical program at the National Taiwan University Hospital in the field of Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Alan’s chosen calling makes a real difference to the lives of his patients and the broader community. He has been described as a considerate, dedicated and well informed Dentistry student who has the ability to develop excellent rapport with his patients, fellow staff and students. He is a worthy recipient of the Trust’s endowment for 2013.

Carols on the Oval this Sunday 1 December

Friends and Family,

Don’t forget to join us for a festive Carols on the Oval this Sunday 1 December from 7:30 PM on Old Boys’ Oval.

Bring a cushion or rug – there will be chairs for the veterans. Our school choirs will be there in full voice; a Rock Band (students and staff); our orchestra and lots of other surprises.

We look forward to welcoming you on the night!

Merry Christmas from the School Nurse

Thanks to everyone especially the boys, for a wonderful year in the clinic and I am looking forward to 2014!

Merry Christmas

To download a PDF of the Christmas Crossword, please click here.

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse 

Cinearts Film Festival Kicks Off This Thursday

The 12th Annual Cinearts Film Festival kicks off this Thursday 28 November at 7:00 PM in Centenary Hall. Come along to watch the culmination of many hours of hard work for our budding young Tarantinos, Scorceses and DiCaprios.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students in a night that is sure to leave many thinking they’ve been magically transported to Cannes!

There is a sausage sizzle before the event starting at 6:00 PM.

Watch the Cinearts Promo here.

See you on the night!

History Debating Wrap Up for 2013

At the moment of writing this, the History debating season is still not yet complete. After last year’s success in the Year 10 competition, Newington entered two teams this year, one in Year 10 and one in Year 11. Both teams made the semi-finals and our Year 11 team debate on Thursday 28 November against Tara. This is a wonderful achievement by our boys to make the last four teams in each pool.

What was interesting to note was that by the quarter final stage (16 teams all up), Newington was the only boys’ school left in both the Year 10 and Year 11 competitions! Our Year 10 team travelled to Roseville College last week for their semi-final and were narrowly defeated, having to argue the seemingly impossible line that the Gallipoli Legend does not distort the truth about Australia’s history. The team of Alexander Iannuzzi (10/MO), Jean-Luc Gallo (10/MO), Justin Ting (10/JN) and Callum Strachan (10/JN) was undefeated to that point. They were coached excellently by Old Boy, Hugh Piper (ON 2011).

Our Year 11 team take on Tara on Thursday and will argue the case that WWI Generals were not to blame for high casualty rates in WWI, again, a very challenging side of the debate to be on. Our Year 11 team are defending champions in the competition and have not lost a debate since the start of last year. We wish the team of Sebastian Rees (11/PR), Samuel Wallace (11/MO), Ben Adams (11/FL) and Sean Hatten (11/ME) the very best of luck.

All these boys should be congratulated on their excellent efforts this year in this very challenging debating competition. They have represented the school with distinction and have consistently exhibited the quality of thinking and work ethic we expect of all our historians here at Newington.

Mr Marco Scali
History Teacher

Sport Report

Athletics

The House Athletics Day was held on Tuesday with all eight Houses competing in a number of events including 100m, 200m, 400m, high jump and long jump. The afternoon session saw the finals of the 100m, 4x100m relays and the tug-o-war contests. The final standings were:

House Totals

• Johnstone 126 points 7th Place
• Fletcher 130 points  4th Place
• Kelynack 128 points 5th Place
• Le Couteur 111 points 8th Place
• Manton 140 points 3rd Place
• Metcalfe 127 points 6th Place
• Moulton 143 points 1st Place
• Prescott 142 points  2nd Place

Congratulations to all boys on the spirit and endeavour they showed during the day.

Basketball

On Saturday the 2013/14 AAGPS basketball season starts, after a solid pre season and six weeks of trial matches. The Newington 1sts and 2nds teams will be looking to opening the season with a strong performance against The Kings School. Kings are always tough to beat on their home court and this weekend will be no different. All the best to both teams on Saturday.

