Martial Arts – Wednesday Afternoons

It has been a busy term, with all of the boys earning patches for great effort and attitude and/or their next grade levels.

As mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the higher levels require substantially more effort to accomplish and usually take two or more terms of training to achieve, and on 7 November, Jack Middleton and James Bradford earned their level 6, Gold belt with stripe.  For such young men to understand this and yet maintain optimism and focus is quite remarkable.

The following week, Harrison Miles, who has been working very hard on a positive attitude, graded to level 3, Orange belt, and Henry Taylor, who every week brings a great approach to his training, graded to level 4, Orange belt with stripe.

In the final two weeks of term, Logan Ford was graded to Red belt with stripe, William Johnston to Orange belt with stripe, and Oliver Johnston to Gold belt with stripe.  The boys continue to develop very good technical skills, combined with a wonderful ‘Black Belt attitude’.  Our two newest students, Connor Andrews-Gardiner and Connor Plank, completed their first term of training and have shown great ninja listening skills to earn the rank of Red belt.  (As reported in an earlier newsletter, William Fisher, who has been consistent with excellent focus and doing his best, earned his Orange belt on 17 October.)

As always, it has been a great privilege to teach the boys this term, and we have accomplished much.  Planning is well underway for our 2013 programmes and we look forward to the joy of continuing to build confident and optimistic young men next year.

Please join our  ‘Kids Boot Camp’ at the Studio these School Holidays.

Where:  346 Pacific Highway Lindfield
Date:   14-18 January 2013 (inclusive)
Time:  1.00 – 3.00pm
See  http://www.fitevolution.com.au for more details.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas break.

Marice Knapman
Senior Instructor

School Fees 2013…Last chance to set up automated payments

In an effort to assist you to pay the school fees in 2013, I wish to remind you of the ability to pay fees via nine automated monthly instalment payments.  If you haven’t already done so, and you wish to smooth and spread the school fee payments over most of the year, you can opt to pay the school fees automatically.  Many families use this payment method as it is the most convenient way to pay the fees.  If you have previously provided the College with an Authority, we will bill you in nine instalments in 2013.  If you have not already provided the College with an Authority, there is one last opportunity to still do so … before Monday, 3 December 2012.  Simply complete and return either the “Credit Card Authority” or the “Direct Debit Request”. It is important to note that, once the 2013 billing system has been set up, we cannot switch your billing and payment pattern.

Peter Yates
Head of Corporate Services

Farewell Year 6

We say farewell to our Year 6 Class of 2012. We thank the boys for their enthusiastic and positive contribution to our Prep School this year, and wish them God’s richest blessings for the future.

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A Message from Mr Wyatt

Overview of 2012

Whilst much has changed over the last year, much has stayed the same.

The changes have been subtle and focused on refining the educational offerings to our boys. This has included the introduction of; Problem Solving and Writing workshops in Stages 2 and 3; Challenge Clubs; Student-led Conferences; Portfolios; and a 1:1 iPad program in Year 5 and 6 and sets of iPads K-4. We have also spent considerable time and energy to develop the units of work that the boys have investigated throughout the year along with fine tuning our approach to Spelling, Reading and Mathematics.

Lindfield Prep continues to be a dynamic learning community full of healthy respect between the staff, parents and boys in our school. It is a school with a strong and growing reputation in the local community. And perhaps most importantly, it is a school full of highly motivated young men who are thoroughly engaged by the learning and teaching process which is overseen by deeply committed and professional staff.

As we draw to the end of a busy year, may I extend my sincere thanks to every member of our school community for such a great year. To the boys, thank you for your commitment, creativity and curiosity which inspire us and keep us on our toes every day. Our boys’ achievements in all areas of school life have again been outstanding, with boys taking the numerous opportunities provided to them to excel, as evidenced by all the positive articles in the fortnightly Prep Talks. To my staff colleagues who enthusiastically and passionately strive to achieve what is best for our boys in every respect, my sincere thanks for making this such a positive and dynamic place to work.

Finally, to you the parents I say ‘Thank You’. There is a strong sense of community in our school as a result of the support and partnership of parents. Your involvement in all P&F activities, the Prep Shop, Tuckshop, Sports’ Committee, Creative Arts’ Committee and the Casserole Crisis Committee are just some of the vehicles where the family support is so evident. I also want to express my gratitude to all the parents who have so generously given their time to be involved in classroom activities and events, and the class parent functions for all the relevant year level families.

May I also take this opportunity to wish all our boys and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This has been a truly successful year for us at Lindfield Preparatory School. May we continue to build on this exciting foundation, as we celebrate 150 years in 2013.

