Stanmore Applauding our quiet achievers A few years back, our then Head of Students, Mr Meakin, stood up at assembly and read out a list of boys who he labelled “quiet achievers”. Newington’s 2018 deputy senior prefects • Sam Lye and Max Ventura, for their are always punctual, reliable and Alexander Humpreys, Matt Dyster and I great work ethic and positive well-mannered and have a strong were eager to bring the notion of “quiet influence on boarding house culture service record. achievers” back into the school. We • Tom Jordan, the spiritual rock god of These were just a few of the reasons boys wanted individual achievements to be the Newington music program were recognised; there were many more. celebrated, even if they don’t come from Sam Bristow, for always being willing To celebrate each and every one of them, someone playing Firsts or Seconds sports. • we took time at assembly to explain the to lend a hand, and for supporting his difference they make in creating, building We wanted to celebrate those boys who friends and peers without expecting a and enhancing our school culture. have a positive influence but might not pat on the back receive the accolades they deserve. Jett Varcoe, for his focus and Some of these boys were content with • being true Quiet Achievers and didn’t We spoke to many people and compiled organisation skills want the accolades, but they are all a list of names. They included: • Krishen Thevarajah, who is an outstanding examples who show how •Aiden Love, for going outside of his academic standout but always small acts of generosity and support comfort zone by learning a new humble. He is considerate and can influence an entire school. instrument, and for his enthusiastic helpful without being asked. Lachlan McIntyre involvement in the drama program. • Alvin Cherk and Owen Zhang, who are Senior Prefect Academic Excellence Assembly Mr Zubin Bilimoria (ON 2012), who was Dux of the College in his year, was guest speaker at the 2017 Academic Excellence Assembly assembly. Here is edited text of his speech. When I left high school and was about to begin university, I thought I had a pretty ‘In life there will be decent idea of what I wanted to do. I had my heart set on studying law. many opportunities, During my first year of university, I loved and some of my studying law. However, later other interests and passions emerged. I deepest learning has became interested in finance and taken place outside business. This was a broad field, but rather than stress about which path to of the classroom.’ take, I worked for a variety of companies during my university breaks. This gave me commercial experience and helped me understand what I wanted to do in Mr Zubin Bilimoria (ON 2012). the future: investment banking. Photo: Jared Leibowitz What I learnt was that it is okay not to have everything planned to a tee for life Another important aspect for me has been an apartment. I had to adapt. after high school. Interests can, and to take advantage of every opportunity. So, for those commencing further study, often do, change. Some of my deepest learning has taken I would highly recommend travelling and I urge you to start the next chapter of place outside of the classroom. studying overseas, and taking advantage your life with an open mind, take risks After completing my first year at of every opportunity that is available. and be adaptable. With the rise of university, I went on an exchange to For those sitting the HSC or IB – stay technology, we may not know what jobs Washington DC. While I learnt a lot motivated throughout the year, set are out there in the future. Be assured about the US political climate my main small, frequent and realistic goals. For that the broad-ranging education learning came through personal those who have just finished, look Newington has provided positions us development. Before my exchange, I did forward to the next chapter in your life. well to thrive in uncertainty and change. not know how to cook, iron or maintain Be open to whatever the future holds. 8| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| OPPORTUNITY