Cricket

The AAGPS cricket competition has started with the 1^st and 2^nd XI teams completing Round 3 this weekend. In Round 1 the 1^st XI scored a fine team win against Scots College, and in a great school boy cricket game secured a last ball victory against St. Josephs. This weekend the 1^st XI will be looking to chase down the King’s score of 232. The 2^nd XI have had losses to Scots College and St. Josephs, but are well placed to score the required 145 to defeat King’s. We wish both teams well this Saturday and all the best for their January trip to Melbourne for the traditional New Year fixtures.

Rowing

This Saturday sees Newington crews participating in the traditional Gold Cup Regatta. Held on the Lane Cove River, the 130th running of the Gold Cup will see some spirited schoolboy rowing on a tricky course. Crews have been training well and Saturday should see a strong showing by the Newington rowers.

Tennis

The AAGPS tennis competition started last weekend with the Newington 1sts team securing a strong win against St. Josephs, the seconds had a great contest against St. Josephs with the final score of 6-6 reflecting the spirit in which the fixture was played. This weekend both teams play against The King’s School in what promises to see some highly competitive tennis played. We wish all the boys the best for the weekend.

Water Polo

The combined GPS/CAS water polo competition is underway with the Newington 1sts and 2nds teams starting the season well. After five rounds both teams head into the holiday break undefeated leading their respective competitions. The water polo program will be taking two teams down to Canberra in December for the traditional Trans Tasman Cup. Good luck to both teams in Canberra.

F1 Team ‘Quantum’ Needs Your (expert) Sponsorship Help

Another year, another team at the F1 in Schools National Finals. Next year, Newington College is proud to be sending the youngest team yet to the F1 in Schools National Finals in March 2014. If they successfully make it through this round, they will be going to the World Finals in 2014.

Quantum is a team of four Year 8 boys: Roger Li (8/FL), Sebastian Hodge (8/ME), Anton Maraldo (8/ME) and Evan Favos (8/ME), and they need your help.

They are currently in search of someone who will sponsor them in the form of uniforms, printing, building materials for the car, expert advice or experience. Every piece in the puzzle counts, and the boys would be grateful for the opportunity to work with someone who wants to get involved.

So what is F1 in Schools you might ask? The F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge is the world’s largest secondary school technology program. It involves over 9,000,000 students from 17,000 schools in 31 nations. Students design, test and make miniature F1™ cars capable of going at a speed of 100 km/h. Students also hone their skills on how to be great leaders in team building, project management, business planning, marketing and public speaking.

Quantum qualified for the National Finals with the fastest car in New South Wales and in Australia, along with winning a handful of awards for Innovation, Best Designed Car, Best Engineered Car and Best Pit Display this year. The National Finals are usually held over a week and will be held in Canberra early next year.

If you would like to learn more about how you can sponsor Quantum in their journey towards the World Finals in 2014, please email:  f1inschools@newington.nsw.edu.au

You can also find out more about Quantum via their Facebook page or Twitter Feed.

Quantum Facebook Page

Quantum Twitter Feed

Boarders Lend a Hand in Blue Mountains Bushfire Relief

On Sunday 24 November nine Newington Boys departed to Springwood in the Blue Mountains in order to assist in the cleanup effort following the deadly bushfires from earlier this year. The Newington boys worked alongside Samaritan’s Purse, an international humanitarian organisation, to support property owner Gordon, in his cleanup effort. He is pictured above with us on the site of what had been his family home. Tasks involved clearing both land and rubble as well as salvaging lost possessions.

