Dr Michael Carr-Gregg tackles Mental Health at P&F Event

Teen psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is an exceptionally entertaining speaker but he left the 350 plus audience at Newington College, last Wednesday evening, in no doubt that his message is anything but fluffy or lightweight.

“Make sure your sons don’t believe they are their ATAR score!” he implored, opening the discussion on the psychological temperature of young people in Australia, and then quoted their three top concerns as:

• Coping with stress

• Coping with school

• Body image

Dr Carr-Gregg’s signature is delivering national and international evidence-based seminars to parents and teachers, to help collectively make a difference to the health and well-being of young people.

And the evidence isn’t good. We are in serious need of a change in the management of youth mental health. Suicide has now overtaken accidents (primarily motor vehicle) as the largest cause of death for young people aged 15-24 years (ABS 2012). This was not the case in 2000. One in four young people is living with a mental disorder and 9% of young people (16-24 years old) experience high to very high levels of psychological distress.

Newington College, through the Deputy Head of Stanmore (Students), Mr Bob Meakin, had specifically requested Mental Health be the topic of the presentation and Dr Carr-Gregg acknowledged it is a brave and well-informed school that approaches this topic head-on.

Dr Carr-Gregg described schools as “petri dishes in which psychological issues are manifesting and these children do not readily self-identify.

“They don’t really understand the difference between depression and sadness. As you would expect, young people have low emotional literacy”, he explained. “Without effective treatment they really do suffer.”

Recognising that communication can break down between parents and teenagers, during adolescence, is a realistic thing explained Dr Carr-Gregg. “Teenagers find their parents acutely embarrassing. It is not that they don’t like you, but more that they begin to see you through adult eyes. You’re no longer perfect.”

He understands therefore it may not be parents who can best help a distressed teenager. He believes we have to talk to kids about seeking alternative sources of information and help; to get first class counseling and even further, to tap into online resources.

A considerable part of Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation was showing parents the logical connection between technology and access to expert mental health information. Sadly, the reality is that there is not the number of health professionals available to deal with the increasing mental health demands and so Dr Carr-Gregg has investigated, “how to harness the power of the Internet for good, when existing models of service can’t cope.”

“So what do we really want for our children? We want them to flourish!” And from here Dr Carr-Gregg spoke of studies, empirical evidence, practical approaches and a wealth of literature that is available on how to grow the positive emotions needed to inoculate our young people; ways to engage them in “flow” and experiences that see them lose themselves in a passion; ways to build relationships that harness a rich repertoire of friends and guard against the toxicity of loneliness; ways to find deeper meaning by serving a cause bigger than themselves and transcending the shallowness and disappointments of materialism; ways to build altruism not egoism from the get-go.

The Parents and Friends’ Association organise these forums for the Newington Community and each event is an excellent resource for families to begin conversations with their teenagers. This particular forum demonstrated that parents are best armed with preparation and prevention when it comes to mental health issues for young people—and that there is a wealth of good advice and practical assistance available in making our kids mentally fit all-rounders and game ready for the challenge of a good life.

Also in this issue see  Reverend Williams’ Article : Building Resilience 

ABC’s Mark Scott talks about What’s in the Public Interest

Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Mark Scott AO, is a man who works in big pictures and right now he sees the landscape for mass media facing vast transformational change in what is its relatively short history.

At Newington’s second Centre for Ethics lecture for 2014, Mr Scott briefly took us back to the days of four/five television stations and two major newspapers. These media players were the arbitrators of news and current affairs in Australia. Back then there was more control over content and the selling of advertisements as a few media outlets had exclusive rights as gatekeepers to the dissemination of information.

Move forward 25 years and suddenly we all have access to a world of news seamlessly and instantaneously. Mr Scott referenced the famous quote from scientist and researcher Roy Amara, ‘We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run’ to open this lecture.

“We are in the early days and we cannot envisage what it might be in the future”, he added.

Previous to his appointment at the ABC, Mr Scott was the Editorial Director for a number of Fairfax Newspaper mastheads. He notes that one of the biggest changes since his Fairfax days is the “abundance of content” that is now available. He says, there are now hundreds of millions of outlets to create and share media content.

“It is not from broadcast towers but out of garages that creators, with no background in media, create and consume”, he said.

“We are seeing the demise of the town square, fewer people gathering in the one place. Few people experience news content in the way anyone else does.”

Because of this, Mr Scott argues that our relationship with news has changed, as we seek out information which interests us.

“In choosing your media world, you can choose to only hear your views being reinforced rather than challenged. You can narrowly choose the views and perspectives that comfort you, and in your ‘echo chamber’, you are convinced of the correctness of your view of the world. It is a disproportionate view, that your view is right and in the majority. This over emphasises the popularity of your view and increases your intolerance of those who do not share your view.”

Mr Scott feels this has led to an increased level of combativeness among people; an intolerance for differences in opinion, and a challenge to our ability and need to understand others’ perspectives.

