Dear Parents and Guardians,

With the continued worrying media coverage about COVID-19, it was refreshing to acknowledge our 2019 ONU Centennial Trust Awardees this week.

Dr Nicholas Blefari (ON 2008) was accepted into Western Sydney University to study medicine, which he completed in 2013. With his supervisor, Dr Christine O’Neill, Nicholas has presented internationally and published work in the area of quality of life in survivors of thyroid cancer. Together, they are in the process of establishing a large multi-centre study to identify factors which impact on patients’ quality of life, with the hope of being able to change practice to improve the patient experience in the future.

Mr Ciaran Frame (ON 2012) completed a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition with First Class Honours at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2016 under the Board of Governor’s Scholarship. The ONU Centennial Trust will aid Ciaran in completing his Master’s. He hopes to create new pathways in the arts on a local, national and international level that will have a direct impact on young people’s lives, much in the way that Newington had an impact on him. What wonderful role models for our boys.

We have also announced our 2020 Co-Curricular leaders. The Debating Captain and Vice-Captain for 2020 are Grayson Richardson (12/KL) and Benjamin Diskin (12/MO). The Captain of Gender Equity is Alistair Shaw (12/LE), Captain of Sustainability is Tom Graham (12/MO) and the Captain and Vice-Captain of the First XVI are Abraham Hassan (12/LE) and Luke Mesterovic (12/MA). I congratulate these boys.

On a practical note, we now have a dedicated Coronavirus Space. It is updated constantly and can be found by clicking here. Please ensure your contact details with the College are up to date.  It is our aim to remain alert but not alarmed.