The Artist of the Week

This year, we are bringing back The Artist of the Week entry featuring a student, class or Visual Arts staff member. For the first The Artist of the Week of 2014, we present Year 8 student James McDonald (8/FL) and his work Mandala Universe.

Mandala is a spiritual symbol that represents the universe, wisdom, peace and inner balance. James McDonald explored the idea of incorporating symbols of nature into his design and you can see the intricacy and incredible attention to detail in his works in the gallery below.

James is currently in Year 8. He is passionate about art, design and anything that allows him to explore his creative potential. He has a strong interest in fantasy and science fiction, reading about the mysteries of universe, legends and mythology of the past. As a Visual Arts student, he has made every effort to succeed in all projects and class tasks. He is a constant member of the Newington Art Club, where he explores a range of creative media. He started Mandala Universe in class and finished it over the holidays.

Ms Marina Hinves
Visual Arts Teacher 

New Parents Welcome at Centenary Hall

The New Parents Function was held last Wednesday 5 February in Centenary Hall. Parents of boys from Years 7 to 11 starting in 2014 were warmly welcomed into the Newington Community by the Head of Stanmore, Dr Andrew Hirst who then proceeded to invite each of the Heads of House, Heads of Co-Curricular, Sport, Academic and House Mentors onto the stage. This gave parents the chance to again match faces to names, and catch up with their son’s mentor or other significant staff in their son’s day to day life at Newington.

While the Newington Jazz Combo set the mood for the night, parents and teachers exchanged stories and advice about the first weeks of term. It was an enjoyable evening with many parents meeting each other for the first time. Representatives from the various P&F Support Groups were also present at the event to warmly welcome new parents to the community and entice them to spend time behind the barbecue, share some expertise or to feel confident when joining in each group’s social events.

We thank all parents and staff members who attended this event, and made it such a memorable night for all.

Newington moves to Online Diaries

The new Online Diary launched in 2014 provides one place for the boys and their teachers to stay on top of their “must do” list. Designed to help the boys develop time management and organisational skills, the diary is integrated with Canvas and the calendar so as to gather data that is particular to each boy in one online application.

Like any new technology, there is a period of adaptation and we know the boys will be quick to learn and personalise their diary in use. But the dairy is not just for the boys, as it is also a communication tool intended to enhance parents’ awareness of the ‘what’ and ‘when’ of their son’s assignments and homework and what messages the teachers are sending home.

A straw poll in a Design Technology class revealed these comments from Year 8 who have just finished a year with the conventional diary. Ben Streeter (8/PR) and Ross Aliferis (8/KL) acknowledged that the Diary’s ability to pull in their individual Canvas assignments to one place was helpful, “and the teachers can write into it too…but you can’t dodge the demerits either,” commented Ross [not necessarily offered as a positive comment 🙂 Ed.]

Hamish Johnson (8/FL) pointed out, “You don’t have to carry it around”, and Gary Chen (8/MO) felt while initially confusing he now says, “its pretty easy to use”.

This week we are offering the first of two Online Diary and SPACES Workshops help parents and guardians find out more about how the Online Student Diary is helping the boys to stay organised while helping maintain communication between school and home.

SPACES and Online Diary Workshop – If you would like to make the most of helping your son with his diary organisation and also learn for yourself the ‘where’ and ‘how to’ of SPACES join us at a morning or evening workshop. Feel free to bring your laptop. If you don’t have time to come to our workshop, please check out the Online Diary page on Stanmore SPACES.

Session 1

When: Thursday 13 February 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Venue: Rae Centre Room R7

Session 2

When: Monday 17 February 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Venue: OBLT

Lights, Camera, Action with Sound Recordist Mark Cornish

Last Thursday 6 February the Year 10 English Film Class participated in a range of filmmaking workshops with Mr Mark Cornish, a Freelance Sound Recordist. Mr Cornish has worked in the film industry in Australia and internationally for more than 25 years working across a range of projects from documentaries to feature length films and commercials. Often collaborating with well-known directors such as Warwick Thornton and actors such as Claudia Karvan and John Cusack, Mr Cornish has also been nominated and consequently won several industry accolades for his work in Sound Recording.

