Edition 2, Term 1 2022
MENU: From the Principal | From the ELC | From the Junior School | From the Senior School | Music | Chaplain | Community Engagement
From the Principal
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the students, staff and families of Trinity for a very smooth start to 2022 despite the shroud of COVID matters. Whereas we have had positive cases of COVID nearly every day, there has been a very calm and measured tone to the daily life of the school. While we regret people missing school in order to isolate, the preparedness of staff to assist, families to communicate and students to rise to the challenges has been impressive. We have had haphazard delivery of RATs and masks from government, but have been able to supply our community through the persistence of staff, some foresight in gaining extra supplies and the generosity of a school family whose donation was gratefully received.
The real work of school is underway again and, for the first time in a long time, we have a strong sense of normalcy, albeit approximate normalcy! Sport, camps, classes and performing arts are all underway in various guises, though we are avoiding large gatherings and having parents on site, of course. We look forward to resuming those activities in due course.
The last couple of years have tested everyone. After the Junior School Captains’ Induction on Friday I was privileged to spend some time informally with the Year 6s. I was struck, as ever, by their positive and matter-of-fact attitude to the world as it is at the moment. The general sense among them is that they are looking forward and are eager for whatever is next. There was no sense of dwelling on misfortune or lamenting loss. It is remarkable, really, when so much of the messaging that society sends out reflects anxiety and personal impact. I think it is more than being unshackled youth unburdened by world weariness. It is anticipatory and positive, and fashioned for our times. It also shows a way forward for the rest of us. And I am grateful for that, too.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
From the ELC
The ELC has been a buzz of excitement over the past week as the children transition into their new learning environments. The staff and I look forward to getting to know both you and your child and we hope to create many opportunities for collaboration with you as the term, and the year unfolds.
Our ELC philosophy acknowledges that family is the first educator of the child. We believe that it is important that the family and the school work together in partnership to provide the most effective and successful education for each of the students in our space.
It is fundamental that there is a two-way reciprocal exchange of information so that educators and families can plan together to support the children to meet their learning goals. Always feel welcome to share relevant information with your child’s teacher as this assists them to develop an understanding of the child in the home environment. It is important that there is consistency between both environments in order to create optimum learning opportunities for the child.
Educators will take the time to communicate with you at the beginning and the end of each day. There will also be formal opportunities for parent-teacher exchange throughout the year, however, always feel welcome to make contact with your child’s teacher if you have any questions at any stage. No question is ever too small. We really encourage you to ask questions as they arise so that we can work together.
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
From the Junior School
At the Junior School Leadership Induction Service last Friday, the 16 captains announced at Presentation Night were officially presented with their badge of office, along with the other 84 boys in Year 6 who were also inducted to their positions of responsibility. All 100 boys made a ‘promise’ to the school: I will always try to lead in such a way as to honour and respect our school, and help all Junior School boys to be truthful, cheerful, courteous and unselfish.
We congratulate all boys who were elected to the various leadership roles and look forward to seeing them all contribute and grow over the course of the year.
All boys across the Junior School, but particularly in Year 6, have many opportunities to develop and refine their leadership skills. We often talk to our students about the responsibility and privilege of receiving a title or wearing a badge – it is their actions that will define their tenure. Aspects of leadership, organisation and resilience are important for all students, but especially for our Year 6 boys.
In the induction service, our Junior School Chaplain, Ms Fairlie, made reference to the NBA Golden State Warrior point-guard Steph Curry. Steph has a quote on his court shoes: “I can do all things,” Ms Fairlie observed, can be misinterpreted as arrogance. The quote is taken from the Bible, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me”. So, this is the disclaimer. It’s not saying he can do all things in his own strength. He’s saying he can do all things in god’s strength. In Christ, who strengthens me. He wears this to remind himself, “This is where I get my talents and strengths from, and who I’m playing for”.
The most we should expect from our children is for them to do their best and find joy in the things they do. Positive encouragement is essential, and we must remember to always see their effort, and recognise their strengths.
Grant Nalder
Head of Junior School
From the Senior School
2021 High Achievers
It was with great pride that we acknowledged our 2021 High Achievers at our online assembly last week. These students can be very proud of their accomplishments, and we wish them every success in their future endeavors.
Study Nights
Study Nights have commenced for Year 12 students and will begin for Year 11 students once further relaxation of COVID arrangements occur. On designated nights, students can remain at School, order a meal from the cafeteria (6.00pm) and continue their study in the Tudor Centre from 6.30 – 8.00pm. These Study Nights are voluntarily supervised by teachers and give students an environment to study independently or in groups.
