2018 Cricket Exchange Tour

Over the holiday break, Newington cricketers travelled to Melbourne to take part in the Newington-Wesley Cricket Exchange. Two students share their experiences below.

The annual cricket exchange with the Wesley College began on the 15^th of January. The Newington cricket touring party flew to Melbourne arriving in the afternoon. The first match the Junior XI had was a T20, against Wesley college. The conditions were overcast with a light drizzle persisting throughout the match. The match started with Newington batting first. We were in trouble as we lost a couple of early wickets, but impressive batting performances from Edson Whattam (8/ME) and Lachlan Bird (9/MA) lead us to a strong total of 140. Wesley’s batting was blunted by some fine bowling from Newington and they were restricted to a modest total of 80 runs. After the match, we went home to the billets provided by the Wesley families. All of our team enjoyed the hospitality and kindness provided.

The next two days consisted of two 40 over matches against Wesley College played in a scorching heatwave. We won both of our matches fairly convincingly. Some highlight performances include William Durrant (8/LE) 4 wickets in a match and Stefano Ottavio (9/ME) 50. For the second last day of the tour, we were privileged to spend a day at the Australian Open Tennis. It was amazing to watch some of the world’s top tennis players battling it out in the intense heat.

Our final match was scheduled for Friday and the team arrived at the ground early. Unfortunately, the temperature quickly soared above 40 degrees and the match was abandoned. It didn’t stop the Newington boys playing a quick scratch match amongst themselves.

Overall it was a successful tour for the Newington junior team. Many thanks to the Wesley College and Newington team managers.

Tully Suttie (9/LE)

There was an air of excitement among the 17 boys as we gathered in Sydney Airport and met Mr Light and Mr Turner. After our swift hour-long flight, we were met at the airport by Mr Egerton, and, as many of us hadn’t had any breakfast, we stopped at Macca’s to fuel ourselves for our first game, a T20 later that afternoon against Wesley. While still on the bus, we got news that we were batting first. So, straight off the bus and onto the pitch went our openers, but despite a gutsy 22 from Ben Sanders (12/PR), the scorecard read 69 all out at the conclusion of our 20 overs. Looking to make amends, our bowlers started positively, with Ollie O’Shea (12/JN) bowling beautifully and claiming an early breakthrough thanks to a chest-mark in the deep from Gus Burton (12/KL). However, despite claiming five Wesley wickets, our opponents cruised to victory, leaving us with plenty of things to work on ahead of the Tuesday/Wednesday two-day match. After meeting our billets, everyone headed to Tim’s house, where an impromptu game of backyard cricket began. Wesley’s star Jerome proved handy with bat and ball but was no match for Gus Burton, who hooked him out of the premises, while Jordan Phibbs (12/ME) provided some laughs in the outfield after falling into a fence. 

Tuesday morning brought the start of a two-day match, and Wesley won the toss and elected to bat first on a very warm day. Four wickets from Lucas Ward (12/MO) left them reeling at lunch at 6/60, but they managed to help themselves to 156 all out. In reply, wickets fell quickly for Newington, leaving lots of work to be done on day two. That evening, the Wesley billets took the boys out to the MCG, where the Melbourne Stars were playing the Sydney Sixers. Despite the game being a dead rubber, the Newington boys had something to cheer about as Nic Maddinson’s 61 not out powered the Sixers to a nine-wicket victory.

Newington resumed on Wednesday morning in a precarious position, and fifteen minutes was all it took for the innings to be wrapped up. Wesley batted again and showed some attacking flair, declaring at lunch. Newington started positively, with Clancy Barrett (11/JN) making a good start at the top of the order. However, the loss of wickets in clumps proved costly, despite master blaster Joe D’Arcy (12/PR) carting the off-spinner for 18 of the best runs witnessed on the tour. Despite the defeat, the boys were excited for a change of scenery, and after a couple of hours rest, the bus left for Haileybury. Greeted by our billets at the Keysborough campus, the boys enjoyed a quiet night in and it was great to watch Alex Carey hit 100 for the Adelaide Strikers.

Thursday was tennis day. After obtaining our ground passes, the boys split off into groups, with most tending to spend time in the shady Hisense Arena, where we witnessed Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia proceed to the next round. It was a great rest day and amazing to experience professional sport firsthand, and one that the boys will remember forever. Most boys got the bus back to Haileybury, where they were again met by their billeting families. Everyone rested up for what was to be a big final day in Victoria.

