Newsletter: Edition 2, Term 3 – 2023
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From the Principal
Early Learning Centre
Junior School
Senior School
Cocurricular
Chaplain’s Chat
Community
From the Principal
This week, our Preps celebrated 100 days of school.
I was lucky enough to join them for a while as they enjoyed their many “100 focused” activities. They stacked cups 100-tall, grouped snacks in 10 batches of 10 and dressed up as “100-year-olds”, donning grey-haired wigs, bald caps, fake glasses and bow-ties. I don’t blame them. Dressing up in this way is fun!
In the context of our 120-year history, and a 13-year educational experience ahead of them, it is easy to consider 100 days as just the beginning of their journey, but for our youngest learners, these 100 days have been their whole world in the Green and Gold “big school”.
The 100 days have offered 100 opportunities for our young people to learn, grow, be challenged, make connections and build relationships, and for us to walk with them on their journey.
We want our young people to be active collaborators in their learning and “choose their own adventure” at Trinity, whatever their age. We aim to build within them the confidence to write their own story, to make choices, change paths and navigate obstacles from Kew to Bulleen, Lake Nillahcootie to Licola and beyond, and this starts with their first 100 days of rich schooling.
Congratulations to our Preps – I look forward to seeing how they will help us write the next chapter of the Trinity Grammar School story.
Adrian Farrer
Principal
Early Learning Centre
Welcoming back our students into the ELC after the holidays has been a busy and exciting time.
Our students were eager to share their holiday events, experiences, memories and connect with their peers. During the holiday period NAIDOC week was celebrated throughout Australia. This week we have shared discussions and learnings with our students creating connections to country and history.
In our outside meeting place the Joey (ELC3) students read a story called ‘Sharing’ by Aunty Fay, Muir and Sue Lawson. The picture story books highlight the importance of sharing and how it can make us stronger. This thoughtful story is a gentle reminder of all the ways sharing makes us stronger through a First Nations philosophy.
Our Joeys gathered to make and share damper with one another and the Kangaroo students. The Joeys then shared one of the key damper ingredients, Lemon Myrtle, with the Kangaroo students. The Kangaroo learners in return made and shared Lemon Myrtle Lemonade. All the ELC learners gathered in the Joeys room last week to taste and share the Kangaroos lemon-myrtle lemonade recipe.
In recognising the connections between children, families and communities and the importance of reciprocal relationships and the partnerships for learning our students share in authentic learning experiences based on connections and belonging within our space.
Welcome back to Term 3.
Naomi Wright
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Junior School
This week in the Junior School there have been many sporting and learning opportunities to begin the term. All teachers thoroughly enjoyed the Semester Two Parent Teacher Interviews last week. These occasions are very important for us all to connect with parents and to continue to learn more about our students from all perspectives in relation to all areas of the curriculum.
Last week our Year 2, 3 and 5 classes participated in a solar energy educational program run by Goodwe Solar. It was fantastic to see our boys eagerly participating in the interactive program which discussed climate change, the environment and renewable energy. During the sessions many boys were able to give practical examples of what they can do to help reduce climate change. At the conclusion of the session the boys were invited to participate in the EcoSmart Kids competition, that challenges students to creatively develop an idea that helps to improve the environment or promote positive messages about sustainability! This incursion was another sustainability initiative at Trinity, that over the last year has seen compost tumblers and a regenerated worm farm being installed. These initiatives are designed to provide practical hands-on opportunities for our boys to be involved in the promotion of sustainable activities.
Our Year 5/6 football team travelled to Centenary Park in Bentleigh East to play in the Beachside winter competition where we played four games in a round robin format. In our first game, scores were St Joan of Arc Primary School 7 to Trinity 50. In the second game, our boys continued with their momentum winning 53 to 15 against St Joseph’s Elsternwick Primary School. The third game against St Peter’s Primary School was a close encounter with Trinity again winning 29 to 25. With three wins out of three, our final game was the final, as only one team could advance to the next round. Our opponent was Elsternwick Primary who also were undefeated. We competed bravely all game, however they were too good for us on the day winning 18 to 42. All in all, our students were respectful, courageous, inspired and team-oriented. Mr Natoli and Mr Mathew were delighted to coach this team and we hope they will continue on their footballing journey!
