Dear parents and guardians,

A new sport season has begun and on Wednesday our new Summer Sports captains were announced to the boys.

Our Head of Sport Mr Mark Dickens identified common themes behind their selection.  The Summer Sport captains are not necessarily the best player – although they might be.  They are, however, the first to serve, and the last to be served.  They are the first to lead by example and the last to violate team standards.  They are the first to praise and the last to draw attention to themselves. They are the first to encourage and the last to become discouraged.  Congratulations to our Summer Sport Captains (pictured above) Gabe Poidevin – Basketball; Nicholas O’Shea – Cricket; Sam Bristow – Rowing; Christopher Mina – Swimming; Martin Duong – Tennis and Andre Grgurevic – Water Polo.

Twenty-four Year 12 2021 boys have been named on the Headmaster’s List for Academic Effort. They received a certificate from Mr Parker and will be invited to a morning tea to celebrate.  Congratulations to all these boys for the hard work they have put in.

Our 2021 Senior Leaders have brought back the weekly reflection.  Rohan Gandhi explained it will take various forms: in some weeks, the Senior Leaders will shout out big efforts from our sportsmen, musicians and debaters and other times they will promote upcoming events.  This Wednesday Rohan took the opportunity to acknowledge Newington’s “Man of the Week”.

Rohan explained this boy, who is in Year 10, has had a significant impact on his peers in the Music and Drama departments and the classroom.  But more importantly he is helping a pre-school girl who has cerebral palsy.  Since last year he has been spending an hour a week with this little girl, playing games that help her with her body movement and muscle coordination.  When COVID struck and they could not meet, he continued his contact over Zoom by reading her books and playing games like I Spy.

Please join me to congratulate Aiden Carter (10/MO), who has shown us all what it is to be a man of substance both at school and in the community.  Well done Aiden, you are our “Man of the Week”.

Just a couple of housekeeping items.  Could you remind your son that his mobile phone is always to be kept in his locker and his cap is to be removed when he is indoors.  Both mobile phones and caps will be confiscated if seen.

Finally, if your son is showing any flu like symptoms, however mild, please DO NOT send him to school.  Please get a COVID test and keep him at home until a negative result is received.  Thank you in anticipation of your help with this.

Enjoy your weekend.