Edition 5, Term 4 2021
MENU: From the Principal | From the ELC | From the Junior School | From the Senior School | Music | Chaplain | Community Engagement
From the Principal
Earlier this week I watched as various groups of students tested out the parachutes that they had made in Science class. Having been given the theory, they were asked to design and test their creations. There was some radical collaboration taking place, with some asserting their action plans on their groups in pursuit of balanced weight and an elegant flight. Whereas the results varied, and to be fair there were plenty of failures amongst the attempts, the refinement process was a measured affair and initially problematic designs turned into experiments that experienced some success. One of the students, I think unwittingly, said to me that he really enjoyed the process because he was having fun with friends and learning at the same time! Whereas we are able to achieve extraordinary things in the online environment this year and last, it really is better being at school.
Having said that, we are closing in on the end of the year. We are in that fluid time when there are lots of comings and goings, and beginnings and ends. Special programming, presentation events, our Carol Service and various activities that take advantage of the break from the usual assessment routine are all underway. December, and indeed summer, have arrived and, in this most unusual of years, there is a sense of some normalcy having returned. During this week and last we have been engaging our students in important special programs that orientate them to areas of life that complement our more established curriculum. Years 7, 8 and 9 have had sexual education programming and Year 11 training by the organisation ‘Oneself’, which works with youth to emphasise the nature of vulnerability, empathy and empowerment. Year 9 has also been learning First Aid and continuing their Personal Development programming. Junior School Leaders and Senior School Leaders are going through their training programs. As I write, I am watching students being taken through fitness training on the oval. Plenty is happening!
At the end of the year, we will be saying goodbye to some staff members who are moving on. There is more movement than normal this year, and there is little doubt that the pandemic and its Victorian iterations have had an impact, though globally, in developed countries, there is a trend that has seen people moving between careers or workplaces, or indeed stopping work altogether. We wish those staff moving on all the best and thank them for their time with us. In my conversations with them, they have expressed their fondness for Trinity and our community. Next week, we welcome new staff to the school as a part of their orientation process as they get ready for next year’s excitements.
In the busyness of the end of the year, I hope to see many parents at those functions to which they can come. It has been a delight for us to hold events again in recent weeks and we look forward to the next week or so of events with keen anticipation.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
Adrian Farrer
Principal
From the ELC
As part of their inquiry into the lifecycle of a butterfly, our ELC students have been patiently observing monarch butterfly chrysalis’ in their classroom.
Over the past few weeks, they have watched the chrysalis’ change form, change colour, and finally, hatch!
We explored the concept of being responsible for them whilst they were changing inside and it linked to how we are responsible for living things. It means we had to use quiet voices not to scare them, not shake or poke them and look with our eyes only.
‘We could put them in the tree to keep them safe’ – Sameer
‘We don’t want to spook them’ – Henry
‘When they hatch inside their cage it will be too small so we will have to move them’ – Elliot
‘When he comes out the butterfly will need to learn how to fly’ – Harrison
Over our time within the ELC, we have transformed, grown, developed, learnt new information and consolidated many skills.
Metaphorically, we are like a butterfly.
We started as a caterpillar and over the year we have transformed into a butterfly with all our growth.
We are almost ready to fly off onto the next stage of our learning adventure.
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
From the Junior School
In preparation for the conclusion of 2021, the Year 6s presented their PYP Exhibitions to each other in class. The topics the boys chose connected with the Sustainable Developmental Goals set out by the United Nations.
Unfortunately, these presentations could not be shared with the community in person, but we are very proud to virtually share what the boys have learnt and what they will endeavour to place into action for the rest of their lives.
These presentations will be sent out to the Trinity community very soon. Whilst the inquiry approach and flow of learning were interrupted throughout Term 3, they persevered and delivered evidence that was very well-researched about issues they will be faced with in their futures.
Please view a group’s presentation on deforestation as part of the PYP Exhibition:
https://vimeo.com/647207895/eaff7ca16a
House Cross Country
After inclement weather and the cancellation of the Cross Country trials, we were finally able to run the House Cross Country event on Friday 19 November. It was wonderful to see the colours of our Houses compete in true Trinity style, where all boys gave their best effort. We welcomed parents back to Bulleen into the viewing area to watch their boys run and enjoy themselves. This was wonderful to see!
Orientation Day
Another recent event in the Junior School was the 2022 Orientation Day. It was great to welcome new boys and families to our school. During the day, all boys enjoyed many activities offered to them by a variety of staff. There were some great relationships formed in preparation for an exciting 2022.
