Edition 1, Term 3 – 2019
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EDITORIAL
Welcome back. I trust the boys (and hopefully parents) had a good break and that everyone is raring to go this Term. I chased some sun in Queensland in the first week and had my reading fix. My best read was William Boyd’s Restless. It was a recommendation from Genevieve Dillon, our Head of English, and I fully endorse her sentiments about the novel.
Much occurred over the holiday period as usual. We removed the roof from the P&F Hall and completed a host of other maintenance tasks. A group of boys and parents walked Kokoda; Year 5 and 6 boys played sport in Tasmania; a group of boys went on a Duke of Edinburgh Award Cross-Country skiing trip; and our Cricketers toured England…and we rehearsed for the school musical!
This is a perfect segue into mentioning the four outstanding performances of Les Misérables to open Term 3. I have attended many school musicals over the years (I estimate around 50), and have seen some outstanding shows. None has been better than last week’s Trinity-Ruyton production of the iconic musical based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel. The depth and breadth of talent was amazing, and I thank and congratulate all involved – students, staff and parents.
And on the Les Mis theme, how about Ben Allen’s (Year 11) commitment? He played a leading role as Enjolras (brilliantly I might add) on Thursday and Friday nights, rolled up to take his place in the First Hockey Team on Saturday morning, and then strutted his stuff on stage again in the matinée performance of the Musical, and then again in the Saturday night closing performance. I assume he was permitted a sleep-in on Sunday morning!
On the same day as Opening Night of the Musical, we held a service to farewell Hugh Blunt (Year 12 2018), who succumbed to his debilitating Mitochondrial Disease. It was a service full of sadness and extreme emotion, but the School and its current and past students really rose to the occasion and supported Hugh’s family and friends wonderfully well. Last year, over 70 boys and staff completed the Bloody Long Walk in Term 3 to raise funds for the Mito Foundation and we are hoping that a similar number or more participate on 25 August. Details of the event can be found here.
In breaking news, Hadyn Tang (Year 10) has received a Gold Medal at the International Mathematics Olympiad in Bath, England. One of only two Australians to receive a Gold Medal, Haydn is the first Trinity boy to do so. This is an outstanding achievement.
For Senior School students, the Winter Sport Season is almost over. We have two First Teams that will play finals, and we wish the hockey and soccer boys well as they chase elusive premierships.
Our first group of Year 9 boys headed to China early on Saturday morning, and the rest will partake in this learning journey adventure over the next four weeks. All Year 9 boys will also attend an Outdoor Education Camp at Licola over the same five weeks.
In accordance with new legal requirements, we have recently updated our Conditions of Enrolment. We have also been advised by the Victorian Regulation and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) that we must have a Parents Code of Conduct. Both of these documents were sent home to families via Connect yesterday.
I remind all parents that I am readily contactable on 9854 3633 and at deyoungp@trinity.vic.edu.au
I’m always up for a chinwag at Bulleen, especially as the Tigers are now making their move!
Phil De Young
Headmaster
EVENTS
Science Colloquium
Our annual Science Colloquium will be held on Wednesday 31 July 2019 at 6.00pm
The Science Colloquium is an opportunity to hear from distinguished scientists about their research, and the educational and career pathways that led them to their current career.
This year’s guest speakers are:
Associate Professor Oliver Jones
School of Science, RMIT University, Group Leader of the Molecular and Separation Science Laboratory at RMIT University
Professor Mark Shackleton
Director of Oncology at Alfred Health, Professor of Oncology at Monash University
Your ticket price includes drinks, canapés and a two-course meal. Tickets are $55.00 per person, and Trinity and Ruyton students are entitled to complimentary tickets to this event.
If you wish to attend this fabulous event, please book your tickets here by Wednesday 24 July.
Trinity Talks
Please join us at our next Trinity Talks breakfast being held on Wednesday 31 July between 7.00am and 8.30am with 3 x AFL Premiership Footballer and Media Personality Josh Gibson (OTG 2001), who will be hosting a Q&A session over breakfast.
Date: Wednesday 31 July 2019
Time: 7.00am – 8.30am
Location: South Room, Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts
Cost: $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight.
RSVP: trybooking.com/BBXAX
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome back everyone.
Speaking to parents as I do the rounds, it sounds like the school holiday break was appreciated by all whether it was used for travelling interstate, overseas, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home with family.
