Newsletter Edition 2, Term 1 2023
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From the Principal
Early Learning Centre
Junior School
Senior School
Cocurricular
Chaplain’s Chat
Community
From the Principal
Adrian Farrer
Principal
Early Learning Centre
Welcome
The staff and myself at the ELC warmly welcome all new and returning families to the ELC for 2023. The start of a school year can be an exciting time, but sometimes a daunting experience for students.
As our ELC students continue on, or are just starting their educational journey with us, there are new routines to establish, peers to engage with, staff to develop relationships with and many experiences to explore and discover.
The current focus of our educators is building strong, positive connections with our students and families. Careful and deliberate planning and preparation of our space support connections and relationships and to create a nurturing environment full of wonder, learning, discovery and growth.
We can’t wait to watch 2023 unfold within our ELC community.
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Junior School
Our school motto ‘viriliter agite’ asks to act courageously. Suitably, this was central to the theme shared at the Junior School Leadership Induction last week. As an enabler to leading authentically, being courageous helps us navigate the paradoxes of leadership and calibrates values and action. All Year 6 students made their pledge to accept the responsibility of leadership; first personally and secondly through the role they have accepted, yet always through being the best version of themselves. Much appreciation to our Year 12 Prefects for their involvement at the induction, modeling the importance of being there for others by pausing their own priorities. In the first two weeks of term life at Trinity, the generosity of spirit to be a part of younger students’ experiences has been overwhelmingly positive.
With the events of Week 2 both within school and beyond, the hive of opportunities for our Junior School students is buzzing with choice. As we settle into Term 1, it is hoped that that the invitation, to be, is welcomed in a way that helps explore the Trinity experience through many perspectives, yet one purpose: ‘viriliter agite’.
Senior School Prefects Jack, Lachlan, Angus, Henry and Raphael, and Junior School Captains Dean, David and Zac
AGSV Junior School Swimmers
Lauren Borschmann
Director of Leadership
Junior School Chess Club
The Junior School Chess Club commenced last week, and the library was filled with enthusiastic students ranging from Prep to Year 6. The coaches engaged our boys in chess strategies and the boys challenged each other in games. We have a large number of boys enrolled in the parent-paid chess program this term, which is very exciting. If you would like to enrol, you can contact Kids Unlimited (Phone: 1300 424 377 or email info@kidsunlimited.com.au). Our chess club is held every Thursday morning from 7.50am – 8.50am in the Junior School Library. We have had great success with our students in chess. Some have competed in the State and National Championships. One student won the National Championships in 2022. The professional chess coaches, some of whom are Chess Masters, tailor the coaching sessions to suit the needs of all our students. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Amy Jackson
Junior School Teacher Librarian
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Senior School
2022 High Achievers
It was with great pride that we acknowledged our 2022 High Achievers at our assembly last week. These students can be very proud of their accomplishments, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.
Study Nights
Study nights have commenced for Year 11 and Year 12 students. On designated nights, students can remain at School, order a meal from the cafeteria (6.00pm) and continue their study in the Tudor Centre from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. These Study Nights are voluntarily supervised by teachers and give students an environment to study independently or in groups.
House Tug of War
The annual Year 7 Tug of War was held on the Birrell Oval last Wednesday, with all eight Houses eager to demonstrate their strength. Well done to all students who participated in this annual event, with Merritt claiming victory in this very prestigious event.
The next activity on the House calendar is HPAF, with rehearsals beginning this week.
Music Camp
Over the course of two-and-a-half days, our music students participated in an intensive music camp, in preparation for the many musical events ahead in 2023. We thank all staff who supported the program and for the time and commitment of our students.
Clubs and Societies Expo
Led by Academic Captains, Alastair Murphy and Lucas van den Berg (pictured below), students had the opportunity to view and sign-up for clubs and societies that are available for students to participate in.
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Trinity’s Indigenous Student Program
The ISP aims to engage and empower Trinity’s First Nations students to be courageous young men who are inspired to participate in and connect with the Trinity experience. These students come from diverse individual life circumstances and locations and aspire to various measures of success. Students live in both a day student and boarding context. The boarding students come from remote parts of the Northern Territory and regional Victoria and live in a homely, culturally safe environment at Trinity’s Dadirri House on Wellington Street.
The ISP has a dedicated room, located at the base of the Tudor Centre in TC501. The room is a safe place where ISP students and their friends are welcome during break times. Teachers are also encouraged to stop by for a yarn or perhaps share some good news whenever possible.