Graduation
To be able to finally hold the Year 6 Graduation was one of the great highlights for the year. We thank all families for being so flexible and open to the variety of options we were facing due to restrictions, although the outcome was most welcomed by all. We wish all the boys well for their future education.
To be able to finally hold the Year 6 Graduation was one of the great highlights for the year. We thank all families for being so flexible and open to the variety of options we were facing due to restrictions, although the outcome was most welcomed by all. We wish all the boys well for their future education.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Junior School Presentation Night, please find details below.
2021 Junior School Presentation Night (Years 3 – 6)
You are warmly invited to attend the Year 3-6 Junior School Presentation Night.
This evening is our opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our Junior School students.
Date: Thursday 2 December 2021
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Venue: Peter McIntyre Gym
Trinity Grammar School, Kew
40 Charles St, Kew
Jonathan Knight
PYP Coordinator
House Cross Country Results
After exactly seven months from the originally-scheduled date for Cross Country, we finally travelled out to Bulleen to run this significant event in the Junior School Inter-House program. Appalling weather conditions prevented us from running the course the previous week, so all participants were running the newly-designed course due which started and finished on the Price Fields in front of parents. Focusing on House spirit, camaraderie and celebrating a return to the playing fields in near perfect conditions, we ran the following order of events – 12+ years, 11 years, 10 years and 9 years. Once again, Mr Farrier joined the celebrations by running both the first and second races, encouraging boys to do their best! Once again, many thanks to the Bulleen and Trinity support staff for their assistance in setting up the course and erecting the TGS marquees, and to the Junior School staff for marshalling and supervising the event. Finally, a huge thank you to Mr Kelly for his results spreadsheet and all the boys who embraced this House event and enthusiastically participated.
Individual Top-3 Results for each Age Group –
9 Years
| Position | House | Runner |
| 1 | Friend | Xavier Brydon |
| 2 | Inglis | Fletcher Curry |
| 3 | Summers | Harlow Pascoe |
10 Years
| Position | House | Runner |
| 1 | Friend | Jeremy Higgins |
| 2 | Summers | Jay Shi |
| 3 | Henderson | Thomas Lin |
11 Years
| Position | House | Runner |
| 1 | Inglis | Alby Mahony |
| 2 | Friend | Edward Joyce |
| 3 | Inglis | Neil Luo |
12+ Years
| Position | House | Runner |
| 1 | Summers | Max Waschi |
| 2 | Inglis | Sidney Johns |
| 3 | Friend | Lucas Coburn |
The overall results for the 2021 Ray Woods House Cross Country Cup were –
1st Henderson, 2nd Inglis, 3rd Friend, 4th Summers
10 Years House Cross Country Place-getters 2021 – Jay Shi, Thomas Lin & Jeremy Higgins
From the Senior School
Thank you to the school community for your support throughout the year. I wish you all a very safe and relaxing holiday break.
Student Leadership Retreat
Our incoming student leaders participated in a two-day program of lectures and workshops, to assist their preparation for their 2022 leadership positions. Cameron Donald, a professional motorcycle racer, shared his insights into the importance of teamwork and leadership and how they contributed to his success.
Carol Service
We look forward to welcoming you all to the Carol Service at St Paul’s Cathedral at 7.00pm this Friday 3 December.
Presentation Night Wednesday 8 December
To conclude the school year, the Presentation Night will be held in the McIntyre Gym on Wednesday 8 December at 7.00pm. Due to limited space, award winners and their parents have been invited to attend. The evening will be live streamed with a link to be sent out shortly.
Congratulations
Ryan Lobo (OTG 2020) has accepted an offer to study at The University of Chicago in 2022. Ryan is a very talented swimmer, and we wish him every success as he pursues his studies overseas.
Thank you
Sue Paice has been the Chief Supervisor for all Trinity VCCA examinations for the past nine years. We thank Sue for her professional and caring approach she has shown to our students and we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Economics
Mr Weinberg’s Year 10 Economic Fundamentals class finished the semester with a set of debates to find out who was the greatest economist of them all. Well done to Lachlan Smit (with Jean Baptiste Say) for winning out, against Max Keeble (Adam Smith) and Jamie Housakos (John Forbes Nash) in the Grand Final.
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
Lost Property
We have a large amount of Lost Property waiting to be collected in Student Services.
If you are missing any items – including school and sports shoes – please remind your son/s to come to Student Services before the end of term.
We endeavour to email students and parents when items are handed in that are NAMED, so keep an eye on your email inbox.
