Edition 2, Term 2 2021
MENU: From the Principal | From the ELC | From the Junior School | Senior School News | Music News | Chaplain’s Chat | Community Engagement
From the Principal
What a joy it was to be at Bulleen on Saturday and see the first games of winter sport at Trinity for many of our Year 7 and 8 students. Sport has clearly enjoyed a welcome return and, alongside our new tenants from the North East Link Project, we played out lots of compelling games of competitive sport. Whilst it was not easy to get a car park – and we continue to look for ways to alleviate the density – once onsite the student experience was strong.
This is my third AGSV school. My last one, prior to being in a school in regional Victoria for seven years, was Camberwell Grammar. One of my many roles at Camberwell was the coach of the First XVIII Football team. While we were not always stunningly successful, it was a great component of my time there and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the full life of the school. Ironically, it was at Camberwell that I gained my strongest understanding of the character of Trinity via the many collaborations and rivalries that we enjoyed (and not just because Trinity won for each of the next seven years I coached!). Even when I attended a combined Camberwell and Trinity trip to Kokoda, it felt like a mildly competitive event filled with people who clearly respected each other.
During my time at Camberwell, I was keen to help develop a formal acknowledgement of the rivalry that exists between our two fine schools. With the support of the Headmasters and Directors of Sport at the time, the Mitre Cup was conceived and in 2006 the first game for the triangular trophy was played between the football teams. These days, the Mitre Cup has broadened to include all of the sporting contests between the two schools, cementing the respect and sense of occasion we share. This weekend sees the majority of First teams and many others playing in their Mitre Cup games. It is my hope that all participants can enjoy the heightened sense of meaning in this competition with our traditional rivals and, win lose or draw, try their best for their team and school.
Sport teaches us much, of course, and in our environment it is part of the staple diet of the school. Learning to respect each other, the opposition, the officials and history are part of our constant offerings, too. Good luck in those endeavours for all of our teams this season.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
From the ELC
The ELC students have happily settled back after the holidays eager to rekindle friendships and engage in the many experiences on offer within our space. One of the great strengths of our school is the sense of community. For the ELC children, this means there are many and varied opportunities for them to enjoy experiences beyond their classroom and within other areas of our school. In partnership with our Junior School teachers, the children in our Joey Group (3-Year-Olds) attend specialist lessons. This week, our Joey Group ventured out to their specialist Music lesson for the first time. Music in the ELC takes in all areas of development – social, physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual. The children make music using their voices and simple percussion instruments involving chants, songs, movement, games and music, all of which are carefully chosen to suit the children’s educational needs at their developmental stage.
There was great excitement as they climbed the steps to the music room to see Miss Sheppard:
‘This is Miss Sheppard’s home.’ – Felix
‘How exciting!’ – Yvon
‘You better bring me back every day then so I can go to Music!’ – Charlie
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
From the Junior School
On the first day of school in Term 2, we held our Junior School assembly in the South Room and Tom Savill talked to the boys about the importance of showing respect. He particularly highlighted the difference between respect and disrespect. When you give respect, you get respect.
Respect can be demonstrated in many ways, including by:
- Treating others with respect
- Showing self-respect
- Respecting the differences in others
- Listening with respect
- Presenting yourself respectfully
The boys were shown videos depicting how others demonstrate respect. The first was of Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji. Matsuyama was the 2021 Augusta National Golf Masters Champion and his caddie reduced some golf fans to tears when showing the ‘ultimate sign of respect’ to the Augusta National course.
Following what was by far the biggest moment in their careers, Hayafuji removed the flag from the pin, likely for a souvenir of the victory. After placing the pin back into the cup, Hayafuji stepped back, removed his cap and bowed his head in the direction of the 18th fairway.
The hallowed turf of the Augusta National Golf Club is described by many golfers as one of the best golf courses in the world and many people described this tribute as a spiritual salute. It was Hayafuji’s way of thanking the iconic course for choosing him and Matsuyama as tournament winners.
