Faith Matters

Taking Care of Unfinished Business

A young Korean once approached the counter at Trans World Airlines and explained that nine years earlier, when he was 17, he’d travelled on a child’s ticket. Now he wanted to pay the difference. The agent was dumbfounded by his honesty! Billy Kim was 17 when the Korean War broke out. His dad died and his school was bombed, so he joined the American troops, shining boots and washing dishes. When he got an opportunity to go to America, he was thrilled. Landing in San Francisco he thought he’d arrived in heaven! But he had to get from there to his sponsor in Virginia, and he had no money. Afraid he’d get lost, some friends bought him a child’s ticket and pinned a note on his uniform; it read, “To Whom It May Concern, send this boy to Route 1, Box 75, Danville, Virginia.” But the story doesn’t end there. Billy later became pastor of a church of over 10,000 people. Eventually he went on to preside over the Far East Broadcasting Company, and translated for Billy Graham when he spoke to a crowd of over one million people in Seoul, Korea. Not bad for a boy who shined shoes!

God’s choice of leaders has less to do with connections and charisma than with character and conformity to His Word. Restitution is important in God’s economy, after all He sent Jesus to set things right between us and Himself. Do you have any unfinished business that needs attention? Perhaps as we approach Easter now might be an ideal time.

Year 1 – Instructions and Procedures

Over the last two weeks, Year 1 have been investigating the need for instructions and procedures in our everyday lives. We have spent some time brainstorming all the different places we see instructions or steps to do things and have experimented with following some tricky procedures and we have been writing our very own.

Last week we were introduced to the ‘olden day’ game of Hopscotch. We spent some time reading and trying to comprehend the procedure of how to play, and then enjoyed some time experimenting and practising what we had learnt.

It was a pleasure to see the boys keen to play Hopscotch at recess and lunch and even more exciting, was watching some Year 1 boys trying to teach the Kindergarten boys how to play.

Throughout the week, the boys were presented with a big blue bag full of things that were going to be used to make something yummy. We found bananas, honey, milk, a blender, a knife, a plate and some cups. We made the most beautiful banana and honey smoothies and wrote our own procedures to match.

We also had a wonderful but challenging time following some visual instructions from a clip on You Tube. We had a go at creating our own funny paper frog faces and then began to write our own instruction booklet to give to another class to use. We are all looking forward to seeing if our instructions are clear enough for others to follow!

Mrs Gaspersic

Year 1 Teacher

Stage 3 – Camp to Bathurst

This year, Years 5 and 6 headed north-west to the Blue Mountains and on to Bathurst for 3 days and 2 nights of great fun and exciting adventures. It was a great way to introduce our new Unit of Inquiry “Where We Are in Place and Time” which explores the concepts of identity and the impact of significant people and events on societies.

On the way to the goldfields, we stopped at Echo Point for a glimpse of the Three Sisters and then headed to Jenolan Caves to wind our way through the steep and narrow caverns of their hidden world. The boys loved both experiences but couldn’t wait to get to Heritage Park to make their fortune.

The second day brought hope of riches and great fortune as we made our way to Hill End then onto some gold panning nearby. Before beginning, we were guided through the Bald Hills Mine and had a small taste of life of life underground. The boys then stood ankle deep in the muddy waters, sifting through the stone and mud, dreaming of that “Eureka” moment. While minute amounts were found, we walked out richer for the experience but not for the golden discovery.

On Day 3, we took a hot lap of Mount Panorama at 40km/h in the bus and took a pit stop at the Bathurst Goldfields site, just at the bottom of Forest Elbow. There the boys made damper, play games of horseshoes, made tents and mud bricks. A quick journey through the gift shop before the journey home was compulsory.

Though great fun was had by the boys and teachers alike, we received a real sense of what it was like in the early days of our nation. There were hard times but great hope of making it rich. It was not easy during the time of the Gold Rush but our small colony became multicultural and great deal was learnt by those who were there about their own character and how much it meant to them to be successful.

As we arrived home that Friday afternoon, we reflected on a great time together as a Stage and how we will cherish the memories we share.

Mr Czerwenka, Mr Weekes, Mr Edwards, Mrs Ball and Miss Rusten

A Message from the Head of Lindfield Campus

Two heads are better than one

This week I had the fantastic opportunity to meet with a number of parents and one of the common, and very appropriate, questions that came up was how are we supporting the boys’ individual learning needs. I was thrilled to be able to provide a progress report on our new approach to Learning Enhancement that you may recall I outlined in a recent letter.

In essence, our new approach is built on the same principles that our previous approach was with one distinct difference – two sets of eyes and two heads are better than one. Although, given the shift I thought it was appropriate and timely to restate our approach.

