Edition 1, Term 3 2020
MENU: From the Principal | From the ELC | Junior School | Senior School | Chaplain’s Chat | Community Relations
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Melbourne is becoming tense. Daily updates of case numbers and strong opinions around government response dominate the airwaves. The frequent closing of schools due to COVID-19 cases is also having an impact as we seek to stay beyond the virus’ reach.
At the same time, we are trying to be proactive in our approach and continue to ask students to stay away if ill, to get tested if unsure and to practise the appropriate measures needed to keep each other safe. Students onsite have been consistently asked to wear their masks and maintain social distance whenever practical. Of course, most people have done so regularly, and we are grateful for their response. Again, today, Heads of Year have reiterated their message and in my walks through the corridors I have witnessed classrooms of students trying to comply with these unusual requests. Much like with their shirts, ties and blazers, sometimes they need reminding more than once.
At home, where the majority of our students are conducting their schooling at the moment, there are fewer social distancing challenges, but also fewer opportunities to collaborate easily with teachers and peers. I commend our students, their teachers and their families who, again, have all been thrown into the teaching and learning process via digital means. I acknowledge that it is less than perfect, but also know that everyone is trying hard to look after the best interests of our students, albeit at a distance.
The tension that exists across Melbourne society is amplified when young people are involved. Our whole school community’s efforts to avoid positive cases here at Trinity have worked so far, though we have had some close calls. I understand the reason for the concern that is building, and we know that we are not immune from the possibility of cases occurring at school. Should we be affected, we have the ability to swiftly move to online classes, but in the meantime, we will continue to offer those students who are allowed to come each day a face-to-face experience.
Let’s hope that the current restrictions do not last for too long. We are looking forward to getting our school back together and resuming our more familiar operation. For our students, teachers and support staff, and for our families too, that is certainly something to which we look forward.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
From the ELC
Although the beginning of Term 3 may involve ‘Distance Learning’ for most of the students here at Trinity, the ELC is very fortunate to have resumed face-to-face learning. Some children have been attending and they are thrilled to be here as they continue to build on their relationships, develop the necessary skills to assist in their learning journey, and fully immerse themselves in the program. We aim to support each child at home or as they enter our centre. The Early Learning Centre is operating smoothly, and we look forward to welcoming back more children soon. As we navigate through these unusual times, we are ensuring that all are keeping well, settling in, and that families are happy and informed. The educators are having daily conversations around the importance of hygiene practices and new laws regarding the wearing of face coverings in our community. In this way, the children are gaining an increased understanding of the world around them, and developing a sense of security in their environment – there are lots of great conversations to be had. With so many uncertainties, life can seem very unsettling, even for children. We are happy that we can still have children attend and that we can provide a space where they can feel safe and joyous.
Marty O’Brien
Director of the Early Learning Centre
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Distance Learning 2.0 is now well underway. With a renewed commitment to connection, community and care, we are working as a Junior School to bring the boys the best possible learning experiences from afar.
The Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews provided a source of connection in a new fashion between families and teachers as we joined in Teams Meeting calls from home to discuss the learning and wellbeing of each of the boys. Thank you to all families for embracing this experience.
Many of our students engaged in the High-Five Video Challenge in Week 2. The submitted videos were compiled and shared with students on Monday through the student daily bulletin. It was a wonderful way for the boys to feel part of a project as a Junior School and the enthusiasm and participation was fantastic. We look forward to providing more challenges and spirit activities for our students throughout Distance Learning.
Please continue to look after each other and stay safe.
Emily MacLean
Deputy Head of Junior School (Innovation and School Excellence)
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Masks
The boys have been fabulous about wearing a mask to and from school and while at school. They are wearing colourful homemade masks, plus commercial ones from Saint, as well as the disposable masks. The message to the boys is to wear a mask when in class – not while eating and not when ‘playing’ on the oval. There are times when it is hard to socially distance perfectly, but the boys are being very responsible.
Mathematics Gold Medal
Congratulations to Hadyn Tang in Year 11, who won a Gold Medal in the World Cyberspace Mathematical Competition. Australia finished 8th in the competition (Russia came first). This was the first World Cyberspace Mathematical Competition and was part of Hadyn’s International Maths Olympiad training.
Bob Stewart Hours
During the lockdown, Bob Stewart has changed its hours of operation.
Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sports Captains
All winter sport has been cancelled, but many of the Firsts Winter teams had a long pre-season. We would still like to acknowledge the boys who showed leadership during an interrupted season. The captains will be presented at the next school assembly.
Captain(s) | Vice-Captain(s) | |
Badminton | Rishov Doloi | |
Cross Country | Finn Horan | Kai Chapman and George Anderson |
Fencing | James Newcombe | Calvin Blair |
Football | George Belcher | Dylan Xenos |
Hockey | Ben Allen | Bennett Baker and Ryan Glasson |
Rugby | Michael Forwood | Daniel Moshopoulos, Nick Trott, Adem Kurzman and Nabil Hassine |
Soccer | Tasos Houndalas and Johnny Apostolopoulos | Ngor Joseph and Chan Joseph |
Winter Tennis | Edward Spink | Nick Wotherspoon |
Subject Selection (Years 9-12, 2021)
Over the past week, parents and boys have attended/listened to Information Nights for Years 9-11, detailing how to select subjects for the following year. Here are the dates for the selection process:
- Year 9 opened on Thursday 23 July – closes on Friday 7 August
- Year 10 opened Thursday 23 July – closes on Friday 7 August
- Year 11 opens Tuesday 28 July – closes on Monday 10 August
- Year 12 opened Monday 27 July – closes Wednesday 12 August
We encourage boys to talk to their parents, Form teachers, Heads of Year or subject teachers. Don’t select subjects because you think they may be easy or because your friends are doing them!
Rohan Brown
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
Teaching and Learning in a Distance Learning environment
The transition to Distance Learning during Term 2 posed many challenges for the school, for teachers and students. As teachers, we needed to think differently about how we communicate, give instruction, deliver and authenticate assessment and provide feedback to ensure lessons are authentic and meaningful. The second transition to Distance Learning at the start of Term 3 provided new challenges. For example, the benefit of having the boys face to face during Term 1 meant that relationships had already been formed before we moved into an online environment. This time around, teachers of the term and semester-based subjects met their students for the first time on a screen. I can speak from experience that this was a little bit odd – again, we had to rethink how we get to know the boys as young people and young learners. However, on reflection, over the past two weeks teachers have been innovative in their approach and have learnt many new skills in order to maximise the many tools available to ensure continuity of learning. While I am sure that we all hope to return to face-to-face teaching for our Prep to Year 10 students, in the event that Distance Learning does continues, I am confident that Trinity will continue to rise to the challenges and continue to be innovative in its approach.
Ben Hinves
Director of Teaching and Learning
Debating 2020 Style
A new feature of the Distance Learning program is online debating! Although reluctantly embraced at first, Trinity students have presented themselves online with both modesty and spirit, typical of any boy who wears the Trinity blazer. This has been a huge logistical process of change for the DAV and as we ride their coat-tails we also learn as we go, receiving details and results along the way. Each Round is spread over a number of weeks as opposed to the one evening, which was traditionally held at Camberwell Boys’ Grammar School. Even so, our Trinity debaters continue to present themselves with flair and confidence, fiercely arguing any given topic. Congratulations to all the boys involved in this historic event, and a special mention must go to those who have been awarded the title of Best Speaker: William Browning (twice), Max Yakubowski, Justin Kwong, David Dodson and Aden Wilmshurst.
Junior Debating (Years 7 and 8) is set to start in the next couple of weeks and I am happy to accept any late-comers who missed all the advertising last term! Students should send an email indicating their interest to: khalloufr@trinity.vic.edu.au by Friday 31 July.
Rima Khallouf
Head of School Debating
Harambee News
Despite numerous setbacks and inescapable challenges, Term 2 was a productive and exciting one for Harambee and our programs.
Head here to see our Term 2 newsletter which highlights the success of a National Reconciliation Week like no other, as well as the generosity of the community in supporting our grocery drive for Good Grub.
The $3,500 raised to support educational initiatives in Gunbalanya is a testament to the compassion and kindness of our school community. This will go a long way towards funding vocational programs, teaching and learning facilities and critical support efforts in the wake of COVID-19. A huge thank you must go to Paul Lindsay, Oscar Howard, Mr Newcastle and Mr Bean for their hard work in organising such an important week in the life of the school.
As the majority of us return to Distance Learning for the time being and we are constricted in what we can do, no doubt the Harambee team will continue to work vigorously and creatively. Finally, we offer a massive thank you to the entire Trinity community for their ongoing support throughout what has been a difficult period.