Orientation Morning

On Friday 16 November we warmly welcomed all our new boys for 2013 to an Orientation Morning here at our Prep School. The boys participated in the weekly Chapel Service, spent time with their new class teacher for next year, and had the opportunity to have Morning Tea with their new classmates for 2013. We look forward to the positive contribution that each of the boys will make in their classes from next year.

Whilst we take great joy in welcoming our new boys, it is with a touch of sadness that we farewell some of our boys as they move on to continue their learning journeys elsewhere.

Enrolments

We are in the fortunate position to have a few vacancies for next year. If you know anyone who might be interested in enrolling their son in Years K, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for next year, please encourage them to call the School Office on 9416 4280.

P and F News

Dear Lindfield Community

Next year we are going to change the time and day for our P&F Meetings. We have had a problem with attendance and so have decided to trial a change to see if we can have more parents available to attend. This means for Term 1 2013 our P&F Meeting will be on Monday 18 February from 3pm – 4pm (hopefully). A number of boys will have sports practice at school on that day and any other additional children will be supervised by a teacher. There will be more details, at the beginning of the year, as to where they will be looked after but possibly in the JP area.

We know that this is far from suitable for a lot of parents, but quite honestly, attendance has been a little dismal so trying something new isn’t going to hurt. We will see how it goes and if it doesn’t work we will rethink. Remember it’s only once at term, not every week. It’s obviously not obligatory for anyone to attend but can be worthwhile for you to keep in touch with the school. Mr Wyatt does a talk every meeting and then we have the various committees, Class Parents etc. providing an update and any other relevant business. The school will still be conducting various Parent Information sessions through the year, so this has no impact on them.

Don’t forget our “SAVE THE DATE” for the P&F Welcome cocktail party on Saturday night, 23 February 2013. We have double checked with some of our North Shore Girls Schools and don’t appear to have a clash of dates. Invitations with additional information will be out in the New Year. For your information, the incoming Year 6 parents are responsible for the organisation of the evening and the relevant Class Parents will be in touch to prepare for the event at the beginning of the year.

In the meantime, on behalf of all the P&F Committee – myself, Daniel, Collette and Caroline we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy Summer Holiday.

Judy Ryan
P & F President

Community Carol Service – All Welcome

Faith Matters

Time

John Walker writes: “We manage, waste, spend and save time. We wish it would come…we wish it would pass…we see it fly and we feel it drag. We watch clocks and carry calendars, creating the illusion that somehow we control it. God controls time….Do you think He was surprised that while Mary and Joseph were dejectedly wandering the street of Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born?  We’re surprised by unexpected developments…God’s never surprised, even by the most disastrous turn of events.

“How would your faith be if you knew God wasn’t surprised by your circumstances and is working towards a holy and healthy conclusion? George Mueller once waited on the dock for a special chair to be delivered because he had a bad back and needed it for his ocean voyage. When departure time came and it still hadn’t arrived his friends offered to buy him one, but Mueller said, ‘Either God will provide…or…give me grace to do without.’ Then, just like a Hollywood ending…the chair arrived…right on time! How would you act, think, and live differently if you were absolutely certain God was at the end of your deadline…even if there were only seconds left? The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. Time doesn’t diminish His love or His power to work within your life. He was there in the past, He’s here now, and He will be there in your future. This Christmas why not take some time to acknowledge that He is interested in you all the time.

 Mr Peter Morphew
Chaplain

News from Alumni, Archives and Foundation

Farewell to a great Newingtonian

Major-General C.M.I. ‘Sandy’ Pearson, AO DSO OBE MC (ON ’36), passed away on 7 November 2012. Sandy was a great Newingtonian and a highly distinguished Australian soldier. As part of his long military career, he served as the commander of the Australian Task Force in Vietnam and as Commandant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. In later life he was an active supporter of veterans’ and other causes. A friend of the College throughout his life, he served, among other roles, for a decade as a member of the College Council.

Sandy’s life was celebrated with a full military funeral and Service of Thanksgiving in the College Chapel on 15 November. The Chapel was filled to capacity by Sandy’s family and his many friends.

Led by former Newington and Army Reserve Chaplain, Rev Dr Peter Swain, OAM RFD, the service featured hymns and readings from Scripture that Sandy had chosen. A video presentation of memories highlighted Sandy’s character, humility and sense of humour. An account of his schooldays by Dr David Mulford was followed by a eulogy by General David Hurley, AC DSC, Chief of the Defence Force. Sandy’s grandsons, Daniel Weeitch (ON ’96) and Tom Oxley (a Captain in the Army Reserve), presented moving readings. His daughters, Elizabeth Weeitch and Sandra Oxley, spoke about Sandy as a loving father and grandfather.

At the end of the service, Army pall bearers carried Sandy’s coffin through an honour guard of members of Newington’s 1st XV and 1st VIII — Sandy had been a member of both — and past Cadets with the College colours and flag. A solemn military ceremony saw the coffin placed on a gun carriage and move down the Memorial Drive with music from an Army band and an escort of sixty soldiers. Students from Years 8 and 11 lined the Drive as a final farewell from Sandy’s old school. The official party, family and friends then proceeded to the Northern Suburbs Crematorium for a Committal Service.

The passing of a Newingtonian is inevitably a cause of sadness. Here, however, was also an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the life of a man loved and respected in all spheres of his remarkable life and career.

From the Archives

A hundred and fifty years ago, on 29 November 1862, the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal carried this notice:

Rev. William Kelynack’s visit to Bathurst appears to have been part of a campaign by the Educational Committee of the Wesleyan Methodist Church to drum up support — and to raise crucial funds — for the planned school that was to become Newington College. Later to serve as Newington’s President, Kelynack’s first Australian Circuit had been in Bathurst. The Bathurst Free Press looked forward to his return, reporting that ‘…his eloquence is of the first order, being fervid, classical and free.’

The newspaper duly reported on the meetings, quoting from Kelynack’s speech on the Monday evening at length. He reminded his audience that ‘…they should give every encouragement to the best means for the promotion of knowledge. As Wesleyans they ought to take the lead.’ A collection at the end of the meeting raised £50.

While this PR campaign was under way, the Educational Committee addressed two key practical issues that had to be resolved before the new school could be a reality.

Having settled on Newington House at Silverwater as the site for the school, the place had to be put into good order. The architect Thomas Rowe, who later designed the Founders Wing at Stanmore, was asked by the Committee to examine Newington House and report on the cost of necessary repairs.

The Committee addressed the issue of teaching staff in December 1862 by writing to two prominent Wesleyan churchmen then visiting England, asking them ‘…to secure the services of two competent Masters, and send them out with the least possible delay.’

 David Roberts
College Archivist

Tuckshop

A huge THANKYOU to everyone who has helped, supported, volunteered, dropped by or had something to do with the Tuckshop during the year!  I have enjoyed my first year here so much; the students, volunteers, P&F, parents, staff and suppliers have been so helpful, cheerful and friendly.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and holidays.

Kathyrn Nordstrom
Tuckshop Manager

PLEASE NOTE: Lunch orders will be filled next Tuesday 4 December, but as there will be changed times and movements due to rehearsals at Stanmore during the day, there will be no sushi available but all other meals will be available as usual. Please remind your children to put their orders in before they go to Stanmore at 8.45am.

We require volunteers for 2013 if you are able to assist please click here for the Volunteer Forms.  Please complete the forms and return to the School Office by Monday 3 December 2012.

Certificates

Dates to Note

Friday 30 November  Chapel at 8.30am all welcome, Year 5 Leadership Camp concludes 3.10pm, Music party for boys in Musical Ensembles at lunchtime

Sunday 2 December  K – 12 Carols Service at Stanmore, 5.00pm

Monday 3 December  Reports go home

Tuesday 4 December  Prize Giving Rehearsal at Stanmore, Summer Sports Assembly, 2.15pm – all welcome

Wednesday 5 December  Year 6 Graduation from 6.00pm at Lindfield

Thursday 6 December  Prize Giving at Stanmore, 11.00am  Term 4 concludes

Term 1 2013 begins Tuesday 29 January 2013 at 8.30am

Music Notes

Instrumental Lessons 2013

This is the last week for instrumental lessons. If you wish to have private lessons next year, please fill in the instrumental tuition form. There are copies in the School Office as well as on Spaces.

School Instruments

All school instruments are being collected these holidays. Boys who are playing at Prize Giving in the String Ensemble and Band will have their school instruments collected at the end of the performance. There are no exceptions. The school is creating a brand new data base with all the schools musical resources listed. We apologise for this as I know some boys do play their instruments over the holiday period.

String Ensemble, Band and Choir

All of these groups are performing at Prize Giving. Boys should be practising the pieces that they are playing. There is a rehearsal at Stanmore on Tuesday 4 November in the morning. They will need to bring instruments and music to school.

Tomorrow there is a thank you party for the boys in these ensembles during lunchtime. A note was sent home at the beginning of the week explaining plates of food. Thank you for your support this year getting the boys to performances and rehearsals as well as getting them to practise at home. I look forward to working with them and you again next year.