Speaking from both my own personal experience and for the whole group, the day was incredible. It bought to light that while the media coverage of the bushfires had faded away, the effects of the bushfires haven’t. The outing allowed each member of the group to feel grateful for our current situation and altruistic while lending a hand. The attitude and wise words which Gordon shared will always remain with me. The positive manner which Gordon conducted himself even in times of great loss was astonishing. Gordon’s personal outlook on the incident was “It’s not the problem that is the problem, but it’s how you fix the problem”. This quote will always be a reminder of how fortunate we truly are and a life philosophy that should be implemented by all.

On behalf of all the boys who went to Springwood, I would also like to thank Mr Van Asperen for organising the trip. Additionally I would also like to thank the workers of Samaritan’s Purse for their amazing efforts. This deed may have only been small but seeing the appreciation on Gordon and his family’s faces demonstrated that no effort from any of us went unnoticed.

Keegan Roberts (11/ME)
Senior Boarding Prefect

Yr 12 Technology Boys Nominated for DesignTECH

Jordan Spira’s (ON 2013) Multiple Purpose Table and Chairs, Zubin Nanavati’s (ON 2013) Midi Controller and Jaicob Dick‘s (ON 2013) Mood Lighting  have been nominated for possible inclusion in DesignTECH, the annual exhibition of outstanding Major Design Projects developed by HSC Design and Technology students.

The projects were fine examples of the high standard of design work that was undertaken during the Year 12 course and were the culmination of many hours spent inside and outside the Technology Centre. The boys are to be congratulated for embracing and fully utilising the technology available to them and undertook processes that Industry advisors would be reluctant to attempt.

Jordan also had the distinction of being awarded a Major Prize in the University of Wollongong’s Year 12 Design and Technology Competition.

The HSC Engineering Studies students also had success in the Engineering Competition with Patrick Lai (ON 2013)  and Jack Stephens (11/PR) both taking out major awards in their respective competitions.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday 29th November 2013 at the University of Wollongong.

Mr Richard Burgess
Head of Technology 

Exodus Christmas Giving Tree

Our wonderful College Receptionists; Kathryn Clarke and Cate Lukins have once again set up a Christmas Giving Tree for The Exodus Foundation which, among other works, runs the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Ashfield, a regular service supported by our Year 11 Volunteers and our Year 7 vegetable garden.

We are appealing to ALL Newington families to donate items, non-perishable foods (cans) and gifts appropriate for all ages, which can be placed under the beautifully decorated Christmas Tree located near Reception .

Exodus will pick these donations up for distribution a week out from Christmas. (Hopefully they will need a large truck!)

It would be great if we could get each and every boy in the school to bring a contribution and bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the lives of some of our less fortunate neighbours in the Inner West community.

Let’s try to make it a Merry Christmas for ALL in our local community!

Mr Mick Madden
Head of Service Learning 

Old Newingtonians’ Union (ONU) Annual General Meeting

The 118th Old Newingtonians’ Union (ONU) Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 19 November and was attended by ONU Councillors, Old Boys and past and present staff. Mr James Jordan (ON 1981) presented his final annual report as ONU President after three years in the Chair.

James was responsible for a raft of admirable initiatives during his term as President, most notably raising awareness of and funds for the ONU Depression fund via the Newington Golf Day. The ONU Depression Fund has been established to provide confidential financial support for the treatment of depression for members of the ONU family and is administered by Mr Stan Comino.

The College also acknowledged a further donation of $295,000 by the ONU, bringing to a total of $670,000 that has been donated by the ONU towards both the Sesquicentenary Capital Campaign and Bursaries.

Congratulations and welcome to the new ONU President, Mr Bruce Mellor (ON 1982) who has previously served the College with skill and expertise as Chairman of the Newington College Foundation.

History of Newington Prize Giving

In this Sesquicentenary year, the College’s Prize Giving ceremonies will represent the 151st prize giving. The first took place on 16 December 1863, just five months after the opening of the school.

