Wyvern House

Infobox Aust school private
name = Wyvern House


motto = " _la. In Fide Scientiam"
(Latin:"To Our Faith Add Knowledge")
established = 1938
type = Independent, Single-sex, Primary Day
denomination = Uniting Church in Australia
slogan =
key_people = Ian Holden (Acting Head)
Philip Le Couteur (Founder)
fees =
city = Stanmore
state = New South Wales
country = Australia flagicon|Australia
enrolment = 390 (K–6)cite web|url = http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/about/|title = School Profile|accessdate = 2007-10-11|year = 2007|work = Welcome to Newington|publisher = Newington College]
num_employ = ~146cite web|url = http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/annualreport/06/NewingtonCollegeAR06.pdf|title = 2006 Annual Report|accessdate = 2008-08-26|year = 2007|format = PDF|work = Annual Reports|publisher = Newington College]
num_employ =
revenue =
products =
colours = Black and White color box|#000000color box|#FFFFFF
homepage = [http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/public/PrepSchools/Wyvern/index.cfm]

Wyvern House, is one of the two single-sex, preparatory day schools for boys of Newington College and is located at 115 Cambridge Street Stanmore, New South Wales, Australia.

Wyvern has a non-selective enrolment policy and currently caters for approximately 390 boys from Kindergarten to year 6. The main point of entry is at Kindergarten, where there are 40 students, with another class intake at Year 5.

History

The Wesleyan Collegiate Institute opened at Newington House, Silverwater, on Thursday July 16, 1863, with 16 students aged from seven years - and so, Newington College, as the school soon became known, has educated primary school aged boys from its foundation. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 7 ] A bequest, by John Jones, of land at Stanmore, saw the College move to the newly fashionable inner-city suburbs of Sydney in 1880. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 13 ] The Rev Dr Charles Prescott, as President and Headmaster of Newington, wanted to give greater emphasis to preparatory education at the College but it was twenty years after his arrival at Stanmore before a separate prep was first opened. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 58 ] This was made possible by the 1921 bequest of £10,000 by Sir Samuel McCaughey. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 73 ]

By 1937 the McCaughey building was considered inadequate and the then Headmaster, Philip Le Couteur, pushed for the construction of a purpose built school for junior education and he is seen as the founder of the present day Wyvern House. The Old Newingtonian architect Lt Col Alfred Warden VD designed the building and it was inaugurated on October 7 1938. A major benefactor to the projest was Fred Cull and he unveilled a commemorative stone which read: "This House was erected by those who desire for boys a fuller life." The first Wyvern boys started on day one of the new year when an old boy, Sir Percival Halse Rogers, was invited to open the front door with a specially-made gold key. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 90 ]

On its opening, Wyvern had dormintory accomodation for fifty prep boarders. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 104 ] Twenty years later Wyvern boarding accomodation had been expanded and there were eighty boys in residence. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 127 ] In 1973 thirty-seven boys were boarders, ranging in age from eight to twelve, but by 1979 there were only three boys in residence and they were house in the senior school and the former dormtories were converted to an infants department. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 191 ]

From 1939 Wyvern House boys wore a straw boater with a black hat-band until this was replaced by a black cloth cap in 1976. Both items of head-wear bore an heraldic Wyvern - the emblem of Newington College. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 178 ]

Wyvern held a separate Speech Night for the first time in 1946. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 104 ] From 1957 Wyvern had a brother school when Newington opened an additional preparatory school on the North Shore - first at Killara, but now at Lindfield. In the same year, Wyvern House was the first Australian prep school to undertake an international Rugby tour, when it visited New Zealand. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 125 ] From the 1950s until the 1970s the Wyvern House choir under the direction of Joan Gray achieved distinction in the Sydney Eisteddfod and boys were prepared for participation in performances by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and The Australian Opera. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 158 ]

An exchange program was initiated in 1975 between Wyvern and La Verne Heights Elementary School in Los Angeles. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 183 ] During the 125th anniversary of Newington, Wyvern celebrated its Silver Jubilee.