The second example shown was of Cheslin Kolbe, arguably the best Rugby Union player in the world right now. He was pictured cleaning up rubbish around the pitch at Thomond Park after his match once all the spectators had left the stadium. Respect can be demonstrated by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
We have a range of programs that help teach the value of respect to our students including:
- The Resilience Project
- Protective Behaviours via HUSH Education, and
- Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships
If any member of our parent community has questions regarding these programs, please contact the Junior School Office for further information.
A hearty congratulations to the boys who were announced as the main cast for the Junior School Musical Matilda Jnr last Friday. The boys worked very hard to impress the staff panel with their auditions. We certainly have some very promising talent in the school and are excited for the performances in Term 3.
We hope to see many of our mothers at our Mother’s Day Breakfast this Friday 7 May, when we will celebrate the special contribution they make to our families and our school community.
Grant Nalder
Head of the Junior School
SSV State Swimming Carnival at MSAC
Congratulations to our Junior School 11 Years Freestyle Relay team who swam in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay at the SSV State Swimming Championships, held at MSAC on Monday 26 April. The team of William Cao, Marco French, Yuvin De Silva and Harvey Li should be pleased to know they finished overall 4th in the State against some very strong opposition. Well done, boys!
David Ponsford
Director of Junior School Sport and Co-Curricular Activities
Senior School News
Sport
All students have now completed their first round of Winter Sport. This week highlights the Mitre Cup, when Trinity competes against Camberwell Grammar School. Matches begin on Friday 7 May for hockey, soccer and football. A spectator bus will depart at 3.30pm for those students who are interested in supporting these teams. Students can register their interest by signing up at my office prior to Wednesday afternoon.
House Athletics
The House Athletics Carnival will take place on Wednesday 12 May at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve, Murrumbeena. All students in Years 7 to 12 are required to attend. Uniform for the day will be the school sports uniform with House polo top. Please note, there are no cafeteria facilities at the venue, so students must bring their own lunch and snacks for the day.
The day will start with House Assembly at school at 8.20am, followed by students travelling to the venue by bus. The first event is scheduled to start at 10.00am and the program will conclude at 2.15pm, with students arriving back at TGS Kew at approximately 3.30pm.
Please note, that students in Years 7 and 9 will sit the NAPLAN test in the morning and leave by 10.00am to join the rest of the school at the Athletics Carnival.
Year 10 Camp/Work Experience
We welcome back our Year 10 students after a very successful camp and work experience program. See below for an update on ‘Vanish Gaming’, an activity undertaken by Year 10 students during work experience:
Hey There!
We are Vanish Gaming, a Trinity indie games studio run by a group of Year 10 boys under the direction of Year 12 student and School Vice-Captain, Cinque Howells. We are producing an exciting, free, mobile game, which revolves around the theme of ‘Melbourne’. It will be an RPG-styled game where you journey around Melbourne to combat different groups of Melbournians.Vanish is planning on releasing the game by the end of the term, if not in the next couple of weeks! This will be an ongoing project and there will be monthly updates. We would love your support as all earnings will be donated to charity. If you would like to stay in touch with what we are doing, please follow us on social media. We are also doing many community events on Instagram, including a giveaway along with early access gameplay, so be sure to check us out!
Vanish Gaming Studios
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal and Head of the Senior School
Harambee Sundee
In the wake of the pandemic, those less fortunate need our help more than ever before. Harambee is leading a school-wide initiative to raise money and spread awareness for the local, national and international programs we support.
All Trinity students, families, staff, and Old Trinity Grammarians are invited to Harambee Sundee on 16 May 2021, a nine-hour treadmill and bike challenge in the McIntyre Gym. From 8am to 5pm, our community will be running and riding with the aim of raising $50,000.
With your support, we can make a positive difference when and where it is needed most!
Please click here to view the letter which was sent to the TGS Community via Trinity Connect.