We know practically nothing of this event. Indeed we only know about it at all thanks to a photograph that appeared in the ‘Jubilee Newingtonian’ of 1913, showing the first medal given by the College. The medal was presented to Benjamin Beckett Hebblewhite, from Randwick, one of the initial sixteen boys who entered the College on 16 July. Rev John Manton was described as the ‘Principal’ on the medal. Sadly the whereabouts of the medal today is unknown.

Benjamin’s brothers William and Samuel followed him to Newington in 1865 and 1866 respectively.

Benjamin Hebblewhite died in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) in 1877, aged just thirty. He left a widow, Ann, and a young son, John, who attended Newington College from 1884 to 1887. It was probably through this connection that Ann Hebblewhite met Richard ‘Dickie’ Baker, the College’s Science and Drawing Master, Sportsmaster and Cadet Corps commander during the 1880s. They married in 1890.

 Mr David Roberts
College Archivist

European Music Tour 2014

The Newington College Wind Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Choir and Orchestra are busy preparing for a trip to Europe which leaves in a little over two weeks. During the tour, the Newington ensembles will perform at the Prague Christmas Markets, the Haydn Hall in Eisenstadt as well as performances in Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest.

In addition, we have been lucky enough to secure workshops with a Professor from the world renowned Salzburg Mozarteum and a choral workshop with the Director of the Vienna State Opera Children’s Choir. Aside from participating in workshops and performances, the boys will have the opportunity to learn Hungarian dancing and folk singing, take a jazz boat cruise in Prague and attend a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Dvorak’s Rusalka – magical opportunities for our boys.

I have no doubt the tour will be an amazing experience — seeing and working with the worlds’ best and experiencing the culture of Europe!

Mr Mark Scott
Head of Music Department

A Message from the Head of Stanmore

We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit – American poet E.E. Cummings

Sincere Thanks

The delightful quote above was forwarded to me recently in recognition of our dedicated staff! I too would like to sincerely thank the entire secondary staff, teaching and non-teaching, for their humour, passion and commitment this year. Newington College is all about boys, and the actions of our staff constantly remind me of just how fortunate we are to have such wonderful role models for our boys. Sadly, we acknowledge the distinguished service of several staff who depart us:

• Paul Bourke (Retirement)
• Sadie Leftinger (Retirement)
• Berra Mossemenear (Shore)
• Adam Carron (St Catherine’s)
• Ella Tsang
• Carmen Davis
• Jamie Breden (On Leave)
• Julia Shea (St Peter’s, Adelaide)
• Jenny Tracey
• Stephen Foxe (SCECGS Redlands)
• Helen Bremner
• Greg McArdle (Wenona)
• Clive Parkin (Long Service Leave, Terms 1 & 2)
• Rebecca Matthews (Maternity Leave)

We thank you for the countless hours you have invested in the College. Our boys’ lives are richer for your efforts! In particular I would like to acknowledge Paul and Julia who have been loyal, supportive and involved members of the Stanmore leadership team for the past six years.

Innovation Plus

While most schools are starting to close down for the Christmas break, nothing could be further from the truth at Stanmore. Since exams, Year 7 have commenced a fascinating Challenge Based Learning Project on their environment. The brainchild of some twenty staff led by Head of Professional Learning, Mr Sean Corcoran, the boys are collaboratively exploring an ‘essential question’ that with the correct research can have a real impact on our local environment. Parents are invited to attend the boys’ final presentation in Old Boys’ Lecture Theatre next week, Tuesday 3 December. Similarly Year 10 have been given the opportunity to undertake courses to develop skills for future employment. Most boys will complete a Prepare for Work Course, where they will learn how to search for a job, write a resume and interview effectively. They were also provided with the options of learning the skills to be a waiter, barista, football or cricket coach. Additionally, some are learning the basics of using a DSLR camera and the remainder providing assistance to Mr Quince in preparing the next crate of donations for Tupou College. I thank all staff involved in these important educational initiatives at such a busy time of year.

