Stanmore What lies beneath a name The boys have often heard me reference the words of American sociologist Brené Brown when I advise them that ‘the difference between entitlement and privilege is gratitude’. Those who walk through the gates of Newington must be impressed by the bold aesthetic landscape created by historical buildings and inviting sporting fields. It would be amiss not to feel gratitude. Sitting centrally on this canvas is the College Chapel, keeping watch with a certain reverence, yet creating a demand to be curious about the names that encircle its inner walls. They challenge us to question the nature of what lies beneath each name. Dante, Goethe, Moses and Buddha provide an eclectic mix, and if we look beyond the surface we will find great complexity and interest. One of those Mr David Roberts. Photo: Daryl Charles. names is Mozart, a composer who died at 35 yet left an incredible musical legacy. choose to dig and discover people for I am grateful to have been one of those who they are. he has so ably led at our great school. ‘It is inevitable that we I have had the opportunity to do a littleOur recent Back to Newington Day become more grateful if more digging than most in recent years andhighlighted the diversity and strengths of we choose to dig and am gratefulto have built anunderstadgnin the people in our community. We saw of, and a great respect for, our departingcollective action by thousands of people discover people for who Headmaster, Dr David Mulford. on a vibrant day that brought us they are.’ It started as part of the interview processtogether to cook food for each other, before I came to work at Newington in enjoy music and witness excellence on 2016, when I asked the Chairman of the sporting field. Yet I found a moment, In the film The Shawshank Redemption, Council, and Dr Mulford, how long the amidst the bustle, to enter the Chapel the imprisoned Andy Dufresne finds o stay at Neingt and contemplate the names around the himself in the warden’s office and dares Headmaster intended t w on. to lock the office door and play a record Far from being impetuous, I was acting onwall. I encourage you to do the same at through the prison sound system. He reports that he was a Headmaster who some point when you are next at takes a moment to pick the music and was an inspiring educator. Newington, and whilst contemplating decides to play Mozart’s ‘Marriage of Three years later, I continue to listen tothose names, also consider the name Figaro’. In that moment, having barely his wisdom and learn from him. I have David Mulford and do a little digging to scratched the surface, the intrigue of also discovered an individual who is discover his impact. You will be grateful. Mozart was alive for me. It is inevitable happy to laugh at himself and who has Mr David Roberts that we become more grateful if we retained a connection to those he leads. Deputy Headmaster/Head of Stanmore What are you grateful for? Conor Corcoran (9/FL) My friends and family are extremely supporting of me and all my personal endeavours, beliefs and hobbies. Without these people I would not have the confidence to strive for new goals and to achieve great things in my day-to-day life. To express my gratitude to these people, I try to be a positive source of encouragement to the people around me as they are to me so often. One of several panels in the College Chapel that feature the names of great people. 6| NEWS SPRING 2018| GRATITUDE