Camp – Years 3 and 4

On the morning of Wednesday 4 February, Years 3 and 4 arrived at School bright and early to head off on their long awaited camp to Galston Gorge.

The boys had a truly memorable experience for which we are very grateful. They were given the opportunity to bond and build friendships with the new students through various initiatives, problem solving and sporting games. The Year 3 versus Year 4 soccer game was certainly a highlight. Most of the boys enjoyed a refreshing swim in the pool; even Miss Tonkin and Mr Pollard were brave enough to jump in. There were many opportunities for the boys to get “out of their comfort zone” and learn what it means to be a risk taker through BMX riding, rock climbing and the pole climb.

The boys engaged with and learned about Noah and his Ark. In small groups they spent time reflecting on the message from this Bible story and applying this to their lives. Ted Walker (Year 3) embraced the rock climbing and he said “We had to trust the camp leaders when they were telling us how to reach the different rocks to climb up the wall. They also kept us safe by belaying us on the ropes. We trusted them just like Noah trusted in God.”

The camp provided countless learning opportunities, life skill development, much laughter and many unforgettable moments for us all – particularly the Super Villain Hunters game in which I am sure all staff members enjoyed dressing up as various characters and hiding from the boys around the campsite. I am positive these memories will last a lifetime.

Miss Angela Tonkin, Year 3 Teacher

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Crime Scene Provocation

What a disastrous start to the year!!!!  A classroom broken into and Mr Pollard’s iPhone smashed on the ground!!!

Year 4 walked into a crime scene as they entered the classroom on their first day of school. A smashed iPhone, a tipped over vase and flowers, spilled Maths equipment and a footprint in the sand was all the boys had to go off to solve the crime. It did not take long for ideas to start flying as these young detectives put their minds together to catch the culprit.

The Year 4 detectives investigated the crime scene and made notes of what they could see. They then formulated questions that they wanted precise answers for. They finally put strategies in place to solve this heinous crime.

It just so happened that they would require a lot of technology to solve this problem. Which was perfect, considering that our Unit of Inquiry is all about “Using technology to solve perceived problems that impact the world around us”.

The detectives broke into groups in order to quickly apprehend this criminal.

Group 1 used their iPads to take photographs of the evidence and utilised the zoom tool to study the crime scene even further.

Group 2 used a telephone to report this crime to Mrs Druce in the front office. Horrified, she then asked the boys to publish a document on a laptop that she would then email to the authorities.

Group 3 used video recording technology to conduct interviews with the victim and other student witnesses.

Group 4 used a camera to take photos of adult’s shoes as they went around to interrogate each of the teachers and ask of their whereabouts.

After a lot of sharing and reflection on our findings, we reached the conclusion that our Sport teacher, Mr Caulfield, had come into the room in search for the tennis ball (right next to where the iPhone was charging). However in reaching for the tennis ball he tripped on the Maths equipment, knocking and smashing the iPhone to the floor and fleeing the scene, leaving a footprint and trail of sand behind him.

After a long interrogation process, Mr Caulfield finally broke down, admitting to the vandalism and promised to replace the iPhone as soon as possible.

I could not have been prouder of these young detectives and am looking forward to what this year holds.

Well done Year 4!!!

Shayne Pollard

K-6 Classroom Teacher

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Faith Matters

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  (Matthew 6:27)

The following statistics were published in a business magazine. Stress management experts say that only 2% of our “worrying time” is spent on things that might actually be helped by worrying. The figures below illustrate how the other 98% of this time is spent:

* 40% on things that never happen;

* 35% on things that can’t be changed;

* 15% on things that turn out better than expected;

* 8% on useless, petty worries.

Jesus repeatedly tells us not to worry – three times in Matthew 6 alone – be it worries about food, clothing, or the future. He doesn’t belittle our problems, but he calls us deeper into trust. Worries can be transformed into opportunities to grow as we hand them over to God in prayer.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrow; but it empties today of strength.”