All Year 1 students and staff have thoroughly enjoyed planting winter herbs and vegetables that will be donated to charity or sold to our community to raise funds for charity. The students and staff have been so enthusiastic learning about creating a sustainable garden and we look forward to benefiting from some home grown produce in the future. This is another example of the PYP pedagogy being lived by the students, making them more caring and contributing to the world, making it a better place.
Year 3-6 had their second Athletics Trial afternoon in preparation for the Year 3 -6 House Athletics Sports Carnival which will be held on Tuesday 29 August at the Doncaster Athletics Track.
Coming up in Week 5, 8 August in the South and East Room is the PYP Exhibition. Here all students in Year 6 are inquiring into the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG’s) set out from the United Nations that they aim to achieve by the year 2030. Issues the students are inquiring into can be found here and if there are any parents or people in the community who may be experts in one of these areas, or know someone who is, please contact me on knightj@trinity.vic.edu.au. I will then pass your details onto the students doing that specific SDG and they will then contact you via email.
Jon Knight
PYP Coordinator
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Senior School
Academic Awards
Congratulations to all students on their academic performance in Semester One. The following students received certificates at our Senior School Assembly held last week, in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement:
Year 7
The following students have been awarded 5 or more distinctions.
| With 5 distinctions | Yuvin De Silva |
| Liam Huynh | Scott Jin |
| Aric Tang | Albert Yao |
| Oscar Zhong | |
| With 6 distinctions | Ben Burnett |
| Ryan Lui | Finlay Moncur |
| Abhi Sarode | Toby Stevenson |
| With 7 distinctions | |
| Lucas Yipp | |
| With 8 distinctions | JB Seo |
Year 8
| With 5 distinctions | Grady Peck |
| With 6 distinctions | |
| James Chu | Tim Feng |
| Noah Gurvitch | Kevin Hu |
| Tony Ma | Charlie Sheldrick |
| With 7 distinctions | |
| Lachlan Carter | Sidney Johns |
| Ziming Xu | Alex Zhang |
Year 9
| With 5 distinctions | Robinson He |
| Sidney Heng | Cayden Quah |
| With 6 distinctions | |
| Ryan Cen | Timothy Ma |
| Adtharsh Nishakar | |
| With 7 distinctions | Jerrard Chan |
| Hugo Gray | Jerry Hao |
| With 8 distinctions | |
| Jack Lauder | Jack Mulley |
Year 10
The following students have been awarded 5 or more distinctions.
| With 5 distinctions | Thomas Chan |
| Aaron Lam | Ryan Liu |
| Caleb Wong | |
| With 6 distinctions | Chris Qiu |
| Sam Shaw | Kieran Soesanto |
| James Tsui | |
| With 7 distinctions | Benjamin Silva |
Year 11
The following students have been awarded 4 or more distinctions.
| With 4 distinctions | Jeff Dai |
| Jake Holly | Edward Peng |
| Suhanayan Piratheepan | Owen Scott-Murphy |
| Hugh Ton | |
| With 5 distinctions | Gaurang Dhir |
| Alex Gao | Joseph Timm |
| Eric Wu | |
| With 6 distinctions | Alexander Chieng |
Year 12
| With 3 distinctions | Benjamin Chiew |
| Noah Dekker | Oliver Horan |
| William Johnson | Daniel Marcou |
| Alastair Murphy | Ben Noonan |
| Saranyan Ranjith | Dulnith Samaraweera |
| Lucas van den Berg | Damon Webb |
| Robinson Zhang | Jacob Zhang |
| With 4 distinctions | |
| Michael Fan | Chee Yong |
| With 5 distinctions | |
| Will Cadywould |
Triple Colours
School Colours are the highest honours on offer at the school and are awarded in recognition of excellence or outstanding achievements, and also participate in school life. The following students have received their Triple Colours.