Archie Shaw and Matt Clayton
Co-Captains of Faith and Outreach
Teaching and Learning
During 2020 there were many instances when we as a school had to rethink how we did things when ‘face to face’ was no longer an option. Most notably, parent-teacher interviews went online. On reflection, I missed the buzz and atmosphere that in-person interviews provide. It is an example of parts of our community coming together, talking education and progress, meeting new people as well as running into friends. That said, it is common in the face-to-face interviews for the students to choose not to join their parents for the evening. There may also be the hassle of finding a car park, as well as a late evening. When we went online for parent-teacher interviews these issues did not present themselves. The online format was convenient and we found, generally, that the boys became active participants in the discussion. Indeed, the conversation during parent-teacher interviews drastically changes when the students are present.
Another factor that has changed the nature of the conversation has undoubtedly been Continuous Online Reporting (COR). Since the introduction of COR, the usual first question posed ‘So…how is my son going?’ has been relegated to a past era. What were usually reflective conversations have therefore become much more future oriented and strategic, focused on the way ahead in each subject. We will have an opportunity to reflect on parent-teacher interviews again as we are running them face to face (Year 7 and 8) and online (Year 9 and 10) this term.
Ben Hinves
Director of Teaching and Learning
Announcing participation in the Future Proofing Study – A wellbeing and mental health initiative at Trinity Grammar School
I am thrilled to announce that our school is taking part in Australia’s largest ever wellbeing study for secondary school students – the ‘Future Proofing’ Study. We will be working with the Black Dog Institute and the University of New South Wales, along with 170+ other schools, to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Australian teenagers. Participating students from Year 8 will try out new mental health apps and complete surveys at school about their health and wellbeing until they are in Year 12. The surveys will ask about a wide range of issues important to young people, including health, emotions, friendships, school, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I commend this project to you, and if you are the parent of a Year 8 student, I hope you consider your child’s participation in this study. Even before COVID-19, research was showing that mental health concerns in teenagers are on the rise. Trinity Grammar School is keen to be part of the solution, so we are encouraging all students to participate.
Students from Year 8 need parent permission and a smartphone to participate. Please follow this link to read the study information sheet and complete the consent form online: https://www.fpstudy.org.au/TrinityKew
If you would like to learn more, please watch this 11-minute information video from the research team: https://youtu.be/Mf2OsMfFKSs
You can also contact Dr Jacquie Grady, Head of Counselling, or one of the Year 8 Heads of Year, Alan Daley or Ewoud Botha, to discuss the project or answer any questions you may have. They can all be contacted on 9854 3600.
Dr Jacquie Grady
Clinical Psychologist and Head of Counselling
Year 8 Pi Challenge Winners
Michael Wu (pictured right) is the winner of the Annual Year 8 Pi Challenge. He successfully recited 298 decimal places of pi from memory. Congratulations also to Chris Qiu (pictured left) who recited pi to 180 decimal places.
David Greenwood
Head of Mathematics
Debating – Round Two!
The Trinity boys fought hard in the second round of the competition, making their presence known. As well as winning several debates, the following boys were also awarded the prestigious title of Best Speaker: …….. Congratulations to those students! Some of the topics debated were ‘That we regret the rise of cancel culture’, ‘That animal testing should be banned’ and ‘That we should support mandatory national service’.
Debating is not only about the ability to research a given topic and use rhetoric effectively, but also about having the skills to engage audiences with intelligent lines of reasoning and repudiation. It is wonderful to see the boys in action, or simply preparing together at lunchtimes. Feel free to come along and support them next Monday 10 May at Camberwell Boys’ Grammar School.
Rima Khallouf
Head of School Debating
Music News
Congratulations
Congratulations to all musicians who performed in the recent Easter Assembly and at the ANZAC Service.
Well done to members of the Stage Band and Big Band who participated in the St Leonard’s Jazz Festival on Sunday 2 May.
Events
This week, thirteen singing students will attend a Dress Rehearsal of the Opera, AIDA, at the Arts Centre. This activity will provide insight into a professional, large scale production of this most famous and beautiful opera, composed by Verdi and Ghislanzoni: ‘This is a story of a love so strong it defies enemy lines. This is a story of a kingdom in triumph and a nation in chains. This is a story of betrayal.’