Friday brought a forecast of a top of 42 degrees, so play was started early in a 30-over format. Batting first, Newington set 132, with Clancy Barrett’s 56 a standout, and Cal Sharp (10/JN) playing the supporting role with most runs through the third man region. Despite Lucas Ward again claiming wickets and Joe D’Arcy bowling beautifully, the attacking Haileybury batsman just got over the line with a couple of overs left. With a few hours until our flight, the boys enjoyed a refreshing swim in the school pool, continuing it after lunch. Eventually, everyone was ready to head to the airport, and before we knew it, we were back home, grateful for the awesome experience which had been handed to us. Special thanks must go to Mr Turner, Director of Cricket, Mr Light and Mr Egerton for putting up with the boys and giving up their holiday time to accompany us. Hopefully, the Melbourne boys coming up to Sydney next year will enjoy the same great experiences that our boys have.

Tom Whitnall (12/PR)

Academic Excellence Assembly

The Academic Excellence Assembly for 2017 was held on Wednesday, 14 February, 2018. The assembly recognised and celebrated the academic achievements of the Year 12 cohort of 2017. The Deputy Head of Stanmore (Academic) Mr Trent Driver spoke about what made this group one of Newington’s most successful.

I will confess it is interesting looking at the 2017 Year 12 cohort from where I am standing now. It gives me a different perspective. As I look at them, there are no longer any black and white blazers and no ties are the same. I am not sure where the razors in several houses have disappeared to. These young men all look different to the last time they were here at Newington, preparing to wander across the stage.

Here in Centenary Hall, and at this school, we talk about diversity a lot, and I think rightly so. When you look around and ask who the typical Newington student is, it can be hard to put a finger on it.  We celebrate our differences in every context. Those contrasts are an important part of who we are as people, and as a school.

The differences between these boys are easy to point out.  Some did the Higher School Certificate, some the IB Diploma, and some walked away with VET qualifications to give them advanced standing beyond school. Between them, their final certificates will list more than 65 individual subjects, from Biology to Business, from Psychology to Sports Science. Some sat exams, some wrote research papers. Some designed furniture, others produced artwork or literature. Some did it in silence in the hall, some under observation in a workplace, or under lights on a stage.  Among this group of boys, it was a struggle to find more than a couple who studied the same pattern of courses in their final year.

But all of them have one important thing in common – their success.  Across a group of 232 boys who finished Year 12 in 2017, success does not come from luck or by accident.  It does not come from being in the right place at the right time.  It did not come from just being at this school, or just doing a particular subject or being in a specific class.

It did not come from these boys spending their time worrying about what other people were doing, or what results they were getting.  Constantly looking over their shoulders did not chart their way forward and bring them here today.

The things they did have in common were rarely in the public eye. The things they did to bring them here didn’t happen on a field on a Saturday morning or on a stage that evening in front of an audience. They were, more often than not, private. We didn’t see them struggle through things they didn’t understand or could not do until they were confident they’d mastered it.  We didn’t see them make mistakes and then try to work out why.  We didn’t see them put other things aside or on a back-burner so that over time they could accumulate all those little pieces that made up the efforts that brought them the success that brings them here today.

It is these things that we didn’t see that – irrespective of who the boys were and where they came from and what they achieved – they all have in common. That is what we celebrate today. 

The success they have achieved is not a solo tale.  To their parents and families, on behalf of the school I thank you for your support, your encouragement, your love and understanding for your sons over their final years of study.  You have underwritten their achievement and you deserve to be very proud in every possible way.

To the academic Heads of Department, and to each and every member of the Newington teaching staff who work with their classes with such enthusiasm and professionalism, I thank you.  Today we celebrate the fruits of your hard work.

Mr Trent Driver
Deputy Head of Stanmore (Academic)

Year 10 Life Skills Day

At the end of 2017, all Year 10 boys participated in the Life Skills program. This two-day program allowed students to develop the basic skills and qualifications in areas of their choosing through receiving external training by experts. The courses were selected by a voluntary Life Skills Committee of a handful of students. After the cohort had been surveyed on which courses had enough people interested to run, Mr Mountain contacted organisations around Sydney and made the final arrangements.

On the first day, the boys participated in courses such as SCUBA, barista, DJ, Construction White Card, First Aid, cooking, photography, welding, and sport coaching. The reception for the program was overwhelmingly positive; every boy developed a new skill or qualification relating to their own personal interests, and they got to do so alongside their mates. 

On the second day, an external company taught the boys about how to search for a part-time job, writing a resume and a cover letter and some key interview skills.

I hope the Life Skills program continues to inspire and educate students in years to come. We would like to thank the staff who ran some of the programs or accompanied the boys to off-site activities.