Year 11
Harry Johnson
Edward Peng
Year 12
Roy McNab
Ben Noonan
Monash Scholars Award
Monash Scholars is a prestigious program for high achieving secondary school students. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into university life. It provides opportunities for personal and academic development, as well as giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the right study choices. It also enables them to expand their network of like-minded peers. We congratulate the following Year 10 students who have been accepted into the program:
Ryan Liu
Benjamin Wall
Uwaez Aguss
Winter Sports Captains
| Sport | Captain/s | Vice Captains |
| Badminton | Frederick Zhao | Hugo Lie |
| Cross Country | Jamie Blackburn | Liam Furlong |
| Fencing | Roy Zhao | Robinson Zhang |
| Football | Jack Carey | Ollie Collinson & Max Casalaz |
| Hockey | Henri Du Toit | Will Johnson & James Round |
| Kayaking | Michael Fan | Alastair Murphy |
| Rugby | Max Angove | Tim Armstrong, Jack Reynolds, Hamish Brown, Charlie White |
| Soccer | Kosta Antonopoulos and James Rallis | |
| Winter Tennis | Arunn Mugunthan | Xavier Tapsell
|
Winter Sport Grand Finals
Congratulations to members of our Hockey and Soccer teams, who have made it through to the Grand Finals being played this Friday. Details are below:
Hockey: 2.30 pm at Bulleen
Soccer: 3.00 pm at Marcellin
Supporters buses will be arranged through my office.
Susan Hill
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Big Science Competition
The Big Science Competition is hosted by Australian Science Innovations and Year 8 students are invited to self-nominate for the competition. It is a 50-minute multiple choice national competition that tests scientific knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The questions draw on real life contexts and cover Biological, Chemical, Earth and Space, and Physical sciences, as well as Science Inquiry Skills.
During a formal Year 8 assembly at the start of this term, boys who participated were recognised for their efforts in the competition. Particular note goes to the following boys who scored very highly:
- Distinction: (top 15% of the competition)
- Marc Chen
- Patrick Tee-Wu
- Alex Zhang
- High Distinction: (top 5% of the competition)
- Jake Alexander
- Thomas Bai
Congratulations to all boys that participated.
Ben Elliott
Deputy Head of Science
Biology excursion
The Unit 3/4 Biology students recently participated in the VCE Biology Laboratory Workshop Program at The University of Melbourne. The program was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the laboratory and to learn from experts in the field.
The students participated in two activities. In the first activity, the students used Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, to investigate evidence for evolutionary change. They analysed the physical characteristics of the flies and their DNA to look for changes that had occurred over time.
In the second activity, the students studied the immune system and how it responds to influenza. They learned about the different types of immunity and how they work to protect the body from infection.
The program was a great success, and the students who participated learned a lot and had a great time.
Neil van Herk
Head of Science
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Bebras-Computational Thinking Challenge – Round 1
The Bebras competition, initiated in 2004 by Professor Valentina Dagiene from the University of Vilnius (the term “Bebras” meaning beaver in Lithuanian), is a renowned international event. The choice of the name reflects the competition’s emphasis on collaboration and strong work ethic, akin to the attributes of beavers.
The challenge encourages participants to showcase their computational thinking skills. This involves employing various strategies, such as logical data organization, problem decomposition, pattern and model interpretation, and the creation and implementation of algorithms. Students can take part either individually or in teams of up to four.
This year we had 275 students from Years 3-10 participate in Round 1 of this competition.
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and accomplishments!
A special recognition is extended to Yi Yan Lee (Year 4) and Rocky Yu (Year 4) for their exceptional achievement of a perfect score of 135 and who have now earned a place on the Bebras Honour Roll.
To all the award recipients in this international competition, we commend you for your outstanding achievements. The full list of recipients and their respective awards can be found on the MyTGS Bebras page-Hall of Fame found here.
University of Melbourne School Mathematics Competition
The University of Melbourne School Mathematics Competition began in 1972 and is organised by the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University. It aims to recognise students with exceptional maths skills and offers challenging problems that require high levels of insight and creativity.
Around 3000 to 5000 students participate each year, with approximately 150 earning prizes. Participation is most rewarding for students passionate about mathematics.
This year, 81 Trinity students from Year 6 to 12 took part in the competition.