Having said this, Mr Scott was not flouting the reputation of the many large media moguls who profit on scandal. In particular, he referred to the British tabloid’s mobile phone-hacking coverage and their justification that they were simply ‘giving people what they wanted – celebrities and scandals’. Instead he makes a distinction between what it means for something to be of interest to the public versus the public’s interest.

“Public interest and public curiosity (what they are interested in) are not the same thing!”, said Mr Scott.

In bringing the lecture back to the ABC, Mr Scott said our national broadcaster is governed by what is best for civic life. The ABC does not have to win ratings or attract advertising and for these reasons has a greater responsibility to ethical considerations and it’s role in representing Australian Life and Australian stories. “The ABC has to live up to being seen as an enduing legacy but also relevant, with a special relationship with the Australian people.”

In response to recent debate about ABC bias, Mr Scott said that ABC content is heavily scrutinized with senate estimates hearings, and the journalistic expectation of performance and standards are very high. The ABC, he said, has a duty to convey a standpoint that can withstand the weight of evidence and integrity when considering what opinions and stories have air time.

“The ABC was initiated as an independent public broadcaster. Being funded by government and yet independent of government is key to the operation of the ABC”, he explained.

With this, Mr Scott reminded us that the ABC has unsettled governments in the past. “The most important stories have been stories that would deeply upset government. [For example] Chris Master’s Four Corners series on the Queensland Government, ‘The Moonlight State’, led to the Fitzgerald Inquiry”.

For the ‘would be’ foreign correspondents and journalists in the audience, the truth about job cuts within the media industry was sobering. Thousands apply for the very few roles available at the ABC, and there is no guarantee you will get in. “Public listing of media has led to a need to maximise profit for shareholders. Commercial news networks find it hard to invest in news and current affairs”, Mr Scott said. The good news is that there are more roles within ‘Aunty’ than in the commercial networks who have had to cut newsrooms and production teams.

As a journo for 30 years he was encouraging students to keep writing and get published. “There is no more interesting place than the news room – the biggest stories are the ones you didn’t know were coming – the hardest days are when there is no news.”

And to reinstate the credibility of ethics in journalism he affirmed: “A media that functions well, does an enormous public good. It takes us to places that are new and interesting so we can be exposed to contradiction; to ideas that shake things up.”

Congratulations

Rowing

James Chapman (ON 1997) has been selected to be part of the Australian Men’s Eight for the World Rowing Championships which will be held in Amsterdam.

Adam Vine-Hall (ON 2005) has been selected to be the coach of the Australian Under 23 team Women’s Quad Scull, which will compete in the World Rowing U23 Championships in Varese, Italy.

The Sydney Rowing Club Under 23 Coxed Four just won their final at the Nationals. It contains 4 Newington Old Boys – Angus Bagby (ON 2012), Sam Hardy (ON 2013), Lachlan Hine (ON 2011) and Jesse Coyle (ON 2012).

Cricket

Saahil Parekh (11/MO) will join Jordan Gauci (11/FL) as a member of the Cricket NSW Under 17 Academy from 1 May – 30 November 2014.

Saahil’s selection is unsurprising given his outstanding efforts for St George DCC in the 2013-14 AW Green Shield competition together with his sustained high quality performances with Newington across the summer.

119th AAGPS Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the boys, staff and Newington community who came to support the Black and White brigade at the 119th AAGPS Athletics Carnival at SOPAC last Saturday 10 May.

I would like to make mention of all the boys from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Athletics teams led by Captain Alex Robertson (12/PR) on their effort, teamwork and perseverance this season. I’m proud of each and every one of you for your hard work and diligence.

AAGPS Junior Athletics Team

 AAGPS Intermediate Athletics Team

Senior Athletics Team

A special thank you must also go to the coaches and Newington teachers who have helped out this year. In Athletics, while it may be the individual who competes on the track, it really is the team behind that person who can make a difference. Thank you!

Coaches

Mr Mark Oliphant
Director of Athletics

Calling all passengers for flight FL350 departing this Friday 16 May

The upcoming show at Concordia Gallery has caused some buzz among the Newington community over the last couple of weeks. Not only does it see Newington College boys pair up with internationally-renowned artistic duo Heather and Ivan Morison, who are currently in Australia exhibiting with the Museum of Contemporary Art, but it also begs the questions, why is this a one-night-only event? What is going to happen which cannot be replicated day in and day out, and what should show-goers expect after they present their boarding pass for their designated “flight”?

Visual Arts has always had a reputation of pushing boundaries and making audiences view the world differently, so we asked Year 11 student Ashan Karunagaran to give us a teaser into the exhibition, and more importantly, how he came to work on Approaching FL350.

“I have been a passionate aviation enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and flying has always been present in every aspect of my life. Flying regularly to Vietnam and Hong Kong to visit family, regular travel within Europe when we lived in Cambridge, and my father’s previous work in aviation all directly influenced my passion.