Mr Cornish gave an engaging presentation on sound to Year 10 outlining the many steps required when setting up for a shoot. During the presentation, he demonstrated his ideas using industry-level technology so that the boys were able to gain an hands-on experience of what it means to be a sound recordist. The workshops allowed each student to begin to understand the practical skills required when making a short film – something which will be invaluable when the boys come to creating their final works to be shown at the Newington Film Festival later this year.

Ms Zoe Cookson
English Teacher

A Message from the Head of Stanmore

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.”
– Nelson Mandela

Welcome back!

On behalf of the secondary staff, may I extend a big welcome back to the entire Newington College community for the new year. I especially extend a warm welcome to our 220 new Year 7 families. Our school population now totals 1316 boys with our pastoral structure ensuring that every boy is a name, not a number!

Mandela’s quote above is a timely reminder that we should not fear failure in the classroom, on the sports-field or in our relationships. More importantly we must focus on our response. This year we must become more resilient in order to make the transition from being a good school to a great one! In order to do so, I encourage all boys this year to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. Do something very different; confident in the knowledge that you will be supported by your Newington brothers, the staff and the wider community. I urge all families to embrace the excellent Year 12 motto for 2014 “Be you, be true, be New!’

In addition I welcome the following new secondary teaching and administrative staff to Newington:

• Trent Driver – Deputy Head of Stanmore – Academic
• Julie Burke – Head of Middle Years
• Matthew Chadwick (Science)
• Ian Crook (Director of Football)
• Bob Egerton (Science)
• Elizabeth Forgan (Absentee Officer)
• Katherine Francis (Visual Arts)
• Katie Goldsmith (Geography)
• Karina Huinao (Science – Sydney Uni intern)
• Stephen Lawson (Maths)
• Alison Rout (Library, Information and Research)
• Gina Simmonds (Library Operations Manager)
• Emily Stace (Collections and Systems Technician)
• Ryan Moar (Water Polo)
• Mike Partridge (English/Rowing)
• Angela Poulios (EA to the Headmaster)
• Greg Royle (Tennis)
• Peter Ellis (Technology)
• Ross Turner (PDHPE/Cricket)
• Peter Wilkins (PDHPE)
• Pat Craddock – (English – Semester 1)
• Nicole Aradas (Digital Media and Electronic Resources Technician)
• Lily Cakir (Learning & Teaching Librarian)
• Ben Williams (1 year – Drama/English & PRS)
• James Walsh (1 year – PDHPE)
• Rod Bosman (Director of Community & Development)

Academic Success

We were very pleased with the academic results for 2013. A full independent analysis has now occurred. Our 2013 HSC cohort results were very good. There were 22 HSC boys in the top 5% of the state. In the IB Diploma cohort the results were even more impressive. Over 70% of the IB boys achieved an ATAR of over 90 (top 10%) via the IB Diploma pathway. Theodore Iannuzzi (ON 2013) achieved the highest possible score of 45.

Our combined HSC and IB Diploma results displayed pleasing improvement and strong results. There were 24% of the combined cohort placed in the top 5% of the State, 37% placed in the top 10% of the State. Most pleasing of all was the fact that 80% of our boys finished in the top 30% (67% in 2008). These are excellent results for a non-selective school.