House Tug of War
The annual Year 7 Tug of War was held on the Birrell Oval last Wednesday, with all eight Houses eager to demonstrate their strength. Well done to all students who participated in this annual event, with Roberts claiming victory in this very prestigious event.
The next activity on the House calendar is HPAF, with rehearsals beginning this week.
The Stephen Jones ‘Be Glorious’ Leadership Breakfast
All Year 12 students have been invited to attend the breakfast at the MCG on Wednesday 16 February. It is an early start (6.45am), but students will have the opportunity to hear General Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC, share his insight on leadership. Students will return to school by bus in time for classes to begin at 9.45am.
Year 8 Camps
8A and 8B left on Monday for their camp program, which includes visits to the Gippsland Lakes and Metung area. All Year 8 camps will be completed by 11 March.
Hats
Students are reminded that hats are required when outdoors during recess and lunch, in Term 1 and Term 4.
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
Harambee Sundee
Soon approaching in Trinity’s calendar is the largest fundraising event of the year! On Sunday 6 March, ‘Harambee Sundee’ ‘22 will be hosted at Trinity’s Kew campus to assist in raising funds and advocacy for Trinity’s diverse range of outreach ministries.
These ministries include international outreach programs such as the Village of Hope in Uganda and the Harambee Vocation Centre in Kenya, which respectively work to support orphan children in the African slums and to empower vulnerable women to live independent lives. Additionally, Harambee provides assistance domestically, with outreach programs helping the disadvantaged Indigenous community of Gunbalanya, in the Northern Territory, young children from refugee backgrounds in need of educational support at the Africa Homework Club in Collingwood, as well as assisting those who suffer from mental health problems through our involvement with the Good Grub community.
During our most recent Assembly, we gave each boy the goal of raising $30. Developed from the notion that ‘many hands make light work’ we have encouraged the boys to seek donations from their parents/guardians, extended family, and friends. Parents, we ask that you please support your son and this fantastic initiative by helping him to raise his donation. We do hope, however, that he will feel empowered and inspired enough to do so unprompted. As we emerge from the events of last year, we also understand that some families may be under financial stress, so any contribution that may be made to your son’s goal would be greatly appreciated. Please note that any donations made via the My Cause fundraising page (see link below) will be tax-deductible, whereas donations made on the day will not.
Click here to visit the Harambee Sundee Fundraising page.
Harambee Sundee will be held on the Taff’s Oval located on the Junior School side of Trinity’s Kew campus. It will involve Trinity boys from the ELC to Year 12, Ruyton students, Old Trinity Grammarians, Parents and Staff running, riding, or rowing on stationary machines from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
Each group will be allocated a one-hour timeslot to attend and take part in the event. Each boy has been highly encouraged to run, ride, or row within their one-hour timeslot in support of Harambee and Trinity’s ministries.
We also warmly welcome families of Trinity to come in on the day to support their sons and to use the exercise equipment. Please see the schedule for the day below.
We look forward to seeing what the Trinity community can do together over the next few weeks and on Sunday 6 March.
James Blanch (Year 12)
House Tug of War
As the newest members of Trinity’s eight Senior School Houses descended on the Birrell Oval during Wednesday lunchtime, they did so with a goal in mind: to be crowned the Year 7 Tug of War champions. After many minutes of strength and teamwork, together with chants of encouragement from their Senior peers, the mighty boys of Roberts House were victorious. The boys won every one of their rounds, going 7-0, and victory was declared for Roberts’ super-human Year 7s. It was a thrilling event for all participants and spectators, and a great induction for the new Year 7s into the Trinity House system. We can only hope upcoming House events match the energy and camaraderie of the Tug of War.
Jonty Fewster (Year 12)
Roberts House Captain
Victorian Canoe Sprint Championships
On the final weekend of the school holidays, several boys from Trinity’s kayaking squad participated in the Victorian Canoe Sprint Championships, held at the Nagambie Regatta Centre. Most events are, in fact, kayaking, but the event retains its historical name. Lachlan Dal Sasso, Michael Fan, Aidan Han and Callan Baker competed, achieving some great results. Notably, Lachlan won the U18 singles 500m and 200m as well as the U18 doubles 500m. The other boys were able to post competitive times, including many podium places. These outstanding results reflect the hard work put in by these boys throughout the summer holidays, at a time where many would have preferred to be on a beach. Lachlan will continue his training in preparation for the National Canoe Sprint Championships, due to be held during the Term 1 holidays in Penrith, NSW.