“When questioned with the idea of an artwork, as with everything else, I instantly thought of all the possible aviation influences. I was inspired by the flight path and the planes that fly over Newington  each day and combined that with the concept of sleeping and lights (night sleeping). I saw an aircraft as the perfect basis for an installation work.

“When I fly, I enjoy every minute of it and take in everything the environment showcases. Night flying always has a sense of awe and beauty associated with it. Whilst many passengers sleep, I admire the stillness and peace in the cabin. The dark cabin, a few flickering entertainment monitors, little repeated seat-belt, no-smoking and attendant call lights dotting the ceiling. The drone of the powerful engines, the intermittent flickering of the blue and red strobe lights. It’s pure bliss and peace. An environment of relaxation.

“As the artwork was to feature the use of light as well as be influenced by the concepts in the work “Sleepers Awake” by Heather and Scott Morison, I found this to be the perfect opportunity to experiment with my passion for aviation and flying.

“I thought that by re-creating a somewhat abstract version of an aircraft cabin at night time, others may experience the awe and wonder that they usually miss when they are sleeping onboard an aircraft.

“On the Friday 16 May we will be showcasing this unique installation, which will  simulate the experience of flying at night. To accompany the flight will be an inflight film, aimed at displaying ideas of transformation. The brief flights will allow viewers to gain new insights through the film, as well as experience occurrences that may otherwise be overlooked.”

Approaching FL350 opens 6:00 PM Friday 16 May. Please click here to book your flight, if you haven’t already.

Ashan Karunagaran (11/KL)
Year 11 Visual Arts Student

Careers Update

Year 10 Careers Testing and Interviews

For the second year running, the P&F Careers Centre ran comprehensive testing with all boys in Year 10. The incorporated aptitude testing and vocational interest profiling was aimed at producing a detailed report for each boy. Boys and many parents were then interviewed by trained Careers Counsellors who helped to interpret the report and guide the boys through the process. Feedback from boys and parents has been excellent and most agree that this is a great way to start the conversation about post-school study and career decisions. Having been given some initial guidance in Year 10, boys are encouraged to develop upon the ideas presented and meet with the Head of Careers during Years 11 and 12, to discuss the best possible post-school options for them.

Careers Meetings

Throughout Term 1, many boys in Years 11 and 12 met with the Head of Careers, Mr Simon Pennington. The purpose of these meetings is for the boys to discover which careers are available to them, discuss their personal ambitions and to start thinking about a personalised course of action. We encourage all Year 12 boys, in particular to take up the option of contacting Mr Pennington via email to arrange a time to meet to discuss these options.

Careers Expo

Coming up on Thursday 12 June at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM is the Careers Expo. All boys in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend the Careers Expo as it is an exciting opportunity to develop ideas about career options and pathways.

Impro News

Term 2 is always a busy time for Newington improvisers with a number of theatresports competitions in which to participate . A number of Impro Ensemble members competed across two annual competitions and represented the College with skill and good humour.

The Inner West Cup, a competition hosted by Newington, was held on 1 May in Centenary Hall. Competitors came from International Grammar School, Fort Street High School and PLC Sydney. All teams played incredibly well with Newington’s team “The Dreams Team” –Lyndon Carney (12/FL), Leo Tracy (12/MO), Luke Taylor (12/MA) and Iain Lew (10/JN) – taking out first place and retaining the Inner West Cup for the College.

Last week, three teams from Newington competed in the Carlton Cup against the hosting school PLC Sydney and The Scots College. Although Scots took home the silverware, special mention must go to the top Newington team “The Mail Men”  – Lyndon Carney (12/FL), Ronan O’Reilly (9/KL), Fin Casey (9/KL), Ashutosh Bidkar (9/FL) and Max Carlile (9/JN) and also to Lachlan McIntyre (8/JN) for his exceptional performance as a giraffe, winning him special mention from the judges.

Our top theatresports players selected for our A teams begin their battles in the Impro Australia Schools’ Challenge this week. Our Intermediate team of Jeremi Campese (10/MA), Elliot Ulm (10/LE), Alex Goth (10/MA) and Ashutosh Bidkar (9/FL) were successful in their heat and have advance to the semi-finals. The boys scored very well throughout the rounds, ending with a perfect score in their final game, Time Warp. Good Luck to our Senior Team Lyndon Carney (12/FL), Leo Tracy (12/MO), Luke Taylor (12/MA), Brendan Creswick (12/JN) and Tom Steel (11/LE) who will compete in their heat in a couple of days.

Congratulations to all boys who represented the College in the Impro competitions this term. I have been approached by a number of parents and teachers from other schools who have commented on how brave our players are but also what good sports they are. A big thank you to our coaches Jack Scott (ON 2012), Reuben Ward (ON 2012) and Steen Raskopoulos for all of their hard work and patience with our players. It has been a great season of Theatresports.

Well done boys!

Ms Tamara Smith
Head of Drama

Building Resilience in our Young People – Safeguarding their Mental Health

It was so pleasing to see an excellent turn out last week for the visit of Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, and thanks once again to the P&F Association for financially supporting this important night.

Those of you who could not make the occasion now have some homework to do. You can access Michael’s website here  and on this website you will find a list of his books and articles that are available both as hard copies and can be downloaded for you to read and digest. He also provides helpful online resources about keeping mentally fit, both for adults and young people.

One of the key messages that he laid before us last week was how “resilience building” was the greatest protector against mental health issues for young people. There were five important dimensions to what this resilience looks like, and I reiterate them here for those who were not privileged to be at this evening:

i) Role models for empathy and social competence and connectedness with others (e.g. Coaches, teachers, etc.)

ii) Need for positive self-talk and trained optimism (positive outlook)

iii) Feeling safe, valued and listened to (within home environment as well as school)

iv) Developing islands of competence (interests and moments of “flow”)

v) Spirituality – a faith that is outside of the material; a transcendent point of focus.

Obviously it is this last dimension that we, the Chaplains are primarily here for, and we are concerned to see this develop in our young men. We would differ with Dr Carr-Gregg in suggesting, I think to an extent tongue-in-cheek, that allegiance to an AFL team would suffice to fill the “spiritual” or existential vacuum that we all have. Spirituality is a vitally important component of a person’s inner fulfilment. The only thing, in our view, that will ever truly fill that spiritual dimension of life, is a renewed relationship with the Almighty. To quote Saint Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Please feel free to talk with us at the College if you need any further support or direction with the mental health and well-being of your children. Mr Stan Comino (College Counsellor and Psychologist) or any of the Chaplains are very happy to assist you in any way we can.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Rev David Williams
College Chaplain

Sport Report

Athletics

The 119th AAGPS Carnival took place on Saturday 10 May at Homebush. The Newington team was confident after a very positive season of training and Invitational Carnivals. An Athletics breakfast followed by the Athletes Send-off Assembly was a fitting tribute to all boys who participated in the program over the course of the season.

In the Junior Division (U13 and U14), Newington and The King’s School were the dominant schools; whilst the lead changed several times throughout the day, by the end of the competition, King’s were ahead and placed first followed by Newington as the runners up. Congratulations to the Junior team from The King’s School. Congratulations to Junior athlete James Roach (8/MA) who broke the U13 100 m record of 11.92 with a time of 11:89.

In the Intermediate Division (U15 and U16), Newington led the competition early due to some outstanding results from our High Jumpers and Shot Putters; at the completion of the carnival Newington had placed sixth. Congratulations to the Shore School on their victory in this division.

In the Senior Division (U17 and Opens), there were six schools vying for top place, it became evident half way through the day that it was going to come down to the 4x100m relays to finalise placing’s. At the completion of the Opens relay Newington had finished sixth. Congratulations to St. Ignatius’ College for winning the Open Division.

It was a great season with many boys participating for the first time and to see the improvement in the boys was fantastic to see.

The College would like to acknowledge the hard work of all boys and staff who were involved in the program.

Newington Athletics will be represented at this year’s July Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Former Captain of Athletics Josh Ralph (ON 2009) has been selected for the 800 m. Josh has the three fastest times in Australia this season with a best of 1.45.87.

Congratulations Josh, we look forward to watching you run!

Fencing

On Saturday 10 May, Newington Fencers competed in the AJ Rae Shield and the National Schools Team Qualifier. The boys did well with the Newington A Team placed in the final two. These boys will go to the National School Team Competition in August.

The other three teams placed in the quarter finals (Top 8).

This coming Saturday is the State School Championship Individuals Competition.

Congratulations to all boys who competed on Saturday.

Rugby

Two Newington Old Boys have recently been selected in the Australian U20 Rugby team to compete at the IRB Junior World Cup starting in June.

Allan Alaalatoa (ON 2011) and Tevita Vea ON (2012) have been selected in the 28 man squad.

Australia will have the honour of playing the first match of the IRB Junior World Championship when they take on Argentina on Monday 2 June. This will be followed by matches against England on 6 June, and Italy on 10 June.

Congratulations to the boys and all the very best for the tournament.

Cricket

Newington 1st XI cricketer Saahil Parekh (11/MO)  has been selected in the NSW U17 squad, and his fellow fast bowler Lawrence Neil-Smith (9/JN) has been selected into the NSW U16 squad. Both boys played a significant role in Newington Cricket this season and are deserved of their selection. Congratulations Saahil and Lawrence.

Largest Boarding Cohort join Relay for Life 2014

The Edmund Webb Boarding House will be participating in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life at Centennial Park again this year. The event runs from May 17–18  and we’re aiming to raise at least $1500. This year’s event is led by Year 11 boarder Mark Perri (11/PR) with Senior Boarding Prefect Keegan Roberts (12/ME), as well as other boarders who are keen to make a difference.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, Relay for Life is a 24 hour overnight fundraising event. Teams raise money and get sponsored to have at least one team member constantly walking the track. It is a great opportunity for communities to get together, while supporting and remembering those who have battled cancer. All funds raised will go to the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, education and support services.