Newington Preparatory Schools Inter-House Swimming Carnival

Last Wednesday saw well over 400 participants take to the water at Ryde Aquatic Centre for the annual Newington Preparatory Schools Inter-House Swimming Carnival. This carnival is not only used to find our champion house and age division winners, but also to find the 2015 Newington swim team and IPSHA representatives. The swim team competes at 4 Invitational swim carnivals throughout the year, with a select group having the opportunity to represent at IPSHA, CIS and beyond. The day began with straight finals in the backstroke, butterfly and Individual Medley events. It was clear early on, that the day would be full of close finishes, enthralling battles, fast swims, house spirit and of course participation.

In the 8 year age division, Joel Zipeure scorched the pool, winning the 50m freestyle and 25m breaststroke races on his way to claiming the age champion title. Orlando Mina showed swimming runs in the family, with a 2nd in the breaststroke and a terrific 3rd in the butterfly in the older 9 year division. These performances enabled Orlando to come in runner up in this division, not bad from a current Year 2 student. Liam West, Sam Chittendon and Bailey Childs also had successful meets sharing in the ribbons.

In the competitive 9 year age group, Lewis Saupin declared himself a swimmer of the future winning the 9’s backstroke and butterfly events. Lewis’s butterfly time eclipsed a school record set only 12 months ago by Sebastian Parhash making it an even more impressive start to his programme. Lewis went on to win the breaststroke event as well helping him claim the 9 year age champion title. Placings in the 9 year age races was spread amongst many participants, displaying the depth of this age division. Harry Forsyth was named runner up in this age after winning the 50m freestyle and competing strongly in the other events. Daniel Johnson and Gabriel Gordon showed their versatility, both placing in the breaststroke with Daniel also placing in the freestyle and Gabriel also placing in the butterfly. Jamie De Botton, Toby Torrible and Oscar Neale swam well throughout the day, all winning ribbons in this strong age group.

The 10 year age group saw perennial swim team members Sebastian Parhash and Nicholas Venetoulis, clash with the up and coming Jayden Stanton-Keir, and impressive new Wyvern student Henry Isherwood. This age group has performed very well in the carnivals to follow over last few years, and you can’t help but feel this may continue. Apart from the breaststroke event, these 4 boys finished top 4 in every 10 year and junior event on the card. Sebastian Parhash won the backstroke, Henry Isherwood won the butterfly and Nicholas Venetoulis won the breaststroke. But with Parhash winning the junior 100m and individual medley, the worthy age champion title was confirmed. The consistent Nicholas Venetoulis claimed the runner up honours with a total of 4 ribbons, just superceding Henry Isherwood also with 4 ribbons. Jayden Stanton-Keir claimed 3 ribbons with Matthew Torrible spoiling a clean sweep finishing 3rd in the breaststroke.

Against many older competitors, Thomas Oates shocked all onlookers early, when he smashed a class field in the senior individual medley. Thomas was not troubled for the 11 years champion title winning every age race as well as the senior medley and a 3rd in the senior 100m. Lindfield students Lachlan Hull and William Gray both figured prominently in the race to claim the runner up medallion. Lachlan eventually winning over his counterpart with a 2nd place finish in the freestyle and butterfly and a 3rd in the backstroke. William finished with a 2nd in the backstroke and a 3rd in the freestyle. James McGregor 2nd in breaststroke, Nathan Ma 3rd in breaststroke and Flynn Gannon 3rd in butterfly were also successful in reaching the podium.

The strength of Newington’s 12 year age division is exceptionally high at present. Dominic Goonan 3rd in backstroke, Thomas Baird 3rd in freestyle and Fallon Fotaras 2nd in breaststroke and 3rd in butterfly all finished in the placings, however, it was the battle between Jarrah Ronan from Rydal House and Christopher Mina from Howe House that had the raucous crowd captivated. These 2 boys swam in some of the most enthralling races seen in recent years. Christopher finished the day with 1st in the 50m freestyle, 2nd in the 100m freestyle and backstroke, 3rd in the senior medley and breastroke. But it was his 1st in the 50m butterfly that was his finest of the day, bettering a school record last set in 1983. Jarrah finished 1st in the breastroke, backstroke and 100m freestyle and 2nd in the senior medley, 50m freestyle and butterfly to deservedly take out the 12 years champion title.

