Edition 2, Term 4 2020
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It was a great pleasure to be able to present at the Trinity Grammar School Community Forum last night. It was also pleasing to have such an uptake from a broader community who clearly are interested in our school’s progress at this interesting juncture in history.
Hearing from our new Chair of School Council, Mr Simon Gipson OAM, and from our Parents’ Association and Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, along with my comments, meant there was a comprehensive review of our school community’s activities. Despite the fact that we have been challenged by COVID conditions this year, there has still been a remarkable amount going on at our school, albeit not as many events, nor have we been able to enjoy the normal run of sport and all those other good things. We have, however, still been able to engage with you and with each other through traditional and modern means.
A significant part of our presentation was to inform the school community of our intentions in the first half of next year to go through a strategic planning process, a master planning process and a financial planning process. We are conscious that we will have more than one view into the future. This two-horizon approach is one that will allow for immediate and short-term financially responsible governance, and a longer term more expensive view of the needs and opportunities that we have in our community. As we imagine the Trinity in years to come, we do so knowing that we are coming from a strong financial base, despite current challenges. We know also that we are informed by 117 years of good work by our school. I am keenly aware that we are guardians of our school’s history and future. It is that spirit that means we will be able to continue to work as a community to establish the vision of our future.
We are always interested in hearing from our community and their thoughts about how we can continue to improve our offerings. We know that we will be a school renowned for its ability to know its students well. We know also that we will be focusing on an holistic education, valuing the ability for our young men to engage with a variety of pursuits. The people we want to produce will continue to be people of sound moral base, who will be determined to do good in the world after leaving our shores. We also know that they should be connected to us into the future and we will continue to develop a community engagement model that allows them to do so easily.
Next week we will have our full school cohort back with us. Our Year 8, 9 and 10s have endured the most isolation in our community and we are very excited to be getting them back in a few days’ time. They will be welcomed back warmly, and we look forward to engaging with them for the last couple of months of the school year.
As we re-emerge from 2020’s strictures, we do so in eager anticipation of the next normal, another school year ahead, but one informed by the learning that has occurred this year. In the meantime, we will ensure that our Year 12s have a worthy and dignified finish, and that all of our students get to enjoy as much school as possible.
To view the TGS Community Forum Event click here.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
After 108 days away from school it is great to be back! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces from our Trinity community on Monday morning as we welcomed all boys and staff back on campus. Spring was in the air and the younger boys enjoyed engaging and socialising with each other on the newly renovated Roberts House playground. At the same time, the main playground area next to the Taffs Oval was full of boys playing creative games and enjoying being back in this great play space.
In terms of adaptation, this is a concept that we have all enacted throughout 2020. It is testament to all families’ commitment to their children’s learning that they have contributed throughout the Distance Learning program to support their boys’ development at this difficult time. The staff are very grateful to all families. The boys have come back prepared and they continue to be flexible in their daily routines with lunch time modifications, hand sanitising and temperature checks being a new part of their lives. Even with the addition of these routines, the boys have continued their education with great excitement and rigour. They are also enjoying being back with their friends and building on relationships made throughout the year and in past years.
Lastly, can I thank all boys and parents for participating in BRRICCKPOT Day on 8 October and may we all continue to embed these Learner Profile attributes from the International Baccalaureate into our daily lives.
Jon Knight
Primary Years Program Coordinator
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Years 8, 9 and 10
We look forward to students in Years 8, 9 and 10 returning next Monday 26 October. The day will start with a Form Period at 8.20 am (Heads of Year will talk to the boys) and continue with Periods 1-6 (Day 1). The Year 8 boys will be dismissed at 2.50 pm (similar to Year 7) each day until further notice. However, Monday 26th October is an early finish. Year 8 boys will be dismissed at 2.15 pm. There will be no temperature testing, but boys are required to use the hand sanitiser regularly and maintain social distancing. Masks must be worn to and from school, in class and in the yard.
Sport Training Resumes
Sports training will resume this week for Year 11 boys on Tuesday, and Year 7 boys on Wednesday in most sports, non-contact and in the outdoors. Cricket and tennis can occur at Bulleen while volleyball and basketball can be played outdoors until we are allowed in the gym. Swimming can occur in the pool. When Years 8, 9 and 10 are back, we will also run sport training. So, students should make sure they bring along their sports gear.
Chess
The Trinity Chess team finished third in the Victorian Chess finals. Well done to the team: Stephen Zhou, Oliver Lin, Yuxiang Peng, Oscar Xie, Andrew Liu, Matthew Lo, Eric Liang and Shawn Chu.
Debating
Congratulations to the Year 10 (C Grade) Debating team who won their way to the Grand Final this weekend. Good luck to James Fox, David Dodson and Aden Wilmshurst for their Grand Final debate which will still occur online. Please see below.
Rohan Brown
Deputy Principal, Head of the Senior School
DAV Senior Debating Finals Series
On Sunday 11 October, Year 10 students David Dodson, Aden Wilmshurst and James Fox convincingly debated the topic ‘That we should use prison labour for public works’ in the DAV quarter-finals. Both David and Aden were awarded the title of Best Speaker in that debate. Impressively defeating Melbourne High School, our eloquent debaters presented compelling arguments, earning them a place in the semi-finals. Fast forward to 18 October and our boys were now fighting for a place in the Grand Final, debating the topic ‘That we should reintroduce carbon pricing in Australia’. Offering persuasive arguments for the negative, the boys stood victorious against St Michael’s Grammar School, and will go on to debate in the Grand Final next week. Congratulations to these boys on a commendable effort and best wishes for the next and final stage in the competition.