The program of the Relay for Life also includes a Hope Ceremony, Survivor’s Walk and Fight Back Lap. Entertainment, food stands and many other activities are also provided to all help a great cause. To donate, please click here.

Participation this year has more than doubled to 40 plus boarders, which is the majority of Edmund Webb House boys. This huge increase from last year is quite exceptional and great to see. The team will be running a car wash and a barbecue, as well as individual initiatives in the lead up to the event to raise funds.

The Edmund Webb Boarding House would like to thank Newington Challenge in advanced for loaning tents as well as anyone who will be donating or supporting.

A special thanks must also go to the Boarding House staff-in-residence, Mr Mark Oliphant, Mr Rex Nottage, Mr James Norman, Mr Will van Asperen (ON 2006) and Mr Tom Lever and their families.

A Message from the Head of Stanmore

“While the ANZAC spirit may have first arisen in troops on the battlefield, it is indeed a life-force that resides in all Australians … It is our constant, and our preserve. … We are the custodians and stewards of their spirit now and into the future …. We must take good care of it.”

Extract from Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith’s address to the crowd at the recent Anzac Day dawn service outside the Australian War Memorial, 25/4/2014.

Anzac Day – ‘Lest we forget’

On 25 April 2014 I was encouraged to see so many Australians, young and old, attend the various services around the country to honour our veterans. Over the past weeks, I have reflected deeply on our history and the words of Corporal Roberts-Smith have resonated. His emphasis on the importance of Anzac Day and the responsibility that all Australians must bear to preserve the Anzac legacy is something we should take seriously. Furthermore, at our own Anzac Parade, Reviewing Officer Colonel James Brown’s (ON 1987) address reminded me that by commemorating selfless deeds, we unite our community and consequently provide real purpose in our lives. Col Brown said, “In today’s culture of entitlement and celebration of meaningless celebrity, Australians are moved more than ever by the selflessness and sense of duty displayed by those generations of men and women who volunteered for military service in time of war.”

Current research tells us that we can improve boys’ mental health by providing meaning in their lives. The messages above complement the College’s direction. We remain committed to a compulsory outdoor education program and service learning philosophy in order to provide our boys with the opportunity to serve others and perform random acts of kindness that indeed strengthen their resolve and sense of self-worth. It is my hope that Anzac Day will continue to grow in importance in our Australian culture and especially amongst our young. For while our youth may only make up 20 per cent of the population today, they are 100 per cent of our future.

I thank Captain Rod Wood, his staff, our musicians and the entire Newington College Cadet Corps for honouring the sacrifice of so many Old Newingtonians and Australian service men and women in such a dignified manner. We should feel very proud of their contributions. The fact that Dominic Longhurst (12/JN) played The Last Post and Reveille, on a bugle belonging to the 3rd Battalion of the First AIF Division, made the occasion even more solemn.

 Dr Andrew Hirst
Acting Headmaster

Director of Bands Steve Peterson leads Newington Symphonic Winds

On Wednesday morning the Music Hall was a euphony of sound as visiting Professor Steve Peterson led Newington’s Symphonic Winds during their weekly rehearsal session. With over 30 years of teaching and conducting experience in schools in the United States as well as in Canada, Ireland, the People’s Republic of China, Germany, Luxembourg and Qatar, Professor Peterson is currently the Director of Bands at Ithaca University, Ithaca, New York and the President of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). The CBDNA represents over 1000 university conductors in the United States and is an organisation devoted to the teaching, performance, study and cultivation of music.

As part of the Australian Bands and Orchestra Association’s (ABODA) initiative to bring high quality conductors and educators to Australia, Newington’s Director of Bands and the President of ABODA NSW, Dr Luke Gilmour played a prominent role in bringing Professor Peterson to the College. During his time in Australia, Professor Peterson will not only be conducting rehearsals with schools and music groups, but he will also be providing personal development opportunities for teachers across the country. Professor Peterson will be staying on site at the College which will help provide him with a view of how a band program at Newington operates while also enabling the College’s conducting staff to gain direct access to one of America’s leading wind conductors.

During Newington’s Symphonic Winds rehearsal on Wednesday 7 May Professor Peterson said that he was impressed by the boys’ sound and musicianship, claiming that Newington had one of the finest ensembles he had worked with while he had been in Australia. During the session he conducted the boys through composer John Mackey’s Sheltering the Sky and encouraged them to take their musicality to a higher level of maturity by taking more risks instead of playing “beautifully average”. The boys enjoyed their rehearsal time with Professor Peterson and even had the opportunity to ask him some questions at the end of their session.

According to Dr Luke Gilmour, such learning experiences are valuable opportunities for students to become better musicians.