Jack Walker (11/KL)

More from the boys on their experiences…

“I found the football coaching to be a unique and special experience, not only did we get to learn about something we loved we did it with our mates, It was a great taster into football coaching and I would like to further increase my football coaching from now on.” – Tom Sutton (11/MA)

“The life skills welding course has not only provided me with the technical and practical skills of welding but, together with the guidance of Mr Ellis, has also inspired me to create using the skills learnt.” – Liam Pidcock (11/MA)

“I gained a professional understanding of the food service and coffee industry, throughout the day our group learnt high-level barista and server skills, gaining hands-on experience.” – George Webster (11/KL)

“Cricket coaching was a great experience. It was extremely beneficial learning from NSW coaches that shared their extensive knowledge on how to handle and coach younger children. They especially focused on allowing young players to do what they feel is natural and to try not adjust anyone to one specific way of playing.” – Joel Phillips (11/JN)

“I participated in the DJ course run by Andrew from Sydney DJ School which was very enjoyable and educational. We were all able to try out professional grade equipment and practise what Andrew had taught us. It was a great experience as we could engage in a course of genuine interest to us.” – Charlie Timpson (11/JN)

Towards the International Baccalaureate

The wonderful results of our 2017 Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students remind us that the IBDP has now been available alongside the HSC at Newington for ten years. I have been researching this, among many other stories, as part of a project to update the detailed history of the College, since the publication of Newington Across the Years: A History of Newington College 1863–1998, written by Rev Dr Peter Swain OAM RFD, in 1999.

The first cohort of twenty-one Year 11 students commenced their program of IB studies at the start of the 2008 school year. While in one sense this was the start of our ‘IB era’, it was also the culmination of long planning and preparation.

In 1999 Newington’s then Headmaster, Michael Smee, took sabbatical leave in which he visited areas of interest in the Middle East and Greece, as well as schools in Sweden, Britain and the United States. Among other things he saw the IBDP in operation and became convinced of its potential for Newington. The following year, he prepared a strategic directions paper for the College Council, one of the recommendations of which was to investigate introducing the IBDP. While the proposal was positively received, it did not proceed much further before he retired in 2003.

Michael Smee’s successor, David Scott, took up the idea early in 2005. His initial interest was in seeking accreditation for Newington as an International School, through the Council of International Schools, which several other leading schools in Australia had achieved. He was then approached by two parents about the IBDP, for which the professional development, management and governance requirements were similar to those for the International Schools process.

Following consideration of the proposal by the Council’s Education Committee and then the full Council, a detailed research project was undertaken. The issues, including the required investment, were significant and needed careful consideration, but the conclusions were positive. In 2006 interest was gauged through a student survey and feedback from parents, an initial list of subjects was devised and staff attended workshops across the Asia-Pacific region. Greg Bell, a long-serving Newington teacher, was appointed as the College’s first IB Coordinator. In addition to the practical preparations, he oversaw the processes of accreditation with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and of integration of courses with the curriculum requirements of the NSW Board of Studies (now the NSW Education Standards Authority).

March 2007 saw the College Council formally approve implementation of the IBDP as a strategic direction of the College, while IBO accreditation was achieved two months later, paving the way for the start of teaching in 2008. The image above shows Ben Adler, Deputy Senior Prefect and Newington’s first Dux of the IBDP, with the Headmaster, Dr David Mulford, at the 2009 Prize Giving.

David Roberts
College Archivist

Visual Arts Students Work with Dr Ian Penn

Since February 2017, the Visual Arts IBDP students have worked in collaboration with Dr Ian Penn (ON 1970). The boys have formed a strong relationship with the artist who has assisted in their idea development and encouraged them to explore a range of creative media. Working alongside Dr Penn taught the students about passion, knowledge and generosity. During a two-day workshop in January, Zac Hamdan (12/FL), Ben Coultas-Roberts (12/JN), Joel Gardner (12/ME), Tyrell Villania-Small (12/MO) and Louis Woodland (12/ME) worked on their personal IBDP Exhibitions, talked with Dr Penn about their concepts and brainstormed the relational links to the historical and contemporary artists. It was an unforgettable learning experience and an exciting way to build a better understanding of Visual Arts in the IBO context.

Mrs Marina Hinves
Visual Arts Teacher

The Benefits of Being Grateful

“…One of the lepers, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?…”(Luke 17:11-19)

Welcome to an exciting year ahead. A special welcome to our newly appointed chaplain, Pastor Richard La’Brooy who will be chaplain at the Lindfield campus each Thursday and on the senior campus the rest of the time. There will be a further introduction to Paster La’Brooy in the next edition of Black & White.