The Music Scholars’ Concert will be held on Wednesday 5 May in the South Room, commencing at 7.00pm. Fourteen Scholars will perform at the event, most accompanied by piano.
Michelle Stanic
Director of Music
Chaplain’s Chat
One of many highlights in my 15 years at Trinity was the visit of Brigadier General Charles Duke Jnr to Trinity in 2014. ‘Charlie’ Duke became famous as the voice of ‘Houston’ during Apollo 11’s historic landing on the Moon in 1969. Three years later in 1972, he was Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 16 mission and became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the Moon.
Charlie was 79 years old when he visited Trinity and spent an hour talking to the Senior School boys about his life and the journey that led him to the Moon. You could hear a pin drop as he described in detail the countdown to lift-off, the shake in the command module created by the 7.8 million pound thrust of the Saturn rockets, and the thrill of walking on the Moon itself.
Even with these wonderful images and stories, what stood out for me was the humility, authenticity, and deep faith of this living legend. He was prepared to share some rather embarrassing mistakes he had made throughout his career (and even whilst on the Moon) because ‘after all that’s how we learn’. A continual message to the boys throughout his presentation was that talent will only get you so far in life – and that any goal worth pursuing requires hard work, persistence, and the contribution of a great team.
Despite his many achievements and a decorated career, Charlie described with real honesty how difficult it was to adjust to life after NASA and the feelings of emptiness that gripped him. He likened his life to a stool that was missing a leg. Having spent years preparing and training his mind and his body, he had neglected to invest in his spirit, and his life was completely without balance. Real purpose and fulfilment in life and in his relationships only came when he found God.
In closing he said, ‘You don’t need to go to the Moon to find God. I didn’t find God in space – I found him in the front seat of my car in the middle of Texas when I opened my heart and let him in, and my life has never been the same since! Don’t neglect your spirit boys – not everyone has the opportunity to walk on the Moon, but everyone has the opportunity to walk with the Lord, and it’s the most amazing journey you’ll ever embark on.’
Our mission at Trinity is holistic, we aim to produce well rounded young men: men of character, men of intellect, men of service and men of faith. My prayer as I finish my time at Trinity, is that our boys will not neglect their spirit, that they will find that balance in their lives and consider embarking on that same amazing journey with Jesus for themselves.
Rev’d Matt Campbell
Senior Chaplain | Director of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Community Engagement
A great deal of planning has been underway to host the much-loved Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 7 May. Due to COVID density limits we were restricted as to the tickets available and so we were able to utilise extra space in the CFA to accommodate more parents and boys this year than ever before. We know that this event will be a huge success.
Additionally, the Kew Business Breakfasts are back on the calendar this year with two fantastic speakers locked in. Hosted by the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, these breakfasts will be a great opportunity to hear from high-profile, inspirational members of the community speaking on contemporary issues. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd (OTG 1977) is our first speaker on Friday 25 June followed by Chairman of the National Gallery of Victoria, Mr Leigh Clifford AO on Friday 10 September. We look forward to bringing you more information on how to book, soon.
Other committees are planning for key events this year and so we would like to issue a call for volunteers to join either the Founders’ Day Fair Committee or the Oaks Day Lunch Committee. These committees are a great way to be involved with the parent community. If you would like to join, please email quiltyf@trinity.edu.au
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
Mother’s Day Online Sale
We are pleased to offer you some beautiful Trinity-branded items in time for Mother’s Day.
Items include Trinity Fine Foods Stall gourmet produce, The Mitre Cookbook, gorgeous Kenshi scented candles and Trinity mugs and aprons.
Click here to purchase.
Please place orders no later than 12.00pm Friday 7 May, for collection from Reception.
Trinity Fine Food Autumn 2021
Dearest Makers, Makers-in-the-Making and Produce Donors,
The Trinity Founders’ Day Fair will be back this year on Sunday 14 November from 10.00am- until 4.00pm. Community support and engagement were high on the agenda at the Fair Committee’s first meeting, so a very warm welcome to Fine Foods 2021.
