Edition 3, Term 2 2020
MENU: From the Principal | From the ELC | Junior School | Senior School | Chaplain’s Chat | Community Relations
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
‘…I want to create new memories. I peruse old ones too much.’
This week I was sent these wonderful lines which I have extracted from a larger piece of writing. It talks of the frustration of our isolation realities – out of context as well as in context – and reveals the mindset that so many have adopted over the weeks of restricted movement. The need to reconnect with peers and to enjoy worthy experiences will drive many to return to school keenly.
It is not everyone’s response, of course. There are plenty of studies and anecdotal recounts that demonstrate that some people have thrived in an environment less urgent and public. There are students who have relished getting up later, saving time on travel and working from home where, for some, their pets have been able to join in their Maths and Music classes!
As we emerge from the tight controls into a softer set of protocols, we do so carefully. When exercising on the bike paths of Melbourne this weekend, it was impossible not to notice a significant increase in people enjoying each other’s company. The bigger crowds herald some returning norms, but we need to act responsibly and maintain a suite of practices that ensures our school community is safely housed at Charles Street. As we continue to refine our plans to have everyone on site soon, it will be a different type of normal and one that puts safety ahead of learning across various elements of our daily life.
Heads of School will continue to issue updates to ensure families understand our expectations. We are guided by the Department of Education, the AHPPC advice, various relevant bodies and are developing our own, local procedures. There are ‘not negotiables’ that will not surprise, such as no student or staff member can attend if ill in any way, and there will be some minor inconveniences imposed along the way, no doubt. For instance, parents, do not be offended if we ask you not to come on site! All will be undertaken in pursuit of a safe environment for students and staff.
So, I understand that there are duelling attitudes about returning to school, just as there are likely to be some community wide uncertainties about society’s re-emergence into shared spaces.
It is true that we need to exercise care, even if we share the author’s sentiments: ‘…I want to create new memories. I peruse old ones too much.’ The author of these lines? One of our Year 12 students. Impressive words…
Adrian Farrer
Principal
From the ELC
We are looking forward to being able to connect with the children face-to-face once again. It will take some time to transition, to create a routine and sense of normalcy and we want to make this a positive experience for all. Families will receive a notice with strategies to help prepare for our return on Tuesday 26 May.
I mentioned in a previous newsletter how, during the Distance Learning Program, the ELC children had explored rainbows and the simple joy something so beautiful and natural could provide to so many. Over the past couple of years, the ELC has built a lovely relationship with the CaSPA Care nursing home. In order to connect with this community during these unusual times, the children’s photos of rainbows were delivered to the nursing home so they could be displayed and enjoyed by the residents. One important thing we have all come to learn and appreciate during the current circumstances is how important it is to maintain connections and deliver kindness whenever, and wherever we can.
The ELC would like to thank all families for their support during our time apart. Thank you for your feedback, understanding and overall participation as you joined us on this journey that continues to evolve. We acknowledge that learning from home, for any child, can be a little challenging at times. You have all done and continue to do a brilliant job.
Marty O’Brien
Director of the ELC
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Well it truly is remarkable what the Trinity community continues to achieve through the Distance Learning Program. Whether it’s learning new technology skills or adapting to a different teaching environment, we all need to be commended. Synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning styles were rarely discussed, now they are at the forefront of our vernacular. All parents, guardians and teachers need to be commended for their commitment to the development of the students in the Junior School. I continually admire our staff, who have put in countless hours and great effort to make this experience a meaningful one for the boys and one we all will remember. One of my highlights has been sitting in the morning Microsoft Teams meetings and learning about what the boys have been experiencing. We’ve had funny hat days, jokes, favourite meals and, finally, the ELC chats have been brilliant!
Jonathan Knight
PYP Coordinator
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Return to School
On Monday 25 May, there will be a student-free day to allow for the staff to reorganise for a return to school. Boys in Years 10, 11 and 12 will return to school on Tuesday 26 May, while the boys in Years 7, 8 and 9 will continue with Distance Learning till Monday 1 June when they will also return.
The School has put into place protocols for the wellbeing and safety of boys and staff. Boys will be temperature checked, hand sanitisers will be placed in every classroom and office, and social distancing will be followed. There will be a rigorous cleaning routine during the day and in the evening, and there will be no large group assemblies, meetings or activities. Most classes will run as normal. After-school sport will not commence until the government approves this. We look forward to seeing the boys return.
Please note: Bob Stewart and Dobsons are both open.
Planking
At the recent school assembly, Year 12 student, Ryan Lobo, took on the Head of Sport, Mr Brendan Mahony at planking. Both lasted more than five minutes (a great effort) and concluded with 20 push-ups. The competition was declared a very impressive draw.
