Edition 5, Term 4, 2020
MENU: From the Principal | Junior School | Senior School | Music News | Chaplain’s Chat | Community Relations | Second-hand Book Sale | Harambee Candles | The Mitre Cookbook
From the Principal
It was my pleasure to meet with our (about) seventy 2021 Senior School student leaders this week. As part of their two-day leadership course, I spoke with them about the mechanism which sets our school’s direction – our strategic planning process – and our plans to initiate this process at the start of next year. They engaged extremely thoughtfully and a number of them have pursued individual conversations with me since. It is always a delight to seek out and receive authentic messaging from a student body. After all, it is their lived experience and they have a front row seat to the action!
School Council will embark on the strategic planning process from the beginning of next year. We have spent the past few months designing a process that seeks to be inclusive of our broad community and to reflect this strange 2020 reality, which has to assume both firm footing and shifting sands are ahead. We will ensure that timely and visible notice is given so that school families, alumni and other interested parties can join students and staff in imagining the next few years of life at Trinity. The imaginings will be about our programming, of course, but also the fabric of the school. We clearly need both elements to be world class and we will continue to strive to achieve that through our strategic, master and financial planning processes, which will run parallel to each other.
An element of master planning that will soon come to fruition is one over which we do not have governance, but we do have a say. Our Bulleen property will start its journey as a significant site for the North East Link Project in the next few weeks – a journey that will see our site variously compromised for the next seven or eight years, but also thoroughly enhanced due to the compensation and capital improvement that flow from the deal. We have been in negotiations with the relevant bodies throughout this year as the construction process nears, and we will publish the plans once there is increased certainty regarding the consortium which will undertake the project and their construction methodology.
Whether progress is imposed or self-governed, it needs to fit a community’s purpose. This week’s conversation with the incoming leaders reaffirmed a number of things about our school. Cross-age mentoring, wellbeing at the forefront of our purpose and helping others were all highlighted as ‘not negotiables’, alongside co-curricular offerings and impressive VCE outcomes. It seemed that there was a significant focus on us being the best version of Trinity – doing what we do as well as we can – rather than measuring ourselves against other, similar schools for relevance. It is perspective that strikes at the heart of our purpose and was wonderful to hear.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
Junior School News
Last week saw the culmination of the PYP inquiry – the Exhibition stage. The Year 6 cohort, along with their mentors, was able to display and communicate their learning to the Trinity community via Microsoft Teams. The boys were risk-takers in their delivery of knowledge, and they were extremely excited to present to our community in this way. The boys inquired into the 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. These goals are an urgent call to action, and it was wonderful to observe the boys being so passionate about local and global issues that are significant and relevant to them currently and into the future.
All Year 6 boys were separated into groups, accompanied by a mentor, as they set off on their journey for knowledge. Students found out about renewable energy, poverty, peace, justice and strong institutions, wellbeing, responsible consumption and production, gender equality, clean water and sanitation and many more important issues.
Despite the challenges the boys and staff have faced this year, it was a remarkable success!
I would like to thank the Trinity community for being so involved and for generating excitement and engagement that assisted in shaping the boys’ learning.
Jon Knight
PYP Coordinator
Senior School News
New School Leaders for 2021
Congratulations to the following boys who have been appointed to leadership positions for 2021. These boys will be formally inducted on Presentation Night, 9 December 2020.
Captain of School | Will Toner |
Vice-Captain of School | Cinque Howells, Ethan Orr, Tom Wenn, Max Yakubowski |
House Captains | |
Captain of Arnold House | Hayden Beamish |
Captain of Cowen House | Ned Heasley |
Captain of Henty House | James Gavralas |
Captain of Hindley House | Hamish Beadle |
Captain of Kent Hughes House | Andrew Hain |
Captain of Merritt House | Tom Walker |
Captain of Roberts House | Luke Girdlestone |
Captain of Sutton House | Nick Fallaw |
House Vice-Captains | |
Arnold House Vice-Captains | Harry Bland, Stephen Doufas, Dominic Payman, Hamish Szegi |
Cowen House Vice-Captains | Rafferty Barry, Oscar Howard,Christian Mahon, Tom Waldron |
Henty House Vice-Captains | Harvey Mitchelhill, Simon Paterson, Kiran Pereira, Michael Sahinidis |
Hindley House Vice-Captains | James Carlyon, Will Keeble, Thomas Uhr-Henry |
Kent Hughes House Vice-Captains | Arthur Bradley, Leo Cococcia, Harrison Preiss, Ryan Webb |
Merritt House Vice-Captains | Samarth Goel, Andrew Greig, Murray Lovass |
Roberts House Vice-Captains | Zachary Chen, David Chong, Tom Clifford |
Sutton House Vice-Captains | Lucas Aceski, Chris Cohen, Jack Morton, Martin Stephenson |
Co-Curricular Captains | |
Co-Captain of Academics | Hadyn Tang, James Liu |
Captain of Design & Technology | Charles Palfreeman |
Captain of Environment & Sustainability | Danny Vu |
Captain of Debating & Public Speaking | Henry Davis |
Captain of Drama | Anton Ruiz-Pedley |
Co-Captain of Faith & Outreach | Archie Shaw, Matt Clayton |
Captain of International Students | Joey He |
Editor of the Mitre | Jeremy Fox |
Co-Captain of Music | James Greenwood, Kai Wong |
Captain of Outdoor Education | Freddie Preston |
Captain of Sport | Dihan Wiggett |
Captain of Visual Arts | Charlie Di Stefano |
Co-Curricular Vice-Captains | |
Vice-Captain of Environment & Sustainability | Maxim Sundram |
Vice-Captain of Drama | Charlie Limmer |
Vice-Captain of Debating & Public Speaking | Kevin Nimalraj |
Vice-Captain of International Students | Edison Luo |
Sub-Editor of the Mitre | Marcus Santilli |
Joint Vice-Captain of Outdoor Education | Gordan Mann, Owen Grayson |
Joint Vice-Captain of Sport | Desi O’Kane, Angus Plowman |
Vice-Captain of Visual Arts | Daniel Aleksic |
School Prefect | Laurence Armstrong |
These boys attended the Leadership Retreat on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 November, organised by Mrs Hill. They heard from Peter Robinson, past player with Melbourne Storm; Cameron Donald, champion motorcycle racer; and a number of staff, on leadership, public speaking, how to run a meeting, preparation for activities and House programs, as well as building team morale. The boys listened and participated extremely well, gaining skills in preparation for next year.
Year 7 Outdoor Education Day Trips
By the end of this week, all Year 7 classes will have attended the Outdoor Education Day at Lysterfield Park. The boys have hiked, canoed, set up a tent, cooked on a Trangia and enjoyed the trip to Lysterfield Lake. Most boys have never been to Lysterfield Park. Thanks to Mr Cleary for organising these trips.
Last Week of School
For all boys, in Years 7-11, there are classes and activities on Monday 7 December. There will also be the Somers Cup for Years 7-9 boys. Lockers should be cleared on either Monday or Tuesday. On Tuesday, 8 December, all boys are expected at school in the morning for Year Level Assemblies, where achievements will be recognised and certificates distributed. The day will finish at approximately 11.30am. Boys should go home, not hang around shopping centres. On Wednesday 9 December, rehearsals for Presentation Night will begin at 9.00am. Musicians, prize winners and incoming leaders are required in the morning for rehearsals and to attend the night by 7.15pm for the 7.30pm start. Boys and parents can log into the livestream, the link to which will be provided closer to the date. Please log in a few minutes before 7.30pm. It promises to be a good night.
Rohan Brown
Deputy Principal, Head of the Senior School
BrainSTEM
BrainSTEM is a mentored research project organised through Henty Institute. Two groups of students from Year 9 participated in a 12-week project to choose and develop an idea that addressed UN statements championing sustainability, equality, solutions to medical problems or food production.