New Developments:

• ICT: We have been doing intensive planning for the use of Information Communication Technology in the learning programs for boys. Information Guides have been posted on the Learning with Technology Insite to explain our directions. Please join with us to emphasise to the boys the need to look after their own devices and to keep them well secured outside of class time. Our new online diary has made excellent progress in the past weeks and workshops are currently being held to assist parents.
• Lockers: I am pleased to announce that all new House locker areas have been completed and boys have now been allocated lockers. This year Manton, Prescott and Fletcher are located on the top floor of the Music Centre, Metcalfe, Johnstone and Kelynack are located on the second floor of the War Memorial block, and Moulton and Le Couteur are located on the ground floor of the War Memorial block. Please make contact with your son’s Head of House or our General Duties Officers, Ms Bryant and Mr Dodson, should you have an enquiry.
• Homework Club and Evening Prep: Will soon commence in the Library. Homework Club offers assistance to boys in English and Maths on alternate days to their sports training from 3.30pm to 4.45pm. Similarly boys in Years 9 – 12 are invited to join nominated teaching staff for private study from 5.00pm to 7.30pm from Monday to Thursday. If you have further enquiries please email Mr Peter Wilkins our new Head of Co Curricular.
• Uniform Changes: A new tracksuit and PE shirt and shorts were released in 2013. Please note that the phase-in period for our existing sports uniform and tracksuit will conclude at the end of this term.

As I walk around the campus, one cannot help but be excited by a sense of optimism in the boys, staff and parents. We are ‘too good not to be better’ – so let’s get to work! I look forward to sharing the journey with all Newington families in 2014.

Dr Andrew Hirst
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Stanmore

Year 7 Leap into 2014

All 220 Year 7 boys  swapped desks and computers for fresh air and team building activities last month for the annual Year 7 Camp.

The two-day outdoor learning program was held at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation Centre in Narrabeen. The boys swam, kayaked, participated in problem solving and team building activities, rock climbed and shot arrows at an archery range.

The adventurous activities were a lot of fun, but also had an education dimensional as they allowed the boys to test their abilities and show initiative, teamwork and communication. It was also a wonderful opportunity for the boys to get to know their classmates and Mentors  – both important relationships that are a focus of this kind of transition program.

The relaxed atmosphere and guided activities has certainly proved worthwhile as the new Year 7 boys of 2014 have already settled into their daily school life at the Stanmore campus with ease and enthusiasm. It’s now full steam ahead!

Ms Colleen Scalone
Head of Year 7

Congratulations

Fencing

Jasper Rowley (ON 2013) is the Australian Champion for the Open Men’s Saber for 2014. Jasper took up fencing when he started at Newington in Year 7. Congratulations Jasper.

Speed Skating

Newington boys Denali Blunden (8/JN) and Keanu Blunden (ON 2012) have competed in the Star Class International short track speed skating competition held in Bormio, Italy.

Denali ranked 1st in the competition in his age group and achieved his personal best results for all distances in the competition (500m, 777m and 1000m). He came home with the silver medals for the 777m and 1000m, and a gold medal for 500m, with points ranking him 1st overall for his age division. Keanu took home a silver medal for the 1000m, a bronze for 1500m and 4th in the 500m, ranking him 3rd overall for his age division.

Both boys have their eyes set on the 2018 Winter Olympics with Keanu gaining experience in Junior World Championship and World Cups. Denali’s medium term goal is to represent Australia in the 2016 Youth Olympics (Norway).

Open Water Swimming

Congratulations Callum Lowe-Griffiths (10/PR) who competed in the 2014 Cole Classic on 2 February. Callum won the Cole Classic 2km Elite race at the time of 20:55m. What a fantastic win!

Sport Report

Cricket

In mid-January, the Newington 1^st XI visited Melbourne to play fixtures against Wesley College and Haileybury. Newington won a hard fought match against Wesley to retain the Chaplains’ Trophy. Sam Smyth (12/LE), Patrick Kirton (10/FL) and Fergus McKenna (11/JN) excelled with bat to post an impressive score. Newington was equally impressive with the ball with Joshua Stewart (12/FL), Rhys Andrew (12/MO), Terry Christoforou (10/JN) and Sam Smyth toiling successfully in oppressive conditions.

