OSHClub – Wyvern’s Before & After School Care Program

Wyvern’s Before and After School Care Program is run by OSHClub. Enrolment for all students is recommended and allows parents to easily manage their before and after school care needs via an online account. Visit  www.oshclub.com.au to use the free enrolment service.

For all late bookings, please contact the Coordinator, Eleanor, on 0428 131 700. OSHClub’s head office number is (03) 8564 9000 Click here for the OSHClub Information Flyer.

For OSHClub Newsletter, click here.

Kind regards
OSHClub Team

NCP Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

A string of fresh faces across both campuses descended upon the very warm Ryde Aquatic Centre venue for the 2014 Inter-House Swimming Carnival. Emotions were high as the young brigade looked to step up and fill the shoes left by the very impressive team of 2013.

And it didn’t take long to see the first of them, as young Thomas Oates left all before him as he coasted to victory in the Junior 200m Individual Medley, almost 15 seconds faster than his nearest rival Sebastian Parhash. Oates would then go on to complete the rare and impressive feat of winning every individual event on offer for a 10 year old.  A fantastic effort from a brilliant young swimmer!

His nearest rival in the 200m I.M. Parhash, whose last name would send shivers down a lot of spines of competitors past, showed similar class to his older brother Miles. After his second placing in the I.M., Sebastian went on to win every 9 year event from then on, proving that lightning really can strike twice.

And just when you though Williams couldn’t get any better the 8 years events started! Daniel Johnson and Callan Rixom showed Williams are in good hands for many a year as they finished first and second in both the 50m freestyle and 25m breaststroke events. This is how it ended in the age champion stakes with little Cameron Davey-Webb coming in third which was a great effort for one of the youngest in the field.

The 9 years was dominated by Parhash, but Nicholas Venetoulis showed great discipline and experience as he finished second overall and in almost every other event. Eric Carney finished second in the Butterfly event and was third or thereabouts in each of the other events to finish third overall.

Without doubt, however, the most hotly contested age group was the 10 years events. Thomas Oates may have dominated at the top, but it was the minor places that pushed every boy to the limit, with Flynn Gannon placing in enough events to outstay the challengers. In the mix was Lachlan Hull who again continued his good form from the trials finishing third in the I.M. and Butterfly events. It was then William Gray, Tom Kennedy and James Whiteing mixing it up in the minor placings in each of the other events, exciting all who were there.

The 11 years event was thrown wide open when Jarrah Ronan declared himself fit for just the freestyle and breaststroke, where he finished first and second just quietly. Christopher Mina was then able to step into the limelight with a great display of powerhouse swimming. He and Jonty Carr fought it out strongly in each event, with only the breaststroke event not featuring the pair in the placings. The well rounded Tom Alscher finished third overall and was just rewards for a very enthusiastic competitor.

In the premier event of the day it was Eden Horne who blitzed the pool, not troubled in any event he took part in. His nearest competitor Alexander Rumi was also brilliant, finishing second to Horne in all events apart from the Butterfly. Young Jackson Sumich showed his versatility with a stellar performance in finishing 3^rd overall.

In terms of the House shields it was a race-of in two with the two red houses fighting it out all day in a toing and froing affair. Eventually though (and the amount of boys on the podium didn’t lie) it was Williams who reigned supreme over Kingswood, doing one better than last year. A fantastic day had by all and it all finished ahead of time!!!! Thank you to the boys who participated so strongly on the day and to all the parents who supported them. Congratulations to the staff for their fantastic organisation, allowing the carnival to run smoothly. Stay tuned for all the action from the Invitationals as well as IPSHA to come!!

New Swimming Record

Amidst the feverish competition of the Newington Inter-house Swimming Carnival, a record swim failed to be recognised. U/9 Champion swimmer, Sebastian Parhash broke Jack Rudkins’ 4 year old record in the U/9’s 50m butterfly event. Sebastian bettered the old mark of 49.08s by over half a second, with his new record time of 48.46s.

Congratulations Sebastian!

House Championship

Age Champions

[Show as slideshow]

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Mark Caulfield
Lindfield Sports Coordinator

Year 4 Art Incursion – Cars

Last Thursday Year 4 were treated to a Car Art incursion at the senior school. Students looked and discussed the Richard Goodwin sculpture- “Carapace”, then were excited to see 3 sports cars – a Maserati, Lotus and MX5. These cars were graciously donated for the day so the students could get up close and observe all the details on these amazing cars. It was interesting to see the differences in shapes and lines. Year 4 will complete an artwork using these drawings as inspiration. This drawing session links into the topic of “Simple Machines”.

Meredith Buining
Years 3-6 Art Teacher

Newington Crested Ware

There are a range of crested ware on offer at the Black and White shop. They range from memorabilia, clothing, keepsakes as well as an exclusive Sesquicentenary line which can be found on the Sesquicentenrary site. For more information about crested ware, please contact Rollanda Rosenstrauss.

To download the crested ware catalogue and price list  click here

To view the crested ware page on the public website, click here

Boarder’s Letter to his Sister

On 14 February 1886, a young Boarder, Rupert Cater, wrote a letter to his sister. Twelve year old Rupert had been enrolled at Newington, along with his younger brother Mars, just two and a half weeks before.

‘Dear Sister’, he wrote, ‘I am enjoying myself very much here, we have good fun, we play cricket every afternoon.’ Cricket was clearly his passion. The first Saturday he was at the College, he noted, there was a match between ‘the Balmain’s’ — probably the Balmain Surrey Cricket Club: in the years before the GPS competition, the College often played local adult clubs — and the Newington team. The latter did not do well on this occasion: ‘seven of them got out for a big duck’, Rupert reported.

The Boarding Master, Mr Baker, had given Rupert, his brother ‘Marsy’ and a number of other boys a very good set of cricket bats, reportedly worth fifteen shillings. This was Richard ‘Dickie’ Baker, who also taught Science and Drawing, served as Sports Master and commanded the Cadet Corps. ‘We played Marsy’s class & beat them … with only three out,’ Rupert declared.

Perhaps realising that his sister would like to read about something other than cricket, Rupert also described the Boarders’ morning routine. ‘A bell rings @ 6.30 & we have to be dressed by 7,’ he reported. ‘Then we go up to the school-room [now the Prescott Hall] to do our lessons till a quarter to eight’, when the boys went down to breakfast.

In adult life, Rupert became a solicitor and started the Griffith law firm Cater & Blumer, which still operates there and elsewhere in the Riverina. Our thanks are due to Mr Peter Gerarde-Smith, father of Karsten (Year 12), for sending us a copy of Rupert Cater’s letter, the original of which is held by a client of his.

David Roberts
College Archivist

College Musical – Oliver

Dear Parents

Please see the Flyer below for the College Musical – Oliver. This production is open to all Wyvern families.  Book early so as to not miss out.

Flyers in Bookstand

• Kung Fu Action at Wyvern

Wyvern Uniform Shop

Wyvern Uniform Roster Term 1 Weeks 5 and 6,  Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Summer Price List 2014, Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Order Form, Click here

Wyvern Sport

For all Saturday morning sport at Newington Senior School, parents are requested to park off site along the street. The schools onsite car park is  maintained for officials, emergency vehicles and staff only. With the winter sport season upon us, the car park area can become very busy early in the morning. Please consider this simple request to ensure the smooth management of Saturday morning sport at Newington.

Wyvern Sports Newsletter – Week 4, Click here

Sports Draw for Saturday 22 February 2014, Click here

Sports Results and Match Reports for 15.2.14, Click here

Sporting Venue Addresses, Click here

2014 Sports Handbook, Click here

Tuckshop Menu, Roster & Online Ordering

Dear Parents

If your son suffers from an allergy it is imperative that you advise the Wyvern Office and the Tuckshop so that we are aware of it. Click here for the ‘Alliance Catering  – Food Allergens Advisory Statement’.

Please Note: As of Term 4 there has been a price increase in lunch orders due to supplier increased pricing.

Tuckshop Menu and Roster for Term 1 Weeks 5 & 6 , Click here

Everyday Menu and Price List, Click here  Please note that there have been a few changes made to this for ‘Items from the Freezer’

Online Ordering Instructions, Click here

Online Ordering FAQs, Click here

P&F News and Events

Hello Wyvern Families

I didn’t deserve it, but I happily took credit for the presidential changeover being the reason for the stunning weather we had for the cocktail party. The food and beverages were also so good that it’s worth a mention. Who would have thought that a boys’ school playground could transform into a sophisticated adult soirée?

A huge thanks to P&F VP Emma Cope who was our event planner extraordinaire and thanks also to P&F exec members Jo Wandmaker, Tahnee Shalak, Terry Fotaras and Manuela Ayoub, and Fotis our groundsman, for their help – and also to Suzanne, Karen and Annie at the front office who are our constant lifelines.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the swimming carnival last week and supported their house team (especially any boys who may have the same fear of deep water that I do). Thanks to parents who were able to attend and joined in the fun – your involvement makes it a much better event for the boys and teachers.

Reminder: the P&F meeting is on tonight from 7:00-8:30pm, Thursday, 20 February with child minding saving the angst of organising a babysitter.

Have your say: the federal Department of Communications is seeking views on the issues raised in its recent discussion paper about online safety for children, which includes the following proposed measures:

• establishing a Children’s eSafety Commissioner;
• developing an effective, legislated, complaints system for speedy removal of harmful material
• examining the need for a new, simplified cyber-bullying offence.

This paper is for consultation purposes only and does not necessarily represent current government policy. Questions are included in boxes throughout the paper to guide discussion and respondents are invited to provide written submissions or comments to address these questions, or provide a more general response if preferred. If you would like to participate in the discussion, visit www.communications.gov.au/online_safety_consultation  by 7 March 2013.