The term ahead will be another busy one, and will finish with Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and the Showcases for Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. We look forward to their presentations later in the term. Last term finished with the Year 4, 5 and 6 Showcases. They were well presented by the boys, and clearly a lot of work had gone in to them. Congratulations to everyone involved who put so much effort in to producing each exhibition.
The Junior School term calendar will be sent home early this week.
Staff Notices
We welcome the following staff to the Junior School from the beginning of Term 3:
- Ms Michelle Tang (Prep to Year 6 Mandarin Chinese)
- Ms Amelia Pratt (2W – officially taking over 2W in week 4)
Grant Nalder
Head of Junior School
Hutchins Winter Sports Tour
During the Term 2 holidays, 47 students and a number of staff travelled to Hobart to participate in our annual exchange with the Hutchins School. The boys were greeted with a BBQ and participated in some games as they familiarised themselves with the Hutchins exchange partners and families.
On the first Monday of the tour, TGS took on St Virgil’s and Hutchins in a round robin tournament of hockey, soccer and football. Despite willing efforts in hockey, the boys lost both matches. The football team dominated St Virgil’s but fell away to lose to Hutchins in the last few minutes of the match, and soccer ended in a 0-0 draw at full time.
All teachers were pleased with the attitude, effort and behaviour of the students during the tour. We look forward to hosting the Hutchins School in 2020.
Mr Tim Naughton
Tour Organiser
BlueScope WIN Wollongong Eisteddfod
Congratulations to Jack Kingston in Year 5 for his fantastic achievements at the BlueScope WIN Wollongong Eisteddfod. Jack won six events and placed second in two events. He was also awarded the May Pusey Scholarship.
Boroondara Lions Club Legacy Eisteddfod Scholarship
Congratulations to Gabriel Guarino in Year 4 for being awarded the Boroondara Lions Club Legacy Eisteddfod Scholarship following his U12 Piano Solo (non-competitive section) performance. Six scholarships were awarded in the categories of piano, classical vocal, contemporary vocal, strings, woodwind and brass.
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Cricket Tour to UK
Sixteen boys from Years 9 to 11 travelled to the UK during the July school holidays. The boys played nine games and won four. Tom Robinson scored a century (101 not out) against Wanstead, and the best bowling figures were recorded by Tom Uhr-Henry and Cameron Grace took 9 wickets.
Thank you to Mr Pateman, Mr Bett and Mr Savill for leading the trip, which has been running every second year. Although the Cricket season is a long way off, hopefully this has been good preseason practice for the team.
Kokoda Trek
The annual Kokoda trip was also held over the July school holidays. Mr Ponsford has organised the last few trips and this year there were 18 Year 11 boys, 11 parents and five staff who walked for eight days from Popondetta to Owers’ Corner. It is a physically challenging walk, and along the way the boys learn about the battles between the Australians and Japanese forces as the Australians retreated along the track.
Duke of Edinburgh Snow Trip
During the first week of the July holidays seven Year 9 boys spent four days trekking and skiing at Falls Creek as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Thank you to Mr Bence and Matt Corney (OTG 2014) for taking the trip. The Duke of Edinburgh scheme commences for boys in Year 9, and many boys start the scheme, but it is often difficult to maintain the commitment required to achieve the Gold Award.
Congratulations
Hamish Galbraith and Mike Zhou were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in the last week of Term 2. This is a wonderful achievement and an acknowledgement of their persistence and commitment in completing the award.
Sam Gollings has been successful in securing a Tuckwell Scholarship to study next year at ANU in Canberra. This is a very prestigious and valuable Scholarship.
First Night Game at Bulleen
History was made last Friday night when Trinity hosted the very first First XVIII Football game against Marcellin under lights. With the game commencing at 5.00pm, the new lights provided for excellent playing conditions on the Hudson Oval. The lights have been funded mainly by the Old Trinity Grammarians Association and the OTG Football Club, including a contribution from Chemist Warehouse. A good crowd watched the game. Scores were level at the final siren, however a wayward shot at goal by Marcellin saw them get over the line by one point.
Les Misérables
The magnificent musical Les Misérables was performed last week in the Eldon Hogan Theatre at Xavier. The cast played to a packed house for each of the performances, and the quality of the production was amazing. Les Mis is a very popular musical, and our Trinity and Ruyton actors did not disappoint! It is terrific to see the younger actors work alongside the senior students. Congratulations to the entire ensemble, and the staff involved. In particular Morgan Payne, Ryan Glasson, Nicholas Fallow, and Ben Allen in leading roles.