Haileybury had the better of a shortened match at Keysborough. The home side’s 199 from 30 overs proved a station too far for Newington. Lawrence Neil Smith (9/JN), Rhys Andrew and Joshua Stewart (12/FL) bowled well against a well-drilled bating outfit. Fergus McKenna, Arthur Baris (10/ME), Rhys Andrew and Zac Newton (11/LE) led the chase, however fell short of the asking rate of 6.5 runs an over. Newington finished with 120 for 8 wickets. Mention must be made of Joshua Stewart’s leadership, manoeuvring his field effectively and encouraging bowlers in sweltering heat.

Water Polo

In December 2013, Newington Water Polo sent two teams to Canberra to compete in the Trans Tasman Cup. As in past years, our teams took part in this tournament to provide players with an extra opportunity to develop skills and knowledge and gain extra experience by competing against some of the best schoolboy teams from Australia and New Zealand.

The Newington 1sts came agonisingly close to taking out the trophy with admirable performances throughout the four days. In the end the final went the way of Sacred Heart College, Auckland. The Newington Development team had an impressive victory over Canberra Grammar on day two of the competition among a series of mixed results.

All staff (Mr Lindsay Cotterill, Mr Will Van Asperen and Mr Harrison Pullinger) were very pleased with the camaraderie of both teams and the level of water polo produced by all the boys.

Our Tongan Brothers

I have just returned from Tonga. The Headmaster, Dr Mulford, and I had the privilege of travelling to Tupou College, our brother school, for four days to commemorate the induction of their new Principal the Rev Dr Alifeleti Atiola. This was a very warm (in both senses of the expression) and profound experience for us both.

Initially what strikes you at Tupou College is the contrast between the beautiful, green, tropical campus set on 500 acres of land and the very simple and Spartan buildings (apart from the amazing Chapel that stands central to all else). The food that feeds the 800 boys, all of whom are boarders, hangs on the trees everywhere on the campus – bananas, coconuts, mango and pawpaw. Little piglets scurry everywhere and together with the hens and the sheep, goats provide the protein. There are also the root crops of cassava, sweet potato, yam and taro.

The overwhelming conclusion though is that despite the very limited financial resources that our Tongan brothers (and sisters) have, you notice how deeply happy and content they are. Their lives are obviously enriched by their spiritual commitment to God and also by their very open and loving relationships with each other and their tight family bonds.

One cannot help reflect on the stark contrast with what so many experience here in Sydney. We have so much materially in comparison and we are so advanced technologically, but I do not see the level of contentment and deep happiness that I observed throughout Tonga and particularly amongst the Tupou College community.

The Headmaster and I came away with a renewed commitment to assist Tupou to refurbish and rebuild aspects of the school campus, but both of us were also impacted by the non-material “richness” that Tupou had. And as the Headmaster said himself, it is Newington who will benefit the most from our partnership with this amazing community of people.

I share these things with you so that you might, with me, take stock of what we have and reflect upon our focus and priorities in life. At the end of the day it is not our bank account, or our material possessions, that define us, nor do they bring us life-long happiness. The Tupou example is one to be cherished – the spiritual dimension is central and their love and commitment to one another flows from this. These things they value above all else, and it is these dimensions of life that add that special flavour to their lives.

As the Apostle Paul expressed it, “fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable….and God who gives us peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4)

Rev David Williams
College Chaplain

Farewell to our Oldest Old Boy

Alfred Johns (ON 1922), our oldest Old Boy, passed away on 8 January 2014. Alfred was born on Boxing Day 1908 and had just recently turned 105.

Alfred came to Newington at the age of 12 in 1921, following his brother Fred who had arrived the previous year, and stayed until the end of 1922. When he was interviewed in 2009 by then student Eric Shi (ON 2010), Alfred claimed that he ‘wasn’t really the best student academically’, but he loved playing cricket and football. He also admitted that he and his friends got into trouble ‘a lot’ and were required to pick up nails and bits of bricks and tiles from the newly laid out Johnson Oval, since its top dressing had come from a building site.

During the Second World War, Alfred served in the Army as a medical administrator. After the war, he worked at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for 27 years, retiring to Tasmania in 1974. Quietly generous, he and his wife looked after a boy from a struggling family and helped him through his education. The boy entered the Air Force and made a career as a pilot.