The Fine Foods group is a welcoming and successful bunch that produces jam, chutney, marmalade and sauce throughout the year and welcomes inquiries from both new, particularly those in Prep, Year 5 and Year 7, and familiar faces.
We are now keeping in touch and up to date through the Fine Foods WhatsApp group. Through this WhatsApp, you will find details of group preserving day, can request jars for preserving, let Renata Jenkins (Declan Jenkins 11HE) know that you have produce ready for labelling or post a note about produce donations (or requests). To connect with the Fine Foods WhatsApp group, please text Emma Drake (Alec Drake 11SU) on 0404 567 352 to let her know to add you on.
A huge thanks to Karlee Scott-Murphy for hosting the first group making day prior to Easter, and to Raphaela, Gab, Elizabeth, Lucia, Cecilia, Maria, Kaz and Yuan for participating.
We are seeking donations of fruit, vegetables, sugar, vinegar (white, apple cider, malt) and olive oil. Contact Emma Drake via the WhatsaApp group or on 0404 567 352.
Autumn brings us figs, quince, lemons and the end of berries and tomatoes and isn’t it nice to get out to the local markets to buy in-season specials. The next group making day is scheduled for Sunday 6 June. Further details available through Emma or directly from the Fine Foods WhatsApp chat group.
Please find recipes for inspiration below:
Emma
Parent of Alec Drake, Year 11
Trinity Uniform Shop Relocation Sale
Trinity Shop will next be open on Thursday 6 May. Ahead of their upcoming relocation, please see prices below for sale items:
- All SPRAY JACKETS – half marked price
- All Jumpers – $10.00
- All Vests – $5.00
- All School Uniform Shirts (summer and winter)
- Junior School – two for $10.00
- Senior School – two for $15.00
- All School Uniform Shorts (summer and winter)
- Junior School – two for $5.00
- Senior School – two for $15.00
- Long Trousers – two for the price of one: two for $25.00
- All ELC Items – two for $5.00
- All Sports Tops – $20.00 or two for $25.00
- House Polo Tops:
- Junior School two for $10.00
- Senior School two for $15.00
- All footwear: socks, spikes, football boots, runners, school shoes are all free to a good home.
- All school bags $10.00 (drawstring bags $5.00)
Important Dates
Tuesday 4 May
Cowen House Dinner and Chapel, 6.30pm
Wednesday 5 May
University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition
Music Scholars’ Concert, Centre for the Arts, 7.00pm
Thursday 6 May
Trinity Shop 2.00pm-4.00pm
Senior School Class Representatives Meeting, in person at the Centre for the Arts or via Microsoft Teams, 6.00pm
Friday 7 May
Year 3-6 Sports, Bulleen
Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast, 7.00am
Monday 10 May
No Year 11 Ruyton Classes
Early Finish – Senior School (No Sport, Music or Co-curricular Activities), 2.45pm
Year 9 and 10 Parent-Teacher Interviews, 3.00pm, Online
Tuesday 11 May
OTGA Committee Meeting, Community Engagement Office
Wednesday 12 May
Senior School House Athletics, Duncan McKinnon Reserve
Thursday 13 May
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 National Testing (NAPLAN)
Senior School Assembly, 8.15am
JS Term 2 Co-curricular After-School Activities, 3.10pm
Kent Hughes House Dinner and Chapel, 6.30pm
Friday 14 May
Junior School Class Representatives Meeting, 9.00am, Online
Year 3, 5 and 6 Sport, Bulleen
Year 4 Round Robin at PEGS, 12.00pm
Junior School Class Representatives Meeting, Community Engagement Office, 9.00am
2001 OTG Reunion, 6.00pm
Monday 17 May
JS Term 2 Co-curricular After-School Activities, 3.10pm
Jazz in the Court House, Kew Court House, 7.00pm
Tuesday 18 May
Year 7 Mother’s Day Breakfast, 7:00am
JS AGSV Cross Country, 11.15am
Parents’ Association Meeting, Online, 7.00pm