“Learning is a lifelong process and having the influence of someone like Steve Peterson enables us to learn through rehearsal and leadership. Steve is internationally recognised and it can be difficult to have direct access to these experts.”

“It is always valuable to have expert conductors stand in front of your ensemble… Often guest clinicians reinforce what the boys have already heard from the podium, but perhaps phrased or delivered differently. Sometimes this difference in approach, however slight, can be what is needed to unlock the beautiful musicianship that we all strive for”, said Dr Gilmour.

Join the Black and White City2Surf Team

We are excited to announce that this year Newington’s City2Surf team will be supporting the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, an organisation which provides support for children’s services for over 200 hospitals and health care centres all across Australia. The Foundation raises money to purchase medical equipment that treats and saves the lives of children nationwide.

Newington has a special connection with the Humpty Foundation, with Wallaby great Phil Kearns (ON 1984) an important ambassador for the charity. His initiative, the annual Balmoral Burn, raises important funds for Humpty. As Humpty receives no Government funding, its life-saving work is only possible with these kinds of events alongside continual public support.

Calling all runners!

If you were considering participating in the City2Surf this year, don’t run alone! We would love for you to join our team, which will consist of staff, students, families and Old Boys. Our goal is to have as many Newington runners as possible in order to raise money to help Humpty continue its vital and life-saving work.

To be part of the Official Newington College Team, there is an overall cost of $105 for students and $125 for adults. This covers both the cost for registration in the City2Surf, as well as a donation of $50 to Humpty Dumpty. With this donation you will also receive the official Newington College Team 2XU singlet (pictured above).

If you are interested in running with us, please register online ASAP (click here to find out how).

If you have already signed up but would like to run with Newington instead, see here for details.

Calling all sponsors!

We are also looking for sponsors to join our major sponsor Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant. This is your chance to promote your company as well as contribute to the meaningful work that Humpty does. Please register by 23 May 2014 at the very latest if you want to sponsor the team and have your company logo featured on the official Newington College City2Surf singlet.

If you are interested, or know of a company that might be, please contact Troy Stanley.

Fundraising Incentives

We have been lucky to have the support of several sponsors who have either donated money to the Humpty Foundation or offered prizes for the top fundraisers.

At this stage, prizes include:

• One night accommodation at the Quest Grande Esplanade in Manly (adult supervision essential)
• 2XU compression garment
• Toyota car service, valued at $200.
• Chance to mix with the stars on Bondi Beach following the race in the Coates Hire Tent corporate tent (over 18 only)
• 3 x $50 iTunes gift cards (thanks to the Newington PDHPE department)

The leading fundraisers as of midday on the 11th of August will have first choice from the above prizes (and hopefully more!)

Keep abreast of changes by visiting the City2Surf page on SPACES here.

Mr Troy Stanley (ON 1995)
Newington College City2Surf Team Co-ordinator

IBC Cup Trophy Victory

During the first week of the holidays, Newington College hosted three Football teams from interstate schools for the Interstate Boys Coalition Football Cup. A squad of 16 boys was selected to represent the College in three games played over three days.

Our first game was against the current champions, St Peters College of Adelaide, and the ‘New’ boys showed their class with a 3-1 victory. Despite their lack of match practice and fitness, the Newington team showed great composure and maturity to defeat a well-drilled opposition.

The second match was against Canberra Grammar and the Newington boys proved to be of a different league comfortably winning 12-0.

The boys’ third and final game against Brisbane Grammar proved to be the toughest of the matches with our opponents sticking to a very defensive game plan. It was up to the Newington team to prove that they had the patience and maturity to overcome a unit whose directive was to keep us out at all costs. The boys came away with a 1-0 win with David Macarounas (12/KL) pulling off some impressive saves in goal to keep us in the game.

Special mention must go to Taylor Saito-Patch (12/MO), Jonathan Aspropotamitis (12/MA), Alex Piliotis (12/MA), Jamie Gorgovski (9/LE), Samuel Mehmet (10/MA) and Nicola Kuleski (12/MO) for making the ‘team of the tournament,’ and to Nicola for being named player of the tournament. A big thank you to Mr Crook, Mr Bremner and Mr Lawson as well as to all the parents involved for making the week such a sterling success.

Mr Justin Verco
Head of Football

The Newingtonian in WW1

The issues of The Newingtonian published during the First World War are now available on SPACES.

The Newingtonian is now our school annual but, earlier, it served as the school magazine. At the time of the First World War, four issues were published each year.

The First World War issues contain extensive materials about Old Newingtonians on war service, including letters from the Front, obituaries, reports of memorial services and the unveilings of memorial tablets, snippets of news, and an ever-growing Honour Roll of those killed, wounded and serving. These materials represent a rich primary source for revealing the stories of our past students and staff in the War.

There is also material illustrating broader contemporary themes, including the development of national identity, the concept of Empire, the conscription debate and the start of memorialisation, as well as evidence of how the College and its community experienced the War at home.