Alfred remained connected with Newington College during his adult life. He and his school friend, Harvey Waddington (ON 1922), with their wives, followed the Head of the River and regularly attended College rugby matches until he retired to Tasmania. When Dr Fred Chenhall (ON 1921) told Alfred that he had arranged in his will to have a racing eight built and presented to the College, Alfred advised him to donate and build the boat straight away, so that he could see it win the Head of the River. Fred took Alfred’s advice but, sadly, died before Newington’s 1^st VIII won the 1963 Head of the River in ‘The Chenhall’.

Just a few days before Alfred’s passing, a relative of friends of his living in the same retirement village met him for the first time. When she told him of her Newington connections, he smiled, squeezed her hand and said ‘Those were good years.’

 Mr David Roberts
College Archivist

Boarder’s Letter to his Sister

On 14 February 1886, a young Boarder, Rupert Cater, wrote a letter to his sister. Twelve year old Rupert had been enrolled at Newington, along with his younger brother Mars, just two and a half weeks before.

‘Dear Sister’, he wrote, ‘I am enjoying myself very much here, we have good fun, we play cricket every afternoon.’ Cricket was clearly his passion. The first Saturday he was at the College, he noted, there was a match between ‘the Balmain’s’ — probably the Balmain Surrey Cricket Club: in the years before the GPS competition, the College often played local adult clubs — and the Newington team. The latter did not do well on this occasion: ‘seven of them got out for a big duck’, Rupert reported.

The Boarding Master, Mr Baker, had given Rupert, his brother ‘Marsy’ and a number of other boys a very good set of cricket bats, reportedly worth fifteen shillings. This was Richard ‘Dickie’ Baker, who also taught Science and Drawing, served as Sports Master and commanded the Cadet Corps. ‘We played Marsy’s class & beat them … with only three out,’ Rupert declared.

Perhaps realising that his sister would like to read about something other than cricket, Rupert also described the Boarders’ morning routine. ‘A bell rings @ 6.30 & we have to be dressed by 7,’ he reported. ‘Then we go up to the school-room [now the Prescott Hall] to do our lessons till a quarter to eight’, when the boys went down to breakfast.

In adult life, Rupert became a solicitor and started the Griffith law firm Cater & Blumer, which still operates there and elsewhere in the Riverina. Our thanks are due to Mr Peter Gerarde-Smith, father of Karsten (Year 12), for sending us a copy of Rupert Cater’s letter, the original of which is held by a client of his.

David Roberts
College Archivist

Make Plastic Bags History – It’s time for Clean Up Australia Day

When it comes to recycling, it seems that Australians are steadily rising off the proverbial couch of apathy. There remain, however, a number of issues that have seemingly fallen between the cushions.

Last year, more than 4 billion plastic bags were used in Australia. Roughly 85 per cent of these ended up in landfill sites while millions of others were cast to the wind to live out their non-biodegradable afterlife on the ocean floor and in the stomachs of ocean fauna. Many Newington students and parents have been involved in Clean Up Australia Day for several years. In 2014, the event falls on Sunday 2 March, and organisers are predicting the collection of more than half a million plastic bags. Around the world, more than 1 trillion plastic bags produced are manufactured each year.

There have, of course, been a number of positive steps made in the last decade; one of the most effective was an Australian retailer program of reducing plastic bag use by 50 per cent. It was successful in achieving this objective but when the program ended in 2006, bag use immediately increased by 17 per cent within just 12 months. Since then, very little progress has been made. To see this, we only need look so far as an article from the Sydney Morning Herald titled: “Plastic bags join endangered list”. In it, Environment Reporter, Ben Cubby says “Peter Garrett [then Environment Minister] is likely to impose either a levy on each bag handed to shoppers, or to ban them outright within 12 months.” And we might be very happy to pat ourselves on the back, except for slight complication that the article is from January 2008… more than six years ago. In that time, no such levy or ban has come any closer to being established.

