From the Headmaster Newington College’s Headmaster Dr David Mulford will retire at the end of 2018 after 10 years of service. As I begin my last term as Headmaster of Newington College I have very mixed emotions. My 10 years at the College have been filled with endeavour and restlessness to ensure Newington’s proud traditions have been enhanced. As David Loader, former Principal of MLC and Wesley in Victoria, wrote in his book The Inner Principal, the head of school is merely the ringmaster of the show. The ringmaster organises, leads and nurtures to ensure the true stars (boys and staff) can perform and contribute at their best. The ringmaster should never be the star. John Rae, the former Headmaster of Westminster School in the UK, wrote a book in retirement about his time as a ‘ringmaster’. Its title was spot on – Delusions of Grandeur. The day after my retirement was announced last year, I bumped into a Year 11 lad in the main drive. He told me his family had discussed my retirement announcement Bili Robertson, Dr David Mulford, Tunui Jorgensen and Billy Dickens. Photo: Daryl Charles. over dinner the previous night. I enquired about the nature of the I am delighted the College Council has I am grateful to the wider Newington discussion. He informed me that the so actively sought to significantly boost community. It is dynamic, encouraging consensus was that it was a good thing! the number of bursaries at Newington and involved. This community of Old He did try to retrieve the situation after via the Endowment Fund Appeal. Boys, parents, past parents and friends, he saw my expression and explained Newington must remain a College for and past staff has a rich history of what he meant to say, which was that he boys from all walks of life. To be so nurturing the ethos of Newington. was glad I would finish with him at the multicultural, multi-faith and multi-socio- Most importantly, all my gratitude goes end of his Year 12 in 2018. economic in flavour adds to the rich to the boys – the boys of promise tapestry of Newington life. It aids an becoming men of substance. I have ‘The ringmaster education for the real world. loved being a small part of their journey. organises, leads and All these noble goals require a high- Newington boys are lively, interesting, nurtures to ensure the quality staff. They are always the engine diverse, empowered, talented and room for educational inspiration and humble. By creating a place where boys true stars (boys and make it possible to offer an education can be themselves at their best,Newington has attempted to knock out staff) can perform and that encompasses academic, pastoral, co-curricular and spiritual dimensions. stereotyping. contribute at their best.’ The College and I have been blessed At the Year 12 Valedictory Day assembly with generous and talented staff – both a few years ago, the Year 12 boys I will leave with much gratitude for the teaching and non-teaching. started to sing the historical and exciting opportunities I have had while I have always been grateful for the traditional leavers song ‘Adieu’ to the leading this special College. I have superb College Council. They provide College. It is corny, old fashioned and sought to nurture our DNA – diversity, enormous voluntary and specialist sentimental but remains very relevant. community, relationships, character service to the College. Council has The last line resonates with me as I development, resilience, and a sense always fully supported our ambitious soon depart: ‘although the time has that this is a school for all, across the strategic plan implementations. They come for us to part, you’ve still your year levels, from our Early Learning have always put ‘what is best for the corner in my heart’. Centre to Year 12. I have also sought to boys’ to the forefront of any policy restore crucial elements from decision. I have been so fortunate to Newington’s long history – service to have served two outstanding Chairs others, boarding, and our Tongan and – Tony McDonald (ON 1976) and Angus Dr David Mulford Indigenous connections. Talbot (ON 1953). Headmaster GRATITUDE | NEWS SPRING 2018| 1