Congratulations to all participants! Special recognition also given to Eason Yang from Year 10, who achieved the top 1st Prize State winner in the Intermediate Division, and Ethan Peng from Year 6, who earned the top 3rd Prize State winner in the Junior Division.
For a complete list of award recipients and their remarkable achievements, visit the MyTGS University of Melbourne School Mathematics Competition-Honour Roll page found here.
Angela Kotsiras
Academic Extension and Enrichment Programs Coordinator
Cocurricular
Upcoming Special Event – Trinity Jazz Night
A highlight of the Trinity Grammar calendar – the Trinity Jazz Night returns on Friday 18 August 2023. With the backdrop of the beautiful Melbourne city skyline, enjoy a sit-down two course meal whilst listening to outstanding jazz performances of several well-known jazz classics and standards by Trinity’s small jazz combos and big bands. There will be performances by Junior Jazz, Trintones, Jazz Apprentices, Augmented 7’s, Belling Jazz, Big Band, and the Stage Band.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that this year’s event will feature guest artist Kyrie Anderson, one of Australia’s premiere drummers. Kyrie will collaborate and perform with some of our ensembles, as well as present a world-class set of her own music with renowned jazz musicians Andrea Keller (piano) and Sam Anning (bass).
Tickets can be purchased at the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/trinity-grammar-school-jazz-night-2023
Mr Jamie Ransome
Head of Brass, Wind and Bands
AMEB Achievements
Congratulations to the following students who achieved outstanding results in their recent Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) exams:
Josh Peng – Achieved his Violin Associate in Music (AMusA)
David Lu – Achieved his Violin Associate in Music (AMusA)
Andrew Zhang – Achieved his Saxophone Repertoire Grade 8
VCE Music Performance and Music Investigation – Unit 3 Recitals
On Monday 19 June, students from the VCE Music Performance and Music Investigation Unit 3 class performed their repertoire as part of an informal assessment. Students in this class will perform at a recital at the end of the year as part of their external assessment.
Congratulations to the following Year 12 students for their outstanding and diverse performances:
Dan Chong (Percussion)
Max Licheni (Guitar)
Kaidin Ameti (Guitar)
David Lu (Violin)
Tom McMillan (Piano)
Robinson Zhang (Tenor Saxophone)
Alex Chieng (Violin)
Angus Wong (Violin)
Oliver Wilkie (Cello)
Bigger Better Brains – How can music learning raise Literacy and Numeracy achievement?
Jan Blazejczak
Director of Music
Long Library Literary Dinner
Book via: https://events.humanitix.com/literary-dinner-2023
Anna Antoniadis
Head of Senior School Library Services
Chaplain’s Chat
Rev Hale and I have started a student faith discussion group on Friday lunchtimes. This was in response to requests from several students.
Six students attended the first one last Friday and we chatted about what they wanted from the group. Some identified as having an active faith while others were curious and wanted to learn more about Christianity and what it meant to be an Anglican school.
In time, Rev Hale and I hope that the group will be student-led.
In the past there was a group like this called ‘Mustard’ (growth from small beginnings) and we will probably go with this name too.
Students from 7-12 are welcome every Friday lunchtime in my office upstairs in the Henty building.
Rev’d Byrn Jones
Senior Chaplain
Community
Last Friday we were energised, entertained and inspired by “Razor” Ray Chamberlain, AFL Umpire at the Old Trinity Grammarian’s Community Breakfast. A big thank you to our hospitality students Dylan Alysandratos, Jack Brockhurst, Mason Cecconi, Riley Foxe, Alistair Lau and Fergus Warren-Smith who assisted with the service on the day. It was wonderful to have the support and attendance from so many of the Old Trinity and Trinity Communities on what was a most enjoyable occasion.
In another busy week for Trinity, we have the termly Senior School Class Reps meeting being held tonight (Wednesday) at 7pm in person and online. Next week there will be a chance for Junior School Class Reps to gather and meet the new Head of Junior School, Kieran McCrohan on Thursday 3 August at 12.30pm. This will also be a hybrid meeting. If you are a Class Rep, I look forward to seeing you then.