Click here to view a full list of all students and staff involved in the production.
RACV Energy Breakthrough
Trinity’s Energy Breakthrough team is seeking sponsorships from corporates, especially those within the school community, who may be able to provide financial assistance or relevant products to our team. The Energy Breakthrough, held in Maryborough, attracts much interest and has a wide coverage across many media forms, including TV, radio, and social media. Trinity’s teams have consistently performed well at this event, and have been involved in the competition since 2005. Businesses willing to assist should email Ian Lundie, Head of Design and Technology and Teacher-in-Charge of Energy Breakthrough.
Year 7 and 8 Parent and Son Book Club
If you love reading please come along to our new book club for Year 7 and 8 boys and their parents. We will be discussing The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. Copies of both the adult and young adult versions are available from the library. Please contact longlibrary@trinity.vic.edu.au if you would like to borrow a copy. Hot drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Venue: The Tudor Centre
Date and Time: Thursday 15 August 2019, 6.00pm-7.00pm
RSVP: by Friday 9 August to Ms Erin Wamala, Teacher Librarian
Snowsports Update
Signup for Interschools Mt Buller
Families planning to attend the Interschools competition at Mt Buller in August should register their son(s) for individual races and competition ticketing by clicking here. Parents are responsible for organising accommodation and providing supervision during the competition week. The Junior School events will be parent-supported with some assistance from an OTG. Trinity staff will be present on the mountain for the Senior events from Wednesday 21 August onwards.
TGS applications close Wednesday 31 July.
The Cross Country competition will be held on Sunday 4 August, with the Junior downhill events commencing Monday 16 August, and the Year 7-12 downhill competition commencing on Wednesday 21 August.
TGS Friends of Snowsports event
An informal catch-up for parents and students will be held on Thursday 25 July at 7.00pm in the Tudor Centre. This will be a chance to meet some of the other families going to Mt Buller in August, to ask any questions you might have about the competition, and provide an opportunity for parents to chat to the co-ordinators of the newly formed ‘Friends of Snowsports’.
If you’d like to come along please let us know by emailing either Sara Shaw or me. Light refreshments will be offered.
Tim Bence
Teacher-in-Charge of Snowsports
MUSIC NEWS
Trinity Friends of Music (TFOM)
The third TFOM meeting for 2019 will be held on Tuesday 30 July at 7.00 pm in Hudson House. TFOM warmly invites current members and new parents (Senior and Junior School) to attend.
Term 3 Music Recitals
Students are invited to perform in the upcoming recitals to be held on Tuesday 30 July (Week 3), Tuesday August 13 (Week 5) and Tuesday 20 August (Week 7) from 3.30pm – 4.00pm in Room CY4 of the Music Department. This is an excellent opportunity for students to refine their performance prior to VCE recitals or AMEB examinations. Mr Siegfried Franke will be available to accompany students at the recital and rehearse with performers during lunchtime that day. Interested participants should contact Mrs Therese McCoppin or email to register their interest.
Chamber Soiree
The Trinity Chamber Soiree will be held on Friday 2 August 2019 in the South Room starting at 7.00pm. No tickets are required. The following ensembles will perform: Awesome Oboes, Trinity Triumvirate, Brandenburg Trio, Clarion Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Bream Guitar Ensemble. Details regarding students performing will be sent via Trinity Connect.
2020 Music Tour to Italy
Students currently in Years 7-10 are encouraged to consider this special tour which will take place in the Term 3 holiday break of 2020. All students will sing together, and smaller instrumental groups will be formed. A second information night will be held later in the year. Please email Ms Michelle Stanic to express your interest in participating in this tour.
Choral Concert – Community Choir
Our annual Choral Concert will be held on Wednesday 11 September at 7.00pm at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, Burwood Road, Hawthorn.
Members of the Trinity Community are warmly invited to sing with the Community Choir. The featured work for this concert will be the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. The Requiem will be performed with a number of companion pieces featuring each of the Trinity Choirs and the Senior String Orchestra.
Rehearsals will be held from 7.00pm – 8.30pm in the Music School commencing Tuesday 23 July. Singers need only commit to one rehearsal per week.