It is pleasing to note that the ISP achieved 100% actual retention in 2022 for the first time since 2016 and had the first MITS Alumni student complete Year 10 ever!
Nathan Perrin
Indigenous Student Program Manager
Year 7 Focus
As part of their Year 7 orientation, students participated in ‘Focus’, working on a group project for four periods on the theme of Place or Places, presenting their work in any way they choose. I was blown away by their imagination: groups made original computer games, designing their own sound and graphics; board games exploring places on earth and in the universe; a website to promote mental health and help students find a safe place; and various 3D artistic models, both real and virtual. The aims of the project are varied, but we hope it gave students the opportunity to work with real purpose in the first few days of their time in Year 7 while connecting with their peers. Many students demonstrated real leadership qualities through their negotiation, motivation, and time-management skills. We hope that they enjoyed the project as much as we enjoyed seeing their amazing ideas!
Ben Ryder
Director of Innovation
F1 aerodynamics guest speaker Willem Toet
The F1 in Schools students were fortunate and grateful to be treated to a presentation by Professor Willem Toet, Formula One aerodynamicist visiting from the UK. Professor Toet shared his in-depth knowledge with over 30 years’ experience advising F1 motorsport as Head of Aerodynamics at Sauber, Ferrari, Benetton, BAR Honda and Alfa Romeo Racing.
Trinity teams Aurora and Xenon will benefit from the expert advice for their car design in preparation for the upcoming F1 in Schools National Finals in Penrith, NSW from March 26 – April 1.
Peter Clinton
Teacher in Charge of F1 in Schools
Library lovers’ day at the Long Library
It is universally acknowledged that February 14 is a day that celebrates love, but did you know that it is also Library Lovers’ Day? A day dedicated to book lovers across the globe. It is a day to remember that libraries are places that provide an inclusive, welcoming area that supports ample opportunity for knowledge discovery and wellbeing.
At the Long Library we have embraced this ‘love-ly’ theme with an array of specially curated displays both digital and print showcasing a range of genres on the theme. A fun display of teachers’ portraits together with their favourite books has provided an insightful snapshot and generated a fair bit of interest as students and staff browse the display!!
The library staff have thoroughly enjoyed putting this together and our collective aim is to promote the love of literature and encourage our students to share their passion and inspiration for a lifetime of reading.
Happy Library Lover’s Day!
Anna Antoniadis
Head of Senior School Library Services
Cocurricular
Welcome back to a musical 2023
We love hearing our students make music at school again. The excitement of students unpacking their instruments, and the first sound of music after a long holiday, has been very inspiring. Not to mention the fact that they demonstrate all the hard work of practice during the summer break. Students have had a great start to their music lessons and ensembles this week and have been engaged and active in their learning.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all new students to the school and hope that you will consider learning an instrument. Learning an instrument has so many advantages and in every newsletter, we will insert an article from the Bigger Better Brains organisation. This organisation researches the positive effect of music on students and their academia, wellbeing and so many other aspects.
In this edition of Bigger Better Brains, you can read about the following:
A NEW way to Structure Your Music Learning Advocacy
Jan Blazejczak
Director of Music
Chaplain’s Chat
In two weeks’ time it will be Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter. Lent is an inward season during which we are invited to ‘take stock’ of our lives and contemplate pathways to change, healing and renewal. On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of our mortality and vulnerability by the words: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return.” This is a reference to the story in Genesis in which the first humans are created from the dust of the earth. ‘Adam’ is a Hebrew word which combines the words for ‘blood’ and ‘earth’. On Ash Wednesday, students will be invited to make their own intention for Lent by receiving the sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads. This will happen in front of the Library in the Junior School and outside the ‘Caf’ in the Senior School. Hopefully now, when your child sees the posters around the school and asks about Ash Wednesday, it won’t be a mystery. May God bless you richly as you and your family prepare for Easter!
Reverend Bryn Jones
Senior Chaplain
Community
As the new school year begins, we would like to welcome back all members of the Trinity community, and extend our appreciation for your continued support.
The start of the school year is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, and we know that our community will play a crucial role in helping to create a positive and supportive environment for our students and their families. At Trinity, our parents, past students, volunteers and stakeholders are an integral part of our school community. Whether volunteering time or expertise, helping out with events, or simply attending regular meetings of our various clubs and associations, your contributions help to make Trinity the great community of which we are proud. In the coming weeks, there will be information sent out about ways you can become a part of the volunteer body of the school. I encourage you to look closely at how you might be able to participate in 2023. It is the ideal way to get to know other families as well as being a rewarding experience.