Our approach is based on a commitment to knowing each and every boy and what their immediate point of need is, rather than simply placing boys in a ‘pigeon hole’ or labeling them based on their ‘potential’.

To assist us in doing this effectively the teachers work through a systematic approach to ensure that learning is driven by current data. The process works through the following steps:

 Identification – determining learning outcomes and planning an appropriate pre-assessment to determine student learning.

 Classification – analyzing assessment data to establish specific student learning needs (at all points of the continuum) and to establish appropriate groupings and strategies for upcoming learning experiences.

 Modification – plan for appropriate modifications to learning experiences to support learning needs within the classroom context. This may involve adjusting the ‘success criteria’ or expectations for different students.

 Clarification– ensure students are aware of what is required of them in the learning experiences.

 Satisfaction – plan for and implement a summative (end of unit) assessment task. Data from this assessment is used for future learning and to evaluate the success of the teaching and learning.

 Notification – ensure parents are kept in the loop. This won’t occur on a weekly basis but as necessary to ensure there are no surprises.

We have been using this framework since last year, however, this year the changes we have been able to add the benefit of having two educators work through this process as research tells us that collaboration between teachers has a direct impact on student learning. Of course the additional benefit is that there are also two sets of eyes in the classroom. Whilst both teachers will be actively working with groups and individuals, they will also both be able to keep an eye on the other students as they work. This is a tremendous thing to ensure that boys are not ‘slipping through the cracks’.

It is early days with this new approach but reports from teachers so far have been very positive. We look forward to continuing to develop this approach to ensure that each and every boy in our school is able to work at his full potential and receive teacher support as, and when required, at his direct point of need.

Chris Wyatt

Stage 2 – Camp to Lake Macquarie

Tears, cheers and last minute instructions were the order of the day as the young brigade boarded the coach for what was a first camp experience for many boys…and parents! The bus was a buzz of excitement and anticipation as the tall black gates of the crusaders camp were upon us. Greeted by three enthusiastic leaders, it was evident that this was to be a camp to remember.

The bags were stored, the morning tea eaten and it was straight into activity no. 1, which was different for all groups. The 43 strong crowd were separated into 3 groups and their activities included rock climbing, canoeing, mission impossible, a lake adventure walk, archery, sailing, fishing and log rolling. The latter was intriguing and the boys discovered very quickly that balance was going to be crucial.

After swimming out to a designated area in the lake, a long plastic and foam ‘I’-shaped water structure was in front of them. In the middle was a foam cylinder, which spun when stood on, and soon became the area of battle! One by one, the boys stepped up to test their balance, strength and intellect to conquer all before them in a gladiator-style battle royale. And the kings of the log roll were Benji MacDonald, Henry Taylor and Jett Leong who were ruthless in their domination of all who challenged them.

Canoeing was next, and three in the boat with two paddles meant for a lot of directing and negotiating on the warm pristine waters. Games that included splashing other boats to remove dirt from the front and relay races tested the boys’ teamwork and strength, with Zac Kingston the standout.

The adventure walk allowed the boys to get back to nature, and this led to the end pier where the reels were uncoiled and the damper hooked. With some precision and patience, Jett Leong and Ethan Hardwick managed to pull in two little beauties, give them a kiss and throw them back.

Archery slowed things down and allowed the boys with great precision and accuracy to take over. Cameron Liu led the way, missing the bulls eye by a…bulls eye! Things really heated up when mission impossible started. A test of knowledge, skill, teamwork and leadership as the boys attempted to negotiate a make-believe nuclear reactor escape. Shea Tonge used his superior flexibility and quiet determination to aid his team in all three activities.

When it comes to courage! When it comes to conquering fear, there is nothing better than clambering up a mountainous wall! Many tried, many triumphed, but none better than young Charlie Carr. After flying up half the course, Carr froze and refused to move. Egged on by the leaders and his classmates, Charlie was able to overcome his fears and make it to the top. Tom Kennedy and Anton Lising were also very impressive on the climb.

That just left sailing! ‘We are sailing’ echoed around the camp as the lifejackets were thrust and the wet shoes stepped in. Three brilliant little catamarans entered the water and a sail around the pristine Lake Macquarie waters ensued. Calm waters at first opened the way to the ‘roaring forties’ as the boats sped along at match speed. Such was the speed that the boys were going that one could not hold on and decided to go for a dip! Much laughter and cheers ensued as Henry Taylor was dragged back on the boat, with a new story to tell.