In the above Bible passage, ten people are Jesus cured from a debilitating disease known as leprosy. The passage indicates that only one returned to give thanks, being referred to as an ‘outsider’ or ‘foreigner’. Perhaps there’s something foreign about people being grateful, at least it would appear this way to Jesus. Interestingly, all ten of these guys had experienced the same trauma, all were shown the same undeserved mercy from Jesus and the same healing. Why was Jesus so intent on making the point about this grateful outsider? Is gratitude really necessary, or is it that God thrives on being thanked?

Research into the science of ‘being thankful’ suggests that there is a direct link between expressing gratitude and improving one’s health, a heightened ability to deal with adversity, experiencing long-term, positive emotions and increasing confidence in building strong relationships. A renowned psychologist, Dr Robert Emmons, ran an experiment where he gave a journal to a group of people that he divided into three groups; the first group recorded daily what they were grateful for, the second group what was wrong went wrong each day, and the third group recorded whatever they wanted. The outcome of the experiment was such that the group that recorded what they were grateful for experienced a significantly higher level of wellbeing over an extended period of time.

Over the holidays, I decided to write down a couple of things I feel grateful for, being part of the Newington community. It wasn’t a difficult thing to do, and the more I thought about the finer details, it became clear to me that I am very lucky to be part of this community. Some of the things I wrote on my gratitude list included: our egalitarian culture where we value and respect the various gifts of others; for Dr Mulford and the connection he has with the students, the staff, the parents and alumni; for our bond with Tupou College and the spirit which the Tongan bursary students bring to Newington; how we genuinely embrace diversity and seek ways to expand on this; the commitment we have to community service, with students engaging in hands-on benevolent projects, and so on…

Looking back to the passage, we don’t know what exactly the other nine cleansed lepers experienced after being healed, but it’s possible that they may have felt entitled to have the miracle worker cleanse them, or perhaps they might be carrying around the scars after experiencing a lengthy traumatic illness. They could also be forgiven for wanting to see their families and carry on with their lives. What we do know is that this one ‘Outsider’ identified with his good fortune and could not hold back his thankfulness. In his eyes, he was the luckiest man on Earth.

When we are actively like this one outsider, openly celebrating our good fortune, identifying with how lucky we are and actively expressing our gratitude, we get to experience the fulfilment that comes from being genuinely grateful. It provides us with the resilience and strength to see past difficult situations, it kick-starts our brains as a source of desired energy, and it breeds a positive spirit amongst our community. Are you experiencing the amazing blessing that comes from being grateful?

Rev Geordie Barham
College Chaplain

From the School Nurse

Welcome back and especially ‘welcome’ to all new parents and students to the College. I hope that you enjoy this year. The lovely Davidson Health Centre is situated on the Ground Floor next to the Tupou College Centre. It is well signposted between the chapel and Le Couteur building.

I am here Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM – 5 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 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. New parents, please ensure that you have completed our Newington medical form online. Here are the links again:

Year 7

Years 8 – 11 

Parents, we have some boys at school who are receiving treatment for 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 Health Centre. 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 to others.

The college is NOT a ‘nut free’ zone. There are many boys at school with anaphylaxis to nuts and so it would be appreciated if nuts and peanut butter products were not brought to school. If your son is really keen to bring these items then please have a conversation with them about not sharing these foods and explain how some boys have a serious life-threatening allergy.

Spare EpiPens are located in the Health Centre, pool office, library, cafeteria, Common Room, Drama Centre, Concordia, Boarding House and the boat shed.

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

Vaccinations for Year 7 will commence on March 6. These vaccines are only free while your son is in Year 7. They will be offered

• Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster) single dose
• HPV vaccine in a two-dose course. (Newington uptake last year was over 93%)

Vaccinations for Year 10 & 11 on June 5
NSW Health will be offering the new Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to all students in Y10 & 11

Consent forms will be handed out to Year 7 in Mentor time shortly and should be returned promptly.

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. Nine hours sleep really helps the boys to cope with the demands of school and new friendships.

I have a small supply of spare uniform 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. Phone: 9568 9426, mobile 0407 004 738 or Email: mbates@newington.nsw.edu.au

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse

Sports Report

Term 1 Dates – Sport Weekends

• 17 February – Summer sport
• 24 February – Summer sport
• 3 March – Summer sport
• 10 March – Summer sport
• 17 March – Head of River Regatta, Penrith
• 24 March – Winter sport
• 31 March – Easter, NO sport
• 7 April – Winter sport, final weekend

Swimming Update:

There were three records broken at the Newington Age Swimming Championships held on Friday, 9 February:

• 17 years 50m Backstroke (28.98 sec) – Lachlan Sheehy (11/JN)
• Opens 50m Freestyle (24.30 sec) – Jack Rudkins (12/MA)
• Opens 100m Freestyle (53.39sec) – Jack Rudkins 

Congratulations to the following Age Champions:

• 12 Years – Tom Farr-Jones (7/JN)
• 13 Years – Jackson McCleery (7/MO)
• 14 Years – Thomas Oates (9/JN)
• 15 Years – Christopher Mina (9/PR)
• 16 Years – Sam Lye (10/LE)
• 17 Years – Lachlan Sheehy
• Open Swim Champion 2018 – Jack Rudkins

Congratulations!