Rima Khallouf
Head of School Debating
Harambee
In their book, Wired to Create, Scott Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire explore how adversity breeds creativity. ‘Human beings have a remarkable capacity for deriving meaning from suffering’ they write. We also know that humanity has a remarkable capacity for giving.
In the face of challenges throughout last term, the Harambee team’s capacity for creativity and the wider school community’s capacity for giving were both on full display. The Term 3 edition of the Harambee Newsletter showcases these qualities and the tireless work behind the scenes to turn an obstacle into an opportunity.
Against the odds, Harambee has continued to endeavour to provide much-needed support to our international programs through raffle fundraisers, as well as those closer to home through Letters Against Iso. We must extend our thanks to all boys and their families for the invaluable strength they give and for continuing to stand in solidarity with those most in need. In particular, thank you to the numerous boys in Harambee who contributed so much and truly went above and beyond to make these initiatives happen.
Nick Molnar
Captain of Faith and Outreach
The Trinity Inquirer – Issue 2
The Trinity Inquirer – Issue 2 is out now!
This October issue is the second and final issue for 2020 and it is filled with enlightening op-eds, features and columns written by our very own students.
Congratulations to our 2020 Academic Captains, Andrew Lim and Rishov Doloi – the Chief Editors of the Trinity Inquirer, for their outstanding work and leadership. It has been a pleasure to work with them and witness the production of such a high calibre magazine, written by students and dedicated to the students of Trinity Grammar.
We wish Andrew and Rishov every success with their future endeavours!
The Trinity Inquirer can now be viewed and downloaded from here.
Angela Kotsiras and Matthew Bolzonello
(Supporting staff)
Party Security – Applicable once restrictions are lifted
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MUSIC NEWS
Welcome Back
The intermingling sounds of laughter, chatter and instrumental playing have finally returned to the Music School!
It has been wonderful to welcome back the ELC, the Junior School, Year 7 and VCE students, and we look forward to the boys in Years 8, 9 and 10 returning on the 26 October.
The Unit 4 Music Performance class comprising 15 Ruyton and Trinity students commence their Performance Examinations on Sunday 18 October at a variety of external venues.
We wish them all good health, a positive and confident demeanour, and the ability to share their love of music with the examiners after two years of study, practice and preparation.
Everyone benefits from playing or listening to music, especially during this most peculiar year!
Michelle Stanic
Director of Music
Music Theory and Aural Classes resume
All students are welcome to attend Music Theory and Aural classes, which have now resumed with Mr Siegfried Franke. Classes run each Wednesday morning 7:25-7:55am, in Room CY3 in the Music School, Crawley Centre for the Arts.
Please contact Mr Franke frankes@trinity.vic.edu.au to express your interest.
Chaplain’s Chat
Much has been said lately about the value of ‘independence’. In a year where most people have had to live, work and study very differently, being able to do so independently has been a highly valued trait. This has been shown to impressive effect by our Year 12 students, who will soon complete their final year of schooling. The ability to complete tasks unsupervised, conduct independent reading and research, seek out assistance when necessary and manage one’s time effectively have all been vital to success as a Year 12 student in 2020. Despite obvious disappointments, they are arguably better equipped for life as independent and confident tertiary students or employees than any previous cohort.
It is a deep irony therefore, that the Christian life calls us to utter dependence upon God. We are called to look to and lean on Him ‘at all times and in all places’. How do we reconcile the need to be a responsible actor in the world as well as the call to become child-like in our dependence on God?
One clue possibly lies in the story of Jesus’s visit to the house of Mary and Martha. Martha, understandably busy with food preparations, calls on Jesus to rebuke Mary who is sitting at his feet listening to him speak (notice the way Jesus welcomes her to the role of student, normally reserved for men). Martha is being responsible, independent and using her initiative; all values we prize highly and rightly so. However, if she spends her whole life on these tasks, she will miss the deeper grace and beauty of the words of Jesus. Jesus gently points this out to her: ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Living a well-ordered life, therefore, would seem to be about appropriately ‘playing our part’ – applying the best of our energy, judgement, intellect, imagination and courage to the situations of our life. But making sure that our independent wills are under His ultimate authority and in line with His plan for our life. And of this we can only be sure if we spend time sitting at his feet and listening. Just like Mary.
Cecilia Fairlie
Junior School Chaplain
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Sporting Chance Raffle
This year in lieu of running our annual Founders’ Day Fair raffle, we have joined forces and co-branded with the Lord Taverner’s raffle to offer our community the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes… and to also raise funds for our school.
80% of the tickets sold via our unique booking link will be directed back to the Rick and Liz Tudor Indigenous Scholarship Fund.
Over 650 tickets have been sold so far, thank you to those of you who have already purchased your tickets.
Please click here to be in the draw. Good Luck!
Kathy Hines
Director of Development and Community Relations
Important Dates
Wednesday 21 October
ELC 2021 Information Evening, 7.30pm Online
Monday 26 October
Years 8, 9 and 10 return to onsite learning
Early Finish – Senior School
Tuesday 27 October
Year 12 Final Classes For 2020
2020 Valedictory Evening 7:00pm Online
Tuesday 28 October
Year 12 St Paul’s Service, 9.30am Online
Thursday 29 October
School Assembly 8.15am
Prep 2021 Information Night, 7:00pm Online
Friday 30 October
Instrumental Music Scholarship applications close
Boarders Exeat 3.30pm (excludes Unit 4 students)
Monday 2 November
Mid-Term Holiday
Tuesday 3 November
Public Holiday Melbourne Cup
Tuesday 4 November
Year 10 Cambridge English Literature Exam