Generations of Trinity paddling: (Standing L to R) Michael, Leo (2019), Nathan (2022), Aidan, Lachlan, (crouching) Alex (2017), (absent) Callan Baker.
Auditions for the 2022 Trinity/Ruyton Musical – Chicago: Teen Edition
Auditions for the 2022 Trinity/Ruyton Musical begin Monday 21 February and run until Thursday 24 February. All Trinity and Ruyton students from Years 9 to 12 are eligible to audition. Students are encouraged to check their emails regarding the Audition Pack that was sent out on Tuesday 8 February. Anyone who missed the Information Session in Week 2 can watch the recording via the Audition Pack.
For more information, students, parents or guardians can contact the Drama Productions Manager, Rebecca Cecil, at cecilr@trinity.vic.edu.au
Chicago 2022 Trinity/Ruyton Musical Auditions (Year 9-12): Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 February, 3.30pm-6.30pm.
Ryan Bowler
Head of Drama
Rowing
Rowing season is ramping up with the TGS rowers having tested the competition across the waterways in Geelong and Ballarat in recent weeks.
The Bawron Regatta saw the Trinity Senior Squad bring home the silverware winning the Division 1, Schoolboy Coxed Quad (Ted Devlin, Oliver Fraser-Peckham, Billy Thatcher, Mitchell Hall, Cox James Devlin, Coach Mr Harrison). While the weekend’s regatta on Lake Wendouree saw Ted Devlin again climb the podium after winning the Schoolboy Div 1. Some solid performances from other scullers and crews also making and placing in A finals. Many TGS parents attended the event making the most of the sensational conditions “doing it tough” under the lakeside TGS marquee. Senior and Intermediate Squads return to Ballarat for the forthcoming weekend to compete in Head of the Schoolboys Regatta while the Junior squad make their season, racing debut at the Barwon Junior Schools Regatta.
Jackson Harrison
TIC Rowing
Music
Welcome to a fantastic and new school year. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Mr Jan Blazejczak, and I am honoured to be part of the Trinity community as the new Director of Music. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome and I look forward to taking music to new heights.
Music is fundamental in our lives and now (more than ever) it has proven to bring joy and happiness into our lives. I would urge any student who is even thinking about choosing an instrument to do so. Become involved in our wonderful and rich music culture.
Music at assemblies
Thank you to the following students who presented their musical talents at our first two senior school assemblies:
- Saranyan Ranjith, Year 11 Flute Student, who played at the first Senior School Assembly
- George Koutrouzas, Year 12 Violin/Viola Student, who played at the High Achievers’ Assembly
Music Camp
Our Music Camp was held last weekend at the school. Thank you to all the students who were part of this wonderful event. Senior Strings, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra rehearsed with rigour and enjoyed these great sessions of music making. Thank you also to all the instrumental staff for sharing their expertise with the students and to our guest conductors Monte Mumford and Wilma Smith.
Year 5 instrumental program
We were very excited to witness the start of our Year 5 instrumental program for 2022. Congratulations to all the students for doing so well on their first lesson. We can’t wait to hear lots of music in our corridors. I also encourage all parents to be involved in your child’s musical learning and support him at home during practice.
Jan Blazejczak
Director of Music
Chaplain’s Chat
Small Beginnings
He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ (Mark 4.30-32)
My wife Jennifer and I have just moved from a house with a big garden in Albury to a flat in Northcote with a blue heeler/kelpie cross (you can laugh out loud now if you need to…). We are lucky to back onto the Meri Creek and there is a great off-lead park just over the bridge, so the dog is coping, but Jennifer is a keen gardener, and that situation is a little challenging. We have a small, paved courtyard which we thought had a mulched garden around the edge but when we moved the bark chips, we found more pavers. OK, I thought! I can work with this! I’ll just lift the pavers, but you guessed! Under the pavers was concrete! Welcome to Melbourne! Pots it is!
The urge to garden, or at least to be surrounded by living green things is deep in us. We plant the seeds, and the earth does its mysterious work. Day and night we tend and water until that miraculous tender green shoot pushes up. Small beginnings and lots of patience – it’s a powerful metaphor for life.
