ONU Lunch for Year 12 students. ONU Week strengthens ties between students and Old Boys The Old Newingtonians’ Union (ONU) is an extensive network and community of past students, and since 1895 has been the bridge that links Newington’s alumni and the College. When our Year 12 students graduate shortly, they will automatically started to hear the phrase ‘tradition’ being used by younger become part of this proud and valued community of Old Boys. students who eagerly await their chance to enjoy the foods of our We wanted to give them a taste of the ONU during ONU Week, a Old Boys! Big thanks to Dylan and Tim who continue to make the highlight of the year. This year, ONU Week was held from 24 July day a highlight for our students. to 30 July. It featured a series of events for both Year 12 boys and their parents, and year group reunions for alumni. On Thursday, Old Boys employed by the college enjoyed lunch together in the Function Room courtesy of the ONU. The Classes of 1977, 1982, The week kicked off with an inter-faith service on Sunday 24 July at 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 celebrated their the College Chapel. Pastor Richard La’Brooy, Rabbi Jacki Ninio and reunions on Saturday 30 July to cap a tremendous week. Sheik Wesam Charkawi shared reflections and placed sacred texts in the Chapel. Rabbi Ninio placed the Tanakh near a Torah scroll It is always special to welcome back our Old Newingtonians. gifted to the school by Benjamin Adler (ON 2009). Sheik Charkawi The classes enjoyed a mix of sit-down dinners, canapes and drinks placed the Qur’an on an Islamic prayer mat that belongs to Walid as well as tours of the College from both the Headmaster and Yassine (ON 2007). Pastor La’Brooy placed the Bible in front of the Deputy Headmaster. The reunions were catered by Peter Kuburlis Chapel cross, the symbol used in the Chapel since it was first built. of Aramark and Chartwells – thank you for your service. On Monday there was an ONU Life After School Seminar in the On behalf of the ONU I want to extend an enormous thanks Old Boys Lecture Theatre. This Q&A panel was a highly anticipated to Ross Xenos (ON 2004), Jennifer Chapman and Christian Nabung opportunity to hear from Old Newingtonians who have left the College (ON 2010) for making the week such a success. in the last 10 years. Old Newingtonians were out in force for Back to Newington Day The Q&A panel featured Old Newingtonians Nathan Roye (ON 2011), on Saturday 13 August. The day included a fantastic line-up of Jack Scott (ON 2012), Walid Yassine (ON 2007), David Sim (ON sporting fixtures against Riverview and activities for the whole family. 2006) and Harry Jordan (ON 2011), who shared insights into their ONU Lager and ONU Pale Ale were available for purchase, thanks journey post-school. Although moving into different careers, what to Lord Howe Brewing Co. and Christian Young (ON 1991). was evident was the persistence and dedication that each panellist had in their pursuits. They were able to provide lessons into what For those that may not have heard, Jennifer Chapman moved on they wished they had known whilst in Year 12 and what lessons they from her position at the College as our ONU Alumni Officer & Events have learnt since graduating. Special thanks to the panellists and in Manager. She was an outstanding team member and incredible particular Harry Jordan who facilitated the panel. servant to our ONU community over her years at the College. She is truly one of a kind, and I personally cannot thank her enough I was honoured to be welcomed back by the College to provide an for her support and friendship during what have been a challenging address to current students during the ONU Assembly on Tuesday, few years as President. If you would like to get in touch with Jennifer, informing them about the ONU community and how they can get please reach out to me directly at onupresident@newington.nsw.edu.au involved post-graduation. I was also asked to share some of my and I can put you in contact. journey after leaving the College which students expressed to be Christian Nabung (ON 2010) has stepped into Jennifer’s position, valuable for them as they look ahead to life after school. Thank you to Graeme Martin (ON 1967), Peter Kuburlis (ON 1990) and Harry and we wish him success in the future as he commences the role. Jordan for also attending. You can contact Christian via alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au Tim Rosenstrauss (ON 2012) of Burger Head and Dylan Duong Mr Alex Pagonis (ON 2010) (ON 2010) of Duo Duo Ice Cream ensured our Year 12 students ONU President were well-fed and happy during lunch on Wednesday. We even 56 | Service | News Spring 2022 | Alumni, Community and Development