Vanessa South
Music Teacher

Prep Shop

We require volunteers for 2013 if you are able to assist please click here for the Volunteer Forms.  Please the forms by Monday 3 December 2012.

Week 9 Roster

Monday 3 December
Rebecca L’Orange
Susan Gerahty

Wednesday 5 December
Collette Middleton
Sing Sing Wan

Holiday Trading Hours 

The Prep Shop will be open on Wednesday 23 January from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

In Term 1 2013 Trading Hours will return to normal – Monday 3.00pm to 3.45pm and Wednesday 8.00am to 8.45am.

Sports Shorts

Match of the Round: Junior B Basketball v Arden

On Saturday I made the trip out to Beecroft to compete against Arden on their home court. When I arrived I was surprised to see that three girls were in the Arden team. The start of the game went well with Tom Williamson sliding across the court as he threw himself on the ball to gain possession. The girls in the other team quickly ran in to try and take the ball but Tom held on grimly.

The two Newington referees were fantastic as they explained every time why they blew the whistle. At the beginning of the game there was confusion with the white and yellow boundary lines as the players were playing out of court all the time.

As the captain of the game I can confidently say that we played very well as a team. The Moody brothers Oscar and Tom played well on the court and Oscar had the ball often, trying to score a goal for the Newington team. I used technique in the game by passing the ball between Jacks legs to Jarrah which set up Gabriel to score the first goal. I scored the second goal just before half time.

Back on the court the Newington team had great defence with Samuel and Oliver Prosser working hard. Tom Williamson scored another goal for the team making it 6-8 to Arden. We kept playing hard and fast with the parents cheering us on. I scored the last goal of the day to take the score to 8-8, and that is how the score stayed at full time.

We didn’t win but a tie was just as good as my team played a furious game of Basketball this week and as captain I was very proud of them. I was also very happy to have won ‘man of the match’ at the last game of the season. Well done to all my team mates and thank you for a great season of Basketball.

Newington Combined Inter House Biathlon

A glorious (but early) Saturday morning greeted the combined forced of Lindfield and Wyvern as they descended upon the hallowed Stanmore grounds for the final sporting event of the year. For young Simon James, it was his last as a Lindfieldian, and a chance to reclaim the title he had won in year 4.

The format of the Biathlon had changed due to construction work outside the pool area and the event became a swim, followed by a run across Johnson and Old Boys Oval. 400m in the pool and 1.6km which involved both uphill and downhill terrain was going to be a big ask for many of these young hopefuls.

The swim went according to the script with Jack Rudkins out in front, followed closely by the chasing pack of Hunter Karam, Simon James and Myles Parhash. Other strong showings in the pool were Alex Woolley and Charlie Timpson who gave themselves a lead upon the chasing pack of Lindfield competitors.

The run saw a staggered start based on the swim times and Simon James found himself 35 seconds behind leader Jack Rudkins before the run had even started. This lead proved too much to reel in as Simon, suffering from cramps midway through the run, finished fourth overall in an excellent display, and the highest of the Lindfield finishes. Jack Rudkins managed to hold off a fast finishing Hunter Karam to claim the Biathlon title, with Myles Parhash finishing third.

Of the Lindfield crowd, Alex Woolley and Charlie Timpson finished 14th and 20th respectively. Tom Bell completed an excellent run leg to just hold off brother Harry and finish in 25th and 26th position. Julian Burrows then powered home in 27th, with Hamish Danks and Xavier Sheahan finishing in 29th and 30th position.

In the final wash up Williams House finished in 1st position after having the top three finishes. The battle between Rydal and Kingswood for the final sporting competition of the year went to…….RYDAL! It seems to be their year, but don’t lose hope Kingswood fans as there is a whole year to come in 2013. Thanks to all the parents who got up extremely early to bring their boys to this very special event!

Newington Spaces

Please note that as of Term 1 2013, all sporting correspondence will be made available on the Newington Spaces website located in the sports pages. This will include up-to-date draws, permission notes, team sheets, lists of sporting teams, notices, changes, and a complete sporting calendar. As well as this the boys will receive a sports handbook in Week 1 which will outline the sporting expectations as well as a rundown of sport at Lindfield in full. This will also be made available on spaces. Photos and videos will also be uploaded as well as match reports and student profiles.

It is the hope that this new system will allow for less confusion and a fun and interactive site that gives parents and students alike the chance to own their sporting experiences at Lindfield.

Mr Mark Caulfield
Sports Co-ordinator

Northside Gifted and Talented Network – Parent Seminar 2013

Please click here to find out more information about this Parent Seminar.

Chatswood Tennis Holiday Camps

Please click here to find out more information.

Christmas Concert Photos 2012

The Week that Was Photos