Dear Parents and Guardians,
Our inspiring 2017 Newington Medallists were recognised at assembly on Monday. Three very different, but equally uplifting, stories were shared as each recipient described their path from Newington student to Newington Medallist.
Mr Brian Sommerlad (ON 1958) spoke to the boys about his work as a plastic surgeon specialising in surgery for children and adults with cleft of lip and palate and associated conditions. Mr Sommerlad has helped countless people around the world, and his message to boys was clear: leave a legacy of value. He has done just that, teaching fellow surgeons in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Bangladesh and China so that skills remain and develop further in each of those countries.
Mr Ian Diery (ON 1967) spoke to the boys about career choices. His life after Newington was colourful: he was an engineering student, traveller, Rugby player and London cab driver before eventually finding his niche in technology and rising through the ranks of Wang Laboratories, Apple Computers and Electronic Scrip, Inc. Mr Diery left the boys with an inspiring mandate: “Do your best, keep an open mind, and let imagination impact your thinking”.
His Hon. Magistrate Greg Grogin (ON 1976) shared his journey from Newington Prefect to police officer, police prosecutor, solicitor, barrister, Local Court magistrate and acting District Court judge. He urged the boys to “find a passion; a passion that can entertain you in the quiet times. Consider the consequences of your actions and be a good member of your community”.
On Monday and Tuesday evening we saw passion on display at the Junior and Senior Concerto Competitions. Thirty-five talented musicians from Years 4-12 performed. Congratulations to Leroy Ma 9/KL, Hugh Matthews 9/JN and Matthew Tan 7/MO who placed 1st to 3rd respectively in the Junior program and Andrew Wang 11/LE, Gabriel Haslam 11/KL and Callum Stewart 11/MA who placed 1st to 3rd respectively in the Senior program.
On Tuesday 5 June we will hold our Careers Advice evening. Our Old Boys have again been brilliant in supporting this event. To ensure we have a diverse range of careers and experiences, we are keen to hear from parents interested in talking to boys about their profession and the pathways that led to it. To register your interest please click here.
A reminder that Mentor photos for Years 8-11 will take place tomorrow and Year 12 on Monday.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Newington mums a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday.
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