For health reasons, lunch boxes and water bottles are not kept indefinitely in the Lost Property area – having items clearly named helps us to quickly return them to their owners.
In preparation for the start of 2022, please check that all pieces of uniform, shoes, sports bags, lunch boxes, water bottles etc are clearly named. If you have purchased items from the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, please remove/cross out the old name and update.
Michelle Gregory
Student Services Co-ordinator
Music
Live music recitals return to TGS!
On Tuesday 16 November, Ms Chiah Quah ran an outstanding live piano recital for her 17 students in Music School CY4.
Parents were invited to watch the performance via Teams, with some audience members watching from interstate and overseas.
This hybrid model served the students well at this stage of our return to normal school life.
Congratulations to the following pianists who presented challenging repertoire with a high level of musicality and professional demeanour.
- Joshua Wong
- Dean Gallace
- Michael Wu
- Aiden Wu
- Sidney Johns
- Joshua Loftes
- Benjamin Kamali
- Cameron Zhao
- James Sonnemann
- James Tsui
- Thomas Lin
- Reuben Southern
- Daniel Chong
- William Kenafacke
- Leo Guo
- Michael Kokkinos
- Gabriel Guarino
Michelle Stanic
Director of Music
The Candle of Hope
My children love Christmas and so do I. The advent calendar has always been a family favorite but with 10 children, the chocolate is usually well gone before Santa arrives.
Last weekend we made our Advent Wreath and placed it with our manger on our hallway table. Advent is a season marking the preparation for and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.
Our wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches taken from my backyard and laid flat to symbolise eternal life. The circle of the wreath recalls our Creator’s endless mercy for all of humanity. The green leaves remind us of the Hope and renewal God gives all of us. The making of the wreath this year moved me more than other years as I wept for my mother who passed away in August. Symbols and memories of time spent with my loved ones come to me more often as I get older.
The four candles I place around the wreath were made by refugees from Myanmar. The candles symbolise the light of Christ coming into the world. Each candle has a theme for each Sunday, which are hope, peace, love and joy while the middle candle is lit on Christmas day, reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world and that light always shines in the darkness.
I love the first week of Advent and the candle of Hope. A baby that is born in a manger because there is no place in the inn. A mother who a is a lowly handmaid is surrounded by shepherds. Hope always has the revolutionary power of changing the status quo and especially for the poor and vulnerable.
You may not have a wreath with candles to light, but you can be hope and a light to others. Bring a Christmas gift to the school and place it under the tree to support families in financial hardship. Help our Good Grub community know they are not alone on Christmas Day by bringing in coffee jars and/or men’s aftershave to make over 600 Christmas hampers. Look after the lost sheep in our community, workplace or family and bring them into the fold. Lift up the downtrodden.
If I have learnt anything in life in my travels, it is the power of hope. I have seen that in the darkest places, it is the power of hope that enables so many to never give up. Hope changes lives. Hope is everything. May the light of Christ continue to bless you and all your families this Christmas and may the flame of Hope remain with you always. Keep being the flame of hope to others. It is the greatest gift you can give.
Giving
Over the next two weeks, we are hoping you can support two of our Harambee Outreach ministries we do every year to help Christmas be more meaningful and enjoyable for families experiencing financial hardship and local members in our community living with a mental illness.
The Christmas Hamper Appeal
We are asking students/families to bring in a few groceries to help make up over 600 hampers for the most vulnerable in our Good Grub community. Please try and bring in the following three items.
- Men’s aftershave
- Bags of nuts
- Coffee jars or coffee sachets
These items can be left at Reception or with your son who can leave it with his Head of Year.
Anglican Christmas Gift Appeal – Final House Assemblies
At Christmas time, many families enduring financial hardship find it difficult to give presents to their children. Our Trinity community has always given generously to the Anglican Christmas Gift Appeal. We are encouraging all students to bring a gift that we place under the Christmas tree at our end of year Christmas House Assemblies.
To help with the variety of gifts, we are hoping that the following year level families can assist with the below:
- ELC, Junior School, Year 7 and Year 8 – soft toys and books
- Years 9 and 10 – sporting equipment
- Years 11 and 12 – clothes and shoes for children aged between 4 and 17 years of age
Gifts can be left at Reception or under the Christmas Tree in the Tudor Centre.
Tom Purcell
Director of Outreach, Assistant Chaplain
Community Engagement
I think I must have said ‘touch wood’ more in the last term than I ever have in my life. And perhaps it has helped as we edge towards the end of term and gradually, with bated breath, tick off one much-anticipated event after another. But we still have a few more to go and behind the scenes, there is a myriad of people working tirelessly to ensure the events are a success. I am sure you have heard that the annual Founders’ Day Fair is rescheduled for this coming Saturday 4 December 3.00pm – 8.00pm. Please see below for more information about what is happening on the day. Notably, there is still an opportunity to get involved and the Fair Committee would welcome your assistance on this very busy day. Here are some images of the folks at the Fine Foods Stall with their beautiful produce ready for the day.
Packs for the Cake Stall will be going out to all Junior School families this week and we encourage you to get baking for this much-loved stall with a Christmas theme this year. More information is below. There will also be a drive for soft drinks and chocolate, and items for Trash and Treasure. See below for details.
This is the last newsletter for 2021 and so I want to take this opportunity to thank the 2021 Class Representatives for their tremendous efforts this year, specifically for getting an event up and running in these final weeks. We hope you have enjoyed the role and consider supporting the community in this way again next year.
Sincere thanks also to the Parents’ Association this year. Your hard work and dedication to Trinity through a particularly trying year has shown the true TGS spirit. I look forward to working with you next year on a (touch wood) uninterrupted calendar.
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
TLC Community Support Group
As we head into the final days of Term 4, we’d like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thanks to everyone who has supported the TLC Group this year.
Thanks to all volunteers who have prepared meals and lunchbox snacks, in some instances at short notice and on multiple occasions. Despite the significant time in lockdown and resulting temporary inability to make deliveries to the school, approximately 90 dinners and 75 lunchbox snacks have been provided for distribution to staff and families in our community.
Thanks again to all donors to the TLC Fund. During the Trinity quarantine period in July, approximately $16,000 was raised in an amazing response to our call for support. Almost all of these funds have now been spent on items such as meal delivery vouchers, hampers, gift cards and supermarket vouchers.
Thanks to all members of staff, in particular the Community Engagement team, the Senior Leadership team, Gayle Barry, Ebru Celik, Senior School Reception Staff and the Maintenance Team for managing the freezer and coordinating and distributing all care packages.
We wish you all the best for the festive season, safe and happy holidays… and we look forward to returning next year to assist in providing support to the Trinity community.
If you are aware of anyone who needs some TLC please get in touch with Kathy Hines, TGS Advancement Manager (hinesk@trinity.vic.edu.au) or your son’s Head of School, Head of Year or Form Teacher.
Alice Noonan and Angela Gill (Co-Convenors)
Heidi Pfeffer and Lisa Williams (Committee)
Don’t forget to send a farewell message to the long-serving staff leaving at the end of this year.
You can do this via our online Kudoboards:
Ms Kate Hall https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/oiTQ31Th
Ms Michelle Stanic https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/kV8wU4pA
Mr Rohan Brown https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/HHNsh6AX
Please note these cards are for parents and OTGs. Current students have an opportunity to create a post on a separate board.
Important Dates
Thursday 2 December
Year 7 Parents Cocktail Evening
Time: from 7.00pm
Venue: Nini’s, 302 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Cost: $37 per head which includes canapes and a drink on arrival. Additional drinks at bar prices
Please book via https://www.trybooking.com/BQGHY
Year 9 Parents Drinks
7.00pm – 10.00pm
$50.00 per person, includes canapes. BYO drinks.
Please book via https://www.trybooking.com/BVSLN
Friday 3 December
Year 8 Parents and Carers coffee morning
Time: from 7.45am
Venue: Now & Then Café, 204 High St Kew
Year 11 Parents Night Out
Time: 7.00pm until late
Venue: Nini’s, 302 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Cost: $60 per person for canapes and a drink on arrival
Please book via https://www.trybooking.com/BQRUM
Saturday 4 December
Founders’ Day Fair
Time: 3.00pm-8.00pm
Venue: Trinity Grammar School, Kew
Join us for a day of community and collegiality as we celebrate TGS’ 119-year history and bring in the Christmas spirit.
Come along and sample all the stalls below, and listen to our talented Trinity Musicians taking to the Main Stage from 3.30pm-5.30pm
Stalls
- Cake Stall, which will include a selection of homemade baked goods and sweet treats
- Christmas Stall, which will include a variety of festive goods and TGS-branded merchandise
- Fine Foods Stall, which will include a selection of homemade jams, marmalades, chutneys, pickles, sauces and more
- ‘Trash, treasure and toys’ Stall
- Sausage Sizzle Stall run by TGS Harambee students
- Second-hand book, CD and vinyl Stall
Entertainment
- Rides including the ‘Cha Cha’, Giant Slide’ and ‘Wild Chairs’. Ride wristbands can be purchased HERE
- Live animals, including llamas, sheep, chickens and puppies
- OTG Bar
- Talented musicians from Trinity (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Bridgewater (7.00pm-8.00pm) on the Main Stage
- The famous ‘Spinning Wheel’ with some fantastic prizes such as a trip to New Zealand
Become a volunteer!