In between activities the boys were constantly engaged, with the leaders enthralling and entertaining them with night games, bible activities and many a game of soccer and basketball along the way. Food was plentiful, nutritious and delicious and gave the boys the energy they needed to make it through three days jam-packed full of activities. An amazing camp, an amazing location and some incredible staff made this a camp to remember. Can’t wait until next year!!

Shayne Pollard, Leonie Russell, Mark Caulfield and Katrina James

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Stage 3 – Robot Invasion

During the last few weeks, the Art Room was unrecognisable. There were mountains of cardboard, computer parts, milk bottles, plastic toys and many found objects, littering the Art Room and giving it a lovely chaotic atmosphere. This was because Stage 3 had been busy collecting, scavenging and constructing wonderful recycled and found objects for their Robots, inspired by the idea that artists can anthropomorphise, or give human characteristics to, inanimate objects.

Stage 3 were asked to bring in their own materials, which saw many fantastic findings, such as old keyboards and bionic arms, computer chips for brains and many other creative solutions. The boys were challenged to use a variety of construction methods, depending on the materials they were dealing with. Concurrently, the boys engaged in discussions about what makes us human, rather than robots, under the umbrella topic of wellbeing.

At the culmination of the unit, all of Stage 3 assembled their completed Robot sculptures in the assembly hall, and a presentation was delivered in Assembly of Week 7, introducing their work as a Robot Invasion. From this presentation, which was entirely organised by the boys, I learnt that the boys had really engaged with the unit and had a very enjoyable experience. It was a chance for them to make big, messy and imaginative structures, which challenged their understanding of the animate and the inanimate; as we saw their creations come to life!

Mrs Phoebe Burnett

Art Teacher

Gymnastics

Gymnastics at Lindfield is fun, exciting, challenging and develops sports skills for life. In Early Stage 1 the boys explore how their bodies move in different scenarios, and how patterns of movement can be put together. They achieve this through experimentation, group balances, rotations such as forward rolls and bar hangs, as well as control and strength off the very exciting mini trampoline!

In Stage 1 it is taken a step further with more apparatus used such as the beam, the beat board and the crash mats. Boys are encouraged to challenge themselves in a variety of movements and statics through circuits that test their ability to balance, show body control through forward rolls and start to complete very difficult rotations such as cartwheels and bunny hops.

Stage 2 take the concepts of body control, strength and flexibility and puts them into practice through a range of balances, rolls and jumps. Cartwheels are completed on boxes to assist and challenge all boys and the mini tramp is used as a tool for control, strength and precision. Boys are encouraged to move around a circuit that allows them to identify weakness and develop ways to improve through repetitive, fun activities.

The year 5 and 6 boys in Stage 3 take the elements used in stage 2 to a level of transition where they are able to seamlessly move from one movement to another in a routine-type sequence. This is achieved through circuits that combine movements, rolls, jumps and rotations together. Movements such as cartwheels, round-offs, handstands, dive forward rolls and the like are put together to form these routines.

Mark Caulfield

Sports Master

Primary Cross Country

Not for the first time, the Senior School provided a picturesque setting for the Annual Primary Cross Country. Anticipation was high as the trained-up athletes descended upon the lightning fast course. Every vantage point was a winning view as the brilliantly constructed course allowed all to get a sense of the cat-and-mouse game which is Cross Country running.

After a brief introduction and explanation of the course, it was time to get down to action. Newly appointed ‘bunny’ Mr Richard Baker set himself the challenge of not being overtaken by a talented runner from Coates in the opening bout, however this was not as easy as it first looked.

The Junior race started us off and 2km of high energy, precise and fleet-footed running ensued. Young Bililign Robertson had his sights on Mr Baker and his first lap broke the hearts of all the other competitors as he scorched the immaculate pitch with some breathtaking distance running. Although he slowed in the second lap, his lead never looked in danger and he took out the junior event for the second year running. Two James’ were hot on his heels though, with James Whiteing showing the benefit of some intense training as he powered to second place, with James McGregor showcasing a beautiful running style in finishing third.

In the chaos of a packed finish it is always hard to see where the 8 and 9 year olds finish amongst the 10 years, making for an exciting wait at the conclusion of the carnival for final placings. This year it was Nicholas Venetoulis taking out the 9 years event, showing that he is extremely multi-talented after his swimming exploits, and showing that the Biathlon competitors should watch out come November. Matthew Torrible and Ryoma Suzuki were second and third respectively, proving that the future of distance running at Newington looks very bright for years to come.

The youngest competitors on the day the 8 year olds were next to cross the line, with young Stirling Nicholas finishing a fantastic 24th overall in the event, but first across the line for the 8 year olds. Cameron Davey-Webb showed his ability in both Swimming and Running in finishing second, and Will Nicholas was very closely behind in third.