Here is the full schedule:
- Tuesday 23 July
- Thursday 25 July
- Tuesday 30 July
- Wednesday 31 July
- Wednesday 7 August
- Thursday 8 August
- Tuesday 13 August
- Thursday 15 August
- Wednesday 21 August
- Thursday 22 August
- Tuesday 27 August
- Wednesday 28 August
- Tuesday 3 September
- Tuesday 10 September
- Wednesday 11 September (Concert)
For further information please contact Mr Kevin Kelley, Head of Choral Music
CHAPLAIN’S CHAT
Disagreeing well couldn’t be more topical but is not something that is always easy to do. I hope you’ll find this recent article by Simon Smart good food for thought as we consider our own beliefs and motivations, and how we engage those well with our neighbour and in the public square…
What I wish I could have said as a Christian to Folau before he took to Instagram
I’d love to have a beer with Israel Folau. Or at least I wish I could have done that before he started posting on Instagram what he believes is central to the message of Christianity.
If I’d had that opportunity, I would have urged him to adopt an entirely different posture towards the culture he is hoping to influence. In the current climate of distrust, polarisation and simplistic sloganeering, I’d want to convince him of the need for thoughtfulness and sensitivity to how his words will be heard. And what the potential damage of those words might be.
For what it’s worth, I would have stressed that good communication matters, that social media is perhaps the worst possible place to try to explain complex religious concepts and that Bible verses ripped out of context and lists of “sinners” bound for hell (which the actual Biblical passage does not mention), without any sense of the broader story, distorts the core message of the text and its offer of abundant life for every person who would accept it.
But sadly, that opportunity has passed, and it looks as though Folau’s rugby career will be over. I feel sorry for him. He’s the subject of a mob justice that has determined that not only is the content of his post hateful but so too is his motivation. I’m sure that’s not the case. The comedian, magician and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette once famously said that he doesn’t respect religious people who don’t proselytise. “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” he said. According to Jillette, something being “socially awkward” is not a good reason to keep quiet when the stakes are as high as divine judgment.
Whatever you think of Folau’s theology, or method of communication, it seems odd to me that people don’t recognise what is moving him to act, especially given the comprehensive list of those deemed at risk of perdition. Folau is, after all, a footballer and not a moral philosopher, or theologian or even a nuanced writer.
But the whole sorry saga of Folau’s online antics does present some starkly challenging questions about the kind of society we want to become. Long-time gay activist Dawn Grace-Cohen responded to the Folau story by saying that celebrating diversity also must mean celebrating “diversity of opinion”. While, in her view, Israel Folau’s views are objectionable—he thinks she’s a sinner, she considers him a Neanderthal—she writes, “I should be able to say so and keep my job. So should he”. In other words, an authoritarian atmosphere of silencing people who hold views that we find ludicrous, objectionable, or even hurtful, can become dangerous for all of us. Better to keep conversations going with those we disagree with, rather than shut them down and drive their views underground.
Given the repeated “atrocities” committed by footballers who continue to play the game after a minor sanction, it’s hard to escape the feeling that Folau has found himself a modern heretic to a particular kind of orthodoxy.
Is this the kind of society we want to live in? Os Guinness, the author and social critic, writes about three possible options of the kind of “public square” we can choose, two of which he says are bad. The “sacred public square” is one where one religion is preferred over all others, is “established” or is even a monopoly. Such a model is unjust because those who don’t share the religion are second class citizens. Think Iran, Pakistan, or Myanmar.
The “naked public square” on the other hand, in removing all religion, is equally unjust because it leaves no room for the faithful. Stalinist Russia or contemporary North Korea illustrate the problem.
An alternative middle way is, according to Guinness, what he calls the “civil public square”, where people of all faiths and none, are free to enter into public life on the basis of their faith (or lack of it). The crucial qualifier in this model is that they do so within an agreed framework of what is just and fair for everybody else too. A good understanding of rights, responsibilities and respect are essential qualities for such a model to work. The Israel Folau case would test such a framework.
Working out what true tolerance will look like in a liberal democracy is complex. As tens of thousands of displaced people around the world look at Australia as an attractive destination of freedom and opportunity, and many Australians rightly and admirably advocate for their acceptance, the question remains as to what kind of welcome they will receive when they get here. Remembering that the vast majority of new arrivals from non-Western countries will be religious, and very often conservatively religious. They will typically hold views, especially on issues of morality and sexual ethics, that are clearly not in sync with contemporary Australian culture. How will we deal with that awkwardness? True inclusiveness and diversity must make room for many different worldviews. And it’s all of us, not just Rugby Australia, who will have to navigate these complexities, if we are going to cultivate an environment that we say can be a home for all.