In 1995 the Adult Deaf Society Headquarters in Cambridge Street, Stanmore, were purchased for the relocation of Wyvern to a stand-alone campus. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 296 ] In that year enrolments had grown to 347 and by 1997 to 360. On August 14 1998 Wyvern House moved onto its new campus. Sixty years after its foundation, the complex, designed by Old Newingtonian architect John Lawes, was opened by the Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency Gordon Samuels AC.

Masters of Wyvern

The head of Wyvern House was initially known as Housemaster and then as Master-in-charge and currently as Master.

Campus

Wyvern House was largely designed and built as a primary school. The classrooms all have adjoining "withdrawal rooms" that allow for separate work to be undertaken and for individual tutoring. Specialist facilities include a library and art and music rooms. As well as open playgrounds and two basketball/tennis courts, Wyvern has a spacious under-cover rooftop area for physical education and wet weather play. The entire school can meet in the assembly hall and the boys are serviced at lunch and recess by an adjacent tuck-shop. Picking up and dropping off is easy, as the school has Arrival and departure from the school is facilitated by a drive-through entrance underneath the main building. Swimming, athletics and soccer are held on the Newington main campus reached via a footbridge over Stanmore Road. [ [http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/public/PrepSchools/Wyvern/WyvernFacilities.cfm Wyvern House Facilities] ]

Houses

In the first year of Wyvern House the school was divided into three groups like houses: Bears, Tigers and Wolves. [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 98 ] In 1946 three houses were formed with names honouring early Newington Headmasters: Coates (Joseph Coates, Headmaster 1877-1883), Williams (William Williams, Headmaster 1884-1892) and Lucas (Arthur Lucas, Headmaster 1893-1898). An additional house was added later: Howe (Dr Michael Howe, Headmaster 1869-1877). [Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 90 ]

Notable Alumni

The following Old Newingtonians commenced at Wyvern House. Enrolment years at Newington, as published in the Register of Past Students 1863-1998, are bracketed following the surname. [Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) ]

Parliament

* Neville Perkins OAM (1963-1969) - Former Head NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Territory MLA Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1630: Perkins, Neville George (1952 - )]
* Sonatane Tu'a Taumoepeau Tupou (1953-1962) - Tongan Foreign Affairs Minister and former Ambassador to the United Nations, USA and High Commissioner to Canada [http://www.un.org/news/Press/docs/2000/20000121.bio3271.doc.html United Nations Press Release ] Retrived 16-9-2007]
* The Hon. Robert Webster (1963-1969) - Former NSW Planning Minister and Sydney Partner Korn/Ferry International [http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/1fb6ebed995667c2ca256ea100825164/99d0480ed14d6a904a2567390010fa1a!OpenDocument Parliament of NSW: Webster, The Hon. Robert James (1951 - ) ] Retrieved 2-09-2007]

Cultural and scientific organisations

* Dr Warwick Cathro (1957-1964) - Assistant Director-General National Library of Australia [http://www.nla.gov.au/webarchiving/about_speakers.html National Library of Australia] Retrieved 13-06-2008]
* Frank Howarth (1963-1969) - Director Australian Museum and former Director Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1036: Howarth, Frank Richard (1951 - )]
* Ian Stephenson (1965-1973) - CEO of National Trust of Australia, South Australia, and former Director Canberra Museum and Gallery and Historic Places ACT [http://www.nationaltrustsa.org.au/about.htm National Trust of South Australia Staff 2008] Retrieved 20-04-2008]

Armed services

* Rear Admiral Gerry Carwardine AO (1947-1953) - Former Commandant Australian Defence Force Academy Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 417: Carwardine, Anthony Michael "Gerry" (1938 - )]

Law

* Prof Bob Baxt AO (1947-1955) - Former Dean of Law Monash University and former Chairman Trade Practices Commission Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 217: Baxt, Robert "Bob" (1938 - )]
* Prof Christoper Roper AM (1955-1961) - Adjunct Professor City University of Hong Kong, Former Director College of Law Sydney and Former Professor College of Law England and Wales Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1769: Roper, Christoper John (1944 - )]

ciences

* Errol Alcott (1967-1971) - Director of Athletic Performance South Sydney Rabbitohs and former Head Physiotherapist Australia national cricket team [http://www.souths.com.au/fanzone/viewnewsarticle.asp?ArticleID=1554 South Sydney Rabbitohs Website] Retrieved 27-09-2007]
* Prof Reuben Rose (1958-1966) - Former Dean of Veterinary Science University of Sydney Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1771: Rose, Reuben Johnston (1949 - )]
* Emeritus Prof John Turtle AO (1947-1953) - Former Kellion Professor of Endocrinology University of Sydney, Co-Founder Australian Diabetes Society and Former President International Diabetes Federation Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 2055: Turtle, John Ross (1937 - )]