In the Senior race it was clear from the outset that it was a race in two, with Grayson Richardson taking the early lead with a powerful start before succumbing to the relentless speed and endurance of Oscar Moody who led almost from start to finish. Third in this event was Rhett Schlaphoff who continues to impress at all athletic events.

The 11 years were not far behind and after a very close finish Fletcher Jakes was awarded first place. Gaelen Dorigo also finished with a rush and although Fletcher was the official winner of the event, the closeness meant that he and Gaelen shared the honours of age champion in a great show of sportsmanship. Second and third place went to Samuel Eagleton and Flynn Leung-Nicholson in an 11 years race that will be talked about for years to come.

So after all the heroics, sore legs, aching lungs and smiling faces, there had to be a winner of the day. And despite the results proving too difficult to announce on the day due to the unprecedented numbers in the championship races this year, we had a winner………and the result was the closest in living memory with the bitter rivals Rydal and Kingswood almost sharing the spoils. But there can be only one winner, and this year it was RYDAL, who finished ahead of Kingswood on an adjusted score by 0.01 of a point. First home for the Wyvern houses was Williams, who were only a few points away from the top two.

Another brilliant day, some more spectacular moments, close finishes and satisfied boys and parents! And at the end of it all we have four teams that are going to give the IPSHA Cross Country a real shake come the 5th April…

Purple Day – Friday 28 March

Purple Day is a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On 26 March each year people from around the globe wear purple to spread the word about epilepsy.

Why Purple Day?

Cassidy Megan started Purple Day because she wanted to tell everyone about epilepsy, especially that all seizures are not the same and that people with epilepsy are ordinary people just like everyone else. She also wanted kids with epilepsy to know that they are not alone.

Before starting Purple Day, Cassidy said “I was afraid to tell people about my epilepsy because I thought they would make fun of me. After the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia did a presentation in my class, I started to talk with the other kids about my seizures. That is when I decided to become a spokesperson for kids with epilepsy. I called it Purple Day after the international colour for epilepsy lavender.” http://www.epilepsyaustralia.net/Purple_Day/Purple_Day.aspx

This year Lindfield K-6 took part in Purple Day and our boys came dressed in purple (or blue and red) to help raise awareness about epilepsy which is a condition that affects a number of members within our community.

Following Chapel this morning we all read a book called ‘The Lion’s Secret’. The book was written by Kelly Dicketts to help others to understand what it means to live with epilepsy. It was a wonderful way to begin the day by reminding our boys that we are all different and conditions such as epilepsy don’t change who we are. The book also provided a fantastic platform for providing the boys with a little more information about epilepsy and its impact on people.

Our school community is always incredibly generous … our SRC/P&F Purple Day Hero fundraising efforts (through cupcakes & the gold coin donation) for Epilepsy Action Australia has raised in excess of $940.00.

Thank you!!

In particular, a huge thank you to the following parents who supported this event with enthusiasm and enormous generosity – Melissa Hunter, Andjana Pachkova, Erica Berkovich, Kim Stevens and Collette Middleton. Your contribution to our school activities is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Mr Wyatt and his team – in particular to Julie Ellam, Jenny Druce and Pascal Czerwenka (Mr C suggested this cause could be an SRC initiative), along with Mrs Barg, Mrs Gaspersic and Miss Rusten (our SRC teachers) – your support was wonderful!

Finally, a big thank you to the boys who were very well behaved and displayed impeccable manners when picking up their cupcakes.

Student Representative Council members and teachers

Parents and Friends Association

Privacy Policy

The Privacy Laws have Changed

Important changes to the Privacy Act 1988 commenced on 12 March 2014. The Privacy Act now includes a set 13 new harmonised privacy principles that regulate the handling of personal information by Australian Government agencies and some private sector organisations. These principles are called the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The Privacy Act also includes new provisions on codes of practice about information privacy (APP codes). The Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner (OAIC) has detailed information on their website.

At Newington College, we take our obligations to protect personal and other private information seriously. That’s why we have a Privacy Policy in place to make sure we safeguard your information appropriately.

The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, has explained that recent changes, “…are the most significant changes to privacy laws in over 25 years and affect a large section of the community. The world has changed remarkably since the late 1980s when the Privacy Act was first introduced, and so the changes were required to bring our laws up to date with contemporary information handling practices, including global data flows.”

It is important for you to be aware of our Newington College Privacy Policy now amended to comply with the changes to the Act.

If you have any further enquiries about the personal information collected, stored or distributed by Newington College please feel free to contact the Director of Communications, Newington College, 200 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore 2048.