GROUP 1
The BrainSTEM innovation challenge was a journey that none of us will ever forget. The six of us: Rahul Doloi, Oliver Horan, Dion Arvanitis, Eric Li, Gordon Li and Michael Fan, along with Mrs Kotsiras and our experienced mentor, Dr Helen Jiao, spent 12 weeks researching and creating an invention. We researched the field of neuroscience, before focusing on Alzheimer’s, and we were able to create a personalised, non-medicinal, activity-based rehabilitation program for those suffering from the disease. It was an eye-opening experience and provided us all with an experience and skills that we would not have gained in any other way.
GROUP 2
Our group, consisting of Alastair Murphy, Lucas van den Berg, Jamie Blackburn, Daniel Chin and Joe Martin, thoroughly enjoyed this new experience, especially with the leadership of Snehal Midge (a PhD candidate at Deakin University), Sid Verma (a passionate scientist and tertiary educator), Mrs Doig (supporting teacher) and the rest of the BrainSTEM team. We learnt new skills to do with scientific research and presentations. The morning when we presented our project, the self-watering pot, was very enjoyable, especially as we were able to see the other groups’ presentations. Overall, we loved the experience and hope to do more like it in the future.
Susan Doig
ASC Teacher
Lost Property
With the end of Term 4 in sight, we are trying to reunite a number of lost/found items with their rightful owners (a high number being spray jackets and blazers). When items are named, the Senior School student and parents/guardians will receive an email from Student Services advising them that an item needs to be collected.
In preparation for the new school year, could we please also remind families of the importance of labelling ALL items – including hats, caps and scarves, plus school stationery, textbooks, lunch boxes, water bottles, bags, sports equipment etc. If you purchase a second-hand uniform, please remove/cross out any old names that no longer apply and write in the current owner.
For hygiene reasons, any lunch boxes, water bottles, thermos flasks etc that are found will only be held until the end of that week, so please label them all clearly.
Any items not collected by Wednesday 9 December will be donated to the Uniform Shop.
Michelle Gregory
Student Services Coordinator
MUSIC NEWS
The final weeks of term have brought music back to the CFA!
String and percussion players are rehearsing live, and (individual virtual) recordings have been made of brass, wind and choirs for the forthcoming Carol Service, JS/SS Presentation Nights and final Year Level Assemblies.
AMEB examinations have proceeded in both live and pre-recorded formats. The VCE Music class completed their final aural, written, listening examination and HPAF Year 11 leaders have met to discuss and confirm their show selection.
Music always finds a way to bring people together, and this year is no exception.
We are ready for 2021!
Suzuki and AMEB Graduations
Congratulations to the following students of Mrs Chiah Quah, who prepared for a Suzuki Graduation or AMEB examination this year:
Year 7
Michael Wu: Suzuki Piano Graduation, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
James Tsui: Suzuki Piano Graduation, Level 3
Year 6
James Sonnemann: AMEB Piano Grade 3, A+ (High Distinction)
Year 5
Gabriel Guarino: Suzuki Piano Graduation, Level 6
Cameron Zhao: AMEB Piano Grade 5, A (Honours)
Michael Kokkinos: Suzuki Piano Graduation, Level 2
Year 4
Joshua Loftes: AMEB Piano Grade 3, A (Honours)
Michelle Stanic
Director of Music
Chaplain’s Chat
The Greatest Story Ever Told…
One of my favourite scenes from the fabulous, but now quite old, BBC series The Vicar of Dibley, is when members of the rural parish are rehearsing a farmyard nativity play for Christmas. Geraldine the Vicar reveals a poster for the play that says: ‘The greatest story ever told.’
Well, an animated discussion immediately ensues as Owen, one of the parishioners, expresses doubt about whether it really is the greatest story ever told. He suggests some alternatives and then each of the villagers tells their own ‘great story’ – Jackie Collins gets a mention, and so does Beatrix Potter, there’s a story about robbers with toothbrushes up their bottoms, and also a story about a severed head banging on the roof of car… well it goes on and on with some hilarity as another parishioner says that he thinks that the BBC actually has some excellent local news stories!