151^st Annual Prize Giving

APG will again be held at the magnificent Sydney Town Hall on Thursday 5 December 2013. I remind all families that this occasion is a compulsory event except for Year 8 and students must be dressed in Full Blazer Uniform. I reinforce this point, as a large number of families have recently requested leave citing holidays as the reason. The Centennial Hall will be open from 6:00pm and the ceremony commences at 7:00pm. Please see my Head of Stanmore email for more details.

Important Dates

Thursday 5 December – Classes conclude for Term IV by 1:00pm, APG at 7:00pm

Wednesday 29 January – Term 1, 2014 commences at 8:30am in Centenary Hall

I sincerely thank my Executive Assistant, Mrs Kerrie Zabaks for her amazing strength, support and patience this year. It truly has been memorable. I wish every family a safe and blessed Christmas!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore / Deputy Headmaster

Your Son’s Name in Newington History

There is still an opportunity to name a seat in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre, located in the new A.J. Rae Centre, to secure your piece of Newington history. Many current parents, grandparents, Old Boys and past staff have decided to ‘Take a Seat’ in honour of their son, parents, family and in memory of their time at Newington. In some instances; brothers, sons and family members have come together to ‘Take a Seat’ in their family’s name.

‘Your’ chosen seat will be clearly identified with an individual seat plaque and recognised on an Honour Board as you enter the theatre. A tax deductible gift of $4,000 or more can be paid in the current financial year or by instalments and will secure one of the seats still available.

Some of the seat plaque inscriptions:

• Wil Anderson (ON 2017)
• In Honour of Phil Davis OAM (Staff 1951-2000)
• The Venetoulis Family – John (ON 1992), Nicholas (ON 2022), and Peter (ON 2029) Venetoulis

Cricket and Multi-Sports Summer Camp

Summer is right around the corner and so it’s time to enrol in a Summer Cricket or Multi-Sports Camp with Seed Sports.

To find out when the Summer Cricket Clinics are held and how to register, please click here.

To find out when the Multi-Sports Clinics are held and how to register, please click here.

Keeping a relative in touch with Newington College

Does you son have a grandparent, uncle, aunt or relative who wants to be kept in the loop with regards to what’s happening at the College? Would you like your parents (perhaps living overseas) to know a little more about the College their grandson attends.

Jump onto our public website to sign them up to the Friends of Newington College e-Mailing List to receive the Black & White E-newsletter and Digital Editions of the News magazines.

Click here to sign up.

ONU Golf Day 2014

You are invited to the 2014 Newington Golf Day at the prestigious The Lakes Golf Club on Monday 3 March, 2014.

An exceptional day of golf is promised as well as activities such as a Golf Clinic run by Old Boy David Gillard (ON 1992). Lunch and a buffet dinner are also included.

Everyone is welcome – staff, Old Boys, parents, grandparents and friends.

Proceeds from this event will again go towards the ONU Depression Fund – set up to assist any Old Boy (young or old) living with depression by providing counselling and funds for early intervention and specialist treatment.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here for the registration form.

For any further queries, or to receive more information about sponsoring a hole contact Mylee Angelo, ONU Alumni Officer on (02) 9568 9544 or email alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au

Last Chance! – Headmasters Print Offer

This is your last change to take up the Headmasters Print Offer.

To mark the College’s Sesquicentenary, Australian artist Rodney Pople has painted a group portrait of the first seven Headmasters of Newington College. 150 signed limited edition prints of this portrait are now available for you to keep.

To find out more and put in your order, click here.

Don’t miss out on this very special Sesqui offer!

Volunteers required for Learning Enhancement Department

The Learning Enhancement Department is seeking volunteers to assist with Special Provisions across Years 7 to 12 throughout the year.

Volunteers may be required to supervise, read or scribe for students who receive Special Provisions in exams.

The duration of exams is one to four hours, depending upon the subject and the provisions available to a student.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact: rpanagopoulos@newington.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Rebecca Panagopoulos
Head of Learning Enhancement