As the day got on, and after well over 400 boys had competed individual events, it became uncertain whether time would permit the relays to be contested. Fortunately, one last surge from the race marshals enabled the running of the relays, in a fitting finale to a great competition. It was Howe House winning the 12’s relay, but with William’s House claiming the remainder, the day was decided. Mighty William’s House! 2015 Newington Preparatory Schools Inter-School Swimming House Champions!

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RESPECT

The development of social skills and a positive mindset are essential for all young people.  To support this process each year we run the PALS program which forms part of our Pastoral Care Policy (incorporating Anti-Bullying).

The teachers at Lindfield have collaboratively developed the PALS program (with input from past Year 6 students) to bring together current research on the importance of well-being, social skill development and resilience, and our observations of the needs of our boys.  This is a program that continues to evolve and develop each year in consultation with staff and students.

A summary of the PALS program is located on the Lindfield Learning Page SPACES and can be found by clicking here.

The PALS program also provides a leadership opportunity for our Year 6 boys as they are given the chance to lead teaching sessions with each of the other classes.  In addition to these lessons, there is at least one other weekly session (often in the form of ‘Circle Time’) to allow teachers to consolidate the skill or attitude that has been introduced.

As a part of this program and our focus on the development of appropriate social skills and anti-bullying behaviours and attitudes we will be focusing on the concept of R-E-S-P-E-C-T and to ensure that there is ownership of this program (as with PALS and our focus on HAPPY last year) we have involved the boys in developing the language and features of this program.

The RESPECT acronym that we have collaboratively developed is designed to be addressed sequentially and to appropriately (age dependent) build knowledge of the concept of RESPECT and the characteristics that are necessary to be a respectful learner and person.  Each week, the teachers and boys will reflect on these characteristics and how they are, and can be, demonstrated in our daily lives.

R: ecognise

E: xpress

S: ensitive

P: ositive

E: arn

C: ourtesy

T: rust

The next step is to find ‘Mr Respect’ and the boys have been tasked with the job of designing a character to lead us this year! We’ll keep you posted!

As always your support of our programs at school and home is greatly appreciated.

Year 5 Leadership Camp

On Thursday 12 February after school we shared our thoughts and ideas about “Leadership”. We began by playing bullrush to run off some steam. We then chose our ‘tent mates’ and started setting up our tent. My group took a long time but after about an hour we got the hang of it. Ben and I went up to the driveway to get pizza for dinner. It took a while but the pizza was very, very nice. We had ice cream and then we all went for showers. There were four showers but no walls so there wasn’t much privacy.

We stayed in our tents until we were able to watch the movie (Remember the Titans).  The movie was awesome!  It was about a football team that had both a black and white coach and players that are were black and white.  Most of the other teams they played were all white.  The team went on camp and had to learn about their black or white cultures.  They didn’t all like each and were racist towards each other.  In the end they came together through teamwork and respect.  But their captain, who was their best defender, was in a car crash and was paralysed from the waist down.  They ended up being the second best football team in the country.  This movie was based on a real story.

We then went to sleep.  Well, I did but I heard boys chattering while I was going to sleep.  I was then woken up by Anton saying, “We need to evacuate!” because there was a massive storm and the rain was pelting down.  We all relocated to the library and I fell asleep again.  At 5:30, I was woken up by the sound of stomping and footsteps.  Ms Lowe came in and said, “Boys go to sleep. It is quarter to six”.  But some boys didn’t listen and then Mr Edwards came in and said, “Go back to bed”.  Ten minutes later the teachers came back and said, “Get up boys, come on!” They also told us to pack up your tents.  The thing is we took an hour and a half to set them up. We took two hours to pack them up but we did have breakfast in the middle.