The primary reason for digitising these issues is to provide a resource for students studying the First World War period. These issues will also be of broader interest, particularly as we mark the centenaries of the major events of the War over the next five years.

The First World War issues of The Newingtonian are available at the Alumni SPACES page.

Mr David Roberts
College Archivist

Old Cadet flags find a New Home

At the Centenary Ceremonial Parade in October 1963, the College’s Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps each received a new flag. The flags were a gift of the Old Newingtonians’ Union, to mark the Centenary of the College.

The Air Training Corps flag was used until the Corps was disbanded in 1993. The flag of the Cadet Corps (now the Newington College Cadet Unit) continued in use until a new Unit Colour was presented at last year’s Anzac Day Sesquicentenary Parade.

In military tradition, unit flags and colours represent the spirit of the unit. In former times, a unit’s colours provided a rallying point in battle. Today, their role is more symbolic, with their display playing a central part in ceremonial parades. When unit flags and colours are retired, they continue to be treated with reverence. A common tradition is for them to be ‘laid up’ in churches, war memorials or civic buildings.

In 2013, the 70 Club, our community group for Old Boys aged 70 years or more, proposed that the two 1963 flags should be laid up in a suitable location in accordance with these traditions. The Prescott Hall was chosen, both because it is a well-used space where the flags will be seen regularly and because the Corps flags had been hung there during the 1950s. The 70 Club was closely involved in the arrangements for the laying up of the flags and paid the cost of the accompanying plaques.

The 1963 flags and their plaques had their first public viewing when Senior Cadets and guests were invited to inspect them following the Anzac Parade on 29 April.

So, the next time you visit the Prescott Hall, take a moment to view the 1963 flags and their plaques and reflect on these symbols of service and learning by countless Newington Cadets over the last 145 years.

Mr David Roberts
College Archivist

Have you got Digital Citizenship?

Do you:

• Shop online?
• Use social media? (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Use SPACES?
• Send emails?
• Play online games?
• Send text messages?
• Download apps?

If you answered YES to any of these, then you are a digital citizen.

The Library has been working with Director of ICT Mr Myles Carrick and Deputy Head of Stanmore (Students) Mr Bob Meakin to create a Digital Citizenship program which will be introduced this term during Mentor periods.

Why is this important?

Since technology is a part of our everyday lives, there is a need for schools to address this; especially when addressing queries from parents about their son’s technology use during and after school, addressing student behaviour in relation to online bullying and assisting teachers with strategies for integrating technology effectively in their teaching and learning. Integrating a Digital Citizenship themed lesson into the Mentor program allows for open dialogue between students and teachers on what the acceptable uses and behaviours are for technology in an educational setting, and what it means to be a ‘digital citizen’.

Who does this involve?

Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 Mentor teachers and their mentor groups (Year 9 will commence after the completion of the Positive Psychology sessions from last term).

What does this include?

Two, 15 minute, Digital Citizenship themed lessons to be incorporated into the Mentor program. All resources and lesson plans will be provided.

When are these lessons to be implemented?

Throughout Term 2 (before the end of week 19A) at the Mentor teacher’s discretion.

Where will these occur?

In the boys’ usual allocated area for Mentor groups.

We are welcoming feedback from the mentors, boys and parents, as the plan is to develop a fully integrated program covering all of the elements of Digital Citizenship at Newington College for students, staff and parents.

Ms Crystal Choi
Head of Library Services

Newington Bands Report

A great start to the year for the Newington Bands!

The start of 2014 has been exciting for the Newington Bands. This year we introduced our fourth Wind Band – the Year 7 Band – due to the continued growth in the program. Here is a snapshot of a few exciting events throughout the beginning of the year.

Jazz in the Courtyard

On two fine Lunchtimes in Term 1, our five Jazz ensembles – Junior Jazz, Intermediate Jazz, Big Band, Stage Band and Jazz Combo – performed for a very appreciative crowd of students and teachers. The courtyard was swinging with the sounds of Jazz both old and new!

Special guest artists working with the Symphonic Winds

Last term and at the beginning of this term, the Symphonic Winds have been privileged to work with three leading National and International Wind Conductors – Steven Capaldo, Tim Reynish and Stephen Peterson. Steven Capaldo is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong and commented about the boys maturity and musical sensitivity. Tim Reynish is one of the global giants of wind conducting and has personally commissioned over 100 works for band. Tim also led the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Ensemble for many years and released several recordings. Tim was also suitably impressed and mentioned that in the UK it is quite rare to have a school group of Newington’s calibre. Our boys particularly enjoyed Tim’s quirk English humour!

Stephen Peterson is Director of Bands at Ithaca College, New York and is currently President of the US College Band Directors National Association. He worked with the College’s Symphonic Winds on Wednesday 7 May – another huge honour for our boys to be working with someone of this calibre!

