Introduction

My thanks to all who have made me feel very welcome this term as I settle into the role of Sportsmaster while Miss Monaghan is on leave.  Staff and boys have been very supportive as I learn about life at Newington College Lindfield. 

As well, I have met with representatives of the parent Sports Committee which is a great support for the sports program at Newington Lindfield.  Having school and parents working together so well creates a very harmonious atmosphere. 

Saturday Sport

The winter sports season has begun very well.  Our football teams are playing with great enthusiasm and have posted some solid wins these past two rounds. 

Rugby Sevens has also ‘kicked off’ well.  We are very fortunate to be hosting most of the rounds this season.  Again, the standard of play from Newington teams is high and each match, be it rugby or football, I see the boys always ‘in the game’ no matter the score.  That is what we wish to see; teams showing grit and determination especially when times are challenging. 

Occasionally, teams do not have enough players due to illness or injury.  It can happen to Newington teams as well as the opposition.  When that occurs, it may necessary for boys to play an extra match for Newington or, in some cases, for the opposition.  I would like to commend the following boys for having done so already this season: 

Played for the opposition – Oscar Veitch, Christian Biasotto, Harrison Scott-Mackenzie, Jack Mannix, Diesel James

Played extra for Newington – Toby Ashworth, Mika Koskela, Oscar Veitch, Jake Ryan, Hugo, Flynn Clatworthy 

A reminder that Newington boys must commit to their football or rugby team each Saturday.  It can be very disheartening when boys withdraw for reasons other than illness or injury.  As it implies, the team is just that and without all members being present on game day, enthusiasm and enjoyment for those who do turn up to play are compromised. 

Dress

It is important that boys dress correctly for match day as well as training sessions.  On game day Newington boys do look smart and ready to play.  Training days occasionally see boys without the protective gear they need so they may participate in the full session.  A good habit to get into is to pack the night before so there is less rush in the morning.  Even at my age, I still pack my ‘school bag’ at night! 

CIS Representation

A number of boys have been nominated in various sports to trial for Combined Independent Schools (CIS) teams.  They are: 

• Hockey – Max Yeoland
• Rugby Union – Charles Brown, Charlie Burt, Finn Dundon, Harry Dundon, James Knight
• Touch Football – Charles Brown, Charlie Burt, Finn Dundon, Harry Dundon, James Knight, Louis Quarello 

The process of nomination and selection to CIS usually follows the pathway of the school determining who it will send to the trials and, after skills sessions and often game situations, the team is selected.  

Sometimes, the Independent Primary Schools Heads Association (IPSHA) conducts a pre-trial as the number of nominations from various schools is too great for the CIS to manage.  Therefore, IPSHA intercedes to assist CIS and also ensure those who progress to that trial are real chances of making the team.  This was the case in rugby and touch football.  For hockey the trial is at CIS level. 

Physical Education Classes

My role while at Newington is to manage the Physical Education programme.  This term the focus is on dance and gymnastics.  We are very fortunate that, for the dance component, Ms Amy Gough is coordinating.  Amy has a wealth of experience in the teaching of dance and the boys will benefit from that.  Dance is as much about the mind as it is about the feet.  The curriculum states that dance:

“Is concerned with developing each student’s ability to express themselves through movement and their confidence to participate in dance activities.” 

“…provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop awareness of the ways in which their bodies move in and through space and how time and rhythm, dynamics and relationships influence the quality of their movement.”

(PDHPE K-6 Modules p 77)

“Gymnastics is concerned with exploring the different ways the body can move and providing a foundation for skills associated with movement activities.” 

“The focus is on initial movement exploration experiences involving locomotor and non-locomotor skills leading to the acquisition of some specific gymnastic skills.”

(PDHPE K-6 Modules p 157)

Dance and gymnastics complement each other yet there is a differentiation between the two strands.  Importantly both combine to assist students understand movement, improve coordination and develop confidence.

Conclusion

Again my thanks to all for making me feel so welcome in the Newington Lindfield community.  While I am here for just a short while, I do feel part of it and am greatly enjoying the experience.  My aim is to provide a positive sporting experience for all boys of Newington College Lindfield.

David Musgrove – PDHPE Teacher/Sports Master Lindfield (Acting)