We are seeking volunteers to assist with stalls, both prior to and on Fair day. Show your green and gold spirit by joining our wonderful volunteer community who every year work tirelessly to make this event a success!
- Cake Stall (pricing, packaging and helping with sales) – CLICK HERE
- Fine Foods Stall – volunteersignup.org/4T8J9
- Harambee BBQ Stall (student supervision) – CLICK HERE
- Donation sorting, set up and pack up – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054DA9AB22A3FD0-tgsfounders
Timeslots are waiting to be filled!
Donations
We are seeking donations of items for our ‘Trash, treasure and toys’ Stall and our Books, CD and vinyl Stall as well as Jewelry.
Donations can be dropped off from Friday 26 November – 2 December in the containers located near the TGS Maintenance sheds (entry via St Johns Parade carpark).
Last-minute donations can be dropped off from Friday 3 December up until 2.30pm on Fair Day (Saturday 4 December) at the Senior School Oval.
We are also seeking donations of cans of soft drink and blocks of chocolate. These can be delivered to either the Junior School or Senior School Reception up until the day.
Donation enquiries can be directed to Kate Curnow at 0419 644 464.
Information for all families re Cake Stall donations
Senior School families – we’re making it easier for you this year! Please bring your baked item/s in your own container/packaging with an ingredient list, directly to the School on Friday 3 December from 2.30pm – 3.30pm or from 10.00am on Saturday 4 December where the Cake Stall team will package your item/s (you’ll get your container back straight away).
ELC and Junior School families – cake packs will be going out to all students and we ask that families drop cakes back to the school on Friday 3 December or the morning of Saturday 4 December.
Keen bakers – additional cake kits are available at Reception!
Sunday 5 December
2021 Rugby End of Season Presentation and BBQ
Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue: Hudson Oval, Trinity Marles Playing Fields, Bulleen Road, Bulleen
Cost: BBQ and soft drinks will be available for purchase on the day (BYO alcohol)
Please register your interest for catering purposes by Wednesday 1 December.
Register via https://www.trybooking.com/BVUGC
Year 5 End of Year BBQ
Time: 12.00-2.00pm
Venue: Frog Hollow Reserve – pavilion near the playground and cricket nets, 25 Fordham Avenue, Camberwell
Please book via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=835881&
Monday 6 December
Year 12 Valedictory Evening – please note change of date
Time: 6.00pm photographs and pre-dinner drinks, 7.15pm dinner
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Cost: $175 per adult, $150 per student (this has been charged to the final School account)
Please Note: each student may bring up to two adult guests (due to room capacity and density restrictions)
Please book via https://www.trybooking.com/BSYED
Dates**
Wednesday 1 December
Year 10 Trinity/Ruyton Coordinate Program Orientation Day
Thursday 2 December
VCE Orientation Day
ELC Christmas Chapel Service, 10.30am
Years 3 -6 Presentation Night, McIntyre Gym 7.00pm
Friday 3 December
Prep Nativity for Parents and Friends, 1.30pm
Carol Service, St Paul’s Cathedral, 7.00pm https://www.trybooking.com/BVULP
*Please note, in line with the latest COVID guidelines update, TGS students aged 16+ no longer have to provide proof of vaccination to attend the Cathedral.
Saturday 4 December
Founders Day Fair 3.00pm
Second Hand Book Sale, 2.00pm. Volunteers needed. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0b4ba9a82da0ff2-trinity1
Trinity Second Hand Uniform Shop, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Monday 6 December
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, MCG 7.00pm
Tuesday 7 December
Prep – Year 2 Presentation Morning, 9.00am
Final Senior School Assembly, 10.45am
JS Students finish, 3.10pm
Wednesday 8 December
Staff Day
Term 4 concludes
Presentation Night, McIntyre Centre 7.00pm
Thursday December 9
Staff Day
Boarding House closes for 2021, 3.30pm
Long Serving Staff Farewell, Bulleen 5.30pm https://www.trybooking.com/BVEAZ
Monday 31 January
Year 7 Preliminary Day (from midday)
Tuesday 1 February
Term 1 commences
**Dates are subject to change following Government announcements on COVID-19 lockdown protocols.