Water Polo

Over the holiday break, Newington’s Water Polo teams took part in the Trans Tasman Schoolboys Water Polo Tournament in Melbourne. The Newington Firsts overcome their local AAGPS rivals, Scots College, to take out the Bronze medal. An outstanding, controlled game of water polo ending in a 6-3 victory was a fitting end to a tough campaign. Thomas Harris (11/MO) was like a brick wall in the goals not allowing the opposition shooters opportunity to score during the match. Matthew Sharp (12/MA) also led from the front out in the field.  All of the boys contributed a mountain of effort during the weeklong tournament. The Newington College Development team capped off a week of learning and experience with a heart-breaking, close loss 6-7 to host school Melbourne High school in the play-off for 15^th and 16^th position.

Basketball

The summer school holidays proved to be a busy time for Newington Basketball with a series of camps and tournaments. Newington 1sts basketball team participated in the 18^th Annual Trinity tournament with the team going through the sixteen-team tournament undefeated and the 2nds who won the twenty team Newington Basketball Classic tournament. Not to be outdone the 14A and 15As participated in the Kings Cup Y8 and 9 tournaments with both teams making the final series.

Swimming

congratulations to swimmers Lachlan Sheehy, Luca Polvere (12/KL), Christopher Mina and Jack Rudkins for their strong results in the GPS Open 4x100m Medley Relay. The team came in first place, and set a new GPS record for the event!

Congratulations to Henry Larkings (12/FL) for earning a spot on the 2018 Australian Youth Sailing Team! Henry and his teammates will represent Australia at the Youth Sailing World Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas in July.

Photo courtesy of Beau Outteridge

Admin Day 2018

On Monday, 29 January, Newington held it’s second annual Administration Day. Parents and students spent the day on campus to kick-off the 2018 academic year. Students met with their Mentors and had their school photos taken. Parents and students were invited to attend information sessions throughout the day. The series of twenty-minute forums included topics such as:

• • SPACES/ Canvas/ Diary information
  • International Baccalaureate/HSC introduction
  • Positive education and building resilience
  • Managing assessments
  • Moderation and scaling
  • Career Information (scholarship/ University processes)
  • Helping adolescents to succeed/ Academically and interpersonally
  • Parenting your adolescent
  • Managing anxiety – tools for parents
  • Organisation – finding the balance
  • OED Cadets/ Newington Challenge / Duke of Ed
  • Music School – Q & A
  • Service Learning at Newington College
  • Sport at Newington (structure and process)

Year 7 students engaged in their own full-day orientation, which included:

• • Mentor group meetings
  • Tour of the college
  • iPad training
  • Sport trials

A new addition to Admin Day included the launch of ‘Family Zone’, a new initiative to support families managing technology in their homes and at school.

Newington Scarves Make a Difference

The colours Black and White evoke a sense of pride and community at Newington College. Newington boys have been wearing the colours since 1869 where, before official school uniforms, the colours first appeared on the rugby field. Today, Black and White are featured in the school uniform, and dressing in Black and White to support Newington continues on as a tradition.

Newington-branded scarves are commonly seen around campus in the colder months of the year. The hand-made neckwear features the Wyvern and school motto ‘In Fide Scientiam’, which means To your faith, add knowledge. Beyond being well crafted and beautifully designed, the scarves are changing lives for women and their families in Peru.

Newington parent Kylie Ann Mayer organises the Black & White store, which sells Newington-branded items. She first learned about the opportunity to bring the scarves to campus from Denise Beecroft, a Newington parent who volunteers her time with an organisation called Tika Peru. The organisation creates opportunities for women to sell their handmade goods around the world. Newington supports the Lima workshop, which was established by three Australian Sisters of Mercy. Proceeds from the scarf sales support the women of the Lima workshop.

The scarves are available for sale at the Newington Uniform Shop at Concordia.

The Black and White store is run by parent volunteers. For general inquiries; information about volunteering and orders, please contact Kylie Ann at crestedware@newington.nsw.edu.au.