Simon Smart is the executive director of the Centre for Public Christianity.
This article was published in the Sydney Morning Herald – May 13, 2019
Rev’d Matt Campbell
Senior Chaplain and Director of Wellbeing
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Welcome to Term 3! I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable holiday break.
The Community Relations team in Hudson House is once again looking forward to supporting you this term with a wide range of community and parent events. If you have any queries or if we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Planning is already underway for the 2020 Trinity Ball with a glamourous new venue in the pipeline. Jodie Preiss is our Ball convener and seeking volunteers to join her on the 2020 Trinity Ball committee. Should you wish to be involved with this fabulous evening of fun, please contact Felicity Quilty 9851 9407 or email hudsonhouse@trinity.vic.edu.au
On Wednesday 31 July, we are hosting the final Trinity Talks Breakfast for the year. If you haven’t booked your ticket or table already, I encourage you to come and join us for an informal Q&A hosted by Rohan Brown with our special guest speaker 3 x AFL Premiership footballer and media personality, Josh Gibson (OTG 2001).
I hope that you have a great start to Term 3, and I look forward to catching up with you over the coming weeks.
Kind regards
Kathy Hines
Director of Development and Community Relations
Harambee Candles
The Harambee candles have been very popular and we have only 35 left in stock. Thank you to all members of our community who have supported this fundraising project. The remaining candles are still able to be purchased from Hudson House, the Junior and Senior School offices, or online for $35.00.
Swap Shop and Cafeteria – Call for Volunteers
If you can spare a few hours each term, we are always looking for volunteers to assist with the Cafeteria and the Swap Shop in Semester 2.
Please contact Bonnie in Hudson House to register your interest or alternatively contact Susan Lane (Trinity Shop) or Carol-Ann Wong (Café).
You can sign up to volunteer in the Cafe directly by clicking here.
Mitre Cookbook
The Mitre Cookbook is available to purchase from Main Reception and Hudson House. You can also purchase online by clicking here.
- $40.00 – pick-up from school
- $50.00 includes postage
Trinity Fair Plant Stall: Can you help?
There will be a working bee for the Plant Stall between 2.30pm and 4.00pm on Thursday 25 July at the rear of Hudson House (corner of Wellington and Charles Streets). We’ll be potting up cuttings for the Trinity Fair – no experience or equipment necessary! Please drop in for any length of time to help us prepare for the fair in November. If you’re able to attend or would like to be notified of future Plant Stall activities please email Vanessa Solomon.
Community Relations Calendar
Saturday 27 July 2019
Year 2 Christmas in July Parents’ Dinner
Time: 6.30pm
Location: Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy
Cost: $85.00 per person, ticket includes three course dinner. Drinks available at bar prices.
RSVP: trybooking.com/BDFZJ
Wednesday 31 July 2019
Trinity Talks
Time: 7.00am – 8.30am
Location: South Room. Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts
Cost: $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight.
RSVP: trybooking.com/BBXAX
Please join us at our next Trinity Talks breakfast being held on Wednesday 31 July between 7.00am and 8.30am with 3 x AFL Premiership Footballer and Media Personality Josh Gibson (OTG 2001), who will be hosting a Q&A session over breakfast.
Friday 2 August
2019 Year 12 Cocktail Function – The Home Straight
Time: 7.00pm
Location: QPO, Stamps Room
Cost: $26.50 per head to cover a light supper. Drinks at bar prices
RSVP: trybooking.com/BDSWP
Saturday 10 August
2019 Harambee Outreach Dinner
Time: 6.30pm
Location: South Room – Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts
Cost: Adult – $55; Student – $35
RSVP: Tuesday 6 August via trybooking.com/BDPKU
The Harambee Dinner is our annual fundraiser for outreach ministries in Uganda and Kenya. It is a celebration of the local, Indigenous and international communities with which we walk. Your ticket price includes a three-course meal and soft drinks. BYO beer and wine for adults.
Friday 23 August
2019 Year 7 Mothers and Sons Breakfast
Time: 6.45am for a 7.00am start
Location: South Room – Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts
Cost: Adult – $24; Student – $22
RSVP: Friday 16 August via trybooking.com/BDRCS
We invite Year 7 students and their mothers to join us for a delicious breakfast, and to hear from the School Captain and his Mother about their time at Trinity.
Guests will be seated with their son’s form, breakfast will conclude at 8.00am to allow students to get to class on time.