Nick Molnar
Captain of Faith and Outreach
Mr Tom Purcell
Director of Outreach
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
To find out more about NCCD, please see click here to view the letter.
Marie Zwart
Head of Enhanced Learning
Chaplain’s Chat
We are living in extraordinary times and I don’t know about you, but I’ve completely run out of original words, and recycled all the catchphrases to both describe and try and make sense of the past few months. Words are powerful but can also lose their potency and sincerity when overused – if I hear the words ‘agile’ or ‘pivot’ again, I think I’ll scream!
You might remember the visit of James Shone to Trinity earlier in the year. James shared an incredible story of overcoming personal adversity with our boys and parents. It was both deeply moving and inspiring to hear him reflect on his journey, impart a message of hope, and offer some wonderful tools to consider for our own lives.
James used a great phrase or mantra I’d not heard before to describe his own attitude to life that he calls his U.F.O – Up, Forward and Out.
Look Up in faith (trusting in God’s love, provision and care)
Look Forward in hope (the past is a great teacher but a terrible master)
Look Out toward others (life is much richer when we share and give of ourselves)
The opposite of the above is to look Down, Back and In, making a D.B.I, a Dangerously Bleak Individual. What a great message for our time! It’s a bunch of words I don’t think I’ll tire of hearing or sharing with others any time soon.
‘Looking up’ has been a great sustainer for me my whole life, but especially during these few months. Psalm 121 (in the Old Testament) encourages us to look up… ‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.’ In the New Testament, Jesus encourages us to do the same – ‘Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28-30)
What a great promise! I pray you may know God’s help and his rest in the days and weeks ahead.
Rev’d Matt Campbell
Senior Chaplain
*If you want to find out more about James Shone and his work, you can find him here or hear him talk more about his U.F.O here
*If you want to find out more about faith and ‘looking up’, or just need a friendly chat, you can find me here: campbellm@trinity.vic.edu.au
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Trinity Woollen Blanket
Ideal gift for Father’s Day, OTGs and current families.
This beautiful Trinity themed blanket is ideal as a throw rug or to keep in the car to have as a picnic rug. It could be a wonderful way to show our school colours while sitting on the benches or at the sidelines whilst watching Trinity sport (when we can). The joy of the weather in Melbourne is that it won’t only be useful in winter!
Please click here for further information and to order.
Trinity TLC Community Support Group
A friendly reminder about the Trinity TLC Community Support Group:
What is it?
The TLC Community Support Group organises a roster of volunteers to provide meals and lunchbox items for students, teachers and staff in our community who are faced with challenging times.
How Does it Work?
The role of the Group and our volunteers is simply to fill the school freezer with delicious food. When a little TLC is needed, the TGS School Leadership Team coordinates the distribution of meals and lunchbox items, ensuring discretion and confidentiality.
How Can I Help?
- To join the Roster to prepare a meal/lunchbox item on a date which suits you please click here.
- To join the list of Urgent Meal who we can contact on an ad hoc basis to provide meals and lunchbox items at 24/48 hours’ notice please click here.
- To make a Donation which will be used to purchase items such as supermarket vouchers and a meal delivery service please click here.
Any Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact Alice Noonan and Angela Gill (Co-Convenors) via email pa@trinity.vic.edu.au.
We are extremely grateful for all contributions and support.
Trinity Uniform Shop
Please note that during Term 3 the Trinity Uniform Shop will be closed.
VCE students who require uniform items during this period can make an appointment by contacting Kathy Hines hinesk@trinity.vic.edu.au or Ph 9851 9498.
Please note: Bob Stewart and Dobsons are both open.
Stay safe and keep well.
Kathy Hines
Director of Development and Community Relations
Important Dates
Wednesday 29 July
Year 10 Outdoor Leaders and Somers applications close
Thursday 30 July
Senior School Assembly, 8.15am, streamed live
Junior School Class Representatives Meeting, 9.00am, online
Monday 3 August
Year 12 (2020) Student VTAC Information Briefing, 8.15am
Guest Speaker Paul Dillon Parent Information Night, 7.30pm, online
Tuesday 4 August
VTAC Information Night, 7.30pm, online
Wednesday 5 August
Year 11 and 12 Australian Mathematics Competition 12.10pm