At this point the Vicar in absolute exasperation, interjects…
‘Can we just stop right there… could I just remind you a little of the story we’re actually telling…
2000 years ago, a baby is born in a stable, the poorest of the poor, and yet during his lifetime he says things that are so astonishing, billions of people are still living their lives by them today. He said love thy neighbour, and turn the other cheek, whatever people might do to us.
But most astonishingly I believe that this tiny baby boy was actually the son of God, and when he was younger than I am today he was brutally crucified for what he said and did, and the men who killed him thought that’s it, that’s the end of it, he’s dead, he’s gone. And yet here we are 2000 years later in a village in the middle of England doing a play about his birth, now I think that’s a pretty great story.’
Everyone sat nodding in silence and agreed to keep the words on the poster. It was a pretty great story after all.
We read, see, and hear so many stories, some are great, some not so great. Some are real and some made up, and I think we sometimes hear the Christmas narrative and it can seem like just another story, maybe even a fictitious one. Maybe it’s because we’ve heard it so often, we’ve embellished it so much, or maybe we’ve never really heard it at all.
The story of Christmas is unique amongst the world’s great religions… God, creator of the heavens and the earth, so loved our broken mixed-up world, that he took on human flesh in the person of Jesus. He lived among us, experienced the joy and the pain of an earthly life, and showed us how to really live – embodying perfect other-person-centred love. What I call ‘love with skin on’.
This story took place well over 2000 years ago, but we are still talking about it, so profound has its message been. Around one third of the world’s population, some 2.4 billion people claim to follow Jesus, so profound has his message been.
In a world looking so desperately for meaning, for truth, for purpose, for hope, for love, surely there can be no doubt that this really still is the greatest story ever told.
Our prayer is that you may hear its message afresh this year.
With warm wishes,
Rev’d Matt Campbell on behalf of the Chaplaincy Team
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Dear Trinity Parents
In a year full of challenges and one that we thought would never end, I now find myself asking where did the year go? It has been such a relief to find ourselves on the ‘other side’ of COVID restrictions, some are still in place, but most are now lifted to enable us to catch up with family and friends, and head into 2021 with more positive vibes ahead.
It has been such a pleasure to assist our community with the various events and initiatives over the course of this year. With so many events being cancelled, lockdown measures made us rethink everything. Teams meetings were set up for Class Reps so that parents could connect over wine and cheese; we took great pride in delivering the Trinity teddy bears to our ELC and Prep students; while temperature testing, yard and gate duties enabled us to connect with the boys and our wonderful parents (even though it was through the fence!) on a different level.
Valedictory was our greatest challenge, the committee led by Kia Sadler was invincible and our beautiful home-delivered charcuterie hampers set a benchmark for other schools to follow. Year 6 Graduation celebrations are currently in hand and will provide an interactive evening for both parents and their sons. Meetings went online and enabled more of you to join us for the Class Reps and Parents’ Association forums. We hope to continue these online meetings in 2021.
Our Parents’ Association President, Heidi Pfeffer, created new ways to reach out to our community. Notably, there was the TLC meals project and amazing cooks who keep the freezer full – it is humbling to see how grateful the recipients were for those meals. The nice surprise our teaching staff received in recognition for World Teachers’ Day was also coordinated by Heidi. Over 200 hessian shopping bags were wrapped with a special note of thanks and delivered into staff pigeonholes. The beautiful woollen Trinity Blankets that were sourced for Father’s Day and Christmas gifts were a sell-out.
We have set up a Trybooking platform for you to purchase preserves and other goodies from Trinity Fine Foods, and the Second-hand Book Sale is going ahead as planned on Saturday 5 December, with COVID-safe protocols in place.