One such example of the impact of our volunteers’ dedication and generosity is through the work of ReadySet, an independent not-for-profit organisation that assists job seekers experiencing economic hardship. Thanks to Julie Coleman and the Parents’ Association for organising the donation of clothing from last year’s Fair to ReadySet, who shared with us a selection of stories of their work’s impact, along with their Annual Review. To learn more about ReadySet, view ‘11 years of impact’ and ‘ReadySet Annual Review’.
Please note the exciting initiatives that are happening these next couple of weeks including the sale of Fine Foods and Trinity woollen blankets (please see notices below). All proceeds support the Parents’ Association and ultimately the students. You will note also the Save the Date for the Green and Gold Ball in May. This is a major fundraising event for the PA and another great opportunity to gather and celebrate as a community.
Best wishes to you and your family for an enjoyable school year.
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
Trinity Grammar School woollen blankets
If you would like to purchase the super durable woollen blankets, they are available to purchase online – please click on the link: https://www.trybooking.com/CFWMS
Fine Foods Group
The Trinity Fine Foods team have jams, cordials and sauces available to purchase. 5 for $15 or $5 each – or a Mystery Five (where we pick for you) for $10. Collection from Community Engagement office – 55 Wellington St.
Items can also be purchased online: https://www.trybooking.com/CFSSB
Parent name badges
If you have not received a parent name badge, please complete the form below and we will arrange a replacement for you. Please double check with students/in school bags before completing the form and complete a separate form for each parent.
https://forms.office.com/r/BimyBQ5SW6
Pink Stumps Day
A huge thank you to all for donating and contributing to the Pink Stumps Day on Saturday 11 February. We raised in excess of $2000.
Fiona Smit, Kate Inverarity and Ilse Du Toit
Ash Carey and Johnny Short
IMORTANT DATES
Wednesday 15 February
House Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) Rehearsals commence
Thursday 16 February
Stephen Jones Leadership Breakfast “Be Glorious Breakfast”, 6:45AM MCG
VCE Study Night, 6:30PM
Friday 17 February
Junior School Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival, 9:00AM
Senior School Play Rehearsal, 3:30PM P&F Hall
8A & 8B Gippsland Lakes Camp concludes, 4:30PM
Saturday 18 February
AGSV Sport
RV Schools – Junior Boys Regatta, Barwon Rowing Club
Nagambie Regatta, Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre
Senior School Play Rehearsal, 2:00PM P&F Hall
Trinity Ruyton Year 9 Play Rehearsal, 3:30PM Ruyton
Monday 20 February
Early Finish – Senior School – no sport, music or co-curricular activities
Year 8C & 8D Gippsland Lakes Camp commences, 8:30AM
Trinity Ruyton Year 9 Play Rehearsal, 3:30PM Ruyton
Tuesday 21 February
ELC – Year 2 Shrove Tuesday Celebration, 9:00AM
Junior School SSV District Swimming Carnival, 9:30AM MSAC
VCE Study Night, 6:30PM
Whole School Class Representatives’ Meeting, 7:00PM Arnold Hall
Wednesday 22 February
Trinity Ruyton Musical Auditions, 3:30PM Ruyton
Thursday 23 February
Years 7 & 10 Immunisation, 9:30AM
Trinity Shop, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Trinity Ruyton Musical Auditions, 3:30PM Ruyton
VCE Study Night, 6:30PM
Year 7 Induction Service, 7:00PM St Paul’s Cathedral
Friday 24 February
Prep – Year 2 Swimming Display, 9:00AM
Year 3 – 6 Final Swim, 1:00PM
Senior School Play Rehearsal, 3:30PM P&F Hall
Year 8C & 8D Gippsland Lakes Camp concludes, 4:30PM
Saturday 25 February
AGSV Sport
Senior School Play Rehearsal, 2:00PM P&F Hall
Saturday 26 February
Jazz Workshop CFA, 9:00AM
Monday 27 February
Year 8E & 8F Gippsland Lakes Camp commences, 8:30AM
Trinity Ruyton Year 9 Play Rehearsal, 3:30PM Ruyton
Tuesday 28 February
VCE Study Night, 6:30PM
Year 4 Camp Information Evening, 6:30PM
Cowey Club Meeting, 7:00PM