As we rapidly move toward Term 4, Founders’ Day Fair planning is well underway, and we encourage you to think about how you might be able to get involved this year. The volunteer body of the Fair provides wonderful opportunities for connection to the TGS community as well as being actively involved in this fabulous event. We are particularly in need of volunteers to help this year with pack up on the night of Saturday 11 November. If you able to help, please contact us via communityengagement@trinity.vic.edu.au
We are also selling leftover jams from the 2022 Fair for the bargain price of $1 per jar! There are some lovely marmalades and sauces still available so head over to the Community Engagement Office to grab one before they sell out!
Now is also the time to purchase a bespoke Trinity blanket to use on the side of the fields at Bulleen this season. These can be purchased HERE.
Lucy Cohen
Director of Community Engagement
FREE Webinar: Parenting in the Digital World
Session Description
Parenting in the Digital World provides insight into the online worlds of young people including the latest trends, risks, and research, and includes a strong focus on social media. It also offers advice parents can use to help manage a child’s life online.
Audience: Parents/Caregivers of children and young people.
Session Time: Tuesday 8 August 2023 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (UTC+10)
Presented by the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation
BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1076123
Catherine Brandon
Director of Wellbeing
Important Dates
Wednesday 26 July
Year 10 Outdoor Leaders and Somers applications close
Senior School Class Representatives’ Meeting, 7:00PM
Thursday 27 July
Junior School SSV Hockey Competition, Hawthorn Hockey Centre 8:15AM
Trinity Shop, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Junior School Musical Rehearsals, P&F Hall 3:30PM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Chamber Soiree, Centre for the Arts 6:30PM
Friday 28 July
Year 9E-9H Immersion Program concludes
Year 3-6 Athletics Trials, Collingwood Athletics Track 9:00AM
Middle School Play Rehearsal, P&F Hall 3:30PM
Year 9C-9D Licola Outdoor Education Gunaikurnai concludes, 5:45PM
Saturday 29 July
AGSV Year Level Winter Sport concludes
VSRU Round 8
Monday 31 July
Senior School House Cross Country, Bulleen
Junior School Musical Rehearsals, P&F Hall 3:30PM
Year 3 Camp Information Evening, 6:30PM
Tuesday 1 August
Year 9A-9D Immersion Program commences
Year 9E-9F Licola Outdoor Education Gunaikurna commences, 8:30AM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Year 12 (2023) VTAC Information Night, Arnold Hall 6:30PM
Junior School Life Be In It Information Session, online 6:30PM
Wednesday 2 August
Middle School Play Rehearsal, P&F Hall 3:30PM
The Bunting Oration, Tudor Centre 6:00PM
Thursday 3 August
Junior School Trinity and Ruyton Term 3 Buddy Day
Australian Mathematics Competition, 9:00AM
Junior School Class Representatives’ Meeting, 12:30PM
Junior School Musical Rehearsals, P&F Hall 3:30PM
2013 OTG Reunion, Tudor Centre 6:30PM
Friday 4 August
Boys Firsts Football Grand Final
Year 9G & 9H Licola Outdoor Education commences, 8:30AM
Middle School Play Rehearsal, P&F Hall 3:30PM
Saturday 5 August
AGSV Athletics Trial Meetings commence
VSRU Semi Final
Middle School Play Rehearsal, P&F Hall 3:30PM
Sunday 6 August
Victorian Interschool Snowsports XC Championships, Mt Buller
Monday 7 August
Early Finish – Senior School – no sport, music or co-curricular activities, 2:45PM
Year 3 Wombat Corner Camp commences, 8:30AM
Year 11-12 Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:00PM
Junior School Musical Rehearsals, P&F Hall 3:30PM
Tuesday 8 August
Hindley House Breakfast & Chapel, Centre for the Arts 7:15AM
Year 3 Wombat Corner Camp concludes, 3:15PM
Year 9E-9F Licola Outdoor Education concludes, 5:45PM
VCE Study Night, 6:00PM
Year 6 PYP Exhibition, Centre for the Arts 6:30PM
OTGA Committee Meeting, 7:00PM