Unfortunately, we are unable to hold our annual Council Thank You Cocktail Evening when we thank all our parent volunteers for their commitment over the past year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Heidi and the Parents’ Association Exec team, PA subcommittee members, the TLC committee, the Uniform Shop crew, and our Class Reps, with special thanks to Lisa Williams and Mel Gallace who were our Class Rep Coordinators this year. Your contributions are most appreciated.
We can’t wait to see you in person, onsite, at events next year. ‘Save the Date’ for our Welcome Drinks evening on Friday 12 February, a new event in our calendar for all parents to attend and an opportunity for you to meet new incoming parents in your year level.
To all our Year 12 parents leaving us this year, THANK YOU. In such a trying year, my heart went out to you all. I wish you and your boys all the very best for their results and the future ahead.
On a personal note, I will be stepping aside into a new role at the end of this year to make way for our new Director of Community Engagement, Ms Lucy Cohen. Lucy will be joining us in 2021 to lead the Community Relations team and our Marketing Department. I hope you will join me in making Lucy most welcome.
Thank you all most sincerely for your support. You are such an amazing community, and I have enjoyed and had the utmost pleasure working with you all, and also with the talented and hardworking team here in Hudson House.
Wishing you all a safe and very happy holiday season.
Sending you all my very best wishes… take care.
Kathy Hines
Director of Development and Community Relations
Trinity Fine Foods Online Sale
Trinity Fine Foods is excited to offer the sale of beautiful produce this year online
Everything is beautifully packaged with our T label, including a selection of old favourites, marmalades, jams and sauces, as well as newer pickles and drink mixers for summer. Products are listed by category.
Products are $8 each or 5 for $35
Please place orders no later than Tuesday 8 December, for collection by Wednesday 16 December from Senior School Reception.
Year 4 2020 Family Night
Year 4 families are invited to celebrate the end of the year with a Family Night Dinner
Date: Friday 11 December
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Tao Restaurant, 201 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen
Cost: $83 adults, $45 students
RSVP: Please contact Molly 0422 362 188 or Maria 0414 446 750
Trinity TLC Community Support Group
As we head into the final days of the 2020 school year, we’d like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thanks to everyone who has supported the TLC Group.
Thanks to all volunteers who have prepared meals and lunchbox items, in some instances on multiple occasions. Since the roster started on 1 June approximately 120 dinners and 60 lunchbox items have been provided to the school for distribution to families in our community.
Thanks to the volunteers who continued to make trips to school to drop off meals whilst their sons were undertaking Distance Learning and thanks to the 24 volunteers who have been on standby to provide meals at short notice.
Thanks to the families who have donated to the Group’s Trybooking account. Through your generosity the school has over $1,900 in funds available to spend on items such as supermarket vouchers and delivered meals.
Thanks to the parents who have provided additional items such as homemade sourdough bread, jars of honey, children’s books and vouchers for a local takeaway shop. These have all been welcome additions to the Group’s care packages.
Thanks to all members of staff, in particular, the TGS Leadership Team, the Community Relations team, Gayle Barry and Stacey Walker, for coordinating and distributing all care packages. Thanks also to the Parents’ Association for generously funding the Group’s refrigerated esky.
We wish you all the best for the festive season and safe and happy holidays….and we’ll be back next year with a new roster!
Alice Noonan and Angela Gill (Co-Conveners)
Heidi Pfeffer and Lisa Williams (Committee)
Second-hand Book Sale
Saturday 5 December 9.00-11.00am
Some good news for 2020: we will be running the Second-hand Book Sale this year on Saturday 5 December at 9:00am.
The book list has hardly changed from last year, so this is a great opportunity to buy and sell books without any charges (all funds from the sale will go back directly to the parents selling them (no commission)).
The school will be running COVID-safe processes to keep us all safe, including signing in, limiting numbers and wearing masks inside. It also means we will only be accepting credit card (Visa and Mastercard only), no cash, Diners or Amex accepted.
Everything you need to know about selling and buying is available on Trinity Connect
Selling Books: No Slip – No Sale!