After doing that Mr Caulfield let us play water polo for 15 mins. Then we got changed and played capture the flag…a camp tradition. At recess we enjoyed watermelon, grapes, marshmallows and a muffin. Mmmm…yummy! The boys in Ms Lowe’s class who were in Rydal went with the Kingswood boys from Mr Edwards’ class down to Strike Bowling at Chatswood for a game of laser tag. The boys who stayed back worked on a blog and after hour, we swapped. It was then lunchtime with a sausage sandwich and a fruit juice.

After lunch, we had to build our own rafts. I was very proud of my team as we won the race across the pool. It looked easy but it was very hard. You had to transport nine people from one end of the pool to another. We got two people to the other side. There were four teams and we only had enough equipment for 2 groups at a time. So after half an hour we switched. We then got changed and had some free time on our iPads to end the best overnight camp ever! I say this on behalf of all of Year Fives.The camp was awesome! I would love to do this camp again!

Thank you to Ms Lowe, Mr Edwards, Mr Cooley and Mr Caulfield for making this happen and staying away from your own families.

By Jack Middleton – Class 5E

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A Message from the Acting Head of Lindfield Campus

This week is scheduled as our first Prep Talk sharing for the 2015 school year – so it makes for an exciting week indeed.  Communication between school and home and home and school is at the very heart of defined excellence for a 21st century learning institution. Newington Lindfield, through its SPACES platform and and other shared electronic communication, has a bespoke network system designed to maximise these communication links for the benefit of all.  Prep Talk Week highlights the value placed upon this communication be it individual messages for specific grade levels/sporting teams/club groups or the generic sharing of the excitement and diversity of the week that was across the campus.

Parent Welcome Evening

This message will be one of the final reminders for all Lindfield parents and teachers to attend this Saturday evening’s 7:30pm Parent Welcome.  The Committee members of the Parents and Friends Association, along with Year 6 Parents, eagerly anticipate your company at this special social event. A memorable evening is promised.

International Baccalaureate PYP Induction

For all interested parents, both new and continuing, Induction Sessions into the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) will be presented next week by the school’s Teaching and Learning Leader, Ms Christina Lowe.  The sessions will be held on Wednesday, 25 February at 8:15am, with an evening session commencing at 6:30pm.  These information sessions will provide an invaluable overview of the curriculum/inquiry framework that drives the learning model practised in all classrooms.  Attendance is highly recommended.

Art Room Parent Assistants

Mrs Burnett has augmented a volunteer parent help system for the Art Room this year.  Over the course of each term there will be class art activities that will be more demanding of specific art tools and guidance/monitoring/assistance in the use of these tools.  In other year levels, more traditional art activities will not necessitate such additional help. Therefore, Mrs Burnett would like to have a roster of available parent helpers according to the demands of each of her art units.  Volunteer assistants would provide help for Mrs Burnett over particular art units rather than volunteering to help on a particular day, in a particular class.  This would mean that parents should not expect to work with their own child, or own child’s class, but more generally as an Art Room volunteer.  Interested parents are invited to contact Mrs Burnett directly to volunteer for this program.

Chinese New Year

Best wishes are extended to all our Asian heritage families celebrating the commencement of the Lunar Year of the Goat.  May the year ahead be one of great happiness and prosperity.

Leadership at Lindfield

Following the number of student leadership events in the calendar of last week, I share with all families the Oath of Office pledged by our three school leaders at last Friday’s Leadership Service attended by Dr Mulford, Rev. Morphew, all students and parents of the captains. Before their fellow students Gabriel Dickinson, School Captain and House Captains, Hamish Danks and Luke Dickinson recited the following:

Before God and in the presence of the school, I do solemnly promise that I will always try to lead in such a way as to uphold the honour and to maintain the interests of Newington College Preparatory School at Lindfield and to help all boys here to be truthful, cheerful, courteous and caring.

The school wishes all its leadership team members every success for the responsible journey before them.