Having said that, the push has not been quite so spectacularly becalmed across Bass Strait, with Tasmania having had a ban on plastic bags for nearly six months. South Australia took the plunge even before that. Further afield, Los Angeles, last month, enacted a citywide ban on the use of plastic bags in large retailers (with smaller retailers being given a transition period of six months). Such action is undeniably possible.

Luckily, it is not the only route to success. Change can be just as effectively implemented without the need for new legislation. In fact, all it requires is a little bit of consideration on your part. Forget hedge funds, super and the stock market, a few dollars spent on several canvas bags is one of the best investments you could make. Turn your loose change, into real change. Sturdier transportation, decluttered streets, less polluted oceans and another step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The plastic bag has had its time, now is your chance to put it to rest.

Clean Up Australia Day

When: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Sunday March 2

Where: Meet outside Centenary Hall

Bring gloves and closed shoes.

Parents welcome.

Jayce Carrano (12/MA)
Sustainability Commitee

Back to School – Some Health Tips

Welcome back and especially ‘welcome’ to all new parents and students to the College. I hope that you enjoy this year. The Health Centre is situated behind the Le Couteur building, just follow the footpath between the chapel and Le Couteur. I am here Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 3.30 PM. We also have first aid coverage for Saturday sport in the first aid room just inside the back gates on Newington Road.

Please let me know of any change in medical details for your son or of any recent injuries/illnesses so that I can update their files.

Parents, we have some boys at school who are receiving treatment for cancer and other serious conditions. These students are recovering well but are nevertheless more prone to infections. Therefore it is very important that if your son develops an infectious disease in particular chicken pox or measles that you contact me at the clinic. It is also important for your son to stay home if quite unwell with a fever/bad cold and cough or if they have a gastric infection, to help prevent the spread of infection.

For those with asthma please ensure that you carry your reliever in your bag. At school ventolin inhalers are available from the pool office, PE staff office and the Health Centre.

Year 7 vaccinations will be held on March 13, May 9, August 7 and September 11.

Year 9 vaccinations will be held on March 13, May 9 and September 11

Year 7 are offered:

• Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster)
• Chicken pox vaccine if they have not had it previously or had the disease.

Both Year 7 and Year 9 are offered the HPV vaccine in a three-dose course.

Remember these vaccines are only provided free if your son commences the course while in Year 7 or Year 9. Consent forms will be sent home soon. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding immunisation, as it can be confusing.

To help your son settle into school routine the best advice I can offer is to be positive, patient and encourage them to get enough sleep each night. Eight to nine hours really helps the boys to cope with the demands of school and friendships.

I have a small supply of spare uniforms in case an item has been forgotten or gets damaged, which the boys are welcome to borrow. I would appreciate if these could then be returned ready for the next boy.

If you would like to discuss any concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse 

James Angus Sculpture – Gift from ON 2011, 2012 and 2013

As their gift to the College ON 2011, 2012 and 2013 decided to put money towards art works for the newly refurbished Stanmore 7-12 campus.

The result is a sculpture by Australian artist James Angus called White Pipe Compression which now sits in the Sesquicentenary Quadrangle. Angus completed a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at Curtin University of Technology and a Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Yale University School of Art. Today he lives in New York, but his works hold significance in collections nationally and internationally. Angus is well known for his  public art commissions in Australia at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra and #1 Bligh Street in Sydney. This year he will be one of the artists at the 2014 Sydney Biennale.

The sculpture White Pipe Compression was originally exhibited at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in 2013. Angus’s sculptures investigate the materials and processes of art, design and architecture and this work, in particular, challenges the stereotypical physicality of steel by creating a character of curves and bends.

We are thrilled to have the large sculpture installed in front of Founders Building for the community to appreciate and to celebrate the grounds of the College. The Visual Arts staff look forward to providing in-depth learning about the sculpture, abstraction in Visual Arts and Australian contemporary art with the boys in the year ahead.

Ms Hannah Chapman
Concordia Gallery Curator / Visual Arts Teacher