Your completed BOOK SLIP should include your son/s ID and the book code as shown on the attached ‘List of accepted books’ (not the Campion code). This slip needs to be inside the front cover of each book. Please put your books into a named plastic bag and drop off during the Receiving Times listed below.
Receiving Times:
- Wednesday 2 December: 8.00-9.00am then 3.15-4.00pm
- Thursday 3 December: 8.00-9.00am then 3.15-4.00pm
- Friday 4 December: 8.00-12.00noon
- No books will be accepted on the Saturday of the Sale – No Exceptions
Buying Books: Saturday 5 December: 9.00-11.00am. Please enter the Shann Building from Charles Street.
Collecting of Books: Any unsold books can be collected on Monday 7 December between 8.00 and 9.00am Any books not collected after 9.00am on Monday 7 December will be donated to charity (Les Twentyman Foundation).
Les Twentyman Foundation
If you would like to help this charity, you can either donate the books to Les Twentyman by marking your bag at the Second-hand book Sale drop-off ‘For Les Twentyman’, or if your second-hand books do not sell, then we can donate them for you (please indicate on your selling slip that you would like to donate to Les Twentyman if your books do not sell).
Please note that only the following are suitable for donation:
- Year 7-12 textbooks and study guides published since 2016
- English and Literature texts (i.e. novels/plays/poetry/DVDs)
- Atlases, dictionaries or thesauruses
- Calculators (including graphic)/stationery/backpacks
Volunteers: There are a few slots left for volunteers to assist – either on sale day or in the lead-up on the three days prior. If you are interested in helping, please sign up via this link
Harambee Candles
Having very quickly sold all the remaining stock from last year, we have managed to source new stock of the beautifully scented Kenshi Charity Candles. These high quality candles, a blend of natural soy wax and beautiful essential oils, are made in collaboration with members of the Chin Refugee Community in Melbourne, who, after fleeing civil war in Myanmar, are now earning much needed income. All the candles are hand poured in Melbourne with the full process from pouring to packaging done in-house by hand.
Harambee is the outreach program for the Trinity community and provides a long-term framework to engage and support communities in need, local, national and international. Just in time for Christmas and end of year gift-giving for many, we have sourced these gorgeous candles, the sale of which will contribute to Harambee fundraising efforts for 2020.
The candles are $36.50 and you can choose from the following beautiful scents: Caramel and Vanilla, Sage and Sea Salt, Frangipani and Jasmine, Gardenia and Lily, Sandalwood and Amber or Passionfruit and Lime. Numbers of each are limited so get in quickly!
The candles will be available through Trybooking and can be picked up at Senior School Reception.
The Mitre Cookbook
Looking for a wonderful unique gift for family and friends? Then The Mitre Cookbook is your answer! In addition, a percentage of the funds raised will be donated to the Mito Foundation.
The Mitre Cookbook is available via Trybooking for $40 (including postage within Australia).
The Mitre Cookbook was created by students, parents, staff and OTGs, who gave their time and expertise – it is truly a community effort. All proceeds from the cookbook go to the Trinity Parents’ Association.
For those families attending the Second-hand Book Sale, The Mitre Cookbook will also be available for purchase there.
Wishing the Trinity Community a very safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday.
Regards
Heidi Pfeffer
President of the Parents’ Association
Important Dates
Thursday 3 December
ELC Christmas Chapel Service
Year 3-6 Presentation Event, 1:00pm, Online
Friday 4 December
ELC Christmas Chapel Service
Prep Nativity for Parents and Friends
VCE 2021 Orientation Day
Carol Service, St Paul’s Cathedral, 7.30pm, Online
Saturday 5 December
Second-hand Book Sale 9.00am-12.00pm
Monday 7 December
Year 7, 8 and 9 Somers Cup
Tuesday 8 December
Prep-Year 2 Presentation Morning, Centre for the Arts, 9.00am
Final Academic Assemblies 8.15am
Junior School Finishes 3.10pm
Wednesday 9 December
Term 4 concludes
Presentation Night Rehearsal 9.00am, McIntyre Gym
Presentation Night 7.30pm, Online