Over 100 Boys play for the Anzac Parade

This year marks the first year we have had over 100 boys play in the Newington College Combined Band for the annual Anzac Day Parade. The boys performed the National Anthem, Waltzing Matilda and provided solemn accompaniment to the wreath laying with hymns, Abide with Me, Lead Kindly Light and O God Our Help. Well done to all boys for their musicality and deep respect during the Parade.

Easter Success, Dominic Longhurst

Dominic Longhurst (12/JN) competed in the National Band Championships Solo contest again over Easter in Brisbane. He once again won the Junior (Under 19) Cornets and also the Open Cornets Championships. This continues a fantastic run of success for Dominic at the National level over the past six years.

Be a driver for the Red Shield Appeal Door Knock

Once again we have 200 plus boys from Years 10 , 11 and 12 who have volunteered to participate in this year’s Red Shield Appeal door knock on Sunday, 25 May 2014.

With so many boys volunteering, we need about 40 drivers to enable these boys to cover all of our assigned district.

Drivers would need to be at Newington at 8:20 AM. They would then take the boys (usually in teams of four) to a specified location in the local area and stay in the vicinity whilst the boys collect door to door.

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

This is a great opportunity for our College community to come together as a team with boys, parents and staff working to assist the Salvos—arguably one of Australia’s most well recognised and respected charitable organisations.

Your involvement will help the Salvos continue their work in helping Australia’s needy.

To assist with planning, volunteer drivers are asked to send their contact details to the Head of Service Learning, Mr Mick Madden.

Mr Mick Madden
Head of Service Learning

Debating – Sebastian Rees in NSW Schools Team for Nationals

While most Year 12 students are preparing for their trial exams and feeling pressured by a lack of time, Sebastian Rees (12/PR) is on his way to compete in the National Schools Debating Finals in Victoria.

Seb is one of six squad members chosen from a pool of the state’s top 100 debaters to represent NSW at the National titles. As reigning champions, this year’s NSW team speakers from Sydney Grammar School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Sydney Girls High School and Newington College have their eyes set on the big prize and have sacrificed their afternoons and weekends to learn new tactics and brush up on their global affairs and general knowledge.

“We’ve had to debate recently about Crimea and Russia which was something that I didn’t have an opinion about. You have to understand 200 hundred years of Russian history before you can understand Crimea and the factual disputes that are related to it…so I’ve done quite a bit of fast reading”, Seb says.

Earlier this year, Seb was also a member of the History Debating Team led by Mr Marco Scali that took out the Les Gordon History Debating Competition Grand Final for the second year in a row. He says that while he still gets nervous before a debate, the foundations he has formed from debating throughout his high school years have been the key to his success.

“I used to struggle with debating a lot due to factual oversight or not understanding principles. But studying Philosophy and History at school allows you to grow a sound, yet broad knowledge of the world”, he says.

Leading up to becoming a State Representative, Seb participated in trials of two to three debates a day to make it into the squad. Since then, he has practiced for over 12 hours each weekend with his NSW teammates, taking the challenging roll of first speaker for the team and learning to deal with interjection, or points of information from members of the opposing team – a feature of Debating at this very high level.

When asked whether he’s struggled with meeting the demands of his final year at school, he said, “Debating in many ways has made studying easier. It’s helpful for study, particularly in subjects like History and Philosophy where the bulk of the skills are based on arguing a point or evaluating,” he says.

Seb got his big break in Debating when he joined the College’s Firsts team in Year 10. He says it’s been helpful debating at a higher level at a younger age as it has given him time to get over his nerves.

With a modest manner Seb confesses: “I still get very nervous before Debating, but it’s just been an element of working hard as well as good luck and finding that something else, which I can’t really explain, that has helped me to this position”.

We wish Seb all the best in the upcoming months. Congratulations!

New Director of Rugby – Ben Manion

Newington is thrilled to welcome Mr Ben Manion as the new Director of Rugby. Ben is a passionate and approachable educator with a philosophy aimed at allowing each boy to reach his potential while enjoying all the camaraderie a team sport like Rugby has to offer. He has completed a Bachelor of Human Movement Science and specialises in sport specific conditioning and group training.

A former First Grade (Warringah) and Provincial (Border Reivers, Scotland) player, he has held senior coaching roles in both Australia and Ireland. This has included Head Coach at Warringah in the Shute Shield and Director of Rugby at Blackrock Rugby Football Club in the All Ireland League.

His most recent role was as the Senior Technical Advisor at Blackrock College in Dublin, Ireland’s largest and proudest Rugby school fielding 44 teams each weekend. Blackrock is a school famous for producing five British and Irish Lions Captains.

During Ben’s tenure at Blackrock Rugby Football Club and Blackrock College, they won back-to-back junior and senior cups (the first time since 1986/87) with nine players gaining full international honours, including Brian O’Driscoll, and seven students gaining Irish Schools selection.

Ben returns to Australia after three years in Ireland and is very excited to be leading the Newington College Rugby Program in 2014.