Stanmore My opportunity Kieran Casey (9/KL) Being at Newington has created many opportunities—theatre sports, playing musical instruments and a myriad of other co-curricular. Theatre sports might be one of my weaker co-curriculars, and the art of improvising narratives and entertainment is incredibly hard for many. I might not be the best at it, but I have improved every year. Others might get up and do amazing things, but instead of letting that dishearten you, it should strengthen your resolve to be better. It has made me more confident, it makes me happy, and it has taught me a valuable lesson that you aren’t always as good at everything as someone else. Vincent de Souza (9/PR) When I came to Wyvern in Year 3, I had to join the compulsory woodwind/ brass program. I was given the flute to play and have stuck with it for more than six years. Now I play four instruments, starting guitar this year, and participate in four musical ensembles. The opportunities in the music program at Newington are amazing. During the music tour in 2016 I sang in St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and played in minus 4°C in Zagreb. I’ve belted out David Bowie’s Suffragette Cityat RockFest. I’ve been picking up skills and more instruments. I’ve studied with an active composer and met an Italian maestro. Explore any opportunity you find. I will. Tom Graham (10/MO) The biggest opportunity in my life so far has been diving headfirst into the school music program. Currently, I am in Year 10 and I am involved in almost all parts of the school’s music program in 8 ensembles across 3 instruments. I thoroughly enjoy the countless hours I spend in rehearsal and practising, and have become more confident and outspoken across many areas of the school. This year alone, the music program has extended to its students the opportunity to perform at a number of professional venues, including at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Angel Place Recital Hall and Sydney Convention Theatre. Nicolas Yule (10/ME) The biggest opportunity in my life so far was being given the opportunity to attend Newington. It is a privilege to be part of a school that is rich with possibilities, supported by an inclusive community. Newington has allowed me to explore. It has allowed me to discover new passions and interests such as rowing and different academic pursuits. So far, I have been able to experience different cultures and worldviews, which in turn has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of societal issues which dominate our world today. Gabe Poidevin (9/LE) I believe the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my life so far is having the chance to be involved in the Newington College drama program and its productions. I joined the Drama program and participated in the Inner-West Cup, a theatre sports competition, the production Where In The World Is Frank Sparrow, and the College musicalGuys and Dolls. The Newington College drama program has changed my world by increasing my self-confidence a ton and has also allowed me to meet many new people. Garth Bickford (9/ME) The biggest opportunity I have had was to try rowing. It was a new sport and I was originally very hesitant. I initially did it to make my parents happy, but I’ve ended up staying with it. Rowing has shown me a new sport that only a small percentage of Australian schools have the privilege to be part of. It is a completely different sport to the others, mainly because of the intense preparation that is required for a four-minute race. 34| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| OPPORTUNITY