Term 4, Week 3

31 October 2024

From the Deputy Headmaster

Who is the Newington student? 

This week at assembly, I shared a question I am often asked by new or prospective families: 

‘Who is the Newington student?’ 

While it is impossible to summarise over 1400 students in one statement, time and time again, I share the following, 

The Newington student embraces challenge. 

In my time at Newington, I have seen this in students who commit themselves to music ensembles and theatre productions, to clubs, like Debating and Public Speaking – students who are willing to extend their skills and knowledge – to build on the learning they experience within the classroom in challenging ways. 

I’ve seen this in students training on the fields, on the courts, or in the pool, early in the morning and straight after school. In students who don’t give up when in last position in a race, or when the scoreboard is looking bleak.  

When students return from a tour, retreat or a trip to Eungai, I’ve heard incredible stories of students who conquered worries about being away from home, who provided significant service to community or who have been vulnerable in front of others.  

This year we have talked a lot about culture. I would argue that the collective capacity of our students to embrace challenges, across all aspects of their lives at Newington, contributes to that culture. Our students don’t shy away from it – they attend a school that provides a multitude of challenging opportunities and they embrace them.  

What a joy it is to work with work with such incredible young people.  

CineArts Festival 

The CineArts Festival was a remarkable showcase of cinematic talent. The event honoured outstanding achievements in film; Finn Dauphinee’s innovative audio work earned him the Best Sound Design accolade for The Act, Archie Felice was recognised as Best Scriptwriter for Go Forth Danforth, Arlo Newman took home the Best Editor award for his amazing Ridley-esque Alone Together and Jameson Kang’s striking visuals in Under Surveillance garnered him the title of Best Cinematographer.  

A very special mention goes to Lucas Chong, receiving the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film awards for his compelling work, Reverie, solidifying his status as a gifted filmmaker. The People’s Choice award was awarded to Tristan Holmes and Ben Macdessi for their comedic film, Faerie. Special thanks go to our mentors, Max Bock (ON 2021) and Xavier Papps (ON 2019), whose expertise and energy beautifully guided the participants throughout the year. 

Honouring Félix Laubi (ON 2020) 

Earlier this week, the Newington Foundation launched an appeal to raise funds for a new prize to be awarded at Prize Giving this year, established in honour of Félix Laubi (ON 2020). Tragically, we lost Félix earlier this year to a rare form of cancer.  With the consent of his family, The Félix Laubi (ON 2020) Prize for Outstanding Commitment, Dedication and Humanity will be awarded to a student concluding Year 10 who demonstrates outstanding leadership in their pursuit of excellence, be it in academics, sports, in service, or the arts. I invite you to join with me and others, by making a tax-deductible gift to the Newington Foundation to help establish this prize. Together, we can recognise and celebrate our values, in honour of Félix. Every contribution helps. Please donate. 

Newington College Senior Play – The 39 Steps 

We are excited to invite you to this year’s Senior Play, The 39 Steps, by John Buchan, adapted by Patrick Barlow. The production will run from Wednesday, 13 November to Saturday, 16 November at the Duckmanton Drama Centre.  

In collaboration with students from SCEGGS Darlinghurst, our talented cast will bring this fast-paced comedic thriller to life. The story follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man who finds himself caught in a web of espionage after a mysterious woman is murdered in his apartment. What follows is an exhilarating adventure across Britain as Hannay evades the police and spies, uncovering the secret of The 39 Steps. 

We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of outstanding student performances! You can buy your tickets here. 

Sport 

Week 3A is a busy week for sport at the College, especially with our rowers racing in their first regatta of the season at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. All crews and staff have dedicated significant time and effort in preparation, and we extend our best wishes to everyone involved. Friday night marks the start of the season for our swimmers as they compete in the Trinity Invitational. Additionally, the College will host St Joseph’s College in a full round of fixtures of basketball, cricket, and tennis on campus, alongside Rifle Shooting, NewFit, and Table Tennis programs this weekend. Meanwhile, our Golf program will be hosting the third round of their competition at our home course, Bonnie Doon Golf Club.  

Staff profile

Q. Why teaching? What is it you enjoy about teaching? 

A. I was a student who often struggled in school. Sitting still and focusing was difficult for me, and looking back as an adult, I realise I often felt unseen, with my unique strengths going unrecognised. This experience inspired me to become a teacher – so I could ensure that every student feels seen, valued and supported. My goal is to help students reach their full potential in a way that honours and embraces who they truly are. 

Q. What is something people don’t know about you?  

A. You wouldn’t know it now, but I used to be an athlete. I began as a swimmer and eventually transitioned into triathlons. After just three weeks of training, I competed in my first triathlon at the New Zealand Junior Championships and finished 5th. That led to my selection to represent New Zealand at the Triathlon Junior World Championships. The following year, I placed second at the New Zealand Junior Championships and competed in the Triathlon Junior World Championships again, this time in Mexico, where I ran my fastest 10k at 38 minutes.  

Q. Which book, movie or TV show do you think every student should experience at least once, and why?

A. When I was in school, I struggled to enjoy reading because I could never find books that truly captured my attention. Now, as a teacher, I read children’s books with the goal of finding ones that spark engagement, so I can recommend them to my students. My top three favourites are Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Holes by Louis Sachar and Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz.