Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Monday we presented Colours, Letters and Awards to boys across the sports of Basketball, Cricket, Rowing, Swimming, Tennis and Water Polo.  Our Senior teams had a successful Summer season, winning six GPS competitions. In addition, 62 boys represented the College at AAGPS, CIS, State or National levels in 9 different sports.

At this week’s Summer Sport Assembly, our Acting Head of Sport Mr Mark Dickens and our special guest, former Head of Sport Mr James Godfrey, talked about ‘personal bests’, recent events involving the Australian Cricket team and ‘win at all costs’ attitudes. They asked if this is how we want our teams to be recognised. If we give our personal best and the opposition are better on the day, shouldn’t we say “well done” and work hard to improve our performance?  Shouldn’t we ask ourselves if our attitude was positive or negative? Have we challenged ourselves to learn new skills? Did we seek feedback about areas we could improve?

There is no clock or scoreboard to measure or record these things. The only way to answer these questions is by applying your personal best in every aspect of your life, be it sport, studies, your job, or your relationships with family and friends.

Still on the theme of personal bests … Newington College Year 12 and staff took part in the World’s Greatest Shave on Wednesday.  To date, $27,000 has been raised for the Leukaemia Foundation and cash donations are still coming in.  My thanks to team captain James Roach (12/MA) and Year 12 boys for this generous fundraising initiative.  To Ms Troncone, congratulations on being the only female member of staff to shave. Your efforts alone raised more than $1500.

With shaved heads, our Year 12 boys and staff left for their annual retreat.  This is a wonderful program for the boys, their Heads of House and Mentors.  They will return on Friday.

Friday marks the end of Term 1, 2018.  I hope all the boys going on tour during the break have a great experience.  May you enjoy yourselves while representing the College to the very best of your ability.  To families going on holiday, I wish you safe travels, and to those staying at home, enjoy the break in routine.

Just a reminder, Term 2 commences on Monday, 30 April, which is Week B. Our ANZAC Parade will be held on Tuesday, 1 May at 8.30am.  Parents are very welcome.