Upcoming Events

• Term 1 P&F Meeting, 7:00-8.30pm, 20 February in the hall
• Year 3 Parents’ Dinner, 27 February (same night as the sleepover at school – clever). Please RSVP by the 20^th.
• Kindy Family Pizza Party, Mary Andrews Garden, 3:00-6:00pm, 7 March
• Women of Wyvern Dinner, 7:00-11:00pm, 21 March
• Great Garden Party, 3:00-5:00pm, 4 April

P&F Executives 2014

Click here for the 2014 P&F Executives

Until next time, be well and happy

Natalie Mina
President, Wyvern P&F
natalie.mina@accenture.com; 0414 850 455

Next Two Weeks

Faith Matters

Thanks for the fleas!

Corrie Ten Boom a Dutch woman, in The Hiding Place relates an incident that taught her always to be thankful. She and her sister Betsy, had been transferred to the worst German prison camp they seen yet, Ravensbruck. On entering the barracks, they found them extremely over-crowded and flea-infested. Fourteen hundred prisoners were crammed into a barracks designed to sleep four hundred people.

That morning they had read a section in the Bible from 1 Thessalonians that had reminded them to rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in ALL circumstances. Betsy told Corrie to stop and give thanks to God for every detail of their new living quarters. Corrie at first flatly refused to give thanks for the fleas! However, Betsy persisted, and Corrie finally succumbed to her pleadings. During the ensuing months that they spent in the torturous conditions in the camp, they were surprise to find how much freedom they had each evening in the barracks. They were able to study the Bible and conduct prayer meetings without any interference from the guards. It was not until several months later that they learned the reason the guards would not enter the barracks was because of the fleas!

Peter Morphew
Chaplain

All Co-curricular (Before & After School) Activities at Wyern 2014

Please click here for the 2014 Co-curricular Activities at Wyvern

Remember to click on the activity which will take you to the link.  Only Term 1 activities are linked at this stage.

Achievement Awards and House Points

House Points

A Message from Mr Holden

At last week’s combined Preparatory Schools’ Swimming Carnival over 450 students from Wyvern House and Lindfield Preparatory School competed in a full day of events. On the day it was very pleasing to note the:

• high level of participation by every student
• the strong sense of sportsmanship superbly encouraged and role modeled by our excellent House and Vice House Captains
• wonderful parental support
• exemplary conduct by Wyvern students
• an outstanding staff team effort

I also noted the high quality of events with many close finishes. The results from the carnival are used to select a combined Newington representative swimming team. Students selected will participate in a number of events against other Independent Schools over the next few weeks as well as in Term 4.

Student Arrival Time

I respectfully remind parents that students should not be arriving at school before 8:00am in the morning when staff supervision starts. The only exceptions to this are any boys who are involved in a school organised activity (music ensemble or sport’s practice) or boys who travel on a school bus. Before school care from 7:00am is available through OSH Club , click here .  To ensure all boys are well cared for and properly supervised we will require boys who arrive before our official start time to attend OSH Club.

Harrow Road

I request that parents using the drive through student pick up facility, plan to arrive in Harrow Road no earlier than 3:05pm (Years K-2) or  3:20pm (Years 3-6) . I am concerned that Harrow Road is becoming very congested prior to 3:00pm due to Wyvern parents lining up before the car park entry doors are opened. This presents a significant safety issue to other road users, pedestrians and our neighbours. My underlying concern is that should the current congestion continue in Harrow Road we may be required to close our drive though facility.

I thank you for your help with this matter.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House

Term Dates 2014 and 2015

TERM DATES 2014

TERM ONE
Wednesday 29 January to Friday 11 April
11 week term followed by a 2 week break
Classes commence Wednesday 29 January

TERM TWO
Monday 28 April to Friday 20 June
Queen’s Birthday (Pubic Holiday) –  Monday 9 June
8 week term followed by a 3 week break

TERM THREE
Monday 14 July to Thursday 18 September
Wyvern Staff PD Day (Student Free Day) – Friday 19 September
10 week term followed by a 2 week break

TERM FOUR
Wednesday 8 October to Monday 8 December
Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 6 October
Wyvern Staff PD Day (Student Free Day) -Tuesday 7 October

TERM DATES 2015

TERM ONE
Thursday 29 January to Thursday 2 April
Classes commence Thursday 29 January
10 week term followed by a 2 week break

TERM TWO
Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June
Anzac Day Public Holiday – Monday 27 April
Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday – Monday 8 June
10 week term followed by a 2 week break (for 2015 only)

TERM THREE
Tuesday 14 July to Friday 18 September
10 week term followed by a 3 week break (for 2015 only)

TERM FOUR
Monday 12 October to Tuesday 8 December
Annual Prize Giving 3-6 – Tuesday 8 December