We know it works! We’ve seen it many times before. Things will grow. But the tiny seed of a new beginning sometimes feels particularly vulnerable. Doubts creep in. Will that first shoot come through? Can a cattle dog learn to live the city? Will potted plants make a pleasing garden? And of course, will I grow into this new role in this significantly different environment?
Many of us feel like we are making a fresh start this year at Trinity while some are old hands and know what to expect. It’s still helpful to ask ourselves though: What is the seed I am planting this year? What is it that I am sacrificing to the earth, to life, in the hope that a new thing will grow? What hopes and desires am I planting? What prayers am I inwardly offering?
Jesus spoke a lot about the Kingdom of God, meaning, a world or a life rightly oriented to the things that matter – to love, to justice, to healing and wholeness – to God. He said that just as surely as a seed grows from small beginnings, the Kingdom too will make itself seen and known.
So, let’s make ‘small beginnings’ together this year and may we be a community (staff, students and families) that helps with the watering and weeding (and jackhammering up a little bit of concrete) as required. It will require patience, vulnerability, and faith but we may just be rewarded by something like a mustard tree which is humble but provides safe refuge and shelter for all sorts of creatures.
Revd. Bryn Jones
Senior Chaplain
Community Engagement
It’s great to see the school coming back to life this last week with classrooms full and planning underway for upcoming events. I hope you and your family are keeping well while enjoying a sense of normality again.
Firstly, a reminder the Parent Welcome Evening is taking place on Thursday 10 March 6.30pm – 8.00pm on the Birrell Oval. You should have received your invitation via email but you can also book HERE.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have signed up to be a Class Rep or member of an auxiliary group. There are still a couple of spots to fill for the following groups:
- Year 10 Class Reps. A great way to get to know other families!
- Some additional helpers for the Green and Gold Ball, held in May, including a convenor.
- The Drama department are keen to reignite the auxiliary group, Friends of Drama.
- Volunteers for the TLC committee. Preparing home-cooked meals to help those in our community. You can click HERE to sign up.
If you are interested in any of these roles, please contact the Community Engagement office HERE.
There will be a whole Class Reps meeting on Tuesday 22 March 7.00pm on Teams. Please join us for a helpful presentation from the PA and staff (invitation to come).
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
Important Dates*
Tuesday February 15
Parents’ Association Meeting 7.00pm via Microsoft Teams (Link available on Trinity Connect)
Wednesday February 16
Year 12 “Be Glorious Breakfast” 6:30AM MCG
Back Up School Photos
Thursday February 17
JS Year 6 Project “Rockit” 9:00AM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Year 7 Induction Service, St Paul’s Cathedral 7:00PM
Friday February 18
JS Years 3 -6 Swimming Carnival, 9:00AM
Year 8A & 8B Gippsland Lake Camp concludes 4:30PM
Saturday February 20
AGSV Sport
Head of Schoolboys Regatta, Lake Wendouree
Monday February 21
Early Finish – Senior School -Professional Learning – no sport, music or co-curricular activities 2:45PM
Year 8C & 8D and Year 11 Leaders Gippsland Lake Camp commences 8:30AM
JS SSV District Swimming Trials, MSAC 8:30AM
Year 10 & Late Enrolment AAS Testing, 8:30AM
Tuesday February 22
No Ruyton classes
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Whole School Class Representative Meeting, Online 7:00PM
Wednesday February 23
Year 5 Camp Information Evening, Online 7:00PM
Thursday February 24
Senior School Assembly 8:15AM
Year 7 & 10 Immunisation, 9:30AM
Year 7 Transition Interview with Form Teachers, Online, 1:00PM
Trinity Shop 2:00PM-4:00PM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Friday February 25
Prep – Year 2 Swimming Display, 9:00AM
Year 8C & 8D and Year 11 Leaders Gippsland Lake Camp concludes 4:30PM
Saturday February 26
AGSV Sport
Australian Henley Regatta, Yarra River
Monday February 28
Year 8E & 8F and Year 11 Leaders Gippsland Lake Camp commences 8:30AM
Partnering with Parents : Two Peas in a Pod, Online 7:00PM
Tuesday March 1
ELC – Year 2 Shrove Tuesday Celebration, 9:30AM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Year 4 & 6 Camp Information Evening, Online 7:00PM
Wednesday March 2
Information Morning #1 (Whole School) 9.30am Online
Thursday March 10
Parent Welcome Evening 6.30pm-8.30pm Birrell Oval
*Dates are subject to change following Government announcements on COVID-19 lockdown protocols.