Business

* Ian Diery (1958-1967) - Former Vice-President Apple Inc., and Director of The Timberland Company [http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/FromPersonIdPersonTearsheet.jhtml?passedPersonId=930858 More from Forbes.com] Retrieved 11-02-2008]
* Owen Howell-Price (1938-1944) - Director and former Chairman Dairy Farm South Asia and CEO Woolworths Limited [http://www.austcham.org.sg/newsletter_archive/newsletter_feb/Home.htm#Interview Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore] Retrieved 11-02-2008]
* Robby Ingham (1970-1973) - European Fashion Retailer and scion of Ingham EnterprisesFact|date=September 2007
* Bill Ireland (1961-1968) - Chairman Mariner Wealth Management Ltd and Former CEO Challenger International Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1071: Ireland, William Edward Baker "Bill" (1950 - )]
* Robert Millner (1959-1968) - Chairman of six ASX-listed companies, Washington H. Soul Pattinson, Brickworks, Choiseul Investments, Milton Corporation, New Hope Mining and Soul Telecommunications Who's Who in Australia (Crown Content Melb, 2007) pp 1445: Millner, Robert Dodson (1950 - )]
* Neil Perry (1968-1973) - Chef and Restaurateur Rockpool, Author and TV Presenter LifeStyle Food

Arts, media and entertainment

* Gary Shearston (1950-1955) - Australia's best selling Folk Singer
* Tobias Cole (1976-1988) - Countertenor for Opera Australia
* Warwick Moss (1958-1965) - Actor, television personality and New South Wales Premier's Literary Award winning writer
* Douglas Stephen Rae (1972-1979) - AFI Award winning Film and TV Musician and Composer
* Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (1983-1991) - Actor "Heartbreak High", "Something in the Air" and "Sea Patrol"
* Matt Holmes (1981-1993) - Actor "Blue Heelers" and "Sea Patrol"
* Peter Holder (1974-1982) - Journalist, editor of men's style, and Publisher of ACP men's Lifestyle titles
* Colin Still (1950-1960) - RAIA Sir John Sulman Medal winning Architect Architecture in Transition: The Sulman Award 1932-1997 (Andrew Metcalfe Syd, 1997) ]

port

*Tristan Chan (1977-1990) - Medallist at the 1994 Commonwealth Fencing Championships
* Judge Fred Kirkham (1945-1953) - Olympic Games Bronze Medallist Rowing
* Michael Morgan OAM (1957-1964) - Olympic Games Silver Medallist Rowing
* Geoffrey Stewart (1984-1991) - Dual Olympic Games Bronze Medallist Rowing
* James Stewart (1984-1991) - Dual Olympic Games Bronze Medallist Rowing
* Stephen Stewart (1985-1995) - Olympic Games Bronze Medallist Rowing
*Richard Wearne (1981-1989) - Bronze medal in 1994 pair oar and Silver Medal in 1995 pair oar World Rowing Championships
* Cameron Fear (1983-1993) - Head Coach Gordon Rugby Club
* Peter Jorgensen (1980-1986)- Former Wallaby
* Stuart MacDougall (1955-1965) - Former Wallaby Australian Rugby - The Game and the Players (Jack Pollard Syd, 1994) pp 300: MacDougall, Stuart Grant "Grunter" (1947)]
* Roy Prosser (1949-1959) - Former Wallaby Australian Rugby - The Game and the Players (Jack Pollard Syd, 1994) pp 473: Prosser, Roydon Barnett (1942)]
* David Forbes (1943-49) - Olympic Games Gold Medallist Sailing

ee also

*List of Non-Government schools in New South Wales
*Newington College
*Newington College Preparatory School, Lindfield

External links

* [http://www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au/public/PrepSchools/Wyvern/index.cfm Wyvern House website]

References