Parking in/around School
With the return to school imminent, parents are reminded about parking around the school. It may be quite congested at both ends of the day. We ask that parents maintain social distancing at all times, do not double park nor make u-turns in or around the school. Thank you for your cooperation.
Cafeteria
The new cafeteria is almost finished. The giant doors have been fitted and the serving area is being installed. We have our fingers crossed that it may be ready when the boys return to school! It is looking great.
Rohan Brown
Head of Senior School
Good Grub Support
Thank you so much to all the families who have been dropping off groceries for the vulnerable members of our Good Grub community. It has been an enormous success, providing support to over 200 people in our local community.
Could you please continue to drop off the groceries on Thursday morning between 9.00am and 12.00pm at the Habitat Uniting Church – 23 Highbury Grove, Kew. The most popular items have been pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, zucchinis, carrots, fruit, meat, and any non-perishables.
Tom Purcell
Assistant Chaplain and Director of Outreach
Chaplain’s Chat
Living in Right Relationships – National Reconciliation Week 2020
Reconciliation is about living in right relationships. This requires reflection, humility and forgiveness. Reconciliation was at the heart of Jesus’s ministry. So many relationships in the world and in our own lives are fractured and broken. The life-giving call of the gospel is to restore and renew those relationships in our lives that require healing. Prayer gives us the strength to do this.
National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all of us to continue our journey of living in right relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for this year is ‘In this together’. Every one of us has a role to play in building relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people’s histories and cultures.
A few years ago, our guest speaker, Shaun Andrews, spoke about privilege and appreciation. During a school assembly Shaun asked everyone to stand up. He then asked everyone to sit down if their parents had a degree or if they had travelled overseas. The only boys left standing were our six Indigenous students. We all have a role to play in bringing about a more just, equitable and reconciled nation.
Next Wednesday 27 May, the Trinity Grammar community is invited to our virtual Reconciliation Breakfast commencing online at 7.30am. We will be learning more about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and reflecting on how each of us can continue to bring about reconciliation in Australia. This is a journey towards reconciliation and living in right relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Tom Purcell
Assistant Chaplain and Director of Outreach
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Reconciliation Breakfast – Special Live-Streamed Event
Please join the Trinity Community as we come together to recognise Reconciliation Week.
This is an opportunity to hear from our Indigenous students in the Northern Territory, a message from the Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) community with whom we have strong ties, and to be involved in a panel discussion on Indigenous education during a pandemic.
The live-streamed event will run from 7.30am – 8.00am on Wednesday 27 May.
You will receive an email invitation with the link.
Uniform Shop – Open for business!
As we prepare for the return to school in the coming weeks, I am sure there have been some growth spurts to accommodate! Our wonderful Trinity Shop parent volunteers have rallied together to create extra rostered days and extended times to enable us to open the Uniform Shop on the following days:
- Saturday 23 May 10.00am to 2.00pm
- Monday 25 May 10.00am to 2.00pm
- Thursday 28 May 2.00pm to 4.00pm
We will be following the appropriate protocols that enable us to meet all the hygiene and social distancing requirements. Please allow extra time for your visit and please also be patient with the volunteers who are working on the day. Without their support we would not be able to provide this special service for you.
Please note the following important points:
- Card sales only
- It will be compulsory to sanitise hands upon entry
- No more than two customers in the shop at any one time
- Blazers and spray jackets are excluded from the ‘swap’
Families are welcome to bring in good quality uniform to swap over for a different size. Bring in last year’s trousers and replace them with a pair for this year (or this term in some situations!)
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Bonnie Brown in Hudson House on 9851 9558 or brownb@trinity.vic.edu.au
Please note: Bob Stewart and Dobsons are both open.
Kathy Hines
Director of Development and Community Relations
Mother’s Day Baking Competition
Congratulations to the following winners of our Mother’s Day Competition! First Prize winners were awarded a voucher for dinner at a Trinity family restaurant (one for Chargrill Charlie’s and one for San Telmo) plus all winners received a Trinity tote with apron, cookbook and a lovely potted cyclamen.
Junior School 1st Prize to James (2M) and Jonathan Moutsios (5MD) for their Sticky Banana Pudding
Senior School 1st Prize to Joel McCall (7D) for his Jelly Slice
2nd Prize – Jake Alexander (5A) who made Chicken and Leek Pie
3rd Prize – Easton Brick (Prep B) for his Homemade Zucchini Cake
4th Prize – Joshua Solomon (6NT) who cooked up Minestrone Soup
Heidi Pfeffer
President of the Parents’ Association